Ewes and lambs at Whinfell Park

North Sheep, the National Sheep Association northern region's one day bi-ennial event has attracted a record 42 breed societies and associations to Whinfell Park, Penrith on Wednesday 1 June.

“For the first time ever in the event's 25 year history, we will have virtually a full complement of sheep breeds which are being farmed commercially by UK producers,” says North Sheep chairman, Carl Stephenson. “Representatives, together with their sheep will be travelling from throughout the country to the event providing visitors with a comprehensive opportunity to discuss each breed's merits and determine which is preferred for their own management system.”

The sheep stand entries will be bolstered by a further 190 trade stands including education exhibits from the English Beef and Lamb Executive and its Better Returns Programme, Signet, EFSIS FABBL, CBS Technologies, National Scrapie Plan, ADAS Consulting, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, LEAF, CREA - Cumbria Farm Link, Rural Futures, SAC, DEFRA, EID Pilot Project, Federation of Cumbria Commoners, RMIF, BWMB, Moredun Research Institute, Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute, National Agricultural Association of Contractors, University of Lancashire (Newton Rigg), Myerscough and Askham Bryan Colleges.

North Sheep is continuing to go from strength to strength, thanks to overwhelming support from the industry,” says North Sheep chairman, Carl Stephenson. “North Sheep is a key social event on the region's calendar. However, it has also evolved into a major business, technical and educational event providing every visitor with the opportunity to meet with representatives from all stages of the production chain and ultimately take home information to help improve their unit's efficiency and profitability.”

He adds: “We are also looking forward to meeting with buyers - importers, exporters and those involved in the home market - in order to demonstrate our technical ability and superb quality lamb which is produced to the highest standards in Europe.”

North Sheep gates open at 9.00am and close at 5.00pm. Admission costs £10 (NSA members £5 on production of a 2005 membership card), children and car park are free.