The National Sheep Association (NSA) has expressed its disappointment and regret at having to postpone its major regional events this year.

Despite the promise of an ease of lockdown and ultimate removal of Covid-19 restrictions as 2021 progresses, NSA regional event organising committees are unanimous in their decision to postpone this year’s events.

Main events affected by the decision include NSA Welsh Sheep, due to be held on Tuesday, May 18.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker says: “All at NSA are so disappointed to have to cancel our popular events. We recognise these events provide opportunity for the sheep farming community to come together for a valuable day of knowledge exchange, a chance to view new and innovative products and to enjoy an opportunity to catch up with friends.

"But the ongoing risk and uncertainty surrounding large events have unfortunately meant that the difficult, but what we consider responsible, decision to postpone them had to be made.”

The latest postponements follow the sad cancellation of all 2020 events.

Attention will now turn to ensuring this and other events now planned for 2022 and 2023 are able to return safely and offer the usual popular mix of seminars, farm tours, competitions, demonstrations, trade stands and other elements enjoyed by sheep farmers across the UK.

Mr Stocker added: “NSA’s series of events are run on a biennial calendar meaning these recently postponed regional events will now not return until 2023.

"However, we hope NSA members and other interested visitors will consider travelling to events that will run in 2022 and join the smaller activities that will now be planned in the regions, such as farm walks and field days.”

Several dates have now been set for future NSA main events including NSA Welsh Sheep, Tuesday, May 16, 2023.