Lantra Cymru success for agriculture students

My biggest inspiration has been my family, especially my grandfather, who works tirelessly to maintain the smallholding despite challenges and their dedication has taught me the value of perseverance and spirit.” Ellie Pearce-Morgan.

A Coleg Sir Gâr agriculture degree student has been named as Learner of the Year at the Lantra Cymru Awards with an engineering student being recognised with a highly commended.

Ellie Pearce-Morgan, 21, from Gower, took the prestigious title as well as fellow student Dafydd Davies, who is studying agricultural engineering, being recognised with a highly commended for the U20s Learner of the Year award. 

Growing up on a small family farm gave Ellie an early appreciation for the hard work and resilience that she says underpins Welsh agriculture.

Inspired by her grandfather, who works tirelessly to maintain the smallholding, has taught her to love the community that cares for the land and feeds the nation. 

Ellie Pearce-Morgan said: “My biggest inspiration has been my family, especially my grandfather, who works tirelessly to maintain the smallholding despite challenges and their dedication has taught me the value of perseverance and spirit.

“Not forgetting my tutors and mentors at college who encourage me to explore beyond traditional farming roles and has shown me how important research, communication and education is in the future of Welsh agriculture.   

Always being aware that there may not be a long-term role for her at the family farm, Ellie says that this has been a challenge but also a motivator.

Ellie’s college journey has been very successful as she won the FUW Walter Rowland Memorial Award, took part in a visit to explore agriculture in New Zealand, she received a nomination for a university award of excellence and she won Coleg Sir Gâr’s Student of the Year twice. “It wasn’t until I began college at Gelli Aur that I realised how forward thinking the sector really is,” said Ellie.

My tutors and mentors at college who encourage me to explore beyond traditional farming roles and has shown me how important research, communication and education is in the future of Welsh agriculture.  Ellie Pearce-Morgan. 

With a keen interest in pedigree stock at home, she is involved with daily livestock husbandry, record keeping and aiding with other seasonal work such as lambing. 

Elizabeth Bowes, head of agriculture at Coleg Sir Gâr nominated Ellie for the award, she said: “Ellie is an exceptional student who embodies the future of the industry.

“Her commitment to learning is evident in her significant academic success as well as demonstrating an inspiring drive to expand her horizons, turning the challenge of her small family farm’s limitations into an opportunity for growth. 

“She has actively sought international experience through travel to New Zealand and balances her studies with practical livestock husbandry at home and on work placements.”

For the future, Ellie Hopes to return to New Zealand to gain more experience before pursuing a career within the agri-business or consultancy sector with a particular interest in roles the bridge the gap between farmers and the wider community. 

Ellie added: “My long-term goal is to work in a role that supports innovation, sustainability and to help family farms like ours continue to have a future. 

“As agriculture is constantly evolving, I find it incredibly rewarding the keep learning and adapting. Whether it’s understanding new sustainability practices or seeing the theory that I learn in lectures coming to life on the farm, there’s always something new to discover.”

Lantra Cymru awards are held with industry partners to recognise the achievements of individuals, students, employers and training providers.