12 AUG 2023

Agriculture Lecturer crowned Wales’ Woman Farmer of the Year 🚜

Katie-Rose Davies, Lecturer in Agriculture at Bridgend College, has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to Welsh agriculture, receiving the title of ‘Woman Farmer of the Year’.

Katie joined Bridgend College shortly after completing her degree in Agriculture at Aberystwyth University in 2012. Passionate about mentoring and inspiring young people, Katie is an advocate for not only educating future generations of farmers but also for safeguarding the future of Welsh agriculture.

A third generation hill farmer, Katie plays a pivotal role in running Nantymoel Farm in Ogmore Valley, where her family have farmed for over 90 years. Committed to a vision of sustainability and animal welfare, Katie has enacted numerous initiatives to not only ensure the future viability of her farm but also upland farming in Wales as a whole.

Having been keen to enter the farming industry from a young age, she joined the family partnership in 2015. She has embraced new ways of working to further develop farming practices whilst remaining true to Welsh heritage and tradition. These include developing ‘Bwlch Mountain Lamb’, the farm’s lamb box scheme, and working in collaboration with Natural Resources Wales and South Wales Fire Service to improve animal health and welfare, soil restoration and habitat preservation.

“Women in agriculture should no longer be a stereotype. It has never occurred to me that I would not farm because I am a woman. The most important thing that the industry needs is the best people that are able to tackle the many challenges ahead.” - Katie-Rose Davies

Looking forward, Katie is committed to playing her part in helping the industry achieve net zero emissions by 2040, for which carbon capture, the implementation of new technologies, grassland management and clean energy are all essential.

Read the full article via FE News.