SAYFC Sheepdog Trialists Win Big at NSA Scotsheep

12 Jun SAYFC Sheepdog Trialists Win Big at NSA Scotsheep

SAYFC’s National Sheepdog trial was held at NSA Scotsheep on Tuesday 9^th of June at Wedderlie Farm. 4 finalists from across Scotland competed on the day in elite and intermediate classes according to their trialling experience.

The elite title went to Lynn Ronaldson of Bower Young Farmers, replicating her win from the inaugural competition in 2024. Lynn ran with two dogs in the final, Jedd and Bob, taking both first and second place with some excellent runs on the day. She was delighted with the day’s result:

“I’m absolutely thrilled! The sheep were tricky but good! Jedd and Bob both worked brilliantly for me, but I kissed a gate with Bob due to pilot error.  Very proud moment and glad for the opportunity”

Third place in the elite competition went to Hayley Ryan of Biggar Young Farmers Club with her dog Mo.

In the intermediate class it was another flashback to 2024 as Ben McSporran of Peeblesshire JAC reclaimed the Intermediate title. Working with his bitch Dot, Ben had a successful day on the hill. And that success carried on as he also picked up the title in the NSA Next Generation Shepherd competition that very same day. He reflected on the day’s success:

“It was a really good day. It was a great honour to win both competitions. It’s lovely to take part up against some really good young competitors, in both the Young Farmers trial and the young shepherd comp. It was a brilliant set up put on by the Tilson family, fantastic venue. It made it very enjoyable to compete in.”

He also encouraged other Young Farmers to have a go at these competitions:

“It’s very interesting, for all that you were competing you learn a lot from it as well. It probably makes you look into things that you wouldn’t normally. All sheep related issues; different sorts of bacteria and viruses, flukes and worms. You look at the medical side and where they come from, instead of just what you do on a day-to-day basis with your sheep flock. It would be good to see both competitions supported stronger going forward. It would be nice if folk would have the confidence and go for it because, it’s not that big and scary and you do learn a lot.”

The competition was generously supported by Gilbertson & Page, ISDS and Harbro who also provided the prizes including top quality dog food, vouchers and memberships. The judge on the day keeping his expert eye over proceedings was Ian Fleming. SAYFC would like to thank the competition supporters and hosts for helping encourage our young triallists and championing this important agri-skill.