The National Sheep Association (NSA) will provide a platform for crucial discussion on the future of farm profitability next week as one of the leading sheep industry focussed events in England opens its farm gates to visitors.

                                                

As the deadline approaches for farmers’ views to be put forward on farm profitability as part of a major government backed review, NSA Sheep South West, taking place next Wednesday 25th June, will kick off its activities with a breakfast seminar that will provide opportunity to gather opinion for this, in discussion with Baroness Minette Batters.
                                           

The seminar will set the scene for the government review, with plentiful opportunity for questions to be asked. Baroness Batters will explain the scope of her work leading the six month review and how it relates to all the other high level policy themes such as the Land Use Framework, the Farming Roadmap, and the growing recognition of food security.
                                                

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments: “NSA is really pleased to welcome Minette to NSA Sheep South West, with thanks to the team at AHDB who have made this possible.
                                                

Minette has previously urged industry bodies to identify the biggest barriers to farm profitability to aid this review and so this session will provide the ideal opportunity for farmers to now come together to have their views on this heard also.”
                                               

NSA expects this to be an incredibly popular discussion and therefore those wishing to join the seminar are encouraged to arrive in good time before the start of the session at 9.30am when attendees will also be offered a free bacon roll, courtesy of Cornish Mutual Assurance. Those not able to attend the event will be able to view the seminar via livestream on the NSA Facebook page.
                                               

Following this headline session event attendees will continue to discuss further topical issues in what is set to be a busy and vibrant seminar area covering topics from sheep genetics to the future of wool production.
                                                

The seminar area will also feature an ‘Ask the farmer’ session giving visitors the chance to learn more from event hosts The Stanbury family about their farm at East Knowstone, Devon, that will be showcased at the event during what is sure to be a popular farm tour.                                      
                          

The tour will give an insight into the family’s beef and sheep farm that has grown to 500 acres, plus additional rented and common grazing.

The enterprise is home to more than 1000 ewes plus ewe lambs with breeds including Romney and North Country and Suffolk Mules. The farm has also ventured into wool shedding breeds with Easycare and Exlana ewes. All sheep are finished on grass and herbal leys with the majority of sheep (and cattle) overwintered outside with rotational grazing a key strategy to their success. 

Away from the seminars and the farm tour, visitors will also be able to enjoy browsing trade stands or even take part in one of the day’s competitions that will include the south west heat of the NSA Next Generation Shepherd competition, a photography competition with the theme of ‘All things Sheep’, a lamb selection contest, a fleece competition and the fun ‘gift of the gavel’ contest, run by auctioneers Kivells.

NSA members as well as children receive free entry to the event. Non member tickets are available for £15 each with students and young farmers able to buy tickets for £7.50.

Details about NSA membership and the many benefits it can deliver, including free event entry, can be found at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/membership.

NSA Sheep South West takes place on Wednesday 25th June 2025 from 9am at Weston Farm, East Knowstone, Devon, EX36 4ED. For all event enquiries please contact NSA Sheep South West Event Organiser Sue Martyn on suem@nationalsheep.org.uk or visit www.sheepsouthwest.org.uk for more information.