The National Sheep Association (NSA) is excited to announce the opening of applications for two fantastic opportunities for young UK sheep farmers next year – the highly regarded NSA Next Generation Ambassador programme and an exciting second award giving two young people the chance to join a global gathering of next generation sheep farmers on the other side of the world.

For many years NSA Next Generation has given young sheep farming enthusiasts the opportunity to become part of NSA activity that supports the future of the UK sheep sector through young people and a scheme that signals the start of a lifelong journey with NSA.

A well-known and highly respected part of the initiative, the NSA Next Generation Ambassador programme, will bring together its ninth cohort in 2026 to take part in a series of technical and personal development sessions aimed to further their experience and understanding of the UK sheep industry.

As well as providing the chance to visit varied sheep farming systems and parts of the sheep farming supply chain, the programme delivers an abundance of networking opportunities, from the chance to be part of a group of likeminded young sheep farmers to meeting with industry experts and leaders, the scheme can open doors to many new and exciting opportunities.

Applications are now invited to join the 2026 programme from innovative and enthusiastic young shepherds from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

NSA Communications Manager Katie James explains the application process “The online application is very simple. Interested parties will have to share some information about their own shepherding experience and their hopes for their futures in the UK sheep industry. But do not be put off by an online form! NSA is not looking for the best form filler but simply those who can convey their enthusiasm for the future of UK sheep farming.”

As in previous years NSA hopes to attract a varied group of young sheep farmers including first generation farmers, those established on a family farm and contract shepherds both experienced and just starting out in their careers.

Excitingly NSA Next Generation is offering a further chance to young shepherds next year for career development with the relaunch of the NSA Samuel Wharry Travel Award.

This memorial award was first presented in 2019 offering two travel bursaries to be used for research into the industry and personal development, but next year, following NSA’s recent involvement with the Global Sheep Producers Forum, the award will take a slightly altered but equally exciting format.

The new Samuel Wharry Memorial Award, presented thanks to kind support from the Company of Merchants of the Staple of England (the Staple), will now fund two young sheep farmers aged between 21 and 35 to support travel and take part as a gathering of fellow young sheep farmers from other sheep producing nations including Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada.

The Next Generation Global Sheep Producers Forum will meet in July 2026 in Australia before travelling to New Zealand for a series of farm and industry visits. The group will also take part in the LambEx event held near Adelaide, Australia, one of the world’s largest sheep, lamb and wool forums.

Katie James continues: “This opportunity will allow two young sheep farmers to be part of a very special event. Funding from NSA and The Staple will cover all expenses during the trip and will also pay £500 towards flight cost. NSA will support and encourage the two lucky recipients to raise further sponsorship money to cover any additional costs.”

Those wishing to apply to be part of the Next Generation Global Sheep Producers Forum can apply now online by answering some short questions. Their application is required to be accompanied by the name of a referee that is already involved with NSA. Examples of this involvement could be as an NSA committee member (regional, national or ram sale committee), an NSA staff member or an individual that has had an involvement with NSA events.

Applications for both opportunities opened yesterday (Monday 10th November 2025) on the NSA Next Generation website www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk. Applications will close at 5pm on Monday 8th December 2025 to be part of the NSA Next Generation Ambassador programme in 2026, and on Monday 5th January for those applying to be part of the Global Sheep Producers Forum visit. Applications will then be shortlisted by NSA Head Office and regional representatives before online interviews take place in January 2026.

The NSA Next Generation Ambassador programme will commence in February and will require successful applicants to commit to spending approximately 10 nights away from home during the year.