HUNDREDS of visitors descended on Coleg Cambria Llysfasi for an event showcasing the best of farming, food production and agriculture in North Wales.

Activities including a farmers’ market, sheep shearing competition and LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) Open Farm Day attracted crowds and competitors from across the region.

There were also forestry chainsaw demonstrations, rural arts and crafts, sheep dog trials, tractor rides, a digger challenge and more.

Head of Llysfasi Iain Clarke thanked everyone who attended and said: “Despite the weather in the run up to the weekend we had a dry day with more than 500 visitors learning about food production and farming.

“It is encouraging to see that families are keen to learn about agriculture and land-based industries, and holding the LEAF Open Farm event on the Saturday meant they could see the world class shearing taking place.”

Industry bodies including British Wool, HCC, RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) and the Farming Community Network were also in attendance, as well as food producers from the local area.

“As a college it is highly important to continue to host these events to showcase our campus and relay the positive image of UK farming and the hard work that goes into producing our food,” added Iain.

The Llysfasi Shears competition was one of the highlights of the day and featured qualifying for the Welsh Open Circuit. Among the categories were Novice Blade Shearing, British Wool Junior, and the Heiniger Open.

The winners were: 

Heiniger Open: Richard Jones

Senior: Gwidion Davies

Intermediate: Jac Davies

Junior: Sam Lloyd Jones

Blade Open: Elfed Jackson

Wool handling Open: Aled Jones

Blade Test Wales vs England: Wales, represented by Richard Till and Robin Jones

Farm manager Dewi Jones said the “world class” levels of skill on display led to a top-quality contest.

“Despite the weather we had an excellent shearing event again this year,” said Dewi.

“Many thanks and well done to all who were involved in making Llysfasi Shears a success. We are proud to be hosts to one of the many events that are held across the UK during the summer season.”

For more on Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, visit the website:  www.cambria.ac.uk/llysfasi/