A well known young farmer from Abermule in Powys has been named among the best newcomers to the industry in a national awards scheme.
Elin Orrells, a graduate of Aberystwyth University, is in the running for the Agricultural Student of the Year 2024.
The British Farming Awards, an annual event now in its twelfth year, recognises outstanding achievements in the industry.
Ms Orrells' passion for agriculture started at a young age, with early experiences on the farm inspiring her enthusiasm.
She furthered her interest with a BSc Hons Degree in Agriculture from Aberystwyth University, including an industry placement as an agricultural banking specialist with Oxbury Agriculture Bank.
This role gave her a deep understanding of the financial challenges and opportunities within the sector and allowed her to support farmers dealing with issues such as TB restrictions and rising interest rates.
Her work during this placement earned her the university’s Best Performance on an Integrated Year in Industry award.
In addition to her academic achievements, Ms Orrells is actively involved in the Montgomeryshire Young Farmers Clubs (YFC), where she has held several leadership roles.
Her commitment to the YFC has helped foster team spirit and support local activities.
Her efforts at Tregynon YFC, including organising skill-building events, led to the club's success at the County Field Day.
Ms Orrells also runs a website breeding Australian Kelpie working dogs and has started establishing a Limousin pedigree herd.
Her dedication to agriculture has been recognised with several awards, including the 2019 Lantra Wales Young College Learner of the Year Award and the County and Wales Junior Member of the Year in 2021–2022.
Looking to the future, Ms Orrells will continue her work at Oxbury as an agricultural relationship manager, providing support to clients across Wales and beyond.
She remains passionate about sustainable agriculture and food security and actively participates in initiatives to improve farming practices and advocate for the industry.
The British Farming Awards will take place on October 17 at The VOX in Birmingham.
The event will bring together industry professionals from across the country to celebrate the successes in British agriculture this year.
The awards celebrate achievements across the industry.
Other finalists in the Agricultural Student of the Year category include Kestrel Lambert from the Royal Agricultural University, Holly Bonner from Bridgwater & Taunton College of University Centre Somerset, and Elin Rattray from Harper Adams University.
Tickets for the event can be purchased from the British Farming Awards website.
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