The National Sheep Association (NSA) is seeking a young female shepherd to represent the UK at the World Young Shepherds Challenge in France.

The female shepherd must be aged between 18 and 25 and be residing in Scotland.

The World Young Shepherds Challenge will take place between Friday, May 25, and Friday, June 1, 2024, in locations across France.

The deadline for applications is Monday, March 18.

The week of the World Young Shepherds Challenge will consist of competitions, activities and visits across France to research institutions, sheep farms and agricultural colleges.

All accommodation, food and transport costs within France will be covered by the competition organisers. NSA will cover the cost of flights to and from France.

The NSA said the challenge is an “amazing opportunity” to meet and network with likeminded shepherds from across the world, with 15 countries being invited to compete. 

The competition element will include:

  • A quiz – technical questions about nutrition, genetics etc;
  • Handling and diagnosis – catching a sheep, checking its health status and body condition scoring;
  • Lambs – weighing and fattening status;
  • Shearing;
  • Sorting sheep;
  • Hoof Trimming;
  • Moveable fencing – set up a net as quickly as possible.

Those submitting an application to the NSA will be asked to include contact details, reasons why they are keen to take part in the competition and a brief explanation of their experience with sheep and competition.

NSA SHEEP SHEPHERD