NSA Cymru Wales Chair John Lloyd farms at Cynghordy just north of Llandovery, where the land rises from 400 ft to 1300 ft above sea level. John is married to Lucy – a teacher in Builth Wells High School and they have two grown-up children who work away from home

He’s in optimistic mood as he looks forward to NSA Welsh Sheep 2011.

“I’m delighted to welcome you to the 2011 NSA Welsh Sheep Event, where I am sure you will glean plenty of information to help you make the most of the improved trading situation in the sheep industry. A day out in the Mid Wales hills is just what we deserve after a long, hard, winter, but hopefully a good lambing season. And visitors will draw inspiration from a venue that provides such a stunning example of well managed, sustainable farming.

Since the financial crisis of the autumn of 2008, lamb prices have maintained a much higher level than in the previous years. However while the low pound has been at least part of the reason for the increase in the lamb price, it has also meant a substantial increase in the price of inputs, particularly fertiliser and fuel.
So it is of great interest that this year’s event is on two adjacent organic holdings and that the grassland management is of such a high standard. We will all learn a great deal from walking the fields and taking the farm tour.

Crises come and go in the farming industry (remember bluetongue?), and the paperwork and legal requirements of cross-compliance and other regulations become ever more complex, so an event like this is important for us to stay in touch with all the latest developments. A year into the electronic tagging requirements, the full implications are yet to be understood and not least perhaps by those who have put the laws in place.

There is, however, much to be optimistic about. At long last politicians are beginning to use phrases such as ‘food security’.

We in Wales can contribute much to the food production of Europe. We produce high quality lamb and beef and a Countryside Council for Wales report has confirmed that Welsh livestock farms have a low, and in some cases, even a negative, carbon footprint.

We “tick” many of the boxes that are fashionable at the moment. Hybu Cig Cymru research has established that Welsh Lamb is the most recognised brand of lamb in the important London and South England area and so we can move into the future with a growing brand and a “low-carbon” product.

The scene is set then for a memorable Welsh Sheep Event at Maesllwyni and Maesterran. There will plenty to see and participate in: displays, sheep dog trials, seminars, trade exhibitions, cookery demonstrations and much else.

And if the weather is kind to us, the farm tour will be not only informative but blessed with spectacular views.”