The contribution made to the livestock sector by a young Appleby farmer who died last year aged 26 has been acknowledged by the National Sheep Association.
At its annual meeting of the northern region, held at Hexham mart, beef and sheep farmer Hannah Brown was named the recipient of its inaugural Geoff Lawn Award.
Hannah, originally from Leyburn, North Yorkshire, lived at Appleby with fiancé Ben and daughter Millie.
She was well known as a regular face at livestock show, exhibiting both sheep and cattle across the UK, and was a committed supporter of the NSA’s North Sheep event.
On receiving the award, Hannah’s parents Martin and Val Brown paid tribute to their daughter saying: “We are honoured to accept this award on Hannah’s behalf. She would be very proud to receive it. Thank you very much.
“Hannah very much enjoyed her involvement with NSA North Sheep and working with the NSA northern region. It has been a difficult time for us but we are proud to have raised £50,000 for sepsis awareness in Hannah’s memory.”
Also at the meeting, the NSA Northern Region welcomed as its chairwoman Viv Lewis, from Unthank, Gamblesby, who took on the role from outgoing chairman Thomas Carrick, Alston, who led the region for two years.
Viv said: “I think the NSA is a fantastic organisation and punches way above its weight. In these fast moving times I am committed to keeping our members up to date with all the changes around Defra’s plans for new support schemes to agriculture, so they can make informed choices about the future.”
The new vice-chairman is Ted Ogden, who at one time worked as an auctioneer in the Eden area. He also serves as the regional treasurer.
