NSA Welsh Sheep 2011 was a fantastic success and attracted more than 6,500 farmers and their families.

Opening the event, there was a call to put farming first in terms of the environment and regulation from the industry’s elder statesman, Sir Meuric Rees, who warned that farming must never come second to conservation.

The NSA Welsh Sheep Young Shepherd of the Year produced two under-25s who will be sponsored to represent Wales at the World Finals in New Zealand in November.

Twenty-four-year-old Dafydd Roberts of Cerrigydrudion, who came first and won £275, and Llion Jones, aged 21, of Llanrwst who came second and won a £200 prize, have both qualified and will be sponsored by NSA Cymru, the NSA Wales & Border Ram Sales, the British Wool Marketing Board and New Zealand’s Wairere breeder Derek Daniel.

Bryn Griffiths of Y Felinhelli, who was also placed in the Young Shepherd competition, won the HCC carcass competition. He was the only one of 95 entrants to correctly grade and place four carcasses.

Rhian Jones, of Llandyssul, won the fleece competition, correctly choosing the right breed for each of six fleeces.

NSA Cymru Chairman John Lloyd Jones said Welsh Sheep 2011 had been probably the best ever such event.

There was a record attendance. with the wet start giving way to a clear sunny afternoon.

Hosts Dafydd and John Parry Jones, their parents Edryd and Gwenan and the rest of the family provided a superb location and the current buoyancy of the sheep sector meant flockmasters were in good spirits.

For news on NSA Welsh Sheep 2013, please check back with us soon!