We’re holding a series of events as part of our Shaping Future Flocks Roadshow - designed to help you get the most out of your flock throughout the year. The sessions are free to attend and open to all farmers.
2027 lambing success starts now. The sessions will focus on the practical steps you can take now to help shape next year’s lambing outcomes with a focus on ewes at weaning and pre-tupping.
For the Roadshow, we’ll be joined by Nerys Wright. Nerys is an Independent Sheep Consultant with a PhD in sheep production from the University of Nottingham, where her research focused on the impact of ewe liveweight and body condition score (BCS) on lamb performance up to weaning. A farm animal SQP since 2012, she also serves as a technical adviser to the industry-wide SCOPS steering group, supporting sustainable parasite control across the UK sheep sector. Nerys works closely with practical, progressive sheep farmers, helping them turn evidence-based knowledge into on-farm action that improves flock health, performance, and resilience.
Nerys will host the first half of the session, talking about the importance of the right nutrition (energy and protein) for your flock, making sure the ewe’s diet meets her needs, why body condition scoring matters and practical tips for carrying it out.
Sophie Smith, Downland CEO, graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Agricultural Zoology in 1993 and has worked in the Animal Health Industry for 33 years, she holds the NOAH Certificate in Animal Health (since 1994) and has been an SQP since 2018. Sophie will host the second half of the session, with a talk on Flock Health Planning, where she will be sharing practical guidance on farm health plans, what they are and how they can help, as well as tips around medicine use and the importance of testing.
During the session both Sophie and Nerys will be sharing lots of advice and demonstrate how all of this can be used on farm to make a real difference to help support future lambing success.
Fancy joining us? Take a look at our Roadshow Schedule below and come along to your nearest event.
Places are limited and booking is required.
Roadshow Schedule
Lanark Auction Market | Wednesday 27th May 2026
The first stop on our roadshow is Lanark Auction Market. EVENT NOW PASSED.
J36 Rural Auction Centre, Cumbria | Tuesday 7th July 2026
The second stop on our roadshow is J36 Rural Auction Centre. Join us in the Damson & Elder Room for an informative evening. Arrive from 4.30pm for a prompt 5pm start. The event will finish at approximately 8.30pm
Book FREE tickets by clicking this link here: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GNWJ
J36 Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands, Milnthorpe, Cumbria, LA7 7FP
Ruthin Farmers Auction, North Wales | Tuesday 14th July 2026
The third and final stop on our roadshow is Ruthin Farmers Auction. Arrive from 4.30pm for a prompt 5pm start. The event will finish at approximately 8.30pm.
Book FREE tickets by clicking this link here: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GNWY
Vale of Clwyd Agricultural Centre, Ruthin, LL15 1PB
Places are limited and booking is required.
NSA Sheep Event 2026 | 28th July 2026
We’ll also be attending NSA Sheep on 28th July at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, where the Downland team will be on hand to discuss all things Shaping Future Flocks. Stand details to follow!
For further information, please contact the Downland team on 01228 564496 or email us at enquiries@downland.co.uk