Shepherds compete for the national title

Apr 26 2008 by Tom Patterson, The Journal

THE search is on to find Scotland’s Shepherd of the Year.

Scotland’s biennial national sheep event – NSA Scotsheep 2008 – to be held on a Borders farm on June 4, will include a competition for youngsters in the industry to find the Shepherd of the Year.

The Scotsheep Trophy and a cash prize of £300 will be awarded to the winner who, along with the runner-up, will be eligible to compete for the national Shepherd of the Year award with a top price of £1,000.

Organised by the Scottish Region of the National Sheep Association and sponsored by Bank of Scotland Corporate, NSA Scotsheep 2008 will be held at Northhouse, Teviothead, Hawick, courtesy of host farmers Ian and Katherine Hepburn and their sons, John, Adam and Gregor.

The competition is open to young farmers’ club members, agricultural students and all young people working in the industry aged 26 years and under.

They will be required to carry out a number of tasks including sheep shearing, ATV handling and selecting prime lambs for slaughter.

“This is an exciting competition which should capture the imagination of young people in the industry,” said Jack Clark, chairman of the organising committee.

NSA development officer for Scotland, George Milne, said: “The Shepherd of the Year competition offers a real incentive to encourage the next generation of sheep farmers and shepherds.” .

Further information and entry forms are available from the joint organiser, Julie Sedgewick, Binchester Hall Farm, Bishop Auckland, DL14 8DJ. Tel: (01388) 609322. Fax: (01388) 609553, Mobile: 07836 773888. Email: jasedgewick@fwi.co.uk