NFU Cymru members re-elect leaders for two more years

NFU Cymru president Aled Jones and deputy president Abi Reader will lead the union for another two years, in a critical period for Welsh farming.

Both were re-elected at an NFU Cymru council meeting in Cardiff on Tuesday 16 January.

Eighth-generation farmer Mr Jones runs a pedigree herd of Holsteins with his son, Osian, in Caernarfon, North Wales.

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The married father-of-four previously held a variety of positions across the industry, including the post of chairman of milk recording company Cattle Information Services (CIS) for seven years and being a trustee of Holstein UK for eight years.

Third-generation mixed farmer Ms Reader farms in partnership with her parents and uncle in Wenvoe, just outside Cardiff.

The farm is home to milking cows, sheep, beef cattle and around 50ha of arable land. 

Ms Reader is a co-founder of Cows on Tour, an Open Farm Sunday host, and a former NFU Cymru Wales Woman Farmer of the Year. She was awarded an MBE in 2019 for her services to agriculture.

NFU Cymru director John Mercer said the union was “incredibly lucky” to have such a strong national officeholder team working alongside its county officeholder teams and its professional NFU Cymru team of staff, all working together for the benefit of members and Welsh agriculture.

“With significant policy change on the horizon, volatile markets and global political uncertainty – never mind the day-to-day issues that are affecting our members at the farm gate – it’s never been more important to have a strong team representing and protecting the interests of Welsh farmers,” added Mr Mercer.