The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society is pleased to announce Eiry Williams as the winner of its 2026 Oxford Farming Conference Bursary, an annual award designed to support the next generation of leaders within the agricultural industry.
Each year, the Society offers a bursary to enable a young person to attend the prestigious Oxford Farming Conference, held annually in early January. To qualify, candidates must be aged between 21 and 35, have lived within the areas served by the RWAS County Advisory Committees for at least five years, and be working within a land-based industry. The successful applicant will also be invited to write an article for the 2026 Society Journal, reflecting on their experience.
The 2026 Conference, themed “Growing Resilience”, will take place from 7–9 January 2026. The event has long been recognised as one of the industry’s most influential platforms, bringing together farmers, politicians, scientists and rural professionals to debate key issues and explore the future of agriculture. Next year’s programme will celebrate the sector’s adaptability, highlight opportunities for current and future generations, and reflect on the legacy passed down through years of innovation and stewardship.
The County Advisory Committees nominated the following candidates, who attended an interview in front of a judging panel comprising Mr Jonathan H. Davies (Society representative) and Dr Cennydd Jones (2025 bursary winner):
- Ceredigion – Eiry Williams
- Clwyd & Cheshire – Mared Jones
- Montgomery – Charlie Cooper Harding
- Monmouthshire – Dominic Hampson-Smith
- Radnor – Ella Harris
The judges praised all candidates for their enthusiasm, commitment and passion for the future of the agricultural industry, noting the impressive standard of interviewees and the encouraging optimism shared about the rural way of life.
Following careful deliberation, the panel agreed that the Oxford Farming Conference Bursary 2026 should be awarded to Eiry Wiliams of Llangwyryfon, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion.
Eiry currently works as a Succession Facilitator for Farming Connect and holds a First-Class Honours degree in Veterinary Biosciences from Aberystwyth University. She has previously worked as a researcher for Aberystwyth University and Hybu Cig Cymru, completing a PhD on strategies for managing nematodes during the periparturient period in ewes. A dedicated member of Llangwyryfon YFC, Eiry has achieved numerous accolades at county and national level in public speaking and stock judging, and was named Senior Member of the Year in 2025.
The Society congratulates Eiry on her achievement and wishes her every success at the 2026 Oxford Farming Conference.
Eiry will be presented with the award on Monday 24th November at the opening ceremony of the Winter Fair, held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.
For more information about the Winter Fair or to buy tickets, visit the RWAS website.
