Ten young farmers win scholarships to study farming techniques abroad

TEN young farmers will get to see the world after winning a Gareth Raw Rees Memorial Travel Scholarship at the Royal Welsh Show.

A total of £2,300 has been awarded to scholars wishing to broaden their knowledge of agriculture, following a donation from the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust.

This year’s awards were presented by Dai Davies, chairman of NFU Mutual’s Advisory Board for Wales.

The main winners were Owen Morris and Clare James, who both received £600 each to help fund their travels.

Mr Morris, 22, works with his parents and younger brother on a beef and sheep farm in the hills of Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, near Oswestry. The award will help fund a four-month study trip to New Zealand where he will learn more about how they use genetics and livestock management skills to make their sheep enterprises more profitable.

He said: “In particular I’m eager to learn from the Kiwis about their grassland management and how they make the most of every blade of grass. I hope to implement some of the things I learn to help our farming enterprise.”

Ms James, also 22, recently graduated from Harper Adams University after gaining a BSc (Hons) in agribusiness.

She grew up on the family beef and sheep farm in Llanyre, near Llandrindod Wells, and is planning a five-month study tour of the USA to further her knowledge of the beef industry.

She said: “I’m aiming to advance my knowledge of the global beef sector and production systems.

“On my return from America, I wish to gain employment within the livestock sector, with the personal aim to advance production and increase the competitiveness of the red meat sector.”

Eight other recipients of the scholarship this year won a financial contribution to help with their travels.