Dyfrig Hughes was awarded a Fellowship of The Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS) at the Royal Welsh Show,
Previously an Associate, Anglesey-based Dyfrig will now carry the initials of FRAgS (Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies), having been recognised for his commitment to several agricultural societies within North Wales and further afield.
As well as his active role within the agricultural community, Dyfrig also works as a senior ruminant specialist for ForFarmers and is registered with the Feed Adviser Register. Having been in the job since 1990 after joining Pauls Agriculture, he continues to work with customers to improve farm efficiencies in a sustainable manner.
Nick Green, national chairman of CARAS, said: “While the Covid pandemic disrupted and led to the abandonment of many societies and club meetings, Dyfrig ensured the Anglesey Grassland Society and the North Wales Holstein Club survived through this difficult period. A real supporter of young people in agriculture, Dyfrig has worked to ensure both societies survive for the next generation.”
Dyfrig was the chairman of the Federation of Welsh Grassland Societies from 2017 to 2019, and since 1996 has been secretary of Anglesey Grassland Society, working tirelessly to arrange a full and interesting programme.
In 2023, the British Grassland Society summer meeting was held in North Wales under the theme of ‘the diversity of grassland’. Chair of the organising committee, Dyfrig brought together five local grassland societies which hosted six farm tours across the region including the Henfaes Upland Research Centre and also hosted the British Grassland Society AGM and annual dinner.
With funding from Gwynedd and Anglesey Food Charter, the latest Anglesey Grassland Society project has seen eight members carbon benchmarked by ADAS. The project aimed to highlight the sustainable role of grassland and livestock in safeguarding rural communities, livelihoods and the environment. Inspired by ARC Zero and Professor J Gilliland, a report will be published on the society’s stand at Anglesey Show in August. Dyfrig is also in the process of compiling a book on the activities and contribution of the Grassland Society on Anglesey.
Nick said: “In our industry, no one seems to do anything half-heartedly. Everyone is committed to our fantastic industry, and Dyfrig is certainly a true example of this.
“The Wales panel of CARAS and his sponsors were all in full support of his advancement to Fellowship. I must congratulate Dyfrig for his very deserving award.”