The National Farmers’ Union of Wales (NFU Cymru) has launched the search for this year’s winner of the Wales Woman Farmer of the Year Award.

This will be the 26th year of the NFU Mutual-sponsored award, which aims to celebrate the contribution of women in the Welsh farming industry.

The closing date for applications to the competition is Monday, May 27, 2024.

The winner of the NFU Cymru/NFU Mutual Wales Woman Farmer of the Year 2024 award will receive £500 and a Welsh Royal Crystal bowl.

The award will be presented on Thursday, July 25, 2024, on the NFU Cymru stand at the Royal Welsh Show.

NFU Cymru deputy president Abi Reader is a former winner of the award, and she will be one of this year’s judges.

“The Wales Woman Farmer of the Year Award is there to champion the contribution that women make to farming businesses and wider rural life,” she said.

“Over the past 25 years we have had a variety of winners, all representing different sectors and parts of the farming industry, and we look forward to receiving applications for the 2024 title and celebrating this great award.”

NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual group secretary and another judge for this year’s award, Heather Holgate, said: “For generations women have played a crucial role in Welsh agriculture, from running farm businesses to leading diversification enterprises to increase farm income and NFU Mutual is proud to support this award.

“We hope the award inspires other women in Wales to take centre stage and influence farming in the future.”

Those interested in entering the competition, or know someone who is worthy of a nomination for the title of Wales Woman Farmer of the Year 2024, should visit the NFU Cymru website.