The biennial Sheep NI event run by the National Sheep Association (NSA) takes place next Tuesday 1 July at the McFarlane family farm, Dungiven, BT47 4QP, with gates open from 9.30am through to 6.30pm. The host farm, operated by Alwyn and Joanne McFarlane, has a flock of 1,100 Mule ewes run alongside 250 traditional ewes.

A farm demonstration area at the event will provide an opportunity to see livestock and learn about the approach to flock health, nutrition and grassland management.

There will also be sheepdog trials and outdoor and indoor trade exhibits to include all of the major sheep breeds in NI.

Seminars

Starting at 11.30am is a series of three seminars. Speakers include Dr Philip Skuce from the Moredun Research Institute who will talk about parasite control and Darren Carty from the Irish Farmers Journal who will outline sheep funding in the Republic of Ireland. Sinead Mathers from CAFRE will provide an update on the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme.

Commenting ahead of the event, NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said it will offer attendees an insight into successful sheep farming.

“What makes our event different is our strong focus on knowledge exchange to include expert seminars and practical demonstrations like sheepdog trials and shearing.

“We also have a bustling trade area and breed society stands, so there’s something for everyone. We’re incredibly grateful to the McFarlane family for hosting us, and to our dedicated regional committee, sponsors, exhibitors, and breed societies for their invaluable support in bringing this premier event to life for NI’s sheep producers,” he said.

Seminar timetable

11.30am: Philip Skuce, Moredun Research Institute. The latest on parasite control.

1.00pm: Darren Carty, Sheep editor IFJ. Funding for the sector in the Republic of Ireland.

2.30pm: Sinead Mathers, CAFRE. An update on the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme.

Programme of events

8.00am: ABP dog trial starts

9.00am: Texel young shepherd competition

9.30am: Event open to public

10.00am: Shearing demonstration

11.00am: Elanco workshop

12 noon: Judging of fleeces

1.00pm: Shearing demonstration

2.00pm: Elanco workshop

3.00pm: Winners of stand competition at NSA Stand 80

3.30pm: Winners of Texel young shepherd at NSA Stand 80

4.00pm: Elanco workshop

5.00pm: Shearing demonstration

5.30pm: ABP dog trial results

6.30pm: Event closes