A 10-year-old girl from Ceredigion is one of five winners in the inaugural Young British Farming Awards.
Elliw Grug Davies, a pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Cledlyn, Drefach, near Llanybydder, scooped the Young Handler of the Year (Junior) title.
Elliw entered the showring at the age of four and has won numerous awards for her showing, including Junior Young Handler at the Royal Welsh Show with Dorset sheep, Overall Champion with young handlers at Aberystwyth Show and Brecon Show, and at Beef Expo 2023 Elliw won Young Handlers under 14s with a home bred Limousin cross named Cowboy.
Commenting on her win at the Young British Farming Awards, Elliw said, “I can’t believe it, I’m so happy but very shocked.”
Elliw is interested in all aspects of farming, from vaccinating to caesareans, assisting the family small holding of 35 acres. During lambing season, she moves to north Wales to help a relative with their flock.
If there is a cattle sale or show, Elliw will often miss school to help the family show cattle to the best standards. Halter training calves from a very young age has helped tame the herd, with constant grooming ensuring Elliw is safe in their presence.
Freelance stockperson Jennifer Hyslop has been involved in showing and preparation on the farm since Covid-19, with Elliw learning each step of the process from her.
Elliw has showed at sales in Carlisle, successfully selling home grown Blaencwm Sam for £32,000 in 2023. At the moment she can’t compete in major shows due to her age ... watch this space!
The awards are sponsored by Massey Feeds and Harpers Feeds.
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