North Sheep03 – the event to inform, inspire and impact
North Sheep03 is gearing up to provide a real boost to the industry at Walburn Hall Farm, Downholme, near Richmond on Wednesday 4 June. A turn out of more than 10,000 is expected to the National Sheep Association northern region's one day bi-ennial event, over 160 trade stands have registered along with 33 breed societies and associations. The event will be officially opened by NSA chief executive, John Thorley.
Information and inspiration to help producers in their business making decisions will once again be delivered at a series of seminars. A line up of keynote industry wide speakers will focus on topics ranging from this season's marketing opportunities and changes in policy, to improving flock performance and profitability. They include the English Beef and Lamb Executive's chief executive, David Croston; the National Farmers Union's senior policy adviser, Kevin Pearce; Signet's breeding adviser, Alison Nichol; Morrison Supermarkets' corporate affairs director, Chris Blundell; Liz Hird from the Dales Quality Meat Company and producers themselves, Hans Pörksen and Bill Elliot.
An additional breakfast seminar is being staged by MLC's export manager, Henry Lewis and Trade Partners UK's Hugh Crooks for all members of the sheep industry who are keen to learn more about export opportunities and how to seize them.
A focal point will be the educational exhibits including the English Beef and Lamb Executive, the Northern Uplands Sheep Strategy, Signet, Sheep Veterinary Society, the Veterinary Laboratory Agency, Farm Assured British Beef and Lamb, CBS Technologies, National Scrapie Plan, ADAS Rosemaund, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Country Landowners Association, Health and Safety Executive, Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute, National Agricultural Association of Contractors, Northumberland and Durham Machinery Ring, and Northumberland and Askham Bryan Colleges.
There will also be a working demonstration area with exhibits ranging from electric fencing and sheep showers, to practical shearing and maintenance, and lamb cuts and cookery demonstrations. Morrison Supermarkets will be offering producers the opportunity to discuss carcase specification and how to maximise lamb value. In addition, sheep dog handlers from the northern region will be competing for points to go forward to the English National.
"We were absolutely delighted at the industry's support for North Sheep which continues to go from strength to strength," says North Sheep03 chairman, John Reed. "North Sheep is a key social event on the region's calendar. However, it has also evolved into a major business, technical and educational event providing every visitor with the opportunity to meet with representatives from all stages of the production chain and ultimately take home information to help improve their unit's efficiency and profitability.
He adds: "We're also looking forward to meeting with buyers - importers, exporters and those involved in the home market – in order to demonstrate our technical ability and superb quality lamb which is produced to the highest standards in Europe. We'll also be exhibiting the best of our breeding stock which is noted for being among the finest in the world."
Away from the main area North Sheep03's hosts, the Greenwood family will be leading farm tours throughout the day taking in Walburn Hall's 1,200 Swaledale ewes and complementary herd of 200 Limousin cows. Attention to detail has been their philosophy for three generations together with a willingness to consider change and adjust their systems as market pressures dictate.
David and Bruce, together with their wives, Diana and Jayne farm 1,800 acres of hill where livestock are a priority. However, when beef prices crashed 25 years ago, from modest beginnings the family added another string to their bow by establishing a contracting service to meet with growing demand in that sector. In addition, Diana has developed a bed and breakfast business at Walburn Hall, an imposing 14th century fortified farmhouse home following the growth of tourism inspired by James Herriot and interest in the Yorkshire Dales.
The family's Swaledale flock provides the business' bread and butter. A closed flock is maintained using only carefully selected tups bought in the autumn, and selected for type to complement the 900 pure bred ewes. Around 200 'shott' gimmer lambs are sold each year and the remainder retained as flock replacements. Walburn's policy to sell good quality draft ewes at only four shear has proved successful and provided a good income year on year. The remaining ewes are crossed with the Bluefaced Leicester to produce North Country Mules, of which 300 are sold through the official NEMSA sales at Hawes and Leyburn.
North Sheep03 gates open at 10.00am and close at 5pm. Admission costs £8 (NSA members £4 on production of a 2003 membership card), children and car park are free.
