A Powys farmer has been recognised as part of an effort by the company behind red meat production in Wales to promote female farmers.

Sioned Thomas-Jones, who works on Nant-y-Gaseg near Machynlleth has been named as one of several farmers across Wales by Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) as part of their initiative to promote female farmers across the country.

In partnership with her parents, Huw and Eleri, she runs a flock of around 960 head of speckle faced, Welsh Tregaron type and crossbred ewes, selling the finished lambs at the local livestock market, while also keeping 30 suckler cows and sell their Limousin X store cattle.

A mother and full-time farmer, the 37-year-old has reportedly always wanted to be part of the industry and is one of several generations in her family to take it up as a profession.

She said: “I had a keen interest in farming from a very young age and have worked here on the farm for nearly twenty years. I enjoy being out on the hills gathering the sheep, looking down on the Dyfi Valley – it really is heaven on earth for me. 

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“My passion is sheep work. Shearing and lambing, I love it! Lambing in particular is a special time of year, there is nothing better than welcoming new life onto the farm, and I enjoy sharing that experience with my 9-year-old son, Huw Ifan.”

Sioned was named as one of HCC’s ‘Female Farming Champions’, marking the contributions of women within the farming industry to mark International Women’s Day 2024, which falls this Friday (March 8).

“Women have always been critical on the farm but traditionally may not have been given the credit they deserve. Despite being quite old-fashioned here, it gives me great pride to see that things have now changed, women are proving that it’s not just an industry for men.

“It’s tough when you have to split yourself between two big demands – the farm and paid employment - and raising a family at the same time too. 

“I’d like to see more women entering the industry and I’m keen to play my part in securing a sustainable future for the red meat sector.

“I think the future for women in agriculture looks bright. If you are passionate about farming, dedicated and enjoy what you do like I do, then my only advice would be to go for it.”