A farm worker from near Llandysul has been announced as the winner of the 2018 NFU Cymru/NFU Mutual Welsh Dairy Stockperson of the Year Award at the Welsh Dairy Show.

The competition, now in its seventh year, recognises the important contribution a good dairy stockperson can make to a dairy enterprise, as well as the wider Welsh dairy industry.

During a presentation at the Welsh Dairy Show, Adam Jones was presented with the top prize of £500 and a Welsh slate engraved cheese board by Cabinet secretary for energy, planning and rural affairs, Lesley Griffiths AM and NFU Cymru Milk board chairman, Gareth Richards.

Adam was born and raised on the family farm in Synod Inn, near Llandysul, and from a very young age has taken a keen interest in the management of the dairy herd.

After graduating from Harper Adams University in 2004, Adam returned home to work in partnership with his parents.

He later took over as head of the holding in 2013 and has helped grow the business from 120 milking cows to the current herd of 380 milkers, as well as converting from a split autumn/spring calving partner to a fully spring calving herd.

Speaking after the presentation, Mr Richards said: “I would like to congratulate Adam on winning this award. It was very refreshing to see a young person show such care and meticulous attention to ensuring the health of his animals, as well as milk production, was of the best quality.

"Adam has also been an excellent advocate for the role the next generation can play in the future of our industry, developing a number of aspects of the family business since taking control of the holding.”

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