Why Sian would be an effective mentor

  • Sian has been in the farming and horticultural industry all her life and now lives and works on her family’s 600-acre upland farm with her husband and three children. The diversified farm includes beef, sheep, poultry and holiday accommodation. Sian has excellent time management and administrative skills and is responsible for all farm accounts and records, including the diversified business accounts and paperwork.
  • In 2010, the family decided to diversify and established a free-range bird rearing enterprise. The enterprise consists of 12,000 chickens kept in a free-range unit. All birds are reared from day old to 56 days and are then sent to a factory before being sold to Marks & Spencers. Sian is in charge of the day to day running of the poultry house. 
  • Sian also owns a successful floristry business which was established in 2001. A flower studio was built on the farm and the business mainly caters for weddings and funerals as well as any other floral requests.  
  • In 2013, the family bought a neighbouring 60-acre farm and renovated the farm house into a 5-star holiday cottage.  The 3-bedroom cottage has several luxurious features including a hot tub.  Always looking to invest in the future of the farm, they already have plans to renovate on old barn which will also become a holiday let. 
  • An excellent bilingual communicator and good listener with over 20 years’ experience in diversification projects, Sian can provide guidance to other farming businesses wanting to establish viable new enterprises. 

Current farm business

  • 600-acre upland farm
  • 12,000 free range table birds 
  • 100 Limousine cross cattle
  • Pedigree Flock of Texel’s with majority sold through Society Sales or retained.
  • 1,200 ewes, mainly Welsh Mules crossed with Texel rams 
  • 5-star holiday cottage
  • Floristry business
  • Solar panels

Qualifications/achievements/experience

  • 2011: Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture, Gwent College Usk
  • 2010 – present: Mentor for the YESS Scheme 
  • 2000 – present: Member of the Radonor Advisory and Merchandise & Enterprise Committees, RWAS Council
  • Secretary & Treasurer for Rhayader Market Hall & Smithfield Trust

Tips for business success:

1. “Never put all your eggs in one basket”

2. “You’re never too old to learn new things”

3. “Hard work pays off in the end”
 

Apply for this mentor