Next Generation Shepherd of the Year competition returns to NSA Scotsheep

Scottish sheep enthusiasts under the age of 26 are being invited to enter for this year’s NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year competition, which offers a total prize fund of £1015.

The competition, sponsored by the British Texel Sheep Society, will take place on Tuesday, May 31 at Huntingfaulds Farm, Tealing, Dundee, DD4 0RB, nearby to NSA Scotsheep 2022 host farm, Over Finlarg, which takes place the following day by kind permission of Robert & Hazel McNee. 

Participants will be required to carry out five of six tasks to include 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, said the competition was an excellent way of supporting the next generation of sheep farmers, while encouraging best practice and excellence in the UK sheep industry.

“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.”

The winner of the competition will receive a trophy and cash prize fund of £300 and will be given the opportunity of representing Scotland in the finals at the NSA Sheep Event at Malvern, on July 27, 2022, providing the individual is 26 years of age or under on that date. The highest place competitor under the age of 21 will receive a prize of £100.

In addition, the International Sheep Dog Society is also supporting those entrants taking part in the sheep dog handling element of the competition, with a first prize cash fund of £100 up for grabs.

The competition will commence at 1pm and the presentation of prizes will take place at 3.30pm the following day at NSA Scotsheep 2022, with an entrance ticket given to all competitors beforehand.

Entry to the competition is free and closing date for entries is Friday, May 13, 2022.

A maximum number of 20 entries can be accepted and will be selected using the information supplied on entry forms.

Further details and entry forms are available from Euan Emslie, NSA Scotsheep 2022 organiser, who can be contacted on 07729 346135 or [email protected]