The Texel Sheep Society is once again supporting the future of the UK sheep industry by sponsoring the Next Generation Shepherds Competition at the NSA Central Region Early Gathering in January.
The event which takes place at Bakewell Livestock Market on Thursday 24 January will include all that sheep farmers have come to expect and enjoy at NSA events, from interesting seminars and workshops to the opportunity to meet face to face with leading exhibitors from the world of livestock nutrition, handling and more – and of course a big attraction will once again be the NSA Next Generation Shepherds Competition.
The contest will see young sheep farmers, aged 26 and under, compete in a range of elements including shearing, lamb selection, medicine administration, ATV handling, ram MOT and a knowledge test of their knowledge of UK sheep farming and husbandry.
Kindly sponsored by the Texel Sheep Society, the competition not only provides the chance to win the prestigious title of NSA Central Region Next Generation Shepherd of the Year. The winner will also qualify to represent the area at the national finals in 2020 and take home a share of an impressive prize pot of £550.
Texel Sheep Society Youth Development Programme coordinator Ailish Ross said the Society was pleased to be able to support the competition once again. “The sheep industry is an exciting one to be involved with at every level and competitions such as this are a great way of encouraging young people to hone their skills and explore the many opportunities available to them in the sheep sector.
“The Society is delighted to be able to support the Early Gathering at Bakewell through the Next Generation Shepherds Competition and encourages all those with an interest in the sheep sector to attend at what is a critical time for the UK sheep industry.”NSA Central Region Chairman Alastair Sneddon said: “This year’s Early Gathering takes the event theme of ‘vital information for an uncertain future’. So, as well as providing a platform for our future sheep farmers to compete at, we also hope the event itself can offer valuable information through the many insightful seminars and workshops with which to move forward into 2019 with hope for a positive future.”
Young shepherds wishing to enter the competition can download an entry form at the event mini website. Entries close on Wednesday 16th January.
“The Christmas break is a great opportunity to take a look at the plans for this year’s exciting event. Get the entry form completed and sent in and then maybe take a bit of time out from all the festive celebrating to practice those shepherding skills ahead of the competition,” added Mr Sneddon.
“If you’re concerned your skills might not be at the same standard as some competitors, I still urge you to enter, as it will be a fantastic learning experience. Each element of the competition is judged by a person or people with a wealth of knowledge who will gladly share this separately to the competition element, so everyone can maximise the opportunity of participating on the day.”
