THE potential impact of Brexit on sheep farmers will be among the topics discussed at a series of seminars and workshops in the region this summer.

The National Sheep Association will stage its North Sheep event at West Shields Farm, near Tow Law in County Durham, on Wednesday, June 7.

Andrew Entwistle, a partner at George F White, will kick of the seminars with a talk entitled ‘What Happens When the Schemes End?’ Tracts of land used for sheep farming are commonly included in sites designated for conservation and scientific interest, and Mr Entwistle will discuss what could happen if these schemes come to an end as a result of Brexit.

Other seminars will focus on how to balance upland farming and the environment, sheep meat exports post Brexit, and the issues facing young farmers.

There will also be a selection of workshops including: a session on sustainable worm control; a guide to the grading process that determines the quality and value of wool; a session on how to plan for a healthy flock; and an examination of the genetic change in New Zealand sheep and how New Zealand ram breeders have adapted their breeding goals to suit the market and take advantage of new technologies.

Visitors will also be able to browse more than180 trade stands, see the latest industry developments and technology, and seek advice from industry professionals.

To find out more, visit nationalsheep.org.uk/northsheep.