Agri Academy gives young farmer confidence and skills to turn dreams into reality
SETTING up and growing a successful new business is something many people will only ever dream about. Young farmer Cian Iolen Rhys says that Farming Connect's Agri Academy Junior Programme gave him the confidence and life-skills to do exactly that – at 17 years old! Together with his friend Owain, Cian has set up a successful sheep-shearing contracting business which now services 17 local farms.
'I wouldn't be where I am today were it not for the confidence, skills, new friends and supportive networks I made through the Agri Academy and I'm so grateful for that opportunity.'
Cian farms alongside his dad and younger brother at a 150-acre Council-owned beef and sheep farm near Bethesda. The second-year Coleg Glynllifon agriculture student combines his college commitments with being an active member of Dyffryn Ogwen YFC, playing rugby, singing and he's an award-winning competitive 'blade shearer'. He works part-time for local farmers and has been invited to Somerset and the Scottish Highlands for work experience this spring.
'It takes courage to try out anything new, but I was so inspired by the farmers and mentors I met through the Agri Academy that my expectations of what I can achieve have soared! And I loved the media training – all brilliant!
'We visited a range of inspirational farm businesses across Wales and had a study tour to Norway which gave me a different perspective on so many different aspects of animal health, business and financial management and the importance of utilising technology.'
Cian says much of what he learned through the Agri Academy is now put into practice at home.
'We have set up a new techno strip grazing system, using electric fences to move the cattle every two days to make better use of our land, and we've also invested in mineral boluses which have improved the ewes' condition and fertility percentages.
'The Agri Academy taught me that if you want to be successful, you need to work hard, be open to new ideas and learn from others!
'Working early mornings, late evenings, weekends and all through college holidays are the norm,' says Cian, but he clearly wouldn't have it any other way, because as he says, the personal development support and training provided through Farming Connect are helping him achieve his goals and they've certainly broadened his outlook on his future career pathway!
Having been set a great example by his dad who has a full-time job away from the farm, Cian is ambitious, focused and clearly hard-working – all attributes recognised by Lantra Cymru when he recently received his Young Learner of the Year 'joint runner up' award in the Under 20s category.
Cian says that his lifelong goal is 'to be happy and continue enjoying what I do'. He's set his sights on university or an apprenticeship and hopes to fulfil his boyhood dream of becoming a livestock auctioneer alongside hands-on farming, competitive 'blade shearing' and running his own business. Sounds a lot, but when you consider what he's achieved so far, the future looks bright for this ambitious young farmer.
The application window for the Agri Academy Junior Programme is open until 20 May.
'Don't hesitate, get your application in – it's the stepping stone young farmers need!' says Cian.
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