Why Keith would be an effective mentor

  • Keith started farming in his own right at the age of 17 by renting ground from a neighbour whilst still working on his parents’ farm. He took over the home farm in 2001 and has improved soil and grassland management, and uses high EBV stock
  • Keith has implemented a rotational grazing system on the farm and all winter grazing to help maximise the farm’s output, while keeping costs to a minimum
  • As a Hybu Cig Cymru demonstration farm Keith held open days to facilitate knowledge transfer of his grassland management. It also made him examine the detail of his accounts which has made him more business focussed
  • In 2012 Keith took part in the Farming Connect Agri-Academy Rural Leadership programme, which he says greatly improved his confidence and wider knowledge of the farming industry
  • Undertaking a Nuffield Scholarship study into the grading and payment system for red meat has given Keith a worldwide perspective of farming
  • Keith was involved with the Farming Connect Farmer Innovation Fund project and helped to develop the Comparable Farm Profit template to help farmers better understand their businesses
  • With all these experiences, both practical and understanding finances, Keith believes he has a lot to offer

Current farm business

  • Family owned 360 acres, plus 20 acres rented
  • 750 ewes, including 60 performance recorded Texels, plus 190 ewe lambs. Performance Recorded Rams are sold and lamb is sold as part of a scheme to Waitrose
  • Closed suckler herd of 20 pedigree Welsh Black cattle, surplus supplied to Waitrose

Qualifications/ achievements/ experience

  • Agri Academy Rural Leadership programme 2012
  • Farming Connect Farm Enterprise Competition
  • Coleg Powys 1983-1986
  • Worked on home farm 1983-2001 and own business since aged 17
  • Hybu Cig Cymru Demonstration Farm 2008-2011
  • Farmers’ Weekly sheep farmer of the year 2013
  • Nuffield Scholarship 2013-2014

 

TOP TIPS FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS

“You must understand your costs and keep them under control whilst still maximising your output from soil, best genetics and grassland management.”


“Try to supply a premium market and use the latest technologies that suit your land and circumstances.”

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