Youth can apply for 2014 World Shepherd Challenge
The American Sheep Industry Association’s (ASI) Young Entrepreneur Committee is spearheading the search for two candidates to represent the U.S. sheep industry at the 2nd World Ovinpiades competition in France on Sept. 28 – Oct. 4. Twenty countries have been invited to enter two participates in this two-day competition where contenders will challenge each other in multiple proficiency areas related to the sheep industry.
The World Challenge is open to college students between the ages of 19 and 23, inclusive. Some of the competencies that will be included in the challenge are:
Sheep breed recognition
Ewe sorting
Foot trimming
Body condition of ewes
Body condition score of lambs
Ewes manipulation
Quad efficiencies
Quad with a trailer competency
Sheep shearing
In addition to the competition, participants will have the opportunity to meet with other young shepherds from around the world, participate in farm visits, sporting activities and explore the region.
There are two parts to the application process:
Upload a short video selling yourself as a competitor for the competition as well as demonstrate the skills necessary to compete in the categories listed above.
Complete the application found on the home page of http://www.sheepusa.org.
ASI must receive the video and application by May 1. Participants and alternates will be notified by June 1. Two all-expenses-paid trips to the event in France representing the United States will be awarded to the top two finalists; spending money will be the responsibility of the contestant.
Contest questions can be directed to Burdell Johnson at bjohnson@fafrm.com or by calling 701-320-5687. Send applications to Judy Malone at judym@sheepusa.org
ASI, based in Englewood, Colorado, is a national trade organization supported by 46 state sheep associations, benefiting the interests of more than 79,500 sheep producers.
–ASI
