Carmarthenshire’s own John Owen has been named the winner of the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) External Award for Services to Agriculture, recognised for his decades-long contribution to Welsh farming at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.
With a career spanning education, research and practical innovation, John has helped shape agricultural policy and practice across Wales. From championing robotic milking at Gelli Aur College Farm to leading environmental pilot projects, his work has supported farmers with tools and insights to meet modern challenges.
Local roots, global impact
John’s journey began at Glynllifon Agricultural College, followed by a diploma at the Welsh Agricultural College, and a Phillip Henman Trust scholarship that took him to New Zealand and Australia to study international farm techniques.
After returning to Wales, he managed pedigree breeding projects for Welsh Black and Llyn sheep, before taking on the role of Farm Manager at Gelli Aur in 1993. Over the next 30 years, he helped establish the Farm Diversification and Technology Centre, and positioned Gelli Aur as a national testbed for innovation — working with the Dairy Development Centre, Hybu Cig Cymru, and farming research groups across Wales.
In 2004, John’s Nuffield Scholarship saw him revisit New Zealand to study development farms, contributing global expertise to local systems.
Champion of sustainable farming
His leadership extended to projects like Prosiect Slyri, aimed at reducing farm waste through slurry dewatering and purification, and the Tywydd Tywi weather network, which equipped farms with real-time soil and moisture data via mobile app.
Since retiring from Coleg Sir Gâr in 2023, John has continued his work as Lead Consultant for Agriculture and Environment with the LAFAN Consultancy Group, supporting rural capacity-building across South Wales.
Industry recognition
Presenting the award, FUW President Ian Rickman praised John’s “pioneering work” and “commitment to sustainable farming,” calling him a key figure whose legacy continues to benefit farmers across the country.
FUW Carmarthenshire County Chair Ann Davies MP added, “John is a true champion of Carmarthenshire agriculture. His work at Gelli Aur empowered farmers locally and nationally with the tools to thrive.”
John is a Treharne Nuffield Scholar, Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies, and a trustee of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers. He previously received the United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society Award in 2023.
