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Pulling out all the stops to achieve his goals
JANE BROWN spoke to one of the Young Shepherd of the Year finalists ahead of a competition that is always closely contested at the NSA event.
A passion for sheep farming has driven Josh Braid to achieve some impressive goals in his young life.
At just 21-years-old, he has graduated with a distinction from Hartpury College, been appointed head shepherd at a large estate, set up his own flock, and joined a contract shearing gang.
Now he is going head to head with around 20 other enthusiasts for the National Sheep Association’s coveted Young Shepherd of the Year title.
“My ambition is to get enough money to invest in a farm and build up a strong, healthy flock of my own,” he says.
“Sheep have always been a passion of mine. I picked up a lot from my dad and from working on a neighbouring farm, and asking a lot of questions.”
A keen member of the Pantrilas YFC, Josh was appointed chairman last year. “It helped me a lot with people management and confidence in public speaking, organising events, and costs and finances – and it helped to build up my contacts in agriculture.”
It was through his contacts Josh heard about a position as head shepherd at E.J. and J.M. Westoby’s Brooklands Farm in Skenfrith, Abergavenny. Rather than wait for the job to be advertised, he approached the Westobys and was taken on for a three-month trial. “I’ve been working there for 12 months now, and I really enjoy it.”
Busy
With 1,000 breeding ewes, 50 suckler cows, 240 hectares (600 acres) of arable and root crops, and a busy contracting business, there is plenty to do.
“When I’m not with the sheep I work on the contracting side, driving combines, silaging and so on.”
Not content with one full-time job, Josh also works with the Young Gunners Shearing Crew, shearing 55,000 sheep a year across Herefordshire, the Welsh Borders and the Cotswolds. “The great thing about contract shearing is meeting new people and business contacts, and getting new ideas from different farms.”
Josh has recently started to enter shearing competitions, and came second at the Three Counties Show in May.
“I’d like to go to New Zealand to study their sheep system and work on a sheep station to pick up new ideas and techniques to cut costs. I’m a great believer in grassland systems – I think we can make much better use of our grass.”
I’d love to go on more training courses. I’m a great believer that you can never stop learning
Josh Braid
In addition to his other work, Josh has set up his own flock of 200 ewes, renting 12 ha (30 acres) from his father and 28ha (70 acres) in the local area.
“It’s very difficult being spread about – I would much rather rent one farm in a block, but it’s very competitive and any farms that do come up get snapped up very quickly. I want to get myself into the position that when the opportunity does come up, I can take it.”
Taking part in, and possibly winning, the Young Shepherd of the Year competition is something Josh hopes will push him forward in the future. “It should be something that I can put forward to land agents and landowners to help rent more land.”
As part of the competition, which offers almost £2,000 in prize money, he will have to select lambs for slaughter, shear sheep, demonstrate handling, foot trimming, vaccinating and dosing techniques, and put an ATV through its paces. He will also be questioned on flock management and health issues.
Strongest
“I’m hoping I’ll do well in the shearing, but I’m probably strongest at all round management. Turning sheep into profit is what I’m trying to focus on.”
At Brooklands Farm, Josh keeps track of feed costs, and helps to choose sheep to buy into the flock. “I’m very impressed with the Texel cross Beltex tups - they are throwing very good lambs with the shape and conformation that the buyers want. I always talk to the graders and buyers at market to see what they want – the customer is always right.”
The first group of 500 ewes lamb at the end of January, with the rest in the third week in February. “We try and push the January lambs to catch the early market, and we finish the February lambs on grass.”
When he has any spare time, Josh plays in a tug of war team and trains up young sheepdogs. “I’ve always loved training sheepdogs – I have two of my own. There’s nothing better than having good sheepdogs around you.”
He is also keen to continue developing his skills. “I’d love to go on more training courses. I’m a great believer that you can never stop learning.”
So what does the future hold?
“There are definitely opportunities for young farmers – there is a good living to be made from sheep if you do it properly.
My favourite part of the job is drawing fat lambs and knowing you’ve done the job right. Within seven or eight years I’d like to have 1,000 ewes of my own.”
