Two Wrexham farmers pick up awards at National farming ceremony

The awards, now in their 27th year, were celebrated on February 24 in Llandrindod Wells. 

Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales and Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths had a pre recorded message that was played during the ceremony in which she thanked and congratulated all the 2021 winners and nominees, whose names were announced on the night.

She also thanked the land-based training providers and rural colleges in Wales, all approved to deliver Farming Connect subsidised training courses, who had nominated the entries. 

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Cheryl Reeves, from Bangor on Dee won the Farming Connect Public Engagement Award.

Cheryl Reeves

Qualified bio-chemist Cheryl married a farmer, so although still relatively new to farming, she is happy to admit it’s taken over her life.

She says her scientific background has given her useful skills she can apply on the farm, especially in terms of animal health. A busy mum to four, she has worked hard at establishing an innovative calf rearing business and has also started a successful educational initiative, ‘Agrication’, which introduces farming to schoolchildren.  

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She visits schools and hosts farm visits, spreading messages about the important role of farmers and food producers through social media. The judges felt that her ability and abundant energy make her stand out amongst her peers. 

“Cheryl has attended many Farming Connect courses on business, technical and practical topics and she plans to continue her professional development journey even further.  She’s now interested in training to be a trainer! 

“Cheryl is a fantastic role model for the face of Welsh farming and very deserving of this award."

Rhys Roberts from Hafod Farm, Penybryn was runner up in the Farming Connect Animal Health and Welfare Award.

Rhys Roberts

Rhys has attended a variety of Farming Connect Animal Health and Welfare workshops over the past 12 months, helping him expand and improve on his current knowledge base. Online learning through the convenience of webinars has enabled him to increase his knowledge of a wide range of animal health issues and livestock management techniques, thanks to many participating veterinary practices  from across Wales which provided the learning.  

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The judges said it was impressive that Rhys is putting what he’s learnt through attending both pre and post-lambing workshops into practice, while the knowledge imparted from a youngstock health workshop has assisted him with his cattle handling role. 

“Rhys has gained a great deal of knowledge thanks to his determination to learn more about the general husbandry of the livestock he manages on a daily basis.”