NFU Cymru Director John Mercer said: “I would like to give a warm welcome to Gail and Ilan on behalf of the whole NFU Cymru team. I have no doubt that they will both hit the ground running and continue to be a fantastic support for members in north west and south Wales.”
Ilan and Gail's recruitment means NFU Cymru’s County Adviser team is now up to full strength with Stella Owen covering Brecon & Radnor and Monmouthshire, Aled Davies looking after Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, Gwawr Parry covering Clwyd and Montgomeryshire, Gail Jenkins covering Carmarthenshire and Glamorgan and Ilan Jones covering Anglesey, Mid Gwynedd and Meirionnydd.
About Gail
Gail farms alongside her husband, Arwel, on a National Trust Farm on the Dolaucothi Estate in Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire, where they rear calves and have a mixed flock of breeding ewes. She originally grew up on her family’s beef and sheep farm just outside of Llanidloes where she was active within Montgomery YFC and was member of the Trefegwlys club.
Gail was educated at Harper Adams University where she studied rural enterprise and land management. For the past seven years, Gail has been working as a Chartered Surveyor for Roger Parry & Partners dealing with planning applications, grants and compensation claims. While working she became a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers. In 2014, Gail was awarded a Nuffield Farming Scholarship, sponsored by The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.
Gail will take over the role of County Adviser from Aled Davies, who moved west to cover the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire areas earlier this year.
Speaking about her appointment, Gail said:
“In my new role I will be working alongside the Group secretaries in both counties for the benefit of members. I am looking forward to engaging with them, as well as members, at a challenging time for Welsh agriculture, to promote the excellent work of the membership in producing food and drink of the highest quality as well as being custodians of the land in Wales.”
About Ilan
Ilan, who lives near Machynlleth, grew up in Aberhosan, before moving to Glaspwll. Having always lived in rural Wales, and with many of his family farming, Ilan has developed a strong interest and passion for rural Wales and the farms that underpin the rural economy. He has worked on numerous farms in the past and has been actively involved with the Wales YFC movement in the area.
Originally studying agriculture at A-level at Ysgol Bro Ddyfi, Ilan then went on to study agriculture with business studies at Aberystwyth University. As part of his course, he undertook a placement year with Farming Connect. After leaving university, Ilan worked with CCF Agri for over six years, before joining NFU Cymru earlier this month.
Ilan will take over the role of County Adviser from Iestyn Pritchard who was appointed as the union’s new Head of Operations earlier this year.
Speaking about his appointment, Ilan said:
“Having worked with farmers in the area in the past I am looking forward to meeting many more and raising the profile of NFU Cymru. I will be working alongside the Group Secretaries to highlight the vital role of the union in promoting and championing the interests of many thousands of farming businesses across North West Wales. I am looking forward to a new challenge and building relationships with members to make sure their views are heard.”