A Rhayader farmer and champion shearer is preparing to take on one of the toughest tests in the shearing world - right on his home turf.

Gethin Lewis, of Glan Elan Farm in Cwmdauddwr, will join forces with fellow Welsh shearer Llyr Evans in an attempt to break the British 8-hour two-stand ewe shearing record. The record attempt will take place on Saturday, July 12 at Glan Elan, and will raise money for the Welsh Air Ambulance and Brain Tumour Research.

After more than a year of preparation, the two men are hoping their combined speed and stamina will be enough to etch their names into British shearing history.

For Gethin, the challenge is not just about numbers but passion and pride in a craft that’s taken him across the world.

“Since being involved with Nick Greaves and Llyr Jones' 9-hour lamb record in 2022, it inspired me to want to attempt one myself,” he said.

“In 2023, we set out a Personal Best Day to see if I could shear 700 in 9 hours. I managed to shear 737, which motivated me further to try a record attempt with Llyr Evans, who shorn a tally of 734 in 2024.”

Gethin, who has lived all his life at Glan Elan, farms more than 1,000 breeding ewes and a 60-head suckler herd. He runs a busy shearing business in partnership with his friend Ryan and has sharpened his skills in Norway, New Zealand and across the UK. His shearing accolades include back-to-back wins as Champion Shearer of Wales in 2023 and 2024, as well as success on the Great Yorkshire Show circuit and Welsh Lamb Circuit.

“One of my biggest personal gains from being within the shearing industry is that I’ve met so many new people who all want to help one another,” he said. “I’m grateful to have made some lifelong friends and memories in various countries, all with shearing at the forefront.”

His teammate, Llyr Evans, from Aberystwyth, brings equal drive and international experience to the challenge. A seasoned shearer who has travelled widely - including six seasons in New Zealand and four in Norway - Llyr says the camaraderie and determination of the shearing world push him to go further.

“I always enjoy being surrounded by hard-working people, which makes me push myself a bit more to get to their level,” he said.

Both men have clocked up extraordinary tallies in the shed - including individual runs of over 730 sheep in nine hours - and have trained rigorously for the challenge ahead.

The record attempt begins at 7am and will be open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to come along and support.

When asked what his advice would be to up-and-coming shearers, Gethin said: "Work hard, get your gear and grinding correct from the start. Always ask for help and advice, as every day is a school day.

"Get out to New Zealand for a shearing season as soon as you can and really enjoy the learning process every season."