The competition, now in its fourth year, recognises the key role a good livestock manager can make to a livestock farm and to the Welsh livestock industry as a whole.
Victor Walkden is a farm manager at Cwmgwilym and has worked on the farm for over 17 years. He is not originally from a farming background but started working on farms when he left school and now manages the day-to-day sheep and beef enterprise at Cwmgwilym.
The farm comprises of 900 ewes (400 Rouge cross and 500 Speckled faced), of which they breed their own replacements, and 100 suckler cows.
Victor strives to keep educating himself on the latest technologies and farm management systems and as a result demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of every aspect of the farming enterprise.
Farm safety is a big aspect on the farm and Victor, along with the farm owner, has improved the cattle and sheep handling systems and always ensures there are adequate staff working with cattle.
Presenting Victor with the prize of £300 and a Royal Welsh Engraved Crystal Trophy, Wyn Evans, Chairman of NFU Cymru’s Livestock Board said: “One of the key factors we were looking for in determining the winner of this award was the the quality of the stockmanship, as this is a major factor in determining the success of any livestock business. Victor showed a real enthusiasm for the industry and demonstrated outstanding knowledge of all the livestock he was managing, from animal health history to target weights and cost of production – he really was immersed in the business and showed a great interest in the management of the livestock.
“Our award criteria had particular emphasis on how the farmer incorporates health and safety into their day-to-day activities and Victor demonstrates this in his day-to-day handling of the livestock. He has improved the cattle and sheep handling facilities and is always on the lookout for ways to make processes safer for himself, other farm workers and the vet.”
Dai Davies OBE, Chairman of NFU Mutual’s Advisory Board for Wales said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to Victor, who was a very worthy winner of this award.
“NFU Mutual is always delighted to be involved in helping to recognise and champion good stockmen who incorporate health and safety on-farm and Victor certainly demonstrates all of these aspects.
Farm safety is something that NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual are working on together to promote within the industry.”