The Brecknockshire Agricultural Society is marking its 250th anniversary by commissioning a ground breaking report into the Future of Upland Farming in Wales. It's the oldest agricultural society in the UK and is continuing a tradition of support and inspired leadership begun in 1755.

It has been prepared by University of Wales, Aberystwyth's, Peter Midmore, Professor of Applied Economics, and Richard Moore Colyer, Professor of Agrarian History. Their findings will be launched at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, on Thursday 27 October.

The study Cherished Heartland charts the prospects for upland farming up to 2020. The aim is to present politicians and opinion formers with a series of options for long term maintenance of the Uplands. The Society wants to spark a continuing debate on the fundamental issues raised in the report.

Professor Midmore will present the study on 27 October. It builds on known trends and discusses a number of scenarios for the future of upland hill farming in Wales. He has warned that there may be a need for a more wide-ranging debate and that will begin at the launch with a discussion by a panel chaired by Glyn Mathias and including Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Presiding Officer National Assembly for Wales and a cross section of other interested stakeholders.

The President of the Brecknockshire Agricultural Society, William Legge-Bourke will welcome guests at 7pm. The press are invited to apply to Janet Vaughan on 01568708760, m 0797758615 or email vaughan.farms@farmersweekly.net for tickets.