MORE than 7,000 visitors flocked to the National Sheep Association’s northern showcase, NSA North Sheep 2017.

Held at West Shields Farm, Tow Law, in County Durham, the event provided a platform for knowledge-sharing and offered visitors the latest information about the sheep industry and what its future holds.

This year, the main topic of discussion focused on the future of the sheep industry and what it holds for both today’s sheep farmers and the next generation’s. Brexit was a hot topic in many forums.

Opening the event, the Duke of Montrose, James Graham, president of the NSA, emphasised the contribution that sheep farming makes to the ecology and economy of the countryside. He talked about the uncertain times that lay ahead, and that the key to managing this is to understand how to avoid disruption to sheep export markets.

The association’s chief executive, Phil Stocker, said: “This is a very important industry event. It is not just about sheep, it is about technology, research and best practice.

“With huge global and political change, turbulent times are ahead, so to get through this we all need to remain optimistic.”

One highlight of the event was the Next Generation Shepherd competition, which offered aspiring young shepherds and shepherdesses the chance to demonstrate their shepherding skills in five areas.

The competition challenged entrants to two compulsory and three chosen tasks. First prize was awarded to Rob Walker, of Dunsopbridge, Clitheroe, who received the Ali Johnson Perpetual Trophy. In second place was Matthew Emott, of Cockermouth.

A packed marquee heard a seminar on Balancing Upland Farming and the Environment.

Patrick Begg, Rural Enterprises Director for the National Trust, said: “The biggest problem for the industry is that we just don’t eat as much lamb as we used to, particularly the under-30s. Trends also favour higher welfare standards.

“Upland farmers play a vital role in looking after public needs and goods, such as water, carbon capture and emission, keystone species and habitats, and the landscape for recreation and tourism.

“So, as an industry, we shouldn’t be thinking about how we can keep the subsidies we have now, we should have the confidence to do something different, maybe improve our business skills, to increase sustainability.”

Adrian Shepherd, head of land management at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, discussed how upland farming is not only about what farmers produce, it’s also the link to tourism – people want to visit these places on holiday or for recreation.

“Management by prescription hasn’t always worked,” said Adrian. “We should be empowering farmers to deliver the desired environmental outcomes. The focus shouldn’t be about reducing risk, it should be about delivering what needs to be delivered and the National Park Authority is eager to work with farmers and farming groups to achieve this.”

In the Sheep Meat Exports Post-Brexit seminar, Remi Fourier, of AHDB’s French office, said: “When the UK is out of the EU, it will give us flexibility to control our market and standards. When you look at the EU, there is no other country that does things better than the UK in terms of animal welfare and product quality.

“For example, French lamb is poor quality and usually a by-product of the sheep/dairy industry. These lambs are reared indoors and as such butchers do not like them. It is important to remember that UK lamb has a strong brand and quality standard across EU and worldwide.”

In chairing The Next Generation, Next Chapter seminar, Thomas Carrick, a former NSA ambassador and vice-chairman of NSA North Sheep, was keen to highlight that the sheep industry needs “new ideas and energy coming into the industry”.

The young farmers presenting were all eager to stress that although the future is uncertain, there are opportunities. Determination, a willingness to learn and flexibility are key to being successful within the industry.

A first for NSA North Sheep was the Festival of Lamb, which celebrated the high quality and diversity of British lamb. Jimmy the Lamb Man held butchery demonstrations and Australian-born chef, Simon Hicks, head chef at the Lord Crewe Arms Hotel, demonstrated ‘alfresco’ lamb on the barbecue.

In addition, there were more than 200 trade stands and 37 breed society stands. Best breed stand was awarded to James Whiteford and runner-up was S & A Reid. Best breed society stand went to the Scotch Blackface stand and runner-up was the North Country Cheviot stand.

On the tours around West Shields, John Smith, alongside his two sons, David and Alan, showed visitors their 900-acre traditional mixed farm, comprising a flock of commercial sheep (1,350 Mules and some Texels), plus 300 commercial suckler cows. Visitors could see how the family has utilised all of the farm’s natural resources to produce renewable energy. A 12.5Kw wind turbine installed in 2012 alongside solar panels and a biomass boiler that feeds three houses.

Event organiser Heather Stoney-Grayshon said: “We have had a tremendous day with much being debated and discussed.

“Today would have not been possible without the tremendous support we have received from the Smith family, the local farming community, the association as a whole, the local young farmers and the sponsors and I would like to thank them all very much indeed.”