The competition, now in its 12th year, recognises the important contribution a good dairy stockperson can make to a dairy enterprise, as well as the wider Welsh dairy industry.
During a presentation at the Welsh Dairy Show on Tuesday 28 October, Kathy was presented with the top prize of £500 and a Welsh slate engraved cheese board by NFU Cymru Dairy Board Chairman, Jonathan Wilkinson and Rhys Williams, NFU Cymru / NFU Mutual Group Secretary, who judged the competition.
About the winner
“Kathy represents the very best of dairy farming in Wales and is hardworking, committed, passionate about her industry and she has created a sustainable and efficient farming system.”
Rhys Williams, Award judge
Kathy farms 650 acres which is home to 160 dairy cows supplying milk to FirstMilk in Haverfordwest. In addition to this, Kathy runs a 70 head bull beef enterprise, she finishes 50 beef heifers which are predominately grass fed and has 45 dairy followers who run with a Hereford bull as a sweeper. The farm also grows wheat, oats and barley, along with fodder beet to support the livestock enterprise.
Kathy developed the bull beef strand of her business due to ongoing bTB challenges in the area, allowing calves to be reared on the farm and finished to a high standard. This adaption has strengthened the farm business. Kathy has also been part of a Farming Connect Agriscôp group, established to support the Pembrokeshire bTB project, adding value to local knowledge and practical solutions to help farmers manage the pressure of the disease.
Management of the farm
Kathy has continued to drive the business forward despite personal tragedy. Her husband passed away from Motor Neurone Disease in March 2018 and since then she has taken on full responsibility for managing the farm. In his memory she has supported and organised a number of fundraising initiatives for MND charities, helping raise awareness and vital funds for research.
Speaking after the presentation, NFU Cymru Dairy Board Chair Jonathan Wilkinson said: “I would like to congratulate Kathy Joules on winning this award.
“Kathy is a dedicated and progressive farmer who has shown impressive resilience. She has developed a well-structured dairy and beef enterprise and continues to move the business forward despite significant challenges. Her drive, practical mindset and contribution to Welsh agriculture make her a deserving winner.
Stand out
“Her passion and positivity for the future of the dairy industry here in Wales, meant she stood out during the judging process.”
Rhys Williams, NFU Cymru / NFU Mutual Group Secretary said: “It really is a privilege to be a part of the judging process for this competition. There are some fantastic people working within the dairy industry here in Wales and Kathy is testament to the high calibre of dairy farmer we are lucky to have producing milk for us. She has a superb range of skills, and we could tell she is very passionate about wanting to take the business forward in terms of scale and efficiency.
“Kathy represents the very best of dairy farming in Wales and is hardworking, committed, passionate about her industry and she has created a sustainable and efficient farming system.”