It is over a year now since I started this blog. When I started writing my little snippits I didn’t know how it would go, or if it was worth it, or what on earth I would write about. My initial idea was that I would be able to use shoes to show people what I do, where I go, and to help show the positive side to the industry I work in.

I have always felt that I haven’t written much about shoes, I have loads about food, but not so much about shoes. This is the time for the shoe blog.

Writing this blog in particular has been an excuse for me to get all my shoes out of the cupboard and out from under the bed……it was all a bit of a shock for my husband, but it shouldn’t have been, he knows what he married, and I have a lot less pairs than I used to have. Granted, I have more expensive shoes than before (bargains obviously) but you only get one pair of feet, and buy cheap buy twice. I can say that with confidence, as I have bought a great many pair of shoes.

To me, shoes tell a story – the shoes you choose to wear for the day be able say where you are going, therefore by the end of the day they would have a story about where you have been. This may not be very interesting every day, but what about the evenings, the special occasions and the holidays?

I have a few pairs of shoes which are very dear to me (judge me, call me shallow, I am fine with that). The first pair that springs to mind are my Dan Post cowboy boots. These boots represent so much to me. I was awarded a travel scholarship by HCC in 2012 – travel to look at something within the red meat industry, and I chose to look at grading of lambs, in America. There are a couple of reasons these boots are special:

When I was awarded the scholarship, I went to tell my boyfriend – and realised that I really did like him because the thought of travelling to America for a couple of weeks without him, wasn’t something I wanted to do. He came with me and it was our first proper travel together, and it went well – two years later we got married!

On this trip, we met so many lovely people who gave up their time, one of these people was Randy Hammerstrom who worked for the USDA, was also a cowboy, and he took us out on farm and abattoir visits in Colorado and Wyoming. This was an awesome trip by the way! Randy was recently married and had a young son, and had a reasonable understanding of a woman’s love of shoes, or of the ‘happy wife happy life’ statement, so took me shoe shopping!

The boots I bought, are, to date to the most expensive shoes I have ever bought, they are made out of leather, sole and all, Dan Post boots – I have worn them less than a handful of times since returning but they still have a very special place in my heart. Maybe it isn’t the boots, but what they represent to me in memories, and a very special time in my life. I mean, shopping for cowboy boots, with a real life cowboy?!!

Following the superb trip we had to America, we have been fortunate enough to have a fair few good holidays together. What better souvenir than footwear?? I ‘collect’ Havaiana flip flops from different destinations, then when I wear them at home, I think ah – these were from California, or Hawaii where we spent some of our honeymoon. I just smile instantly as they all give such happy memories. I also find them very comfortable for a flip flop.

Speaking of honeymoon, my wedding shoes – also a pricey item but what is the point of getting all the details as you want them, and then not getting shoes you like. Loved my wedding shoes, and unlike the dress you can wear the shoes again – and I have done, which is why they aren’t as ivory as they were originally. I spent some time deciding on the shoes – quite possibly more time than I took choosing a dress (shoes always fit), and eventually decided upon a pair of silk and lace peep toes with additional flowers from Harriet Wilde. They are well worn now, and still have the dent of the lucky coin in the footbed. They were good shoes, they danced a lot that night (although didn’t improve my dance skills) and I kept them on all day – they were stylish and comfortable, so glad I had them for the most special day of my life.

These special shoes follow on to another happy day of celebrating when I got be a bridesmaid for my little sister (who married younger than me despite me being nearly 6 years older, yes, she is much more grown up than me). What a fantastic day she has married a fabulous young man and they make a brilliant couple, they now have 2 sons and that wedding day was a real start to it all for them – such a happy day, so proud of my little sister.

Hen night shoes – yes, I have bought new shoes especially for hen nights – it is all about the detail! My little sisters hen do in Chester, theme spots and dots – so I bought spotty shoes to go with my spotty dress. Funny story from the hen weekend. I had been responsible for giving the directions – and I had a phone call from one car to ask if there was a key for the house. I was a little puzzled by this as we were staying in a hotel. Wps, I had sent the postcode for the activity we were doing the following day, which had taken the one car to a house, where they were in the garden with a couple of beers waiting for others to arrive. Fortunately the owners of the house were out, and didn’t return before the girls left – I can only apologise! From that weekend on I was known as the postcode Queen.

A friend had a hen do in Pembrokeshire, for which I shopped on the way in Carmarthen and bought a dress and two pairs of shoes – that was a panic shop but every item has been worth buying in the end had a fantastic VIP night out and got to meet alot of her friends too – loved it!

I like a heel – I am on the shorter end of the scale, and a little stocky so a heel really helps with clothes and outfits. I have a couple of Ted Baker peep toes as go to shoes for occasions, one black and one nude. I only recently acquired a nude pair as previously I felt it was a lack of effort to just wear a nude shoe, but I had to give in and not worry about it any longer.

I love my Tommy Hilfiger red wedges, we were off to Ibiza for 5 nights, flying from Manchester, and stopped at Cheshire Oaks outlet on the way, I had a weak moment buying these but wore them on two brilliant nights out. First night out was the BBC Radio Children of the 80’s opening party night and the second was to see David Guetta – very different to our usual holidays but brilliant fun! Really got down with the kids :-).

As I get older, I tolerate a day long wear of a heel less, even more so in the summer, so I invested in a pair of black galaxy Birkenstock, fantastic – they really are comfortable and that pair in particular have proven to be very hardy. They have had a couple of nights out in Builth during the Royal Welsh show week, and came up as good as new – that is impressive.

Brands – now I don’t consider myself somebody who insists on a brand, but at the same time I do associate some brands with quality, and Fairfax and Favour come into this category – I was hesitant at the beginning, but tried some on, so comfy – and leather. Leather is a sustainable material, it is brilliant for shoes (or handbags, or jackets) and if I can buy leather, then I do. I have a long pair (they do a sporting fit for strong calves like mine) and a chelsea boot. Smart, comfy, and easy to clean.

Shop local – I don’t know if it is a good thing or not that a local boutique (Duet and Lan Lloft, Lampeter) but it is very handy as they are a stockist for Tamaris – a go to brand for comfort, especially good for work footwear and supporting our local high streets is even more important than ever if we wish to keep them. They also had some fabulous trainers by Maruti this year – my lockdown daps! Since I started writing this post, I bought a new pair of shoes – you know, for lockdown. A lovely pair of Tamaris tan sandals from Lan Lloft all ready to go when we finally get the go ahead to go out out again!

Outdoor selection

Another go to shoe, throughout my life, has been the wellington boot. I grew up on a sheep farm, and I now work in the meat industry, although not on a farm, I still get to go to farms (currently at home hoping Covid-19 will clear so we can go again some time – I miss sheep and I miss farmers too).

I like the Dunlop, I see the Chameaus of the world, but to me they just don’t represent sheep farming in Wales, so I am brand loyal to Dunlop! I have branched out to some Redback boots which I really like, very comfy instead of wellies and cooler in the summer.

Trainers – I have had a few pairs over the years, I am not a runner or anything but I have challenged myself to some things like the Cardiff Half Marathon – which I did once, and it is an experience I do not wish to repeat. I myself find it hard to believe that trainers have been my shoe of choice over lockdown. I have worn them properly as well, you know, to exercise in! I have walked, cycled had a dip or two in the river and recently started with an online community called @cattlestrength which is home workouts, HIIT (high intensity interval training) sessions and my poor trainers are becoming well worn…who would have imagined that?!

I am sure there are people out there with a much better shoe collection than I have, I would love to see them! I enjoy shoes, looking at them as much as wearing them.

Thank you for reading my shoe blog, I hope you enjoyed it, that it allowed you to escape for a few minutes maybe. I hope you are keeping keeping safe and well during this strange time, and as my Dad would say….”Take care out there”.

PS – please share you shoe photos – I would love to meet your favourites!😘

This week is when I finally got round to starting the post-Christmas diet – a little bit late on March 18th but better late than never they say. Perhaps it will be good for me, my diets, which I am convinced are a ‘lifestyle change’ have usually ended by now.

Next week is my annual holiday to the lambing shed. My parents are sheep farmers you see, and since I can remember, lambing has always been my favorite time of year. Despite the weather, the hard work, the smells and all of that, I thoroughly enjoy my week off.

So I am two days into my new eating regime, although I weaned myself off caffeine over the last week or so, and I drank so much wine on Saturday celebrating the rugby (I am Welsh) that I don’t wish to see anymore for a while.

I have chosen this diet after meeting the author, Dr Zoe Harcombe. What a woman. As I have grown up on a farm, and I work in the red meat industry, I am completely supportive of a balanced diet. I should however, stop trying to consume enough red meat to keep the industry going all by myself.

Dr Zoe Harcombe came to speak with a group of us as part of the Farming Connect Agri Academy Rural Leadership programme. Zoe has written many books, but her focus for the day she was with us, was the true nutritional content of different foods. Having been a vegetarian, and turned to eat meat, I am intrigued by her so I am giving her diet a go. Besides, any diet that doesn’t mean counting calories, points or sins sounds good to me!

It seems like no time at all since I set up the out of office auto reply on the work e-mails and signed off on my ‘annual’ annual leave, for two weeks, for lambing.

Now I am relaxing and reflecting following my final day of annual leave, another Deep Heat bath, and a glass of red wine.

I cannot comprehend how quickly the two weeks have gone, in fact I am sure some days were missing from the middle.

Time is precious.

Lambing has been a bit slow, a few challenges, as lambing brings, but so far, touch wood, ok. I have enjoyed it all, highs and lows. This year, I have done the thing that all farm parents tell their children not to do….”do not name the pet lambs, we will be adopting them soon…” so my pet this year is a Charollais x Lleyn ewe lamb, called Ruby. Named so after the song “Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby, dah dah da da da dahhhh” ( are you singing it??) because she is loud, proper set of lungs on it 😂.

I am reflecting on why I have enjoyed this time and how I now feel about various topics and things.

One of the main reasons of enjoyment? I like sheep, and lambs, and lambing time is my favourite part of the farming calendar. I think I may have mentioned this before mind 😂

Another reason? There are a few😂

Firstly, it is time at home with my parents, I think we work well together and so it is really enjoyable ( don’t get me wrong, we have the odd disagreement, occasionally😃) and this really is valuable time spent well.

Secondly, I have been happier, morning and evening. This is not to say I am unhappy in day to day life, but the first week in particular I was really happy….and I am sure one of the main reasons for this is that I didn’t hear any news, read any news, and I didn’t watch any news. Life changing! I haven’t been an avid news watcher since Covid, I mean I do like to know what is going on, but stepping out of the world for a while, away from the Dads Army “We’re all doomed” thought process, to work outside, with animals, I feel has been a blessing (even those first time lambers🙈).

There is a song I have on my playlist called ‘Knee Deep’ by the Zac Brown band, featuring Jimmy Buffet, have a listen, if only life were that simple.

Well I say that now, but…..I like to mix with people, go to events, work with teams of people and have good discussions, which would be limited if I was on annual leave talking to sheep all the time. I also enjoy a good holiday, so need to bear that in mind too🌅

So following my two weeks of stepping away, and getting involved in the very first stages of producing good food for (I was going to say our Nation but so much is exported) whoever wishes to purchase it, I see things in a slightly different light.

There is a bit of a glow in my mind, glimmers of hope, inspirational light bulbs and flashes of ideas of how to do things differently (love change😂) and a feeling of planning ahead again.

Perhaps all that was needed was a break, a step out of day to day routines and away from the doom and gloom of the news. I am tired and stiff and achey (my usual work is sat at a desk) , but feel fresh and ready to go again.

Sometimes a relaxing holiday is what you need, but sometimes you have time to think then and it can be harder to switch off. Having said that we had a weekend in Paris before Christmas, busy busy and switched off straight away, fully immersed in Parisien culture( by culture I mean food and drink of course).

Back to the lambing leave though, for me, in this case, yes….a change really is as good as a rest…..if not even better!

My advice to you, take some time out, do something different, don’t watch the news, even for a day. Go away from a problem and come back to it again with fresher eyes and a clearer mind.

If you want to have this experience in particular, farmers are always looking for lambing help!

Thank you for reading, enjoy the pics below x

This weekend has been about having a little outing before lambing starts. So on Saturday we went to Tenby, just lunch and a walk on the beach, get that sea air in the lungs. Lovely walk around, spent a bit of money on some clothes I won’t wear for ages, but I am now prepared for the lovely spring weather when it comes round.

Sunday was all about last minute preparations in the sheep shed before we get busy. A handful of older ewes lambed earlier this year, with our main flock due 10th March – so in theory (because farming always follows theory 🙈😂) we will start lambing on 10th March this year. Yes Mothers Day – sorry Mam!

Yesterday was spent cleaning bits and pieces, making sure we have stock of things we need, writing a shopping list of the things we haven’t got etc. Good productive day, and the weather was lovely which always adds a spring to a step.

You may have read before that lambing is my favourite time of the year. It is great, having the lambs born, turning them out and seeing them run and jump in the fields. It doesn’t always flow quite as easy as that because, well, we are working with sheep, livestock. They have various problems, the weather can be different from year to year so you prepare for as much as possible, and then hope for the best!

We lamb inside, so all the ewes are in the shed. Last night as we were doing the evening feed, I noticed one starting to lamb so we kept an eye on her to see how she progressed. We try not to interfere unless it is necessary. We have a flock of Lleyn ewes which are a maternal breed, so should (in theory) lamb quite well on their own. After a few checks, something was showing….a tail. Not what you want to see. Breach means action is needed quickly because the cord can break while the lamb is still inside the ewe, leading to suffocation. But the swift movers that Dad and I are, we got in there, lambed her, and the lamb although a bit slow to start, got to breathing and standing quite quickly. All good. She had a second lamb coming superman style (one leg back) so helped with that one too to make sure she was okay. All fine.

After this I went to do another job and had quite a feeling of euphoria. That sounds dramatic, and I tend not to be that dramatic, but I had a real natural high for helping that ewe and making sure the lambs were okay. This to me is what it is all about.

This got me thinking about the consultation that Welsh Government have open at the moment called ‘Keep Farmers Farming’ and why it is so important to do exactly that.

From a selfish point of view, I love sheep, lambing, everything about farming sheep. I don’t want to be stopped because of policy changes. On a wider scale, though, it is just about me enjoying what I do, it is about producing and providing safe food that has received good animal welfare, and is available to everybody. I take great pride in this part. Producing food for people is an incredible thing to do – without food, we have serious issues.

Lamb is a healthy meat. It is nutrient dense which means you don’t actually need loads of it to be good for you – it performs very well! Plus, it is mega tasty! More people should be eating it, and more should have access to eat it.

During the year, as well as sheep, the farm has had some work done – last year double fences were replaced, and some more to do – also planting alot of flowers this year. This is all good for us, and good for biodiversity as well. We have seen snipe on the farm this year along with a myriad of other wildlife, which is great news.

Of course sheep farming isn’t the only type of agriculture in Wales or UK, do not forget the beef, the dairy, the poultry and the horticulture and honey producers.

So why the protests? I think there is a mixture of anger and fear, feelings of being undervalued and misunderstood. alot of new legislation with Agricultural Pollution regulations, continuous and ongoing of heartache of TB and now the new SFS proposal we are invited to consult on.

The point I am trying to make is that it is vitally important we respond to this consultation – to put our own stories across, explain the issues it will cause us with examples where we can, and highlight the things we think could work well. It is also a good idea to provide suggestions where a factor doesn’t work – but it could if done differently. I could start on my views of each point but that would be a very long read 😂

Take the ethos of if there is a problem, think of a solution for it where you can.

There are many places to get some help to complete if you want to – both farming unions have been very busy ,FUW and NFU both have support so if you are a member do get in touch with them. Wales YFC have a link you can complete as well. There is the link below, which is where you can complete it yourself (you can save and get a link of your progress sent to you too which is handy).

https://www.gov.wales/sustainable-farming-scheme-consultation

So please complete and submit a response, so you have been represented in this way – it is all so important!

I am back to the work at Rural Advisor for one week before lambing starts, one week until Mothers Day, and just a few days before the consultation response is due in (I confess I have not submitted it yet but I promise I will). It will be a busy week I reckon!

#keepfarmersfarming

Thank you for reading……and if I can help with a response please get in touch! x

I started this blog after being inspired by a leadership course I went on with Farming Connect. That was way back in 2018-19, and wow have things changed since then.

I find myself writing here today as a facilitator of a leadership group – which is incredibly exciting – and I am still inspired – hard not to be in a room of intelligent, excited, forward thinking people who are there because they want to be and because they are the selected few from a larger group that applied.

It is very easy to get drawn into negativity, especially now when we face a period of change as an industry. Not just change, but uncertainty as well. It is hard. Hard to realise, hard to understand and hardest of all is to change with our futures unknown. Spending time with this group is quite the opposite.

I am writing this today as I have been quite unmotivated in getting some exercise done (I would say recently, but it has been a bit long term). The scales are obviously broken to show that weight, the clothes are a little too snug (and I refuse to change size, unless it is a lower size) and I am not fit enough. To top this I am the upper side of 40 and wow does it get harder then. However, with a gentle encouraging nudge from a friend, I have signed up for a 6 week course of exercise, that I can do at home, via an app (everfit @evtraining – others are available).

Digression: That is something that has changed since 2018 – there are apps for everything – handy sometimes, but just incredibly annoying in other circumstances. The one that pops into my mind is trying to order food and drink at the airport. There are waiting staff, there are bar staff, but they cannot take any orders, we have to scan the QR code or use their app – I mean, what??? Seriously??? This is not good use of tech people c’mon.

I suppose the point I am trying to make is that maybe the new leaders have inspired me to sort myself out in a roundabout way. Their energy, their health and their ambition is in abundance, it is hard for it not to rub off on me! They are a very focused group, they are better behaved and drink less alcohol than I would have done at that point – some even went for a run in the morning – this kind of behaviour is impressive – although a little shocking to me.

I opted for the at home version of the exercise class because I don’t want to drive 30 minutes to a gym, and 30 minutes back again (don’t get me started on higher Council Tax and a depletion in services, and 20mph). I have space in our garage – it isn’t plush, but it is cold enough now to make sure I keep moving while I am in there! The down side is that I can see my reflection in the tumbledryer window….that alone is inspiration 😂

I plan for this to be a bit of an introduction – then I will aim for more after the 6 weeks. Like eating an elephant, piece by piece 🙂

So – last week I got the Garmin watch out of the drawer, dusted it (I know, bad) and started counting and recording steps again. Last night, I did a Kettlebell and boxercise work out (dusted the kettlebell too) – it was really hard, I was out of puff, sweating and dressed appallingly. This was my first proper workout in over two years. I used to be a bit fit, and able to get into exercise quite easily – not so easy now -so I have quite a challenge ahead.

Ideally I would like to lose two stone – even more ideal would be to lose a stone before the Winter Fair – but that is in less than two weeks so a bit of reality is required – but it is always good to dream…aim high!

This is about how I feel and how I look – I know I am too heavy and not fit enough (although I do always find I can chase a sheep when the need arises) and I want to be more healthy. This isn’t a blog opening myself up to people who sell diet plans or kitchen equipment I do not need to count calories – I will find what I want and go from there thank you.

This is about taking accountability for myself.

I talk about sustainable farm businesses, being fit for the future – but what about me? Ironically I preach about self care – especially for younger people, better to have the habit younger. My emotional self care has been a priority over the last couple of years, and I have been good at that with Yoga and meditation, but physical self care is so so important (although Yoga is good for the physical too, I don’t find it shifts any weight, but I am quite bendy).

Strangely, I follow @moonomens on Instagram – I like to read the horoscopes, but after the time has passed, not as a predictor. So the post I read today has me spooked – I have posted it below for you to read it – how relatable is that?!! I am starting to think the moon has me sussed.

Preparation for the future – be it for yourself, or your business, is vitally important – so let’s get to it!

Was it inspiration? Or written in the stars? Does it matter? I am going to take it and run (albeit slowly) with it 🌟

Thank you for reading – and making me accountable. xxx

I do tend to sign up for a conference, if they are good I will sign up for a second year, if not, I won’t.

Yesterday was the Wales NFU Cymru annual conference in The Metropole hotel at Llandrindod Wells. I have been attending this one for a few years, so yes I think it is well worth going to. This year was even better, as Dad came with me too.

Many people roll their eyes at the thought of attending a conference, and I wander why? It is a good opportunity to hear about your industry, listen to new speakers, and possibly learn something new. They are also a good social excuse, there are some people I only see at this conference from year to year, and it would be a shame to miss that opportunity.

I question the benefits of a conference in two ways; it is useful for me in my job, my role at Rural Advisor? Is it useful for my own personal development? Okay – actually, add another way – I question the cost!

Yesterday – it was useful for work as we had an introduction from Aled Jones (NFU Cymru President) followed by an update from the Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths on the events for Welsh Agriculture at the moment. Then we had two presentations discussing carbon, emissions, trees and hedges – particularly topical at this time for Welsh agriculture (and a consultation document pending so keep an eye out for that). The other useful thing here was that I got the contact details of the speakers, so if and when I need more information, I can go after them for it again. I also had a very quick chat at lunch time which will actually help me with a current work challenge…ideal 🙂

Yesterday was useful for my personal development as I saw many different styles of presenting – from NFU as a member organisation and lobbying body, to scientists, politicians and professors. It is so interesting to see these different styles, so much to learn!

The afternoon then took a change in direction and we had a political editor from Wales Online, discussing the state of Welsh politics at the moment (I know, what a topic), we had a speaker explaining international trade and opportunities for Welsh and British Agriculture – then we had a Professor talking about International Consumer Behaviour.

I find politics interesting but it tests my patience (I don’t know how people work in politics full time) – the speaker was excellent though, and funny too. International trade and consumer behaviour are fascinating topics – and helps me to see what I can influence or change, and what I can’t – and where is best to spend my energy.

Consumer behaviour was a fast, furious and lively presentation with a lot of information – I cannot remember it all – but I am quite the note taker so all good.

On taking notes – I do this as my brain is like a sieve – I know I have heard it, when, and what is was, but cannot remember every detail – so I have learnt to take notes. I also do it because it helps keep the creative fun side of my brain in check. I have to be a bit careful as I will be drawn in by good presenters, their style, panache and flair , but at the end I might end up wandering what they actually said. So notes allow the brain to enjoy but keep it all real too!

Final speaker of the day – Minette Batters – whether you are an NFU person or not – this lady is a tremendous public speaker, and how she has presented various arguments is quite a masterclass. I would describe her style as no messing, there is no nonsense, there is honesty – and she gets things done. Very inspiring and so much to learn! Followed by a closing part by Abi Reader (Vice Chair N

Looking back at the day – it was successful for work, personal development, and free to members so a win, win, win – excellent result.

Highlight of the day for me was meeting Minette Batters – I a quite the fan ( you may have noticed this already :-)) I have heard her on the radio, seen her at shows, conferences including NFU and Meat Business Women. I am sad that she is coming to end of her 6 year term as NFU President but grateful for the work she has done and what has been achieved. Thank you Minette!

I do have a few people in what I kind of consider my hero category, Minette Batters (previously mentioned….once or twice), Beth Dutton from Yellowstone and Laura Ryan (started MBW amongst many many other things). I know Beth is a character, but she has some awesome lines, and definitely has a no nonsense approach! So it seems my heroes are all women – this isn’t to say there aren’t men who inspire me, because there are – but just at the moment these women get things done, and I like that.

They say never meet your hero – well I did and I am well chuffed! If you are disappointed when you meet yours – pick a new hero!!

See you at the next conference 👍

Take care x

We are asked this question from a very young age, and we give our answers – mine included a ballet dancer (I was slimmer then), lorry driver, and chef amongst others that I have long since forgotten. Now I find myself asking my nephews the same thing. I also find myself wanting a certain answer from them – a little unfair maybe, but I kind of want them to be interested in the same as me. Very selfish or a sub conscious attempt at proof of being a role model? Who knows?!

The careers calculator (JIIG cal) we did in Year 11 (now that was quite a laugh – I challenge you all to review this experience, and tell me you followed the result) suggested I could be an officer in the Marines or a social worker amongst other ideas – non of which appealed and all of which seemed slightly ridiculous. I said to the careers guidance man (Nick) in sixth form that I like agriculture – it was laughed off and like many, he suggested teaching as a profession. Not for me thank you.

In all honesty I still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up, not definitively. At the age of 41 and 7/8s I see no need to rush into big decisions like this either – I don’t want to close any options down before I know what they might be. I know the areas I enjoy working in, Agriculture and Food (quelle surprise?!) and I am doing that so I am very happy. I am actually settling in well to my new role, still learning (which is good) and loving being a part of a small yet ambitious team. At this moment in time I am sat in our main office, and I can hear people talking a bit, but I can also hear ewes and lambs just outside – heaven!

I am learning a lot in my new role, and one topic seems to be highlighting itself quite regularly, and that is succession. It may be because we have discussions at home, it may be my age that makes me think about what comes next, whatever it is, I know it is important.

I recently did a podcast on succession with Dr Nerys Llywelyn Jones (old school friend and now my boss…a very inspirational lady) and this sparked my interest, and emphasised the importance of it all, although I didn’t then appreciate the size of the topic. It is big. It is about changes in generations, it is about making life decisions long and short term, it is about planning for the inevitable, it is about having difficult conversations now to make it easier when when life throws those difficult challenges at you.

The practicalities of succession in a farm business, actually, let me correct myself, in any family business, can be hard. Granted. However, it is so vitally important that we do talk about eventualities. It is also important to talk to everybody involved in the business, about what they want to do, what they want from life. Referring to above – we should also listen to them and not impose our own wishes upon them.

In fairness, I am stating all these things above, but I don’t find it that easy to talk myself, not because I don’t want to share what I think. My problem is that I find it hard to really think and discuss without getting emotional (not always as tough as I look:-)). The thought of why we need to discuss succession can be upsetting.

You may think this topic isn’t relevant to you because there is no obvious succession, but with so many young people eager to be a part of our super industry- and the difficulties they face in gaining an opportunity – it might be more relevant than you think. It isn’t a topic limited to those with children who want to farm (or carry on with any- other family business).

When we are discussing succession we have to have respect for each other. We often hear the younger generations frustrations about the older ones not allowing any change. Here I actually feel the younger generation need to be respectful of the achievements the previous generations have gained. In agriculture at the moment is particularly difficult, because everything that those previous generations have strived for is changing. Their aims were to produce more food, to make land more efficient, to clear land, to pull out hedges so we can produce more food because there was a food shortage, it was all done for good reason, with clear direction, albeit long time ago.

Now what are told is almost the opposite. I’m hearing stories of the younger generation putting back wetlands, rewetting land that the previous generations have drained, to make it more productive. Consider that it is not just the the emotional side of passing on land and thinking about people moving on and coming in. It’s also about the current climate and the massive change element of it and that can be very difficult to deal with as well.

Back to respect, in the same way – the older generation need to respect the ideas and energy of the younger ones coming in. They are part of your legacy, and a legacy that is able to adapt to change is probably just about the best thing that could happen.

This is turning to be a long blog for me today – you can probably tell that it is a topic I am really starting to get passionate about.

With all the difficulties and challenges of this aside, it is something that we can do. We can choose to be pro-active about it, and get on with it sooner rather than later. Plans can change as well, but best to start talking, start planning and if we get the hard topics sorted out we then have more time to enjoy the rest without that niggle in the back of our minds because we haven’t.

So go out, get yourselves organised and get on with life, and as Bob Hoskins used to say “It’s good to talk”

Thank you for reading 🙂

Why? What is wrong with the old me?!

I may be biased, but I don’t think I need a new me, I can make a few tweaks but largely aim to remain the original version.

Don’t get me wrong, the start of a new year is a good time to review the previous year, highs and lows, and have a think about the year ahead too, but I will not be getting hung up on anything major this year.

January is a strange month, where I try to make a few changes, eat a bit better (can’t be worse than the pringles and rocher with wine for two weeks over Christmas) then these good intentions do slip as the year goes on….but at least it started well.

The Christmas break was gooood this year mind. No lockdown 👏 which means we had a couple of nights away in December, and we have been out socialising too 🥂. Soooo good to see people again in a more normal way. Drinks with friends, just lovely! We are lucky to have some nice places close by to eat and drink now too, so it was only polite to make the most of the facilities.

Im even going out tonight. Im looking forward, and a bit nervous. Looking forward to seeing friends, nervous because my job is to bring the pudding and Im worried they wont like it🙈. My solution to this concern is to take a nice bottle with me too so they can drink through it then.

I have started thinking about the year ahead, with some ideas on what I would like to achieve (more for direction) and the one I am most excited about is to travel more.

My husband told me his hobby is travelling, and I had never really considered it as a hobby before, so this year we will take time to travel and see new places, but also to visit places we really love. Home and away hopefully….I like the ☀️.

So January, let’s get through January, get the sheep shed ready, get the sheep scanned and get organised before the ladies come in. Then February, a short month which consists of sheep jobs and the Six Nations rugby. March, all about sheep! April, still about sheep but hopefully a bit of time away from the ladies near the end of the month.

May is a good month, my birthday! 42 this year….woop 🙌. June, Mam will be 70. June part 2, we have a little holiday booked. July….Royal Welsh Show. August, bank holiday and Chris’s birthday.

It doesn’t take much time to get through a year really, I like that the first part is about preparing, then we get busy and then we have hols and events, and autumn is such a beautiful month (when not wet). Then we arrive at Christmas again.

I’m mainly positive, but this weather is not so much fun, hard to get out for walks with Mali when we are drenched by the time we get to the gate☔️, but as I am typing….there is a little sun over there in the distance.

I wish you all a very healthy, happy and prosperous 2023, may it bring much joy to your world.

I do have one resolution that I am making, (which ties in with being the original Alison), and that is to trust my gut more. My brain is no more clever (and my belly is way bigger 😂) so I am going to listen to my gut for 2023…and beyond….if it works out 🤞🤞🤞

#followyourgut #doyourthing

Thank you for reading x

I have recently started a new job, it is going well so far. I have a lot to learn as it is quite a different approach to what I have been doing. I am excited for the new challenge and to learn more, and to get the brain to go sideways and round and round a bit more again.

I have talked about my work a little on here in some ways before – but now, after nearly fifteen years I have left Dunbia as the Agriculture Manager for Lamb, to turn my hand to something new.

I was not surprised that I was very emotional when it came to leaving Dunbia. I have learnt so much, made friends (ones I want to keep in touch with after I leave, proper friends) and had such a wide variety of experiences it has all been invaluable. I said when I handed my notice in that I have grown up at Dunbia (Llanybydder) – I have, I start when I was 26 and now, I am 41 – and they are years when a lot of life chapters happen, so I really have grown up during my time there. I was still a YFC member when I started and now I can’t even qualify as an associate member!

Despite all the reminiscing, it is time for a change, a new challenge, and one came along that was very interesting, where I can hopefully use my skills and knowledge in a new way and so here I am. Exciting times!

New job title: Agri Supply Chain Advisor

New role: Opportunities to work with farmers, supply chain businesses and public bodies – very exciting!

New company: Rural Advisor – currently a team of six people, but growing

I know I like change; I think I am the only person in the office who got excited the day we were told we had to change desks – brilliant – new perspective! Liking change means I am genuinely excited about my new role (terrified and nervous too) and so I have been surprised at how many people have said to me how brave they think I am – it hasn’t crossed my mind that it is brave. I wasn’t sure how to take it when a younger colleague said that they admired my bravery at this stage in my life – I will go for compliment!

Along with the new role, I have also become a partner with my parents for the sheep flock at home – this too is very exciting, likely to be challenging as well (but what is life without a challenge hey?!) so there will be more posts on sheep coming soon…the work has already begun so wish us luck!

I thought I would write just a little piece here about change, and how it is easy to embrace, but it is very individual, and life experiences will put different situations into different contexts so best we don’t judge, rather encourage and support. I think – what is the worst that can happen? If I can handle that or manage that risk, then I take the chance on change.

I never write these posts in one go – it takes a few attempts, and a bit of time. I have actually gone through a few emotions since I started writing it. One of these, not surprisingly, was being a bit overwhelmed. I like new things – but I thought I would just sit and write down what was new, and there was a really long list! I gave myself a break and got myself back in order again. It really was that easy – it is all about perspective. I felt like there was loads to learn, lots of new things flying around in my head- as well as all the ideas for the future of life, the job, the farm, everything! I decided that I couldn’t do it all at once, so sat down and did a mind map and a list, sectioned everything and put them in order of priority. Everything is achievable again…. yeah!!

I am a good three months into my new job now, still miss the people, but I have no regrets.

You don’t need to be brave for change – follow your gut instincts, and go for it!

Thank you for reading x

To all you lovely women out there – have a Happy Day!

When International Womens Day comes round, each year, I feel I am committing to it more. When I first started to hear about it I shrugged it off – I have always felt that I could stand my ground if needed so I didn’t really feel I needed a day to celebrate it, or us.

As I get older – possibly more mature – I feel that celebrating our differences really is a positive thing in a world where everything seems to be a challenge.

I am Woman – I recently watched this film based on the story of Helen Reddy – and was inspired by her motivation to keep going, against the odds, to achieve at a superb level. There are many women like this, in a vast array of fields be it sport, film, music, absolutely everywhere – we probably don’t need to look very far to find a woman who has inspired us somehow. So for this – we should celebrate.

Another thought process for me is when I think about IWD I feel privileged, I live in a country where women can speak up without consequence, we can have our independence and be safe: and there are laws in place for anybody who tries to go against this. IWD makes me realise how lucky I am to have men and women who inspire me in my life – at home, as friends, at work, everywhere.

A question for you now – should I feel privileged? Or is this my unconscious bias thinking I should feel that way? Is it not just what is right? How life should be?

This year, I am thinking in particular of women who are currently being affected by the war in Ukraine. I watch the news and hear that women and children are given priority to get out of the country, with men in the Ukraine staying behind to fight for their country and independence. I have also read about the women staying behind to fight. This, for men or women, is incredible bravery, and I admire their passion, fight and really wish them well, and for end to all that is happening, and soon.

I have experienced sexist comments – I have experienced questioning about when was I getting married, then when was I having children….nobody else’s business to be quite frank. Nothing malicious – always in jest – and because of this never escalating I manage it no problem. It is up to me how I feel about it – and how I feel is that the people who have questioned me are small minded, they are wrong – I am happy with me, my choices, and I can cope with the nonsense because I know what I have chosen is right for me.

I happen to work in male dominated industries, in two separate areas; the red meat industry and the agricultural industry – they are linked of course as we are all producing food. In my career I have seen a change in the amount of women in each industry, there are more, and their roles are more prevalent – we see them more.

Women in Meat – my personal experience is that we now see a lot more women working in the industry – office and factory – and why not? There are vast range of opportunities within the industry. We have a way to go though, in general there are more men in very senior roles than women e.g. directors positions, I do believe this must be on merit, and from a fair playing field, but surely there could be a better balance? Do women try for these roles and not achieve success? Or do less women try? It is easy to assumer the former, but do we actually know what the barrier is here?

We often think of agriculture as a traditional industry, but red meat was a mans game from early on – and it is so interesting, and encouraging to see how this has changed. My experiences at Dunbia are very positive. I have been given so many opportunities (and taken them of course) and learnt a lot from the people I work with.

One the opportunities has been travel, including New Zealand, France, Ireland and America. It was 2012 when travelling in America and I was visiting abattoirs as part of a scholarship programme, with my husband in tow (there was a purpose to this visit, it is not what we usually do on a holiday). Everywhere where we went, we met with men – very few women, not even on the farms. Everywhere we went, they introduced themselves to my husband and welcomed him, until he put them straight and directed them to me. Quite funny, but it was unexpected, you could see in their faces they were genuinely taken aback. It made no difference, we were both treated very well, its just the surprise that made me smile.

Women in Agriculture – I like farming, and as we keep sheep there are physical challenges, I like these challenges and as a result I have been quite strong and able to do the tasks required (it has saved me a lot of money on gym membership too!). I wear what is appropriate, jeans, wellies, waterproof trousers, woolly hats, etc . On the other and, I like to be feminine, I enjoy that I am female, I like pink and yellow more than I like blue – I like to wear skirts, dresses and pretty shoes. I won’t be pushed about by anybody on these choices. I have been given options throughout my life, and I have made the choices I have wanted to.

We need to be sure we don’t disrespect women who have worked in agriculture long before us. I hear women saying that being called a farmers wife is insulting, but it isn’t, it is a vital role and one to be proud of, especially if you consider yourself to be one. In all honesty, the best businesses I come across are partnerships, men and women, farming together. If you are called the farmers wife but are the farmer, I understand that is frustrating, just correct them, and they will think twice about doing it again – and so hopefully you will aid change by taking this approach.

As part of celebrating today I have some household chores to do – I will be cleaning the bathroom and I will be cooking a meal tonight ready for when my husband comes home from work. BUT….and this is a big but….on the weekend my husband cleaned the house while I worked on the farm. It is about balance, respect and teamwork. Sometimes I embrace the stereotypical roles – and often I enjoy that. I love cooking, I love it when my husband enjoys a meal I have made (I do not enjoy cleaning). It is also good to challenge the stereotypes sometimes too.

Embracing how we are different is what should be celebrated today, and while we do this, remember the women who aren’t as fortunate and think about what we could be doing to support them.

Let’s see if we can be kind, respectful and good people and celebrate all that is good. Let’s help others less fortunate. I think this is what International Women’s Day is all about.

Thank you for reading x

#beatthebias

#womeninmeat

#womeninagriculture

#IWD

Is there such a thing as post-covid? I imagine we all hope so, but nobody knows at the moment.

In the meantime with restrictions being lifted and the vaccination programme in place we are hopeful here that life can have some normality again.

Our greatest fear through this was somebody close getting Covid and being very poorly so we have taken precautions, but by now, we are so ready for it to all end.

I am sat (well stood in the kitchen actually waiting for pasta to boil) here tonight thinking about getting out and about with work again. My work used to mean a lot of travel and some of that was farm visits. Meeting farmers who are doing really good things and learning from them, and I have really missed that.

Travel was easy before, never a stress or a worry, lived out of my little wheelie case most of the week. I was really good at packing light, and always had what I needed to hand. In fact I am quite proud to say that I was very organised, of all the travel I did I only missed 1 flight (although seeing me run for a train in Paddington was not a rare sight) I only hope this doesn’t jinx me now!

So now I am planning a farm visit tomorrow!! It is 3 and a half hours away, so I need to get up earlier than usual 🙈😂 and remember how to drive a long journey, use the sat nav and plan my stops….not mention my outfit! Smart and functional will be the order of the day so an outing for Fairfax and Favour Boudica boots I reckon 👏 it will be nice to wear them, beautiful boots but barely worn to date.

I am lucky I have opportunities to meet farmers and learn about their systems, and hopefully help others learn too, I really am looking forward to tomorrow!

This blog is sheep shoes and food. Shoes are covered, sheep will definitely be covered as I am visiting an organic sheep farmer (amongst other things) and food…..well lunch is booked but an early start calls for brekkie on the go, so I made muffins! Blueberry mainly with some random bits of raspberry…all going out of date as the health kick didn’t really kick in 🙈.

Hopefully this is the start of blogging a little more so watch this space as the year goes on🤞👏 and happy and safe travels to you all ❤️

Let’s be positive and have hope, and keep moving on now from the last two years, be re-inspired, re-invigorated and go for it💪

Thank you reading! 😘

I don’t know how others feel but I am struggling to comprehend that 2021 ended and we have celebrated a new year and now here we are in 2022. What? I am just not keeping up!

Every morning over the holidays I had to check the phone to see what day it was, not for fear of missing the latest action on social media, but worried I would forget to get up for work….but the worrying thing is, that hasn’t really changed!

We celebrated NYE at home, in fancy pants clothes, espresso martinis (the main reason I NEED a coffee machine) and the lazy chef of the house (me) opted for M and S canapes so nibbled on those whilst listening to Jools Holland and random Apple playlists. How rock and roll hey?

We had our best and hardest year in 2021, just after we had a weekend away celebrating my 40th our little girl was born 3 months premature, and she died just two week later. The best two weeks of our lives, ended abruptly on the absolute worst day of our lives. This had a huge impact on our, and our families lives. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody, there are no words to describe the pain and sadness we have felt and still feel; I am very proud of us all for where we have managed to get to now and very grateful for the support that is keeping us there at the moment.

Getting back on topic, we are in the New Year now, but with Welsh Covid rules and the fear they create, it has actually felt a lot like lock down on repeat….really starting to understand groundhog day. We really want to go out for a few drinks with friends, meet up as we used to (in the olden days) and I suppose feel free again.

I used to make resolutions, then I changed from making myself stop doing things to setting myself something new to try or learn. Now I have decided to celebrate the New Year on 1st Feb in the hope restrictions are lifted a little and perhaps we have a bit of routine in out lives again.

Routine can trigger feelings of monotony and boredom for me, however that was before Covid, now I welcome routine , so then there is a pattern to break….wow, what has become of us.

Our lockdown was, in retrospect, typical. We started by one of us have to shut our shop and business, and me working from home. Now I still love working from home but I really miss farmers. Farmers are brilliant people and that is why I love my job, they are great people,characters and they inspire me. The difficulty with farmers is that they are spread all over the country, so I had to stop visiting them.

I was then furloughed for three weeks. I am incredibly grateful for the furlough scheme, but please don’t think it was a lovely holiday, it properly messes with your head, makes you think your company doesn’t need you, and that is not a nice feeling. The feeling of relief I felt when they wanted me back is not to be underestimated!

We of course joined many others and went on the furlough diet of home baked cakes, special coffees, cocktails, home deliveries of lobster and wine, and had a great time.

Next stage was less fun, it consisted bathroom scales and the shock of that prompting signing up to online HIIT fitness classes to shed the pounds we had piled on without realising.

There is a big gap on anything to write now, we have managed a couple of nights away together which has been fantastic, but not alot to report.

Now then, Despite my negative tone, we are moving forwards. It is the end of January, we don’t do dry January (why is that a thing?!) but we have got back on the scales, and started calorie counting. This is with the aim of reducing calories and therefore being fit for the summer season 😂 and hopefully some foreign sunshine. I am back in work full time, I signed up to an 8 week transformational training programme, and cancelled said programme membership 🙈, and I am considering some coaching/mentoring to regain some focus and get back on track….whatever that may be.

Onwards and upwards we go friends 💪

Now the 1st Feb is upon us, let’s get the year, and the party started and see how it rolls out. I wish you a very Happy New Year, however you choose to do yours!

Take care and thank you for reading x