| Sheep
Competitors at the ready for
NSA Sheep 2018!
Shepherding skills, fencing prowess and wool quality will all be put to the
test in an exciting array of competitions at the National Sheep Association’s
(NSA) Sheep 2018 this summer.
highlight of the flagship event
of the NSA, which takes place
on Wednesday 18thJuly at the
Three Counties Showground,
Worcestershire, will be the
national final of the NSA Next
Generation Shepherd of the Year competition,
sponsored by the Texel Sheep Society. The
best young shepherds from around the UK will
go head-to-head in a range of tasks designed
to test their skills ranging from shearing to lamb
selection. The competition will also include a
mystery challenge testing the young
shepherds’ skills and knowledge of a topical
subject currently affecting the UK sheep sector.
Each of the 18 competitors has fought hard to
get to the final, securing a place via the nine
regional competitions held by the NSA up and
down the country. This forms part of the NSA
Next Generation programme, dedicated to
encouraging and supporting the sheep farmers
of the future.
Returning once again to entertain the
crowds, NSA Sheep 2018 will include the highly
respected wire fencing competition, sponsored
by Tornado, where competitors will be required
to demonstrate speed, skill and stamina as they
race to erect a section of fencing before the
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24 | Farming Monthly | July 2018
allotted time runs out. The popular contest is
judged not just on time but importantly on the
quality of the finished work, and spectators can
expect an exciting display as rival fencing
teams take part.
NSA Sheep Event Organiser Helen Davies
comments: “The excitement of the competitions
held at all NSA sheep events is always a draw
for the visiting crowds, and NSA Sheep 2018
looks set to be no exception. We look forward
to welcoming competitors from across the UK
to test their shepherding and farming skills
against each other in what will be some hard-
fought contests.”
Those seeking a quieter spot will also find
plenty of interest at NSA Sheep Event 2018.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the fencing
and Next Generation competition areas, visitors
will find the fleece competition, featuring a fine
display of fleeces from a range of sheep. The
contest, which is a qualifier for the British Wool
‘Golden Fleece’ competition, includes seven
classes of fleece and is open to all wishing to
show off their finest wool.
NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “We
are looking forward to another fantastic year for
the NSA Sheep Event. The competitive element
really does add an area of interest for visitors
and it is always pleasing to recognise the skills
and hard work of those competing on such a
recognised stage within the industry. We wish
all competitors for 2018 the very best of luck
and can’t wait to see the competition
outcomes.”
Entry to the NSA Next Generation Shepherd
competition is limited to regional qualifiers.
Limited space is still available in the wire
fencing competition, and entries are welcomed
for the fleece competition.
Visit www.sheepevent.org.uk/competitions.
As well as supporting the fencing
competition, Tornado has also teamed up with
NSA on its 2018 free prize draw. New members
joining NSA, or existing members that nominate
a new member, can win one of four sets of
stock fencing wire and fittings worth over £450
to be given away through 2018. Becoming a
member also entitles you to enter NSA Sheep
2018 free of charge. One membership card
permits one free entry. Sign up in advance and
enter the free prize draw
at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/membership.
More event information, including full details
of all competitions at www.sheepevent.org.uk
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