News

The 2024 conference was back as a bigger event with the introduction of the new Agri Awards. The weekend attracted over 80 members and friends to the conference, 120 members and supporters to the Agri Awards and nearly 50 members visited Brongain Farm.

Saturday 13^th of January 2024 saw the opening of Wales YFC Agri Conference held at Gregynog Hall with a theme of ‘Sustainable Supply Chains’. The conference saw four key speakers namely Mr Arwel Owen (Genus), Miss Leah Meirion Davies (Clwyd YFC member and a Elwyn Jones Scholar), Mr James Nixon (Penmincae Welsh Black Beef and Lamb) and Rachel Madeley Davies (HCC) discussing various aspects of the supply chain from genetics, breeding, processing, retailing and adding value.

The afternoon consisted of three breakout sessions hosted by CCF, HCC and Rural Advisor who launched the new Rural Business Innovation Competition to encourage new entrepreneurs within Wales YFC. 2024 was the first year of the Agri Awards as the Rural Affairs committee felt it was important to showcase the talent and skillset of our members. The categories included Best Stockman sponsored by Kepak, Best Grassland Management sponsored by Germinal, Best Diversification sponsored by Menter a Busnes and the Rural Champion Award sponsored by CCF.

Angharad Thomas, Rural Affairs Committee chair noted

“It was great to see the Agri Conference returning bigger and better this year. A very informative morning was had listening to the speakers discussing various aspects of the supply chain as well as the afternoon breakout sessions which gave attendees plenty of food for thought and the opportunity to think of ways to add value within their businesses. The first Agri Awards were a roaring success and an opportunity to celebrate our grassroot members and their businesses. Without the continuous support of the sponsors none of these events would be possible”

Sunday morning saw nearly 50 delegates heading to Brongain Farm. Dominic Hampson Smith, Rural Affairs Committee vice-chairman explained “Greg Pickstock outlined the Pickstock Telford site, the development and expansion of the business and the businesses’ ambitions to become net zero as well as highlighting the branding they use to sell their produce including the launch of the new Welsh beef brand. Rowan Pickstock showed us around the young-stock and the finishing buildings. There are also plans to make the farm net zero by optimising animal feed as well as finishing animals in a shorter period of time.

Wales YFC would sincerely like to thank the sponsors; NFU Charitable Trust, Kepak, Menter a Busnes, Germinal as well as programme sponsors and the main sponsors CCF who have been a key sponsor over the years.

SAVE THE DATE: The 2025 Wales YFC Agri Conference will be held on 11th & 12th January 2025.