At just 21, Owain Lewis (Garth Villa, Llandyrnog) is building something many spend a lifetime working toward: a place in farming that’s entirely his own.

He didn’t grow up on a farm, nor did he come from a farming family. But everything changed when he took a job as a relief milker. Somewhere between the early mornings and long days, something clicked. What began as a job quickly became a calling.

Owain threw himself into learning the trade from the ground up. He juggled multiple jobs, saving every penny he could to start rearing calves. Those early days weren’t easy. Buying and selling through livestock markets meant uncertainty. Prices fluctuated, margins were hard to predict, and every decision carried risk.

That turning point came in 2023, when Owain partnered with Warrendale Wagyu. The structured pricing model gave him something he hadn’t had before: clarity. Suddenly, he could map out his finances, understand his margins and make decisions with confidence rather than guesswork.

“It takes the stress away,” he explains. “I weigh the cattle every couple of weeks and already have a good idea of what I’ll get. That makes a huge difference when you’re starting from scratch.”

Owain’s journey has been marked by bold steps. At just 17, he became the youngest applicant to secure finance through Oxbury Bank, enabling him to begin building his herd. Today, alongside two other jobs, he rents sheds to house his growing number of cattle and has reared around 250 calves.

But for Owain, it’s not just about business. He speaks with genuine affection for the Wagyu cattle.

“They’re kind, inquisitive animals,” he says. “They don’t take long to get used to you, and I really enjoy working with them.”

As a finalist in the British Farming Awards 2024, Owain’s story is one of grit, belief and quiet determination.

Watch the video or  see more case studies from Warrendale farmers. 

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