THE National Sheep Association still plans to host its popular agricultural shows – albeit much later in the year.

The association has announced its flagship event, the NSA Sheep Event, and the NSA Scotsheep will be pushed back to give them a chance of going ahead.

The Sheep Event, to take place at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, was due to take care in the summer but has a new date of Monday, October 19.

NSA Scotsheep, the main event of the industry in Scotland, was planned for June but has been rescheduled for Wednesday, July 8.

The changes have been scheduled due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

NSA Sheep Event 2020 organiser, Helen Roberts commented: “The NSA prides itself on being a member led organisation and delivering our iconic event is incredibly important to us.

“However, with the Government advising against attending mass gatherings and further action relating to social distancing and self-isolation and unnecessary travel, NSA felt there was no other option at this time than to postpone our main event until October and we are very grateful to have this date made available to us.

“This will be a difficult year for the nation as a whole, and for the NSA and many other associations and businesses, and we will all be affected by the financial outcome of this scenario but we do hope both our NSA members as well as all sheep farmers and the wider sheep industry will support as we now recommence plans for what we are confident will be a fantastic event once again.”

Plans for both NSA events are well under way with many new and existing attractions set to take place, providing visitors with an opportunity not only to get up to date with the latest information in seminars and workshops. Further updates will follow.