03/05/2026
We had a truly special day at the farm welcoming the Rt Hon Emma Reynolds MP, Secretary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the United Kingdom. The visit highlighted something very close to my heart…the importance of imported Kerry Hill sheep genetics and the growing partnership between UK and American breeders.
She was joined by a fantastic group of people including Katie Frazier, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry and Tom Bradshaw, President of the UK National Farmers Union.
After a quick cup of coffee, we headed to the lambing barn, where Emma took the time to learn about our work importing Kerry Hill genetics into the United States and how these efforts help strengthen and preserve this beautiful historic British breed here in America.
The timing of her visit was perfect, because just that morning we welcomed the first lamb of the season at 5:00 am. A gorgeous 100% Kerry Hill ram lamb born via imported UK genetics. It was an incredibly proud moment for me to have Emma hold that lamb and connect with our mission here in the United States.
We ended the evening at the British Ambassadors Residence, enjoying great food, friends and leaders in Agriculture, honoring Emma’s meaningful visit to the region.
A heartfelt thank you to Emma, Katie, Tom, Jennifer Ella Groover, Will Surman and the whole team for spending time with us and for their support of farmers, breeders, and international agricultural collaboration.
A special mention to Chris Adamson Whitfield Flock of Kerry Hill Sheep for his collaboration, industry introductions and dedication to our Kerry Hill mission and growth in the United States.
Days like this remind me why I love what we do!
American Kerry Hill Sheep Society NFU - National Farmers' Union Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)UK in USA