A young farmer who farms a Farming Connect demonstration site near Machynlleth has won gold at this year’s British Farming Awards.

Rhidian Glyn came from a non-farming background, but set his heart on being a farmer at an early age.

Now, the determination to succeed combined with dedication, the willingness to learn from others and sheer hard work has landed 32-year-old Powys farmer Rhidian with one of UK farming’s top awards.

Rhidian, who farms at Rhiwgriafol was revealed as a gold award winner of the New Entrant: Against All Odds category at the British Farming Awards ceremony held at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham.

Rhidian’s parents were both teachers but having been brought up in rural mid Wales, he set his heart on becoming a farmer from a very early age.

In 2014, Rhidian and his wife Elen approached Farming Connect to obtain a business plan through the programme’s Advisory Service which they say was critical to them securing a 10-year Farm Business Tenancy at Rhiwgriafol, a 530-acre hill farm.

Alongside running the farm, Rhidian currently holds an 11-month grazing license on 160 acres five miles away.

The judges said about Rhidian: “He has worked hard to get to where he is today and does not take anything for granted, instead challenging himself as he goes and listening to his strong support network.”

Rhidian said: “Agriculture is a brilliant industry to work in because it’s diverse and every day is different, but I’m also conscious that all farmers need to look to the future and plan ahead, to develop as business people and ensure that farm businesses are safeguarded for future generations.”

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition on Wednesday