The Minister for Natural Resources and Food, joined agricultural students and their families at Coleg Sir Gâr’s annual prize day at Gelli Aur recently, where he spoke about the importance of creating a rural Wales.

Presenting the awards, Alun Davies congratulated the award winners and those studying land-based courses in his address to the audience consisting of farming professionals invited this year to celebrate student success and 60 years of agricultural education at the college.

During the awards day, local farmers and dealerships were thanked for their support through educational visits and sponsorships. “Support from the farming community is vital to enhance our student experience,” said head of land based studies, David Davies. “Industry partnerships are also essential for us to deliver quality training and I’d like to thank everyone, including the minister, for supporting this year’s prize day.”

David Davies added: “Many of our students have recently left college and gained outstanding careers working as head of European operations, sales directors and product development engineers, proving there is a future in the industry.”

The awards day also recognised over 30 years of service from retiring animal studies lecturer Liz Davies, who also runs the charity Great Dane Care Charitable Trust in Llangunnor.

The Ben Evans Award for agricultural engineering is presented went to 18-year-old Peter Spencer from Llandeilo by Alun Davies, the Minister for Natural Resources and Food

The Best Dinefwr School Student Award, donated by John Morgan Autoparts, went to Ysgol Tregib pupil Luke Heath from Llandeilo.

The Trefach Trophy for the Most Improved Practical Student was won by 17-year-old Bobby Mealing from Dryslwyn.