Welsh Mule Sheep Breeders Association former Secretary wins prestigious John Gittins Memorial Award

One of the most prestigious prizes in Welsh agriculture, the John Gittins Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to the Welsh sheep industry, has been won this year by Mr Moss Jones, of Llandre, Aberystwyth.

Mr Jones has dedicated his life to both the Welsh sheep and beef industry through his work with the various agricultural organisation societies and numerous sheep associations, particularly the Welsh Mule Sheep Breeders Association. Mr Jones served as the company secretary for over thirty years and has provided a sound and strong platform for the association moving forward. He also managed the Farm Assured Welsh Livestock scheme (FAWL) from 1998, working with colleagues at Welsh Lamb & Beef Producers Ltd in Aberystwyth. Mr Jones is widely known and respected throughout the UK for his tireless work, knowledge, and contribution to the industry.

Born and raised in Pen Llŷn, Mr Jones began his young working life on the milk round with South Caernarfon Creameries. Over the years Mr Jones maintained his close relationship with Caernarfon Creameries and through his support of them became their President. A position he is extremely proud of.

Recently, Mr Jones has worked with organisations and colleagues to improve IT farm management systems and to establish a process to measure the use of antibiotics by Welsh sheep and cattle farms. The system provides data on antibiotic usage at farm level or a range of farm types and locations as well as on an all-Wales basis.

The Welsh Mule Sheep Breeders Association nominated Mr Moss Jones for the John Gittins Memorial Award for 2023.

Mr Dafydd Parry Jones, representing the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, Mr Richard Thomas, from the Welsh Mule Sheep Breeders Association and Ms Kate Hovers, from the National Sheep Association Wales made up the panel of judges for the award.

The judges stated that the quality of all twelve candidates was once again outstanding.  After interviewing a shortlist of four impressive candidates, the judges agreed that the 2023 John Gittins Memorial Award should be awarded to Mr Moss Jones in recognition of his lifetime contribution to the Welsh Sheep Industry.

Mr Jones will be presented with the award at the opening ceremony of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair on Monday 27th November.

For more information about the Winter Fair, or to purchase tickets please visit the RWAS website.