Highlights
Comprehensive range of seminars
Demonstrations
Sheep Breed Stands
Trade stands
Competitions
NEW - Farm Shop Awards
NSA, together with EBLEX, launched two new prestigious awards at the event, designed to test the skills of farm shop owners located throughout the UK selling lamb, together with those of their managers or butchers. More details here
NSA Young Shepherd of the Year Award
The NSA reflected its firm commitment towards encouraging all students and youngsters involved in practical sheep management activities by staging the NSA Young Shepherd of the Year Award.
Open to college students, YFC members and young people up to 26 years old, this initiative was designed to test their shepherding skills in a pentathlon of activities.
Each entrant was required to sort finished lambs for slaughter, demonstrate handling, vaccinating and dosing techniques, shear sheep and put an ATV through its paces. They were also questioned on flock management and health issues.
The Tornado Wire Fencer of the Year Award
This competition was designed for professional fencing contractors, pitting their skills against their fellow competitors and demonstrating the advantages of good quality fence erection. The two-man teams had three hours to erect 70 linear metres of Tornado High Tensile stock fence.
National Lamb Selection Competition
A competition to test stock-judging skills.
BWMB Fleece Competition
Another popular initiative, with sections for fine, medium, cross, lustre, hill, mountain and natural coloured fleeces.
Ready Steady Cook
Four Nations challenge styled on the popular TV series
Sheep Shearing Competition
Apart from offering competitors the opportunity to promote their skills and sheep handling excellence, less experienced shearers were able to learn from watching them and progress to higher levels.
This fast and furious spectacle provided farmers with the chance to catch up on the BWMB's requirements when it comes to fleece preparation, handling and wrapping.
Sale of Sheep Dogs
A sale of working sheep dogs was once again held.
The sale was conducted within the main ring on the Showground, offering the dogs and their handlers a great opportunity to show off their range of working abilities.
The sale was be conducted by Gareth Griffiths from Clee, Tompkinson and Francis.
Kelpie Demonstration
Given by Kevin Reeves, Lyndhurst Kelpies, and Tracy Huxtable, Devonairs Kelpies. Email lyndhurst@vetty.fsnet.co.uk