Sheep farmers plan to rise to sector's challenges

THE National Sheep Association's Sheep Farmers' Conference explored the challenges and opportunities facing the sector as it welcomed delegates from across the UK to its 2026 venue, the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, last week.

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NSA chair Peter Delbridge opened proceedings describing the UK sheep industry as being at a crossroads with many questions to be answered of the direction it will take.

Mr Delbridge, a sheep farmer from Exmoor, highlighted there was much farmers can do to shape their own destiny and that the theme of the conference, strive and thrive, encouraged those in attendance to do just that, focusing on what they can control within their own businesses.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker welcomed delegates, remarking on a strong sense of enthusiasm across the early morning workshops and trade stands available before the programme moved into the morning session on business resilience.

Led by Emily Symonds of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the session featured Northumberland farmers Matt Jordon and Rich Oglesby, both of whom have taken part in AHDB's Roots to Resilience programme.