SKIPTON-based Craven Cattle Marts general manager and auctioneer Jeremy Eaton has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the Northern Region of the National Sheep Association.

The TI Allinson Memorial Award was presented by retiring chairman Eddie Eastham at the annual members meeting at The Hired Lad, Penrith Mart, following Mr Eaton’s nomination for the high profile accolade by NSA member Geoff Lawn, of Skipton. It is presented annually to someone who is recognised as giving a considerable contribution to the northern sheep industry.

Mr Eaton has worked for Craven Cattle Marts for 37 years and Mr Lawn noted that he had been the instigator of stepping back from deadweight selling of lambs to re-establish a very successful live lamb selling market, which also saw what was considered at the time a ‘bold move’ from selling off the boards to selling through the ring.

“This was to the benefit of the farmers in the area and the auction, culminating in April last year with the opening of two new bespoke sheep and calf/stirk sales rings following a major investment that has proved a big hit among both vendors and buyers alike,” said Mr Lawn.

He also highlighted Mr Eaton’s assistance in 2001, when Foot and Mouth caused much heartache in the local agricultural community.