At this year’s Royal Welsh Show, John Owen was recognised for his outstanding contribution to Welsh farming, winning the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) External award for services to agriculture.

John has been a pivotal figure in the advancement of agricultural practices across Wales, with his deep understanding of the sector instrumental in shaping and disseminating best farming practices, benefiting countless farmers within the Welsh agricultural industry.

John's agricultural journey began at Glynllifon Agricultural College, before completing a National Diploma in Agriculture at the Welsh Agricultural College. A Phillip Henman Trust travel Scholarship saw him head off to New Zealand and Australia, before returning to Wales to spend a year contract milking before being appointed by Bangor University to manage two group breeding projects with pedigree Welsh Black and Llyn Sheep breeders.

His long and distinguished tenure at Gelli Aur college farm commenced in 1993, where he took on the role of Farm Manager. During this time, he also served as the grass value project officer, assessing 12 dairy farms across Wales. His commitment to innovation led him to undertake a Nuffield scholarship in 2004, studying development farms in New Zealand.

Throughout his time at Gelli Aur, he was a driving force behind the establishment of the Farm Diversification and Technology Centre. He successfully trialled the Robotic Milking Unit, transforming Gelli Aur into a key development farm for both the Dairy Development Centre and Hybu Cig Cymru. His expert advice on grassland management has consistently empowered farmers to enhance their competitiveness in the market.

John played a leading role in the groundbreaking Prosiect Slyri Project. This innovative initiative focuses on reducing farm waste and mitigating the agricultural industry's environmental impact through the development of a dewatering and purification system for slurry management on farms. He was also involved in the Tywydd Tywi Weather project, which saw the installation of six weather stations monitoring crucial data like soil temperature, leaf moisture, and soil moisture. This data, accessible via a mobile phone app, enables farmers to make informed decisions regarding nutrient management and pesticide application.

He retired as College Farm manager for Coleg Sir Gar in 2023, and has gone on to work as a Lead Consultant on Agriculture and Environment for LAFAN Consultancy Group, with a remit to build capacity in South Wales with agriculture and rural projects.

A distinguished Treharne Nuffield Scholar, John Owen is a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies, and is a Council member and Trustee of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers. In 2023 he won the Farmers’ Union of Wales – United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society Award for services to agriculture in Carmarthenshire.

Presenting the award to John Owen at the FUW President Reception at the Royal Welsh Show, FUW President, Ian Rickman said: "John Owen's dedication to Welsh agriculture is truly inspiring. His pioneering work at Gelli Aur and his commitment to sustainable farming practices have left an indelible mark on our industry.

This award is a fitting recognition of his lifelong efforts and the immense benefit he has brought to farmers across Wales."

Ann Davies MP, FUW Carmarthenshire County Chair added: "John's profound impact on farming practices within Carmarthenshire cannot be overstated.

His tireless work at Gelli Aur has directly empowered farmers locally and nationally, providing them with the knowledge and tools to thrive. He is a true champion of Carmarthenshire agriculture, and we are incredibly proud to see him receive this well-deserved honour."