Now in its 27th year, the NFU Cymru/NFU Mutual Wales Woman Farmer of the Year competition aims to celebrate the contribution of women in the Welsh farming industry.
NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader, a former winner of the award who will be one of this year’s judges, said: “The Wales Woman Farmer of the Year Award is there to champion the contribution that women make to farming businesses and wider rural life. Over the past 27 years we have had a variety of winners, all representing different sectors and parts of the farming industry, and we look forward to receiving applications for the 2025 title and celebrating this great award.”
Heather Holgate, NFU Cymru Group Secretary and NFU Mutual Agent, who will be judging alongside Abi Reader, said: "For generations women have played a crucial role in Welsh agriculture, from running farm businesses to leading diversification enterprises to increase farm income and NFU Mutual is proud to support this award. We hope the award inspires other women in Wales to take centre stage and influence farming in the future."
Last year's winner
Read more about the most recent winner of the Wales Woman Farmer of the Year Award, Meinir Howells from near Llandysul.
Having grown on up her family’s beef and sheep farm, Meinir took her inspiration from her mother, Doris, who worked full time on the farm. Despite making sure her daughter had other options and encouraging her to go to Aberystwyth University to study Welsh alongside film and TV, Meinir always knew farming was in her blood and that one day she would farm herself.
The award
The criteria includes:
- The part played to make the farm enterprise a successful economic unit
- Any contribution made to champion the industry and, in particular, the role of women in farming
- Involvement in local community life and in other organisations.
The winner of the NFU Cymru/NFU Mutual Wales Woman Farmer of the Year 2025 award will receive £500 and a Welsh Royal Crystal bowl.
How to apply or nominate someone
Nominations are invited throughout Wales. Female farmers are invited to nominate themselves or can be nominated by a friend, relative or organisation.
If you are interested in entering, or know someone who you think is worthy of a nomination for the title of Wales Woman Farmer of the Year 2025, there are three ways to apply:
- Fill out the online form below
- Download the application form and email the completed form to nfu.cymru@nfu.org.uk or by post to NFU Cymru, Agriculture House, Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Powys, LD2 3TU
- Call the NFU Cymru office on 01982 554200 to request a hard copy of the form.
The closing date for the competition is Friday 30th May 2025. The award will be presented on Thursday 24th July on the NFU Cymru stand at the Royal Welsh Show.
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