Waving the flag of the USA at the Second World Young Shepherd Challenge will be Danielle Buskohl from Wyndmere, N.D., and Woody Babcock from Corvallis, Ore.

“Both contestants have great enthusiasm and a strong desire to represent their country to the best of their abilities,” says Burdell Johnson, chair of the American Sheep Industry Association’s (ASI) Young Entrepreneurs Committee. “Dani and Woody were selected from a slate of eight excellent applicants — each applicant possessed qualities that would have made him/her a good contender in the competition. Our job was to select the best of the best.”

Buskohl demonstrated a broad knowledge of the inner-workings of the industry through her application process. “Her knowledge of the sheep industry coupled by her ambition and competitive nature will make Dani an excellent contender at this competition,” references declared.

Babcock’s supporters stated in his video submission that “if I could bottle his enthusiasm and market it, I would be a wealthy woman. He’ll represent the United States very well. He has never met a stranger. He will be able to show the world what kind of work U.S. sheep producers can get done.”

The two-day competition will be held on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in France and is open to young shepherds between the ages of 18 and 25 years. Twenty countries have been invited to each send two young shepherds to participate in this event. The contest will include a pentathlon of activities designed to test shepherding skills including sorting sheep, handling and crutching techniques and shearing. They will also be quizzed on sheep breeds, flock management and health issues.

Contributions to support the participation of the United States in this competition are being solicited. Sponsors will be acknowledged in the Sheep Industry News as well as during the 2015 ASI Convention. Checks can be made out to “ASI – YE” and sent to ASI – YE, 9785 Maroon Circle, #360, Englewood, CO 80112.