Farmer Focus: Shearing competition shows community spirit
Joe Mault © Richard Stanton Following a busy weekend at the annual Cneifio Llysfasi shearing competition, I’m still praying for a deluge of rain.
Although we had some heavy showers with some thunder and lightning during the event, the ground is still terribly dry.
Crops are starting to show signs of stress, and, of course, with our south-facing grazing ground already burning off, grass is becoming precious.
See also: Welshman sets new British sheep-shearing record
About the author
It’s difficult to deny the effects of climate change. It can now be seen affecting our business.
Some, who are still in the denial stage, say that this is “just summer”, but the shifting rainfall patterns and longer dry spells are key indicators of the issues that lie ahead for our traditional farming practices.
During the college shearing competition, what struck me was how many people are involved in our community.
We had more than 120 competitors from across the world and a few hundred locals attending the night’s entertainment.
The competition was sponsored by local and national businesses, all with an interest in the thriving local community. I would like to thank all sponsors for their support again this year.
Much has been made of farmers spending money and keeping the rural economy and local businesses going.
However, what I found rewarding from our event at Llysfasi was the rural community – old and young faces, laughing and joking together – celebrating our industry.
It’s so interesting to listen to the gossip about who is selling what and who overpaid for what. I love it and sometimes I have been accused of talking too much!
During the machine-shearing open final, the atmosphere was as electric as the lightning outside the shed. I took a moment to take it all in.
Looking across the crowd, you could see the passion, excitement and support, not only for the world-class shearers, but their community as well.
The event was also raising money for a local primary school and the DPJ Foundation, which is a Welsh charity supporting those in agriculture and rural communities with mental health problems.
With the change in everything that is getting thrown at us, including climate change, it is important that we look after each other and play to our strengths of being a tight-knit community.