Chair’s Corner: Gwion Rowlands

We recently caught up with Gwion Rowlands, Livestock & Hill Farming Committee Chair and Meirionnydd County Branch Chair…

Share a bit about your background, and how you got into farming?

I’m a farmer’s son and have spent my whole life involved in farming. After attending Ysgol Bro Tryweryn and Ysgol y Berwyn, Bala, I went on to Coleg Llysfasi and Reaseheath College, Nantwich, where I gained NCA and HNCA in Agri Management and Beef and Sheep Production.

After finishing college, I worked for the JCB farm in Staffordshire as a shepherd before moving on to New Zealand, in the Bay of Plenty area, to work on a mixed beef, sheep and dairy farm. Then I went on to Australia, to work on a station in Queensland on a beef farm.

After returning home, I worked at Hendre Garthmeilio Farm, Llangwm as a shepherd. As well as working at home with my brother and father, I travelled back to New Zealand to shear, as well as to Ireland and all over Wales.

At the moment I live at Gaergoed, Glanrafon, and farm with my wife Elain and our three daughters, Lleucu, Saran and Lliwen. We finish cattle for the live beef market, keep a flock of crossbred sheep to finish lambs for the live market, and keep a flock of Tal-y-Bont Welsh sheep to produce female lambs and finish the male lambs.

How did you get involved with the Farmers’ Union of Wales?

I attended an information evening at the Eagles, Llanuwchllyn, where we were given guidance on how to fill in sheep movement paperwork. Following that, I was encouraged to take part in the local committees in Parc, before being nominated to move on to Dolgellau to the Executive Committees - where I have also been Chairman for a few years now!

As Chairman of the Union’s Livestock and Hill Committee, what are your main priorities?

Agriculture in Wales has reached a turning point, with the old system of support payments being phased out as the Sustainable Farming Scheme is introduced.  I think it is essential that food and animal production remains at the centre of any payment scheme in the future, and that in a sustainable way that does not harm Welsh family farms. Wales already produces food of the highest quality, and it is essential that we protect and strengthen this capacity for the future.

In your opinion, what are the main challenges facing farming in Wales at the moment?

Production costs are a major concern, and many of the costs we face are beyond our control. Similarly, the prices we receive for our produce are also often unstable and unpredictable. This makes planning for the future very challenging for many farmers.

bTB remains a hot topic and causes real concern across the sector. It is essential that firm and effective steps are taken to control and reduce the disease, otherwise there is a risk that Wales will lose control of the situation.

Do you have a favourite season on the farm?

Spring. This is the start of the new year in farming where things start to grow, new life can be seen everywhere and the day gets longer.

What is your favourite piece of equipment on the farm?

The pick up and the sheep dogs! At times, I spend more time with them than with the wife and children!

And finally, what is your favourite meat for Sunday lunch?

Every meat! Whichever Elain is kind enough to cook on Sunday!