In this insightful and honest episode, Emma and Kate from the DPJ Foundation sit down with two respected figures from the Welsh farming industry to discuss the realities of modern farming life.

Joining the conversation are Iwan Thomas, a professional dairy cattle classifier working with Holstein UK and the National Bovine Data Centre, and Chris Hanks, Welsh dairy farmer and Farm Manager based in Llancarfan, widely recognised for his leadership within the agricultural community and his work around sustainable farming technologies.

Together, they explore the day-to-day realities of working in agriculture — the passion that drives farming families, the pressure and responsibility that comes with the industry, and the challenge of balancing family life alongside extremely long working hours. The discussion also reflects on the difficulties faced during the Covid pandemic, how the agricultural sector adapted during uncertain times, and the importance of resilience, community, and communication within rural life.

This episode offers a genuine and thoughtful conversation about dedication, sacrifice, and the people behind the industry that keeps the country fed — highlighting both the challenges and the strong sense of purpose that comes with life in farming.

In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Emma from the DPJ Foundation sits down with Gethin Bickerton, Welsh actor and trustee of the DPJ Foundation, alongside Andrew Powell and Ren Fisher, to discuss the experiences of the LGBTQ community within farming and the wider agricultural industry.

Together, they speak openly about growing up in rural communities, the pressures and struggles they faced around identity and acceptance, and how isolating life could feel at times while trying to navigate both personal and professional life within agriculture.At the heart of the conversation, however, is warmth, progress, and hope. T

he episode reflects positively on the farming community, the role of Young Farmers Clubs, and the increasing openness and support being seen within agriculture today. The guests also discuss the importance of visibility, honest conversations, supportive friendships, and creating spaces where people feel able to be themselves both within and outside of farming life.

This is a thoughtful, emotional, and uplifting discussion about identity, belonging, mental health, resilience, and the changing culture within modern agriculture — highlighting how important community and conversation can be.

Whether you work in farming, live in a rural area, or simply want to hear real stories from real people, this episode offers an important and inspiring perspective on life within the agricultural community.

Yn y bennod galonogol a gonest hon, mae Mal, merch Emma, sylfaenydd y DPJ Foundation, yn eistedd i lawr gyda Alun Elidyr, cyflwynydd S4C a ffermwr, a Meinir Howells, cyflwynydd teledu, ffermwr a mam, i drafod dyfodol amaethyddiaeth a sut i annog pobl ifanc i ddod i mewn i’r byd ffermio.

Gyda’i gilydd, maent yn archwilio realiti byw a gweithio yng nghefn gwlad — harddwch y wlad, y gymuned glòs, a manteision magu teulu ar fferm. Mae’r sgwrs hefyd yn trafod yn agored rai o’r heriau sy’n dod gyda bywyd amaethyddol, gan gynnwys pwysau ariannol ac ansicrwydd, a’r realiti bod arian weithiau’n dynn, ond bod y ffordd o fyw a’r cysylltiad â’r tir yn dod â math gwahanol o hapusrwydd.Mae’r drafodaeth yn tynnu sylw at rôl bwysig Clybiau Ffermwyr Ifanc, adeiladu hyder ymhlith pobl ifanc, a chreu mannau cefnogol lle gall sgiliau, cyfeillgarwch a gwydnwch ddatblygu. Maent hefyd yn trafod effaith cyfryngau cymdeithasol — y cyfleoedd sydd ar gael ond hefyd sut i ddelio â’r pwysau mewn ffordd iach a chadarnhaol.

Mae’r bennod hon yn sgwrs feddylgar ac ysbrydoledig am ddyfodol ffermio, yn dathlu’r ffordd o fyw tra’n cydnabod yr heriau’n onest, ac yn dangos sut mae angerdd, cymuned a phrofiadau a rennir yn parhau i ysbrydoli pobl ifanc i gamu i fyd amaethyddiaeth.

Os yr ydych yn cael trafferth a hoffwch siarad â rhywun am gefnogaeth plis ffoniwch ein llinell Rhannwch y Baich 24/7 ar 0800 587 4262 neu tecstiwch 07860 048799

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