Due to the Covid 19 restrictions, which necessitated the prestigious Lantra Cymru Awards 2021 having to be judged remotely, the Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales & Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths pre-recorded a short message which was transmitted during the actual ceremony, held at 6.30pm on Thursday, 24 February, 2022 at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells. The awards are now in their 27th year.
The Minister thanked and congratulated all the 2021 winners and nominees, whose names were announced on the night. She also thanked the land-based training providers and rural colleges in Wales, all approved to deliver Farming Connect subsidised training courses, who had nominated the entries.
Farming Connect is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra Wales and funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
Following the event, the Minister also paid special tribute to the winner of the 2021 Lantra Cymru Lifetime Achievement award, which recognises an individual who has made an ‘outstanding and significant’ contribution to Welsh agriculture. The accolade was awarded to well-known television personality, Dai Jones MBE of Llanilar, Ceredigion.
“Dai Jones is a familiar face to all working and living in the farming and rural community in Wales. His enthusiastic banter and baritone voice have graced our TV screens as an S4C presenter for many years.
“He is particularly well known for presenting the popular Cefn Gwlad programme and for his coverage of the Royal Welsh Show.
“Dai is a past President of the Welsh Black Cattle Society and the International Sheep Dog Society, Vice President of Wales YFC and was extremely proud to be appointed as President of the Royal Welsh Show Society in 2010 when Ceredigion was the host county.
“He has been a true champion for Welsh agriculture and rural life and is a very worthy winner of this important award”
The Minister also congratulated winner of the Brynle Williams Memorial Award. This award, now in its 11th year and donated by the late Mr Williams’ widow Mrs Mary Williams, recognises the achievements of a young farmer who has found their way into a farming business through Farming Connect’s Venture programme. It was awarded to first-generation farmer Bryn Perry who lives in Pembrokeshire.
“Bryn’s academic and professional background was in the business sector, but since moving to Wales just two years ago, he has established himself as a highly professional young farmer and businessperson, he is already making a name for himself and his ‘sheep dairy’ business, and I’m delighted to announce that he is the winner of the prestigious 2021 Brynle Williams Memorial Award,” said the Minister.
“Each one of this year’s very worthy Lantra Cymru Awards winners and runners-up is, through their commitment to lifelong learning, making a valuable contribution to the modernisation and professionalism of the agriculture industry in Wales.
“Your collective efforts are helping our industry safeguard the future of family farms and rural communities for future generations. I want to congratulate all this year’s nominees and in particular, our very worthy winners”.
“I wish you all well as you make your mark on agriculture in Wales and beyond – the future of our industry is in very safe hands,” said the Minister.
Leading Welsh agriculturalist Mr Peter Rees, chair of Lantra Wales, presided over this year’s selection panel, which included agricultural Health & Safety expert Brian Rees, who is also a former chair of the Wales Farm Safety Partnership; Dr Nerys Llewellyn Jones, founder and Managing Partner of Agri Advisor solicitors and Kevin Thomas, Director of Lantra Wales.
Background information:
This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
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Lantra Cymru Awards 2021 – categories and winners
Lifetime Achievement Award – which recognises an individual who has made an ‘outstanding and significant’ contribution to Welsh agriculture.
Dai Jones, Llanilar, Ceredigion
The judging panel were unanimous in agreeing that ‘Dai Llanilar’ as he is popularly known, is an outstanding and very deserving winner of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
“He has made an outstanding contribution to our industry during his many years of service, showcasing the very best that Welsh agriculture and rural life have to offer. This hugely entertaining S4C presenter brought energy and enthusiasm to all his roles and interests across many agricultural and countryside topics, describing being asked to be President of the Royal Welsh Show in 2010, when Ceredigion was host country, as his proudest moment.
Brynle Williams Memorial Award – this award was established in 2011 in honour of the late Mr. Williams’ considerable contribution to Welsh agriculture as both an AM and highly regarded farmer. Carried forward today by Mr. Williams’ widow, Mrs Mary Williams, the award recognises the achievements of a young farmer who has found his way into a farming business through Farming Connect’s Venture programme.
Winner: Bryn Perry, Fferm Wernllwyd, Welsh Hook, Haverfordwest
The judging panel said that Bryn Perry had demonstrated determination, focus and immense entrepreneurial ability.
Bryn utilised the Farming Connect Venture programme to establish a successful partnership with local ‘dairy sheep’ farmers. He also participated in Farming Connect personal development programmes including the Agri Academy and Business Bootcamp and took advantage of subsidised training relevant to food processing. He says all these services boosted his confidence, introduced him to a network of new rural contacts and gave him the skills he needed to set up his own rural business.
“Perhaps most tellingly, this young farmer is already in a position to offer another new entrant or farmer share partnership opportunities.
“Bryn is utilising his business skills to not only develop his own business but for the greater good of the industry in Wales.
“He is a fantastic role model for those new to our industry and we look forward to hearing more about this inspiring young farmer.”
Farming Connect Awards – open to nominees who have strengthened their personal skill set and business efficiency thanks to training undertaken training through Farming Connect’s lifelong learning and development programme.
Farming Connect Farm Innovation Award
Winner: Patrick Elliot, Cresswell Barn Farm, Cresswell Quay, Pembrokeshire
The judges were impressed with Patrick’s determination to implement sustainable practices which have enabled him to produce the first certified carbon neutral or ‘net zero’ potatoes in Wales, now sold under the brand name ‘Root Zero’ to renowned produce wholesalers, Puffin Produce.
“Patrick clearly places great emphasis on calculating carbon, maintaining soil health and increasing local biodiversity and he is a very worthy winner of this award.”
Runner up: Ceredig Evans, Erw Fawr, Llangynhenedl, Anglesey
Ceredig is a dairy farmer on Anglesey who is always looking for new techniques to improve herd health. He has worked closely with both academia and a pioneering hi-tech company to successfully trial a new ‘cattle-eye’ system which can recognise cows from their markings and mobility score them for lameness.
“Ceredig’s willingness to embrace innovation and new technologies has enabled him to reduce lameness at Erw fawr by 50% through regular daily and accurate mobility scoring, and he’s leading the way for other livestock keepers.”
Farming Connect Young Learner of the Year Award
Winner: Tomas Ernie Richards, Wernoog, Clyro, Hay-on-Wye
Tomas was not from a farming family, but now works as a full-time shepherd near his home, where he manages a flock of 1,000 Pedigree Lleyn sheep.
The judges said that Tomas’s commitment to learning and continual professional development makes him a worthy award winner.
“He has added to his rural skillset by undertaking numerous Farming Connect training courses, including business management. A former Agri Academy participant, National Sheep Association ambassador and YFC accredited trainer, Tomas also impressed the judges by his commitment to the LEAF Farmer Time Programme and encouraging children to learn where their food comes from.
Joint runner up: Sarah Evans, Tyla Morris Farm, Pentyrch, Cardiff
The judges agreed that Sarah has demonstrated a huge appetite for learning and personal development. She has undertaken an impressive list of courses through Farming Connect which she’s putting to good use by developing her existing business, an urban fringe farm on the outskirts of Cardiff.
Having progressed through Hartpury College followed by the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, Sarah is currently studying a BASIS soil course and is already planning her next training opportunities.
“Sarah has already set her sights on learning more about agri-tourism, environmental and educational opportunities.
“Her determination to ‘keep on learning’ is very impressive, she’s a great example of what can be achieved if you put your mind to it.”
Farming Connect Young Learner of the Year Award
Joint runner up: Rebecca Williams, The Park, Llanbister Road, Llandrindod Wells
Beccie Williams is a busy wife, mum to three, helps out with the livestock and used to have a full-time job away from the farm. When she wanted a more flexible role, that would mean she could work from home, the family’s decision to build a large-scale free-range poultry unit, meant she needed to learn a lot of new skills. Now responsible for 16,000 laying hens, Beccie’s determination to upskill has helped fast-track her learning and gain the new skills she needed to run this new enterprise.
With a combination of subsidised face-to-face and online courses, she undertook IPPC (Poultry) Regulations training, poultry care and management courses, health and safety training, the safe use of veterinary medicines, emergency first aid, rodent control.
“Beccie’s determination to acquire all the knowledge and knowledge she needed to run a successful poultry enterprise is testament to her ability, her focus and desire to be ‘the best she can be’ in all that she does.”
Farming Connect Lifelong Learner of the Year Award
Winner: Tracey Price, Brynhir, Tylwch, Llanidloes, Powys
Tracey, who credits Farming Connect for signposting her towards the package of training courses that have enabled her to achieve many personal and business goals, has undertaken a mix of subsidised business-related, ICT and practical training courses. She says her new-found skills have given her the confidence to not only develop her family’s farming business, but to set up and grow a successful holiday and accommodation enterprise too.
“It’s clear that Tracey’s determination to undertake training across a wide range of topics has enabled her to now only develop her own skills, but gave her the business and computer skills she needed to grow the diversified tourism venture too. She is a very worthy winner of the Lifelong Learner of the Year award.”
Farming Connect Lifelong Learner of the Year Award
Runner up: Linda Evans, Parc Le Breos Farm, Penmaen, Swansea
Linda helps run a beef suckler enterprise with a small number of pedigree Charolais cattle on a120 acre tenanted farm on the Gower peninsula. Struggling to find an AI provider for a relatively few cows, Linda decided to undergo Farming Connect training on the topic.
She now has confidence to undertake the necessary processes herself which has improved the efficiency of the business. She says the benefits include a saving in time and money but she has also seen genetic gains, and the value of the herd (including semen and embryos) has significantly increased.
“By undertaking a Farming Connect DIY AI course at a local dairy farm, and other relevant training, Linda has ensured that the Pedigree Charolais beef enterprise is more efficient and sustainable.
“Her new skills have also resulted in additional breeding efficiencies such as embryo flushing and implanting and she has since other Farming Connect services such as blood testing for the genetic analysis of existing animals.”
Farming Connect Progressive New Entrant Award
Thomas Phillips, 6 St.David’s Place, Goodwick, Nr Fishguard
Thomas, who lives near Fishguard, is not from a farming background. Despite being too young for a driving licence, he managed to overcome the logistical challenges of undertaking an apprenticeship at Coleg Sir Gar at Gelli Aur which was no easy achievement. The judges felt that this demonstrated Thomas’ keenness for learning. He has now acquired a new range of land-based practical skills that will stand him in very good stead and help him achieve his professional goals.
“Thomas is clearly a very able and focused young man and his determination to acquire new skills that enable him to progress his career within the dairy sector is very impressive. He is very worthy of this year’s Progressive New Entrant Award.
Farming Connect Public Engagement Award
Cheryl Reeves, Woodcroft, Hollybush, Bangor on Dee, Wrexham
Qualified bio-chemist Cheryl married a farmer, so although still relatively new to farming, she is happy to admit it’s taken over her life. She says her scientific background has given her useful skills she can apply on the farm, especially in terms of animal health. A busy mum to four, she has worked hard at establishing an innovative calf rearing business and has also started a successful educational initiative, ‘Agrication’, which introduces farming to schoolchildren.
She visits schools and hosts farm visits, spreading messages about the important role of farmers and food producers through social media. The judges felt that her ability and abundant energy make her stand out amongst her peers.
“Cheryl has attended many Farming Connect courses on business, technical and practical topics and she plans to continue her professional development journey even further. She’s now interested in training to be a trainer!
“Cheryl is a fantastic role model for the face of Welsh farming and very deserving of this award.
Farming Connect Animal Health and Welfare award
Winner: Kim Brickell, Folly Farm, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire
Working as a farm manager on a large mixed species enterprise, Kim has shown a strong commitment and willingness to gain further knowledge and develop her skills by attending a range of Animal Health and Welfare workshops. She has taken on board the key ‘take home’ messages from these workshops and put them into practice, especially with regard to sheep lameness. She has attended webinars outside of her working day and demonstrated a keen desire to take on board the information and practical guidance given at these workshops.
“Kim has gained an enormous amount of knowledge by being determined to learn new skills and is a very worthy winner of this award.”
Farming Connect Animal Health and Welfare Award
Runner up: Rhys Roberts, Hafod Farm, Penybryn, Wrexham
Rhys has attended a variety of Farming Connect Animal Health and Welfare workshops over the past 12 months, helping him expand and improve on his current knowledge base. Online learning through the convenience of webinars has enabled him to increase his knowledge of a wide range of animal health issues and livestock management techniques, thanks to many participating veterinary practices from across Wales which provided the learning.
The judges said it was impressive that Rhys is putting what he’s learnt through attending both pre and post-lambing workshops into practice, while the knowledge imparted from a youngstock health workshop has assisted him with his cattle handling role.
“Rhys has gained a great deal of knowledge thanks to his determination to learn more about the general husbandry of the livestock he manages on a daily basis.”
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