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FUW president Glyn Roberts (r) and FUW deputy president Brian Thomas congratulate the winning Fferm Ffactor team at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.[/caption]
The Farmers’ Union of Wales Insurance Service is proud to be sponsoring a year’s free insurance for the brand new 2015 Isuzu pick-up worth over £20,000 – which was won by the former contestants’ team.
A shocking twist to the programme saw a team made of former contestants come back to challenge the other teams.
The team, who harnessed their experience in a sustained assault on this year's title, was made up of Bala farmer Rhodri Jones who teamed up with Tywyn farm manager Rhys Williams and Llandysul producer Heilin Thomas to create the arduous team, which included two former semi-finalists.
FUW Insurance Services managing director Mark Roberts said: “We’re pleased to be associated with Fferm Ffactor and the teams’ fantastic achievement and sponsoring the insurance on the new Isuzu is part of our determination to support young farmers across Wales.
“Sponsoring the insurance on the new vehicle also gives us the chance to show that we can offer competitive insurance rates for all rural-based businesses.
“FUW Insurance is supported by our field force of Account Executives and the management team, who work closely with farmers to make sure they have the cover needed to protect their businesses.
“Our staff understand the needs of the rural community and will be there when needed to give all our rural business customers a professional, locally-based service.”
This year’s competition saw a change to the format of the programme as teams, rather than individuals, competed for the 2015 Fferm Ffactor title.
Rhodri Jones, 37, who runs a beef and sheep farm in Llanuwchllyn, took part in the first series back in 2009.
Rhys Williams, who manages a 700-acre beef and sheep farm at Tywyn, was a semi-finalist in the 2013 series.
"The farming industry plays a major part in the economy of Wales and the show is a great showcase for it," said the 36-year-old.
"The challenges showed quite accurately the sort of jobs we have to do, so it was good to be involved again."
"It's been great to be involved in the show again," said Heilin, 28, who works on a family sheep, beef and dairy farm in Ceredigion.
Three new judges have joined Fferm Ffactor: Brwydr y Ffermwyr this year, and one of them being the FUW’s marketing and membership manager Caryl Gruffydd Roberts, who was bought up on a farm in the Conwy Valley.
Caryl Roberts, who was the first female judge on the programme, said: “This series of Fferm Ffactor is one to remember for many reasons. A new concept coupled with three brand new judges has made for an exciting programme and an excellent showcase for the industry.”