National Grid Silver Lapwing Award winner for 2008 is announced

Presentation held at the Winter Fair

The FWAG Cymru - National Grid Silver Lapwing Farm Conservation competition for 2008 has been won by Mr Glasnant Morgan of Pwllrhwyaid, Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon.

The way the Morgan family run the farm enterprise at Pwllrhywaid eptitomizes the ethos of the competition - a high standard of commercial farming alongside sensitive environmental management. The judges were impressed by the vibrant farm business based on quality lamb production for Waitrose and high-class weaned suckler calves. Unsprayed spring cereals and root crops supplement the conserved grass forage as well as providing ideal habitats for wildlife. Glasnant Morgan, following the work of his father, has managed the land sensitively all his working life, believing that the good land should be managed for agricultural production, with the marginal land having more of a wildlife focus. The fact that receiving this farm conservation award follows 3 years after winning the British Grassland Society's UK grassland management competition emphasises the production-environmental balance the family have achieved.

Mr & Mrs Morgan were presented with a cheque for £800 and an engraved, slate farmgate plaque; by Mr Trebor Edwards, President of the Royal Welsh Show at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society's Winter Fair at Llanelwedd. Mr Peter Davies, one of the judges said "Glasnant is justifiable very proud of what he has achieved and he shares his enthusiasm and knowledge with the many school and farmer groups who come to his door. Sensitive environmental management is at the heart of the business not only because the Tir Gofal management contract provides a significant income stream which helps finance the conservation works, but also because  the Morgans consider it the proper way to manage land for posterity."

Runners up were the north Wales regional winner - Stuart Taylor of Argoed, New Brighton, Mold and the South-Wales winner - Rob and Eleri Davies of Treginnis Farm, St David's, Pembrokeshire. Both received a cheque for £200 and a slate plaque. Again this year, the standard of entries was very high.

Glenda Thomas, Director FWAG Cymru said "The Silver Lapwing competition sets very high standards and our finalists are all very worthy winners reflecting the activities of many, many farms in Wales. FWAG Cymru are delighted to have the opportunity to highlight farmers' environmental commitment, and the role played by Tir Cynnal, Tir Gofal etc; particularly as the Assembly is currently reviewing all its agri-environment schemes ".

National Grid have again sponsored the award this year, and David Harker of National Grid, who was one of the national judges said "National Grid are delighted to be involved with the competition, highlighting environmental management and agricultural production working in tandem." The other national judges were Mr Wil Williams, an agricultural consultant from Anglesey and Mr Peter Davies, of Slade Farm, Southerndown, Vale of Glamorgan, last year's FWAG UK Silver Lapwing Farm Conservation Award winner (and this year's Nature of Farming winner - a UK-wide RSPB/ Countryfile Magazine award).