Political, marketing, technical and environmental issues will be discussed and debated at a series of seminars and a question time to be staged at NSA North Sheep 2007, the northern region’s biennial one day event to be staged on Wednesday, 6 June at North Hanging Wells, Eastgate in Weardale, Bishop Auckland by kind permission of M W Skidmore Ltd. The 15th technical event of its kind plans are well in advance to build on its previous success to attract a crowd of more than 8,000 and 200 trade stands.

NSA North Sheep 2007 chairman,
Hans Pörksen

Farmers and members of the sheep industry will be able to field their questions on the future of sheep marketing to a panel of speakers at a lunchtime Question Time featuring NSA’s Peter Morris; AIMS’ Norman Bagley, Dunbia’s Jonathan Birnie, Darlington Auction Mart’s Stephen Aitken, and independent procurer, Stephen Kirkup. SAC’s Prof Geoff Simm will bring in to focus what the future holds for further genetic development and how farmers will be able to apply that progress to their flocks, while SAC’s John Vipond will provide an update on easy care traits, how to select and the benefits they offer towards developing a sustainable management regime.

There will be opportunities for further debate on sustainability issues in the series of seminars on countryside management, chaired by NSA chairman, David Raine. Defra’s head of sustainable farming, Nafees Meah will define Government policy while his colleague, Andrew Kuyk will detail the current environment schemes to sign up to, give an indication of the future along with their likely successors. Various current health issues will also come under the microscope. Cumbrian based vet, Matt Colston will discuss sheep health plans and how to put them in to practice. In addition, new and emerging export market opportunities will be discussed at a breakfast seminar by British Livestock Genetics Consortium chairman, Henry Lewis.

NSA North Sheep 2007 chairman, Hans Pörksen comments: “The event is offering a comprehensive programme of seminars and discussion forums for all members of the sheep sector, providing them with opportunities to reflect on their businesses and make more informed decisions as the industry gears itself up for the full impact of current farm payment regime in the run up to 2012.”

For further information on NSA North Sheep 2007 please contact event organiser, Julie Sedgewick on 01388 664496. www.northsheep.org.uk

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