THE future of sheep farming is to be discussed in the Towy Valley.

Llandovery has a long history of drovers driving sheep through the town, and the wider Towy Valley also shares sheep farming as a traditional way of life.

But questions are being raised about the future of sheep and sheep farming in the context of the climate emergency.

Later this year, the Llandovery Sheep Festival will take place and during this event, there will be a Sheep And Climate Crisis Forum, where there will be panellists talking about the situation in relation to the climate emergency and its impact on sheep and sheep farming, as well as their role in solving the changes to the climate and a debate which is open to all.

Alan New, of Llandovery Climate Action Group, is organising the event on behalf of the festival. Alan said: “Sheep farming is seen to be in trouble.

“Markets for sheep products are more difficult to access, food habits are changing to a plant-based diet, wool has little commercial value and sheep are seen as detrimental to the environment.

“Welsh sheep farmers have reported problems rearing livestock thanks to the recent extreme summer weather. Experts have suggested that climate change could potentially wreck traditional sheep farming in Wales.

“The Llandovery Sheep Festival is the perfect event to start this open and honest discussion about whether sheep could be a sustainable part of the solution to the climate crisis.”

Rachel Everett, chairwoman of the Llandovery Sheep Festival, said: “Events such as this are important to the agricultural community, not only in terms of bringing people together, but also in terms of showcasing the best of local produce, goods and services.

“The concept behind this community-led festival is to showcase the best of Llandovery, to share its cultural identity and historical past through the promotion of the wool industry and the local farming economy.

"This year’s packed programme will certainly not disappoint and will have something for everyone.”

Llandovery Sheep Festival will celebrate rural crafts, food and entertainment as well as the old drovers’ trails, sheep farming and the wool industry and will take place on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17.

The forum will take place at 11am on Saturday, September 16 at the Castle Hotel.