NFU CYMRU and sponsors NFU Mutual have again started the search for the Wales woman farmer of the year.

In what has traditionally been a very male-dominated industry, Wales’ farming heroines often don’t get the full recognition they deserve and the NFU Cymru / NFU Mutual Wales woman farmer of the year competition, now in its 23rd year, aims to celebrate the contribution of women in the farming industry.

The winner of the 2019 award will receive £500 and the person who nominates the winner will receive £50 worth of local farm shop vouchers or goods.

The closing date for the competition is Monday, June 17, while the award will be presented on Thursday, July 25 at the Royal Welsh Show.

Aled Jones, NFU Cymru deputy president, said: “The Wales woman farmer of the year award is there to champion the role that women make to farming businesses and wider rural life.

"This year NFU Cymru has also launched a ‘She Who Dares... Farms’ conference which aims to further highlight the role of women in the agricultural industry.

"Over the years we have seen some exceptional winners of this award and we look forward to receiving applications for the 2019 title.”

Maria Norejko, NFU Mutual’s agent and NFU group secretary in Llandovery, added: “We’ve seen a fantastic rise in the number of women farmers in the industry, many running farms themselves and leading diversification enterprises to increase farm income.

"We are proud to recognise the critical role these women play in Welsh agriculture and hope that this award will inspire other women in Wales to take centre stage and influence farming in the future.”

Anybody interested in entering, or who knows someone they think is worthy of being Wales woman farmer of the year 2019, visit www.nfu-cymru.org.uk to download an application form.

Alternatively, contact the NFU Cymru office by calling 01982 554200 or emailing clare.williams@nfu.org.uk