Teenager is top of the flocks in Paris
AFARMING teenager from Bala has been crowned Europe’s top young flockmaster after trouncing British and continental rivals.
Coleg Glynllifon student Dafydd Davies, 18, collected gold at the 2018 European Young Shepherd competition in Paris.
But according to Rhodri Manod Owen, manager of the college farm where he studies, Dafydd has not let success go to his head.
“He has been a bit of a celeb since returning to the UK, with radio and tv crews queuing up to speak to him,” said Rhodri.
“But Dafydd has his feet firmly on the ground and has taken it all in his stride.
“This is a young farmer who looks set to do well.”
Described as the European Olympics – or “Ovinpiades” – for young sheep farmers, the event was dominated by UK competitors.
England’s Robert Walker, 24, of Clitheroe, took second place, Northern Ireland’s Iain Wilson, 21, from County Antrim, was third and Scottish representative Farquahar Renwick, Rossshire, came sixth.
More than 700 students in France alone fought for the right to represent their country in Paris. Supported by the National Sheep Association (NSA) and AHDB Beef & Lamb, and sponsored by Randall Parker Foods, the competitors had to demonstrate both good sheep husbandry and industry knowledge.
When it comes to shepherding, Dafydd gets plenty of practice work- ing with the family’s 1,100 Welsh Mountain ewes at Penbryn Coch, Parc, Bala.
The hill farm also has 30 Welsh Black cows.
Dafydd has some dairy expertise, too – he provides relief milking once a week on the Llŷn Peninsula.
“It was a great experience to take part in the Ovinpiades in Paris – the competition was very challenging,” he said.
“I’m now looking forward to competing in the final of the NSA Next Generation Shepherds’ competition.”
This takes place at the NSA Sheep Event in Worcestershire in July.
Dafydd won through the regional section at the 2017 NSA Welsh Sheep event. NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said Dafydd and his UK teammates were a credit to the farming industry.
“It is heartening for the UK sheep sector to know we have such enthusiasm and skills coming through for the future,” he added.