Royal Welsh Agricultural Society: Clwyd farmer wins RWAS 2027 Oxford Farming Conference Bursary

Iwan Rhys Parry has won the 2027 Oxford Farming Conference Bursary, an annual award designed to support the next generation of leaders within the agricultural industry.

The judging panel described Iwan, of Tremeirchion, St Asaph, as “a passionate and forward-thinking young agriculturalist”.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) offers a bursary annually to enable a young person to attend the prestigious conference, held in early January.

 To qualify, candidates must be aged between 21 and 35, have lived within the areas served by the RWAS County Advisory Committees for at least five years and be working within a land-based industry.

 Iwan will be invited to write an article for the 2027 Society Journal, reflecting on his experience.

The 2027 Conference, themed ‘Harmony’, will take place from January 6-8. The event has long been recognised as one of the industry’s most influential platforms, bringing together farmers, politicians, scientists and rural professionals to debate key issues and explore the future of agriculture.

 Amongst many topics to be discussed, the upcoming event will explore how greater collaboration and shared understanding can help build a more resilient food and farming industry.

The RWAS County Advisory Committees nominated candidates, who attended an interview with the judging panel, comprising Mr Jonathan H. Davies, Miss Menna Davies, both RWAS representatives and Dr Eiry Williams, 2026 bursary winner.

 The candidates were: Elin Protheroe, Brecknock, Angharad Thomas, Carmarthenshire, Iwan Parry, Clwyd and Cheshire, Dewi Davies, Ceredigion, Isobel Thomas, Glamorgan, Dominic Hampson-Smith, Gwent, Enion Llwyd Williams, Meirionnydd, Marc Griffiths, Montgomery and Elizabeth Swancott, Radnorshire.

The judges praised all candidates for their enthusiasm, commitment and passion for the future of the agricultural industry, noting the impressive standard of interviewees.

Having graduated from Reaseheath College in Cheshire nine years ago with a distinction in his Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture, Iwan has since played an integral role in running his family’s beef and sheep enterprise.

 During his studies, he was also selected to represent the college in the BBC’s The Farmer’s Country Showdown, which featured filming at his family farm.

A longstanding member of Whitford YFC, Iwan has been involved in the Young Farmers movement for 16 years, serving as county chairman of Clwyd YFC and receiving the Senior Member of the Year award.

 He has also represented his county successfully at national level in livestock judging and public speaking.

His contribution to agriculture extends beyond the farm, having served on the RWAS Advisory Committee for Clwyd and Cheshire and he is cattle section secretary at Caerwys Agricultural Show.

With a keen interest in livestock genetics, on-farm trials and data recording, Iwan is committed to using scientific research and evidence-based decision-making to improve efficiency and develop the family business.

He is equally dedicated to his local community, regularly supporting charitable events and fundraising initiatives. Last December, he was part of the organising team behind the annual Illuminated Christmas Tractor Run, which raised more than £4,000 for the DPJ Foundation.

Iwan will be presented with the bursary on November 30, at the opening ceremony of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. For more information about the event and to buy tickets, visit https://rwas.wales/ .

 Speakers at the 2027 Oxford Farming Conference will include agricultural scientists Dr Sarah Hearne and Dr Rosie Bryson, NFU Cymru president Abi Reader and The Sheep Game’s Cammy Wilson.

 The programme will also feature the renowned Oxford Union Debate, exploring whether mindset is the biggest barrier to progress in farming.