Latest news with #AgriAcademy
Powys County Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Radnor Valley farm grows from meat boxes to Powys farm shop
A third-generation Powys farmer is encouraging others to sign up to a business programme. Radnor Valley farmer, John Goodwin, credits the Farming Connect Agri Academy Business & Innovation programme for giving him the guidance and supportive networks to achieve ambitious new goals for himself and the family farm business. Persuaded to apply in 2017 during a chance meeting with his local development officer, Natalie Chappelle, the experience proved the catalyst to what John says has been a transformational journey. 'Meeting so many experienced, knowledgeable farmers, business people, sector specialists and mentors inspired me to change my perspective on not only my personal aspirations, but they gave me confidence to 'set the bar higher' for the farm too.' RECOMMENDED READS: John and his wife Jess's approach to farming 'greener' and utilising new technologies to increase profitability, continues to reach impressive new levels. The couple's achievements were recognised earlier this year when they won Lantra Cymru's prestigious 'Innovator of the Year' award. John and Jess, who is also from a Welsh farming background, have built up an efficient, sustainable beef, sheep, pigs and arable farm business, at their 500-acre holding located between Presteigne and Knighton, based on their regenerative farming ethos. Early adopters of biomass and solar energy, one of their most significant achievements has been developing their small-scale meat box business, which had been run largely from the farm kitchen, into a successful farm shop. 'The pandemic changed customer buying patterns and demand for our meat suddenly trebled virtually overnight,' says John. 'In order to capitalise on that opportunity but recognising we didn't have the resources to staff a shop, we sought strategic business advice from Farming Connect through the Advisory Service and attended numerous business-relevant events.' Armed with optimistic financial forecasts and having simplified their livestock management system to free up time, the couple invested in a purpose-built shop at the end of their drive, installing cashless chilled vending machines. They also repurposed an outbuilding for packing and processing - Hindwell Farm Shop was in business. 'It was a significant financial commitment, but the shop is now a key source of income, which longer-term, will help provide a livelihood for our agri-student son George when he completes his studies.' With three fresh and frozen vending machines installed, the popular 'self-service' shop now stocks not only the Goodwin's own farm-produced meat, but a wide range of local produce too. 'Being part of the Agri Academy proved a personal turning point for me,' says John. 'The Agri Academy changed my outlook on not just my own personal ambitions but for developing the farm in a sustainable way in readiness for George to eventually take over the reins – it's been a win-win for the whole family.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
14-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Lucky escape for cows as livestock trailer overturns on M4
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.
Pembrokeshire Herald
13-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh farming's challenges discussed with Shadow Cabinet Secretary
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.
Pembrokeshire Herald
12-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
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.
Pembrokeshire Herald
12-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Former health officer's concern as mystery plastic objects wash up at Gelliswick
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.
