LOCAL FOOD SHOWCASED AT WORLD SHEEP DOG TRIALS

THE Farmers' Union of Wales today congratulated the officials and organising team of the four-day Land Rover World Sheep Dog Trials, Food and Country Festival on arranging a very successful event.

The trials at Dinefwr Park and Castle, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire last week, (September 11-14) attracted almost 50,000 visitors and proved to be an excellent example of what Wales has to offer the World.

FUW Carmarthenshire county executive officer Meinir Bartlett who manned the FUW stand throughout the event said: "There was a warm Welsh welcome at the trials and the event provided something for all the family.

"One of the highlights for me was seeing the array of local food on display at the food and craft marquee.

"The organisers should be congratulated on providing a marquee that gave a number of Welsh producers the opportunity to showcase their produce to a national and international audience."

The FUW sponsored S4C chef Dudley Newbery who took part in a cookery demonstration in the Food Hall on Friday. The popular TV chef used local produce including organic Welsh beef provided by FUW member John James of Tyllwyd Farm, Felingwm Uchaf, Carmarthen.

"We were delighted to be involved with the sponsorship of Dudley which fits in neatly with the FUW's 'Help Cut Food Miles...Buy The Welsh One' awareness campaign," Mrs Bartlett added.

Another popular attraction on the FUW stand was the Dinefwr Stickmakers Guild who demonstrated the art of stick making and provided an exhibition of sticks.

After a nail biting competition, FUW member Aled Owen was crowned the winner of the World Sheepdog Championship. Mr Owen, and his sheepdog Roy, from Corwen in Denbighshire, pipped rival Ron Snoeck of Netherlands to the post, winning by one point only.