Young shepherds will be given the opportunity to show off their skills in a competition at the NSA Welsh Sheep Event – and possibly to represent Wales in New Zealand.

The NSA CYMRU/WALES YOUNG SHEPHERD OF THE YEAR will be held at Penegoes, Machynlleth, on Wednesday 18th MAY 2011 and is sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers. It’s open to young shepherds aged 26 years and under on 18th May 2011 and the winner will receive £275 plus a trophy and represent NSA Cymru/Wales Region in the final of the Young Shepherd of the Year at NSA Sheep 2012 at Malvern, in July next year.

The highest placed competitors aged between 20 and 25 will also be eligible to go forward to represent Wales in the first ever World Young Shepherds Competition, taking place in New Zealand 6th – 14th Nov 2011. NSA Cymru/Wales is trying to securing funding for this but it cannot be guaranteed at this stage

The Young Shepherd of the Year first prize is £275 plus the trophy, with a £150 second prize, 3rd £75, 4th £50 and prize cards to 6th place.

There will also be a prize of £50 for the highest placed 21 years and under on 18th May 2011. Competitors must be aged 20 -25 in Nov 2011 to compete. All competitors will be expected to be able to carry out a range of tasks from carcase Classification to shearing, ATV work and answering questions.

Please contact MSA Wales Sheep Event organiser Helen Davies for further details.
Tel/Fax 01938 590535 Mobile 07976 803066 Helen@nationalsheep.org.uk