Producers sought for mutton event

Returning interest in mutton has prompted one north-east consultant to identify producers that can supply up to 100 hill-breed wether-shearlings for a promotional event to revive sales of mutton in the region.

At the launch at the end of the month, Sue Kelly of WKD Consulting, Richmond, North Yorkshire, will use the mutton for a series of events aimed at raising its profile and identifying possible outlets.

“We anticipate paying £30-£40 per head at this stage for shearlings, which will be finished outdoors on forage rape and cereals,” says Miss Kelly. “We also expect to be able to identify customers for the mutton during our networking sessions.”

The first event will take place at lunchtime on 6 November at the Jesmond Dene Hotel, near Newcastle. Anyone wanting to register an interest in the project or attend the free event – for which places are limited – should contact Sue Kelly or Nick White on 01748 831 910 or e-mail them at info@ ruralbusinessconsulting.co.uk.

• The project has been commissioned by NESFFS (North East Sustainable Farming & Food Strategy), NE-RMIF and One NorthEast.