SHEEP farmers, students and industry professionals travelled from across the UK to attend the National Sheep Association’s annual Next Generation event.

Held at Hexham Mart, the event was designed to provide encouragement and support for young up-and-coming sheep farmers.

It began with six NSA Next Generation ambassadors, from the class of 2018, giving presentations about their experiences ‘in the field’.

Communications officer Katie James said: “Delivering both the positives and negatives of their own personal stories, these were honest accounts of the sometimes difficult situations our young farmers can find themselves in.

“But throughout all of the presentations shone the passion these sheep enthusiasts have for this sector, and for the importance the UK sheep industry has in feeding and shaping our nation.”

The combination of interactive workshops and talks from industry experts – who largely focused on how the next generation could move their sheep farming careers forward – had attracted a record number of attendees, she added.

There were sessions on business planning, accessing grants, responsible medicine use, future mastitis control options, the power of social media, maximising returns on wool and understanding Brexit.

At the close of the day, NSA chairman Bryan Griffiths said: “What a fantastic event! It was heartening to see so many young people with a shared enthusiasm for the sheep industry at such a well-organised event. I am certain all those who attended went away better informed on a variety of issues.”