THREE Carmarthenshire farmers have been honoured at the prestigious Farmers Weekly Awards, held on Thursday, 3rd October, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. The event saw Logan Williams named Agricultural Student of the Year, Rachel and Rheinallt Harries recognised as Dairy Farmers of the Year, and Nigel Owens awarded the title of Farming Champion of the Year.
Ag Student of the Year: Logan Williams
Logan Williams, from Carmarthenshire, has been acknowledged for his dedication to Welsh and British agriculture. Currently building a career in the food supply chain while managing his family’s sheep farm, Logan’s commitment is clear. His dissertation on lamb performance earned him the highest score in his cohort, along with an award from the Texel Sheep Society.
Taking charge of the day-to-day running of the farm, while his parents work full-time away from agriculture, Logan is steering the farm’s future towards sustainability. His innovative approach is set to shape the family business for years to come.
Dairy Farmers of the Year: Rachel and Rheinallt Harries
First-generation dairy farmers, Rachel and Rheinallt Harries, have grown their operation from a 40-hectare tenancy to a thriving 100-hectare farm. Starting in 2011, Rheinallt gained his foothold in farming through a partnership, before selling his share in 2016 to fund their own enterprise.
Their strategic approach, emphasising collaboration and cost control, has allowed them to expand their cow numbers and invest in infrastructure. Rheinallt is actively involved in discussion groups that help inform better business decisions, underscoring the importance of continual learning in their success.
Farming Champion: Nigel Owens
Famed as one of the world’s top rugby referees, Nigel Owens has also become a stalwart of Welsh farming. Since retiring from refereeing in 2020, Owens has turned his attention to running his farm in Mynyddcerrig, Carmarthenshire.
Nigel, a former president of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, has long been an advocate for rural issues, including mental health in the farming community. His passion for farming, coupled with his advocacy on matters such as food security and bovine TB, earned him this year’s Farming Champion award.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw praised Owens, saying, “He is a determined advocate and hugely deserving of this award.”
A Night to Celebrate Farming Excellence
Hosted by actor and comedian Stephen Mangan, the Farmers Weekly Awards are the highlight of the farming calendar, celebrating the best in UK agriculture. This year’s event marked its 20th anniversary and was sponsored by leading industry names.
For further information and pictures from the event, visit the Farmers Weekly Awards website or contact Andrew Meredith, Editor of Farmers Weekly.
Full List of 2024 Award Winners:
- Ag Student of the Year: Logan Williams, Carmarthenshire
- Dairy Farmers of the Year: Rachel and Rheinallt Harries, Carmarthenshire
- Farming Champion: Nigel Owens, Carmarthenshire
- Farmer of the Year: Mark Means, Norfolk
- Sheep Farmer of the Year: Annie Carr, Herefordshire
- Young Farmer of the Year: Ellie Lovell, Herefordshire
This year’s awards showcased the resilience, innovation, and dedication of farmers across the UK, continuing to inspire future generations in the agricultural industry.
