05 December 2013

After eight weeks of intense competition Gwenno Pugh has been declared winner of Fferm Ffactor 2013 - becoming the first female contestant in the show’s history to take the Fferm Ffactor title.

Gwenno, 28, who farms sheep, cattle and pigs with her husband on her farm in Talsarnau, Gwynedd, held off strong challenges from fellow finalists Dewi Thomas and Hefin Jones in the final, on S4C Wednesday 4 December, to drive away with the main prize - a brand new Isuzu D-Max Yukon 4x4 pick-up truck.

From the very start of the competition Gwenno declared her desire to see a female contestant reach the Fferm Ffactor final and throughout the series she was praised regularly by Fferm Ffactor judges, Aled Rees and Professor Wynne Jones, for her all-round ability.

“I didn’t expect this at all, I was hoping to become the first female contestant to reach the final but to go one extra step and actually win is an unbelievable feeling,” says Gwenno, who becomes the fifth winner of Fferm Ffactor.

“I receive mostly positive feedback by the judges during the series but there were definitely times when I though I’d be going home, especially after the quad bike round and when our team lost the sausage making task.”

During Fferm Ffactor 2013, which started with 10 brave farmers aiming for glory, we saw Gwenno impress on several tasks ranging from milking cows to racing tractors through an obstacle course.

“It’s been an unforgettable journey and I’ve made many new friends. It’s such a privilege to become the first woman to win Fferm Ffactor,” says Gwenno.

As well as looking for someone who could perform strongly throughout the competition the judges were also looking for a role model who would serve as a good ambassador to the agricultural industry:

“Gwenno has been a strong contender throughout the series, she has come out on top regularly and has finished the series in style,” said Fferm Ffactor judge Professor Wynne Jones

Fellow Fferm Ffactor judge, and winner of the first series, Aled Rees added:

“Gwenno has been reliable throughout the series. She is a credit to the industry; she is a worthy winner and truly deserves her place in the Fferm Ffactor hall of fame.”

Ends