A positive future for the UK sheep sector was evident last weekend as the National Sheep Association (NSA) brought together its 2026 cohort of NSA Next Generation Ambassadors for the first time.

NSA’s Next Generation Ambassador programme has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2014 and is part of NSA’s wider Next Generation initiative, a dedicated area of work designed to encourage and support sheep farmers of the future.

Following a careful selection process, 12 enthusiastic young sheep farmers commenced the first of five personal and career development sessions in North Wales on Sunday, gaining useful knowledge from a series of insightful industry visits and talks. As part of a two day visit the group enjoyed a guided tour of the Wool Testing Authority and delved deep in to the future of efficient sheep genetics with a fascinating talk from Dewi Jones of Innovis. The session concluded at Coed Coch Estate by kind permission of the Featherstonhaugh family and Head Shepherd Daffyd Owen with a tour of the impressive farming enterprise. President of the Sheep Veterinary Society, Phillipa Page, then rounded off the first session with a practical talk on how to protect sheep flocks and improve animal welfare.

NSA Technical Communications Officer Anna Wilson will accompany the group throughout the programme, she comments: “We have had a fantastic first delivery session, finishing on an excellent farm visit. The group have returned home full of motivation, ideas and excitement for the year ahead.”

The young sheep farmers selected to take part this year come from all corners of the UK and have taken a variety of different routes into the sheep sector.

Anna continues: “The diverse group are typical of the current UK sheep sector, from first generation farmers, to employed shepherds and those with a long family history of sheep farming, the group is positive evidence that sheep farming can be an accessible career for many, whether from a farming background or not. The programme will enhance the young shepherd’s knowledge and personal development and provide plentiful networking opportunities.”

As NSA Next Generation Ambassadors, the group will also begin a close working relationship with NSA both regionally and nationally and will help to promote the work of the Association to secure a positive future for the UK sheep industry.

Anna concludes: “The group have already gelled together which makes for a very exciting year of activity that will see them travel to different locations allowing them to experience a range of sheep farming systems, learning from experienced farmers and industry experts. It’s an invaluable experience which we are certain will be of immense benefit to all members of the group.”

More information on each of the young farmers selected to join the programme this year can be found below and online at www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk via the ‘Ambassador Group’ tab, where a profile on each individual is listed.

NSA Next Generation is funded by NSA Head Office, regions and ram sales, with the Ambassador programme additionally supported by various delivery partners and sponsors.

Introducing the NSA Next Generation Ambassasdors 2026:

Tilly Abbott from Suffolk is a first-generation sheep farmer and contract shepherd. Farming a flock of Romneys, Tilly is a strong advocate for British wool and spends much of her summer contract shearing, gaining experience across a wide range of systems. Curious and outward-looking, she sees huge value in learning from others, even when their farms look very different from her own. 

Georgie Cooper from Devon farms Herdwick and Cheviot ewes. Over the last two years she has steadily built her flock while sharing a tenancy with a beef farmer demonstrating her commitment and resilience. Sustainability and animal welfare are key to her farming system.

Tom Garlick from Herefordshire is the current NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year and will also be representing England at the European Shepherds competition in Paris later this month. He farms alongside his family managing 1,800 breeding ewes and 2,500 store lambs.

Rowan Gear from Mid-Glamorgan actually grew up on a fish farm but is now following his passion for sheep farming having recently taken on a farming contract on a mixed farm in South Wales.

Hamish Grant from Buckinghamshire has deep farming roots and has recently returned to farming following a career in professional sport. Hamish has travelled, working on farms across the world and is now focussed on building his own enterprise.

Nerys Lewis from Monmouthshire splits her time between the family farm with an 800 ewe flock and part time work undertaking pre-audits and cross-compliance inspections. The combination gives her a strong understanding of regulation and business management. 

Harry Madin from Derbyshire grew up on an upland farm and is passionate about voicing his concerns on the destocking of sheep from the uplands. He farms his own flock of sheep whilst also working at a farm visitor attraction.

Ross Murray is from County Down. Farming in Northern Ireland often means small, traditional family farms are supported by off-farm income, something Ross currently undertakes but is keen to change. He is passionate about overcoming the challenges faced by farmers in Northern Ireland.

James Nairey from Lancashire breeds pedigree Texels alongside his parents and has strong connections with his Young Farmers clubs. Despite his pedigree breeding background he has a commercial focus and is keen to develop this further.

Calum Phillips from Aberdeenshire farms with his parents on the family’s extensive sheep enterprise. Having travelled during the summer months shearing, he has built a strong understanding of the practice and has now built his own contract shearing round.

Harrison Scott from Cornwall farms with his parents finishing more than 5,000 store lambs a year. He is though, keen to explore alternative systems, and enjoys looking at data to help him do so.

Sarah Tobin from Gloucestershire works alongside her mum on their family farm and loves working her sheepdogs. Having previously not taken time to get away from the farm she is now enjoying the opportunities to get out and about, learning and taking new ideas back to the farm.