OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNGER GENERATION TO TAKE PART IN NEXT GENERATION SHEPHERD OF THE YEAR COMPETITION AT NSA SCOT SHEEP 2018
10th May 2018
The younger generation is invited to test their skills and knowledge of sheep in the Next Generation Shepherd of the Year competition at NSA Scot Sheep 2018 to be held at Kings Arms Farm, Ballantrae, South Ayrshire, on Wednesday, May 30.
The competition is open to young persons up to the age of 26 residing in Scotland with an interest in sheep but not necessarily working as a shepherd.
The winner of the competition, which is sponsored by Harbro Ltd, will be presented with a perpetual trophy and a cash prize of £300 and will have the opportunity of representing Scotland in the UK finals at the NSA Sheep Event 2018 at Malvern, Worcestershire, on Wednesday, July 18. The closing date for entries is Monday, May 21.
“The competition is designed to test the practical skills and knowledge of sheep of those taking part, as well as their broader knowledge of the sheep industry throughout the UK and Europe, including the various sheep breeds,” said event organiser, Wallace Boyd.
Competitors will be expected to have the ability to carry out five of six designated tasks – prime lamb selection, shear two sheep (a BWMB Blue Seal Certificate is required), ATV handling, demonstrate their knowledge of correct foot care techniques such as weight of ewes for worming and examples of injection sites (compulsory), answer questions on flock management and health (compulsory) and show skills in sheepdog handling by gathering, moving and penning sheep (own dog required).
The competition at NSA Scotsheep will start at 8.30pm with the presentation of prizes taking place at 3.30pm. In addition to the top prize, generous cash prizes are offered for class placings including second £200, third £100, fourth £40, fifth £30 and sixth £20. The highest placed competitor under the age of 21 will receive a prize of £100.
Sheep dog handling is a new element of the competition and the International Sheep Dog Society is providing prize money of £100 for first, £75 for second and £50 for third.
Entry forms are available from Euan Emslie, Organiser, NSA Scotsheep 2018, 3 Briar Close, Newport, Brough, East Yorkshhire, HU15 2QY or e-mail at [email protected] or mobile 07718 908523.
