21 July 2014

  Among the ten farmers who have put themselves forward for S4C's ultimate farming challenge Fferm Ffactor 2014 is a young couple from west Wales. And they're fired up to face each other in the battle to win the title of Wales' best farmer and the grand prize; the Isuzu D-Max Yukon pick up.

When the series returns to S4C in the autumn, the lovebirds from Ceredigion – Angharad James, 23, from Llanwnnen, and Rhys Lloyd Jones, 22 from Tregaron - will have to compete against each other. But as members of rival Young Farmers' Clubs, these two are used to competition.

Rhys, of Ystrad Dewi farm is Chairman of Llanddewi Brefi YFC. He says, "Angharad and I have competed against each other in YFC events. We're quite competitive, and that's how we'll be on Fferm Ffactor too."

But Angharad, from Castell Du farm and a member of Pontsian YFC, hopes they'll egg each other on. "I know there will be quite a bit of rivalry between Rhys and me, but I know we will also help each other to do better."

But the duo mustn't dwell too much on their own rivalry, because there are another eight farmers waiting in the wings to grab the title. With the youngest aged 20, and the oldest 54, will experience get the better of enthusiasm this year?

The youngest farmer is Gethin Eifion Jones, of Tŷ Hir Werddon farm, Rhosfawr near Pwllheli. He works on a local dairy farm and a sheep and cattle farm, and also runs his own firewood business.

Gethin Eifion says, "I have a lot to learn and that will only come with time. But it might happen quicker if I did more reading instead of spending all my time chopping up fire wood!"

Gethin Lloyd, of Glanrhyd, Abergorlech, Carmarthenshire, is the oldest competitor this year. He has a wealth of experience exhibiting his Pure Simmental cattle in shows across Britain. This experience has convinced him that exhibiting produce is a vital part of farming.

Gethin Lloyd says, "Being a good exhibitor is a special craft. It's a shop window for our produce, and we learn a lot from taking part in shows."

Along with Angharad, Rhys, Gethin Eifion and Gethin Lloyd, the other six 2014 farmers are: Tudur Jones, 49, Tŷ’n Rhos, Pentrefoelas; Shôn Endaf Edwards, 43, Bryn Barcut, Llangernyw; Tudor Roberts-Watkins, 32, Creigfryn, Carno; Delyth Mair Williams, 24, Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron; Wil Davies, 29, Fferm Tŷ Canol, Llanybri; Roy Edwards, 37, Fferm Groesasgwrn, Llangyndeyrn.

Another person making his Fferm Ffactor debut in the 2014 series is new presenter Ifan Jones Evans. The radio and TV presenter, and farmer's son from Tregaron, will be joined by the judges, farmer Aled Rees and Professor Wynne Jones.

The series will be broadcast on S4C in the autumn. For more information on the farmers go to s4c.co.uk/ffermffactor

Keep in touch with the series on Facebook - facebook.com/ffermffactor - and follow the team on Twitter @FfermFfactor

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