At their AGM held in Hexham earlier this month, the Northern Region Committee of the National Sheep Association (NSA) announced the appointment of a well-known face in the industry as their new Northern Regional Manager and Event Organiser, Heather Stoney-Grayshon.

Representing the members and committee of the NSA northern region, Heather will ensure that regional members benefit from the wider work of the National Sheep Association, whilst also supporting the retention and expansion of its members.  As part of her role, Heather, who was formerly the Assistant Organiser for NSA North Sheep will also take up the reins of organising, this, the UK’s most successful biennial one day sheep event.

Growing up on a family farm in Yorkshire, breeding sheep and cattle, and showing commercial beef cattle, Heather is no stranger to the world of sheep farming, and after leaving school worked for the Craven Cattle Mart for eight years.  In addition to her new role with the NSA, Heather will continue as Promotions and Breed Development Officer for the Lleyn Sheep Society
The north of England region is an extensive area, which encompasses Northumberland, County Durham, north and west Yorkshire, Cumbria, the Isle of Man and Lancashire.
Heather has a very good understanding of the current issues faced by the sheep industry and how it operates. Taking up her new position Heather will utilise her extensive experience, knowledge and skills to ensure that the NSA’s presence is maintained in these areas.
“It is important that the NSA continue to deliver activities to all of its members, and it will be my responsibility to ensure that members are fully represented, and their views heard in respect of activities and positions including communication, policy and technical work.  I know many members of the Association and I am looking forward to working more closely with them,” says Heather.
Commenting further Heather said: “I am particularly looking forward to the challenge of organising and delivering the biennial NSA North Sheep event.  Having assisted with the organisation of the last two, I am fully prepared for a busy time in the run up to forthcoming event.”
As an organisation the National Sheep Association (NSA) represent the views and interests of sheep producers throughout the UK.  Receiving tremendous support from everyone connected with the industry, the next NSA North Sheep event will be held in 2017, and the date and location will be announced closer to the time.

The NSA, funded by the memberships of its sheep farmers together with the many industry related activities it is involved with, ensures that it plays a key part in every aspect of the sheep farming sector.

On announcing details of this new appointment, Chairman of the NSA Northern Region, Greg Dalton said:  Heather has been working alongside Julie Sedgewick, organising the last two NSA North Sheep events.  With an excellent understanding of the industry she is well-known and will be integral to continuing the success of the northern region and the NSA as a whole.