The Farmers Mart Jun/Jul 2015 - Issue 40 | Page 22

Events

Cumbria
does it proud

Focus on Challenges and Opportunities
at NSA North Sheep 2015

»»Attracting around
10,000 visitors, The National
Sheep Association’s northern
biennial one day event
at Millstone Moor Farm,
Cockermouth focused on the
Challenges and Opportunities
for the Sheep Farming Industry.
Hosts, Neil and Sally Marston,
are noted for the quality of
their Bluefaced Leicesters and
North of England Mule sheep.
It was the first time in 10 years
since the event was held in
Cumbria.
Representing the diversity
of sheep genetics in the UK
were 46 breed societies stands
representing all sectors of the
sheep industry along with some
220 trade stands from across
the UK.
In his opening speech,
Tim Davies, CEO of mainline
sponsors, Carrs Billington, said:
“Carrs has worked with farmers
for 180 years and at the heart
of our business are UK farmers.

Sheep farmers are inextricably
linked to our business and
this is the best event for us to
demonstrate our commitment
to the industry. We would like
to thank Neil and Sally for
their support as customers of
ours and for hosting such a
wonderful event.”
Prior to presenting the NSA
George Hedley Memorial
Award to David Croston MBE
for his services to the sheep
industry, the Duke of Montrose,
President of the National Sheep
Association said: “NSA North
Sheep 2015 is a showcase
for science and innovation to
help people move their flocks
forward.”
Also thanked for his support
was John Geldard, former NSA
Chair, who was presented with
a handmade walking stick.
North Sheep hosted the
2015 Young Shepherd of the
Year contest, sponsored by
Newton Rigg and Askham

22 Jun/Jul 2015 www.farmers-mart.co.uk

Bryan Colleges. The winner was
21 year old Robert Walker from
Brennand Farm near Clitheroe
(pictured), who received £300,
plus the Ali Johnson Perpetual
Trophy. The runner up was
Matthew Emmet from Wythop
Hall Farm near Cockermouth,
with third place going to William
Emmerson of Weardale. Robert
will now go on to represent the
NSA Northern Region at the UK
finals to be held at NSA Sheep
2016 in Malvern.
Robert said, “This is a
prestigious award, and given
there were so many good
shepherds in the competition, I
am both amazed and absolutely
delighted to win.”
North Sheep also hosted an
exciting Team Sheep Shearing
competition, sponsored by
British Wool Marketing Board
and held by Mark Fox and
the Lakeland Shearers. The
winners were Yorkshire, with
Northumberland in second
place and Cumbria in third.
NSA North Sheep also acts
as an industry forum. Speaking
during the day, Chairman of
the NSA Northern Region Greg
Dalton said: “NSA North Sheep
is a long established event
which supports the industry at
a time when varying amounts
of volatility owing to currency
and other factors, is affecting
farmers. The event is a great
opportunity for people to see
exactly what the NSA are doing
to support of the industry and
to talk to representatives and
officials at the highest levels.”
This was underlined at the
informative expert seminars
held throughout the event.

Another first this year was
the sale of award-winning Tup
semen by auction, in aid of the
#StayStrongStu campaign. Host
farmer Neil Marston and his
fellow breeders donated the
Tup semen from two Bluefaced
Leicesters to raise £2,800 for the
campaign which supports the 25
year-old farmer and rugby player,
Stu Ridley from Tynedale, who
has an inoperable brain tumour.
On a more light-hearted note,
the “Ready Steady COOK!”
event challenged sheep
experts to cook a meal using
lamb they produce. Guided
by former professional cook
Barbara Huddart, the event
was won by Andrew Wright of
Mitchells Auctions
Prizes were awarded to the
best stands, with best sheep
stand going to the Herdwick
Sheep Society, runner up was
The Rough Sheep and third
place went to The Blue Faced
Leicesters. The best indoor stand
went to, with North West Auctions
picking up second place and
Mitchells Auction Centre in third
place. Best outdoor stand went
to Paul Chuter, second place
was JS Hubbuck and third, Mole
Valley Farmers.
At the end of a very busy and
successful day Neil Marston
said: “It has been a great
honour to welcome this leading
sheep event once again to
Cumbria. The attendance and
support has been phenomenal.
I’d like to thank everyone
involved who has helped make
this event such a success.”
www.nationalsheepassociation.
org.uk