In this open and down-to-earth episode, Emma and Kate from the DPJ Foundation sit down with three guests from within the agricultural community to talk honestly about the realities of farming life.

Joining the conversation are Owen Jewell, a farmer and contractor based in Llangwyryfon, Prys Lewis, who has worked in a wide range of roles across agriculture, and Gareth Evans, an agricultural contractor.

Together, they share their experiences of working in the industry — the long hours, the pressure, the responsibility, but also the strong camaraderie and sense of community that so often holds people together.

The discussion explores the ups and downs of farming, managing staff and teams, adapting to challenges, and why having honest conversations can make such a difference when times are tough.

Through humour, honesty, and shared experience, the episode highlights the importance of looking out for one another and creating a culture where talking is seen as a strength.

This is a real and relatable conversation from people living and working in agriculture every day — offering insight, perspective, and a reminder of the value of connection within the farming community.

Trigger Warning: Please note that this episode speaks about loss and death by suicide so may be distressing or activating, particularly for individuals with lived experience of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide. Please take care of yourself whilst listening/watching and feel free to pause, step away, or seek support if needed.

If you are struggling and would like to talk to someone for support please call our Share The Load 24/7 call line on 0800 587 4262 or text 07860 048799

www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk

#ShareTheLoad #RhannwchYBaich

In this episode, Emma and Kate from the DPJ Foundation sit down with three women whose day-to-day lives are deeply rooted in agriculture — Bethany, Nerys, and Kerys..

Together, they discuss the realities of farming life, working alongside family, and the evolving role of women within the agricultural industry. The conversation explores how perceptions of women in farming have changed over the years, the challenges that still exist, and the growing recognition of the vital role women play across all areas of agriculture.

The episode also looks ahead to the future of farming — how younger generations are shaping the industry, the opportunities and pressures that come with social media, and the importance of visibility, confidence, and community within rural life.

Through humour, honesty, and shared experiences, Bethany, Nerys, and Kerys offer a genuine insight into modern farming from a female perspective, highlighting both the hard work and the deep sense of pride that comes with life on the land.This is a thoughtful and relatable conversation about resilience, identity, family, and the changing face of agriculture in today’s world.

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

www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk

#RhannwchYBaich #ShareTheLoad

In this powerful and open conversation, Emma sits down with three guests whose lives sit at the intersection of farming, media, and mental health.

Joining the discussion are Anne, one of the DPJ Foundation’s regional volunteers and a news and livestock reporter for Farmers Weekly; Alun Elidyr, S4C presenter and farmer, who speaks openly and honestly about his personal battles with depression; and Meinir Howells, TV presenter, farmer, and mother, who shares her experiences of balancing life on the farm with working in broadcasting.

Together, they discuss the realities of working within the farming world while reporting and presenting on stories that can often be difficult or emotionally heavy. The conversation explores the pressures faced within agriculture, the importance of openness around mental health, and how sharing personal experiences can help break stigma and encourage others to reach out.

This episode offers a genuine and thoughtful insight into life behind the scenes — both on the farm and in front of the camera — highlighting the strength, vulnerability, and honesty that help keep important conversations moving forward.

Trigger Warning: Please note that this episode speaks about loss and death by suicide so may be distressing or activating, particularly for individuals with lived experience of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide. Please take care of yourself whilst listening/watching and feel free to pause, step away, or seek support if needed.

If you are struggling and would like to talk to someone for support please call our Share The Load 24/7 call line on 0800 587 4262 or text 07860 048799

www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk

#ShareTheLoad #RhannwchYBaich

In this informative and reassuring episode, Emma and Kate from the DPJ Foundation sit down with Natalie, a Share The Load volunteer, and Nicola, one of the service’s counsellors, to talk openly about what people can expect when they reach out for support.

Together, they explore how the 24/7 Share The Load phone line and text service works, what happens when someone makes that first call or message, and the compassionate support that is available to those who may be struggling.

The conversation offers an honest look behind the scenes — from the role of volunteers and counsellors, to how calls are handled, the importance of listening, and how small moments of connection can make a big difference.

This episode aims to remove fear or uncertainty around asking for help, breaking down the process in a calm and approachable way. Whether you’re curious about the service, thinking about reaching out yourself, or simply want to understand more about how support works, this conversation provides clarity, comfort, and encouragement.

Trigger Warning: Please note that this episode speaks about loss and death by suicide so may be distressing or activating, particularly for individuals with lived experience of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide. Please take care of yourself whilst listening/watching and feel free to pause, step away, or seek support if needed.

If you are struggling and would like to talk to someone for support please call our Share The Load 24/7 call line on 0800 587 4262 or text 07860 048799

www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk

#ShareTheLoad #RhannwchYBaich

In this insightful episode, Emma and Kate from the DPJ Foundation sit down with three voices from across farming and agricultural education to explore the realities of life in the industry — past, present, and future.

Joining the conversation are Katie Davies, lecturer at Bridgend College, Wales Women Farmer of the Year 2023 and Beef Farmer of the Year at the British Farming Awards; Gwenna Maycock, a second-year veterinary student at Aberystwyth University; and Stuart Williams, a farmer who has diversified into farming education and is now a lecturer in agriculture and animal studies at Pembrokeshire College.

Together, they discuss the expectations placed on those growing up in farming communities, the pressures faced from a young age, and how education — both academic and practical — plays a vital role in shaping resilient, informed futures. The conversation also explores what agricultural education needs to do better, how young people are supported (or not), and the ongoing mental health challenges within farming and rural life.

This episode offers an honest, wide-ranging discussion about culture, change, responsibility, and the importance of creating space for conversation, understanding, and support across generations within agriculture.

Trigger Warning: Please note that this episode speaks about loss and death by suicide so may be distressing or activating, particularly for individuals with lived experience of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide. Please take care of yourself whilst listening/watching and feel free to pause, step away, or seek support if needed.

If you are struggling and would like to talk to someone for support please call our Share The Load 24/7 call line on 0800 587 4262 or text 07860 048799

www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk

#ShareTheLoad #RhannwchYBaich