By Debbie James

The achievements of some of Pembrokeshire’s best farmers were celebrated at the Federation of Welsh Grassland Societies’ (FWGS) first ever annual awards evening.

Despite fierce competition in all the categories there were notable successes for Pembrokeshire milk producers and livestock farmers.

Receiving awards at the event held at the Marine Hotel, Aberystwyth, on October 26 were Mark Evans, who produces beef at Treglemais Fawr, Solva, and dairy farmer Richard Morris, of Bowett Farm, Hundleton.

Mark was declared the winner of the Big Bale Silage competition while Richard was the runner-up in the Clamp Silage competition.

Richard was also a regional winner of the Grassland competition together with Morris Davies, of Hafod Farm, Ferwig, Cardigan.

There was success in the milk competition for W A L Phillips and Son, of Orton Farm, Clarbeston Road, announced as the overall winner in the milk competition.

There were awards in this category also for the Clements family of Clovers Farm, Letterston, and for Roger and Moira Ridgway, of Clovers Farm, Letterston.

David Phillips, of Fferm Trebared, Gwbert Road, Cardigan, was a finalist in the clamp silage competition.

The event was attended by farmers from across Wales, notably members of the country’s 21 grassland societies.

FWGS secretary Charlie Morgan said celebrating the achievements of the very best in Welsh farming would inspire others to raise the bar for the whole industry.

“All our winners and finalists have a story worth sharing,’’ he said.

Mr Morgan paid tribute to the judges who had travelled the length and breadth of Wales to visit the competitors.

“They spent hours on each farm, seeing these farming operations first hand.’’

He also thanked the sponsors for their support, notably CF, Corteva, Ecosyl, HSBC, Silotite, Wynnstay, Diversey and Agri Lloyd.

Guest speaker for the evening was Will Prichard, of Escalwen, Letterston.