The Hughes family, who farm near Llangadog, was presented with The Royal Countryside Fund Family Farm Award at the M&S Select Farm Awards during the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd on Monday 20 July.
Run by Eifion and Ann Hughes alongside their sons, Aaron and Ioan, Godregarreg Farm is home to a thriving mix of dairy, beef, sheep and egg enterprises, with the farm’s beef and lamb supplied to M&S via Dunbia. Working together across two generations, the family has continued to invest in the business, creating new opportunities that have helped both sons build their careers on the farm.
Alongside expanding and diversifying the business, they have continued to invest in land, grassland management and livestock enterprises, creating a resilient farming business that is well placed for the future.The judges recognised the Hughes family’s commitment to securing a successful future for the farm, demonstrating how investment, innovation and strong family values can work hand in hand.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Aaron Hughes said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive this award. Farming has always been a family effort for us, and everyone has played a part in building the business we have today. It’s
important to us that we continue investing in the farm so it can support future generations, while producing the high-quality food we are proud to supply. To have that recognised by M&S and The Royal Countryside Fund
means a great deal to all of us.”
Peter Kennedy, Head of Agriculture and Fisheries at M&S, said: “The Hughes family has shown how investing in the next generation can strengthen both a family business and the future of British farming. By creating opportunities for Aaron and Ioan to remain on the farm while continuing to grow and diversify the business, they’ve demonstrated exactly what this award is designed to recognise.”
Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Royal Countryside Fund, said: “Family farms are the backbone of our countryside, and this award recognises those who are building resilient businesses while safeguarding the future of British farming.
The Hughes family’s commitment to working together across generations, investing in their business and embracing new opportunities is exactly the kind of leadership we are proud to celebrate through The Royal Countryside Fund Family Farm Award.”The annual M&S Select Farm Awards celebrate farmers and growers across the retailer’s UK supply base who demonstrate excellence, innovation and a commitment to producing high-quality food. Sponsored by The Royal Countryside Fund, the Family Farm Award recognises businesses that are building resilient, future-focused family farms through succession, innovation and long-term investment. Through its Plan A for Farming 2030 strategy, M&S continues to work closely with its Select Farmers to build long-term resilience across the agricultural sector – supporting farmers to invest, innovate and adopt more sustainable and regenerative farming
