A competition which aims to celebrate the contribution of women in the Welsh farming industry has begun its search for this year's winner.
In what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, Wales’ farming heroines often don’t get the full recognition they deserve.
But the NFU Cymru/NFU Mutual Wales Woman Farmer of the Year competition, now in its 23rd year, aims to change that by celebrating the contribution of women in the farming industry.
The closing date for the competition is Monday 17th June, and the award will be presented on Thursday 25th July at the Royal Welsh Show.
It follows NFU Cymru launching the ‘She Who Dares…Farms’ conference which aims to further highlight the role of women in the agricultural industry.
Aled Jones, NFU Cymru Deputy President said: “The Wales Woman Farmer of the Year Award is there to champion the role that women make to farming businesses and wider rural life.
“Over the years we have seen some exceptional winners of this award and we look forward to receiving applications for the 2019 title.”
Maria Norejko of NFU Mutual added: “We’ve seen a fantastic rise in the number of women farmers in the industry, many running farms themselves and leading diversification enterprises to increase farm income.
“We are proud to recognise the critical role these women play in Welsh agriculture and hope that this award will inspire other women in Wales to take centre stage and influence farming in the future.”
The winner of the award will receive £500 and the person who nominates the winner will receive £50’s worth of local farm shop vouchers or goods.
If you are interested in entering, or know someone who you think is worthy of being Wales Woman Farmer of the Year 2019, then contact the NFU Cymru office by telephoning 01982 554200 or emailing clare.williams@nfu.org.uk
