Young beef and sheep farmer Gemma Haines from South Wales has been elected as the Farmers’ Union of Wales Younger Voice for Farming committee chair at a recent virtual meeting of the committee.
Gemma farms with her husband Rob and 3 children, Gwen, Bryn and Hedd-wyn on the edge of Cefn Hirgoed common near Coity, Bridgend. Here the family keep 20 Highlanders and have around 90 head of Welsh mountain sheep. They lease 37 acres locally and have just purchased 20 acres adjoining the common where they have grazing rights.
Whilst studying environmental conservation management with Glamorgan University Gemma became increasingly interested in Sustainable Agriculture and its role in landscape management. She has always had a keen interest in farming despite not being from a farming background.
“I believe that because I enjoyed seeing the lambs and calves being born on the common whilst growing up, a seed was sown in my mind. I realised early on in my studies that livestock grazing, when done sympathetically, played a huge part in not only protecting, but also allowing biodiversity to thrive in these unique landscapes. Later I came to realise I could play a part in that,” she said.
In 2011 after completing her studies Gemma became more involved with local farms, assisting with lambing and shearing, which further nurtured her interest in farming. She was then gifted some lambs and they became a small hobby flock.
“My husband Rob also became increasingly interested in farming and fully supported me when I suggested in 2017, we should purchase some Highland Cattle for conservation grazing on Cefn Hirgoed common,” said Gemma.
Finding land to lease off the common for the cattle was difficult but fortunately the couple were offered a few acres and given permission to build a handling facility for TB testing.
“We scrimped and saved to purchase our first cattle in autumn 2017. The first few months were a learning curve however we were very fortunate to be supported by friends in the local farming community,“ she added.
Being home with the children during Covid in 2021 made Gemma realise she wished to pursue farming for herself instead of working for others. She set up her farm business at the end of that year and has been steadily growing it since.
Speaking about her appointment, she said:
“Having a platform for young farmers and new entrants to discuss their hopes, fears, concerns and ambitions for the future is vitally important. I am grateful for the opportunity to chair the Younger Voice for Farming committee and hope we can generate discussion and action that strengthens support for youngsters and new entrants in Wales going forwards.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Anwen Hughes, the previous chair of this committee for her hard work and wish her well in her new role as FUW South Wales Vice President.”