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Powys County Times
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Rhayader farmer sets new British two-stand and solo record
Two mid Wales shearers have set a new eight-hour two-stand British ewe shearing record - on the hottest day of the year. The duo of Gethin Lewis and Llyr Evans smashed the previous record of 1,075 ewes, set by Martin Howlett and Jonny Roberts in 2019. Shearing started at 7am at Gethin's family farm of Glan Elan, in Cwmdauddwr, Rhayader, on Saturday, July 12. After four runs the last ewe was shorn at 5pm, meaning a combined total of 1,364 ewes had been shorn in eight hours. Gethin, a two-time Welsh champion shearer, also set a new British individual record, shearing 996 ewes throughout the day. Llyr shore 668 ewes, which also eclipsed the previous solo record set by Huw Jones, of 663. 'I'm delighted that our attempt was successful,' said Gethin, 29. 'It's been a 12-month journey preparing for today, but all the hard work has been worth it.' Llyr added: 'All roads led to today, and I'm proud of what we have both achieved – it feels great to be a British shearing record holder.' Of the hot weather, Llyr, from Trawsgoed, near Aberystwyth, added: 'The extreme heat made the challenge more difficult and at times during the day it was extremely difficult and we both needed to dig deep to get through to the end.' Both Gethin and Llyr paid tribute to all those who had supported their attempt. 'This record would not have been possible without the help and support of both our families,' said Gethin. 'Thank you, it means so much to us both that we have achieved what we have here today. 'We'd also like to pay tribute to the support and commitment of so many people, too many to name individually. Llyr Evans in action. (Image: British Wool) 'From the farmers supplying the sheep, pen men that were here with us all day, the wool wrappers and all our family and friends – a huge thank you.' Gareth Jones, head of member engagement at British Wool, said: 'On behalf of British Wool, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Gethin and Llyr on their incredible achievement. 'Setting a shearing record requires not only personal dedication and skill but also the collective effort of a strong support team. We commend everyone involved in making this success possible.'
Powys County Times
07-07-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
600 sheep sheared as British record broken in Powys
A 27-year-old shearer from Machynlleth broke a British record by shearing over 600 ewes in eight hours, beating the previous record by more than a hundred. Eyes turned to Machynlleth over the weekend as 27-year-old Huw Jones was successful in his attempt to break a record in sheep shearing. His eight-hour solo session saw him shearing 663 ewes, beating the previous record held by Martin Howlett, who sheared 539 sheep, with Huw starting at 7pm and finishing at 5pm. The record attempt took place at Hendreseifion, the location of another record achieved by local shearer Meirion Evans 12 months ago. After months of preparation hundreds of well-wishers had turned out to support and congratulate Huw, who described it as an 'amazing' day. At the end of the record, he said: 'Today has been an amazing day, thank you to everyone who has helped me achieve what I have here today. 'There are too many people to name individually, but you all know who you are. Records are not just about the shearer attempting but are very much a team effort. I could not have achieved this today without so many people. I thank you so much for the support you have given me.' 'My family has always supported me to get me where I am today, no matter what I wanted to do, my family has always been there, and I thank them, it means so much. I'd like to mention my grandad, who is sadly no longer with us, but hopefully looking down on me today, he was the one who started me shearing.' He also thanked everyone who had attended on the day to support him, as well as the charities supported by the record, the Welsh Air Ambulance and Aberdyfi Search and Rescue. Gareth Jones, Head of Member Engagement, British Wool said: 'On behalf of British Wool we offer huge congratulations to Huw on his successful record attempt. This was a display of high-quality shearing, and Huw should be very proud of his achievements.' 'We appreciate the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in holding a record and therefore offer congratulations to everyone who has helped and supported Huw in successfully setting a new British Shearing Record.'
Agriland
14-06-2025
- Business
- Agriland
US tariffs sap ‘strength of global wool markets'
Wool markets have weakened slightly over recent weeks, primarily on the back of additional trade tariffs introduced by the US. Ulster Wool Group chairperson, Brendan Kelly, explained: 'China is the biggest processer of wool in the world, with much of this raw material imported from countries including Ireland and the UK. 'In turn, the US is the market of choice for a significant proportion of Chinese wool-based exports. 'Hence the impact of new US tariffs on the strength of global wool markets.' Ulster Wool Group collects and grades 70% plus of the fleeces produced across Northern Ireland. And the co-op is committed to growing this figure. Kelly said: 'For the most part, wool prices have strengthened considerably over the past 12 months. These very welcome trends have been facilitated by the monthly auctions hosted by British Wool. 'Increasingly, wool is regarded as an elite quality, natural product with an intrinsically high value. 'And Ulster Wool Group's unique relationship with British Wool is helping to make this a positive reality for local sheep farmers.' New season wool deliveries to the Ulster wool Group depot at Muckamore in Co. Antrim are already taking place Payments for 2024 wool deliveries are being made to sheep producers directly following receipt of their 2025 clips. But, as a matter of principle, all payments for wool delivered last year will be made by the end of June. Kelly said: 'Payments to Ulster Wool Group members are up 70% year-on-year. This is clear evidence that the co-operative marketing approach that we take is working on behalf of sheep farmers.' Wool throughput is a key factor in determining the costs that are passed on by Ulster Wool Group to its farmer-suppliers. 'The more wool we handle, the lower the handling charge per fleece that we have to factor in,' Kelly said. 'Sheep numbers have dropped by around 4% over the past 12 months. And, obviously, this will impact on the total volumes of wool available in 2025. 'This trend is equally apparent across all the regions of the UK and Ireland.' Ulster Wool Group operates a total of 27 collection centres plus its main grading depot at Muckamore. According to Kelly: 'Wool is a commodity of real value at the present time. And Ulster Wool Group is at the very heart of a system that delivers the best possible returns for sheep farmers on a consistent basis. 'In supporting Ulster Wool Group, flock owners are helping to secure a sustainable future for their own businesses in a meaningful way. 'No other option can deliver this degree of certainty.' Looking ahead, Ulster Wool Group will be hosting an open day at its Muckamore depot in Co. Antrim on Friday, September 19. Amongst other things, the event will allow visitors to see how different types of wool are graded.
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UK households told to put plants by windows and doors as June heats up
Experts have urged all hay fever suffers to do one thing with house plants ahead of summer to help alleviate the allergy symptoms in the home and combat the pollen As the warmer weather approaches, all keen gardeners and plant lovers are urged to do one thing before the incoming predicted heatwave. June can be peak hay fever season for those who suffer, but indoor plants may be the answer to combatting the pollen. Hay fever has different peaks throughout summer - tree pollen from March to May, followed by grass pollen until July and then weed pollen from late June to September, and if you suffer, experts recommend investing in some house plants to help ease your symptoms. Grass pollen is the most common hay fever allergy, and certain house plants can help filter air pollutants that may enter the home, as well as trapping pollen and removing it from the air and making symptoms worse. Some of the best house plants to put in your homes include Dracaena plants, Pothos, Peace Lilies and snake plant and by simply placings them on windowsills and by doors, they can help to trap pollen particles that enter your home. Haldi Kranich-Wood, Wool Interiors Specialist at British Wool told The Express: "Make a pollen trap with house plants. Some house plants, like spider plants, peace lilies, or Boston ferns, act like natural air filters and can help trap airborne particles, including pollen. Try positioning a few by your windows and doors to create a leafy line of defence. Just make sure to wipe their leaves regularly, that trapped pollen still needs evicting." This is echoed by experts at online doctor and pharmacy e-Surgery who add: "Certain plants can eliminate toxins in the air so they may be beneficial in reducing allergy symptoms. The best plants to keep in the house are ones that remove formaldehyde and benzene, both of which can be harmful to those that suffer from allergies. Plants that do not flower are best for hay fever sufferers. "Some plants can absorb toxins through their leaves and release moisture which can reduce dust in the air. The best plant for cleaning the air is Aloe as having one of the plants in your house is equivalent to nine biological air cleaners. "Another which is just as good is a spider plant. Spider plants are efficient at getting rid of the harmful compounds' formaldehyde, styrene, carbon monoxide, and benzene. The plants are also super adaptable to living inside as they can photosynthesis under very little lighting. "The snake plant, or also known as Mother-In-Law's Tongue is almost indestructible, so this is a particularly good one if you're not the best at caring for your plants. It's also good at cleaning the air around itself so is perfect for allergy sufferers."
Daily Record
03-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Householders urged to place plants near windows and doors this summer
House plants help improve air quality as well as having other important uses. British homeowners are being advised to place house plants close to windows and doors this month as hay fever season peaks. Pollen levels rise between late March to September, with the first peak being the first two weeks in June. In late March, tree pollen is released and lasts until mid-way before grass pollen takes over and is active until July. Shortly after this weed pollen peaks from late June until September. This timeline can vary depending on where you live. The north of Britain usually has less pollen than the south of the UK. It's believed grass pollen affects the majority of hay fever sufferers. This is what usually causes symptoms in people in June and July. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. There is currently no cure for hay fever and it is managed with preventative medication and measures, including antihistamines. Experts believe there are several things people can do at home to help minimise pollen exposure, reports the Express. One easy thing experts recommend is introducing some house plants into your home, as these not only help filter air pollutants, they can also trap pollen. Some good options to introduce include Dracaena plants, Pothos, Peace Lilies and snake plants. Simply place them on windowsills and by doors to help trap pollen particles that enter your home. Haldi Kranich-Wood, Wool Interiors Specialist at British Wool, says: 'Make a pollen trap with house plants. Some house plants, like spider plants, peace lilies, or Boston ferns, act like natural air filters and can help trap airborne particles, including pollen. 'Try positioning a few by your windows and doors to create a leafy line of defence. Just make sure to wipe their leaves regularly, that trapped pollen still needs evicting.' Online doctor and pharmacy e-Surgery adds: "Certain plants can eliminate toxins in the air so they may be beneficial in reducing allergy symptoms. The best plants to keep in the house are ones that remove formaldehyde and benzene, both of which can be harmful to those that suffer from allergies. Plants that do not flower are best for hay fever sufferers. "Some plants can absorb toxins through their leaves and release moisture which can reduce dust in the air. The best plant for cleaning the air is Aloe as having one of the plants in your house is equivalent to nine biological air cleaners. "Another which is just as good is a spider plant. Spider plants are efficient at getting rid of the harmful compounds' formaldehyde, styrene, carbon monoxide, and benzene. The plants are also super adaptable to living inside as they can photosynthesis under very little lighting. "The snake plant, or also known as Mother-In-Law's Tongue is almost indestructible, so this is a particularly good one if you're not the best at caring for your plants. It's also good at cleaning the air around itself so is perfect for allergy sufferers."
