The future of two notable ram sales brings caution to the Welsh Government following the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

The Wales and Border ram sales, organised by the NSA for the last 45 years, is held in mid Wales and currently provides in excess of £2m in turnover and the opportunity of 200 part time jobs to locals.

The industry body NSA is now raising concerns about the future anticipated plans for Welsh agriculture, underlining the potential to lead to a ‘catastrophic’ impact on the sector.

With pinpointed concern over government plans to reduce livestock numbers in Wales by 122,000 throughout the next five years.

NSA Wales and Border executive director Jane Smith underlined: “This will hit not just farmers, but allied industries too and could lead to the demise of Welsh farming as we know it.”

Vendors from across the UK and further afield, annually flock to the sale to purchase quality, veterinary checked rams with ease of access to Welsh purchasers.

In turn, this helps Welsh farmers retain the protected geographical indication (PGI) status of their meat produce.

Jane explained how the Welsh meat sector is worth £1.4b and how it is fundamental to rural Wales’ economy, culture, and landscape.

She continues: “The NSA Wales and Border ram sales play an important role in contributing to the business of several local auctioneers.

“Last year’s main sale at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells had a £2,050,929 turnover, while August’s early sale had a turnover of £104,786.”

Highlighting the significance of the sales the Princess Royal attended in 2018 during the 40th anniversary, the Queen Mother supported the sale also from 1981 till the mid 1990’s.