THE recipient of the NSA George Hedley Memorial Award for 2021 is Helen Roberts in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the sheep industry.

In addition to her wide-ranging personal interests in many aspects of the sheep industry, Helen is NSA Cymru/Wales regional development officer and corporate sales manager.

Helen has long been involved with the industry, working with her father on their ‘Horton’ flock of Suffolk sheep as well as with her husband Clive on the England/Wales border where they keep 500 Welsh Mules, Texel and Beltex cross ewes in addition to small pedigree flocks of Beltex and Blue Faced Leicesters.

Helen has also taken on commitments and activities on several committees as a director of Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers; for the past 18 years as secretary, followed by regional development officer for NSA Cymru/Wales Region, and during the past decade as corporate sales manager for the NSA.

Helen said: “Throughout my time working for NSA and the wider sheep industry I have always held the George Hedley Award in the highest regard for the very high calibre individuals who have been recognised by it in the past. Therefore, I am extremely honoured to be named as the latest recipient.”