Britain is proud of its sheep heritage and its sheep sector has had and continues to have a major role in the economy. In the Middle Ages it was wool that helped to create the Nation’s wealth and that lead to the Golden Fleece period. Subsequently, the textile industry further developed that wool-based economic success.
Today Britain has Europe’s largest sheep industry with the focus much more on meat production but where milk and wool aspects still feature. Indeed, Britain is the major sheep meat exporter in the Northern Hemisphere with a third of its production being exported. There is a great diversity of breeds which have undergone significant development and changes in recent decades as befits a dynamic industry.
So, welcome to the Chinese Year of the Sheep and to the UK - where ‘Sheep-R-Us’
Much can be seen of this wonderful industry at specialist technical events and the summer shows where prime breeding shock will be exhibited in competitive classes. There will be two specialist events in England this year and others in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These technical events will feature Trade, Technical and Sheep Breed stands, Farm tours, Seminars, Competitions, Demonstrations and more.
NSA North Sheep 2015
North Sheep takes place this year on Wednesday 3 June at Millstone Moor Farm, Cockermouth, Cumbria, on the edge of England’s dramatic Lake District. For more information and up-to-date details see www.northsheep.org.uk
NSA Sheep South West 2015
Meanwhile, Sheep South-West takes place at North Tawton in Devon on Tuesday 16 June, where the hosts are the noted Messrs EW Quick & Sons. Again, for more information and up-to-date details seewww.sheepsouthwest.org.uk
Summer shows
There’s a very full schedule of agricultural shows throughout Britain in the summer months, from May to September. Details of, and links to, many of these can be seen under ‘Events’ listing on BLG’s website –www.britishlivestockgenetics.com
The National Sheep Association will have ‘Sheep Centres’ at the Balmoral Show (Northern Ireland) in May, the Royal Highland Show in June and the Royal Welsh Show in July.
International visitors welcomed
All these events welcome international visitors. Those thinking of coming to either of the two technical events in England, and perhaps also to include visits to breeding farms, should contact BLG, who will be pleased to help with programmes and other arrangements; email livestockgenetics@outlook.com.
21 February 2015
