National Sheep Association

advice, then it is likely to be an appropriate event,” says BASIS’ head of development, Greg Hopkinson.

“Examples of this include podcasts, webinars, workshops and newsletters, effectively anything that a member will benefit from.

“It’s a really quick process to sign up, and for anyone who’s unsure, there’s a short video on the website which talks you through setting up your CPD account.”

He adds that the website also hosts frequently asked questions which can be accessed here: https://sheepadvisers.co.uk/ About/FAQs

For further information on registering your event with RoSA, head to https:// sheepadvisers.co.uk/Events/ CPD-Event-Organisers.

NSA Chief Executive marks 10 successful years at the helm

Taking the helm at a time before the term Brexit existed and climate change was an infrequent reference, nobody could have predicted the incredible change for British agriculture that Mr Stocker would have to lead the association through – and continues to do so, in a manner that is respected throughout the industry and beyond.

The 10-year anniversary has prompted a flurry of congratulatory messages from far and wide, emphasising how lucky NSA is to have such an esteemed and capable champion leading the association forward and helping to give UK sheep farmers a voice that is valued by many key decision makers.

Cumbrian Sheep farmer and NSA Vice President John Geldard was NSA Chairman when Mr Stocker was appointed Chief Executive. He says: “I had the pleasure of interviewing Phil Stocker 10 years ago. I remember it extremely well with all involved in the interview process convinced he was the right man for the job, and how right we were.

“It was an absolute delight to be NSA Chairman and work together with Phil for the first few years of his leadership. His vision for fulfilling his role, increasing the work of the NSA for the benefit of UK sheep farmers has been immense - and the increase in resource that has allowed NSA to magnify its work, I believe, to be down to Phil.

“His broad knowledge from his early career as a farm manager to working for both RSPB and the Soil Association means he is well placed to know and understand the challenge the UK sheep sector has faced over recent years and his balanced view has earned him much deserved respect from people both within and outside of the industry.”

2022 and all that!

By Grace Reid, NSA Scottish Region Coordinator

This time last year we were fast approaching Brexit with little sense of direction and now we find ourselves racing towards 2022 with no idea what lies in store for us regarding Covid –there is always something!

We are still not much the wiser about direction of travel in terms of agricultural policy but we are starting to see some snippets of information appear. I can confirm NSA Scotland have submitted a response to the recent Scottish Government consultation on the first steps to transition regarding agricultural policy and would like to thank all members for their contributions. Whilst much of the new focus of new agricultural policy will incorporate climate change mitigation and biodiversity improvements, it is very clear that we must not lose sight of sustainable and viable food production. Efficient farming and crofting will have residual benefits to many of the other missions of the industry and Government. To change the direction of capital funding completely will result in many unintended consequences and further reduce the national flock and our workforce directly – this is clearly not a desirable outcome. We advocate practical solutions which can be implemented on all farms to ensure a standard level of conformity whilst ensuring all farm businesses can benefit not only for food production but the many other objectives that surround agriculture such as the halting of climate change and biodiversity. Our farmers and crofters play diverse roles on a daily basis whether it be from a stockmanship element to an environmental one. Flexibility and diversity are necessities in our industry for survival.

NSA Scotland have had recent encouraging dialogue with Scottish Government’s Disease Control Branch and Moredun with particular attention being paid to endemic diseases. An industry led Sheep Scab working group will reconvene in early December after a lengthy pause with our national Chair, Jen Craig Chairing the working group. It is anticipated that a review of activities which have taken place in England and Wales will be undertaken to assess their efficacy should they be replicated in Scotland. In addition to this, talks have also taken place with to pursue firstly the accurate diagnosis and testing of OPA with the ambition in the long term for control and eradication. It is still early days, but we all need to start somewhere.

Save the date!

Friday 28th January 2021 - The NSA Scotland ARMM (Annual Regional Members Meeting) will be held at United Auctions, Stirling with an evening dinner to be held at the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa, Falkirk (more details to be announced closer to the time). Please get in touch with Euan Emslie for more information and to book your place at the dinner: 07729 346135 / euanemslie053@gmail.com