The owners of a Powys farm have allowed a young farmer to enter the industry via a joint venture.
Dai and Liz Williams, the owners of the 260-acre Alltmawr Isaf near Builth Wells, have been farming all their working life.
However, now in their seventies with no successors, they sought a way to continue their life's work in a less physical capacity, and at the same time, not retire completely.
Their solution was a joint venture with Dewi Jones, a 24-year-old farmer's son from Erwood.
Mr Jones, after completing his studies in agriculture at Walford College, gained experience working at farms including Alltmawr Isaf, where he sheared and lambed the flock of Beulah Speckled Face sheep.
Ms Williams said: "We could see he was an enterprising young man and that a joint venture could be a natural next step.''
To facilitate this process, they reached out to Farming Connect's Start to Farm initiative, a programme that Mr Jones was already well-acquainted with through his peers who became part of joint ventures.
Start to Farm pairs landowners looking to ease off from farming with budding professionals like Mr Jones, helping with business planning and legal advice and providing funding.
Ms Williams said: "We wouldn't have had a clue where to start.
"It encouraged everyone involved to talk through what they wanted from an agreement and to come up with one that worked for all.''
In April 2024, the contract farming agreement was signed, initially for three years.
Mr Jones and the Williams family joined forces to enhance the farming operation, focusing on productivity traits in the sheep flock.
- Pupils evacuated from school bus after it catches fire in Powys
- Shock after well-known pub and hotel closes suddenly
- Police seize nearly half a million pounds worth of cannabis in Welshpool raids
The farm supports 680 ewes, mostly Beulah Speckled Face, along with some crossbreds and Mules.
The partnership allowed Mr Jones to bring his own flock of 40 Cheviots to Alltmawr Isaf - a flock he began cultivating as a young lad.
Mr Williams said: "He has a very good eye for sheep and always goes above and beyond, he never leaves any job unfinished.''
Grateful for the chance to make strides in the industry, Mr Jones said: "A joint venture gives you a very good start, it's a great incentive to keep making improvements because it is in everyone's interest for the farm to do well.''
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here