Final winners of NSA and Rurtec giveaway 2025 thrilled with generous and practical prize
5th January 2026
The National Sheep Association (NSA) is pleased to share the final winners of the monthly giveaway, in partnership with Rurtec Ltd, held throughout 2025.
The monthly giveaway has offered sheep farmers the chance to win a Lanati Astron cordless handpiece kit, a practical tool designed to make shepherding tasks easier.
October’s winner, Martin Sheed, is a member of NSA, farming in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, and entered after seeing promotion for the giveaway on the NSA website.
November’s winner was Michelle Phillips, who was very excited to win, she says: “I was absolutely thrilled. I never win anything, so receiving such a generous prize from NSA and Rurtec felt incredible. It’s a huge boost for a small, unconventional shepherd like me.”
Michelle shares: “My love of sheep started three years ago when Farmer Tim began grazing his flock on my horse’s field. I slowly started working with them using my background in animal and human behaviour, and to my surprise more and more sheep chose to connect with me. Minty, our confident little “Fat Boy”, adopted us in 2023 and now I care for around 80 sheep. This year I raised my first orphan lamb, Myrtle, which has been the most fulfilling (animal) experience of my life.”
She now cares for over 80 sheep, she adds: “I’m probably the least farmerish shepherd the NSA has ever found, but I adore them all.”
Michelle is a new and active NSA member, “I’ve already learned so much about commercial sheep farming, breeds and wider industry insights. My desire to learn was the main reason I joined, and the membership has been invaluable.”
The final winner of the competition, Samantha Graham, farms in Dumfries and Galloway and was very grateful for the clippers. The final prize was drawn in December and will no doubt ease sheep farming tasks through 2026 and beyond.
