Agri students and young farmers showcase knowledge in new grassland challenge

The winning team: Brecknock YFC (Elis, Cerith and Elin),

Young farmers and further education agriculture students have been putting their learning to the test as part of the Sustainable Grass and Forage Challenge held for the first time at the Royal Welsh Grassland Event 2026 (12 June).

Seven teams of three took part in the competition at Cwmbrynich Farm, Sennybridge, where they were asked to assume the role of advisers to an upland sheep and suckler cow farm.

Rotating through five different stations, each team was tasked with addressing a series of challenges around grazing quality, forage supply, soil health, low‑carbon establishment and sustainable monitoring.

In a closely-run competition, the winning team was Brecknock YFC (Elis, Cerith and Elin), with Newtown College in second place and another team from Brecknock YFC (Iwan, Tom and Ifan) in third place.

The Sustainable Grass and Forage Challenge was organised jointly by the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University and Pilgrim’s meat processing company, in partnership with the Royal Welsh Grassland Event and with sponsorship from local agricultural clothing company, Sugar Loaf.  

Mark Needham, Agri Food and Farming Engagement Manager at IBERS, said:

“We were impressed by the knowledge of all the teams who competed in this practical challenge, showing they had the essential skills needed in modern grassland, forage and upland systems. They were also introduced to some of the latest grassland research being developed at IBERS and elsewhere, which we hope will help to further equip the next generation with sustainable agriculture skills. Congratulations to all who took part!”

A spokesperson for Pilgrim’s said:

“Pilgrim's Europe was proud to sponsor this competition for colleges and young farmers, which formed a key part of the day's activities. The level of competition was very high, reflecting the talent and dedication of all participants. Many congratulations to all the teams who took part on the day.”

President of the 2026 Royal Welsh Grassland Event 2026, Gareth Wynn Davies, said:

“It was a pleasure to watch these teams of young farmers and agricultural students as they tackled a range of grassland challenges. To succeed today, our farmers need to be on top of the latest techniques and technologies and this challenge showed the future is safe in the hands of the next generation.”

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