15-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
NSA Welsh Sheep 2025 to take place near Hay on Wye
Sheep farmers from across Wales and beyond are set to gather near Hay on Wye for the NSA Welsh Sheep 2025 event.
The technical event, which is a highlight in the calendar for sheep farmers, will take place at Tregoyd on Wednesday, May 21.
This year, the focus is on sustainability, with an emphasis on boosting profitability and rewarding environmental gains.
These topics will be central to the event's seminars, which are a key feature of the day.
The event will also see the launch of a new product from Mayo Animal Health, alongside various equipment demonstrations.
Helen Roberts, the event organiser, said: "This event will help demonstrate how the industry can adapt to new ideas and integrate sustainability into farming systems whilst still producing a quality product.
"I am grateful for all the support from sponsors, exhibitors, and local people and to the hosts.
"It will be a day to remember."
Visitors will be entertained with competitions, sheepdog trials, and a demonstration of Welsh sheepdogs.
There will also be farm tours to the higher ground, which rises to 1,200 feet, offering views of the Black Mountains and beyond.
The host family will showcase their High Country flock of Romneys, which is a forage-only system.
The family business is run in partnership by Penny Chantler and her sons, Sam and Will Sawday.
The farm is split into several blocks of land, a mix of rented and owned, where forage crops are grown for winter feed for the ewes and then grass reseeded.
The family will also highlight Farming Connect's Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme, which funds the collection of additional data such as back fat scanning, faecal egg counts, and IgA blood samples.
Various sheep breed society stands will display many other breeds.
Technical and policy information will be available, and there will be opportunities to address the latest trends and politics at seminars, marketing sessions, and trade stands.
A Wool Hub will reflect Ms Chantler's passion for wool and her role with British Wool, showcasing innovative products and the sustainability of wool.
The major sponsors are Mayo Healthcare and McCartneys.
Mayo Healthcare products play a key role in the management approach at High Country Romneys.
McCartneys have been a consistent presence in the rural economy, providing a broad range of support to farmers and businesses from the area.
Their services include farm business consultancy, valuations, tenancy agreements and assistance with subsidy applications.
The seminars will focus on how genetics and nutrition can be used to enhance profitability and sustainability in sheep farming, with regenerative farming also set to be discussed.
There will also be discussion around whether the Welsh Government's Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) is likely to support improvements in whole farm profitability and sustainability.
Education will play a key role in the event, with processor Castell Howell working alongside Powys County Council to serve lamb to children from the area during the week leading up to it.
The British Army will have a stand and engage with secondary school pupils, while businesses from the area will also take part, including a butcher who will demonstrate how to butcher a lamb carcass.
The NSA Next Generation Shepherd competition, along with shearing, stock judging and photography competitions, are already drawing interest.
