The Young Shepherd of the Year competition, with its Scottish final in Berwickshire later this year, is open for entries.
The contest for post-school sheep enthusiasts aged under 26 is one of the events lined up for the National Sheep Association’s (NSA) Scotsheep at Quixwood, Grantshouse on Wednesday June 4 this year.
Sponsored by Rumenco, the competition tests practical skills and knowledge as well as a broader sheep industry knowledge.
Organiser Dave Turner, former head of agriculture at Oatridge College, said: “If you have competed before, we would love to see you again and first-time competitors are equally welcome.”
The winner and runner-up will represent Scotland in the national finals at the NSA National Sheep event at Malvern, Worcester, a qualifier for the World Young Shepherd of the Year competition which is being hosted by France this year.
The competition covers hoofcare, injection and drenching; sheep shearing and wool handling (minimum of BWMB Blue Seal); prime lamb selection; preparation and use of an ATV with trailer, transporting stock; a general question paper on sheep production and husbandries and a sheep breeds’ identification paper.
Regional finals for the expected entrants - working shepherds, farm workers, students or youngsters with an interest in sheep - will be held in early May, with the top 12 competing for the Scottish title at Quixwood. Entry forms from Euan Emslie (01430 441870/07718 908523). The closing date is March 31.
