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This is my first report as branch chairman so I’ll try not to moan too much (it’ll be hard). We’d had wonderful weather throughout lambing time, which put us all in a great mood for the year ahead. Our first and only event was North Sheep ’07 at North Hanging Wells Farm, Weardale, courtesy of the Skidmore family, and what a great day it was. An excellent advert for mule gimmers. We shared the stand with the Northumberland Branch and between us won the’Best Sheep on a Breed Society Stand’ trophy. Our sheep were kindly loaned by Charles Hedley and Alan Steel. Thanks must also go to Frank Noble for looking after them and dressing them up. Shortly after North Sheep it started to rain and forgot to stop. Little did we realise this was the high point of the summer, as things were going to get worse. At the start of the year you wouldn’t believe that leaking drains and midgies would bring the industry to its knees. And now to the sales and they were SALES! 50% off sheep or BOGOFF (buy one get one for free). The average was £35.95. Prizewinners of the TOW LAW sale at Hexham were:-
We all know the reasons for the disastrous trade so I won’t go on about them. As farmers we’re ever the optimist and next year will be better (we think). It has to be or before long there won’t be any sheep farmers left. JAMES EVERITT |
