Cheryl Reeves

I am a woman farm business owner based in Bangor-on-Dee, where I rear dairy crossed beef calves to beef animals for the food supply chain. In 2020, I diversified our farm operations by establishing Agri-cation CIC, an on-farm education center dedicated to providing agricultural education. Alongside my husband, we also manage a small delivery business that distributes animal nutritional blocks across Wales and England. Additionally, I am self-employed with TIMAC Agro, where I assist in selling nutritional blocks. All these ventures are intricately linked with and supported by our farm infrastructure, creating a cohesive and sustainable operation.

I started the business because I identified a gap in the market for on-farm education and support. This initiative aims to bridge the social disconnect between rural and urban lifestyles, offering people the chance to understand where their food comes from and the importance of sustainable farming practices. By providing educational opportunities through Agri-cation CIC, we help foster a deeper appreciation for agriculture and its role in the food supply chain, while also supporting the need for sustainable and environmentally responsible farming methods.

The best thing about being my own boss is the flexibility it offers. I have the freedom to implement my ideas and make business decisions that align with my vision and goals. This autonomy allows for a more dynamic and responsive approach to managing the farm and associated ventures. Additionally, being my own boss provides ample opportunities to network with like-minded individuals, fostering collaborations and sharing knowledge that further enhance the business and its impact.

One significant challenge I have overcome is marketing our company to individuals who are vegan or vegetarian, given that our primary business focus is producing beef animals. Despite this, we have successfully integrated and worked with six vegetarian adults and one vegan on the farm. We have managed to share information about food production in a respectful and informative manner, ensuring that it does not cause emotional discomfort. This has allowed us to foster an inclusive environment, promoting understanding and respect for diverse dietary choices while emphasising the importance of sustainable farming practices.

Two individuals who inspired me to embark on this journey are Julie Thomas and Abi Reader. Julie, a farmer’s wife, established Simply the Best Training in South Wales, which provides agricultural qualifications and demonstrates the profound impact of dedicated training programs. Abi Reader, a dairy farmer in South Wales, founded COWS ON TOUR, an agri-education company that educates school children across Wales through engaging roadshows. 

Their pioneering efforts in agricultural education motivated me to create Agri-cation CIC, aiming to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities and highlight the significance of sustainable farming.