A day of farm tours is set to take place prior to this year's NSA Sheep event.

The theme is ‘Thriving in an uncertain future’ and visitors will have the opportunity to visit two progressive sheep farms in the surrounding counties striving to do just that.

Organised in conjunction with Field Farm Tours, the visitors will depart from the Three Counties Showground a day ahead of the event on Tuesday July 17, 2018.

NSA Sheep 2018 is to be held on Wednesday July 18, 2018. More than 250 trade and breed society exhibitors and attractions will be at the event and industry experts will be on-hand to deliver a programme of technical seminars, workshops and demonstrations.

Helen Davies, event organiser, said: “With the UK’s journey to leave the EU now officially more than half way through, there is little doubt that changes are on the horizon. This year’s event will focus providing ideas and opportunities for individuals keen to thrive as we look to embrace these, with a series of packed seminars and workshops designed to deliver this.

About the farm tours she said: “Individuals will have the opportunity to see how two producers are embracing the challenges posed by Brexit, focussing on diversification and production efficiencies to future-proof their businesses.”

The tour will start at Paula and Martin Whittaker's fully certified organic farm in Gloucestershire. They run 350 breeding ewes, a 70-cow suckler herd and some arable crops, alongside regular workshops, certificated professional therapist courses and direct sales of home-produced lamb and beef.

The second visit will bring the tour to Sam Jones who runs a flock of 1,150 North Country Mules in Worcestershire. Mr Jones is a keen advocate of data recording which he incorporates into his system alongside the use of solar panels and biomass boiler.

Booking at sheepevent.org.uk is essential to secure a place on the farm tours.