Prominent Flintshire dairy farmer Dei Davies has been appointed a life member of the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW), following a recent meeting of the Union’s Grand Council.

The honour recognises his decades of dedicated service to the Welsh agricultural community, particularly the dairy sector.

Dei’s roots in farming trace back to his upbringing in Betws-yn-Rhos, Conwy. He left school at the age of fifteen to work on a local dairy farm, quickly developing a passion for the industry. He went on to study at Llysfasi College in 1970 before becoming part of the first cohort of students at the newly established Welsh Agricultural College, Aberystwyth in 1971.

During his studies, Dei gained hands-on experience working for Mr Thomas Rees at Glasfryn Fawr, Pencaenewydd, Pwllheli – a figure who would later inspire his involvement with the FUW. He further broadened his agricultural knowledge by spending six months on a dairy farm in New Zealand in 1974.

On returning to Wales, Dei later took on the role of farm manager at Glasfryn Fawr, where he settled with his wife Heulwen and their children, Rhys and Catrin.

In 1983, Dei and his family moved to Brook Farm, Saltney, as county council farm tenants. A decade later, they relocated to Moor Farm, Holywell, a county council holding, farming a successful Friesian dairy herd.

Today, Moor Farm continues to be run by his son Rhys, a former lecturer at Llysfasi College, while Dei and Heulwen have recently moved to Caerwys, Flintshire.

Dei joined the Farmers’ Union of Wales in 1983, coinciding with the start of his tenancy at Brook Farm. Over the years, he has become a leading voice within the Union, especially on matters relating to the dairy industry. He has served three terms as Chair of the FUW’s influential Milk and Dairy Produce Committee and has also held the position of Flintshire County Chair.

His appointment as a FUW life member comes following the passing of FUW stalwart Lorraine Howells in October 2024.

Reflecting on his appointment as an FUW life member, Dei Davies said: “I’m truly humbled to have been elected as a FUW life member. Agriculture, and the dairy sector in particular, has been the backbone of my life; the values, relationships, and resilience it has taught me have shaped who I am.

With the FUW marking its 70th anniversary this year, this recognition feels especially meaningful. I’ve always believed that as farmers we’re always stronger when we stand together.

The Union’s role in championing collective action is vital, not just for protecting the future of our family farms, but for sustaining the wider rural communities that depend on them.”

Congratulating Dei on his appointment, former FUW President and fellow life member, Gareth Vaughan OBE, added: “For decades, Dei has been a dedicated and highly respected member of the Farmers’ Union of Wales.

His commitment, tenacity, and unwavering passion for the dairy industry have shone through as Chair of the Milk & Dairy Committee and through his contributions at the county level in Flintshire. His dedication is an inspiration to us all, and this honour is richly deserved.”