The National Sheep Association (NSA) is offering UK young sheep farmers the chance to “progress their flocks” with another opportunity to win top class genetics.
The trade association for UK sheep farmers said it is launching the competition again following a “successful first running” of its Next GENE-eration giveaway in 2021. The closing date for applications is 5.00pm on Monday, June 19, 2023.
The NSA Next GENE-eration competition offers young sheep farmers aged 18 to 35 the opportunity to win one of five MV accredited, performance recorded Romney rams.
As well as the Romney rams, the NSA initiative will now also offer five ram vouchers to the value of £750 after teaming up with the Dutch Spotted Sheep Society.
The vouchers are a new edition to the 2023 competition, and can be redeemed at an official Ditch Spotted Sheep Society sale in 2023.
NSA communications manager Katie James said: “The NSA Next GENE-eration giveaway was a very welcome new addition to the Next Generation programme when introduced in 2021 so we are really pleased to be offering young sheep farmers such a great opportunity again this year.
“The addition of the Dutch Spotted ram vouchers to the giveaway will mean even more young shepherds will be able to benefit from this initiative.
“The two breeds will offer sheep farmers from contrasting systems the opportunity to benefit from top class genetics that will help them progress their systems.”
Edward Adamson of the Dutch Spotted Sheep Society said: “As a relatively new breed in the UK the Dutch Spotted Sheep Society understands the difficulties of getting started and is pleased to take this opportunity to help some enthusiastic young sheep farmers establish their businesses and realise the qualities of the Dutch Spotted breed.”
Giveaway applications
The NSA Next Generation programme is now accepting from young sheep farmers who want to be considered as a recipient of a Kaiapoi Romney ram or a Dutch Spotted ram voucher before the closing deadline.
To apply, applicants are required to submit a short video clips (no more than three minutes long) explaining the reasons for their application and an overview of why they believe they should be considered as a chosen recipient.
“This year we are encouraging applicants to simply take their phone from their pocket and send us a short video of themselves explaining why either a Romney or a Dutch Spotted ram will make a difference to their enterprise,” James explained.
“This easy method of application we hope will make the competition accessible to more young sheep farmers with an interest in these breeds.”
Successful recipients will be expected to feedback to NSA, Kaiapoi Romneys and the Dutch Spotted Sheep Society on the performance of the rams and their subsequent offspring.
They will also be asked to partake in associated press and publicity relating to the programme, NSA said.
