NSA launch Next Generation Shepherds competition at NSA North Sheep
17th February 2017
The National Sheep Association (NSA) North Sheep Organising Committee has today announced it will be launching a ‘Next Generation Shepherd Competition’ at its event, NSA North Sheep, which takes place at West Shields Farm, near Tow Law, County Durham, on Wednesday 7th June.
Keen to support the next generation of sheep farmers, the competition offers young people the chance to demonstrate their shepherding skills in five areas. The competition is generously sponsored by Rumenco and Nettex, and undoubtedly all entrants will be hoping to take home a share of the £740 prize pot.
NSA Northern Regional Manager, and event organiser, Heather Stoney-Grashon, commented: “The Next Generation Shepherd competition is a multi-skilled competition, which tests the skills and knowledge of aspiring young shepherds and shepherdesses.
“There is no question that there is a considerable amount of talent within the younger generation. Alongside a new format this year, which allows competitors to play to their own strengths and with some brilliant prizes up for grabs, we are expecting to see a very exciting competition.”
As part of the competition, all competitors will be expected to carry out five tasks at NSA North Sheep. There will be two compulsory tasks, and the remaining three tasks can be selected by the competitor from a list of optional tasks.
Compulsory Tasks:
- Give examples of correct foot care techniques / handling, vaccinating and dosing (e.g. work out correct weight of ewes for dosage of wormer and correct examples of injection sites).
- Answer questions on flock management and health issues.
Optional Tasks:
- Compete in the EBLEX lamb selection competition.
- Shear two sheep. (You must have a British Wool Marketing Board Blue Seal Certificate which must be produced on the day).
- ATV Handling.
- Hang a gate.
- Stockjudging
The 1st prize winner of the NSA Next Generation Shepherd competition will receive the Ali Johnson Perpetual Trophy plus a £300 cash prize. In addition, they will also have the opportunity to represent NSA Northern Region at the UK finals which will be held at NSA Sheep 2018 in Malvern, on 18th July 2018.
Furthermore, 2nd place will receive £200, 3rd £100, 4th £50, 5th £30, 6th £20 and 7th to 10th place will each receive £10.
In order to be eligible for the competition, competitors must be a maximum age of 26 (on 18th July 2018) and reside in the Northern Region, which includes Cumbria, Northumberland, Co. Durham, Lancashire, Isle of Man, and North and West Yorkshire.
Entries are now open with a closing date of Monday 8th May 2017. A maximum of 20 entries will be accepted, and the successful 20 will be selected on the information supplied and the quality of their entry form.
NSA North Sheep has become one of the highlights of the sheep industry calendar, attracting in the region of 8,000 visitors. This biennial event not only provides a platform for people to hear from industry experts and visit hundreds of exhibition stands, it will also highlight how one progressive County Durham Farm operates their commercial sheep enterprise.
As an organisation, NSA represents the views and interests of sheep producers throughout the UK, receiving tremendous support from everyone connected with the industry. The NSA is funded by the memberships of its sheep farmers. Together with the many industry related activities it is involved with, it aims to ensure that it plays a key part in every aspect of the sheep farming sector.
The full competition rules and entry form can be downloaded at www.northsheep.org.uk or for further information please contact Heather Stoney-Grayshon at heather@nationalsheep.org.uk or 01423 712820.
-ENDS-
Media Contact:
Barbara Huddart
Glendale PR,
E: barbara@glendalepr.co.uk
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