The NSA North Sheep Next Generation Young Shepherd Competition, sponsored by Vickers & Barrass and Darlington Farmers Auction Mart (DFAM) will be held on Wednesday, June 7, at Bradford House Farm, Belsay, Ponteland, Northumberland.
This competition gives young shepherds the chance of winning prize money from the pot of £740. The winner will not only receive £300 prize money and the Ali Johnson Perpetual Trophy; they will go on to represent the NSA Northern Region at the UK finals held at NSA Sheep, Malvern, on July 30, 2024.
It is open to young people aged up to 26 years (on July 30, 2024) and aims to test key shepherding skills. All entrants will compete in a number of rounds including lamb selection, Ram MOT, sheep shearing, stock judging, ATV handling, giving examples of correct foot care and handling techniques, vaccinating and dosage calculations, and answering questions on flock management and health issues.
NSA North Sheep 2023 is being held in one of the UK’s most noted sheep production areas
Adam Barrass, managing director of Vickers & Barrass, said: “This competition is designed to furnish tomorrow’s sheep farmers with the skills they need and give recognition to the skills they have acquired.
“As a business operating in the sheep sector, we of course want to encourage and support the next generation, as it is important not just to the sheep industry but to the wider agricultural industry.
“Shepherds have an integral role to play at any sheep enterprise and through this competition we are ensuring best practice encouragement of the next generation coming into the industry, which in turn will see them continuing to support both Darlington Farmers Auction Mart and Vickers & Barrass.
“I know some tremendous young shepherds and very much hope that they take this opportunity to be involved at NSA North Sheep.”
To enter, please click here.
