A NEW event aimed at developing young stock workers’ essential skills is to be launched in April.

The National Young Show Stars Challenge will be held at Malvern Showground in Worcestershire on April 2 and will pit teams of competitors against each other to test their skills and knowledge.

Organising committee chairman Neil Lloyd said: “With beef, sheep, dairy and pig competitions for teams and individual competitions for young butchers and auctioneers, the event offers something for everyone in the livestock sector.

“The event has been designed to allow young people to showcase and further their skills and display their abilities in a range of skills and presentation techniques.

“Teams competing in the beef, sheep, dairy and pig competitions will be judged on their teamwork, stock judging, handling and presentation skills as well as their knowledge of the industry.”

Competitors in the young butcher and young auctioneer competitions will compete individually, with butchers having to showcase their skills cutting meat from three species, producing cuts for a family of four in three hours, as well as demonstrating their knowledge of the meat trade and recognition of appropriate health and safety.

Mr Lloyd said: “The young auctioneers will be tested on their valuation skills, ability to identify crops and knowledge of the industry. They will also be asked to prepare an essay on a subject given to them prior to the event.

“It is hoped the challenge will become an annual event and has been designed to encourage young people to become involved in key aspects of the industry and gain experience alongside their peers, with the opportunity to learn from leading individuals within the industry.”

Competitors in the beef and dairy sections must be between 14-24 years, while the sheep sections are open to those aged eight-24, with the pig section aimed at eight-18 year olds.

The butcher and auctioneer competitions are for those aged 18-24.

Both teams and individuals will be entered by a “team sponsor” and those competing will also be judged on their ability to market and promote themselves and their team sponsor, as space will be provided for promotional material.

“Already the event has attracted interest from potential exhibitors from across the UK and Ireland, so it is hoped we will have a large number of talented young people competing on the day,” added Mr Lloyd.

Prizes are yet to be confirmed across the board, but at present trips abroad are being organised for the winning teams, with significant cash prizes for individual competition winners.

Alongside the competitions, agricultural universities and colleges will be in attendance to promote courses and opportunities for those looking to further their academic knowledge, while trade stands are being invited to attend with a view to what they can offer graduates and middle year students.

Mr Lloyd said: “While the main focus of the event is on competition, the organisers are keen to promote a cross-section of industry interests for both competitors and visitors to the event.” Judges will be announced shortly, but entries are now being taken for the event and entry forms are available for download at nationalyoungstars.com. Anyone interested in sponsoring the event or booking a trade stand should contact Euan Emslie on 07718 908523.

Find the event on Facebook @ National Young Show Stars.