One of the UK's largest sheep industry events is returning to Northumberland for the first time in fifteen years.
Thousands of visitors are expected at Bradford House Farm near Ponteland for NSA North Sheep, a platform which aims to keep farmers and agricultural works up to speed with the latest industry developments through demonstrations, seminars, and hundreds of trade stands. This year's demonstrations include an all-female line-up in the sheep shearers and handlers and a post-mortem on a deceased sheep by Professor Ben Strugnell.
Visitors will also be able to take a tour of the traditional Northumberland livestock and arable farm, which is home to a lowland flock of 250 Mule ewes and 200 Texel cross ewes. More than 30 associations and societies will be represented at North Sheep, showcasing support from commercial mainstream to exotic rare and endangered breeds.
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Breeders in attendance will be able to see a range of sheep breeds, which could help to develop a breeding objective aligned with the geographical environment of their own flocks. In addition to showcasing sheep, a line-up of speakers has already been confirmed for the event's seminar programme.
One, Resilience to Change, will explain support schemes available under the UK Government's post-Brexit policy, and how farmers can maximise funding to replace outgoing payments systems. Others look at opportunities for exports and working with sheep farming counterparts, while another outlines opportunities for young people.
Viv Lewis, chair of the NSA's Northern Region and NSA North Sheep 2023 believes the timing of the event makes it uniquely important for the UK sheep industry. She said: "There has never been a more crucial time for the sheep industry to find inspiration and encouragement, and our hosts and sponsors have enabled us to create a landmark event we’re confident will offer both.
"Through visiting the trade exhibitions and attending seminars, visitors will be brought up to speed with latest industry trends, technologies, and information to help improve profitability and reduce environmental and climate footprints of their businesses. Agriculture can be a lonely occupation and it is good for farmers to get together and compare notes, particularly in such challenging times.
"The success of the industry is very much in the hands of the next generation of entrepreneurial farmers, so I hope the day will give aspiring sheep farmers every possible encouragement to make a life in this wonderful industry.”
Also taking place during the day will be the NSA Next Generation Young Shepherd Competition, where young entrant's will be tested on shepherding skills such as lamb selection, Ram MOTs, sheep shearing, stock judging, fooot care and handling techniques, vaccinating and flock management issues.
NSA North Sheep takes place at Bradford House Farm on Wednesday June 7. For more information, visit the website.
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