Farmers’ Union of Wales leaders walked in the footsteps of Welsh actor Matthew Rhys when they visited his cousin’s family farm in Mid Wales last week (October 13).
FUW president Gareth Vaughan and deputy president Emyr Jones called on the union’s local chairman, 24-year-old Sion Evans, on their way to address members at a branch meeting in Pennal, near Machynlleth.
Sion farms with his parents Hywel and Ceinwen who are uncle and aunt to Matthew who often goes back to his roots and visits their farm at Marchlyn in the Dyfi Valley where his father was born.
Matthew, who rose to fame playing alongside Kathleen Turner in the West End stage production of The Graduate, has walked and talked in the Dyfi Valley with local wildlife expert Iolo Williams for S4C’s “Crwydro” series.
Marchlyn, which extends to just over 300 acres, is a typical family farm with 500 Welsh Mountain ewes, 200 of which are crossed with Suffolk and Blue Face Leicester.
In addition 120 ewe lambs are kept annually as replacements. Stocking also includes 25 suckler cows crossed with a Charolais bull. The farm is in the Tir Cynnal scheme, and has expressed an interest in the Glastir scheme.
As with many family farms it diversified into tourism 15 years ago and outbuildings have been converted to bed and breakfast accommodation which can accommodate up to 11 persons. Some outbuildings can also be let as self-catering accommodation.
Sion has a keen interest in the agricultural industry and after completing his A levels at Coleg Meirion Dwyfor, Dolgellau, he attended the Scottish Agricultural College at Dumfries where he obtained an HND in agriculture in 2005.
He has since gained valuable experience visiting New Zealand, in particular perfecting his shearing skills. He now takes time out of the farm during June and July each year as a shearing contractor, as well as occasionally other farm work.
“Matthew is a regular visitor and he enjoys walking the farm and sometimes being involved in the faming activities,” he told the union’s leaders.
“We are now looking forward to the launch of his book on November 23 about his experiences crossing the plain in Patagonia – ”Croesi’r Paith”,” added Sion, who is also hoping for an opportunity to visit Patagonia in the future.
In the “Crwydro” programme Matthew revealed he really wanted to be a farmer when he was younger but his grandmother used to try to talk him out of it by saying he would be better off getting a “proper” job.
“She wanted me to be a chef!” he told Iolo. “I don’t know whether or not I could be a farmer now having lived all my life in towns and cities.
“Like many people, I have a romantic idea about farming although I do understand how difficult it is.”
Explaining why he likes to return to Gwynedd when his busy schedule permits, Matthew added: “I love coming back to this area to relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside.
“I have lots of family here and I enjoy hearing stories about my grandmother and grandfather. The peacefulness of the place certainly appeals and is a pleasant contrast to the hustle-bustle of city life.”
Photograph: The voice of Welsh red meat promotion agency Hybu Cig Cymru’s 2010 TV advertising campaign who often seeks inspiration by walking the Dyfi Valley farm where his father was born
