Pontfaen YFC is celebrating after one of its members was shortlisted for The Young Farmer of the Year Award.

The YFC Achiever Awards, sponsored by Kärcher UK, are the biggest celebration of rural young people in England and Wales. They recognise and reward the dedication and commitment shown by young people who are supporting the British countryside.

This year there are eight award categories shining a light on the amazing work that YFC members and their supporters do throughout the year. From acts of kindness in local communities to developing rural enterprises – this is a big celebration of everything that makes Young Farmers’ Clubs and their members so special.

In 2021 Pontfaen YFC were winners of the Community Spirit Award. Keeping the community together and boosting morale was a major focus, through fundraisers, online activities and encouraging the community to gather they had offered hope during challenging times.  

Last year Junior member Rose Lewis was a finalist in the New Member Award. Rose’s willingness to get involved with all things YFC was truly amazing to see. The personal achievements she had made during her relatively short time as a YFC member was a testament to her enthusiasm and commitment to supporting YFC.

This year Pontfaaen YFC are excited that Sioned Davies is a finalist in The Young Farmer of the Year Award. The award is supported by The Farm Safety Foundation, and focused on celebrating the young people involved in agriculture who are promoting good practice in the sector. They are looking for a YFC member who works safely and encourages others to do the same, has implemented new ideas and is a strong ambassador for British food and farming.

Sioned is a dedicated promoter of British food and farming, actively engaging in various initiatives and acquiring diverse experiences to enhance her knowledge of the industry. 

From an early age, Sioned's deep connection with rural life became evident through her family's farming operation. This upbringing instilled in her a strong appreciation for agriculture. As a member of the Agri Academy Junior and Senior programme, she gained valuable exposure to different aspects of the industry such as visiting the Netherlands to explore progressive and innovative farming systems. 

At Harper Adams University, Sioned pursued a degree in Agri-Food Marketing with Business Studies. Her second-year placement with COOP, as an agri-marketing coordinator in Manchester, provided her with invaluable insights into the supply chain and the farm-to-fork process. This firsthand experience enhanced her understanding of the industry's intricacies and the importance of effective marketing. 

Sioned's involvement as an NFU ambassador exemplifies her dedication to promoting British food and farming. She represented the NFU in Brussels, attended their conference, and actively contributed to meetings in London. 

Working now for Oxbury Bank, Sioned uses her role to create finance opportunities for young farmers and entrants to take their first steps into the industry.

Sioned is always willing to promote British food and farming. As a live lesson presenter, she engaged and educated primary school pupils, serving as an ambassador for the industry. Her commitment to innovation and bilingual education, along with positive feedback from students and teachers, demonstrates her effectiveness in raising awareness about agriculture. 

She was a winner of the Gareth Raw Rees Memorial Travel Scholarship, and this further highlights her commitment to learning. During her trip to the USA and South America, she explored different farming practices and addressed critical issues like water scarcity and the protection of natural capital. This experience positions her as an asset to the British agricultural community, bringing back new ideas and insights. 

Sioned's exceptional work as an ambassador, educational background, industry experience, and commitment to learning makes her a deserving finalist in the Young Farmer of the Year Award and we wish her all the best. 

The YFC Achiever Awards ceremony will take place on Friday, November 3 at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham, where NFYFC President Nigel Owens will be the compere for the evening.