Dan’s the new man at NFU

Dan Downes has been appointed as NFU Cymru’s Business Development Manager for south Wales.

Dan, 30, joins NFU Cymru from IBERS in Aberystwyth, where he worked as an Agricultural Extension Officer. Dan is originally from Llangeitho, near Tregaron and now lives in Llanrhystud. He was educated at Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron and at Keele University, where he studied Geography and Economics. Dan’s interests include playing rugby.

Having been brought up on the family hill farm, Dan has a deep understanding of the issues and challenges facing farming today, and is determined to play his part in growing the membership of NFU Cymru and the range of professional services available to members.

Dan Downes said, "I’m looking forward to the challenge of my new role and I hope to work closely with staff across south Wales to ensure that the service we are providing to NFU Cymru members is second to none."

Dan replaces Patrick Edgington, who has worked for the NFU in Wales for over 30 years and has now retired.

Mary James, Director of NFU Cymru said, "We are delighted that Dan is returning to work with us at NFU Cymru having in the meantime further developed his business and management skills since working for us in north Wales as the Business Development Manager then.

I’m confident that Dan will hit the ground running and will add to the strengths of the NFU Cymru team. Wales again finished the year in pole position in terms of membership and income throughout the NFU of England and Wales and I am optimistic that with Dan on board we will continue to grow NFU Cymru membership in the years ahead."