Welsh farmers recognised with top awards
Some of Wales’ top farmers were recognised today for their exceptional skills at the Welsh Land-based Learner of the Year Awards held at the Winter Fair in Builth Wells.
The awards were organised by Lantra Sector Skills Council and presented by MP for Brecon and Radnor and spokesman for agriculture and rural affairs, Roger Williams, who said: "I’m delighted to support these awards, organised by Lantra, and to celebrate the achievements demonstrated here today. I hope the winners not only inspire other individuals to start a career in the sector but encourage everyone working in environmental and land-based industries to keep their skills up-to-date.
"These awards recognise the excellent skills we have within the environmental and land-based industries of Wales. The individuals we saw here today demonstrate how learning and skills can be applied to great effect – developing rewarding careers; helping businesses to thrive and grow – contributing to the sustainability of rural Wales."
Picking up their awards at the prestigious event were Robert John, who won the Young Land-based Learner of the Year in land management and production and David Horman who was awarded the Farming Connect Learner of the Year, both of which received £200 and a Welsh crystal paper weight.
Robert, a farmer and partner of the family dairy farm in Pembroke, said: "Having grown up in agriculture I’ve always wanted to follow in my parents footsteps. By completing relevant training and attending college it has given me the chance to become the best farmer that I can and become a partner in the family business."
David, a beef and sheep farmer at Fan Farm in Llandovery, has accessed 80% funding from the Farming Connect Skills Development Programme to go on training courses that have helped him to develop his business. David has now added forestry management and a shoot business to his farm. David said: "You should never stop learning in life as you always have to prepare for change and new challenges in work."
Two dairy farmers also picked up runner up awards and £100 in the land-management and production category. Euros Evans from Newcastle Emlyn was awarded with Life Long Learner of the Year runner up and Sam Carey, from Cardigan, was Young Learner of the Year runner up. Ellis Owen Griffith from Pwllheli and Robat Evans from Betwes Y Coed also received Certificates of Achievement.
The Welsh Land-based Learner of the Year Awards are sponsored by Farming Connect, DCELLS, Welsh Assembly Government, NFU Cymru, Countryside Council for Wales and Farmers Union Wales.
