Lantra Awards 2024

Pembrokeshire dairy farmer, Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies and Royal Agricultural University alumnus Stephen James, is one of the most recognised and well-respected figureheads within Welsh agriculture. Renowned for championing young farmers and their impact on modernising Welsh agriculture, for over 20 years Stephen has been a leading rural advocate, representing the industry to both the Welsh and UK governments.   

A former president of NFU Cymru, he has been closely involved with numerous significant policy areas including CAP Reform and Brexit. During his time with NFU Cymru, Stephen held various European positions including membership of COPA (European Farming Organisation) Praesidium, the COPA animal health and welfare group as well as various European Commission working groups. 

Since 2018, Stephen has chaired the Wales Animal Health & Welfare Framework, working closely with the Welsh Government’s Chief Veterinary Officer to oversee implementation of the framework, and prior to this was the industry representative on the Welsh Government’s Bovine TB programme board. He is a member of the Farming Connect Programme Board and closely involved with Mentera’s Arwain DGC programme (Responsible antimicrobial use for livestock). 

Stephen passionately supports the next generation of farmers and is a vocal advocate for developing skills and knowledge at any age. He has already shared responsibility for the farming business at Gelliolau with his son Daniel whom he brought in as his partner. He is also heavily involved with the Young Farmers movement both locally and nationally.  

A keen supporter of co-operatives within agriculture, he is a long-standing member of First Milk and a Director and past Chairman of Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers.  In his local community, Stephen has been President of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, a President and active Board Member of Clynderwen Show Society, a past Chair of Clynderwen Community Council and member and past Chairman of Narberth Grassland Society.     

The Brynle Williams Memorial Award 2024 has been awarded to Dafydd Elfyn Owen, an outstanding young farmer and inspiring ambassador for all new entrants. 

Dafydd was nominated for the award by staff and the business, financial and legal advisers involved in the delivery of the Farming Connect ‘Start to Farm’ programme (previously known as the Venture programme). Over the last two years, he has consistently exceeded expectations at Coed Coch Farm near Abergele, part of the North Wales estate where he now farms in a joint venture arrangement alongside landowner and farmer Harry Featherstonhaugh and share farming partner Rhys Williams.  

Dafydd grew up on a sheep farm in Llanddoged, first establishing his own flock of 100 ewes on 12hectares of rented land nearby.  Ambitious, focused and resilient, he has been steadfast in his determination to achieve not only business but personal development goals too. Driven by his passion for sustainable agriculture, Dafydd has engaged in numerous continuous professional development opportunities through Farming Connect and won a well-deserved place on the highly competitive Agri Academy.  

Dafydd, who now lives on the estate with his wife and young family, is making a valued contribution to the farm business where he helps provide day-to-day management of a flock of 2,000 Romney ewes combined with strategic direction, as Coed Coch Farm continues its journey towards a sustainable, regenerative farming future

“A rising star and fantastic role model,” said the judges who announced young farmer Erin McNaught as winner of the Future Farmers of Wales 2024 award. 

An accomplished sheepdog handler and winner of countless trophies, in 2018 Erin won the Young Handlers title at the International Sheepdog Trials. The following year she was part of the duo who won the BBC’s ‘One Man and His Dog’ trophy, fantastic achievements which led to appearances on popular television programmes including Blue Peter. 

A year later, armed with impressive A levels, Erin planned to go to university. Fate stepped in when she was unexpectedly offered the opportunity to help run her grandfather’s family beef and sheep farm due to health issues he faced. Erin decided to delay academia, albeit temporarily! She is currently farming alongside studying for a degree in geography and environmental science. 

In 2022, Erin was appointed NFU Cymru Student & Young Farmer Ambassador. Last September, she was invited to represent the UK at a meeting of G7 agriculture ministers in Sicily and she was recently awarded the Future Farmers of Wales Dai Davies Industry Impact Award in memory of the organisation’s late founder. 

A hands-on farmer at Pandy Farm where her ‘taid’ made her a partner, she is firmly focused on developing the business. Expanding the sheep numbers from 20 to 400 was a significant first step, followed by replacing the suckler herd with a successful dairy-to-beef calf-rearing enterprise.

An approved ‘sheepdog handling’ mentor for Farming Connect, Erin is a keen advocate of continuing personal development having tapped into numerous Farming Connect services including business, financial and technical training. This former Agri Academy candidate will doubtless have many more opportunities coming her way and as the judges agreed “Erin is a credit to our industry”.   

Ellen is happiest when growing and selling sustainable, organic, seasonal blooms at Firth Flock Flowers – the successful business she set up two years ago at the family smallholding – or tending to her flock of pedigree Black Welsh Mountain Sheep.

After moving to Wales with her family in 2019 and establishing her sheep enterprise, Ellen began investigating options for an additional stream of income. Cue Firth Flock Flowers, a 
start-up flower farm where Ellen grows and sells fresh and dried flowers commercially. She propagates plants from seed, is an accomplished florist, runs workshops and supplies weddings and events.  

The judges were impressed by Ellen’s focus on personal development having left school early.

“Ellen is a hugely worthy winner of this award and upskilling is part of her incredible success story.  A Junior Agri Academy business plan winner, she joined an Agrisgôp horticulture group, received Farming Connect business mentoring and is committed to growing her business.”

Former pastry-chef Harvey is a Level 3 Forestry and Arboriculture student at Coleg Glynllifon.  He delights in working outdoors within nature rather than within the confines of a commercial kitchen. His long-term ambition is to establish his own countryside management business.

Keen, focused and highly motivated, the judges are confident Harvey will achieve his career goals and more.  He combines college, where he consistently scores well in exams and synoptic tests, with working for a local countryside management company. Having impressed his employer during a work experience placement, he was invited back part-time and now puts his learning to good use alongside gaining practical experience. 
                                                                                                                                       
Harvey has also completed PA1 & PA2, Level 1 chainsaw course, woodchipper, strimmer, brushcutter and Health & Safety training as well as a Centre of Social Excellence course.

“Harvey has achieved so much already, demonstrating ambition and a great work ethic. We look forward to hearing of his future success.” 

Cian Rhys is a second-generation beef and sheep farmer. He combines college studies at Coleg Glynllifon with gaining as much practical experience as he can, working both at home and at neighbouring farms to increase his knowledge of different sectors. 

Now in the second year of studying for his Extended Diploma in Agriculture Level 3, where both his practical and written examinations consistently achieve excellent grades. Cian’s ultimate goal is to become a qualified livestock auctioneer. Grabbing every personal development opportunity available is part of his plan. An active and former ‘member of the year’ for Dyffryn Ogwen YFC, Cian is also part of Farming Connect’s Junior Agri Academy. 

The judges were impressed by Cian’s work ethic and confident, focused approach.  

“Cian uses his learning on topics including animal health and ICT to benefit not just his own career pathway but at his family farm and for other farmers he works with too.” 

Keen stockman Hari is determined to reduce the carbon footprint at his family’s beef, sheep and arable farm where he and his dad clear-wrap bales, actively reduce waste and implement rotational grazing. Closely involved with his local YFC, particularly stock judging competitions, Hari has his own flock of 50 pedigree Blue Texel sheep which he shows nationally and locally, having started with just two in-lamb ewes. During the winter months he enjoys working for a local estate, helping with the night shift for lambing 6,000 ewes. During the summer months, he works for a local contractor. 

Hari hopes that his studies at Coleg Glynllifon for an Extended Diploma in Agriculture Level 3 will lead to university and a career which combines farming with a farm manager or auctioneering role. 

The judges highly commended Hari for his positive and ambitious attitude and for acquiring new knowledge and skills he utilises every day. 

The judges highly commended Menna for her fantastic work ethic and ‘can do’ attitude which they believe will take her far in life. Brought up on the family’s beef and sheep farm, Menna has taken on a high level of responsibility at home through family circumstances, developing both practical and business management skills. She supports her brothers with their diversification enterprises – sheep shearing/dipping and machinery contracting - and has a part-time job in a laying poultry unit. She also contributes to a local newspaper.  

A keen advocate of Farming Connect training courses – Menna attained a British Wool Marketing Board Bronze Seal – and benefiting from the flexibility of e-learning, she was recently awarded the NPTC Newtown College ‘Welsh Student Learner of the Year’ accolade.  

Currently in the final year of studies for her Extended Diploma in Agriculture Level 3, Menna plans to study agriculture at university, with a year out to shear in New Zealand or Norway.  

Harper Adams graduate Luned impressed the judges with her entrepreneurial ability and focus on adding value to the family farm, fuelled in part through being inspired as a Farming Connect Agri Academy participant. The judges felt that Luned, who has bravely overcome numerous health setbacks is a ‘star of the future’ and a worthy winner of this award. She recently undertook a skydive for a leading health support charity.

Luned is currently setting up her own business, highlighting quality Welsh produce by selling the poorer cuts of local lamb, beef and pork which customers often fail to utilise. She plans to promote locally produced faggots, sausages and mince with accompaniments like Welsh mash that can not only cater for those with dietary needs, but also provide healthier alternatives to additive-packed, high fat, fast-food options. 

Luned has completed numerous Farming Connect courses and next on her list is the study of food allergens. “A very deserving winner!”

Bethan attained an arts degree but, inspired by university friends studying countryside conservation, realised her interests lay elsewhere. She volunteered with Nature NPT and the Woodland Trust and undertook training for ‘bird ringing’ and ‘dormouse monitoring’ licences. Having graduated, gone travelling and tried various ‘unfulfilling’ jobs, it was time to follow her heart!

When Bethan’s local Council offered an apprenticeship in environmental conservation, she grabbed the opportunity. Now employed as the Council’s biodiversity officer, Bethan delivers grant-funded projects which conserve and enhance biodiversity across the county.

Bethan loves her work and is gaining valuable environmental experience while continuing part-time studies at Bridgend College. Currently working towards an HNC in Environmental Conservation Management, obtaining her HND is the next step before fulfilling the dream which is to achieve a second ecology-based degree.

The judges said that Bethan is a worthy runner up, already making a valuable contribution to conservation and protecting the environment in Wales.

Armed with woodland skills learnt from her father, young mum Chelsea found the perfect career to fit in with her role as a solo parent. She joined forces with another parent, and the pair combined parenting with running a successful forest school community for children aged between 2 and 14 years.

A few years later with more free time, Chelsea set up as a woodworker and handyperson, making and selling furniture made from local timber, working on property refurbishments and carpentry. Impressed by her credentials, the sawmills where she purchased timber gave her a job. Tenacious and competent, Chelsea’s capabilities soon stood out in this male-dominated sector! 

Currently studying for an Extended Diploma City & Guilds Technical in Forestry and Arboriculture, and with numerous practical woodworking qualifications already, the judges highly commended Chelsea for her ambition and focus on continuous professional development which she hopes will lead to an ecology-based apprenticeship. 
 

Jess and John Goodwin and their son run a traditional mixed farm of 500 acres. Thanks to a successful diversification project, the family sell Angus beef, lamb and award-winning pork directly to the public via self-service vending machines in their farm shop.

The pandemic lockdown resulted in more demand for meat boxes, so the family increased the number of vending machines to include fresh, chilled and frozen produce, enabling them to also increase the range of items sold.

John is an alumnus of the Farming Connect Agri Academy, a member of various Agrisgôp groups and is also involved with academia through Aberystwyth University. The family have a self-catering farm accommodation business and have installed a 20kW solar array to offset the rising costs of electricity.

The judges said that the family are deserving winners of this award. “The success of the Goodwins’ farm shop and increased turnover is testament to the family’s innovative approach to sustainable, profitable farming.”   

During the 2022 heatwave, bio-chemist David, a fifth-generation farmer and researcher at Aberystwyth University’s IBERS, faced water supply challenges at the 400-acre family farm where he keeps 800 breeding ewes. To combat this, he initiated a project to improve water efficiency by reducing electricity usage in pumping water from wells to reservoirs.

A Farming Connect 'Our Farms' participant, David designed and implemented a LoRaWAN system which successfully monitors water levels and detects leaks. He plans further development to automate water pumping using solar energy. 

The improved water management system enables a transition to rotational grazing, currently being planned by David, in collaboration with grassland consultants. The judges said that David, who is also a Farming Connect mentor, was a worthy runner up in this category, providing a model other farms can aspire to. 

“David’s innovative approach to water efficiency highlights the significant potential of utilising today’s ground-breaking technologies within agriculture.”

Llyr runs an efficient dairy unit where he strives to maximise the excellent grass growing potential of this family farm to contribute to the high yield target for the herd of pedigree Holstein cows. 

Maize silage is an important part of the winter ration, maximising crop yields on the limited land available, with a high starch content driving milk production. Llyr plans to increase the protein content of the maize crop, growing a second companion crop of sunflowers to avoid leaving the land bare over winter. After the first harvest, the maize fields will be drilled with a ‘Westerwold’ and ryegrass mix which, cut and carted from February onwards, will be included in the cows' ration.

The judges highly commended Llyr for his willingness to trial innovative systems that will reduce his reliance on bought-in protein, particularly imported soya.

“Llyr is boosting profitability alongside meeting the sustainability credentials now demanded by milk processors and their customers.”

Rhys is part of Farming Connect’s ‘Our Farms’ network where his technical knowledge, diligence, passion and willingness to implement new technologies won him a ‘highly commended’ award.

The judges said that Rhys is an inspiration to others thanks to his wealth of technical knowledge. “His efforts contribute greatly to progression of the Welsh dairy industry.”

He genomically tests his dairy cows using the innovative Genocells technology to identify high Somatic Cell Count cows within a herd, using a single bulk tank sample. Rhys has also trialled the use of IVF technology for rapid gain in the genetic potential of block calving herds. The herd at Moor Farm is now in the top 1% in the country for fertility and the top 5% for the Spring Calving Index.

Already looking ahead, Rhys plans to focus on improving cow housing, a robotic slurry scraper and mobility scoring cattle with a camera.

Jack and his family moved to Llanwenog from Essex four years ago. Jack’s focus as farm manager is on maintaining consistently high standards for the performance of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry. The family has a farm shop offering pork, lamb and mutton from animals they have bred and reared themselves. They also buy store lambs and sell them out as fat stock at local markets.

Jack manages all the livestock; his particular interest being lambing and farrowing. He also monitors the farm’s 16,000 hens, which produce premium quality eggs sold to Waitrose.  As a strong believer in ‘prevention is better than cure’, and by working closely with his vet, Jack prioritises health and welfare for all the stock.

The judges said Jack’s approach to learning new skills is very impressive.

“Jack has benefited from a range of Farming Connect courses and workshops that have given him practical skills and knowledge he utilises every day.”

Lucy grew up on a beef and sheep farm in Cornwall but now farms alongside her husband, milking 300 cows with190 followers and rearing 90 heifers annually in Ceredigion.

A keen advocate of personal development and keenly interested in animal health and welfare, Lucy is also responsible for calf rearing, vaccination planning and fertility recording, alongside handling all administration and grant applications.

She finds both practical and classroom style workshops beneficial and enjoys being a vocal and hands-on participant!  Together with a local vet, Lucy recently hosted a calf-rearing workshop at the farm and is a persuasive advocate of learning techniques in a practical environment which gives her the confidence to put the theory into practice.

The judges said that Lucy was a worthy runner up for this award.  “Lucy’s appetite for learning is a credit to her, and her pro-active approach makes her a valuable asset to the family farm business.  

Emma works as a livestock buyer for a major meat-processing company.  Her role involves purchasing cattle and lambs of the right specification for the factory and its customers. This front-facing post uses a range of communication skills, particularly negotiation. She also has a part-time evening milking job on a local dairy farm.

Being a hard worker, an effective communicator, having good IT abilities and working well within a team are just part of her skillset! Emma also helps out at the family farm and has built up both cattle and sheep husbandry skills alongside using Farming Connect training to enhance her business acumen.

The judges were impressed by Emma’s proactive attitude to personal development.

“Emma is a deserving winner of this award.  

“She is a willing, focused learner and an excellent role model for women in our industry.  Her determination to achieve her goals is already putting her career on a very sound trajectory.” 
 

George grew up at his family’s traditional mixed farm, which underwent a major diversification scheme into commercial poultry some years ago. Having just survived feed prices escalating, George implemented a system of fixed prices so that the enterprise is now less affected by market volatility, and he can better estimate profit margins.

George has overall responsibility for managing the cattle, sheep and hens, preparing all livestock for market and negotiating various aspects of the poultry business. His days start with monitoring the hens, feeding and monitoring the cattle and sheep, and then overseeing 16,000 hens and packing their quality eggs which are sold at premium rates on contract to Waitrose.  

The judges were impressed with George’s businesslike and forward-thinking approach to sustainability and resilience.

“Switching to LED lights in the poultry sheds has helped with bird welfare and reduced electricity costs and George is already planning to upgrade the sheds and increase poultry numbers.”
 

Mair returned to work on the family farm straight from school with no formal qualifications. She combined farming with a part-time job in an abattoir and also worked for the Meat & Livestock Commission. At the age of 30 and by then a young mum, despite having no previous experience of computers, Mair decided to study business and IT at Cardigan College.  This proved a valuable springboard for the career which followed.

Mair now farms 200 acres, with 87 cattle and 250 ewes. She has a flock of pedigree Black Welsh Mountain and Badger Face sheep and also works at the Carmarthenshire showground.

Supported by Farming Connect, Mair has completed numerous business, financial and marketing courses which she uses every day, both at the family farm and in her job.

“Mair’s ambition and determination makes her a very deserving winner, proving that it’s never too late to start learning new skills.”

Brought up on her family’s 280-acre beef and sheep farm, where she helps with all the administration, Maria is a keen equestrian and devoted to animals in general! She impressed the judges with her zest for learning. 

“Maria is an experienced, outcome-focused office manager who has acquired impressive skills in business, accounting and marketing which she uses both at home and in her working life.”  

Maria splits her time between a role as practice manager for a firm of rural consultants who provide bespoke client services and is part-time accounts manager for an equine clinic. Her work includes accounting practices, payroll, handling of queries and general promotion and marketing. She has gained her AAT Level 2 Accountancy and is now working towards Level 3. 

“A keen advocate of personal development, Maria has utilised Farming Connect’s subsidised training programme to study courses including bookkeeping, VAT and ‘making tax digital’, business development and planning – a worthy runner-up!” 

Chartered ecological surveyor Geraint manages the family farm which has been tenanted for over 100 years. He has used Farming Connect support and training extensively, acquiring the knowledge and skills he needed to undertake significant business improvements and environmental restoration works himself. The farm is adjacent to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

Geraint also works for the Welsh Government where he trains staff on habitat management. A knowledgeable and experienced environmentalist, his aim for the farm is to continue to raise good quality stock with traceability while balancing farming and food production with 
agri-environment objectives.

The judges highly commended Geraint for his dedication towards protecting the environment and for sharing his knowledge with farmers through the numerous farm visits he hosts annually.

“Geraint is helping raise awareness of the benefits of sustainable farming and has delivered inspiring talks on subjects including habitat management and SSSI management.”  

In 1993, businessman Robb and his wife purchased a Monmouthshire smallholding with a view to plant vines. Robb then undertook an intense vineyard management course and numerous wine-skills courses throughout the UK. By 2008, White Castle Vineyard had planted its first 5,000 vines. Since 2016, his expanding range of wines consistently win some of the world’s most prestigious awards. 

The judges said that White Castle Vineyard has been a key player in professionalising and expanding the sector in Wales. 

“Robb is a leading figure in the production of quality wine in Wales and beyond. He has shown the benefits of training and skills acquisition in creating and developing a new venture and has shown immense commitment to his own personal development. 

“Robb also generously creates learning opportunities for other start up wine businesses and has taken a leading role in training and skills development in Welsh viticulture.”

Having previously worked in technology and business, it took the pandemic lockdown for Geraint and his wife Emma to realise their vegetable growing hobby had the potential to grow into a full-time business. When a nine-acre field became available locally, both left their careers to start growing organic, sustainable fruit and vegetables commercially.

Hard-working and passionate about produce that contributes to good health while having minimal environmental impact, the judges were impressed that despite starting out with limited sector knowledge, the couple’s impressive work ethic and appetite for learning has enabled them to create a successful, sustainable business.

“Bonvilston Edge is a highly commendable, inspirational start-up, focused on high horticultural standards and a worthy runner up for this award.

“Through actively engaging with schools and a local health board, Geraint is helping the next generation understand where their food comes from while promoting healthy production methods and the importance of protecting the environment.”

Melanie gave up formal education during sixth form and is now a full-time carer for her grandmother. Her career plan is now back on track and she is planning for the future having accessed learning support through Lantra’s Agristart programme, which provides free accredited training for eligible individuals wanting to work in agriculture, forestry or horticulture. 

Melanie’s dream was always to grow produce and she is already acquiring new skills and knowledge that will help her achieve this ambition. Her aim is to acquire a small piece of land where she can grow fruit and vegetables to sell in the local community. Melanie is also investigating charcoal production and plans to learn about trees and coppicing.

She has completed accredited courses on first aid, chainsaw maintenance, cross cutting and woodchipper handling, giving her valuable certificated skills to boost future career prospects and now has the skills and confidence to use equipment safely and efficiently.

Like many other young people, Cain’s GCSE studies in Newtown were adversely affected by the pandemic lockdown. He took the decision to leave school but his passion for the outdoors has led to a new sense of direction and purpose. 

In recent years Cain has worked for a ground care and tree surgeon, outdoor work which he enjoys. Thanks to accessing learning through Lantra’s Agristart programme, which provides free accredited training for eligible individuals, he’s now planning for the future which he hopes will one day lead to setting up his own business in arboriculture.

Cain has completed certificated courses in brush cutters, woodchippers and chainsaw maintenance, giving him the necessary skills to operate machinery safely and efficiently.