Pwllheli-born Malan Hughes (seen right) lives life in the fast lane as a vet, dairy farmer, public speaker and a runner!

Busy Malan credits Farming Connect’s Agri Academy with helping her plan her future and achieve her potential through professional development.

The application window for Agri Academy 2020 is open now, and Malan is encouraging others to apply.

The 27-year-old lives at home on her family’s 500-acre dairy farm near Pwllheli, and when she’s not busy working as a vet, she’s involved in all aspects of dairy farming.

“I was fortunate to have work experience with this practice as a student and I knew that if I ever had the chance to return home where I could help develop the dairy herd while also working as a vet, that really would be the best of both worlds and a dream come true!”

Soon after settling into her new job, Malan applied for the Farming Connect Agri Academy Business & Innovation programme.

“My Agri Academy experience was brilliant in every way, introducing me to new ways of working, and giving me time to consider my plans for the future.

“My study visit to Iceland was very educational and opened my eyes to how different nations are tackling similar issues faced by Welsh farmers.

“The whole group came away with new skills and perhaps most importantly, a new sense of self-belief that we should all aim high and carry on developing as business-people.”

The application window for Agri Academy 2020 is open until 11.59pm on Tuesday, 31 March.

For further information, eligibility criteria and to download application forms, visit www.gov.wales/farming

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