A CAERNARFONSHIRE farmer has been recognised with a major accolade.

Every year, the Farmers’ Union of Wales recognises an individual who has made a great contribution towards the development of the dairy industry and has become an integral part of the dairy industry in Wales.

This year, the union is proud to honour Aled Jones, a dairy farmer from Hendy, near Caernarfon, with its FUW-HSBC outstanding service to the Welsh dairy industry award.

Mr Jones is always striving to improve standards of farm management, whilst taking his environmental responsibilities extremely seriously.

The business never stands still and in 2018, the family business completed investment in a rotary parlour, which has significantly increased the throughput times and efficiency of milking cows.

Science and new technologies and innovations have always been of great interest to Mr Jones.

He is always prepared to trial new methods in order to change his own business.

Under the Glastir ACRES grant scheme, investment was made in energy saving devices (heat recovery and vacuum on demand pumps) and slurry handling.

Savings in nitrogen fertiliser use have been made by better targeted use of slurry.

Strict protocols on disease testing are also implemented on the farm to achieve high health standards.

Mr Jones is continually looking to learn and develop new skills to drive his business forward, and he regularly attends open days and conferences to learn about new developments.

Similarly, he is always willing to share his experience with others and he hosts farm visits as well as attending discussion groups from a wide range of organisations.

Presenting the award, FUW president Glyn Roberts said: “Through this award, we recognise those who have made a great contribution towards the development of the dairy industry and those who have become an integral part of the dairy industry in Wales.

"Aled epitomises what can only be described as a stalwart of this industry and I congratulate him wholeheartedly on his achievements.

"His dedication and commitment is an inspiration and I wish him all the very best for the future.”

Mr Jones is a former NFU Cymru Mid Gwynedd county chairman and he was elected to the position of NFU Cymru deputy president in January.

Mr Jones joins the list of past winners, which include former FUW milk and dairy produce committee chairman Eifion Huws, from Anglesey (2012), and Gwynedd farmer Rhisiart Tomos Lewis (2014).