Welsh Farm Employee of the Year announced

Philip Wooff from Chepstow, Monmouthshire has just been announced as the winner of the 2006/07 NFU Cymru / Natwest Welsh Farm Employee of the Year Award.

The competition, launched last year, was created to recognise the vital role which employees play in the farming industry with the Award winner receiving the top prize of £500 and two runners-up getting £100 each.

Philip Wooff, a runner up in the competition last year is from Mill Farm, Chepstow, Monmouthshire and works for Mr Phillips and his son at Green Farm, Rogiet, Newport. Philip has done a variety of tasks during his 16 and half years on the 500 acre farm where they have a 120 cow dairy herd with all calves reared as dairy followers, finished beef and bull beef, 400 ewe flock for fat lamb production, five acres of potatoes, two acres of Swedes, 30 acres of saltings wharf overlooked by the second severn crossing, as well as short term grass keep, corn, fodder beet and maize.

Philip says the most important part he plays in making the farm enterprise a success is by being flexible, reliable and conscientious and by giving that little bit extra to get a job finished.

Philip's employer, Mr Phillips said, "Philip has always been very helpful with everything and is always willing to try without any trouble. He has always been honourable, trustworthy and reliable. It is a pleasure to be in his company when working."

The two runners up, who will receive £100 each are Terry Jones Hughes from near Pwllhelli and Michael Scott from near Oswestry.

Terry Jones Hughes, from Tudweiliog, Pwllhelli works for Mr and Mrs Robyns and their son on Tyn Llan Farm, Edern, Pwllhelli. Terry has been a herdsman on the farm for 40 years, since leaving school and is responsible for the dairy herd as well as general mixed farm work. Mr Robyns says Terry has contributed to the success of the business and his family can always rely on him to get everything done, even when they are away from the farm. During his spare time Terry plays a large role in the local community. He has been leader for the YFC for 25 years, member of the local literary society and a member of the local folk dancing group.

Michael Scott, from Llanrhaeadr-ym-mochnant. For the past seven years Michael has worked for Martin Evans at Priddbwll Mawr dairy Farm, near Llangedwyn. He began helping with the milking on a part time basis but now manages the 250 cow dairy herd and since taking over the management cow numbers have doubled and milk yield has increased from 5,800 litres to 9,200 litres. As well as managing the dairy herd Michael also starting showing a couple of the cows at local County Shows last year and has had some success.

Martin Doyle, Natwest Bank's Regional Agricultural Manager said, "All three of the finalists were outstanding and I am pleased that each will get a prize as all of them deserve to win."

NFU Cymru Vice-President, Ed Bailey, said, "Many Welsh farms would not be the successful economic units they are if it wasn't for the continuous and reliable efforts put in by the employees. We have visited all three of these shortlisted farms and it is plain to see the tremendous contribution these employees make day in and day out."