Wales Woman Farmer of the Year Abi is simply ‘fab’
THE coveted Wales Woman Farmer of the Year award has gone to a third-generation dairy farmer from South Wales at the Royal Welsh Show.
Abi Reader, 35, was presented with the accolade on the final day of the Royal Welsh in Llanelwedd yesterday.
The farmer was crowned NFU Cymru/Principality Building Society Wales Woman Farmer of the Year, an announcement which was welcomed warmly and loudly by her friends and family at the NFU Cymru stand.
The prestigious award, now in its 20th year, seeks to champion the contribution that women make to the agricultural industry and to raise the profile of women in farming.
Abi is a third-generation farmer and partner at the 800-acre Goldsland Farm in Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan, along with her father and uncle.
Goldsland is predominantly a dairy farm, where Abi manages the dairy herd of 180 cows while hosting an array of activities both on and off the farm to raise the profile of farming.
She was elected as the Glamorgan NFU Cymru County Chairman in 2014 and has used her position to meet with influential industry members and lobby for change. She is also vice-president of Maendy YFC.
Off the farm Abi uses her time to host farm open days, charity events, and Cows on Tour – a roadshow that visits primary schools to educate children about farming and show that Welsh farming is an industry worth backing.
On receiving her award – an engraved Welsh crystal glass fruit bowl and £500 – Abi said: “I can’t believe how well this has been hidden. Thank you very much.
“When you really love your job, it’s the easiest thing in the world.
“It’s nice to know that everything you do can make a difference.”
NFU Cymru deputy president John Davies said: “I have known Abi for a number of years and in this time she has shown great enthusiasm and passion for the industry.
“She works tirelessly on and off the farm and always gives 100% to everything she does.
“Abi’s nickname within the YFC circle is ‘Fab’ and this just says it all. Abi is a shining example for the title of Wales Woman Farmer of the Year.”