Ten new faces ready to take on the Fferm Ffactor challenge
A group of ten daring farmers from all over Wales will soon face the Fferm Ffactor challenge as the series returns to S4C.
The ten brave farmers of Fferm Ffactor 2013
A hard and emotional journey awaits the contestants which will end with one winner driving away in a brand new 4×4 Isuzu Pick-up truck, leaving nine disappointed farmers behind.
The fifth series of Fferm Ffactor begins on Wednesday, 16 October and the fate of the competitors is in the hands of the programme’s two experienced judges – Professor Wynne Jones and Aled Rees.
“The ten farmers facing the Fferm Ffactor challenge this year are very brave,” said Aled – a farmer from Cardigan who won the first series in 2009.
“They know exactly what they are up against as they have seen the series on the TV over the years. The nation will be watching so they are aware that any mistakes they make throughout the series will be on show for everyone to see.”
As he judges the competitions, Aled will depend on the experience of his fellow judge, Professor Wynne Jones, the former Principle of Harper Adams University in Shropshire. And leading the audience through the whole competition will be presenter Daloni Metcalfe who’ll be there to celebrate with the winners and offer emotional support to the competitors as one by one, they leave the series.
“Working with Professor Wynne Jones makes my job much easier,” says Aled. “He can read a situation very well and can spot potential very quickly. It’s a privilege to be a judge on Fferm Ffactor and it’s always a pleasure to meet the new farmers every year.
“We will be looking for someone who can enjoy the work they are doing. They won’t necessarily have to be the best at every single task but it’s important they have the right sort of personality which will reflect well on the agricultural industry. Whoever wins at the end will thoroughly deserve the victory.”
In the first episode of Fferm Ffactor 2013 we will meet some of the competitors in a more relaxed atmosphere at home and work, before they face a challenge which has caught out several contestants in the past – ‘Y Gadair’ (The Chair). How will this year’s crew cope as Professor Wynne Jones puts their farming knowledge to the test? Can they cope with the pressure? Time will tell…
Fferm Ffactor
Wednesday 16 October, 7.30pm and continues at 8.25pm, S4C
English subtitles
Website: s4c.co.uk On demand: s4c.co.uk/clic
A Cwmni Da production for S4C
The ten brave farmers of Fferm Ffactor 2013 are:
Carys 33
Ganllwyd, Dolgellau
Bee keeper and makes her own honey
Competes in sheepdog trials
Keeps a flock of 300 sheep
“I would love to show that a small farm can compete with the bigger ones.”
Dafydd 33
Trawsfynydd
Farms 1,200 Welsh Mountain Sheep and 20 Welsh Black Cattle
Runs his own fencing and tree felling contractor business
Contractor of the Year, 2008 Royal Welsh Show
“I’m competing to win.”
Dewi 34
Llanddowror, St Clears
Runs a Holstein and Jersey cattle dairy farm
Keeps 150 sheep – pedigree Charolais and cross Texel and Suffolk
Leader of St Clear’s Young Farmers’ Club
“I’d like to think I can be among the final three.”
Rhys 33
Tywyn, Gwynedd
Mountain sheep farmer
Manages a 700 acre farm
Also has 40 Welsh Black Cattle
“Having fun is important to me. But I’ve also had enough of my old pick-up truck!”
Mathew 24
Nantgaredig, Carmarthen
Dairy farmer
His cattle can swim
A member of Dyffryn Tywi Young Farmers’ Club
“Taking part is important, but a win would be a bonus.”
Gwenno 28
Talsarnau, Harlech
Farms pigs, cows and sheep in Harlech and on her father’s farm in Anglesey
Studied Agriculture at Aberystwyth University
Worked for three months on a dairy farm in the USA
“It’s a chance to show that women are equal to men. It’s time a woman won it!”
Dylan Harries 24
Llanfyrnach, Pembrokeshire
Farm hand at a dairy farm with 550 cows milked daily
Member of Hermon Young Farmers’ Club
This year’s youngest competitor
“I enjoy a challenge – I’ll fight to the end and give everything I’ve got.”
Hefin 30
Padog, Ysbyty Ifan
Used to shear 10,000 sheep a year
Has represented Wales and sheared in Norway and New Zealand
Breeds and shows Limousin cattle
“The main aim is to not go out in the first round, and to keep my cool!”
Rhydian 33
Penderyn, Aberdare
Farms a flock of 900 Penwyn Penderyn sheep and 30 suckler cows
Shears sheep in several areas around South Wales
Fencing contractor
“After meeting the other competitors, I’ll know if I have a shot at winning.”
Dylan Jones 42
Bodffordd, Anglesey
Lorry driver for Hefin Thomas Haulage
Farms pedigree Hereford cattle, Suffolk sheep and pigs
Won an Apprentice of the Year awards while at college
“It would be nice to bring a second Isuzu to Anglesey.”
