Four young UK shepherds to contest European finals
© Adobe Stock Four young sheep farmers from across the UK will represent their nations at the European Shepherd of the Year competition in Paris, following regional victories.
Selected by the National Sheep Association (NSA), the four competitors will face Europe’s leading young shepherds in a contest combining written examinations and practical challenges.
The competition on Saturday 21 February tests breed recognition, prime lamb selection and animal health expertise, requiring entrants to demonstrate a wide range of modern shepherding skills.
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Each participant secured their place in Paris by winning their respective regional heat.
Tom Garlick (centre) is representing England © NSA
Representing England is Tom Garlick, the reigning NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year Champion.
Based in Hereford, he farms alongside his parents and is a member of the NSA Next Generation Ambassadors programme.
Evan Turner (centre) won the NSA Welsh Sheep event © NSA
Wales will be represented by Evan Turner, who turns 18 this month and is the youngest competitor in the line-up.
He qualified after winning at the NSA Welsh Sheep event, held last May.
Kiera Smith (left) won the NSA Highland Sheep event
From Scotland, Kiera Smith, from Aberdeenshire, earned her place after winning at the NSA Highland Sheep event.
Jack Maxwell (right) won the NSA Sheep event in Northern Ireland © NSA
Northern Ireland’s Jack Maxwell completes the team, having secured victory at the NSA Sheep NI event.
Golden opportunity
NSA technical communications officer Anna Wilson will accompany the group.
She said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a fantastic experience for these young sheep farmers.
“They have already demonstrated their excellent shepherding skills and can now look forward to competing with the best young shepherds in Europe.
“NSA is immensely proud of their achievements and is thrilled to be able to support them throughout the trip.”
