Bridget’s bid to be top woman farmer

1:35pm Friday 21st November 2008

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AN Abergavenny woman is bidding for the title of Wales Woman Farmer of the Year at next month’s Royal Welsh Agricultural Winter Fair.

Bridget Barnes of Neuadd Farm, Abergavenny, wanted to be a farmer from a young age and at 18 her dream came true when her family moved to Neuadd Farm. Starting with three cows, 30 sheep and a handful of Welsh Mountain ponies, she now farms a dozen cows, over 200 sheep and 15 Welsh cobs. Never married, Bridget has farmed by herself and expanded her farm from 35 acres to 100 acres She is also a community councillor and a life member of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society.

Bridget is one of three finalists for the award, the other two are Lynda Perkins of Dinas Island Farm, Dinas, Pembrokeshire, and Nuala Preston of Trefoel Stud, Velindre, Pembrokeshire.

Now in its twelfth year, the competition aims to celebrate the often forgotten contribution that women make to Welsh farming. Previous winners have gone on to hold key roles in the industry and win other awards.

The winner will receive £500 and an engraved crystal fruit bowl, while the runners-up will receive £100 each.