Next Generation Shepherd

Kindly Sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers Ltd.
To be held as part of the Sheep South West Event at Weston Farm, East Knowstone, South Molton, Devon EX36 4ED
By kind permission of the Stanbury Family on Wednesday the 25th June 2025

INTRODUCTION
The NSA Next Generation Shepherd competition is open to all youngsters up to 26 years old, living or working in the South West Region of the NSA. (Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset).

The winner and runner up (age permitting) will qualify to represent the NSA South West Region at the UK final at NSA Sheep 2026 to be held in Malvern in July 2026.

NSA South West Region will cover travel costs for the South West Region representative to attend NSA Sheep 2026 in Malvern.

The competition is open to entries from young people aged 26 years and under on June 25th 2025. There will be an additional prize of £100 for the highest placed 21 years and under on June 25th 2025. There will also be an additional prize of a £50 voucher for a shearing course from British Wool for the best shearer.

Prize money will be provided as follows – 1st £400 + Mole Valley Farmers Perpetual Trophy, 2nd £300, 3rd £200, 4th £150, 5th £100.

FORMAT OF COMPETITION
All competitors are expected to be able to carry out all of the tasks listed below.

• Select lambs for slaughter.
• Shear 2 sheep
• Demonstrate their ATV handling skills.
• Erect and test a length of electric fencing
• Give examples of correct foot care techniques/handling, vaccinating & dosing (e.g. work out correct weight of ewes for dosage of wormer & correct examples of injection sites).
• Written questionnaire on flock management and health issues, including SCOPS advice. (Multiple choice).
• Use of an EID reader and knowledge of the current movement legislation.

RULES OF THE COMPETITION
1. Maximum age is 26 years on June 25th 2025.
2. Maximum number of entries is 20.
3. Entry is free.
4. The judge’s decision is final.
5. The competition will start at 10am and finish at approx. 1pm.
6. Prize giving on the day at a time and place to be confirmed.

Any queries and all entries by Friday June 20th to:
Ian May, via email ([email protected]), post (Blacktail Lodge, North Molton, South Molton, Devon EX36 3JT) or phone (07913 043234).