Scotland’s young sheep enthusiasts are invited to take part in the NSA Scotsheep 2026 Next Generation Shepherd of the Year Competition with a total prize fund of £1,300 on offer. The competition will take place on Tuesday 9th June 2026, at Wedderlie Farm, Gordon, Berwickshire, TD3 6NW, kindly hosted by The Tilson Family and the NSA Scotsheep 2026 Organising Committee. Young people residing in Scotland, up to 26 years of age on 28th July 2026, are eligible to enter.

The overall winner will receive £300 and a trophy and will have the opportunity to represent Scotland at the UK finals held at NSA Sheep Event 2026 in Malvern on 30th July 2026, provided they remain under 26 on that date. The highest-placed competitor under 21 will also receive a £100 prize. The competition is generously sponsored by the Texel Sheep Society, with additional support from the International Sheep Dog Society and British Wool.

Texel Sheep Society Chief Executive John Yates says the Society is excited to sponsor the NSA Next Generation Young Shepherd’s Competition at Scotsheep 2026.

“The standard in these competitions continues to improve year on year, with exceptional young talent being showcased, demonstrating the high skill levels which exist in the Scottish sheep industry.

“The Society’s support of this competition is one of a number of activities the Texel Society undertakes to support the younger generation. The enthusiasm these young people have for sheep farming must be supported and nurtured to ensure we retain the best talent available within the UK sheep sector as the industry evolves in the coming years.”
Competitors will be required to complete five out of six tasks, including two compulsory elements: demonstrating husbandry skills, such as handling, vaccinating and dosing, and completing a health and flock management questionnaire.

Optional tasks include prime lamb selection, shearing two sheep (competitors must hold a British Wool Blue Seal Certificate), ATV handling on a set course, and sheepdog handling (competitors must bring their own dog). The competition will start at 1.00 pm on Tuesday 9th June 2026, with the prize-giving ceremony taking place during the main NSA Scotsheep 2026 event on Wednesday 10th June. Competitors will receive an entrance ticket to the event with their competitor pack.

Prizes for the overall competition include £300 and a trophy for first place, £200 for second, £100 for third, with additional prizes down to sixth place. The International Sheep Dog Society is supporting entrants competing in the sheepdog handling element, with prizes ranging from £200 for first place to £25 for seventh. British Wool is providing a £50 voucher for the highest-placed competitor in the shearing element towards a shearing and wool handling training course.

Entry to the competition is free, with a closing date for entries of Friday, 8th May 2026. A maximum of 20 competitors will be accepted, with places allocated based on information provided on the entry form. The judge’s decision is final. The highest-placed competitor will represent NSA Scottish Region at the UK finals in Malvern, with travel and accommodation costs covered.

For further details and entry forms, competitors should contact Julia Bell, NSA Scotsheep 2026 Event Organiser, at scotland@nationalsheep.org.uk or by phone on 07708 114380.