Why Peredur would be an effective mentor
- Peredur Owen (30) always hoped he would one day run a farming business rather than working for someone else. In 2019, that dream was realised thanks to his role as a joint venture share farmer at a 570-acre beef and sheep farm near Llandovery and support from the Farming Connect Venture programme.
- After obtaining his BSc in Agriculture at Harper Adams University, Peredur was delighted to land his first role as a graduate management trainee for a major international meat processing company.
- At the end of the two-year programme, he was keen to return to the practical side of agriculture. Having heard about a share farming opportunity near Llandovery, he applied and was fortunate to secure the role. Both landowner and young entrant were soon ready to take their discussions to the next level.
- Through Farming Connect’s Venture programme, they accessed an integrated package of training, mentoring, business support and specialist legal advice, tailored to their specific personal and business requirements. By early 2019, the arrangement was formalised, giving both sides a secure framework.
- Fast forward the clock to 2024 and Peredur is now helping manage and run this successful farm business. The business has changed over the last five years and now has a herd of 180 dairy cross cattle and a flock of around 1,000 Easycare ewes. Peredur and his fiancée live in a house provided at the farm.
- The main driver of the business is making the most of forage through rotational grazing which maximises utilisation of grassland and keeps input costs to a minimum – a project driven by both parties – which combined with the joint venture element, led to the farm being selected as one of Farming Connect’s former demonstration sites.
- Peredur forms the major part of the labour unit, with all managerial decisions made jointly with the landowners. He emphasises that good communications are critical, with regular meetings covering not only day-to-day systems but business performance and long-term planning too.
- •If you want to learn more about joint ventures from the perspective of a young entrant, expect to be inspired and encouraged if you select Peredur as your mentor. A fluent Welsh speaker, you’ll find him a passionate advocate for this increasingly popular arrangement.
Current farm business
- Peredur is share-farming at a 570 acre holding near Llandovery.
- 180 dairy cross beef cattle which are bought in as weaned calves and grown to 450kg before being sold on to finishing units.
- 1,000 Easycare ewes, marketed through Dunbia for Sainsbury’s ‘Taste the Difference’ range.
- Rotational grazing was introduced in 2019 which has reduced environmental impacts, improved and maximised grassland and kept input costs to a minimum.
- When time permits, Peredur also provides contracting services for relief milking, lambing and shearing.
Qualifications/achievements/experience
- BSc Agriculture (Harper Adams University)
- Former NFU Cymru Next Generation Board Member
- Animal Welfare Certificate – Bristol University Accreditation
- Blue Seal Shearing Certificate
- HACCP Implementation & Verification QQI Level 5
- Level III Food Safety
- Former Farming Connect Demonstration Farm
- Farming Connect Agri Academy 2019 alumni
- Hybu Cig Cymru scholar 2018
Tips for business success
“For a successful joint venture, you need openness, honesty, joined-up thinking and totally compatible goals and ambitions.”
“Always stay on top of your costs, include contingency plans – things can change quickly in farming – and focus on increasing outputs without compromising standards.”
“Surround yourself with knowledgeable people, don’t hesitate to share challenges with other like-minded farmers and utilise Farming Connect whenever you can.”