Professor Wynne Jones has been elected as the new chairman of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) board of directors following John T Davies’ decision to step down after 10 years of dedicated service.
A well known figure in the farming world, Prof Jones is the youngest of four brothers and was bought up on the family farm in Dolwen, near Colwyn Bay. He attended the University College of North Wales, Bangor where he graduated in Agriculture in 1970.
Following a short period working for the Animal Breeding Research Organisation based in Scotland, he joined Reading University as a research assistant whilst also undertaking research for a Doctor of Philosophy Degree which was awarded in 1976.
Until 1988, he was head of animal production at the Welsh Agricultural College, now part of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, at Aberystwyth. He was then appointed vice principal and director of research at Harper Adams Agricultural College – now university – and was promoted to principal in 1996.
Prof Jones is a former president of Future Farmers of Wales and former chair of Farming Connect Wales and the Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust UK.
His personal contributions have been well recognised by the industry. In 2009, he was awarded an OBE for services to agricultural higher education and received a lifetime achievement award from Lantra Cymru n 2019 for his contribution to the environmental and land-based industry.
In addition, he has held many appointments to agricultural strategic boards and advisory committees due to his knowledge and expertise.
Prof Jones’ involvement with the RWAS began in 1975 as a trade exhibitor with the then Welsh Agricultural College and latterly Harper Adams University. He has had the opportunity to adjudicate several competitions over the years, including the Sir Bryner Jones award on a number of occasions.
In 2015, Prof Jones was invited onto the board and has since chaired the staffing and remuneration committee.
Prof Jones now lives in Aberystwyth with his wife Irfana, a retired solicitor and has two daughters who are actively involved in their respective farm and rural business.
In his new role, he will lead the RWAS Board in discussing proposals submitted via various committees and counties of Wales, which will then be included in the society’s annual and strategic plans.
Describing the appointment as a great honour, Prof Jones said: “I follow in the footsteps of many committed individuals whose endeavours have ensured the society enjoys such an eminent position in the activities of rural Wales and further afield. I intend to devote my energies as chair of the board to develop and build on these past successes.”
Newly appointed RWAS chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones said: “I am looking forward to working alongside such an experienced and well-respected figure within the agricultural industry.
“The skills and experiences that Professor Jones has amassed over his impressive career will be of significant benefit to the society as we navigate our future path. We are embarking on an exciting new chapter in the proud history of the Royal Welsh and Professor Jones will bring sound leadership and judgement.”
