The National Sheep Association (NSA) has opened applications for young sheep farmers to apply to be a part of the Sheep Breeders Round Table (SBRT) that takes place from November 11-13.

The farmers will have the opportunity to join key names and other representatives from the UK sheep industry at the biennial event.

The cross-industry three-day event conference is a technical event involving sheep farmers, breeders, researchers and vets from across the UK and beyond.

To show its support for the future of the industry, the NSA Next Generation programme is offering to fund one young sheep farmer’s attendance at the conference which, the NSA said, would lead to “expanding their knowledge and appetite for the latest thinking on sheep genetics”.

NSA South East and NSA South West regions are also offering to fund 50% of two places each at the conference giving two more young farmers the chance to attend.

NSA communications manager, Katie James, said: “Attendance at SBRT can provide young farmers who have an interest in developing their sheep flock or career as a shepherd with the perfect opportunity to hear from some of the country’s leading experts on a range of research topics.”

“It is also an excellent networking event with chance to speak informally with some well-known names from the world for sheep breeding research and fellow pedigree enthusiasts.”

Both the fully-funded and part-funded places offered include the full three days at the conference as well as accommodation and meals.

The event is held from Friday, November 11, to Sunday, November 13, at the Raddison Blu hotel, Pegasus Business Park, East Midlands Airport.

“This event is well suited to young sheep producers with a keen interest in pedigree breeding and research,” James said.

“We look forward to receiving applications from sheep farmers aged 18 to 35 who believe attendance at the conference could truly benefit them at this time.”

Young sheep farmers who wish to apply for the opportunity to attend the conference should visit the NSA website.

Applications close for this opportunity on Friday, October 21, at 5pm.