Young British shepherds shine in Paris contest

Four young British sheep farmers – one from each region – competed in the European Shepherd of the Year final in Paris on Sunday (22 February), showcasing their outstanding technical knowledge and stockmanship.

The competitors, supported by the National Sheep Association (NSA), took part in the Ovinpiades final during the renowned Salon International de l’Agriculture (Sial).

More than 50 young shepherds from across Europe gathered for the one-day competition, which tested practical ability and technical understanding of modern sheep husbandry.

See also: From hobby sheep to retail success in Herefordshire

The competition was divided into two groups – one for French young shepherds and one for “other Europeans”.

Tasks included breed recognition, prime lamb selection, an electric fencing challenge, and a detailed written questionnaire.

Entrants were also required to demonstrate livestock handling skills, commercial awareness and knowledge of European market requirements.

First and second

Tom Garlick, from Herefordshire, triumphed overall in the non-French side of the competition.

He completed each element with a five-point lead over Wales’s Evan Turner, who was placed second.

Mr Turner had turned 18 the day before the event and was among the youngest competitors.

Judges noted his commercial awareness during the prime lamb selection task, particularly his understanding of market specifications and finishing requirements.

Scotland’s Kiera Smith was placed fourth, narrowly missing out on a podium position behind Belgium’s Eleane Ysebaert.

Ms Smith achieved one of the highest scores in the written questionnaire, reflecting detailed knowledge of sheep production systems and European market demands.

Northern Ireland’s Jack Maxwell secured fifth place overall, demonstrating great resilience when things “didn’t quite go to plan” – an essential attribute for sheep farmers.

Achievements

NSA technical communications officer Anna Wilson, who accompanied the team, said: “I am immensely proud of their achievements at this competition.

“The language barrier and differences in animal husbandry could have been overwhelming for many.

“But all our competitors handled the situation beautifully and demonstrated their knowledge of European markets when asked questions about finishing lambs.

“The comments received from judges about their stockmanship, animal handling and industry knowledge was a pleasure to hear.”

The NSA said the team will reunite in July at the Three Counties Showground in Worcestershire for the NSA Sheep Event.

They will compete for the national NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year title.