Meet our new Farmer Focus writers: Mark and Helen Williams

We asked our new writers to answer a few quick-fire questions to give you a taster of what they’ll be talking about before they put pen to paper.

Name and location.

Mark and Helen Williams, Welshpool, Powys. 

What type of farm do you run?

We run a beef and sheep farm. We have 283ha – some owned, some rented, with 1,000 ewes and 40 suckler cows. We also have three young boys.

Describe yourself in four words

Mark: Determined, inquisitive, straight-talking and critical.

See also: Read Mark and Helen Williams’ first Farmer Focus article

What are your hobbies off the farm?

Mark: Horse riding and hunting.

If you could change one thing about the agricultural industry what would it be and why?

Mark: The supermarkets’ dominance. I’d like to give farmers a greater role in price setting for produce.

Tell us about the funniest moment you have had on the farm

When Helen fell in a ditch and got covered in mud. I didn’t realise you could get mud in so many places.

What gadget couldn’t you live without and why?

Mark: My penknife.

If you could farm in any other country where would it be and why?

Mark: There’s no place like home. Everywhere has its own problems.

What are your aspirations for the future?

Mark: That farming is a secure and viable option for my boys if that is the path they wish to follow.