A WIDE-RANGING line-up of seminars has been announced for North Sheep 2003, to be held in June.

The event, staged by the Northern Region of the National Sheep Association, takes place at Walburn Hall Farm, Downholme, near Richmond, on Wednesday, June 4.

Getting to grips with improving flock performance and overall income by joining the Northern Uplands Sheep Strategy will be discussed by Signet's Alison Nichol, together with one of the initiative's demonstration farmers, who will provide an update of the scheme's benefits so far.

David Croston, former head of MLC sheep strategy will describe the English Beef and Lamb Executive, how the new body is representing farmers and the benefits it will deliver.

Kevin Pearce, NFU senior policy adviser, will give the latest on CAP Reform proposals and their impact on the sheep sector.

Northumberland based producer, Hans Prksen will outline the NSA Northern region's campaign for a single UK lamb dressing specification and the progress it has made to date.

Lamb marketing will also come under the microscope, with Morrison's Chris Blundell who will offer advice to producers on how best to meet the supermarket's requirements in order to achieve maximum returns.

The Wensleydale-based Dales Quality Meat Company will discuss the region's latest branding initiative, designed to add value to Dales-produced lamb sold through a number of regional retail outlets.