FOLLOWING a successful first running of its Next GENE-eration giveaway in 2021, the National Sheep Association (NSA) is once again offering the UK’s young sheep farmers chance to progress their flocks with a competition to win top class genetics.

As with previous giveaways, this gives young sheep enthusiasts aged 18 to 35 the opportunity to win one of five MV accredited, performance recorded Romney rams, kindly provided by Rob and Jo Hodgkins, of Kaiapoi Romneys, through the Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust. But new for 2023, NSA is also teaming up with the Dutch Spotted Sheep Society to giveaway five ram vouchers, each to the value of £750, to be redeemed at an official Dutch Spotted Sheep Society sale in 2023.

NSA communications manager, Katie James, who is co-ordinating the giveaway, said: “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, for the Dutch Spotted Sheep Society, added: “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.”

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The giveaway is just one element of the programme that encourages and supports the sheep farmers and service providers of the future. The programme is inviting applications from enthusiastic young sheep farmers in the UK who would like to be considered as a recipient of a Kaiapoi Romney ram or a Dutch Spotted ram voucher to apply and be considered by submitting a short video clip explaining the reasons for their application and an overview of why they believe they should be considered as a chosen recipient.

Applications opened on Monday, May 15 and will remain open until Monday, June 19. All applicants will be notified of whether they have made it to the next stage of the application process. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online selection interview during the week beginning Monday, July 17, 2023 via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, and the successful applicants informed within 48 hours.

For full entry guidance and terms and conditions of the giveaway visit https://go.nationalsheep.org.uk/GENE-eration.