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0:00:18 > 0:00:19- Hello and welcome to Ffermio.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- I'm at the NSA's Wales and Border - Main Ram Sale...
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- ..here on the showground - in Llanelwedd.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- This is one of Europe's - biggest ram sales.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33- Over 5,000 animals - will go under the hammer.
0:00:34 > 0:00:35- It's all about trading.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- Hopefully, both buyers and sellers - will go home happy.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- Coming up, I'll be visiting - Ferryside in Carmarthenshire...
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- ..to meet a family - who are not just farmers.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- They also offer a particular service - to the local community.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55- Twenty breeds are on sale here...
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- ..from continental ones - to native breeds like these.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- Meinir's been to meet a family...
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- ..with a large number - of continental breeds on sale today.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- Ifan Beynon-Thomas - and his parents farm here...
0:01:11 > 0:01:13- ..at Goitre Fach farm near Hendy.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18- They milk 250 pedigree Holsteins, - but over the last few weeks...
0:01:18 > 0:01:23- ..their Berrichon du Cher sheep - have had all the attention.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- Berrichon du Cher - what are - the qualities of this breed?
0:01:29 > 0:01:31- They are primarily a terminal sire.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- Lambing is easy - due to their long necks.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37- The neck - sits on the front of the legs...
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- ..instead of the head and shoulders - coming out at the same time.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43- That makes a big difference.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46- It's a great help.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- At the end of the day, - you need a live lamb.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- It's the most important thing.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- You want easy lambing - so the ewes aren't stressed...
0:01:54 > 0:01:57- ..because they have to feed - the lambs.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- If a birth goes badly, the ewe can't - produce the milk to feed her lamb.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- It's a great, easy breed. They are - everything you want from a sheep.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- What is your pattern for producing - the rams and the lambs?
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- They have to fit in - with the running of the dairy herd.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- Goitre Fach - is principally a dairy farm.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21- The flock is run commercially.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25- They need to look after themselves - a lot of the time.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30- Over the first winter, both female - and male lambs are left outside.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- We keep whatever comes in - in the spring.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36- That's a natural way - of culling the worst of the flock.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- Yes, it's mainly natural selection.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- Using this method, we hope that - when we come to sell the rams...
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- ..they're hardy - and ready to go to work.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- The family have been very successful - with their Berrichon du Cher...
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- ..at the Royal Welsh Show.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58- They have won the breed championship - several times...
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- ..and took reserve supreme champion - in the sheep section in 2014.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- This year, Ifan was named - best shepherd at the Show.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- There are 28 pure Berrichons - and two Beltex cross.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- They're going to the upcoming - NSA sale at Builth Wells.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- How much preparation - have you done with these?
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- Preparation begins - as soon as they're born.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25- We check growth rates...
0:03:25 > 0:03:29- ..and if they don't hit - their targets, we don't keep them.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- If they hit their targets, - we try to keep 60 rams each year.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- In the month - leading up to the sale...
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- ..we feed them up - and give them more attention.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- A week before, we prepare - and trim them ready for the show.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- Colouring them - makes a big difference.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- It's like girls getting ready - for a night out.
0:03:50 > 0:03:51- They like a bit of fake tan.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- Because their heads and legs - are so white...
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- ..if the wool is white too - they look anaemic.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- This way, people can see their size - and they stand out more.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- Another craft you've mastered - is trimming.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- That makes a huge difference.
0:04:07 > 0:04:08- Yes, it does.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- Trimming a ram - makes its back look flatter...
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- ..so it's easier to see - their size and power.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- It all helps.
0:04:17 > 0:04:23- All you want is for the ram - to catch one person's eye...
0:04:23 > 0:04:24- ..for an extra bid.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- The framework must be there - from the start.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- Yes, you can't make something bad - look good.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37- You must have something good to - start with to make them look better.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- What's more important to you? - The Royal Welsh or the sales?
0:04:41 > 0:04:44- They go hand in hand really.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- We have to do well in the big shows - for people to see.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- It's the shop window effect.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57- People see us there and then see - our rams in the sale in Builth.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02- They remember us from the Royal - Welsh and know of our high standard.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09- Gareth and Monica introduced the - breed to their farm back in 2001.
0:05:10 > 0:05:16- Today, with 250 sheep, they have the - largest Berrichon flock in Britain.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- I saw a ram - at the Royal Show in England.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- I liked the look of him.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- I decided, if I was going to get one - ram, I may as well get some ewes.
0:05:26 > 0:05:31- My youngest daughter was nine at the - time and showed a lot of interest.
0:05:31 > 0:05:36- What works best for you - the dairy - cows or the Berrichon du Chers?
0:05:36 > 0:05:38- That's a good question.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- Years ago, you'd have - a bit of everything on the farm.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- These days, we tend to focus more - on either dairy cows or sheep.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- We like sheep. They're more - interesting than everything else.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- But we're pushed for time because - we have so many dairy cows too.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- How popular is the breed?
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- They're more popular now - than when we first got them.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- More people in Wales especially - keep them now...
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- ..and cross them with other breeds.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- They don't just keep them - as pure-breeds.
0:06:10 > 0:06:15- People cross them with Texels, - Lleyns, and other breeds.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- It's a family business.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- You're busy making a name - for yourselves.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- Yes, we have the largest flock - in Britain.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- We see it as part of the business - and has to pay its way.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- It's obviously a busy time here - at Goitre Fach...
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- ..with the labour-intensive work - of preparing the sheep for sale.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- But it's clearly an important day - for the family and the breed.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46- It's important to ensure every hair - is in place ready for the big day.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- The sale is approaching. - What are you hopes?
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- I just hope they sell well - and that the customers are happy...
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- ..so that they return - year after year to buy from us.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01- How important is the NSA sale - for you?
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- It's very important to us. - It's the largest in Europe.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09- People from every corner of Wales - and the UK will be there.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- Hopefully, - there'll be something for everyone.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- At the sale, - there's a bit of excitement...
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- ..about Ifan's rams - entering the sales ring.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- He was very successful in the show - preceding the sale...
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- ..winning the championship.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- Ifan, it's been a successful day. - How are you feeling?
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- The price was up and down.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44- I was disappointed with some of them - but they've all gone now.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- I can't complain.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- And my following question is - how did the champion do in the sale?
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- I was very pleased with the price.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- It was the highest price of the day - for the Berrichons.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- He went to Bryan Evans, - another large breeder.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- How do this year's prices - compare with last year's?
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- It's fairly similar. - I didn't expect anything different.
0:08:09 > 0:08:14- Lamb prices are the same - this year as they were last year.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- Is the breed still developing - in buyers' eyes?
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- The breed improves every year.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- I think we need to advertise them - better and push the breed more.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31- In terms of working with these rams - or playing rugby, which is better?
0:08:31 > 0:08:33- I don't know!
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- There are ups and downs to both.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- That's all for now.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- Come back after the break - when I'll be visiting Ferryside...
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- ..and meeting a very multi-talented - and hard-working family.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- See you in two minutes.
0:08:52 > 0:08:52- .
0:08:58 > 0:08:58- Subtitles
0:08:58 > 0:09:00- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:09:02 > 0:09:03- Welcome back.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- While the sale continues - in Llanelwedd...
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- ..there's a chance for us - to step off the field.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- Although it hasn't been - an ideal summer...
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- ..for appreciating - our coastal villages...
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- ..I recently visited - a Ferryside family...
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- ..whose business - is a focal point to the village.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- After farming for years, - at the turn of the century...
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- ..Paul and Jean Griffiths - had to face many of the crises...
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- ..that beset the industry, - and decided to diversify...
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- ..by buying the Ferry Cabin - chip shop in Ferryside.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- When we started off, - Paul was farming.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- Foot and mouth was about, - and he was fed up.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02- One day, Paul said - he'd had enough of farming.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- He asked what we should do.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- I was managing a restaurant - and he said, "You can do it".
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- I wasn't sure - I wanted to run my own business.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- When the Ferry Cabin was put up - for sale, we went to look at it.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- It was in the village - where Paul was born.
0:10:22 > 0:10:23- He said, "Right, let's go for it."
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- He said, "Right, let's go for it."- - I'm lucky.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- When I married Jean, Mam and Dad - gave us a plot on the farm.
0:10:31 > 0:10:32- I built a nice bungalow.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- We used the collateral on it - to buy this.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- It was a difficult time - to earn money from farming.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- You couldn't sell anything.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- No, because of foot and mouth.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- We had a contracting business.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- Myself, Dad and my brother - were working as contractors.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- We couldn't get any money coming in, - and the marts were on shutdown.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- I just got completely fed up.
0:10:58 > 0:10:59- When I was farming...
0:11:00 > 0:11:05- ..I'd come into the house at night - and relax by cooking.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- Now, that's all I do all day...
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- ..so I come home and farm.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- Farming feels different now, - almost like therapy.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- Relaxing.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- Relaxing.- - Yes, for him.
0:11:20 > 0:11:25- This business has developed - a great deal since you bought it.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30- The previous owners only had it open - for six months in the summer.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- We opened and decided to go for it.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- The children were young.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36- We gave it our all.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- As well as running the restaurant, - the family still farm.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49- Paul's father, David, works - day-to-day at Penrhiwgoch...
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- ..which is about a mile - from the shop.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57- But Paul and Jean still help out, - growing crops and rearing stock...
0:11:57 > 0:12:02- ..including potatoes and the meat - which supplies the restaurant.
0:12:02 > 0:12:03- You have enough staff!
0:12:03 > 0:12:04- You have enough staff!- - We do today.
0:12:05 > 0:12:06- The children are helping.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- The children are helping.- - You can carry the big one.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- The one that's really full.
0:12:10 > 0:12:11- The one that's really full.- - I see.
0:12:11 > 0:12:12- A sack each?
0:12:14 > 0:12:15- Later?
0:12:15 > 0:12:16- Later?- - Yes, later. We'll fill them.
0:12:17 > 0:12:18- I'll pick up behind you.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20- Does it matter how big they are?
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- No, just put them in the bucket.
0:12:22 > 0:12:23- No, just put them in the bucket.- - OK, boss.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- The machine works well.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- You don't need to pick too many - at this time of year.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- No, they don't keep well.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- The skin isn't hard.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- We just pick what we need.
0:12:39 > 0:12:40- We just pick what we need.- - Yes, of course.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- About 12 or 15 bags - to keep us going for the week.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- If we run out, - we have to pick more after work.
0:12:49 > 0:12:50- Oh, dear.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- How many acres of potatoes - are there?
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- Three acres.
0:12:57 > 0:12:58- Three acres.- - There we are.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- Is that enough to last the year?
0:13:01 > 0:13:06- We try, but if not, we buy more in - at the end of the year.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- What type of potatoes?
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- I suppose you need a variety.
0:13:11 > 0:13:12- There are two types here.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- Cara are used for boiling - and Maris Piper for the chips.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- There were bigger ones - but we've picked them.
0:13:20 > 0:13:21- The small ones are fine.
0:13:22 > 0:13:23- We don't waste them.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- Was it a good summer for potatoes?
0:13:26 > 0:13:27- Was it a good summer for potatoes?- - Not too good.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32- The rain came and it was a bit wet, - but the crop's quite good this side.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- It's nice to be able - to tell your customers...
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- ..that these came from your farm, - a mile up the road.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- Did you grow potatoes - before buying the shop?
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- Paul's father, David, - did a bit of market gardening.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- When we bought the restaurant...
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- ..David said - we'd grow our own potatoes.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- We've done so for 14 years.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- Almost ten years ago, Paul and Jean - bought a Hereford cow and calf...
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- ..as a Christmas present - for their sons, William and Thomas.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- The herd has grown substantially.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- They now have 215 pedigree cattle...
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- ..and the meat - is served in the restaurant.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- We've heard about you - getting a heifer as a gift.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- What were you hoping for?
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- I opened the shed door...
0:14:22 > 0:14:27- ..expecting a nice new tractor - as a way of saying well done.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- But I turned round - and saw a cow and a calf.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- It came as a bit of a shock.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- I still asked for a tractor!
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- But I was happy after seeing them.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- They were quiet, - so I got on well with them.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- Tell me a bit about the farm.
0:14:44 > 0:14:45- How many acres do you have?
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- The pasture is exceptional - in this field, even now.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- The grass grows well here.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- Red soil, you see.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- The cattle only feed on grass.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- Nothing extra, no bales or anything.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05- Through the summer. - Bales and hay in winter.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- We do give them minerals.
0:15:08 > 0:15:09- They get minerals.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15- But the heifers, steers and bulls - get barley on the farm as well.
0:15:16 > 0:15:17- I see, I see.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- I understand you now sell meat - in boxes from the farm.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- When did that start?
0:15:24 > 0:15:29- I started - when Thomas and I bought a heifer.
0:15:30 > 0:15:31- We turned it to the bull.
0:15:32 > 0:15:33- A year passes, and no calf.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- The vet checked it. Freemartin.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- I wanted to sell it at the mart, - but a friend told me not to.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- Do it yourself.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- I took it to a slaughterhouse - on the Gower.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- That's what I used - to start doing the Sunday lunches.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54- People ate it and said - that it was wonderful meat.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- They asked if I sold it, - so that's where it started.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- What do people have to say - after tasting Hereford meat?
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- Why do they come back - time after time?
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- They need two years - out on the pasture.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- I think that's what gives the meat - its flavour.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- That's why they come back.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- They can't buy my meat - in the supermarket.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- Diversifying has meant - that Paul, Jean and the family...
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- ..have been able to enjoy farming - once again.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- The farm and the restaurant - now go hand in hand.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- Both elements support each other.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- The hard work over the years - has borne fruit...
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- ..and the businesses are booming.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- Here we are, - sitting out in the sunshine.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- Life is good now, isn't it?
0:16:48 > 0:16:53- You took difficult decisions - when life seemed to be going wrong.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- But I now get the impression - that farming is a pleasure.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- Yes, it's nice to get some fresh air - after a day in the kitchen.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- It's nice to see the cattle - and to give Paul a hand.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- It makes a difference.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- You now control the chain - from the gate to the plate.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- Not many people do that.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- No, not many places do that.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- But I'm lucky to have two sons - and my father helping on the farm.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- They're there to help, OK.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- Jean does the cooking - in the kitchen.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- It's nice that she cooks - what we've grown on the farm.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- As well as being a chance to sell, - this location attracts people...
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- ..to meet and discuss the latest - developments in the sheep industry.
0:17:55 > 0:18:00- Meat Promotion Wales is currently - running an interesting scheme.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- It's a survey - comparing rams across Britain.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- The research could benefit buyers - and sellers alike.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12- The RamCompare project - has been running for a year or so.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- It's a three-year project - involving five terminal breeds...
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- ..comparing their figures - and how the lambs perform...
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- ..from the time of lambing - to when they are slaughtered...
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- ..when the carcasses are compared.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- It will show if there's a way - to get a crossbreed EBV.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- When it comes - to selecting terminal rams...
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- ..we'll have compared - Suffolks, Hampshire Downs...
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- ..Texel, Charollais - and Meatlinc rams.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- Six farms across Britain - are involved in the comparisons...
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- ..to show how different rams - perform in different areas.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- It will enable us to assess - if we can produce a crossbreed EBV.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- Do you then hope - to take the next step...
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- ..towards producing more meat - from the land available?
0:19:04 > 0:19:05- Exactly.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- The aim of the whole project - is to see how the rams perform...
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- ..and to assess growth, to see if - we can fatten lambs more quickly...
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- ..while at the same time ensuring - we produce what the market demands.
0:19:18 > 0:19:19- That's vital.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- If we can do that - and compare across breeds...
0:19:23 > 0:19:25- ..people will come - to sales like this...
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- ..and compare EBVs across breeds - rather than within a single breed...
0:19:30 > 0:19:36- ..towards a terminal purpose - of producing lambs for the public.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- The day's top price - in the selling rings...
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- ..went to Llion Pughe Jones - for his Texel ram...
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- ..which sold for 18,000 guineas.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- But how were the prices generally?
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- Llion Richard Pughe Jones, - congratulations, first of all.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- What were your expectations - as you came here today?
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- I had hoped for a good price.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- There was a lot of talk - last night and this morning.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- But I never dreamt - about such a price.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- But I'm very, very pleased!
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- How long have you bred Texels?
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- I started 15 years ago today.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- I bought my first ewes - at this very sale.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- Eventually, it's come to this.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- Things have improved over the years.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38- Can I ask where the ram is going?
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- Sportsman bought it back, - to be honest.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- They've seen something.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- They saw that the ewe - came from them, so...
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- It's nice to say that the money - is going to Meirionnydd.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- It rarely happens with a Texel.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58- There aren't many of us in - the county, so it's quite an event.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- Llion, there'll be more after today!
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- Llion, there'll be more after today!- - Thank you!
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- I wish you the best for the future.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- Where do you go from here?
0:21:07 > 0:21:08- It's difficult.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10- I've hit the pinnacle!
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- The dream - was to hit the top in Builth.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- Now, it's trying to stay there!
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- It's been a bit mixed, maybe.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- But I think everyone - is going home fairly happy, anyway.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32- I know we've had big prices, - a lot over 5,000 guineas and so on.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34- Some have been lower as well.
0:21:34 > 0:21:39- But if you have quality animals - and buyers pick them out...
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- ..it only takes two - for prices to flourish.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- There were some bargains, - I must admit.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- But on the whole, - the committee can be very happy.
0:21:51 > 0:21:52- It's been a very good day.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- We've had a lot of people here, - and over 5,000 rams.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- They all need a home.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04- Of course, we're all nervous about - what will happen in the industry.
0:22:04 > 0:22:09- At the moment, lambs are selling - better than they did last year...
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- ..but maybe not as well - as the previous year.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- The pound makes a difference.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- The next two or three years...
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- ..will be critical for the industry.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- I think the NSA has a part to play, - as well as the unions.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- We must work to ensure...
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- ..that the agricultural industry - has its say...
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- ..and that they listen to us.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- That's all for this week.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47- It has been a successful day - for many buyers and sellers here.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- But the high point for me...
0:22:49 > 0:22:54- ..was the record price for a Texel - here at Llanelwedd, 18,000 guineas.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- It went to Llion Jones, - Pant, near Tywyn, Meirionnydd.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- Congratulations to him.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- For now, from myself - and the Ffermio team...
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- ..thank you for your company - and goodbye.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:27 > 0:23:27- .