SCOTSHEEP 2014 By Eddie Gillanders
NSA Scotsheep at Dumfries House, Cumnock, in 2012, was opened by the Duke of Rothesay who was conducted on a tour of the event by NSA Scotland chairman, Jimmy Sinclair (second right)
Scotland’s biennial sheep event returns to the Borders this year and will be held on Wednesday, June 4 on the Berwickshire farm of Quixwood, Grantshouse, courtesy of host farmer, John Macfarlane and his son, Iain. NSA Scotsheep 2014, organised by the Scottish region of the National Sheep Association with Bank of Scotland as main sponsor, is set to attract thousands of sheep farmers from all over Scotland and the North of England for what is firmly established as the main event for the sheep industry in Scotland. “Quixwood is ideally situated just off the A1 at Grantshouse and is widely recognised as a very well managed upland sheep and beef farm producing high quality stock,” said David Leggat, executive chairman of United Auctions, who chairs the local organising committee. “We have an excellent committee of local farmers working with the office-bearers of the NSA in Scotland in planning this large-scale onfarm event and we can look 28 32
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forward to a first-class day of interest to sheep farmers and everyone in the supply chain. It is an event which no one with an interest in sheep farming can afford to miss.” Sponsorship is running well ahead of expectations, thanks to the generosity of a large number of supporting companies, and the trade stand area is a sellout with around 150 exhibitors demonstrating their products and services, along with more than 30 breed societies. “Reform of the CAP is causing considerable uncertainty in the industry and NSA Scotsheep will provide the ideal opportunity for sheep farmers to catch up with the latest developments and technology to help them plan ahead for a profitable future,” said Mr Leggat. “The opportunity to meet up with fellow sheep farmers to discuss everything that’s going on in the industry is also an important element of Scotsheep and the comprehensive seminar programme will offer advice and opinions on a range of topical issues from leading figures in the industry.” The farm tour is always one of the most popular aspects of Scotsheep and visitors will be transported by tractor and trailer to view the farm and stock, with stop-off points where experts from SRUC will be on hand to discuss various aspects of the management of the farm. Quixwood, and the nearby farm of Ferneylea and the adjoining unit of Drakemyre, is a typical Border upland farm extending to 2500 acres, with another 200 acres farmed on a contract basis, rising to 850ft and carrying a flock of 1500 ewes and 700 suckler cows. Arable cropping comprises 600 acres of winter wheat,