Farming has been a way of life in the Tywi Valley for centuries – but what does the future fhold?

A forum to discuss farming in a changing climate will take place during next month’s Llandovery Sheep Festival. Panellists and guests will discuss the range of issues affecting farming as a result of climate change.

The festival will take place on 14 and 15 September and the forum will be in the Castle Hotel from 11am on Sunday, 15 September. Everyone is welcome to attend to hear the panellists speak, and to take part in the debate themselves.

Alan New, a member of the Llandovery Climate Action Group, who is organising the event said: “All around the world people have been experiencing the impact of climate change through unusual, sometimes extreme, weather events.

"We have seen temperature records broken, huge forest fires, violent storms and flooding. And this is just a taste of what’s to come, we are told.

“Here in Wales we won’t be immune to these effects either. We have previously seen wildfires, record temperatures and flooding events. We’ve just come through a wetter and milder winter and spring than normal, and a grey, wet summer.

"We can already see that our weather is becoming less predictable and more difficult to manage for food production. So what can we do about it, here in Llandovery?”

Alan has brought together a panel of experts from a wide range of backgrounds, involved in innovative work to cope with the challenges of our changing climate and make our farming and environmental practices more sustainable and resilient.

He believes sharing everyone’s knowledge and experience freely between farmers, scientists and academics, environmentalists and concerned amateurs, gives us the best chance of figuring out how to farm in a changing climate.

The event will be chaired by Ian Rickman, President of the Farmers' Union of Wales.

The festival will be a celebration of rural crafts, food and entertainment, held in the town centre. The weekend-long event will also celebrate old drovers’ trails, sheep farming and the wool industry.

Rachel Everett, festival chairman, said: “Events such as this are important to the agricultural community, not only in terms of bringing people together, but also in terms of showcasing the best of local produce, goods and services. This year’s packed programme will certainly not disappoint and will have something for everyone.”

The town’s Market Square and Castle car park will be a kaleidoscope of colour during the event with almost 100 exhibitors displaying their wares from textiles, arts and crafts to locally produced food and drink. The streets of Llandovery will also be packed with entertainment and music.