A Builth Wells woman has been honoured with a prestigious award recognising her contributions to the Welsh sheep industry.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) has announced Tracy Powell as the recipient of the 2024 John Gittins Memorial Award.

The award acknowledges individuals who have made an 'outstanding impact' on the Welsh sheep industry through their 'commitment, innovation, and service'.

Mrs Powell, of Blaenbwch, Builth Wells, was chosen by a judging panel from a strong field of nominees from across Wales.

She will receive a specially crafted Welsh Crystal piece, sponsored by the Welsh Mule Sheep Breeders Association, on Monday, November 25.

With more than 30 years of service to the RWAS, Mrs Powell has been instrumental in raising the profile of Welsh shearing on both national and international levels.

She began her career in the RWAS Livestock Department, quickly rising to the position of livestock officer within five years.

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For the past 19 years, she has served as a programme officer, overseeing the organisation of shearing competitions, compiling data for the society’s programme and catalogue, and curating content for the annual RWAS Journal.

A spokesperson for the RWAS said: "Tracy’s tireless work ensures that the shearing competitions, among the largest events at the Royal Welsh Show, run seamlessly, benefiting competitors and audiences alike."

Mrs Powell also collaborates closely with the Golden Shears World Council and the British Isles Shearing Competitions Association, ensuring Wales remains at the forefront of shearing on the global stage.

She supports the Welsh Team’s participation in various international championships, including the Golden Shears World Championships, Six Nations, and test matches across the UK, Ireland, and France.

Her contributions were spotlighted in 2010 when she helped the RWAS host the Golden Shears, a major event that attracted competitors from more than 30 countries.

Mrs Powell and her husband Rob have also hosted numerous record-breaking shearing events on their family farm, Blaenbwch, highlighting her commitment to fostering the next generation of Welsh shearers.

The judging panel, comprising Mr Dafydd Parry Jones from the RWAS, Mr Richard Thomas from the Welsh Mule Sheep Breeders Association, and Ms Caryl Hughes from NSA Wales, praised Mrs Powell's "extraordinary dedication and positive impact" on the industry.

Her "passion for promoting and advancing Welsh shearing", alongside her "encouragement of young talent and community involvement in the shearing scene", were significant factors in their decision.

Mrs Powell will be presented with her award during the upcoming Royal Welsh Winter Fair at the Showground, Llanelwedd, on Monday, November 25.

Each year, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society invites nominations from its advisory committees across Wales, alongside the Welsh Mule Sheep Breeders Association, NSA Wales, NFU Cymru, FUW, and CLA.

The RWAS has congratulated all nominees for their dedication and thanked them for their contributions to the Welsh sheep industry.