A FARMER from near Skipton has been elected as the new chairman of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s Dales Support Group.
Helen Wray is a dedicated champion for rare breeds farming a range of rare native breeds of livestock at Gam Farm Rare Breeds in Grassington including 180 Whitefaced Woodland sheep and 50 Northern Dairy Shorthorn cattle, as well as Wensleydale Longwool sheep, Bagot goats, Tamworth pigs and Middle White pigs.
The commercial viability of a native breed of livestock is essential for the breed’s survival, and Helen has a wealth of practical experience in finding the strongest opportunities for rare breeds in modern markets.
The RBST is the national charity working to save and safeguard the future of native breeds of livestock and equines. The RBST Dales Support Group covers one of the largest areas of all RBST Support Groups, representing the charity across the Yorkshire Dales region.
The Dales group creates a network that helps RBST members in or near the area work together to boost rare breeds’ chances of survival.
Helen said: “As chairman of the RBST Dales Support Group, I am thrilled to act for the many passionate and dedicated farmers, smallholders and supporters in Yorkshire who work every day to safeguard the future of our amazing native breeds.
"This is an exciting time for the charity and for rare breeds, with post-Brexit farming policy, changes in society and scientific innovation all creating new opportunities to boost the prospects of our native breeds. Our Dales Support Group has a crucial role to play."
RBST Dales Support Group chairman Helen Wray said: “As chairman of the RBST Dales Support Group, I am thrilled to act for the many passionate and dedicated farmers, smallholders and supporters in Yorkshire who work every day to safeguard the future of our amazing native breeds.
"This is an exciting time for the charity and for rare breeds, with post-Brexit farming policy, changes in society and scientific innovation all creating new opportunities to boost the prospects of our native breeds. Our Dales Support Group has a crucial role to play."
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