The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) Ceredigion are extending a warm welcome to members of the public to join them as they welcome FUW President, Ian Rickman to Aberaeron Rugby Club to speak about his experiences of farming in partnership.
Mr Rickman, a second generation farmer who farms Gurnos Farm, a 84-hectare upland farm near Bethlehem, Llandeilo, will be joined by his business partner, Sean Jeffreys, who joined the business in September 2022.
Mr Rickman has lived and worked at Gurnos all his life, however, keen to pursue off-farm commitments but not yet ready to retire from farming, he sought help from Farming Connect’s Venture initiative.
Through the matchmaking service, Ian was paired with Sean - who lived at nearby Ffairfach, but had grown up in Swansea, however has always had a keen interest in agriculture through his grandparents who kept a smallholding.
The evening will provide an opportunity for the two to share their experiences of farming in partnership at Gurnos, including the legal and business background, together with discussing the opportunities farming in partnership offers farmers.
The evening will be held at Aberaeron Rugby Club at 8:00pm on Tuesday 11 February 2025, with a warm welcome extended to all members of the public.
Commenting ahead of the evening, Catrin Griffiths, FUW Ceredigion County Executive Officer, said: “All of us in FUW Ceredigion are looking forward to hearing about Ian and Sean’s history and experiences of farming in partnership.
"The recent debate over the worrying changes to Inheritance Tax has seen more and more farmers looking ahead, and thinking what the future may hold for their farms. For some, farming in partnership may be one possible option, and we look forward to learning more about the process, and what challenges and opportunities such initiative entails for farmers.”