NFU Cymru deputy president Abi Reader will officially open the Royal Welsh Winter Fair at Builth Wells on Monday, November 27.

As one of the finest prime stock shows in Europe, the winter fair draws crowds from far and wide to enjoy two days of competitions, festivities and Christmas shopping.

Along with the usual packed schedule of competitions, exhibitions and displays, the event also offers shoppers the perfect opportunity to pick up some unique and original festive gifts.

The Food Hall will be packed full of the very best Welsh producers showcasing their produce and tempting visitors to try the wide variety of culinary delights on offer.

Following the official opening at 10am, the 2023 John Gittins Memorial Award, the 2024 Nuffield Scholarship and the Oxford Farming Conference Bursary 2024 will be presented.

Abi is a third generation mixed farmer, farming in partnership with her parents and uncle in Wenvoe, just outside Cardiff. Goldsland Farm is home to 200 milking cows, 150 sheep, 90 beef cattle and 120 acres of arable.

She is co-founder of Cows on Tour, a successful project aimed at improving knowledge of farming for all children, especially in urban areas, an Open Farm Sunday host and a former NFU Cymru Wales Woman Farmer of the Year.

Abi is a board member of Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group, a member of South East Wales TB Eradication Board, chair of Cattle Health Certification Standards (CHECS) and a member of the NFU Antimicrobial Resistance Focus Group.

She is a graduate of the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester and completed an MBA in Farm Business Management in 2004.

Abi is passionate that all young people should have a basic awareness of agriculture techniques and an understanding and appreciation of the ‘end product’ -  food, environment, horticulture, and land management.

She has always recognised the importance of the Welsh Educational Curriculum, seeing the advantages of flexible learning techniques, which are imperative for the future of farming.

For more information about the Winter Fair, or to purchase tickets please visit the RWAS website https://rwas.wales/winter-fair/