ABOUT 7,000 farmers will descend on a County Durham farm next month.

The Northern region of the National Sheep Association (NSA) holds its North Sheep event at WH & J Smith & Sons West Shields Farm, just off the A68 at Tow Law on Wednesday, June 7.

Key speakers will look at issues such as what will happen when government environmental schemes end and, for the first time, there will be a celebration of lamb.

The Duke of Montrose, president of the NSA, and chief executive Phil Stocker will open the event.

Eddie Eastham, NSA Northern Region chairman, said: “NSA North Sheep is both a platform for open discussion and for sheep farmers to naturally gather the latest information and industry trends. Certainly, this year, with an election looking on and Brexit looming there will be much for debate.”

Seminars on the day include Hannah Donegan from Tesco looking at using accounts as a start to improving a business; Andrew Entwistle, partner at George F White, will ask what happens when the schemes end.

Adrian Shepherd, head of land management at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, will look at balancing farming and the environment; Rizvan Khalid of Euro Quality Lambs, will discuss sheep meat exports post Brexit; and Thomas Carrick, NSA Northern regional vice-chairman, will speak on young ambassadors “Next Generation, Next Chapter”.

New this year is a “Lamb Festival” celebrating the high quality and diversity of British Lamb. “Jimmy the Lamb Man” will demonstrate different cuts of lamb and sizes of joints while Simon Hicks, head chef at the multi award-winning Lord Crewe Arms Hotel, will demonstrate “Lamb on the BBQ”.

A Next Generation Shepherd competition offers young people the chance to demonstrate their shepherding skills. There will also be an open stock judging competition and sheep shearing team challenge

More than 200 trade stands will show the latest industry developments and technology.

The farm itself is a family run partnership. West Shields Farm is managed by John Smith alongside his two sons, David and Alan. Also involved are John’s nephew and his son.

The 900-acre traditional mixed farm is home to a commercial sheep flock of 1,350 Mules and some Texels, and 300 commercial suckler cows. The Smiths also farm a further 300 acres.

The farm uses a 12.5kW wind turbine alongside solar panels and a biomass boiler which feed three houses. The 162 acres of forestry also supplies income.

Organiser Heather Stoney-Grayshon, organiser, said: “We have a fantastic schedule of events and competitions taking place on the day and there really is something for everyone within the sheep industry.”