Cumbrian father and son farming team, Andrew and Matthew Tomkins, are the recipients of the first of this year's National Sheep Association membership prizes.

Having recently joined the association as joint members, Andrew and Matthew have won a new Solway lamb adopter, donated by recycled product manufacturer Solway Recycling, as part of the 2021/22 membership prize giveaway.

Alongside the rest of the Tomkins family, they farm 300 acres of upland just outside of Longtown, Cumbria, running a flock of 300 Llanwenog and Llanwenog cross Berrichon ewes, plus a small pedigree flock of Oxford Down sheep and a herd of pedigree Beef Shorthorn cattle. The farm supplies their onsite butchery, online sales and catering business ‘Hallsford farm produce’ with native breed beef and lamb.

Matthew said: “We were surprised to hear we had been selected as winners as we had only recently joined NSA but of course we are very pleased with the news. We joined NSA as we believe it is one of the farming organisations that is having a real positive impact on farming. We have been impressed by how forward-thinking and progressive it is.

“NSA’s current work on heritage breeds and marketing of UK lamb, mutton and hogget really caught our attention. We believe this differentiation is key to helping to bring market control back to the farmer.”

The useful piece of sheep farming equipment was very welcome, he added: “We are currently increasing our sheep flock so the chance to win this equipment was fantastic – it will be a godsend come lambing time next year and we are sure it will come in useful for many years to come.”

All new members signing up to join NSA between February 2021 and the middle of February 2022 will be entered into the future prize draws. There are now three further chances for new members of NSA to win a lamb adopter or lamb warming box and sheep pens donated by Solway Recycling.

Existing NSA members also have the chance to win by recommending a friend, family member or neighbour sign up too. There is no limit to the number of entries for existing members, the more recommendations made, the more entries earnt. Find out more at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/draw.