With Robert Lewis, NFU Cymru Livestock Board Chairman

NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual are on the lookout to find a ‘Livestock Champion’ working in the agricultural industry in Wales.

Looking for its eighth winner, the Welsh Livestock Champion of the Year Award seeks to spotlight dedicated, committed and enthusiastic livestock people.

The award winner will receive a top prize of £500 and a Welsh Royal Crystal trophy.

As chairman of NFU Cymru’s Livestock Board, I am excited to be judging this award for the first time on behalf of NFU Cymru along with Mike Thomas, Builth Wells NFU Cymru/nfu Mutual group secretary who will be judging the award on behalf of NFU Mutual.

In Wales we have some of the best quality beef and sheep in the world, produced to the highest animal health and welfare standards. We want to recognise the key role an exceptional livestock person can make to a livestock farm, and to the Welsh livestock industry as a whole.

Potential winners will be judged on their management of the flock/herd, their animal health planning, breeding programme, their stock handling skills, how they incorporate health and safety into day-to-day activities on-farm and their vision for the future of the industry. This award aims to celebrate excellence among Welsh livestock producers.

Welsh farmers are amongst the best stockpeople in the world and this competition does a great job showcasing and celebrating their skills. In previous years the calibre of NFU Cymru/nfu Mutual Livestock Champion of the Year Award-winners has been exceptional and I’m sure this year will be no different. As judges, Mike and I are expecting a difficult task as we travel Wales judging those who’ve been nominated for this prestigious award before picking a worthy winner.

The closing date for entries is Friday, October 28, and the winner will be announced at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair at Llanelwedd on November 28.

For those interested in entering the award or putting a nomination forward for someone you know, please visit the NFU Cymru website or call the NFU Cymru office on 01982 554200.