NATIONAL Sheep Association organisers have announced that applications are now open for the ‘Next Generation Shepherd Competition’, which will take place at Rathmell, Settle, in June.

Aspiring shepherds and shepherdesses will get the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in five key areas as part of the NSA’s North Sheep event, to be held at New Hall Farm.

Each entrant will be expected to carry out two compulsory tasks and a choice of three optional ones to win a cash prize.

NSA Northern regional manager Heather Stoney-Grayshon, who has organised the event, said: “The future of NSA lies with the younger generation and we know that there are so many across the north of England who have a considerable amount of talent. “The competition has been created to test the knowledge and skill of each candidate and to support our future sheep farmers.

“We are expecting an extremely exciting competition this year and there are some excellent prizes to be won.”

The 2017 winner was 25-year-old Rob Walker, who farms at Brennand Farm, Clitheroe. He said that taking the top prize was of great benefit to his career.

Rob explained: “I had won the competition two years prior, so to be able to win it again and go through to the national event was a major achievement for me.

“To receive recognition for your hard work is great, and this award is something that cannot be taken away from you. It is a fantastic accolade to have on your CV.”

Robert then went on to compete at Malvern and in Paris for the European competition: “I came second in Paris. The competition and the way they handle sheep is very different compared with the UK.

“When moving the sheep, they pick up their back legs and move them like a wheelbarrow - it is a totally different style of sheep farming.”

To be eligible competitors must be a maximum age of 26 on July 28 next year and must reside within the northern region - North and West Yorkshire, Cumbria, Northumberland, County Durham, Lancashire and the Isle of Man.

The winner of first prize prize will be given the Ali Johnson Perpetual Trophy plus a £300 cash prize and will be invited to represent the NSA Northern Region at the UK finals, held at Malvern in 2020. Entries are already open and have a closing date of Monday, May 6.

A maximum of 20 entries can be accepted, based on the quality of the entry form and the information supplied. Second place will receive £200, and third £100.