Rhys Beynon-Thomas

Hendy, Swansea

Farm vet Rhys Beynon-Thomas set his sights on a career working with farm livestock at a very early age.  Brought up at his family’s dairy and sheep farm in Hendy, Welsh-speaker Rhys attended Ysgol Gyfun y Strade in Llanelli before going on to Bristol University where he obtained his veterinary degree.

After a few years of working with a veterinary practice in Gloucestershire, Rhys returned to Wales in 2014 and is now a farm vet with a Carmarthenshire-based practice that specialises in farm animals.   Alongside his full-time professional career, Rhys is a part-time farmer. 

“Thanks to my farming background and helped by financial support from the Welsh Government’s ‘Young People into Agriculture’ scheme, I was able develop my business and when time permits, I am keen to expand and develop further.”

Like most people of his generation, Rhys fears that the uncertain political climate is having a detrimental effect on the farming industry, but he says that change also brings opportunity. 

"I think we may see increased opportunities for producing good quality food and because we have such high standards of farming and animal health and welfare in Wales, I think this could lead to a decrease in imported food and new markets opening up.”

“I would like to put something back into the industry and hope that being part of the Agri Academy will give me the confidence to become a spokesperson for the issues I believe will ensure that Welsh farming continues to make its mark in a competitive marketplace.”