A Breconshire farming student is encouraging others to seize a major opportunity to develop their skills and networks, as applications soon close for the 2026 Agri Academy and Junior Academy programme.

The scheme, run through Farming Connect, offers intensive training, mentoring, residential courses and an overseas study visit designed to support the next generation of agricultural leaders across Wales.

Applicants are being urged not to miss the deadline, with the window closing at midnight on Sunday, June 14.

Among those to have benefited from the programme is local lad Ellis Morgan.

Ellis comes from a mixed sheep and beef farm in Talybont-on-Usk and studied for a Level 3 qualification in Land-Based Engineering at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire. He grew up on the family’s 450-acre holding, which is powered by hydro, solar and biomass energy, and has embraced diversification alongside traditional farming.

A part of the business now includes apple juice production, with 70 acres planted with trees and a further 20 acres of orchards supplying the enterprise.

Outside of the farm gate, Ellis is a member of Sennybridge YFC, where he regularly competes in public speaking, stock fencing and entertainment competitions. He also plays rugby for Brecon.

Ellis enjoyed his experience and strongly encourages anyone who is thinking about applying to do so before the window closes.

Reflecting on his experience of the Academy, he said: “It opens your mind to new ideas as they really are endless, which you can implement on your own farm after. But it’s not just the opportunities, it’s the advice and making new connections. I personally am still in contact with all the new like-minded friends I made during my time.”

The Winter Fair ceremony was a high note for Ellis, who walked away with two of the evening’s top honours. In recognition of outstanding growth and future promise, Ellis received the peer-voted "Members' Choice" award for the member showing the most potential. Capping off a remarkable year of achievement, Ellis was also officially named the winner of the 2025 Junior Challenge.

Ellis’s journey with the Academy has a family connection. His grandfather, Glasnant Morgan, participated in the programme and shared firsthand insights about what to expect, inspiring Ellis to apply, which turned out to be incredibly rewarding for him.

The Senior Academy features an exciting mix of locations, from Ireland to the vibrant Basque Country in northern Spain. These settings offer participants the chance to experience diverse farming practices, dynamic food supply chains, and forward-thinking business approaches in contrasting environments.

The Junior Academy is equally as exciting, taking participants from the more familiar terrain of North Wales and Northumberland to the rugged and harsher farming landscape of Iceland. Each destination will combine practical farming insight with unique cultural experiences that will spark new business ideas.

Could 2026 be your Agri Academy year? The application window will close at midnight on Sunday, June 14. Further information and application forms can be found at: https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/services/agri-academy-2026