Seminar Details
28th April 2025
NSA Welsh Sheep- Seminar programme.
The NSA Welsh Sheep 2025 event is a cornerstone for the Welsh sheep industry and will take place at Tregoyd on 21st May. It will be set against a spectacular back drop in the Welsh Borders, just 15 minutes from Hay on Wye.
The seminars will offer a professional update and will cover a range of aspects about how to farm profitably but sustainably. These include genetics and nutrition, health diagnostics and the Welsh Government sustainable Farming Scheme.
Seminar 1: 11.00am – 11.45am
Seeing sustainability through the lens of profitability will explore the financial implications of sustainable practices on grassland and sheep farms. It will also look at potential mechanisms for making sustainability pay through market mechanisms and policy drivers. Speakers include Adele Jones Executive Director at the Sustainable Food Trust, Martin Riley from Genus and Karen Fisher of the Soil Association.
Seminar 2: 12.00pm – 1.00pm
The role of genetics and nutrition in sheep profitability will look at how genetic selection can be used without reducing the genetic pool. The discussion will centre on optimising profitability and sustainability in an era of diminishing support. There will also be discussion on the role of good nutrition and a forward-thinking approach to grassland and forage management.
Speakers include Dr Janet Roden, genetic consultant with Innovis and Dr Mark Young from Agri Tech Centre, Heather McCalman of Hybu Cig Cymru as well as Will Sawday of High Country Romneys.
Seminar 3: 1.15pm – 2.00pm
How sheep health diagnostics and monitoring can boost profitability will look at how to boost profitability by proactively improving flock health. Discussion will centre on the practical application in a commercial context of planned vaccination programmes diagnostics to assess underlying problems caused by iceberg diseases. Speakers will include Jonathan Mayer of MSD Trevor Cook from Totally Vets NZ and Dr Hazel Wright WVSC Centre Manager.
Seminar 4: 2.15pm – 3.00pm
Can the WG Sustainable Farming Scheme help improve whole farm profitability and sustainability will address making the SFS better fit for purpose. The seminar will look at how the scheme can better support farmers in becoming more sustainable, efficient, and profitable. Speakers will include Mark Alexander, Deputy Director for Land Management Reform Welsh Government, as well as Phil Stocker NSA CEO and Sam Sawday of High Country Romneys.
