A MAJOR showcase for the northern sheep industry is returning to Cumbria after a break of five years.

North Sheep - organised by the National Sheep Association (NSA) - will be staged on June 3 at Millstone Moor Farm, Cockermouth.

The farm is run by Neil and Sally Marston who are noted for the quality of their blue-faced Leicesters and north of England mule sheep.

Former NSA chairman John Geldard of Low Foulshaw Farm, Levens, said: “NSA North Sheep is a long established event which always proves to be both informative and interesting for all sectors of the agricultural industry and of course most specifically for the sheep sector.

"Agriculture at the moment is experiencing varying amounts of volatility due to currency and other factors and this is event is a great opportunity for people to see exactly what the NSA are doing to support of the industry and to talk to representatives and officials at the highest levels.”

The NSA North Sheep will focus on the current challenges and opportunities in the industry, and visitors are expected from all over the UK.

Organiser Julie Sedgewick said: “We give people the opportunity to get together, discuss the latest developments and do business. We will be featuring a series of seminars throughout the day focusing on key issues.”

CAP and Countryside Stewardship will be an issue discussed by a panel of experts which includes farmer and Natural England board member Will Cockbain, H&H environmental advisor David Morley, and Swaledale sheep breeder Alan Alderson,

Sheep Health Issues will be presented by Philip Skuce and Stewart Burgess, both of Moredun, and Joe Henry of Alnorthumbria Vets.

Other speakers include NSA chief executive Phil Stocker, Tesco's head of agriculture Tom Hind and Rizvan Khalid of Euro Quality Lambs.

Ian Oliver, divisional sales manager for Carrs Billington, the event's main sponsor, said: “This is the major sheep event in the north of the country, and a very important business platform for us. It is an opportunity to highlight the range and of products and services we offer to a wider audience.”

NSA North Sheep is also hosting the 2015 Young Shepherd of the Year contest, supported by Newton Rigg College. The event is also home to the north of England inter-county shearing competition.