NSA Wales/ Cymru Region ARMM
Date: 9th February 2026
Time: 11am
Location: International Pavilion, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, LD2 3WY.
A rallying cry for change was delivered to the National Sheep Association (NSA) Cymru/Wales Annual Regional Members’ Meeting (ARMM) by a buoyant Llyr Gruffydd MS on Monday (9th February). The Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs called for a new National Food Strategy for Wales, with his thoughts clearly focused on the Senedd election in May.
Mr Gruffydd said farming underpins so much in Wales that people take for granted. The food and drink sector is clearly one of our success stories, supporting a quarter of a million jobs - 17% of all employment in Wales.
An optimistic note was struck by Gareth Jones, British Wool Head of Member Engagement. Mr Jones said that demand for the British Wool consumer brand is stronger than ever before. He reported that prices are increasing and returns in 2026 will be higher, having risen 35% at the back end of 2025, albeit from a low level. Attendees heard the price of wool had been too low for too long, but the fact that it was now at its highest for eleven years was hopeful.
NSA Project Manager, Nicola Noble, highlighted NSA’s role in informing government of the importance of the relevance of agriculture. She shared the actions from a head office perspective, highlighting the range of activities from policy to communications, to research.
Formal business of the meeting saw NSA Wales / Cymru Region welcome new Chair John Yeomans, a sheep farmer from Powys into office, taking on the role from Caryl Hughes of Denbighshire. The meeting also heard from NSA Wales / Cymru Development Officer, Helen Roberts who shared exciting news for the region, including presence at the Royal Welsh Show 2026 and looking ahead further - NSA Welsh Sheep 2027. She confirmed that NSA Welsh Sheep will take place in North East Wales on Wednesday 19th May 2027, kindly hosted by Mathew and David Roberts, Ty Draw Farm, Holywell.
She added: “I would like to thank Caryl Hughes for her excellent skills in chairing the NSA Wales / Cymru Region in the past two years and welcome John Yeomans into the post, along with Jacob Anthony as Vice Chair.” Mrs Roberts also welcomed NSA Welsh Sheep 2027 hosts, expressing her enthusiasm to work with them in organising the popular biennial event.
