Farmers from across northern England and further afield flocked to Greystoke Castle Farm on Wednesday for the North Sheep event.
Hosts the Peile family welcomed what organising body the National Sheep Association (NSA) said was a record attendance at the annual industry day, with an estimated 8,000 people there. They included a large number of children from local primary schools.
Undeterred by frequent rain showers, the crowds perused the 240-plus trade and breed society stands on the field — offering everything from fleeces and waxed jackets to advanced breeding techniques — listened to seminars and debates, chatted and enjoyed attractions including farm tours in a stream of tractor-drawn trailers. These proved extremely popular, offering insights into the Peile family’s management of dairy herds, beef cattle and flocks of hill and lowland sheep, as well as offering breathtaking views over the Eden Valley.
Competitions added excitement to the day, with more than 40 dogs and their handlers competing in sheepdog trials. Veteran handler Derek Scrimgeour, from Wigton, took top honours with Braehead Dot.
An exciting speed shear event — part of the Northern Speed Shear Circuit — saw Welsh shearer Llyr Jones, the 2024 Welsh champion, claim victory in front of a packed audience.
Other winners included the team from the Herdwick Sheep Breeders’ Association, who received the award for the best breed society stand — sponsored, as were other prizes, by the Penrith and District Farmers’ Mart Partnership. The stand incorporated not only some fine examples of the Lake District’s native sheep breed but also stunning images of the area and sand blasted slate from Honister Slate Mine.
The award for the best wool on the hoof went to Stephen Bland, of E and K Bland, Cotegill, Tebay, for their Rough Fell ewe and her twin Cheviot cross lambs.
The competition was judged by Andrew Hogley, chief executive of British Wool, who said the lambs had “fantastic white wool” and were brilliantly presented for sheep of that type.
Stephen said the ewe was a home-bred six-shear, while the lambs were born on 20th March, the sire being a tup from the Arkengarthdale area.
The awards ceremony also saw the presentation of the Blamire Medal, for outstanding services to agriculture in the old county of Cumberland, by trustee Ian Powley. It went to the Farmer Network and was accepted by the organisation’s managing director, Adam Day, who paid tribute to his whole team.
Elsewhere, industry professionals led a series of thought provoking seminars covering a wide range of topics relevant to the sheep sector. These included building resilience in a post-BPS world, understanding the practical implications of carbon and biodiversity management on farms and an engaging discussion on the cultural and environmental value of hefting — highlighting its vital role in sustainable upland farming.
After the event, John and Liz Peile said: “It has been a real privilege to host such a successful event here at Greystoke Castle Farm. The NSA North Sheep team have been fantastic to work with throughout the entire process and we’ve built some wonderful new friendships along the way.
“From our very first meeting nearly two years ago to the final day of the event, it’s been a rewarding journey. The turnout and enthusiasm have truly highlighted the spirit of the UK farming industry.”
NSA northern region chairman Ted Ogden added: “We’re absolutely delighted with the turnout and atmosphere at NSA North Sheep 2025. The resilience and positivity shown by everyone who attended reflects the strength of our industry.”
The main event sponsor was mart firm Hopes, of Wigton.
