At the heart of our Powys communities is agriculture. It shapes our landscapes and sustains the livelihoods of farming families and many others who support the farming community. And at this time of year, with new season lambs appearing in the fields from Ystradfellte to Llanfyllin, the old joke about our county containing more sheep than people is truer than ever.

Any Powys High Sheriff is going to get involved in agriculture, and I have enjoyed the summer shows and other events I have attended in my year of office. Most recently, I have been to YFC pantomime heats in Newtown and Llandrindod, and that has been a forcible reminder of what a positive influence the YFC is in our communities. It has also made me realise that some beefy young farmers make perfect pantomime dames!

For Brecknock farmers there is a big year ahead preparing for Brecknock being the feature county at the 2026 Royal Welsh Show. On 23 February, over 300 of us gathered at the showground for a lunch and entertainment to launch the year and to celebrate its President-elect, Gethin Havard of Sennybridge, and the Lady Ambassador, Teleri-Haf Thomas. It’s going to be an exciting year, and one we should all support.

Farming is not an easy life. Economically it can be hard. Physically it is hard. And mentally it can take its toll as well. At the Royal Welsh in the summer, I attended the launch of a project run by the Samaritans that works to prevent suicide among farmers – an area where the DPJ Foundation and Tir Dewi also do admirable work. And I know that the Powys domestic abuse charities that I have supported this year do a lot to support farming families, too.

I hope to work further with our splendid farming community during my last seven weeks in office. You can contact me on [email protected]