A POWYS shepherd has been named NFU Cymru's Livestock Champion of the Year.

Ernie Richards, from near Clyro was named NFU Cymru/NFU Mutual Welsh Livestock Champion of the Year Award 2022 at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

Despite not being from a farming background, Ernie’s passion for the agricultural industry began at a young age where he spent weekends and school holidays at his grandparent’s smallholding in Hereford.

After leaving school, Ernie worked on various mixed farms as well as attending Holme Lacy Agricultural College before undertaking a four-year degree in Agriculture and Animal Science at Aberystwyth University.

During his placement year, Ernie worked on a large mixed farm near Kendal, Cumbria as well as spending time on a large sheep farm in Ontario, Canada.

After graduating, he did a harvest season on a mixed farm in Herefordshire before spending time in New Zealand working on a beef and sheep station.

Ernie currently works as a shepherd for Stuart Morris and family on their sheep farm near Clyro.

He has managed the flock of 1,000 Pedigree Lleyn ewes for the past seven years.

Along with Stuart and his wife Helen, Ernie runs a pure flock sale annually selling up to 350 yearlings, both at the Lleyn society sales and off the farm.

Ernie also undertakes general farm tasks including livestock handling, farm maintenance and is taking on more of a role within the farm business.

Ernie lives on the farm with his girlfriend Anna and their young son Harry.

Presenting Ernie with the prize of £500, sponsored by NFU Mutual, and a Royal Welsh engraved crystal trophy, Chairman of NFU Cymru’s Livestock Board, Rob Lewis, said: “The role Ernie plays in the business is not one we come across very often. Seeing how he and Stuart work together is testament to both Stuart’s willingness to hand over responsibility and Ernie’s passion for farming, as well as his will to succeed.

"Ernie uses social media to sell sheep and embracing this has helped the business develop in recent years.

"As a young farmer he is always looking for ways to learn and to improve the way things are done on the farm, and hearing about his enthusiasm for farming, and the care and consideration he gives to all of the tasks he undertakes proves he is a worthy winner for this year’s Livestock Champion of the Year award.”

Mike Thomas, NFU Mutual Senior Agent and NFU Cymru Group Secretary, who was part of the judging panel, said: “It was clear to see the enthusiasm Ernie has for the agricultural industry as soon as we met with him."