A huge privilege for a Sennybridge farmer

Providing a warm welcome, supporting, a thank you, and appreciation! These are just some of the priorities of one very busy man from Brecknockshire at the moment!

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has an unique structure of sponsorship counties which ensures that the people of Wales retain ownership of the Society's events. It is Brecknockshire’s chance this year to be a feature county, and that under the skillful leadership of their President, Gethin Havard (see right), one of the Union’s members in Brecon and Radnor, and he brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of Welsh agriculture to the role.

Amidst the hustle and bustle as we approach one of the Society's main events, the Royal Welsh Show which will take place in just under two months’ time, I took the opportunity to have a quick chat with Gethin asking him how does it feel to be President of Brecknockshire feature county this year? His initial response was quoting the words of the late Dai Jones Llanilar - "This is the greatest privilege you can give to a farmer in Wales". Gethin went on to say that he was very grateful to the people of Brecknockshire for trusting him and choosing him as President of The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society 2026.

"I am a farmer of my 'square mile'," explained Gethin. "The Havards came to Brecknockshire with the Normans in 1093, and our family has been farming in Cwm Senni and the surrounding area since then. It's no surprise that rural communities are very important to me, and the opportunity to work together, socialise and raise awareness and money for charities - alongside the Show has been an extremely valuable experience and a source of great pride for me."

When asked for a rough idea of ​​his main responsibilities during his year as President, the answer was simply "Providing a warm welcome, supporting, a thank you, and appreciation!"

"It was very important to me to ensure that people from all over the county have the opportunity to be part of this special journey - Brecknockshire 2026," explained Gethin. "By taking advantage of every opportunity to engage, whether that be by speaking publicly with the County Council and the National Park, or by contacting sponsors and local communities, I feel that the message has reached a wide audience, and the variety of activities has been popular. One of the highlights was the establishment of Côr y Sir last year. Many of the members were singing in a choir for the first time, and it has been nice to see everyone come together to practise, socialise and perform.

"In my capacity as President of the Society, I sit on the Show's Board of Directors. Seeing the dedication of the staff, officers and all the volunteers is an eye-opener - so much work goes on behind the scenes."

Of all the activities and events, I asked Gethin what he is most looking forward to this year? "It's impossible to choose one event!" he said. "The calendar for the coming months is full of various activities across the county, and I am extremely grateful to everyone who works so hard to organise everything. Certainly, the Grassland event will be very special for us as a family. It is a privilege to welcome you all to Cwmbrynich on the 12th of June. The local Executive Committee has worked tirelessly over the past year in preparation for a day that promises to be educational as well as a social gathering.  A warm welcome awaits all, and remember to bring the sun with you!

"The Royal Welsh Show will, of course, be an unique experience for me this year, and what better way to start the week than to have Côr y Sir raise the roof at Moliant y Maes!"

It certainly promises to be a year to remember for Brecknockshire as this year's feature county. Thanks to its President Gethin Havard for the chat, in the middle of all the last minute arrangements and preparations for the summer events! Good luck to you Gethin and enjoy every moment of your role.