Cardiff dairy farmer Abi Reader crowned Wales Woman Farmer of the Year

Abi Reader, a dairy farmer from Wenvoe, Cardiff
Abi Reader, a dairy farmer from Wenvoe, Cardiff

Abi Reader, a dairy farmer from Cardiff has been crowned the NFU Cymru / Principality Building Society Wales Woman Farmer of the Year at the Royal Welsh Show.

The Award, now in its 20th year, seeks to champion the contribution that women make to the agricultural industry and to raise the profile of women in farming.

Abi is a partner in the family farm, along with her father and uncle. The farm comprises of approximately 800 acres with the main enterprise being the dairy herd, which Abi manages.

Abi was successfully elected as the Glamorgan NFU Cymru County Chairman in 2014 and has seized this opportunity to meet with influential industry members and lobby for change.

Off the farm, Abi is also extremely busy, hosting farm open days, charity events and more recently Cows On Tour, which is a roadshow that visits primary schools to tell the farming story.

Abi is particularly keen to educate the next generation of consumers and strives to show children that Welsh farming is an industry worth backing.

'Great enthusiasm and passion'

NFU Cymru Deputy President, John Davies, said: "I have known Abi for a number of years and in this time she has shown great enthusiasm and passion for the industry.

"She works tirelessly on and off the farm and always gives a hundred percent to everything she does.

"Abi’s nickname within the YFC circle is ‘Fab’ and this just says it all. She is heavily involved with all aspects of YFC and is currently Maendy YFC Vice President.

"She has complete commitment to her farm and her work for the industry as a whole. Abi is a shining example for the title of Wales Woman Farmer of the Year."

Pat Ashman, Sponsorship and Events Manager, Principality Building Society said: "It’s a real pleasure to be involved with the judging of such an exciting competition.

"When choosing this year’s winner the panel of judges looked at a number of different criteria including their part in making the farm a successful economic unit and their contribution to improving the role of women in farming.

"Abi was nominated by the local group secretary in Bridgend, who gave Abi a glowing report.

"She will make a very good ambassador for all the other women who farm in Wales."

Abi received a Welsh crystal glass engraved fruit bowl and £500.