Four selected for 2025 Farming Connect Junior Academy
Glynllifon students Elin Wyn Williams, Garmon Powys Griffiths, Gwenllian Lloyd Davies and Lora Jen Pritchard have been selected from applicants across Wales
Four Glynllifon students have been selected for the Farming Connect Junior Academy Class of 2025.
The Junior Academy provides an action-packed programme of training, mentoring and guidance for people aged 16-21 who want to develop a career in the farming industry.
Elin Wyn Williams, Garmon Powys Griffiths, Gwenllian Lloyd Davies and Lora Jen Pritchard are among the 12 successful candidates selected from applicants across Wales.
They met their fellow Academy members on July 22 at the Royal Welsh Show, and will meet again for residential visits and a field trip to Norway.
Lora Jen Pritchard
Lora grew up on a beef and sheep farm near Pwllheli and is studying Level 3 Agriculture at Glynllifon.
She manages her own Dutch Spotted sheep enterprise, and has twice been awarded ‘Junior Member of the Year’ for Eryri by the Young Farmers’ Association.
She aspires to study Agriculture and Business at Harper Adams University, and was selected for the Junior Academy because of her ambition, leadership qualities and proactive approach to improving farm practices.
Lora said: “I hope the Agri Academy experience will give me a broader understanding of how farms across Wales and Norway operate, and develop my confidence, and I look forward to building lasting connections with like-minded young farmers and inspiring business-people.”
Garmon Powys Griffiths
Garmon, from Machynlleth, is studying Level 3 Agriculture with Mechanisation. He has a passion for agriculture, particularly livestock and farm machinery. Also an active member of his local YFC, he won the Junior Speaker cup in 2023.
Garmon said: “I see the Junior Agri Academy as an amazing opportunity to grow my confidence, push my limits and build on my strengths.
“Visiting farms in Norway, a country renowned for its high standard of living and successful farming practices, is an experience I wouldn’t miss for the world.”
Gwenllian Lloyd Davies
Gwenllian, from Pwllheli, is studying Level 3 Agriculture. Raised on her family’s dairy farm, she has hands-on experience in milking, feeding, bedding, and general livestock welfare, and has undertaken various agriculture-related training courses.
She is eager to develop new skills and explore future career opportunities through the Junior Academy.
Gwenllian said: “Being selected for the Agri Academy will enable me to learn from progressive, knowledgeable industry professionals, build lasting connections and friendships and see the latest innovations in practice.”
Elin Wyn Williams
Elin, from Bangor, is also studying Level 3 Agriculture and is aiming towards a career as a farm manager, having already gained three years’ practical experience.
She helps with milking and calf-rearing at a large 500-unit dairy farm which runs an indoor, year-round calving system. Elin also works at a local sheep farm, where her duties include general husbandry, sorting, dosing and vaccinations as well as lambing and shearing.
Elin said: “I’m confident that my Agri Academy experience will open many doors and help shape my future career pathway.”
As members of the Junior Academy, all four will benefit from activities to inspire them to find their career path, the chance to meet key players in the food and farming industries, training in communications and negotiation, and opportunities to gain experience chairing meetings.
After being introduced to the Farming Academy at the Royal Welsh Show, they will travel to Norway from August 25-29 to learn about farming practices, enjoy residential visits and a work placement, before the programme closes with a ceremony at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in November.
The Glynllifon farm and forest extends to 300 hectares and is a perfect environment for studying countryside management and agricultural studies. To see the courses on offer, click here.