FUW KEEN TO REWARD PEMBROKESHIRE YOUNG FARMERS

The Farmers' Union of Wales' Pembrokeshire branch is keen to highlight the achievements of younger farmers in the county so it has extended the period for nominations for its annual Countryside Award.

To be eligible for the award the nominee must be 40 years of age or under on January 1, 2010; actively involved in agricultural production or land management; and normally resident within Pembrokeshire.

A cash prize, perpetual trophy and a year's free FUW membership will be awarded.

Further details and nomination forms can be obtained by telephoning the Pembrokeshire FUW Office on 01437 762913. All nominations must now be submitted by Friday 4 June 2010.

Last year the award was won by a young farmer who achieved a 20-year ambition to run his own dairy farm when his local council offered him a holding.

Thirty-three-year-old Julian Nicholas, of Lower Coxhill Farm, Narberth, who has worked in agriculture all his life, was presented with the award plus £100 and a year's free FUW membership during last August's Pembrokeshire County Show.

Inviting nominations for this year's award, FUW Pembrokeshire county chairman Dai Miles said: "If the agricultural industry is to have a future in Pembrokeshire it is vital that we not only encourage new entrants into the industry, but that we also acknowledge the hard work of existing younger farmers and nurture them."