Martin Evans was the guest speaker, who shared the story behind the growth of his award-winning mixed farming enterprise and the wider Martin Evans Group.
Members heard how the business has developed from securing a tenancy under the 1986 Agricultural Holdings Act and milking just 96 cows, to building a thriving, multi sector operation based on ambition, resilience and long-term planning.
Today, the business manages significant dairy units, with around a strong number of milking cows and youngstock, producing approximately 22 million litres of milk per year. The farmed area has expanded to around 3,500 acres, enabling greater control over feed production and long-term sustainability.
“It was a privilege to present the Dafydd Jones Memorial Award to John Bletcher in recognition of his outstanding service to NFU Cymru. His commitment and dedication over many years have made a lasting difference to the union and to members across Clwyd.”
David Williams, Clwyd County Chair
Martin also outlined the scale of the group’s contracting operation, which now covers around 26,000 acres of grass and 12,000 acres of maize annually, supported by a modern machinery fleet. Members also heard how the family business continues to be driven by the next generation, with Martin’s sons leading key areas of the operation and a strong commitment to employing and developing local staff.
Dafydd Jones Memorial Award presentation
During the conference, the Dafydd Jones Memorial Award was presented to John Bletcher, in recognition of his exceptional loyalty and long-standing commitment to NFU Cymru.
John has served the union in a number of important roles over many years, including as County Chairman prior to the formation of Clwyd and as Treasurer of NFU Clwyd, alongside his dedicated service on the NFU Cymru Milk Board and the NFU Mutual Advisory Board of Wales. Members thanked John for his outstanding contribution to the organisation and the wider farming community.
Outgoing NFU Cymru County Chair David Williams said: “Martin Evans’ presentation was truly inspiring and demonstrated what can be achieved through ambition, innovation and a strong family and community focus.
“It was also a privilege to present the Dafydd Jones Memorial Award to John Bletcher in recognition of his outstanding service to NFU Cymru. His commitment and dedication over many years have made a lasting difference to the union and to members across Clwyd.”