Even the Finest Sheep Benefit from a Makeover
2011-09-07

A chance to see some of Wales’s finest sheep ahead of the NSA Wales & Border Ram Sales was afforded to Fellows and Associates of the Royal Agricultural Societies during their annual field day.

Geraint Davies with father Brian

The CARAS Wales open day and meeting was held at Dan yr Eglwys, Garthbrengy, Brecon, farmed by Brian Davies and his son Geraint. They are both renowned sheep producers and run 160 pedigree breeding ewes consisting of Charollais, Texels, Clun Forest, Ryelands, as well as a Beltex flock breeding rams purely for the commercial market and 240 commercial ewes.

Brian is an acknowledged showman and judge throughout the UK and beyond. He is one of the organisers of the NSA Wales and Border Ram Sales and sells at both the early sale and the main sale, to be held at the Royal Welsh Showground on Monday, September 19.

Geraint was the winner of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s 2010 Dr Emrys Evans Award, given annually to a person who has made an exceptional contribution to rural skills. He has built up a thriving business trimming and preparing hundreds of sheep for shows and sales – effectively giving them a makeover.

He says: "It’s become a job that now takes up about twelve months of the year. It has built up through word of mouth and is a skill I picked up by watching my father and my grandfather at work.

"It’s something the older generation do naturally and it’s important to encourage the younger generation. You want the sheep to look their best because the better you present them, the more they are worth."

Brian and Geraint are the fourth and fifth generation to farm at Dan yr Eglwys. It extends to 180 acres, lies between 800 and 1100 feet above sea level on red sandstone soil and also carries a 45 cow suckler herd.

Lleyn Sheep From Orkney to Builth Wells
Lleyn Rams Sell to 10,400gns at Ruthin
Countryfile Cameras to Roll at World Sheep Dog Trials