Farmer, Young Farmers’ Club stalwart and former Narberth Primary School headteacher, Edna Davies of Redlands Farm, Hasguard Cross has been announced as the winner of the Idris Davies Memorial Award during a ceremony held at the Pembrokeshire County Show on Wednesday, August 19.

Edna has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the agricultural industry in Pembrokeshire through her lifelong commitment to developing, supporting and inspiring the next generation of young people in the county.

For over 50 years, her involvement within the Young Farmers’ Club movement has enabled hundreds of young people to gain the confidence, skills and resilience needed to become successful farmers, agricultural professionals and valued members of their rural communities.

Edna has worked tirelessly for the YFC at club, county, Wales YFC and National YFC Federation levels. She’s a former Chair, County Queen and President of Pembrokeshire YFC and a past Wales YFC Chair. As a dedicated Club Leader with Llysyfran Young Farmers’ Club for over 40 years, Edna has devoted countless hours to mentoring and encouraging YFC members, helping them develop essential life skills through competitions, public speaking, leadership opportunities and teamwork.

Her careful guidance has inspired generations of young people to achieve their full potential, with many of the youngsters guided by Edna having gone on to make significant contributions to the agricultural industry across Pembrokeshire and beyond.

Edna Davies celebrated for her remarkable contributions to Pembrokeshire farming and decades of dedication to the Young Farmers' Club.
Edna Davies celebrated for her remarkable contributions to Pembrokeshire farming and decades of dedication to the Young Farmers' Club. (NFU Cymru)

Drawing on her experience as a highly successful Headteacher, Edna has provided exceptional coaching, communication and mentoring skills to the Young Farmers’ Club movement.

She has a remarkable ability to nurture confidence in others, developing articulate communicators, public speakers, capable leaders and resilient individuals who are well equipped to meet the challenges of modern agriculture.

Edna’s unwavering dedication to the Young Farmers’ Club movement extends far beyond her own club. She has provided invaluable support to the Pembrokeshire YFC County Organiser and successive teams of YFC County Officeholders, always offering encouragement, guidance and practical help whenever needed.

Her experience, wisdom and genuine care have made her a trusted mentor to countless young people, many of whom credit her with helping to shape their confidence, leadership skills and lifelong involvement in agriculture and their local communities.

Alongside her successful teaching career, Edna has also played an invaluable role within a successful agricultural agronomy and supply business and a significant arable farming enterprise in conjunction with her husband, Andrew.

Her commitment, knowledge and unwavering support have contributed greatly to the success of these businesses, while demonstrating her deep understanding of, and passion for, the agricultural industry.

Edna’s commitment to service also reaches far beyond the Young Farmers’ movement. She is an active member of her local community in Little Haven; she faithfully plays the organ at both her local church and her home chapel of Gwastad. She has also served as a Governor of Ysgol Caer Elen, contributing her time and experience to support the education and wellbeing of young people.

Perhaps most remarkable is Edna’s resilience and selflessness in recent years. Despite facing her own health challenges, including a cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment, she has continued to dedicate herself to supporting others.

She has never allowed her personal circumstances to diminish her commitment to the Young Farmers’ movement or the wider community. Instead, she has continued to mentor, encourage and inspire the young people of Pembrokeshire with the same warmth, enthusiasm and generosity that have defined her service for more than four decades.

Jeff Evans, Chairman of the Idris Davies Memorial Award Management Committee, said: “Edna Davies joins some illustrious company in becoming this year’s winner of the Idris Davies Memorial Award. Her outstanding contribution to her local community, the Young Farmers’ Club movement and the agricultural industry is a testament to her character.

“Her dedication, compassion and unwavering support for others have left a lasting legacy, making her an exceptionally deserving and worthy recipient of this award.”