AROUND 7,000 visitors are expected at NSA North Sheep 2015 at Millstone Farm, Cockermouth, on June 3.

Neil and Sally Marston, noted for quality Bluefaced Leicesters and North of England Mule sheep, are hosting the NSA Northern Region's biennial event.

The event will focus on current challenges and opportunities in the sector with a series of seminars. It has also attracted a record breaking 215 trade stands, 46 breed societies and many entries for the Young Shepherd of the Year Competition.

Julie Sedgewick, event organiser, said: "Bringing NSA North Sheep back to Cumbria after 10 years is a great choice for the National Sheep Association as it’s one of the country’s most renowned sheep producing areas."

John Geldard who farms at Levens, Kendal, and is the former national chairman of the NSA, said: "Agriculture at the moment is experiencing varying amounts of volatility due to currency and other factors and this event is a great opportunity for people to see exactly what the NSA are doing to support the industry and to talk to representatives and officials at the highest levels."

The seminars include "CAP and Countryside Stewardship" with Will Cockbain, Natural England; David Morley, H & H environmental adviser; and Alan Alderson, farmer and Swaledale breeder.

"Sheep Health Issues" will be presented by Philip Skuce and Stewart Burgess, both from Moredun, on fluke and scab; and Joe Henry of Alnorthumbria Vets, on farm and regional scab strategies.

"Outlook for the sheep industry: visions for the future" will be presented by Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive; Norman Bagley, AIMS; Tom Hind, Tesco head of agriculture; and Rizvan Khalid, Euro Quality Lambs, on exports.

Also presenting will be The Woodland Trust.

The event will also host the 2015 Young Shepherd of the Year contest, supported by Newton Rigg and Askham Bryan College’s and the North of England inter-county shearing competition.

Well known auctioneers will put their reputations on the line in a light-hearted "Ready Steady Cook" competition.

One of the highlights will be tours of the Marston’s 650 acre farm, which is home to the well-known North of England Mule-producing Highberries Crossing Blue-Faced Leicester flock.

They not only hold the record for the highest priced animals ever sold at Mitchell's Market in Cockermouth, with the champion and reserve champions at the Bluefaced Leicester sales selling for £8,000 each last year, but have also had success in the showing world, winning a Royal Highland Show championship with a Mule ewe lamb.

Gates open 9am with the official opening at 10.30am. Farm tours from 9.30am to 4.30pm and seminars from 11am.

Admission is £12; NSA members free on production of 2015 membership card (one free entry per card); students and under 16s free. Free parking and event guide.