A SERIES of seminars and workshops will feature during North Sheep at Tow Law on June 7.

Held by the National Sheep Association (NSA) it takes place at Westshields Farm beside the A68 and is hosted by WH & J Smith & Sons.

The seminars begin with a talk on 'What Happens when the Schemes End?' where Andrew Entwistle, partner at George F White, will examine environmental designations such as special areas of conservation and sites of specific scientific interest.

Land used for sheep farming are commonly included in such schemes, and Mr Entwistle will discuss various scenarios if the schemes end.

Eddie Eastham, NSA Northern region chairman, will chair 'Balancing Upland Farming and the Environment' during which Margaret Read, Defra head of commons, access and inland waterways, will discuss new replacement support and environmental schemes.

Patrick Begg, National Trust rural enterprises director, will explain its future plans for upland areas, particularly upland sheep farmers, while Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, will explain why ongoing financial support for upland farming is justified.

John Gerald, NSA board member, will chair a seminar on sheep meat exports post-Brexit. Rizvan Kahlid, of Euro Quality Lamb; Norman Bagley, director of AIMS; and Remi Fourrier, of AHDB’s French office, will discuss domestic and export markets and likely trends post-Brexit.

The final seminar, chaired by Thomas Carrick, will look at the issues facing young people trying to get into agriculture.

Hannah Jackson will highlight the struggles of a young person from a non-farming background who developed a passion for hill shepherding; James Hamilton will talk about securing a farm business tenancy, and Tom Vickers will speak about leaving home to pursue his education, before returning to take on the home farm.

The workshops include Dr Dave Bartley, leading parasitology scientist at Moredun, who will look at sustainable worm control in sheep, discussing diagnosis and worm egg count.

Ian Booksbank, senior head grader at British Wool will explain the grading process that wool undergoes to establish its quality and value, and how the presentation of fleeces can increase the value of the wool, and steps farmers can take to ensure they are making the most of it.

MSD Animal Health will discuss 'Planning for a Healthy Flock' while Dr Mark Young, head of innovation at The Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock, will highlight the genetic change in New Zealand sheep based on data from Sheep Improvement Ltd (SIL).

Visitors can also browse more than180 trade stands, see the latest developments and technology, and get advice from industry professionals.