A Radnorshire farmer has been named Wales Woman Farmer of the Year during a ceremony at the Royal Welsh Show.

Robbie Alman-Wilson, who farms with her family at the Cnwch in Llanbister, was announced on Thursday, July 24 as the 27th winner of the prestigious NFU Cymru / NFU Mutual Wales Woman Farmer of the Year Award.

The award seeks to champion the contribution that women make to the agricultural industry and to raise the profile of women in farming.

Robbie’s farming journey began on her parents’ beef and sheep farm in Gladestry. Since moving to Llanbister in 2006 to join husband Dale on his family’s farm, the couple have expanded and diversified the business.

Together with Dale’s parents, Roy and Mair, Robbie and Dale introduced poultry to the farm in 2009 with a 12,000 bird egg laying unit - now expanded to 34,000 birds. Robbie also previously ran a successful equine business from the farm while raising a young family.

“Robbie is a strong advocate for safeguarding the future of Welsh agriculture, through the production of top-quality livestock on the farm,” said NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader, one of the judges.

“Her passion for the industry was clear to see and she believes that agriculture plays a central role in the community, as well as being key to producing high quality food.”

Robbie runs the farm while Dale scans sheep and cattle in the UK and abroad during winter. The couple run a pedigree flock of Dutch Spotted sheep alongside a hefted hill flock of Welsh ewes and a commercial flock. They also manage three cattle herds, including Belted Galloways and Welsh Blacks grazed on Radnorshire Wildlife Trust land, producing in-demand grass-fed beef boxes.

The family, including sons Joey, 15, and Jake, 14, are also known on the show circuit. Joey was crowned YFC Baby Beef Champion Stockman at the 2023 Royal Welsh Winter Fair, and both boys compete in young handler classes - taught by their mother, who trims all the sheep herself and helps the boys prepare for YFC lamb trimming competitions.

Their Dutch Spotted flock, started just five years ago with two ewes, now numbers around 60. Robbie and Dale have made a name for themselves in the show and sale ring.

The family had further success this week at the Royal Welsh Show, winning four classes with the shearling ram, the ram lamb, the aged ewe, the ewe lamb and the group of three. The shearling ram, Cnwch HD II Est Beau, was crowned Overall Champion and went on to win Champion of Champions in the Royal Welsh Interbreed.

Judge Heather Holgate, representing NFU Mutual, said: “Her passion and dedication to the industry, not only in taking care of her stock and the environment, but also her attitude towards educating others about where their food comes from, shone through during our visit.

“She is a truly fantastic advocate for our industry.”

Robbie received a Welsh crystal engraved bowl and £500 in prize money.