Rhiannon James has been appointed as the Farming Connect development officer for North Pembrokeshire, a role she’ll combine with being a farmer’s wife, mum to three small children and helping out with farming duties!
Rhiannon grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Llawhaden. For the past few years, she has combined home life with her former role as a specialist technical journalist with Farming Connect, also helping out at her husband’s mixed dairy and suckler beef farm in Merlin’s Bridge, near Haverfordwest, whenever needed.
A former county chair of Pembrokeshire YFC, Rhiannon was for many years involved with her local club Llawhaden YFC, which she says gave her a wonderful opportunity to learn numerous skills and make new friends.
A graduate of Cardiff University, Rhiannon read English, which led her to a career in journalism. She became a reporter and then sub-editor for her local paper, the Western Telegraph, before being appointed farming editor, when she was responsible for the production of two monthly agricultural newspapers.
Rhiannon joined Farming Connect where her technical writing skills and knowledge of farming were central to helping ensure key messages were passed on to the industry from a range of cross-sector knowledge transfer events throughout Wales.
Rhiannon is optimistic that with her background in farming and her many networks throughout Pembrokeshire’s rural communities, she can make a difference for farmers and foresters in her area.
“I’m really looking forward to my new role which will enable me to encourage people to access the wide range of services provided through Farming Connect.
“There are so many different services and projects available, all designed to help transform business efficiency and productivity.
“This is the best way that farm businesses can ensure they are resilient and sustainable in the years to come, particularly in light of current political uncertainties and continued volatility in global markets,” says Rhiannon.
Rhiannon will also manage a number of discussion groups, providing opportunities for like-minded farmers to meet up and explore new ideas, discuss challenges and compare elements of their businesses.
“One of my priorities will be to set up new discussion groups in North Pembrokeshire. Provided there is sufficient demand from farmers from the same sector who have similar ideas, I would urge anyone who’s interested to contact me with their suggestions, ” said Rhiannon.
To contact Rhiannon directly, call her on 07985 379927. To find out more about how Farming Connect can benefit you and your business, or to contact a development officer in your area, click here.