The Northern Region of the National Sheep Association (NSA) acknowledged the valuable contribution made to the livestock sector by young sheep and beef farmer Hannah Brown at its recent annual regional members meeting.

Hannah, who very sadly passed away in 2021, was named as the posthumous recipient of the inaugural NSA Northern Region Geoff Lawn Award presented at the recent meeting.

Hannah Brown was originally from Leyburn, North Yorkshire and lived in Appleby, Cumbria with fiancé Ben and daughter Millie.

She was well known as a regular face in livestock show rings, exhibiting both sheep and cattle, across the UK and was a committed supporter of the NSA North Sheep event.

On receiving the award in her memory Hannah’s parents Martin and Val Brown paid tribute to their daughter.

They said: “We are honoured to accept this award on Hannah’s behalf. She would be very proud to receive it. Thank you very much.

“Hannah very much enjoyed her involvement with NSA North Sheep and working with the NSA Northern region.

“It has been a difficult time for us but we are proud to have raised £50,000 for sepsis awareness in Hannah’s memory.”

Also at the regional meeting, held at Hexham Auction Mart last month, NSA Northern Region welcomed new Regional Chair Viv Lewis from Penrith, Cumbria.

Viv takes on the role from outgoing chairman Thomas Carrick who has led the region for the past two years.

Viv said: “I am really honoured to take up the role of chair of NSA Northern region. I think the NSA is a fantastic organisation and punches way above its weight.

“In these fast moving times I am committed to keeping our members up-to-date with all the changes around Defra’s plans for new support schemes to agriculture, so they can make informed choices about the future.”

The meeting also welcomed Ted Ogden into the position of vice chairman. Ted also serves as the regional Treasurer.