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The National Sheep Association (NSA) NI region biennial sheep event takes place at Ballymena Livestock Market on 1 July 2019, with doors open from 9.30am to 6pm.
As well as the usual mix of trade stands, the event will feature the CEVA UK Next Generation Young Shepherd Competition where young people will compete for two places at the UK final in July.
Ulster Wool will hold a fleece competition, and is inviting farmers to bring along their best fleeces for appraisal. Also returning is the sale of working sheepdogs, with dogs given a short time to show off their skills handling some sheep.
In the calf ring, four seminars will be held, starting at 11.30am, and running every hour. Dr John Bailey will speak about soil health, Professor Tommy Boland from University College Dublin will cover the potential for multi-species swards and Dr Elizabeth Earle from AgriSearch will focus on getting the most from grass. The final seminar will be given by NSA CEO Phil Stocker, who will discuss major policy issues that could affect local sheep farmers.
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