07 October 2025
Charlie Cooper Harding is a dynamic and highly motivated individual from Powys. At just 26 years old, Charlie's passion for the agricultural industry is undeniable, even without a farming background. Charlie recently benefited from working with a Mentor from Farming Connect.
The Mentoring Service is available to farmers and growers of all ages and business types to benefit from the guidance, experience and knowledge of their farming peers. It's especially useful for businesses considering changes such as diversification, adding value, expanding, or starting new enterprises. It’s also beneficial to new entrants and those looking to exit the industry.
While Charlie's success seems effortless now, his journey wasn't always smooth. He shares great advice and the benefits of mentoring to others who might be feeling the same way.
Once intending to follow his parents’ footsteps in London, Charlie's career changed after he worked with a local fencing contractor and on a beef farm in mid-Wales. That experience sparked an interest that has grown into a strong passion for the agricultural sector, where he now aims for success in all his endeavours.
‘The goal was to find something that I enjoy and to make a difference.’
Charlie worked as an Area Sales Specialist for Wynnstay Group PLC. His role as a Student & Young Farmer Ambassador with NFU provided valuable networking opportunities, and he credits his success to a strong belief in learning from everyone he meets. In 2022, Charlie won the HCC scholarship, which enabled him to travel to Chile.
Qualifying for Farming Connect membership under the aspiring new entrant category, Charlie has utilised many services Farming Connect has to offer which have supported his ventures and personal development, such as e-learning modules concentrating on Business development, Artificial Insemination, Prosper from Pasture and more recently the Mentoring Service.
With strong business acumen and an openness to new ideas, Charlie is looking to grow multiple businesses but admits that the journey wasn't always easy. He faced challenges and struggles along the way and this is when he connected with Lilwen Joynson from the Mentoring team. She has been a part of his journey, providing support to help achieve his goals.
Lilwen Joynson who has a background in Farming beef, sheep and dairy has worked as a Mentor since 2017. Lilwen helps rural entrepreneurs develop new businesses. She is passionate about helping people in farming achieve their potential and be more productive as business people, and does this by teaching them to objectively examine their own businesses. Lilwen is also an Agrisgôp Leader with Farming Connect, which applies coaching to a group setting through ‘action learning’.
Her experience as a facilitator will encourage you to set clear goals and achieve them. When you leave her meetings, you'll feel empowered and accountable, with specific timelines and actions mapped out as the support she offers is varied and tailored to you.
‘You can't focus solely on your business and neglect your heart. You become more aware with a mentor or a coach and then you can steer away from crisis to a more balanced way.’ Shares Lilwen who also runs a programme called ‘Stress to Success, which is delivered through the Farming Connect Advisory Service’s Business Action Group category. This two-day workshop is designed to help you master your mindset and manage the thoughts that can spiral up and down. With both in-person and online options, it aims to reduce stress and cultivate a successful mindset. By learning to quiet the noise and focus your thoughts, you can develop a calmer outlook and a more productive approach to your life and work.
Lilwen describes Charlie’s mind as "driving and thriving," a constant source of new ideas. While this is a huge asset for getting things done, Charlie admits his head can be his biggest obstacle. Being able to speak to someone like Lilwen was a significant positive for Charlie. He said that, like many people, he prefers to pick up the phone, and she was always there to answer his calls with a coaching style mentoring approach.
Charlie found himself in a ‘personal over load’ situation, a common feeling when starting a new business and venturing down new paths. Lilwen served as a sounding board, helping him process his feelings. While people cope with crisis in various ways, Charlie turned to a mentor. Being mentored by Lilwen provided Charlie with an opportunity to speak to an expert who listened and gained a better understanding of what he was dealing with. They worked together to find a solution.
‘It's a strength asking for help. For me, it's a no-brainer because you're asking people the questions that you haven't got the answers to. It’s learning’
Charlie shared that one of the new strategies he's gained from working with Lilwen is managing stress better and understanding when his mind is at capacity and it is time to take a break. His way of decompressing is varied and very much depends on the day.
Through grit and a better understanding of himself, Charlie has found himself in a positive place both personally and professionally. Charlie works as a nutritionist for dairy and beef farmers nationwide as part of ‘Dairy Diagnosis.’ He deals with farm fertility reports and costs, providing what farmers need with a focus on nutrition.
When asked what his advice would be to a farmer or business owner who is currently facing the same struggles he did, Charlie shared, “Success is not final, failure is
not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts”
Charlie highlights that the keys to success for him are discipline, structure, and "getting it done." and would recommend working with a mentor like Lilwen.
Lilwen explained that ‘Mentorship can provide invaluable guidance on how to navigate the complexities of building a business. A mentor can offer insights into effective business strategies, marketing approaches tailored to a holistic practice, and ways to attract and retain clients. They can also provide support in developing a strong professional network and maintaining a balanced approach to work and well-being. Ultimately, a mentor can accelerate growth, enhance professional skills, and foster a more sustainable and fulfilling career.’
For more information on Mentoring Services with Farming Connect click here! There are over 90 mentors across Wales all with their own set of skills and experience that can support farmers and growers. If you’re registered with Farming Connect you can access 15 hours of fully funded mentoring sessions with your chosen mentor.