Young Shepherd competition
NSA SheepNI gives young shepherds and shearers the opportunity to compete for the £500 prize money.
Have the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland and take part in the UK Finals 2026 along with other international competitions.
Open to entries from young shepherds aged 25 years and under
Prizes:
1st - £250 2nd - £150 3rd - £50
Plus a prize of £50 for the highest placed aged 19 years and under.
First & Second place will be sponsored by The Texel society, having expenses paid to compete in NSA Young Shepherd 2026 Competition in Malvern, England, for substantial prize money.
RULES OF COMPETITION:
- Maximum age of 25 on 1.7.25
- Entry is free
- The judges decision is final
- The competition will start at 9.30 am, report to NSA Stand at 9.25 am
- The prize giving will take place at 2.00 pm at the NSA Stand
Format of competition:
Carry out your choice of 5 of the 6 tasks listed below:
- Select lambs for slaughter
- Shear two/three sheep (must have completed a Shearing Course)
- Give examples of correct foot care techniques / handling, vaccinating & dosing (e.g. work out correct weight of ewes for dosage of wormer and correct examples of injection sites)
- Answer questions on flock management and health issues
- ATV Handling
- Body Condition Score ewes
