Builth Wells woman wins prestigious John Gittins Memorial Award 2024 for Outstanding Contribution to Welsh Sheep Industry

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) proudly announces Mrs. Tracy Powell of Blaenbwch, Builth Wells, as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious John Gittins Memorial Award. This award celebrates individuals who have made an outstanding impact on the Welsh Sheep Industry through their commitment, innovation, and service.

Each year, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society invites nominations from its Advisory Committees across Wales, alongside the Welsh Mule Sheepbreeders Association, NSA Wales, NFU Cymru, FUW, and CLA. After an extensive review, the judging panel recognized Mrs. Powell’s tremendous contributions to Welsh sheep farming, selecting her from a strong field of candidates. She will be presented with a specially crafted Welsh Crystal piece, sponsored by the Welsh Mule Sheepbreeders Association, on Monday, November 25, 2024. Additionally, Mrs. Powell will contribute an article to the 2024 Society Journal, sharing insights from her experience.

With over 30 years of service to RWAS, Tracy Powell has played an instrumental role in elevating the profile of Welsh shearing on both national and international levels. Tracy began her career in the RWAS Livestock Department, where she rose to the position of Livestock Officer within five years. For the past 19 years Tracy has served as Programme Officer with her responsibilities including organizing shearing competitions, compiling data for the Society’s program and catalogue, and curating content for the annual RWAS Journal. Tracy’s tireless work ensures that the shearing competitions, among the largest events at the Royal Welsh Show, run seamlessly, benefiting competitors and audiences alike.

Tracy also collaborates closely with the Golden Shears World Council and the British Isles Shearing Competitions Association, ensuring Wales remains at the forefront of shearing on the global stage. She supports the Welsh Team’s participation in various international championships, including the Golden Shears World Championships, Six Nations, and Test matches across the UK, Ireland, and France.

Her contributions were spotlighted in 2010 when she helped RWAS host the Golden Shears, a major event that attracted competitors from over 30 countries. Tracy and her husband Rob have also hosted numerous record-breaking shearing events on their family farm, Blaenbwch, underscoring her commitment to fostering the next generation of Welsh shearers.

Judges’ Remarks

The judging panel, comprising Mr. Dafydd Parry Jones (RWAS), Mr. Richard Thomas (Welsh Mule Sheepbreeders Association), and Ms. Caryl Hughes (NSA Wales), noted Mrs. Powell's extraordinary dedication and positive impact on the industry. Her passion for promoting and advancing Welsh shearing and her encouragement of young talent and community involvement in the shearing scene were significant factors in their decision.

Tracy will be presented with her award during the upcoming Royal Welsh Winter Fair at the Showground, Llanelwedd on Monday 25^th November 2024



The 2024 Entrants

This year’s nominees also included leading figures from across Wales:

Brycheiniog /Brecknock

Mr Gwyn Davies, Caebetran Farm, Powys

Sir Gaerfyrddin / Carmarthenshire

Mr Adrian Davies, Glanbrydan Farm, Carmarthenshire

Ceredigion

Mr Gwyn Davies, Trefere Uchaf, Ceredigion

Clwyd a Swydd Gaer / Clwyd & Cheshire

Mr Martin Sivill, Plas Coch Farm, Denbighshire

Sir Forgannwg / Glamorgan

Mrs Katie-Rose Davies, Nantymoel Farm, Glamorgan

Sir Fynwy / Monmouthshire

Mr Aled Groucott, Swffryd Farm, Monmouthshire

Sir Drefaldwyn / Montgomeryshire

Mr Dylan Jones, Lluest Wen, Powys

Sir Benfro / Pembrokeshire

Mr T Russell Davies, Rhydymerydd, Pembrokeshire

NFU Cymru

Mr Robert Lewis FRAgS, Glan Elan, Powys

NSA Cymru/Wales

Mr Tim Ward, The Old Byre, Powys

Welsh Mule Sheep Breeders Association Ltd

Mrs Tracy Powell, Blaenbwch, Powys

RWAS congratulates all nominees for their dedication and thanks them for their contributions to the Welsh Sheep Industry.