A farmer from Pembrokeshire has been honoured at this year’s NFU conference for her dedication and commitment to NFU Cymru and Welsh farming.

NFU Cymru Pembrokeshire county chair, Clare Morgan, who farms a poultry, beef, sheep and property enterprise in Crundale, near Haverfordwest, with her husband Stephen, was named as the Welsh winner of the Meurig Raymond Award at the annual NFU conference at the ICC in Birmingham.

The award recognises farmers across the UK who have worked closely with their NFU team on lobbying and campaigns, as well as those who report back on stakeholder discussions and engage with a wide range of people to make sure the industry’s voice is heard.

Clare was elected as chair of the Pembrokeshire NFU Cymru county branch in 2019, becoming only the second woman to hold this position.

During her time as county chair, Clare has been a strong and professional champion for the issues that affect members in the county.

She has used opportunities to powerfully and effectively lobby for an effective bovine TB eradication strategy, which addresses the devastating impact the disease is having on farms, not only in the county but across Wales.

Clare has also been a fantastic advocate on a number of important issues in Pembrokeshire; not least water quality and mental health in our rural communities.

As a former NFU Cymru poultry chair, Clare has been a champion for the poultry industry in Wales and helped develop the annual NFU Cymru poultry conference into the must attended event of its kind.

She developed the event as a direct response to the growth of this particular sector in Wales and to recognise the expertise within the industry.

She is never one to shy away from an opportunity to promote the industry and champion its values. Clare frequently undertakes national and regional media interviews where she is able to convey her passion for the industry.

Clare played a part in elevating the role of women in both the union and the wider sector by opening the inaugural NFU Cymru ‘She Who Dares Farms’ conference and chairing its first session.

The crowd of over 200 women looked on in awe as she delivered an inspiring speech that all could relate to.

In 2019, Clare participated in the Cows on Tour education roadshow in Pembrokeshire, taking her chickens to a school in Fishguard to help more than 800 primary school pupils learn more about food and farming.

Clare juggles her NFU Cymru role while also running a diverse farming business with her husband, undertaking chartered surveying consultancy work, and raising three young sons.

NFU Cymru director John Mercer said: “At NFU Cymru we are very fortunate to have such a large number of active and enthusiastic members who engage with the union’s campaigning and lobbying efforts, but in Clare we have someone has proven herself to be a fantastic ambassador for the union. When she meets with other organisations and stakeholders she shows herself to be professional, knowledgeable and courteous. Her meticulous preparation for meetings, competence and eloquence impresses everyone she comes into contact with.

“Clare is an exceptionally talented and articulate individual who is passionate and enthusiastic about our industry and it is a real privilege to work alongside her to champion the cause of Welsh farming.”

Speaking after being selected as the Welsh winner of the Meurig Raymond Award, Clare Morgan said: “I was unaware that I had been nominated so it was a total surprise. Everything I do is part of a team, whether it is the business, at home, or NFU Cymru at a county of Welsh level, so I would like to thank everyone for being a part of that team.”