Why Gerald would be an effective mentor
- Keen rugby supporter and former district and county player Gerald is a hands-on hill farmer. He says he’s full time, but for the last 15 years he’s also been in demand as a livestock commentator at both the Royal Welsh Show and the Winter Fair, working for one of S4C’s production companies. So, avoid those two weeks in the farming calendar if you plan to seek his mentoring support on sheepdog handling!
- Sociable and with great communication skills, Gerald is an experienced sheepdog handler who has already put his mentoring skills to the test, having assisted many young local young farmers who sought his guidance when they bought their first puppies and were ready to hone both their own and their dog’s shepherding skills.
- During the 1990’s Gerald – who enjoyed considerable success showing commercial beef cattle – decided that his long-held interest in sheepdogs should take him down the competitive route once again – this time for training and trialling.
- His first bitch called Mist, bought as a pup, learned her skills on his hill farm. With Gerald’s ability, patience and guidance, Mist soon went on to win her first open trial in west Wales. Since then, he has gone on to represent Wales on numerous occasions with more dogs, some of which he breeds himself.
- He is regularly asked to judge major trials including the Welsh National and International when the four home countries compete for the supreme championship. Now he says it’s time to repay the guidance he received from many senior handlers when he first began, and he is looking forward to passing on his knowledge and skills in his role as a mentor to sheepdog handlers and competitors at all levels.
Current farm business
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Gerald farms 400 acres of upland improved pasture in partnership with his wife Hazel. The couple purchased 270 acres in 1983 going on to rent a further 130 acres.
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The couple have grazing rights on the Black Mountain and run a hefted flock of 800 Welsh X Cheviot ewes, which are managed with two working border collies.
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They purchase approximately 1,000 store lambs throughout the year finished on the farm. Numbers vary depending on forage availability.
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Native breed calves are bought from local livestock markets and also finished on the farm.
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The farm has been in Glastir Advanced for the last five years. Prior to that, it was in Tir Gofal and Tir Cymen schemes.
Qualifications/achievements/ experience
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Gerald grew up on a smallholding in Wales, leaving school to work at local farms.
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In his 20s, by then an experienced sheep handler and shearer, he travelled to New Zealand and enjoyed a number of seasons working on large-scale sheep units.
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As a working hill farmer who has worked with both working sheepdogs and competitive dogs all his life, he has won numerous competitions, trained and judged at all levels and he is now looking forward to passing on his knowledge and skills to the next generation of sheepdog handlers.
Top tips for business success
““Take time to choose the right sort of puppy that’s going to suit you and your temperament and your sheep too. A calm dog has a calming influence on the sheep – and this is usually helpful for a beginner, giving you time to hone your skills too.”
“If you plan to shepherd feisty Welsh sheep you’ll need a more quick-witted, sharper type of dog!”
“Patience is paramount and dogs are like a lot of people, they like to please and they like praise. Some want to listen and some don’t, but don’t rush things!