One of the most prestigious prizes in Welsh agriculture - the John Gittins Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to the Welsh sheep industry - has been awarded this year to a South Powys sheep farmer.

Kevin Parry and his wife, Delyth, farm at Llwynrhydill, Upper Chapel, near Brecon, where they run a successful sheep farm with grazing rights on the Epynt Ranges. Their flock includes Beulah Speckled Face ewes, alongside homebred Welsh Mules and Brecknock Hill Cheviots.

Outside of the farm gate, Kevin has dedicated a great deal of his time to supporting and promoting the wider Welsh sheep industry. He has served as chairperson of the Beulah Speckled Face Sheep Society, representing and championing the breed at numerous events, including NSA open days.

Kevin also served as Welsh Mule Society chairman for seven years, playing a key role in promoting the breed at NSA events, the Royal Welsh Show and across the UK.

One of his main responsibilities was to liaise with auctioneers in preparing the society’s annual sales at Welshpool, Builth Wells and Ruthin. Over the past 15 years, his respected role as a breed inspector at these sales has earned him a reputation as a fair and impartial mediator.

In addition, Kevin has been a member of the Farm Assurance Technical Advisory Committee for the past seven years, ensuring that the farmer’s voice is represented in governance discussions and policy decisions.

His passion for sheep breeding is evident through the many positions he has held across societies and committees, supporting both the farming community and the promotion of native breeds.

His expertise has also been widely recognised through his regular involvement as a judge and steward at local agricultural shows, as well as at the Royal Welsh.

The judging panel for this year’s award comprised Dafydd Parry Jones, Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, Richard Thomas, Welsh Mule Sheep Breeders Association and Caryl Hughes, National Sheep Association Cymru/Wales.

They praised the exceptional calibre of nominees and unanimously agreed that Mr Parry should be recognised for his lifelong contribution to the Welsh sheep industry.

He will receive the award at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair opening ceremony on Monday.