Latest news with #RoyalWelshAgriculturalSociety
South Wales Guardian
4 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Top Harper Adams student collects award at Royal Welsh Show
A scholar aiming to use his graduate career to 'advocate for Welsh agriculture' has won the 2025 Harper Cymry/Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Student of the Year award. Osian Richards, who grew up on his family's dairy farm in Llangadog, Carmarthenshire, spoke of how much the prize – and the show – meant to him after receiving his prize. He said: 'Receiving the award at the Royal Welsh Show was an enormous honour. I've been attending the show since I was a child in a pram, and the show truly represents the heart of Welsh agriculture - and remains a highlight of my year. 'That personal connection made the award all the more meaningful. 'The award was established in memory of Bill Ratcliffe, who had deep ties to South Wales and the agricultural sector, and whose contributions were recognised with the Royal Welsh Silver Medal. To be associated with his award is incredibly special.' Mr Ratcliffe, who was renowned for his outstanding contribution to the agricultural industry, was a Harper Adams University Fellow – and founder of the Harper Cymry alumni association. Osian – himself a member of the Harper Cymry student society - has just completed the final year of his BSc (Hons) Rural Enterprise and Land Management degree. He added: 'The award carries a bittersweet note, marking the end of my Harper Adams journey. But for me, it also stands as recognition of the dedication and hard work I've poured into my degree and university life over the past four years. Now, I'm excited to begin the next chapter, armed with the skills and support Harper and Harper Cymry have given me.' Looking back at his time at Harper Adams, Osian added: 'The University has offered much more than an academic qualification. 'It created a unique atmosphere built on friendship, encouragement, and a real sense of community. 'From my lecturers to fellow students, I've felt supported throughout my journey. I'd especially like to acknowledge the REALM lecturers in my second and final year; their dedication and guidance went far beyond expectation. 'Academically, the course was both challenging and rewarding. Its emphasis on practical application and real-world scenarios means I've gained knowledge and skills I know will serve me well professionally. 'The placement year also played a key role in strengthening this foundation.' It was while on placement that Osian discovered a taste for auctioneering – something which he is hoping to hone further in his first graduate role. He added: 'Having grown up on a pedigree dairy farm in South Wales, I'd heard of Gwilym Richards & Co. The firm - and Gwilym Richards himself - are well respected within the dairy industry, so the choice felt natural. 'My placement offered a wealth of experience, from handling compensation claims to managing rentals and conducting valuations. I also had the opportunity to auctioneer under Gwilym's guidance, a skill that has since shaped my career ambitions. 'The placement allowed me to apply classroom theory to practical scenarios and ultimately helped me secure a graduate role. The placement year gave me a taste of industry and made me want to work harder in my final year to secure a place within the industry.' Having returned to University, Osian applied himself keenly to his final year studies – and during that final year, also secured his first graduate role. This gives him both a chance to test his auctioneering skills, and an opportunity to speak up for Welsh farming. He added: 'During my placement year with Gwilym Richards, I worked in conjunction with Greenslade Taylor Hunt, a property and auction specialist - and from there, I have secured a graduate surveyor and auctioneer position which starts this August at Sedgemoor. 'In the future, I'm particularly keen to stay connected with the dairy sector and hope to specialise in dairy cattle due to my dairy upbringing. 'I'll be based near Redhill, close to Bristol and Sedgemoor Market, one of England's largest livestock markets - which gives me a great platform to advocate for Welsh agriculture in a dynamic setting.'
Business News Wales
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Royal Welsh Show Ceremony Celebrates Culture and Community
Dei Tomos officially opens the Royal Welsh Show The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society's flagship event opened with a ceremony celebrating Welsh agriculture, culture and community spirit. Chair of RWAS Council, Nicola Davies reflected on the pivotal role of the society in championing Welsh agriculture and rural life. 'The show is a very important platform to promote the very best of the agricultural industry that we all hold so very dear,' she said. 'It underlines its importance, not only economically, but socially and culturally too.' Mrs Davies paid tribute to this year's feature county, Caernarfonshire, and thanked its fundraising committees for their outstanding work in raising awareness and vital funds to support capital developments at the showground. She acknowledged their dedication, 'ably led' by president, John R. Owen. The Princess Royal with RWAS assistant honorary director for cattle, Meurig James. She also introduced this year's specially commissioned 'Cerdd Groeso' (Welcome Sonet) by celebrated Welsh poet Myrddin ap Dafydd, which she recited during the ceremony. Mr Owen reflected on his family's long-standing connection with the show, stretching back to the 1950s. 'I have no doubt that the founders of the society are looking down in much admiration of today's standards and achievements,' he said. Broadcaster and author, Dei Tomos, officially open the show, which he described as 'the main Welsh festival' for many and emphasised the significance of agriculture to the economic, social and cultural life of the nation. 'One of the most important elements of the Royal Welsh Show is friendship,' he said. He reminisced about his early experiences at the show in the 1980s, first as a news reporter and later as a broadcaster for S4C. He paid tribute to the many individuals who shaped his journey and reflected on the legacy of the event's founders, particularly those who chose Llanelwedd as its permanent home. Mr Tomos also remembered the late Huw Griffith and his shire horses, noting that his grandson, Rhys, now continues that legacy as this year's RWAS Ambassador. Ukrainian Cossaks giving a display in the main ring. Rhys is one of many who follow in the footsteps of previous generations to keep farming and rural life alive in Wales. Dylan Jones, of Castellior, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, was announced as the winner of the prestigious Sir Bryner Jones Memorial Award, which featured the beef industry for the first time in 30 years. A major highlight of this year's show was the official opening of the new Heavy Horse Village, a dedicated area celebrating the legacy and ongoing role of working horses in Welsh agriculture. The village features interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and opportunities for visitors to meet these gentle giants and their handlers, along with new turn-out competition classes. The opening day's main ring programme was headlined by the Ukrainian Cossacks, whose dazzling displays of traditional horsemanship and acrobatics captivated showgoers. Their performance blended cultural storytelling with elite equestrian skill. Additional main ring attractions included the Bolddog FMX display team, the Tristar Carriage and the RAF Falcons Parachute display team. Renowned for its livestock competitions, the show again drew top entries. Cattle, sheep, pigs and horses were judged across multiple classes, reflecting the exceptional quality of breeding and stockmanship in Wales. Judges praised the high standards across all categories, with opening day competitions setting a strong tone for the week ahead. A highlight of the day was the visit of HRH The Princess Royal, who was attending in her capacity as Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RACS) president. After attending the RASC's annual meeting, she toured the showground, engaging with exhibitors and visitors.
Powys County Times
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Dai Jones Llanilar Memorial Prize launched at Royal Welsh
A special memorial prize was launched at the Royal Welsh Show yesterday. The Dai Jones Llanilar Memorial Prize is a collaboration between S4C and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society. It honours the memory of the late Dai Jones, a much-loved farmer and broadcaster who died in 2022, aged 78. Dai Jones was a prominent figure in Welsh media and agriculture for more than 50 years. The prize will offer a young person the chance to develop and broadcast an original idea with professional production support. Geraint Evans, chief executive of S4C, said: "At S4C, we were keen to establish a prize in memory of Dai, and to mark his invaluable contribution to the world of agriculture and the world of broadcasting in Wales. "He really was one of the most talented broadcasters on Welsh television. "We hope that the prize, dedicated to Dai's legacy, will open the door to the world of broadcasting for young people, and will nurture future talent while ensuring that we continue to bring fresh and relevant content from the agricultural world in Wales to S4C." The winner will work with production companies Telesgop and Slam to turn their idea into a fully developed broadcast segment for S4C. Professor Wynne Jones, chair of the board of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said: "The society is eager to have a special award for young people who are enthusiastic about rural issues and the importance of rural Wales. "Dai's family are very supportive and are proud to see the media and the Royal Welsh Show working together to create this special opportunity for the next generation of presenters and workers in the field. "This award will ensure that Dai's legacy continues for years to come." The competition is open to individuals under the age of 30 who submit an idea related to the countryside or agriculture. Entries must be sent to Telesgop by October 1. Applicants are also asked to include a brief personal statement explaining why they should win. Shortlisted candidates will present their ideas to a panel including representatives from the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, Young Farmers, and production teams from Ffermio, Cefn Gwlad, and S4C. The winner will be announced at the Winter Fair in Llanelwedd on November 24 and 25. Entries should be no longer than one A4 page and emailed to
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
In pictures: The Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells
Thousands of people have been flocking to the Royal Welsh Show this many, the four-day agricultural event, organised by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, is a highlight of the year, celebrating rural life, farming and Welsh is a selection of images from the show in Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells, Powys, so far.
Powys County Times
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
What to expect as Royal Welsh Show 2025 gets under way
The showground is ready and waiting, the main ring attractions are all scheduled, and the livestock are being spruced up in anticipation of awards – Show week is here. It is now 121 years since a group of influential landowners came together to form the Welsh National Agricultural Society – an organisation that would later morph into the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society. They held the first show that year in Aberystwyth, but since 1963 Llanelwedd, on the edge of Builth Wells, has been the thumping heartbeat of Europe's largest agricultural event. They come from far and wide to exhibit – and to enjoy the many and varied displays, events, and attractions that the show brings. Whether it's daredevil displays from horseback riders, motorbike experts or parachute teams, or the creme de la creme of Welsh livestock, the reasons to love the Royal Welsh Show are plentiful. Powys truly is the place to be when the show comes around – across four days from Monday to Friday, July 21-24, tens of thousands of people will be making their way to the showground to experience the event. As usual, there is a jam-packed schedule of livestock classes and special awards for a wide range of agricultural and rural competitions, attracting entries from far and wide. For the first time this year the show will include a Heavy Horse Village, which provides visitors with a chance to celebrate the majestic power and heritage of traditional working horses in a dedicated display area. The whole event is also a great celebration of Wales' thriving food scene, and the food village and hall provides a highlight for many visitors to the show. One of the key questions on many people's minds this weekend, though, will be what's happening above our heads. We've had some patchy shows weather-wise over the years – who would want to predict a British summer? – including an absolute scorcher of a year in 2022 that saw some visitors having to slap the factor 50 onto their pigs. Well, despite this year having already seen some records tumble for hot and dry weather across the UK, the show is looking like it's much cooler this year. The Met Office is forecasting a nice, cool event, with scattered showers meaning outdoor activities being compromised.
