A Welsh-speaking vet from the Brecon Beacons is among a dozen emerging rural leaders selected for a prestigious national programme aimed at shaping the next generation of agricultural influencers.

Morley Jones, who now works as a veterinary surgeon along the Powys–Herefordshire border, has been chosen for the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s Rural Leadership Programme for 2026–27 - a fully funded initiative designed to develop future leaders in Welsh farming and rural affairs.

Raised in the Brecon Beacons and with strong roots in the agricultural community, Morley is already active within Young Farmers’ Clubs and the British Veterinary Association. He also completed the Farming Connect Agri Academy and is currently undertaking further postgraduate study alongside his clinical work, with a focus on evidence-based approaches to animal and public health.

His selection places him among 12 individuals from across Wales chosen following a competitive process by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS), with this year’s cohort supported by the Royal Countryside Fund.

The programme will see participants take part in a series of leadership development events, alongside visits to key organisations in Cardiff and London, where they will meet figures from across agriculture, politics and rural business. The aim is to build confidence, skills and networks among those expected to play a leading role in the future of Welsh agriculture.

Aled Rhys Jones, RWAS Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled to welcome this talented group of individuals to our Rural Leadership Programme. Each participant brings unique perspectives and experiences to the cohort, and we look forward to supporting their development as future leaders in Welsh agriculture and rural affairs.”

The Rural Leadership Programme, originally established through a legacy from the late Mr N Griffiths and supported by match funding from the Glamorgan County Advisory Committee, has more recently gained backing from the Royal Countryside Fund.

Gareth Davies, Programme Manager for Wales at The Royal Countryside Fund, said: "A key focus of The Royal Countryside Fund is supporting local networks, bringing farmers together to support and learn from each other, and making changes that last. We want to help countryside communities thrive now and for generations to come, so supporting the RWAS Rural Leadership Programme is an obvious choice. Congratulations to this year's cohort - we're excited to see their progress through this year and beyond."

Mr Rhys Jones added: “We are extremely grateful to the RCF for their support, and we’re very much looking forward to working with them as a key partner in this programme.”

Alongside Morley, the cohort includes a mix of farmers, consultants, policy professionals and industry specialists.

The other participants in the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Rural Leadership Programme 2026–27 cohort are Katie Baker, Sarah Bennett, Charles Bowyer, Angharad Davies, Elan Davies, David Evans, Elliw Haf Griffith, Huw Myfyr Gruffydd, Geraint May, Ilan Jones and Ceinwen Lloyd.

The 12 successful participants will be formally introduced at the Royal Welsh Show awards ceremony, which will take place on the first day of the show on Monday, July 20.