SEVEN YOUNG shepherds from Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will travel to Paris this weekend to take part in the European Young Shepherd Competition.

Supported by the National Sheep Association and AHDB Beef and Lamb, and sponsored by JG Animal Health, the UK competitors will be required to demonstrate sheep husbandry and industry knowledge in quizzes and practical tests, including use of electronic identification, sheep movements and finished lamb assessments.

The Scottish competitors heading to France are Farquhar Renwick, 23, from Inverbroom in the Scottish Highlands, and William Gray, 23, from Ayrshire. Representing England will be Sarah Dunn, 22, from Gloucestershire and Samuel Hewett, 23, from Kent. From Wales, Tomos Glyn Davies, 19, from Denbighshire and Daniel Llyr Williams, 17, from Anglesey will compete having qualified at NSA Welsh Sheep last year; and travelling from Northern Ireland will be Matthew Robinson,19, from Ballycarry in County Antrim, who qualified at NSA Sheep Northern Ireland in July 2019.

Scotland's Mr Renwick is a return competitor, having represented the UK two years ago also. He said: “Following being in Paris two years ago and running for Scotland in the young handlers section at the International Sheepdog Trials last year in Ireland, I was thrilled to take the opportunity to represent my country again. I’m looking forward to meeting new people in Paris and getting to see how people farm elsewhere. I’m sure everyone will be coming home inspired and with fresh ideas."

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “All at NSA wish our enthusiastic and talented young shepherds the very best of luck in Paris. The NSA Next Generation programme is all about encouraging individuals such as these, and we are proud of the opportunity NSA Next Generation Shepherds’ Competitions offer at a regional, national, European and international level.”

In addition to competing at Paris, most of the finalists will also compete at the NSA Sheep Event on July 28 at the Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire, vying for the title of NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year.