Chairman of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s Board of Trustees, Mike Davies, recently received a prestigious Award from CARAS, the Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies throughout the UK, at the Royal Welsh Show.

The aim of CARAS is to give recognition to individuals that have made a significant contribution to the agriculture sector and rural industries. These awards not only focus on practical farming, but also on the development of agricultural services, research, technology, economics, education, farming care, communication and administration.

Mike Davies farms in partnership with his brother, Martin, and their families and is responsible for the management of the dairy and arable unit at Good Hook alongside his wife, Ann and sons Danny and Joe. His brother manages a poultry unit at Cuckoo Mill Farm, producing turkeys all year-round, supplying Farmers’ Markets and the catering sector across south west Wales.

On being awarded the Associateship of the Royal Agricultural Societies (ARAgS), Mike Davies, said: “I am very proud to receive this award from CARAS. It means a lot to me. I don’t seek recognition for the work I do but it is gratefully received.”

Michael has had a long association with Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and plays an indispensable role in the organisation and running of Pembrokeshire County Show. Michael started stewarding Welsh Mountain ponies at the county show in 1999 and became a member of the executive committee in 2001, later becoming Chief Steward of the Welsh Horse breeds at the show. He was elected as the President of the show in 2013.  

The Covid-19 pandemic proved to be hugely challenging for the show society and Mike took the responsibility of steering the society through many challenges, with some very difficult decisions having to be taken to ensure the future survival of the society and the continued existence of the county show itself. 

Mike led the board of trustees through those challenging times and his skilful leadership has been vital in putting the society on a secure footing for the future. Alongside his county show commitments, Mike is also Chairman of the Pembrokeshire Hunt, a position he has held for several years, and he also holds the position of Chairman of Fallen Stock.

An ARAgS Award was also presented at the Royal Welsh Show to Delme Harries, a very active Director and Trustee of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society since 2021. Delme is also the Vice Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, after being elected as the County Councillor for the new Bro Gwaun ward in 2022. He is also a trustee of RABI and for almost 40 years he has worked for NFU Mutual in Pembrokeshire. Delme is a former President of Pembrokeshire YFC, and was Chair of the Board of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs for five years before standing down last year.

Other prominent Pembrokeshire farmers given awards were – Janet & Perkin Evans, William Pritchard and Sam Kurtz. Huw Thomas of Puffin Produce was also elevated to Fellowship.

Presenting the awards was Mansel Raymond MBE FRAgS, who is the current Chair of CARAS Cymru. Mansel is a well-respected figure in the agricultural community in Pembrokeshire, Wales and across the UK and Europe. He is a former President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society.

Mansel Raymond said, “Mike Davies is a very worthy recipient of the ARAgS for his outstanding contribution to agriculture and the farming community in Pembrokeshire. His commitment and dedication to the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society is very clear to see, and his skilful leadership has helped steer the society through difficulties and has helped ensure the continued existence of our beloved Pembrokeshire County Show and ensured that we still have this fabulous event in the county to showcase our farming industry.”