As part of NSA Highland Sheep Event 2025, the event organising committee is delighted to announce the NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year competition will return again, to take place on Tuesday 10th June 2025, at Midfearn Farm, Ardgay, Ross-shire, IV24 3DL.

The competition is open to young people residing in Scotland who will be aged between 18 and 26 on July 28th, 2026 (the date of the national competition finals).

With a total prize fund of £1,400, the winner will receive a £300 cash prize, a trophy, and the chance to represent NSA Scotland at the UK Finals taking place during NSA Sheep Event 2026 to be held in Malvern, Worcestershire, England, on July 28th, 2026, provided they are still under 26 at the time. The event promises to showcase the best young talent in the sheep farming industry and offers exciting prizes, including cash awards for the top six competitors.

The competition is sponsored by the Texel Sheep Society, with additional support from the International Sheep Dog Society, who are sponsoring the prize money in the sheepdog handling element of the competition. Competitors will also have the chance to win a £50 British Wool voucher for a shearing and wool handling training course.

Texel Sheep Society Chief Executive John Yates said the Society was delighted to, once again, support the NSA’s Next Generation Young Shepherd’s Competition at Highland Sheep: “Supporting these competitions is of significant importance to the Society, along with a number of activities the Society undertakes in support of the younger generation.

“The UK sheep sector has plenty of enthusiastic young entrants, but they need every opportunity available to them to succeed. Competitions like these, which encourage young people to excel, are vital for developing the next generation of talent in the industry.”

To enter, participants will need to demonstrate their skills in five of six tasks, which include:

• Prime lamb selection                                                   
• Shearing two sheep (British Wool Blue Seal Certificate required)                                                    
• ATV handling                                                   
• Sheepdog handling (bring your own dog)                                                   
• Demonstrating correct foot care technique
• Answering questions on flock management and health

The NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year competition will take place starting at 1pm on Tuesday 10th June 2025, with the prize-giving ceremony at 3.30pm on Wednesday 11th June as part of the NSA Highland Sheep 2025 event at Midfearn Farm. An entrance ticket to the event will be included in the competitor pack.

The competition is free to enter, but the closing date for entries is Friday 2nd May 2025. A maximum of 20 entries will be accepted, selected based on the information provided in the entry form.

For more information or to enter, please contact Euan Emslie, NSA Highland Sheep 2025 Event Organiser, via email at euanemslie053@gmail.com or mobile at 07902 540985.

This competition offers a unique opportunity for young people passionate about the sheep industry to gain recognition, develop their skills, and compete for prestigious prizes. We look forward to receiving your entry!