Pictured is last year's Wales Woman Farmer of the Year, Abi Reader (Photo: NFU Cymru)

The search is on for the Wales Woman Farmer of the Year 2017, with the award aiming to celebrate the contribution of women in what is still a very male-dominated industry.

Welsh farming union NFU Cymru is this week launching the competition, which is now in its 21st year. The award aims to celebrate the contribution of women in agriculture.

Many farms are now run in partnerships and the 'farmer' is not always a man.

Anne, Princess Royal has previously paid tribute to women who work behind the scenes in agriculture.







Anne said: “For all those ladies working hard behind the scenes, who perhaps don’t have your names on the [business] letterheads, I hope you feel that progress has been made here.”

'Hidden heroines'

Over the years times have changed and women are not only running farms, but often running a separate business or going out to work to earn extra money - all while juggling childcare, family and farm life.

Stephen James, NFU Cymru President said: “Women in farming are the hidden heroines of the industry.

"Many of them do not want to claim the limelight but preferring to contribute behind the scenes.

"Many children will have grown up on farms and not just watched dad do all the work but perhaps watching mum pull calves, milk cows or drive the tractor.

"This competition is for those women who perhaps don’t realise that what they do, on top of the other daily struggles, makes them extraordinary."

'Role models'

Principality Building Society is sponsoring the event. Chief Executive Steve Hughes said: "It’s important to celebrate the role women play in farming and there are hundreds of women who make a huge contribution throughout Wales.

"Women working in the industry act as role models and inspire the next generation of female farmers."

The winner of the NFU Cymru/Principality Building Society Wales Woman Farmer of the Year 2017 competition will receive £500 and the person who nominates the winner will receive £50’s worth of local farm shop vouchers or goods.

The closing date for the competition is Monday, 19th June 2017.