Buy and sell the best at an NSA ram sale
AS the British sheep sector hits peak lambing time, with fields across the South West full of new life, thoughts will already be turning to the next breeding season.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) has revealed its plans for six multi-breed ram sales this year, offering quality inspected stock in multiple locations across England and Wales.
Dates have now been set for all 2022 NSA ram sales, including, new for this year, a sale organised by NSA South East Region that will take place in September.
These events are recognised throughout the industry as wellrespected multi-breed sales offering rams that have all been individually inspected for health and quality by experienced NSA inspectors and vets before entering the sale ring.
By bringing together a large number of breeds and vendors, each ram sale provides purchasers with the convenience of access to sheep reared from different UK environments to fit all market specifications. Some stock is sold at NSA ram sales as part of official breed society sales.
Phil Stocker, chief executive of the NSA, said more than 7,000 sheep are expected to be sold through NSA ram sales this year, demonstrating their importance to the UK sheep sector.
He added: “NSA is proud to have built a good reputation for offering reliable breeding stock through its network of NSA ram sales. The purchasing of stock ahead of the breeding season each year is an incredibly important task, it is therefore essential that NSA continues to organise sales to assist with this, providing choice, value and quality for the UK’s sheep farmers.”
For Westcountry sheep farmers, the most important date to take note of will be Wednesday, August 17, when the NSA South West region will host their annual ram sale at Exeter Livestock Centre.
The South West sale continues to attract a growing number of vendors and buyers, growing steadily through its 30-year history. It has become known for its rigorous inspection and generally high standards, and will once again provide buyers in the region with a choice of top quality breeding stock.
Other ram sale dates include:
Monday, August 1: NSA Wales & Border early ram sale, Builth Wells;
Friday, August 26: NSA Eastern Region Rugby ram sale, Rugby Farmers’ Mart;
Friday, September 2: Thame Farmers’ Market breeding ewe sale incorporating the inaugural NSA South East ram sale, Thame Farmers Market;
Friday, September 16: Melton Midlands Sheep Fair incorporating the NSA Eastern Region ram sale;
Monday, September 19: NSA Wales & Border main ram sale, Builth Wells.
Only NSA members are able to sell at NSA ram sales. More information about NSA membership can be found online at www.nationalsheep. org.uk/membership, including a list of the many benefits that an NSA subscription can deliver.