Abi Reader, a third-generation dairy farmer passionate about the land and its preservation, has just taken the helm as NFU Cymru’s first female president. With boots on the ground at her family farm near Cardiff, she’s swapping the fields for the corridors of power, vowing to champion farmers’ voices in challenging times.
Abi, who was pivotal in the fight against proposed government inheritance tax changes that threatened her family’s farm, has seen how political decisions can sow uncertainty and frustration in the farming community. Thousands of farmers rallied alongside Abi at the Senedd to protest the Welsh Government’s proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme, a testament to the industry’s solidarity and resilience.
Now, with changes secured and some relief achieved, Abi reflects on the cost of these political battles. “Yes, there’s relief,” she says, “but trust needs rebuilding.” For years, she has been a key voice in campaigns on milk prices and tax proposals, balancing activism with managing a thriving dairy enterprise.
Her journey from the milking shed to agricultural leadership serves as a beacon for both women in agriculture and the farming sector at large. Abi’s goal? To reset conversations, influence new political avenues, and ensure farming remains robust for future generations.
Her story is one of grit and determination: managing 200 cows, producing milk for thousands, and navigating political landscapes. Through it all, Abi maintains her first love. “Farming runs through my veins,” she says. But she knows speaking up is crucial. If nobody advocates for these communities, farms could vanish.
This is just the beginning for Abi as she steps into her new role, ready to face future challenges head-on and nurture Welsh agriculture’s voice on every stage. “We’re embracing a new era,” she asserts—determined that the mud on her wellies translates into meaningful change at the policy table.
Follow Abi’s journey as she works tirelessly to secure a better future for the farming community and preserve the legacy of generations past. 🚜❤️ #FarmingFuture #FemaleInspiration #NFUCymruPresident