Pembrokeshire stockman Geraint Jones wins 2026 dairy stockperson award
Geraint Jones, who works at Bowett Farm in Hundleton, Pembrokeshire, was named the winner of the 2026 NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual Dairy Stockperson of the Year Award at the Welsh Dairy Show in Nantyci, Carmarthenshire. The award recognises the contribution of dairy stockpeople to individual enterprises and to the Welsh dairy industry.
The competition has been held for 13 years. Jones received £500 and a Welsh slate cheese board engraved for the occasion. Jonathan Wilkinson, chair of the NFU Cymru Dairy Board, judged this year’s award.
Jones has worked at Bowett Farm for almost six years. According to Wilkinson, he has focused on herd health and introduced measures covering fertility, artificial insemination and genetic selection. The farm recorded higher conception rates, fewer cases of lameness and mastitis, and a substantial fall in mortality, Wilkinson said.
Jones also established a genetic-testing programme for calves intended to improve their performance and efficiency. Wilkinson described him as a progressive stockman with responsibility for herd management and leadership, and said his work and interest in the future of Welsh dairy farming distinguished him during the judging.
Martin Griffiths, vice-chair of the NFU Cymru Dairy Board and a member of the judging panel, said Jones works with a nutritionist to formulate diets for the herd. The farm grows its own grass and maize, while high-protein feed is used to balance the maize ration. Griffiths said the approach had improved cow health through attention to the animals’ diet.
Jones also hosts visits from schools and local Young Farmers’ Club groups. Griffiths paid tribute to all the farms visited by the judges, saying the entries showed strong commitment to Welsh dairy farming. Dorian Williams, NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual group secretary, said Jones combined skills in milk production and efficiency with a commitment to developing the business, and represented the standard of dairy stockperson working in Wales.
