The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) is pleased to announce Iwan Rhys Parry as the winner of its 2027 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 2027 Society Journal, reflecting on their experience.

The 2027 Conference, themed “Harmony”, will take place from 6–8 January 2027. 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. Amongst many topics to be discussed, the upcoming event will explore how greater collaboration and shared understanding can help build a more resilient food and farming industry.

The County Advisory Committees nominated the following candidates, who attended an interview in front of a judging panel comprising Mr Jonathan H. Davies, Miss Menna Davies (RWAS representatives) and Dr Eiry Williams (2026 bursary winner):

Brecknock – Elin Protheroe
Carmarthenshire – Angharad Thomas
Clwyd & Cheshire – Iwan Parry
Ceredigion – Dewi Davies
Glamorgan – Isobel Thomas
Gwent – Dominic Hampson-Smith
Meirionnydd – Enion Llwyd Williams
Montgomery – Marc Griffiths
Radnorshire – Elizabeth Swancott

The judges praised all candidates for their enthusiasm, commitment and passion for the future of the agricultural industry, noting the impressive standard of interviewees.

Following careful deliberation, the panel agreed that the Oxford Farming Conference Bursary 2027 should be awarded to Iwan Parry, of Tremeirchion, St Asaph, Denbighshire, describing him as ‘a passionate and forward-thinking young agriculturalist’.

Having graduated from Reaseheath College in Cheshire nine years ago with a Distinction in his Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture, Iwan has since played an integral role in running his family’s beef and sheep enterprise. During his studies, he was also selected to represent the college in the BBC’s The Farmer’s Country Showdown, which featured filming at his family farm.

A longstanding member of Whitford YFC, Iwan has been involved in the Young Farmers movement for sixteen years, serving as County Chairman of Clwyd YFC and receiving the Senior Member of the Year award. He has also represented his county successfully at national level in livestock judging and public speaking.

His contribution to agriculture extends beyond the farm, having served on the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s Advisory Committee for Clwyd and Cheshire. He is currently Cattle Section Secretary at Caerwys Agricultural Show.

With a keen interest in livestock genetics, on-farm trials and data recording, Iwan is committed to using scientific research and evidence-based decision-making to improve efficiency and develop the family business.

He is equally dedicated to his local community, regularly supporting charitable events and fundraising initiatives. In December 2025, he was part of the organising team behind the annual Illuminated Christmas Tractor Run, which raised more than £4,000 for the DPJ Foundation.

The 2027 Oxford Farming Conference will bring together leading voices from across agriculture, science, business and the environment, with speakers including agricultural scientists Dr Sarah Hearne and Dr Rosie Bryson, NFU Cymru President Abi Reader and The Sheep Game’s Cammy Wilson. The programme will also feature the renowned Oxford Union Debate, exploring whether mindset is the biggest barrier to progress in farming.

The Society congratulates Iwan on his achievement and wishes him every success at the conference in January.

Iwan will be presented with the award on Monday 30 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.