Four Powys Farmers have been chosen as part of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s rural leadership programme.

The Society’s programme, which gives intense training to promising members of the farming community in Wales, has selected four Powys based farmers as part of this year’s cohort.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has said the course is “aimed at inspiring future leaders in agriculture” and that “the programme will provide an action-packed course of training, mentoring, support and guidance over three intense sessions.

“As part of the 2024-25 programme, delegates will have an opportunity to attend one of the most prestigious agricultural events in the world, the Commonwealth Agricultural Conference.”

County Times: William NixonWilliam Nixon (Image: RWAS)

One of this year’s group is William Nixon of Builth Wells who is a Projects Officer, Stonegate Farmers. William grew up on the family beef and sheep farm in Mid Wales where “he now actively participates in sustainable farming practices”.

He is an active NFU Cymru member, and enjoys hiking in the Welsh hills and being a part of his local Wales YFC club.

County Times: Fflur RobertsFflur Roberts (Image: RWAS)

Fflur Roberts from Welshpool, works as Agricultural Lecturer at Hereford, Ludlow & North Shropshire College and was “raised on a mixed family farm in Mid Wales.”

Fflur was awarded the RWAS Student of the Year in 2019 and the Best Overall Agriculture Student at NPTC Group. She has has worked in New Zealand and Australia, broadening her knowledge of agricultural systems overseas.

County Times: Liz ReesLiz Rees (Image: RWAS)

Liz Rees from Brecon is a Regional Manager the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and has “a keen interest in agriculture and a passion for the countryside”.

Liz farms in the Bannau Brycheinog alongside her partner and parents keeping a flock of sheep and a small herd of pigs. In her spare time, Liz is a keen musician and enjoys playing the piano, harp, and singing.

County Times: Teleri Haf ThomasTeleri Haf Thomas (Image: RWAS)

Also from the Brecon area, Teleri Haf Thomas works as Social Media Lead, Farming Connect Menter a Busnes and is the only one of the four not from a farming background.

Despite this, Teleri has “ties to the rural community via her local Young Farmers Club which has led her to embrace the agricultural industry both professionally and personally”.

Teleri is currently studying for a master's degree in Marketing whilst working full-time.