The Farmers Mart Autumn 2017 - Issue 52 | Page 77

Sheep

Warm welcome for new NSA President

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THE NATIONAL SHEEP ASSOCIATION ( NSA ) has given a warm welcome to Lord Inglewood of Hutton in the Forest , Penrith , Cumbria , as the new NSA President . Lord Inglewood takes over from His Grace The Duke of Montrose who handed over the reins at the recent NSA AGM in Ballymena , County Antrim .
Given his active involvement as a member of the House of Lords and as a farmer and landowner in Cumbria with both upland and lowland farming interests , the NSA believes that Lord Inglewood is perfectly suited to the appointment . Among other commitments , he is also President of the Uplands Alliance and fulfils an influential role within the Livestock Auctioneers Association .
On his appointment , Lord Inglewood says : “ At a moment when UK agriculture is under review as never before , I am delighted to support those in the sheep sector - an integral part of livestock farming at this crucial moment . I am looking forward to working closely with NSA in the near future .”
Speaking at the NSA AGM , NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker spoke of the value this position brings to the association . He said : “ The role of NSA President is an essential one for the organisation and its influence can have a significant bearing on the future for the sheep industry here in the UK .
“ Our outgoing President , His Grace The Duke of Montrose held this position for six years and has been an incredible ambassador for NSA , opening many doors for us and supporting a good number of NSA events around the country . I would like to give a huge thank you to the Duke for all he has done , and at the same time welcome Lord Inglewood into this role . I look forward to involving him in NSA ’ s work during this crucial time .”

NSA fears on lynx outcome

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THE NATIONAL SHEEP Association ( NSA ) is concerned to hear rumours that Secretary of State for the Environment Michael Gove may be prepared to fast-track a decision on lynx release . It is calling on representative farming bodies and individuals to unite and take action to voice unanimous concerns over the proposals .
NSA is aware the Lynx UK Trust is continuing its campaign work while the application is considered , and feels it is essential Mr Gove appreciates the substantial and widespread concerns rural communities have around the proposed lynx release .
Phil Stocker , NSA Chief Executive , says : “ I know Mr Gove is interested in these proposals and I am certain now is the time for individual farmers , land managers and their representative organisations to make their feelings heard .
“ I would go as far as urging every farmer who has views over this to write to the Secretary of State so he can appreciate the strength of stakeholder concerns , which go way beyond the losses that will be suffered by sheep farmers .”
A verdict on whether lynx should be released in Kielder Forest , Northumberland , is still pending after Lynx UK Trust submitted a formal application to Natural England earlier this year . The Government advisory body is currently reviewing information , and is expected to announce a decision in the coming months .
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www . farmers-mart . co . uk Autumn 2017 77