At the meeting, held at The Moody Cow near Aberaeron, Hannah spoke to members about how she first decided a career in journalism was for her. She said: “My passion is for rural affairs. As a 10-year-old I remember watching news crews rushing around at the Royal Welsh Show and I knew that was where I wanted to be.
Making the dream a reality
“I was an avid viewer of ITV Wales’ Grassroots and of BBC Wales’ Homeland, presented by Sara Edwards and she was my inspiration. I wanted to be like her and carry the rural flag like she did. It was in my teens I knew I wanted to make this dream a reality, and I dedicated the next few years making it happen. As well as having a passion for rural affairs, I also love rugby. My Welsh coursework was all about rugby, and my poor mother would take me around to interview Scarlets players. Then, when I was doing my A-Levels my school projects focused on interviewing farmers about the impact of foot and mouth.”
After leaving school, Hannah’s determination continued. She said: “I was well aware that most TV journalists at the time had degrees from Oxford, and I had the grades, but I failed the interview process. This turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me. I went to Swansea to study English and History and spent any spare time I had doing work experience at BBC Wales and ITV Wales. I then went on to do a broadcast journalism course at Cardiff School of Journalism and from there I applied for an ITV Wales scholarship.
Career progression
“Once I graduated, I got a job with ITV Wales and have worked my way up. I co-presented The Ferret for three years and then in 2013 I went to work on Coast and Country and I’m one of a few people, including Ruth Dodsworth, who have been involved with that since it started. This continues to thrive, and we enjoy record audience figures each week.”
"We conducted a survey last year and asked questions about supporting farming, local food and the like, and 60-70% of people backed farmers."
Hannah Thomas, ITV Wales
Hannah said that when it comes to the public’s opinion of farming, the industry has their backing: “Farmers are actually thought of in a really positive light by the general public. We conducted a survey last year and asked questions about supporting farming, local food and the like, and 60-70% of people backed farmers. Those are fantastic figures and a testament to what farmers do here in Wales. We have some of the most passionate people in the country and you really are the cornerstone of our communities. You have some of the toughest working conditions out there, but you are also some of the toughest and most resilient people and you do an extraordinary job. So be proud of that.”
Abi Reader's update
NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader thanked Hannah for her continued support and updated members on issues in the supply chain, on bovine TB, on the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme and the Agriculture (Wales) Bill as well as sector updates.
NFU Cymru Ceredigion County Chairman Glyn Davies said: “I’d like to thank both Hannah and Abi for taking the time to talk to us at our county conference. It was refreshing to hear Hannah’s positivity for our industry, and I think we can all agree that she is a breath of fresh air in the farming media.”
