Pembrokeshire’s top progressive farmers are encouraged to apply for Baron de Rutzen Award

If you farm in Pembrokeshire and can demonstrate your farm’s use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture then the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society encourage you to enter the prestigious Baron de Rutzen Award.

Mr James Evans, Presidents of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society for 2026, said:

“We are seeking local Pembrokeshire farmers under the age of 45 who can demonstrate how they are using the latest technology to support progressive and sustainable farming practices. Entrants should also show a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and habitat sensitivity, while maintaining a farm that presents an attractive example of agriculture in the county. The competition is open to those working across both livestock and arable sectors.”

Last year’s winner was Nigel Raymond from Jordanston, who is one of six partners in the family faming business. 

The judge, Professor Wyn Jones, was impressed by the scale of the business. He was mesmerised by Nigel’s knowledge of every element of the farm and his overview of the business was impressive. The Raymonds sell their milk and potatoes to Pembrokeshire Creamery Ltd and Puffin Produce Ltd. They have two herds, one at Jordanston Hall and the other at Trenewydd Fawr. Nigel takes particular responsibility for the herd at Jordanston, where they have 370 cows producing 9,500l of milk. There are 250 cows at Trenewydd. The potato enterprise consists of about 400 acres which includes salad and main crop. The total combinable crops of oilseed rape, winter wheat, winter barley and spring barley in 2025 amounted to 2,050 acres. Of this, 1,500 tonnes of spring barley will be sold for malting, which ultimately ends up feeding into the Welsh whisky brands. They also keep some beef cattle, mostly sold as stores, and they buy in 1,800 store lambs, which they fatten.

Baron John Fredrick De Rutzen was President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society in 1936 and the Baron de Rutzen Trophy was produced in his memory. The third Baron served in the Welsh Guards and tragically died, aged 36, in 1944.

This year’s entrants must be fully practising farmers within the county of Pembrokeshire and were under the age of 45 years on 1 January 2026. Entries can either be by nomination or direct application online on the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society website. 

The closing date for nominations and applications is at noon on Tuesday 30th June 2026.