Young sheep farmers have until this Friday to apply to be one of the National Sheep Association's Next Generation Ambassadors.

The NSA's Ambassador programme, now in its seventh year, offers young sheep farmers aged between 18 and 34 the opportunity to take part in a series of technical and personal development sessions to further their experience and understanding of the UK sheep industry.

As well as providing the chance to visit varied sheep farming systems and parts of the sheep farming supply chain, the programme delivers networking opportunities – from the chance to be part of a group of like-minded young sheep farmers to meeting with industry experts and leaders, the scheme can open doors to many new opportunities for an up and coming farm business person.

Every other year the scheme invites enthusiastic young shepherds from Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to apply for their chance to become one of its 12 ambassadors.

NSA communications officer Katie James, who is coordinating the programme, said: “The online application is a simple process. Interested parties will have to share some information about their own shepherding experience and their hopes for their futures in the UK sheep industry. As in previous years, we hope to attract a varied group of young sheep farmers; whether you are a first-generation farmer, someone who hopes to one take on their family farm or a contract shepherd or shepherdess just starting out in your career, we really are excited to see what you can offer as an NSA Next Generation ambassador, and we are proud of the opportunity that we can provide you and other keen young sheep farmers.”

Previous ambassadors have stepped forward to encourage new applicants to the programme. South Wales sheep farmer Jacob Anthony said: “In 2016 I was fortunate enough to be selected to be part of the NSA Next Generation programme. I found my time on the programme absolutely invaluable.

"I learnt an awful lot that I was able to implement back at home on our family farm in South Wales. Not only did I learn a lot I met l made some lifelong friends and like-minded individuals from the length and breadth of the UK. Another thing I truly valued about my time on the Ambassador project was the fact I learnt what NSA does for us as sheep farmers by engaging with decision-makers and the public on our behalf.

"If you are thinking about applying to be an Next Generation Ambassador I can’t recommend it enough, I gained so much by being a part of it.”

Kirree Kermode, sheep farmer from the Isle of Man and ambassador in 2018, added: “I would highly recommend the Next Generation ambassador programme for any young person passionate about the industry. I thought I knew quite a lot about sheep farming but was hugely surprised how much I learned, not only from the host of brilliant delivery sessions from business professionals, vets, advisors and farmers, but also from the other 11 members of my group who I now consider great friends.”

Applications should be made online at www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk and will close thus Friday, December 10. NSA regional representatives will then select a shortlist for online interviews to take place in early January 2022. The programme will commence in February and will require successful applicants to commit to spending approximately 12 nights away from home during the year.