Post-Brexit trade to dominate Scotsheep

Discussions on post-Brexit trade will dominate the seminars and workshops at Scotland’s national sheep event, NSA Scotsheep next week.

Four hour-long seminars will focus on trade, marketing and future support, the next generation and sheep health issues. There will also be three half-hour workshops.

Panel members include QMS chairman Jim McLaren, Dunbia/Dawn Meats representative Isla Roebuck, Scottish Institute of Auctioneers & Appraisers president Scott Donaldson, and AHDB beef and lamb halal manager Awal Fuseini.

British Wool chairman Trevor Richards will introduce his group’s new entrant scheme ahead of a seminar on the next generation of sheep farmers.

Sheep disease resilience will be tackled by Steve Raphael, a partner at Academy Vets in Stranraer, and topics will range from Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus and ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma to liver fluke and other health issues affecting sheep.

A seminar on future support will be chaired by NSA Scotland development officer George Milne and a panel will include the Scottish Government’s agriculture policy adviser David Barnes and NSA chief executive Phil Stocker.

Workshops will look at stamping out lameness in sheep and maximising the value of wool by promoting the benefits of fleece presentation and managing the use of marking fluid.

The event will be held at Kings Arms Farm, Ballantrae, on May 30.

NSA Scotland development officer George Milne will chair a seminar on future farm support.