Carmarthenshire farmer honoured with top agriculture award

Mr Evans, Vice Chair of NFU Cymru Carmarthenshire, was presented with the 2025 Farmers’ Union of Wales – United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society Award at the FUW’s Eve of the Welsh Dairy Show Dinner in Carmarthen Market on Tuesday 28 October. The award, sponsored this year by NatWest Cymru, celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact on the agricultural sector.

From banking to farming

Starting his farming career from scratch 20 years ago, Mr Evans purchased his own farm and a small herd of cows after leaving a successful career in banking. Today he runs a 97‑hectare organic dairy farm split across two units — one housing the milking herd and the other dedicated to youngstock rearing.

Industry leadership and mentoring

Alongside running his farm, Mr Evans plays an active role in industry representation. He serves as chair of the Welsh Organic Forum and brings his financial expertise to discussions on resilience and policy. He is also a mentor with the Farming Connect Mentoring Scheme, offering practical guidance to farmers across Wales who are looking to diversify or strengthen their businesses.

Supporting the next generation

Mr Evans is a passionate advocate for agricultural education and public engagement. He regularly contributes to Carmarthenshire YFC’s My Food Plate event, introducing schoolchildren to sustainable food production and environmental stewardship. He has also completed the Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme (FACTS) and now teaches at Gelli Aur Agricultural College, helping to train the next generation of agricultural professionals.

Praise from industry leaders

Sian Thomas, Chair of the United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society, said:

“This award is a fitting and well‑deserved recognition of Haydn Evans’ long‑standing dedication and outstanding contribution to farming in Carmarthenshire and across Wales. He has shown unwavering commitment to supporting the next generation of Welsh farmers, ensuring they are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in an ever‑evolving industry.”

FUW President Ian Rickman added:

“Haydn Evans is a deserving winner of this award. Not only does this award recognise his success as a farmer, but also his tireless efforts to educate and inspire others within the agricultural community in Carmarthenshire and beyond.”

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Top award for founder of Gower View Foods

The annual award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the Welsh dairy industry. 

Established in 2007, under Jon Lewis’ leadership, Gower View Foods has grown into one of the UK’s most recognised independent butter and dairy co-packers, supplying leading brands for many of the major retailers and food service providers across the UK and Europe.

Based at a modern, purpose-built manufacturing facility in Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire, the company’s co-packing capabilities range from portion-sized butter and bulk block production to a wide range of flavoured butters, flavoured creams, and promotional packaging solutions.

In addition to its co-packing services, Gower View Foods also produces its own range of products, including the notable Shirgar Butter and Ísey Skyr, made using a traditional Icelandic recipe on its state-of-the-art Ultra Filtration plant.

Recognised as one of the 50 fastest-growing businesses in Wales in 2020, the company’s success has been driven by a flexible, collaborative approach and more than 30 years of collective experience in the dairy industry. 

Under Mr Lewis’s leadership, the company has created skilled jobs in West Wales and has made a substantial contribution to the local economy through sustained investment, product development, and rural employment. 

Sustainability is a cornerstone of operations, with ongoing investment in renewable energy generation, recyclable packaging, plastic reduction initiatives, and advanced effluent treatment systems, supporting both environmental objectives and long-term business resilience.

The award was presented to Mr Lewis at the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ annual Eve of the Welsh Dairy Show Dinner, sponsored by NatWest Cymru, held at Carmarthen Livestock Market on Monday, 27 October 2025.

Presenting the award, FUW President Ian Rickman said:

“Jon Lewis’s leadership has made a significant contribution to the Welsh dairy sector. Through his focus on innovation, sustainability, and job creation, he has demonstrated how strong business vision can deliver real benefits for both the industry and rural communities. His achievements with Gower View Foods are an excellent example of how Welsh dairy can compete and thrive on a national stage.”

Rhys Williams, Director, Commercial Banking at NatWest Swansea & West Wales said:

“Jon Lewis has shown how strong leadership and strategic investment can turn a local business into a national success story. 

“His achievements with Gower View Foods demonstrate how commercial success and community benefit can go hand in hand, creating skilled employment, supporting local supply chains, and contributing to the wider prosperity of rural Wales. 

“NatWest Cymru is proud to help celebrate such an inspiring example of sustainable business growth.”

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