A FARMER described as a “hugely enthusiastic advocate” of the sheep industry has been nominated for an award in this year’s Three Counties Farming Awards.

Frank Lloyd runs a large commercial sheep flock on his farm in Abbeydore in Herefordshire’s Golden Valley.

Mr Lloyd is also a multiplier sheep farm for Innovis, a sheep breeder based near Aberystwyth that aims to improve efficiency and give farmers access to high-performing genetic lines.

Belmont Farm and Equine Vets, who nominated Mr Lloyd for the Sheep Farmer of the Year award, said: “Frank is hugely enthusiastic advocate of the sheep industry who has significantly changed the way he farms over the years, always adapting to find the system that best suits his farming systems.

“He has a great focus on achieving as much as possible from grazing and forage production and limiting unnecessary inputs.

“He is always aspiring to improve further how he manages his sheep flock and drive down involuntary losses and improve the health and welfare of his sheep flock.

“He is great at engaging with other sheep farmers to share best practice and runs an open-door policy allowing many youngsters to take advantage of his learnings over the years.

“He is the Mr Nice Guy of the sheep world.”

The aim of the awards is to raise the profile of the farming communities in the three counties.

Awards entries are invited from across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

To nominate yourself or someone else for an award visit herefordtimes.com/awards/tcf