The Society AGM held at The Sheep Centre, Malvern, on Saturday 7 September welcomed two guest speakers, NSA chief executive Phil Stocker and APHA vet investigation officer Alan Murphy.
Mr Stocker gave members and friends an overview of current NSA work, including its lobbying and youth work, alongside outlining both opportunities and threats to the sheep industry at the current time.
“It is clear there are a number of opportunities in all sectors of the UK sheep industry, be that in making better use of natural resources, improved marketing of all aspects of our produce or encouraging and supporting young people as they enter the industry.
“NSA is working hard on behalf of its members to ensure government and other regulatory and industry bodies understand the challenges facing the sector, while also making clear to sheep producers the potential opportunities available to them.”
Meanwhile, Alan Murphy talked those present through the benefits making use of post-mortem examinations could offer their flocks as well as highlighting when a post-mortem may not be appropriate for whatever reason.
“In many cases a post-mortem isn’t about finding out what an animal died from, but about understanding disease challenge in a flock and helping to protect the rest of the flock.
“To help farmers access APHA post-mortem facilities there is currently a free collection service in operation, helping ensure animals reach an APHA laboratory in good time,” he added.
The afternoon saw the business end of the AGM, with Lesley Mead handing over the Society presidency to Michael Sprake and Les Newman stepping in to the president elect role.
Additionally, the Council election saw two new members join Council; Sidney J Cook and J Edward Harmer, while four existing council members were re-elected; Justin Harmer, Stephen Humphrey, Jonathan Long, Les Newman.
To add –
Additional information regarding the free carcase collection service the APHA operates can be found here.
