Two young UK sheep farmers have gained an invaluable insight into the global sheep industry during a week-long tour in Southern Australia representing the National Sheep Association (NSA).
Enthusiastic young sheep farmers Ed Brant, from Lincolnshire and Katie Evans, from Norfolk were selected from many impressive candidates from within the NSA network of Next Generation Ambassadors to be part of the Next Generation Global Sheep Forum that came together for the first time in 10 years at the start of August.
The Forum brought sheep young sheep producers together from across the world, including representatives from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA and the UK.
After meeting in Adelaide, the group embarked on a tour of Southern Australia that included visits to a range of farm types followed by three days at LambEx, the world’s biggest sheep conference.
Ed, who runs 400 ewes plus replacements, a mixture of maternal Lleyn ewes and a terminal flock of Hampshire Downs, on the Lincolnshire Wolds said: “I feel that this has been one of the most useful and valuable opportunities I have been given.
“Joining together with a fantastic group of bright, optimistic and driven producers keen to make a positive impact on the industry and work collaboratively to ensure a great future for the sheep industry has been amazing. We are all extremely passionate about what we produce and want to do the best job possible.
“The visit has allowed us all to connect and learn so much already from each other’s diverse systems, but my biggest take home has been my change in mindset and approach to both daily tasks and larger industry problems.”
Ed continued: “This was a great opportunity to meet and listen to top industry experts. Throughout the conference we heard discussion on topics from understanding markets, technical and technology updates, mental health and building and defending agriculture reputation.”
Katie, who works alongside her parents and siblings on their farm’s three separate sheep flocks, added: “Coming home from a jam packed week in Southern Australia alongside some amazing likeminded young people has left me very optimistic about the future of the sheep industry and excited to see what the future holds for the Global Sheep Forum.
“We toured some impressive farms including stud farms, commercial operations and a feedlot finishing 108,000 head of sheep a year, and visiting the LambEx conference allowed us to gain an insight into Australia’s entire supply chain for sheep, lamb and wool and its differences between that in the UK.
“The visit really showed me that wherever we are farming we all face similar challenges and there are opportunities to learn from other countries and collaborate on global issues.
“This trip has been a massive confidence boost for me and I’d urge other young farmers to push themselves out of their comfort zones. There are so many opportunities out there for sheep farming to take you around the world, whether it be lambing, shearing or just visiting farms.”
Katie concluded: “A massive thank you to NSA and British Wool for giving me this opportunity and also to our other sponsors.”
