POWYS farmer Emyr Wigley has developed a unique herd of British Blue cattle in memory of his late wife, Evelyn.
The Old Stackyard British Blue herd will exist solely to raise funds for two charities, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and Ovarian Cancer Action. Before their retirement, the Wigleys, from Llansantffraid, used to keep a small herd of British Blue cattle alongside a dairy herd. But after Evelyn’s death, Emyr decided to start another herd in her memory and began buying prime heifers from some of the UK’s top breeders.
“Evelyn and I built up a dairy herd with hard work and long hours,” said Emyr. “Our plans for travel, our caravan holidays, and walking in the beautiful British countryside loved by us both were put on hold until our retirement. It was a devastating blow to learn in the first few years of our retirement, that Evelyn had ovarian cancer.
“She was a very special lady, kind, caring and multi-talented and after a lifetime of work the majority of her retirement years were stolen from her. Whilst tragically too late to help my dear Evelyn, I wanted to do something to help combat this evil disease as a tribute to her.”
The couple had sold their farm and built a house for their retirement, whilst keeping some land. However, Evelyn’s cancer diagnosis changed everything and sadly she passed away in October 2015, aged 69. The new herd is accommodated in a purpose-built housing unit next to grassland paddocks.
Emyr recently hosted an open farm evening, giving the public an opportunity to view the stunning heifers and calves. People also got a chance to look around ‘Eve’s garden’, a delightful mix of flowers, fruit and vegetables, designed by Emyr.