Why Rhys would be an effective mentor
- After completing a National Diploma course at the Welsh Agricultural College in Aberystwyth, Rhys worked as a herdsperson on a farm in Denbigh, before going on to work in New Zealand where he learnt about share farming
- In 2004 Rhys started share milking on the Llyn Peninsula. Over the last 12 years he has developed a business that now milks 1,150 cows on a low cost spring calving system, with 910 cows owned outright
- Rhys acknowledges that the few years spent in New Zealand had a huge influence on his farming career and personal life. He says he was exposed to a system and way of life that he feels allows people to achieve their goals in life, as long as they are prepared to work hard enough and make sacrifices
- During his time as a Farming Connect Demonstration Farm, Rhys hosted a number of events on farm, all of which he found beneficial, in particular one where the focus was on implementing a programme to manage Johnes disease
- Rhys is very open to new ideas and never afraid to give them a go. With a large business to run he relies heavily on the skills of the team he works closely alongside to manage the farms. He feels communication skills are therefore paramount, but says there is always something to learn from others on how to improve them
Current farm business
- Land owner and share farming enterprises, 200 acres owned 1,400 acres rented and as part of share farming enterprises
- Three dairy units, of 300, 500 and 360 cows, all spring block calving
Qualifications/ achievements/ experience
- Farming Connect Demonstration Farm 2013-2015
- Member of Grazing Gogs and Grasshopper discussion groups
- Nuffield Scholar 2010, study topic ‘Wealth creation in dairy farming’
TOP TIPS FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS
“Believe in who you are and what you are doing.”
“Be prepared to work hard, and never give up.”