The Farmers Mart Jun-Jul 2019 - Issue 63 | Page 31

NSA NORTH SHEEP 31 • JUN/JUL 2019 Next Generation Shepherd Competition Winners Winners of the Best Breeder Stand: 1st – Wannops Farm Limited 2nd – Thornburrow and Sons 3rd – NC Marston Winners of the Best Breed Society Stand: 1st – Blackface Sheep Breeders Association 2nd – Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association 3rd – Swaledale Sheep Breeders Association Best Indoor Stand: 1st – Gisburn Auction Mart 2nd – l’Anson Bros 3rd – Hawes Auction Mart Best Outdoor Stand: 1st – Townson Tractors Ltd 2nd – Taylor ATV 3rd – Ellipse Fabrications Organised on behalf of the NSA Northern Region Committee, the ‘Next Generation Shepherd’ competition provided young shepherds and shepherdesses with the chance to portray their shepherding skills across five different areas and was kindly sponsored by Carrs Billington. Representing all counties within the Northern region, 15 entrants took part. This is a challenging competition and the feed- back from the judges was that “the calibre of entrants was exceptional and demonstrated that the industry has some very capable young shepherds”. This is, of course, some- thing which is obviously key to the long-term sustainability of the future of the industry. Winning the Ali Johnson Perpetual Tro- phy and achieving first place was Matthew Fearon from Keswick, second place went to Michael Hogg from Washington Tyne and Wear and third to Thomas Watson from County Durham. So, to conclude, Thomas, who encour- aged people to come to NSA North Sheep to look, listen and learn, this showcase sheep farming event demonstrated the strength of the industry: “When I first met the Frankland family, their aim was to make this the best North Sheep ever seen and seeing today the true size of this event and the number of people that attended is very much statement of the importance of this event to the industry. It was great to see so many farmers getting off their own farms to enjoy a day out, listen to the “crack” and see this fantastic farm. NSA North Sheep is a feel-good event and a happy, social occasion for the farm- ing industry. “I would like to reiterate a big thank you to those who made the day possible; the sponsors, committee and the volunteers.” Dalehead Veterinary Group | 01729 823538 Dugdale Nutrition Ltd | 01200 420200 Gisburn Auction Marts Ltd | 01200 445376