At a glance

Erin McNaught, a young farmer and entrepreneur from Bala, has joined Coleg Cambria Llysfasi as an Agriculture Lecturer while continuing to run her family farm. Her role will provide students with practical insights into modern agriculture, focusing on business and animal production. This appointment is significant as it brings real-world experience to the classroom, benefiting students amid ongoing investments at the college.

Young farmer and entrepreneur Erin McNaught is bringing her real-world industry experience to the classroom after joining Coleg Cambria Llysfasi as an Agriculture Lecturer. The 23 year-old, from Bala, will combine the part-time role with running her family farm, giving students first-hand insight into the business, commercial and practical realities of modern agriculture. Erin took on greater responsibility for Pandy Farm at just 18 and, five years on, has diversified operations while becoming a prominent advocate for young people in agriculture.

“The farm is in a good place, and we have been especially busy over the summer with developments there, so I felt this was the right time to spend more time helping to influence and support young people in farming,” said Erin.

“Llysfasi has fantastic facilities and, importantly, a working farm, so students can learn the theory but also be hands-on. I’ll mainly be looking at the business side and animal production, and because I’m still running the farm myself, I can bring that current experience into the classroom.”

A fourth-generation farmer, Erin has built on that experience by developing Pandy Farm Experience alongside the farm itself, welcoming visitors to learn about livestock, sheepdogs, Welsh culture and life on a working farm.

“There are so many opportunities in agriculture,” she said.

“We have the resources and the land as farmers, but we have to be creative about how we use them, given the challenges facing the industry. I can also share my knowledge of the funding programmes and support that’s out there, especially with technology changing things so quickly.”

A bilingual Welsh speaker, Erin completed a degree with the Open University followed by postgraduate study at Aberystwyth University and is active across the agricultural community through NFU Cymru and Farming Connect. She has also built a national profile through farming and sheepdog handling, appeared on Countryfile, and uses social media to promote the sector to younger audiences.

Her appointment comes amid continued investment at Llysfasi, including the new Hwb Arloesi innovation hub and student accommodation currently under construction.

Erin added: “I really enjoy teaching and have always been confident speaking to people - my mum is a schoolteacher, so it’s something I’d always thought I might explore.

“It’s a new chapter and I’m really excited. I enjoy being busy and being able to farm while hopefully inspiring the next generation is a fantastic opportunity.”

Elin Roberts, Assistant Principal and Llysfasi site lead, said: “Erin brings current, practical and commercial experience to the role, which will be incredibly valuable for our learners

“She understands first-hand the challenges facing farming businesses, and having a young, bilingual farmer share that experience with our students is a fantastic addition to the team.”

Editorial insight

This appointment highlights a practical approach to agricultural education, with Coleg Cambria Llysfasi continuing to link classroom learning to the realities of running a modern farming business. Bringing in working farmers as lecturers is a well-established model in land-based colleges, but the combination of youth, recent entrepreneurial activity, and active advocacy for the sector is less common. For students, access to up-to-date industry insight and hands-on commercial experience can provide a clearer understanding of current challenges and opportunities.

The move comes as the agricultural sector in Wales faces ongoing pressures, from changing subsidy regimes and environmental requirements to evolving technology and labour concerns. For colleges aiming to prepare students for these realities, the integration of lecturers who are actively navigating these shifts can help ensure course content remains relevant. The continued investment in facilities at Llysfasi suggests a broader commitment to equipping future entrants to the industry with both technical skills and business acumen.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Industry trend

The Role of Young Farmers in Modernising Agricultural Education

Erin McNaught's appointment as a lecturer at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi highlights a trend of integrating young, active farmers into educational roles to bridge the gap between academia and practical farming.

Target audience who would cover this Story potential 7/10 Consumer trend

Addressing Challenges in Farming: A Young Farmer’s Perspective

Erin McNaught's dual role as a farmer and lecturer provides a unique perspective on current challenges and opportunities in agriculture, particularly for young people entering the industry.

Target audience who would cover this Story potential 6/10