NSA North Sheep Young Shepherd of the Year 2009
Kindly sponsored by Carrs Billington Agriculture
Supported by Farmers Guardian
North Yorkshire-based Anthony Garth, is the NSA North Sheep Young Shepherd of the Year. Anthony collected £300 for the Carrs Billington Agriculture-sponsored award, together with the prestigious Ali Johnson Perpetual Trophy at NSA North Sheep 2009 after completing a pentathlon of activities designed to test the youngsters' shepherding skills.
Each of the eight entrants from throughout the five northern counties, were required to sort finished lambs for slaughter, judge breeding sheep, demonstrate handling, vaccinating and dosing techniques and shearing skills. They were also questioned on flock management and health issues
Twenty-one-year old Anthony, who hails from Hudswell, Richmond, where his parents David and Sheila farm a 400-ewe flock, is currently studying for an Advanced National Certificate in Agriculture Sheep Management at Kirkley Hall, Northumberland College.
"I'm really pleased, it's the first major award I've taken, however I came determined to win," he said. "After completing my course, I plan to return to Bishop Burton College as a stockman before travelling to New Zealand to gain further shepherding experience and eventually returning to establish my own flock to produce finished lamb."
In second place was Edwin Johnston, of Riding Mill, who is also studying Advanced National Certificate in Agriculture Sheep Management at Kirkley Hall.
NSA North Sheep chairman John Geldard said: "NSA Northern region was very pleased to launch this new initiative and for Kenneth and Sheila Johnson to present the trophy in memory of their son Ali, a former NSA Northern region and event committee member and Kirkley Hall student. While we are acutely aware of the sector's difficulties during the last decade, we firmly believe the scenario is fast changing and holds a bright future for young people who will be required to produce food for our fast expanding global population.
"Consequently, it's one of our biggest long term challenges to encourage these youngsters, ensure they have the necessary skills and give them recognition."
"We were very impressed by the overall high calibre of the entrants, and we were also grateful to our sponsors, Carrs Billington for their recognition of the importance of these youngsters to the sheep industry."
Anthony will represent the NSA Northern Region in the NSA Shepherd of the Year finals to be staged at NSA Sheep 2010, at Malvern. Our picture shows him with (centre) John Geldard, sponsor Carrs Billington’s Chris Chomse and Emma Penny, editor of awards partner Farmers Guardian.
Full results: 1, Anthony Garth, Richmond; 2, Edwin Johnston, Riding Mill; 3, Chris Cornthwaite, Clitheroe; 4, James Tatham, Burnley; 5, James Bailey, Leyburn.
Supported by Farmers Guardian
North Yorkshire-based Anthony Garth, is the NSA North Sheep Young Shepherd of the Year. Anthony collected £300 for the Carrs Billington Agriculture-sponsored award, together with the prestigious Ali Johnson Perpetual Trophy at NSA North Sheep 2009 after completing a pentathlon of activities designed to test the youngsters' shepherding skills.
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Twenty-one-year old Anthony, who hails from Hudswell, Richmond, where his parents David and Sheila farm a 400-ewe flock, is currently studying for an Advanced National Certificate in Agriculture Sheep Management at Kirkley Hall, Northumberland College.
"I'm really pleased, it's the first major award I've taken, however I came determined to win," he said. "After completing my course, I plan to return to Bishop Burton College as a stockman before travelling to New Zealand to gain further shepherding experience and eventually returning to establish my own flock to produce finished lamb."
In second place was Edwin Johnston, of Riding Mill, who is also studying Advanced National Certificate in Agriculture Sheep Management at Kirkley Hall.
NSA North Sheep chairman John Geldard said: "NSA Northern region was very pleased to launch this new initiative and for Kenneth and Sheila Johnson to present the trophy in memory of their son Ali, a former NSA Northern region and event committee member and Kirkley Hall student. While we are acutely aware of the sector's difficulties during the last decade, we firmly believe the scenario is fast changing and holds a bright future for young people who will be required to produce food for our fast expanding global population.
"Consequently, it's one of our biggest long term challenges to encourage these youngsters, ensure they have the necessary skills and give them recognition."
"We were very impressed by the overall high calibre of the entrants, and we were also grateful to our sponsors, Carrs Billington for their recognition of the importance of these youngsters to the sheep industry."
Anthony will represent the NSA Northern Region in the NSA Shepherd of the Year finals to be staged at NSA Sheep 2010, at Malvern. Our picture shows him with (centre) John Geldard, sponsor Carrs Billington’s Chris Chomse and Emma Penny, editor of awards partner Farmers Guardian.
Full results: 1, Anthony Garth, Richmond; 2, Edwin Johnston, Riding Mill; 3, Chris Cornthwaite, Clitheroe; 4, James Tatham, Burnley; 5, James Bailey, Leyburn.
