Sarah Byford of Usk has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours list in recognition of her voluntary services to grassland societies and rural communities.

Sarah, a farmer’s daughter from Hampshire who has lived in Monmouthshire for more than fifty years said, “I am obviously honoured and can’t quite believe it. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all the organisations I have been involved with and feel I have got more out of those relationships than I have put in.”

Sarah is an avid supporter of the Federation of Welsh Grassland Societies and was elected chairman for the year 2002/3. The Federation celebrates its golden anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion has organised a series of farm open days throughout Wales. Sarah had also played a significant part in the publication of a commemorative book.

The Welsh Federation is affiliated to the British Grassland Society, of which Sarah was the first lady president in 2008/9.

Sarah is currently in her 44th year as secretary of Monmouthshire Grassland Society. She is also a past chairman of Raglan Farmers’ Association, of which she is currently press officer.

She is a passionate supporter of the Young Farmer’s movement, is a past president of both Usk YFC and the Gwent Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, and is still involved in training YFC Junior Public Speaking teams.

Sarah also broke new ground as the first lady chair of Usk Farmers’ Club in 1980. The club runs the popular Usk Show, where she has served as agricultural secretary for eight years, and is currently chief livestock steward. She also acts as a steward annually at the Monmouth Show and the Royal Welsh Summer Show and Winter Fair.

Sarah first came to Monmouthshire to study at Usk Agricultural College, affectionately known as the Rhadyr, and went on to teach livestock production at the college for 28 years full time, and a further nine years part time. She managed the college farm for four years between 1988 and 1992.

Sarah is a JP, serving as a magistrate for ten years on the Gwent Bench from 2005-2015. She is still involved in Magistrates in the Community, as a co-presenter of workshops in secondary schools throughout Gwent.

She has been a Guider with First Usk Rainbow Guides since 1994, and is a member of the church choir at the Priory Church of St Mary’s, Usk where she serves on the PCC.

Sarah feels that this award is as much for her fellow volunteers and those she has helped, as for herself.

She said, “As long as I am physically and mentally able to carry on with what I am involved with, then bring it on – I’m not ready to put my feet up yet!”