AN APPRENTICE who has worked on dairy farms in Pembrokeshire has been announced as runner-up in the lifelong learner animal health and welfare, horticulture and environmental category at Lantra’s 2018 Land-based Learner of the Year awards.

Daniel Barber, who was nominated by Coleg Sir Gâr, focused on land management and share farming.

The skills and qualifications gained during his apprenticeship have been key to securing employment and creating career pathway opportunities.

The award was sponsored by Farming Connect and Daniel is pictured receiving it from Lesley Griffiths AM, cabinet secretary for energy, planning and rural affairs, at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair today (November 26).

Also receiving an award was Letterston dairy farmer’s son Ieuan Harries, who was jointly highly commended in the Young Learner Land Management and Production category.

Ieuan, also nominated by Coleg Sir Gâr and pictured (left) with his fellow award recipient, Aled Wyn Davies, is currently studying in his final year of BSc hons in agriculture having previously completed a foundation degree.

Kevin Thomas, Lantra Wales national director, said: “Ieuan demonstrated great enthusiasm to continue learning and development around all aspects of dairy farming especially around grass growth and utilisation and animal health and welfare topics.”