Two sheep farmers from the northern region of the National Sheep Association (NSA) have been awarded for their “valued contributions”, the association said.
Former secretary of the Swaledale Sheep Breeders Association, John Stephenson from Country Durham was presented with the TI Allison Award.
The award aims to recognise his “valued contribution” to the sheep industry within northern England further afield, the NSA said.
On receiving the award, Stephenson said: “Receiving the TI Allison Memorial Award came as a complete shock and surprise and I was at a loss to think of anything to say.
“It was more special as the award was presented by Alan Alderson who I had worked with for 15 years in our roles as Chairman and Secretary of the Swaledale Sheep Breeders Association.
Having attended NSA organised Sheep Events for more than 20 years in all countries of the UK I appreciate how much work is done by the NSA and I would like to thank NSA Northern Region for presenting me with this award.”
Stephenson was secretary of the Swaledale Sheep Breeders Association for 18 years and worked for the association for three years before taking the role.
Geoff Lawn Memorial Award
Junior auctioneer at CCM Auctions, Rob Cloughton, was awarded the Geoof Lawn Memorial Award.
NSA said Cloughton was the “deserving winner” of the award, which aims to recognise his achievements as a young sheep farmer residing in the NSA Northern Region.
Cloughton works as an auctioneers as well as being involved with the family farm – Browna Paddocks Farm, Hawes, North Yorkshire – running Swaledale and Bluefaced Leicester breeding sheep producing North of England Mules.
Cloughton said: “I would like to thank NSA Northern Region for presenting me with this award. I feel very privileged to receive it.”
NSA Northern Region manager Chris Adams said: “Congratulations must go to both John and Rob on receiving these prestigious awards for the north of England sheep sector.
“Nominations for both indicated a high level of respect and admiration for their work which has been and continues to be integral to the success and future of the sector in this area.”
