A Radnor Valley farmer says a Welsh Government-backed programme helped transform both his personal ambitions and the future of his family’s farm.

John Goodwin, a third-generation farmer based between Presteigne and Knighton, credits the Farming Connect Agri Academy Business & Innovation programme with helping him unlock new potential for both himself and the farm he runs with his wife, Jess.

Persuaded to apply in 2017 during a chance meeting with local development officer Natalie Chappelle, John said the experience marked the beginning of a transformational journey.

“Meeting so many experienced, knowledgeable farmers, business people, sector specialists and mentors inspired me to change my perspective on not only my personal aspirations, but they gave me confidence to ‘set the bar higher’ for the farm too,” he said.

John and Jess, who also comes from a Welsh farming background, have developed a successful and sustainable business across 500 acres, producing beef, sheep, pigs and arable crops with a strong focus on regenerative farming. Early adopters of biomass and solar energy, the couple were recognised earlier this year with Lantra Cymru’s prestigious ‘Innovator of the Year’ award.

One of their biggest achievements has been growing a small-scale meat box business into a thriving farm shop.

“The pandemic changed customer buying patterns and demand for our meat suddenly trebled virtually overnight,” said John.

“In order to capitalise on that opportunity but recognising we didn’t have the resources to staff a shop, we sought strategic business advice from Farming Connect through the Advisory Service and attended numerous business-relevant events.”

Using this guidance, the couple simplified their livestock management system to free up time and invested in a purpose-built shop at the end of their drive. They installed cashless chilled vending machines and repurposed an outbuilding for packing and processing - Hindwell Farm Shop was born.

“It was a significant financial commitment, but the shop is now a key source of income, which longer-term, will help provide a livelihood for our agri-student son George when he completes his studies,” said John.

With three fresh and frozen vending machines now in place, the self-service shop not only stocks meat from the Goodwins’ farm but also features a growing selection of local produce.

“Being part of the Agri Academy proved a personal turning point for me,” said John.

Since his time on the programme - which included a study tour to Switzerland - John has taken part in numerous practical training courses, received business planning and veterinary advice, and participated in strategic awareness events and farm visits.

Encouraged by his peers, John completed a master’s and is now finishing a PhD at Aberystwyth University, researching how plant extracts can cut methane emissions in sheep and cows.

He’s also developing a water monitoring system with support from Farming Connect’s one-to-one mentoring.

“The Agri Academy changed my outlook on not just my own personal ambitions but for developing the farm in a sustainable way in readiness for George to eventually take over the reins – it’s been a win-win for the whole family,” said John.

The application window for this year’s Agri Academy Senior (Business & Innovation) and Junior (16 – 21 years) Programme is open until May 20. Apply online at: https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/business/agri-academy