21 March 2024
Julie Davies, an active partner in the family business at Upper Court Farms, Hay on Wye, was awarded winner of the Farming Connect Learner of the year in the 41 years and over category. She was presented at the Lantra Cymru Awards that was held in Llandrindod Wells on 18th of January.
A Harper Adams University graduate, Julie has helped her husband set up a successful animal feed business which is run alongside the arable, beef and sheep farm.
“We diversified about 8 years ago into selling our own animal feed, we use our homegrown grains and pulses and blend them here on farm with straights and minerals to sell to local beef and sheep farmers, this has allowed us to add value to what we grow,” says Julie.
Product development, developing accreditation and quality systems, marketing and business management are just a part of her impressive skillset.
Julie has undertaken several training courses through Farming Connect including environmental awareness, audit and management for your business. This course will teach you how to assess your farm or land business's environmental impact. You will learn how to save resources, reduce waste, cut costs and how to comply with new legislation. Topics include environmental legislation, best practices, waste management, and auditing techniques. You will also gain insights into water management, nutrient management, greenhouse gases, and carbon footprint reduction strategies. The course will help you develop a plan for the future of your business.
She has also completed a counter balance forklift course. Her dedicated attitude to personal development is outstanding and she is currently focused on a range of environmental courses as well as ‘people management’ training which are integral to strengthening their business practices.
“We have used Farming Connect for first aid training for a lot of our staff here at Upper Court Farms and the feed business.”
The judges at the Lantra Awards were unanimous in awarding Julie her award, saying that her unwavering commitment to skills and training, both for her own personal development as well as the development of the farm’s workforce was especially commendable.
They said that Julie has consistently demonstrated ability, drive, and exceptional forward planning skills, making her a deserving winner of this award.
Julie plans on applying for more training courses through Farming Connect including health and safety courses and any other courses that are going to help improve their team’s professional development.
For more information on Farming Connect skills and training services visit our website or contact your Local Development Officer.