Death of leading sheep breeder

Richard Powell, who was recognised as one of Britain’s best sheep breeders, has died at his Guilsfield home aged 87.

Mr Powell, who died on Tuesday, was instantly recognised in the show ring with a distinctive high-handed showing style designed to catch the eye of passing judges.

He amassed a showing record that is unlikely to be surpassed, including five Royal Welsh Show Supreme titles with his Garregllwyd flock of Kerry Hill Sheep.

In one season he collected no fewer than 17 interbreed titles, rarely leaving the ring empty handed and was often described as the master of the ring.

Mr Powell, of Broniarth View, Guilsfield, was preparing this season’s batch of show lambs when he was found dead at home by wife Rosina, to whom he has been married for 64 years.

“He was preparing lambs out of a ewe that had never been beaten,” said Rosina. “They were very good lambs, probably the best we have ever had.

“He was about to go to see to the lambs after his tea when I found him.

“He was successful because of the quality of our sheep but he knew how to bring out the best in them,” she said. “If the sheep were in pens, you could always tell which ones were ours simply by the way they had been trimmed.”

Picture courtesy of Daily Post