NSA seeks recruits for Next Generation Ambassador programme

Next generation sheep farmers have an opportunity to join a new phase of a National Sheep Association (NSA) development programme.

The organisation is seeking new recruits as Next Generation Ambassadors, a programme that offers the opportunity for sheep farmers aged between 18 and 34 to participate in technical and personal development sessions to further their experience and understanding of the sector.

The initiative, now in its seventh year, provides participants with the chance to visit different sheep farming systems and other businesses in the sheep farming supply chain.

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Jacob Anthony, who was named 2018 Farmers Weekly Young Farmer of the Year two years after participating in the programme, urged others to get involved.

“I learned an awful lot that I was able to implement back at home on our family farm in South Wales,’’ he said.

“Not only did I learn a lot, but l made some lifelong friends and met like-minded individuals from across the length and breadth of the UK.’’

There are 12 places up for grabs, with young shepherds from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland invited to apply through a simple online application process, which closes on Friday 10 December.

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed online in early January 2022 and the programme will commence in February.

Successful applicants will need to commit to spending approximately 12 nights away from home during the year.

For more information, visit the NSA’s website.