Women representing virtually all sectors of farming and rural life in Wales took to the road as part of Farming Connect’s Women in Agriculture programme.
This year celebrating its 10th anniversary, almost 150 ladies climbed aboard six tour buses in a pioneering one-day event.
Billed as a ‘journey of discovery’, each bus took its passengers for ‘behind the scenes’ visits to some of Wales’ most successful farm businesses and diversified enterprises, before they all got together for afternoon tea in Aberystwyth.
“New projects can take time and you will probably encounter obstacles along the way but we can help each other and learn to regard these as merely speed bumps and not road blocks,” said Suzi Drew, who farms with her husband in Llanidloes.
Suzy said every visit had inspired her and given her new ideas for growing her farm business, adding that each host family had willingly sharing their experiences, both highs and lows.
“I’ve picked up so much valuable information and realised that to succeed you need vision, tenacity and the confidence to capitalise on every opportunity around you.
“Farmers are not good at appreciating just how asset rich they actually are in the eyes of their potential target markets – we need to capitalise on every element of the business and should not be limited by our own perceptions, lack of vision and confidence.
“It was great to meet families who have had the confidence and courage to tackle an unusual concept like Tynrhyd Reatreat in remote and spectacular Pumlumon."
See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition on Wednesday