Betsan, a highly respected teacher at Ysgol Bro Preseli, has been instrumental in leading the development of agricultural education for Year 10 and Year 11 pupils.
About Betsan
Thanks to her vision, the school now offers an Agriculture GCSE, providing pupils of all abilities with the opportunity to gain a valuable qualification in a subject they are passionate about. For many pupils, it is the highlight of the school week - a unique qualification that sparks interest and acts as a stepping stone to further education.
Beyond the classroom, Betsan has used her initiative and strong community links to give pupils real-life agricultural experiences. From farm visits to livestock husbandry, butchery, marketing and even wildlife habitat creation, her hands-on approach ensures pupils understand the full “farm to fork” process. She has also developed a garden and orchard at the school, allowing pupils to grow fruit and vegetables, rear pigs and lambs and take produce to market.
Beyond teaching
Betsan’s commitment extends well beyond her teaching role. In 2023, she was elected as an Ambassador of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, reflecting her deep-rooted passion for the sector. A long-standing member of the Young Farmers movement, Betsan has represented Hermon YFC, where she was club secretary, and Pembrokeshire YFC in countless competitions – from pantomime to stock judging – achieving success at county and national level.
She was also a finalist in the joint Menter Moch and Wales YFC competition at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, where she showcased her skills in breeding and showing pigs.
A familiar face on the Tug of War scene, Betsan has competed successfully with Hermon YFC, earning Welsh Championship titles and a bronze medal at the British and Irish Tug of War Championship. She has also broadened her horizons internationally, travelling to the USA through the Wales YFC International Travel programme.
Her leadership in the YFC movement continues today, serving as stock judging co-ordinator and as a member of Hermon YFC’s advisory committee. She was recently elected to judge the Wales YFC Under 16 pig stock judging competition at the Royal Welsh Show.
Commitment and dedication
Jeff Evans, Chairman of the Idris Davies Memorial Award Management Committee, said: “Betsan Williams is a very worthy winner of the Idris Davies Memorial Award for her outstanding contribution to agricultural education in Pembrokeshire. Her commitment and dedication to her pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli is very clear to see, and under her skilful mentoring she is nurturing the passion and skills of the future generation of Pembrokeshire farmers who will take our industry forward into the future. Betsan joins some illustrious company in becoming this year’s winner of the Idris Davies Memorial Award.”