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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