A Powys man has been named in the final round of a prestigious competition aimed at finding the country's best farm worker.

Ernie Richards has been shortlisted as a finalist for the 2024 Farm Worker of the Year award, which will be held on October 17 at The VOX in Birmingham.

In his eight years of working for the Morris family at Wernoog, Clyro, Mr Richards has made an outstanding contribution to their agricultural enterprise, the awards nomination says.

The farm is a 140-hectare upland estate that houses an impressive 1000 Pedigree Lleyn Ewes annually.

The result is up to 350 purebred breeding yearlings marketed online, and the completion of all entire ram lambs via deadweight to Farmers Fresh for maximum return.

OTHER NEWS: 

Mr Richard said: "Between us, we work closely on a daily basis to ensure smooth operation of the farming enterprise.

"I am very fortunate to be in a position where I can undertake management decisions, and also manage my own daily tasks, whilst having the opportunity to be a new entrant farmer."

Mr Richards holds an agriculture with Animal Science degree from Aberystwyth University and serves as a member of several agricultural steering groups, including the 'We Are Farming Minds' mental health charity and the 'Farmer Time’ initiative.

As an advocate of sustainable and efficient farming, Mr Richards utilises a reseeding technique across 15-20 acres annually and sows a break crop of swedes that subsequently feed the ewes before lambing.

This method helps to assist the average scanning percentage of 175 per cent.

The farm does not rely on contractors, excluding sheering and scanning sheep.

Mr Richards’ ability to undertake all machinery operations and maintain as much farm machinery as possible is invaluable.

His capabilities extend to field operations, fencing and building repairs.

This year, he joined the Lleyn Sheep Society Breed Development Committee and was a speaker at the Royal Three Counties Show in the Future of Farming Theatre.

Along with Mr Richards, other finalists include Hannah Byers from Northumberland, Graham Tibbot from North Yorkshire, and Andy Lambert for his work at the Hellifield Highland Fold.