TWO shearing records have been broken at a farm near Builth Wells.

A new British and YFC nine-hour four-stand lamb shearing record was set by Brecknock YFC at Blaenbwch Farm, in Maesmynis, on Friday, August 9.

Four young farmers from Brecknockshire, Lloyd Rees, George Gilbert, Aled Jones and Hugh Prothero, are the new record holders after shearing 2,654 lambs within nine hours.

Thousands of people from as far as New Zealand and Australia watched the record-breakers live on Facebook.

At 8pm the results were announced by British Isles Shearing Competition Association (BISCA) chairman Andy Rankin in front of a packed crowd at the farm which belongs to the family of Rob and Tracy Powell.

Mr Rankin praised the four men for their “really good quality” shearing. “These guys did a super job,” he added.

The event was organised by Brecknock YFC to raise money for five charities and local causes: MS Society, Prostate Cancer UK, Wales Air Ambulance, The DPJ Foundation and Brecknock YFC.

John Price, county chairman of Brecknock YFC, said the charities are “all close to everyone’s hearts and provide valuable support to our community”.

Mr Price told the crowd that is was “absolutely phenomenal” that the men handled the sheep weight of around 87.5 tonnes, each dragging 22 tonnes over the porch, and sheared on average over three tonnes of wool.

“There are more than a few words of thanks to convey. I assure you that we all appreciate that staging an event like this, on this scale, is a huge logistical challenge. The success of the shearing record has been dependent by the goodwill and support both in the way of sponsorship and help on the ground in so many different ways.”

“First of all may I convey a sincere thanks to Rob and Tracey Powell and family for allowing the event to take place at Blaenbwch Farm.

He added: “Congratulations and sincere thanks to the four shearers. These boys have worked so hard to demonstrate skill and enthusiasm to ensure the excellent results that we’ve witnessed tonight.”

Sheep from 14 farms were sheared for the record attempt.