ABERDEENSHIRE-BASED animal nutrition specialists Harbro have been confirmed as major sponsors of the North of Scotland’s biennial sheep event, Highland Sheep 2017.

Organised by the National Sheep Association Scotland, the event will be hosted by the Clark family at Kinnahaird Farm, Contin, Strathpeffer, on Wednesday, May 31.

This is the third Highland Sheep, following the first held at Dingwall Mart in 2013 and last year’s event hosted by the Scott family at Fearn Farm, Tain. The one-day event is expected to attract a large attendance of sheep farmers from both the Highlands and Islands and the rest of Scotland.

Features will include a farm tour, trade stands, breed society exhibits, commercial and technical demonstrations, grassland management, seminars, wool shearing, wool spinning, sheep dressing, crook making, a butchery and cookery demonstration, a sheepdog trial, the Shepherd of the Year competition, stockjudging and a show and sale of ewe hoggs.

“NSA Highland Sheep 2017 will be a fantastic event for the sheep industry in the Highlands,” said local organising committee chair Brenda McIntyre, of Findon Mains, Culbokie, Dingwall. “We have an excellent venue for the event at Kinnahaird, courtesy of Amy Grant and her Mum, Dorothy Clark, and we are delighted that Harbro have come on board as major sponsor.”

Harbro national sales manager, David MacKenzie, described the Highlands and Islands as a key trading area for the company: “We are delighted to support this important event which will be a magnet for all sheep farmers.

“Harbro has enjoyed a long-standing trading relationship with the Clark family. We work closely with Dorothy and Amy, focusing on the efficiency of their sheep and beef enterprises with the aim of maximising the liveweight of both lamb and beef leaving the farm. A key focus is utilising home-grown products and balancing local deficiencies in minerals and trade elements.”

Kinnahaird Farm extends to 900 acres and carries a flock of 400 North Country Cheviot x Mule and Texel cross ewes and a suckler herd of mostly Simmental cross cows.

“The sheep flock is a very important part of our farming enterprise and we are currently engaged with Harbro in a number of innovative projects to improve the performance of the flock through both better genetics and nutrition,” said Ms Grant.

Further details can be obtained from event organiser, Euan Emslie on 01430 441870 or 07718 908523 or at euan@nsascotland.co.uk