Learning while farming: Dan’s journey from the Great Orme to a master’s in sustainable agriculture

Dan Jones didn’t grow up dreaming of lectures and coursework, — but he’s now well on his way to a master’s degree in agriculture.

A tenant farmer with the National Trust for the past nine years, Dan farms sheep with his wife Ceri on the spectacular Great Orme in Llandudno.

Committed to nature-friendly farming, Dan’s ethos is perfectly aligned with that of the Trust: balancing productive agriculture with care for the environment.

Dan Jones © Aberystwyth University

Last year, Dan was awarded a prestigious Nuffield Scholarship to explore the future of upland sheep farming, with a focus on balancing production, conservation and climate adaptation.

At the same time, he enrolled on a set of online distance learning modules with IBERS at Aberystwyth University.

© Aberystwyth University

“I thought it would be a great way to boost my confidence and open up new opportunities,” he says.

Having been out of formal education for over 20 years, Dan was unsure what to expect. But the flexibility of the courses quickly won him over.

“You can dip in and out around busy weeks on the farm,” he explains. “It’s easy to manage in small chunks, and I met other like-minded farmers along the way.”

Inspired by how practical and relevant the courses were, Dan has now committed to completing a full MSc.

As well as taking modules to support his Nuffield research, he’s chosen technical topics in livestock nutrition and production to improve his day-to-day farm decisions.

© Aberystwyth University

“The great thing about the distance learning is that you can pick the modules that matter to you,” he says. “I’m already applying what I’ve learnt—like using feed evaluation techniques for ewe rationing.”

Next up for Dan? Designing and carrying out a research project on his own farm as part of the MSc.

© Aberystwyth University

Watch this interview with Dan on his experience of studying via online distance learning modules with IBERS at Aberystwyth University.

If you’re interested in building your knowledge and balancing production with sustainability, take a look at what IBERS can offer – the next courses start this September.

Find out more on the IBERS Distance Learning website.