Sheep 2006, the industry's biennial initiative, will be staged at the Three Counties Show Ground, Malvern on Wednesday 2 August by the National Sheep Association and co-organiser, the Three Counties Agricultural Society.

The event which is once again expecting a crowd of more than 12,000, is preparing to build on its previous success and offer all visitors the opportunity to learn about the latest economic, marketing and technical developments to help them to maintain sustainable and profitable sheep enterprises. A series of informative seminars will be staged complementing the wide range of educational and commercial trade stands, together with live exhibits from the UK's sheep breed associations and societies.

Sheep 2006 chairman, David Smith says: "Current market trends are once again leaving sheep farmers uncertain of the future, however we remain quietly optimistic. The EU sheep flock continues to decline, and that trend has been accelerated by this year's severe drought in southern mainland Europe which should, in theory, leave opportunities for UK producers.

"Sheep 2006 will provide all farmers with that chance to find out more information and advice on how to fine tune their businesses in order to maximise current and future marketplaces. The event will also provide the technologically efficient UK sheep industry with the opportunity to promote itself globally and introduce delegations keen to meet with exhibitors and do business."