Shepherd competition returns to the calendar giving youngsters a shot at success
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Scottish shepherd under 26-years-old are being invited to enter for this year's National Sheep Association Scotland (NSA) Next Generation Shepherd of the Year competition.
It offers a prize of £300 and a trophy to one lucky winner who will compete on May 31 at Huntingfaulds Farm in Dundee.
The winner will also be given the chance to represent Scotland in the finals at the NSA sheep event at Malvern on July 27.
Participants will have to take part in five out of six offered tasks - prime lamb selection, shearing two sheep, ATV handling, sheepdog handling, demonstrate knowledge of foot care techniques (compulsory) and answer questions on flock management and health (compulsory).
John Yates, chief executive of the British Texel Sheep Society, lead sponsor, said the competition was an excellent way of supporting the next generation of sheep farmer's.
“Supporting this and similar competitions is just one of a number of activities the society undertakes in support of the younger generation,” he said.
“There is no doubting that with a changing focus in agricultural support across the UK in future years, the sheep industry is facing challenging times. The sheep sector has plenty of enthusiastic young entrants, but they need every opportunity available to them to succeed. This is vital if the UK is to remain a competitive player in the world sheep industry.”
Closing date for entries is Friday, May 13.
To get an entry form, contact Euan Emslie on 07729 346135 or euanemslie053@gmail.com.
