Royal Welsh Show 2019
July 23, 2019
Yesterday (Monday 22nd July), the Fund had a very busy day at the Royal Welsh Show.
In the morning, our Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales met with a group of farming leaders including Ellie Jesson, Operations Manager for the Fund. Others in attendance include Aled Jones, Deputy President of NFU Cymru, Brian Thomas of the FUW, Deputy President, and Rory McLaggan from the CLA.
During the afternoon, the team had the M&S Farming Awards. Ellie Jesson had the pleasure of awarding our M&S Resilient Farmer award to Rob Mercer.
Steve McLean, Head of Agriculture and Fisheries at M&S, said: “Rob has structured his business in alignment with our Plan A commitments to improve long-term sustainability in the food supply chain. He has worked tirelessly to improve the performance of pig farming, whilst also communicating opening with consumers and enhancing Packington’s environmental credentials.
“Rob is a worthy winner of The Prince’s Countryside Fund and M&S Farm Resilience Award and I wish him all the best in the future.”
We were also delighted to award the David and Justine Colton as runners up of the award. This was particularly exciting as they had taken part in The Prince’s Farm Resilience Programme.
Justine Colton said: “Securing the long-term financial viability of the farm is a key focus for us and we hold twice yearly financial budgeting meetings to keep a close eye on where we stand financially and what we hope to achieve, year on year. We have also taken part in some of The Prince’s Farm Resilience Programme, which has helped focus our minds on how we want the business to develop in the future in order to provide a sustainable income for our son and support our retirement.
“I am very proud of what my family has achieved over the last 20 years and the efforts we have made to help others, and our own business, more secure in the future.”
Steve McLean, Head of Agriculture and Fisheries at M&S, said: “The Coltons are a great example of a farming family that is looking to the future and making plans now, to ensure the long-term success of their family business. This is an excellent attitude to take and I am sure that the Colton family, and Tor Royal Farm, have an exciting future ahead of them.”
Thank you to M&S for their continued support.
