NFU Cymru Next Generation Policy Group

Aled Davies- Carmarthenshire

I live on a upland beef and sheep family farm in Crugybar, north Carmarthenshire. I am actively involved in the day to day running of the farm alongside my parents and am keen to get the most out of our farm in a sustainable way. I am an active member of the YFC .

As part of the group I am keen to have an influence on the future of Welsh agriculture to promote our fantastic industry that we have here, and to secure a better future for people who work in the industry.

Hefin Jones - Carmarthenshire

Hefin farms the family farm just outside Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire. The farming enterprise is based on a suckler herd, mainly spring calving, and is also involved in agri-environment and woodland schemes.  Hefin is keenly interested in grassland management, ensuring soil health, and trying to get the most from grazing livestock. He believes that knowledge transfer is key to the farming sector in the current climate. Any time spent looking at, and discussing different farming systems and practice, is time well invested.

Being a fluent Welsh speaker, Hefin combines his role on the farm with other freelance work in translation and facilitation. 

Hefin has a keen interest in current affairs and the way in which the real impact of policy designed at various tiers of government, is felt in differing rural communities and settings where farming is integral.  He has been a community councillor for over 10 years and a former school governor.

Owain Davies - Carmarthenshire

I’m 21 and coming to the end of my BSc in Agriculture, administered by University of Wales Trinity St David at Gelli Aur, through the medium of Welsh.  Prior to this I was a pupil and Deputy First Boy at Ysgol Bro Pedr, Lampeter after attending Llanllwni Primary School.

I farm with my parents at Gwndwn, Llanllwni, Carmarthenshire. The farm is a mixed 250 acre holding with 180 Texel cross ewes and a small flock of Pure Poll Dorsets. We also milk 60 Pedigree Holsteins.

I’m a keen member of Llanllwni YFC and a former Carmarthenshire YFC Junior Member of the Year. I compete in a number of competitions with success from time-to-time in the public speaking and performing competitions. I am a supporter of the local community and currently a governor at Llanllwni Primary School and a member of the pantomime cast at ‘Cwmni Actorion Theatr Felin Fach’.

Delyth Robinson - Pembrokeshire

Having been brought up on the dairy farm an interest in agriculture began at a young age.  When an active member of young farmers, highlights include success at beef stockjudging.  A degree in Agri-Food Production with Marketing and Management was gained from Harper Adams University College in 2004, during which the placement year was undertaken at South Caernarfon Creameries. 

On graduating employment was as Livestock Co-ordinator for St Merryn Foods.  In 2006 career changed to being an Account Manager for BOCM PAULS, now known as ForFarmers, and then as Youngstock Specialist for Carmarthen and Portbury teams.  

Since January 2017 work has been full time at the family farm, rather than just weekends and holidays.  Farming with parents and brother near the Preseli Hills. A dairy farm that rears own dairy replacements and beef calves.  A herd of mainly Holstein Friesian cows with a small number of Ayrshire cows, an influence that Delyth had introduced.   A varied role from tractor work to paperwork.  Outside farming hobbies include attending Zumba classes and playing the saxophone.

Hefin Evans - Pembrokeshire

I’m 28 and live on the family farm situated in Bwlchygroes North Pembrokeshire.

I work on the family farm but also full time as a breeding advisor with Cogent breeding covering the Dyfed area of Wales. As my parents are still fully active in the farming role I’ve been working away from the farm.

The farm consists of 162 acre all down to grassland. We stock 50 head of Dairy cattle, 40 Youngstock of various ages, 30 head of sheep and some pigs as side business. We have a shoot being held on farm by the local shooting syndicate as part of many farms in the area that used to be associated with the old Ffynnone estate.

Outside of farming I’m an avid yfc member after being in my local club Capel Iwan, I progressed to be Carmarthenshire county senior member of the year and it’s county ambassador. After finishing my competition time in yfc I’ve been rural affairs chairman at county level and I’m now currently county Vice activities chairman and at Wales yfc level as its current Vice chairman of Rural affairs.

Will Evans - Clwyd

My name's Will Evans and I farm in partnership with my parents near Bangor is y Coed, Wrecsam.  I live on the home farm with my wife and 4 young daughters. The farm itself is a mixed enterprise with 330 cattle, all bought in as calves from neighbouring dairy farms and fattened, 300 acres of cereals, and 5000 free-range laying hens. We grow maize on contract for other farmers, and I also have a contract square baling business.

I also host a podcast called Rock & Roll Farming which I started in April 2017. I interview farmers and people involved in the Agricultural Industry every week who are doing interesting things and have in many cases overcome huge challenges to get to where they are now. It not only gives me a chance to talk to some incredible people who continually inspire me to improve and take my own business forward, but more importantly it's an opportunity to show off some of these people to the wider world in an easily accessible way, and dispel some of the misconceptions that are out there.

In October 2017 I was honoured to win Digital Innovator of the Year for the podcast at the British Farming Awards.

Peredur Owen - Clwyd

I am a Harper Adams graduate who spent a year working on a sheep and beef farm in Taranaki, New Zealand as part of the university course. Currently working as an Agriculture Development Officer for Dunbia. The job role consists of interacting with farmers, retailers and carrying out relevant project work. Active role within the home sheep and beef farm based in Carmarthenshire. Business comprises of welsh mountain ewes bred to NZ Romney and cheviot tups aiming to produce a Perendale type replacement. Suckler herd is based on a British Blue cow producing cattle for the store market, with the vision to change to a more extensive system based on native breeds to reduce costs.

Main aims of the course is to learn more about agricultural politics and policies as well as ensuring sustainability within agriculture in order to guarantee a future for the next generation.

Matt Launder - Clwyd

Matt Launder, 25 years old, first generation sheep and pig farmer in Llanerfly. I am currently farming 1,000 pure Cheviot ewes. I have a real passion for sheep genetics and farm diversification. In my spare time I’m a keen rugby player and enjoy travelling.

Marc Jones - Clwyd

Family – Married to Anna, we have two boys Gethin (4) and Oli (6 months)

Farming System – Trefnant Hall Farm, 500 acre tenanted farm on the Powis Estate. Farmed in partnership with parents.

The farm now looks to focus on grass and forage crops with the use of out wintering to reduce cost of production.

The farm lambs 800 NZ Romney cross sheep, 300 Aberdeen Angus and Hereford dairy cross calves are also purchased each year at 3 weeks of age and then taken through to finish. A further 450 calves are reared for Dunbia on contract each year. 

Completed Degree in Agriculture & Countryside Management in Aberystwyth. Worked for ADAS as a farm consultant for 12 years, now part time.

Courses: HCC Scholar 2009, Worshipful Company of Farmers Farm Business Course, Agri Academy Leadership Course.

Awards: Farmers Weekly Young Farmer (2014), NSA Cymru Award (2010), Welsh Silage Big Bale Competition runner up (2015).

YFC: Chairman & Treasurer of Berriew YFC, Wales YFC Rural Affairs Chairman

Llyr Jones - Clwyd

I farm and live at Derwydd Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr North Wales with my wife Emma who is an equine vet, who specialises in reproduction work, We have two children Dwynwen is my 22 month old daughter and we have a 4 week old baby boy named William Emyr.

I've farmed Derwydd since I was 19 years old after my father became ill with cancer.

At present I have a 1500 closed flock, comprising of Welsh Nelson type ewes producing Welsh Mules for my rented ground near Broughton Flintshire. I also rear 160 calves a year and sell them as stores at 16 months old.

I have a 16,000 free range egg unit supplying Tesco and have put into planning for another 16,000 unit.

I enjoy renewable energy and have invested in many systems. I am very fortunate to have a stream running through the farm and I built a new Hydro system in August 2012 generating enough electricity to run 30 houses. I also have 24Kw of solar and 60Kw ground source heat pump.

I am a co-owner of BLODYN AUR producing Welsh cold pressed rapeseed oil. The byproduct of the oil process is high quality protein pellets which we feed to the cattle and ewes.

Sian Jones - Clwyd

I was brought up on my family’s beef and sheep farm near Corwen. I studied Geography at University College London, and then worked as a Merchandiser for a poultry company, with responsibility for buying raw materials for their feed mill. I moved on to my next job as a Shift Trader where I developed an interest in the energy industry and health and safety, and the shift work element also allowed me to spend my spare time helping on my (now) husband’s family beef and sheep farm near Ruthin. In between looking after my family and running a holiday cottage I work self-employed on renewable energy projects, farm administration, and farm health and safety. My work allows me to meet many different people connected with the farming industry and farmers with a range of interests. I hope to be able to make a worthwhile contribution to the Next Generation Policy Group.

Sian Davies- Brecon and Radnor

My name is Sian Eleri Davies and I am a farmer’s daughter from Wernheulog Farm, Builth Wells. I help my father run two holdings one being the family farm which is a sheep and beef enterprise and a 1,200 acre sheep, beef and arable farm on the Glanusk Estate, Crickhowell. Our sheep flock comprises of hardy Welsh mountain ewes bred pure, the older ewes crossbred with a blue faced Leicester to give our lowland flock of Welsh Mules for prime lamb production. I am currently on my placement year from Aberystwyth University where I am studying BSc Agriculture with Business Studies. The last 9 months I have been fortunate to work for Morris Marshall and Poole with Norman Lloyd based in Newtown and Welshpool Livestock Sales. I return to Aberystwyth in September to conclude my studies.  I was fortunate enough to have been a member of Junior Agri Academy programme in 2014. Within the programme we were given access to inspirational leaders as well as the opportunity to travel widely, where I met Phil Hogan commissioner for agriculture in Brussels.  I am a keen member of Edw Valley YFC where I have held the position of Club Chairman, Secretary & Treasurer as well as a number of other offices, competing at Club, County and Wales Level.

Sarah James- Brecon and Radnor

I am from an experienced farming family who have farmed all over the UK. I have been involved in the family businesses and now farm with my husband and young family near Rhayader with a beef, sheep and poultry enterprise.

I have worked in agricultural sales for the last 12 years as a regional and national manager. A degree in marketing, advertising and brand identity has given me a sound foundation throughout my career, and aided me in the development of the businesses I have been involved in both personally and professionally. I set up a limited company selling Welsh PGI Lamb & Beef.  The intention is to develop these products for today's consumer markets, making them more accessible with product development for the convenience sector is an essential strategy for the business.

Being involved in grass roots farming and the Industry all my life, an active member of YFC and a Farming Connect Agri-Academy alumni, I have a real passion for agriculture and its future.

I am honoured to now work for the Royal Welsh Agriculture Society as Head of Business Development. This new role with in the Society structure is one I will take on full heartedly to ensure the future of  The Royal Welsh show and the site as a key part of the Industry as we move into a new era for Welsh agriculture.

Ted Trewella - Ceredigion

New entrant to farming having been born and raised in North London. Studied agriculture at Aberystwyth University and settled nearby. Running a 27 Ha holding with Romney and Highlander ewes lambing outdoors in April and finishing lambs off forage. Also offering contract shepherding and fencing services. Keen rugby and cricket fan.

Lloyd Williams - Glamorgan

Growing up on a farm in South Wales, it was obvious to many that I had a passion for agriculture from a young age. At the age of 16 I was ready to enter the big bad world. My parents had others plans and after some heated debates, I returned tosixth form and set my sights on Agricultural university. Harper Adams was the University of choice, although My final year in university was spent in IBERS at Aberystwyth, where I left with my degree. I took advantage of my year in industry and worked in various beef and sheep systems in Africa and New Zealand, seeing different operations and learning along the way. Australia was another country I wanted to visit, so a shearing season was spent in Western Australia.

I farm with my Grandfather, father and uncle, on a mixed holding bordering Port Talbot and Bridgend. Traditionally producing beef and lamb, with a small arable operation and some diversification. In recent years we have also considered the environmental schemes on offer. We graze a number of environmentally sensitive sites working with external bodies.

With the possibility of an enormous change looming, I am always looking at ways to make agriculture viable for the long term.

Emma Davies - Monmouthshire

Emma grew up on a beef and sheep farm in Cwmyoy (the foothills of the black mountains) and now has a flock of sheep with her partner near Raglan, Monmouthshire and works for the NFU Mutual in Abergavenny. As part of the group Emma would like to discuss possibilities for the next generation of farmers in Wales and how we can educate the wider population about what farming is and does.

Gareth Thomas - Anglesey

I am a partner in the family farm and work there full time along with my father. I'm responsible for all the paperwork, preparing the day-to-day farm work, along with the tractor and stock work. I also buy the cattle for the farm.

I am a member of CFfI Ynys Mon and have also been a member of the Agri-Academy (2017). 

Rob Hoggins - Monmouthshire

I am a partner on my family's dairy, beef and sheep enterprise in Monmouthshire. I have experience working both inside and outside the agriculture industry and have been heavily involved with Gwent YFC and am an alumni of agri academy.

Josh Millichap - Brecon and Radnor

I currently run my own small unit just outside of Brecon, my time is split between there, working alongside my parents on the family farm and like many others I also work part time for a local contractor. I’m the fourth generation to be based at Llwynnoyadd. We currently have around 900 ewes and 80 suckler cows. I’m a recent graduate of Harper Adams University, where I studied Agriculture with Farm Business Management. My time at university combined with my placement on a large scale dairy and arable farm gave me valuable experience and new ideas to implement back home.

It’s not all work though, my main hobby is rugby – I currently captain the Brecon Rugby Club second team which I’ve been an active member of since a junior age.?

James Evans - Brecon and Radnor

James Evans has worked in the agricultural sector for most of his life. Brought up on a family farm, he joined Powys County Council and then worked as a press officer for his local MP before returning to full time agriculture. James was the Llyndy Isaf Scholar for the National Trust.

In 2017, James was elected as a Powys County Councillor - the youngest member of the council and one of the youngest cabinet members in the whole of Wales. Alongside this he works part time on his in-laws’ deer farm the Welsh Venison Centre in Bwlch.

James believes that his active involvement with the local, county and national YFC movement has given him valuable skills in areas such as stock judging and public speaking and says he benefited from the social aspect through being actively engaged with numerous committees and events.  

Keenly interested in politics, he enjoys playing rugby and feels that team working is essential in life as well as in sport.

Dafydd Besent - Montgomeryshire

I am a partner in the family dairy farm which is located on the banks of the Dyfi estuary at Pennal, Machynlleth.  My family milk 70 British Freisians having recently gone into the dairy sector. I am a club leader for Bro Ddyfi YFC.