Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies, has congratulated each of the winners and nominees for the Lantra Cymru Awards 2024.

Attending this year’s awards celebration event held at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells, the Deputy First Minister described this year’s candidates as “the best of the best”, whose contribution to Welsh farming and the land-based sectors is doing so much to help modernise and safeguard the future of the industry.

“Your professionalism, your willingness to embrace innovation and new technologies and your commitment to both personal and business development is already contributing greatly to sustainable farming in Wales. This not only helps to build capacity but also creates the step change in behaviour that will soon be a crucial part of our new Sustainable Farming Scheme,” said the Deputy First Minister.

Now in its 30th year, the Awards recognise the lifelong learning achievements of workers whose hard work, skills and abilities are of benefit not only to agriculture, horticulture and forestry but to the wider rural agenda in Wales, to the rural economy and to the communities where they live and work.

“Each nominee’s clear commitment to continuous professional development and their individual achievements within the environmental and land-based sectors is hugely important to our industry,” said the Deputy First Minister.

“It is this thirst for learning, your confidence in your own abilities and your willingness to innovate and use new technologies, that is so valuable to not only your own career pathway but to the sustainability, professionalism and modernisation of Welsh agriculture.

“You are following in the footsteps of some of Wales’ most successful and effective farmers, stock people, industry ambassadors and rural experts – the best of the best! Each one of you has demonstrated the qualities and skills it takes to be nominated, and you clearly have the stand-out ability to be selected.”

This year’s awards provided an opportunity for all those in the industry to pay tribute to the achievements of the students and trainees nominated. Attended by the Deputy First Minister and by those working in the agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors throughout Wales, they were joined by representatives from key rural stakeholder organisations, together with many of the land-based training providers and rural colleges in Wales approved to deliver Farming Connect services.

During the celebration event, the Minister also presented two special awards. This year’s Brynle Williams Memorial Award was awarded to young farmer Dafydd Elfyn Owen from Llanddoged, near Abergele. Mr Owen, supported through Farming Connect’s ‘Start to Farm’ initiative (formerly the Venture programme) and described as an ‘outstanding’ young farmer and ‘inspiring ambassador for new entrants’, is now in a joint venture partnership in North Wales where his day-to-day management and strategic input is enabling his new share farming partners to continue their journey towards a sustainable, regenerative farming future.

The Minister also announced that the Lantra Cymru Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024 was awarded to well-known Pembrokeshire dairy farmer, chair of the Wales Animal Health & Welfare Steering Group, rural figurehead and champion of rural affairs, Stephen James FRAgS of Gelliolau, Clynderwen.

Local successes include:

George grew up at his family’s traditional mixed farm, which underwent a major diversification scheme into commercial poultry some years ago. Having just survived feed prices escalating, George implemented a system of fixed prices so that the enterprise is now less affected by market volatility, and he can better estimate profit margins.

George has overall responsibility for managing the cattle, sheep and hens, preparing all livestock for market and negotiating various aspects of the poultry business. His days start with monitoring the hens, feeding and monitoring the cattle and sheep, and then overseeing 16,000 hens and packing their quality eggs which are sold at premium rates on contract to Waitrose.

The judges were impressed with George’s businesslike and forward-thinking approach to sustainability and resilience.

“Switching to LED lights in the poultry sheds has helped with bird welfare and reduced electricity costs and George is already planning to upgrade the sheds and increase poultry numbers.”

Chartered ecological surveyor Geraint manages the family farm which has been tenanted for over 100 years. He has used Farming Connect support and training extensively, acquiring the knowledge and skills he needed to undertake significant business improvements and environmental restoration works himself. The farm is adjacent to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

Geraint also works for the Welsh Government where he trains staff on habitat management. A knowledgeable and experienced environmentalist, his aim for the farm is to continue to raise good quality stock with traceability while balancing farming and food production with agri-environment objectives.

The judges highly commended Geraint for his dedication towards protecting the environment and for sharing his knowledge with farmers through the numerous farm visits he hosts annually.

Jess and John Goodwin and their son run a traditional mixed farm of 500 acres. Thanks to a successful diversification project, the family sell Angus beef, lamb and award-winning pork directly to the public via self-service vending machines in their farm shop.

The pandemic lockdown resulted in more demand for meat boxes, so the family increased the number of vending machines to include fresh, chilled and frozen produce, enabling them to also increase the range of items sold.

John is an alumnus of the Farming Connect Agri Academy, a member of various Agrisgôp groups and is also involved with academia through Aberystwyth University. The family have a self-catering farm accommodation business and have installed a 20kW solar array to offset the rising costs of electricity.

The judges said that the family are deserving winners of this award. “The success of the Goodwins’ farm shop and increased turnover is testament to the family’s innovative approach to sustainable, profitable farming.”

Harper Adams graduate Luned impressed the judges with her entrepreneurial ability and focus on adding value to the family farm, fuelled in part through being inspired as a Farming Connect Agri Academy participant. The judges felt that Luned, who has bravely overcome numerous health setbacks is a ‘star of the future’ and a worthy winner of this award. She recently undertook a skydive for a leading health support charity.

Luned is currently setting up her own business, highlighting quality Welsh produce by selling the poorer cuts of local lamb, beef and pork which customers often fail to utilise. She plans to promote locally produced faggots, sausages and mince with accompaniments like Welsh mash that can not only cater for those with dietary needs, but also provide healthier alternatives to additive-packed, high fat, fast-food options.

Luned has completed numerous Farming Connect courses and next on her list is the study of food allergens. “A very deserving winner!”

Brought up on her family’s 280-acre beef and sheep farm, where she helps with all the administration, Maria is a keen equestrian and devoted to animals in general! She impressed the judges with her zest for learning.

“Maria is an experienced, outcome-focused office manager who has acquired impressive skills in business, accounting and marketing which she uses both at home and in her working life.”

Maria splits her time between a role as practice manager for a firm of rural consultants who provide bespoke client services and is part-time accounts manager for an equine clinic. Her work includes accounting practices, payroll, handling of queries and general promotion and marketing. She has gained her AAT Level 2 Accountancy and is now working towards Level 3.

“A keen advocate of personal development, Maria has utilised Farming Connect’s subsidised training programme to study courses including bookkeeping, VAT and ‘making tax digital’, business development and planning – a worthy runner-up!”

Melanie gave up formal education during sixth form and is now a full-time carer for her grandmother. Her career plan is now back on track and she is planning for the future having accessed learning support through Lantra’s Agristart programme, which provides free accredited training for eligible individuals wanting to work in agriculture, forestry or horticulture.

Melanie’s dream was always to grow produce and she is already acquiring new skills and knowledge that will help her achieve this ambition. Her aim is to acquire a small piece of land where she can grow fruit and vegetables to sell in the local community. Melanie is also investigating charcoal production and plans to learn about trees and coppicing.

She has completed accredited courses on first aid, chainsaw maintenance, cross cutting and woodchipper handling, giving her valuable certificated skills to boost future career prospects and now has the skills and confidence to use equipment safely and efficiently.