Tracy recognised for outstanding contribution to Welsh sheep industry

Tracy Powell from Builth Wells has won the John Gittins Memorial Award for her outstanding contribution to the Welsh sheep industry.

With over 30 years of service to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS), Tracy has been instrumental in elevating the profile of Welsh shearing at both national and international levels.

She 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, she has served as programme officer with responsibilities for organising shearing competitions, compiling data for the society’s programme 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.

She 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 the 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.

The judges noted Tracy’s extraordinary dedication and positive impact on the industry as well as her passion for promoting and advancing Welsh shearing and encouraging young talent and community involvement.

She will be presented with a Welsh Crystal award, sponsored by the Welsh Mule Sheep Breeders Association, on Monday, November 25 and contribute an article to the 2024 RWAS Journal, sharing insights from her experience.

 The RWAS invites nominations for the award annually from its advisory committees across Wales, the Welsh Mule Sheep Breeders Association, NSA Wales, NFU Cymru, FUW and CLA.