Farming

Pressing questions on farm funding’s future

Published

10 years ago

August 16, 2016

FOLLOWING a debate in the House of Commons, the attitude of Welsh politicians in the UK Parliament was thrown into sharp focus by comments made by both Conservative minister Guto Bebb and Wrexham’s Labour MP Ian Lucas.

It was Mr Lucas’ remarks which attracted the most notable reaction by Welsh politicians in the first instance.

He asked Mr Bebb: “Does the Minister agree that leaving the European Union offers a golden opportunity to assess the level of subsidy paid to farming in Wales to see whether that money can be more effectively and efficiently spent in other areas?”

The inference to be drawn from the question was crystal clear and was pounced upon by Plaid Cymru.

CALL FOR COMMITMENT ON AGRICULTURE

Carmarthenshire’s Jonathan Edwards MP, who was sitting in front of Ian Lucas MP in the Commons, called for Labour to urgently clarify whether it will cut financial support for Welsh farmers.

Plaid Cymru Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Simon Thomas, said: “Ahead of the Referendum, the people of Wales were promised that no funding would be lost by leaving the European Union. Since then, Plaid Cymru has made it our duty to fight to protect the funding that Wales receives, but Labour seems to view it as a chance for a smash and grab on Wales’ funding.

“We know that 80% of Welsh farms are dependent on European funding to support their businesses, but Labour has shown complete disregard for the interests of the people of Wales and its agriculture sector.

“Labour really has let the mask slip. Whilst Plaid Cymru is focusing on protecting the interests of Welsh communities, Labour is plotting to cut their funding.”

Mr Edwards said: “Labour’s blatant and worrying attack on Welsh agriculture is yet another sign that the Labour party simply does not understand the Welsh agriculture sector or the challenges faced by our rural communities.

“The Welsh family farm is not only a core component of the Welsh agricultural sector and the Welsh economy, but is the main channel through which we as a nation can achieve food and environmental security.

“This expression of contempt for our agricultural sector is utterly unjustified. Welsh farmers face tremendous financial challenges in selling their produce and Labour should be focusing their efforts on facilitating Welsh agricultural exports, rather than marking them as a target for austerity and cuts.

“The Labour MP’s constituency partner, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths, urgently needs to answer whether her constituency’s partner’s question reflects official Labour Party policy.”

FARMERS ARE ‘WEALTHY LANDOWNERS’

The Labour MP was unrepentant about his remarks and has gone on to further criticise the Welsh farming community, stated that Welsh farmers are ‘wealthy landowners’.

The Herald invited the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs to respond to her Westminster colleague’s remarks.

A spokesperson for the Welsh Government told us: “The First Minister made it clear to the Prime Minister earlier this week he is seeking assurances that Welsh farmers do not lose out financially as a result of Brexit. This means every penny currently received from the EU being replaced by the UK Government. The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs also reiterated this to the UK Government’s Farming Minister.

“As we prepare to withdraw from the European Union, we must use the opportunity over the coming years to assess the specific needs of the farming industry in Wales and identify how we can forge distinctly Welsh policies that will enable Welsh farming to prosper in a post-Brexit world.”

‘NOT A PENNY LESS’

Welsh Liberal Democrat William Powell told The Herald: “In the economic conditions that we now face as a country, pressure on the public purse will be all the more acute. The Welsh Liberal Democrats are supporting the ‘Not a Penny Less’ campaign in terms of farm support, and this has proved popular on our stand at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

“However, it is more important than ever for farmers to engage in the public debate, so that there is a better understanding of the vital contribution that they make as custodians of the land, in terms both of maintaining biodiversity, but also to the whole tourist sector, which we know is such a critical part of the wider rural economy.

“However, more important than anything for Welsh farming is securing long -term access to the European Single Market for our quality farm exports – and making that an essential element in the permanent post Referendum settlement. And with Andrea Leadsom MP’s comments about hill farmers ‘looking after the butterflies ’, betraying an evident lack of understanding and empathy for Welsh farming, it is vital that Wales retains a robust and distinct farming policy. Welsh Liberal Democrats will be fighting for this in the time to come.”

LABOUR INSULTS RURAL COMMUNITIES

Andrew RT Davies was trenchant in his criticism both of Mr Lucas and Lesley Griffiths: “These comments once again highlight Labour’s attitude towards rural communities, and it is remarkable that their MPs are actively lobbying to give less money to farmers.

“It follows comments from Leslie Griffiths, the Cabinet Secretary who insulted Welsh farmers by suggesting that they don’t make good business owners. Now they want to take their money away.

“During the campaign, senior UK government ministers gave guarantees that Welsh farmers would not be worse off after the UK leaves the EU, and I will continue to work with those colleagues to ensure that those promises are delivered.”

THE LESS CERTAIN MR BEBB

However, an examination of Guto Bebb’s responses to Commons questions on Wales’ farming sector reveals a less certain picture.

The Undersecretary of State was questioned repeatedly on the impact of Brexit on the funding provided to Welsh farmers.

In response to Ian Lucas’s question, rather than giving a ringing ‘no’ and committing the UK Government to maintaining funding levels, Mr Bebb said (emphases added): “We need to look at the way in which Government spend money. IF there is to be a funding mechanism in the future for Welsh agriculture, it MUST BE LOOKED at in the totality of Government spending.”

That is some way short of promises made by senior UK Government ministers that Wales’ farmers would not be worse off.

And to further underline how conditional UK Government’s support is, responding to a question from Liz Saville-Roberts, Plaid’s MP for Dwyfor Meiryonnydd, the limited reassurance given was an ‘assurance to the farming unions that the current funding situation is in place until 2018’.

That echoed a previous response to Mark Williams, Liberal Democrat MP for Ceredigion, in which the conditionality of UK Government support for Welsh agriculture was again underlined: “… The ongoing support for Welsh farming will be subject to agreements involving this Government, the way in which we exit the European Union and the decisions taken by the future Prime Minister.”

That is, again, a long way short of Andrew RT Davies’s reference to a promise that Welsh farmers would not be worse off.

The reluctance to commit to a definitive answer is striking, bearing in mind that in the same questions to the Welsh Office, Mr Bebb stated that: “The farming sector is the economic backbone of the Welsh rural economy. The total income from farming in Wales is estimated at more than £175 million, but more important is the contribution that Welsh agriculture makes to our rural communities.”

He also remarked that: “More than 60,000 jobs in Wales are dependent on the agriculture sector, and it would be short-sighted in the extreme for any Government to turn their back on a sector that puts Wales on the international map.”

‘FARMING IS WALES’ BEDROCK’

Speaking at the Royal Welsh Show last week, Glyn Roberts, President of the FUW, made a series of emphatic observations on the importance of Wales’s agricultural sector: “There are almost as many people engaged in the milk industry in Pembrokeshire as there are people making a living in our Welsh steel industry. Yet there is a clear imbalance in political focus for supporting these two very important industries – an imbalance which also extends to all our agricultural sectors.”

He added that his aspiration and, indeed, the intention of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is to change this.

“We want to see the value and importance of the rural economy truly recognised, and to build a visible and valued Rural Powerhouse – not something that attracts industrial focus in a small geographic area, like the north-east Wales ‘powerhouse’ built around foreign manufacturing; what is needed is recognition of the fact that 80% of our land mass is rural; that more than a third of Wales’ population live in rural areas; and that farming is the bedrock of our rural communities, without which vast direct and indirect contributions to Wales’ economy as a whole would disappear.”

Business

Farmers cautious but resilient as costs remain high across Wales

Published

1 day ago

February 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Major supplier says confidence lower despite signs of stability returning

FARMERS across Wales are facing another difficult year as input costs remain significantly higher than before the pandemic, according to new industry insight from agricultural supplier Wynnstay Group.

The company, which has deep roots in rural Wales and generates around sixty per cent of its retail revenue in the country, says confidence among farmers is lower than this time last year, with rising costs, policy uncertainty and tightening margins influencing spending decisions.

However, there are also signs of resilience, with many producers focusing on efficiency and forward planning to cope with ongoing pressures.

Wales at heart of business

Wynnstay, originally founded by tenant farmers in Mid Wales in 1918, has grown into a major UK agricultural supplier serving more than 20,000 farming customers through manufacturing sites, stores and on-farm services. The group employs hundreds of staff across the UK and operates a nationwide distribution network supporting livestock and arable producers.

The company says Welsh farming businesses continue to play a central role in its commercial performance and long-term growth strategy.

Cautious investment decisions

According to Wynnstay, farmers are delaying some investment decisions but are increasingly seeking value-driven solutions that improve productivity.

Feed volumes have increased across the company’s Welsh store network over the past year, reflecting demand for blended feeds that offer greater flexibility and cost control. Rather than reducing purchases outright, many farmers are matching spending more closely to performance and output.

Fertiliser demand has also been strong, with sales ahead of last year, although some farmers have delayed buying in the hope prices may fall. Global supply pressures and rising gas costs mean prices are expected to remain firm into the busy spring season.

Costs still far above pre-Covid levels

Industry data shows overall farm input costs remain significantly higher than before 2020, with feed, fertiliser, fuel, electricity and machinery all continuing to put pressure on farm margins.

While some costs have eased from their peaks, they have not returned to previous levels, influencing buying behaviour across the sector.

Margins for livestock and dairy farms were strong last year, but Wynnstay says they are now tightening, particularly in the dairy sector where milk prices have fallen and volatility remains high.

Pressure on family farms

Smaller family-run farms are under greater strain than larger commercial operations, with less financial resilience to absorb rapid market changes. Reports of rising closures among family farms, particularly in dairy, reinforce concerns about the sector’s long-term sustainability.

Government policy changes are also contributing to uncertainty. The transition away from the Basic Payment Scheme and wider tax reforms have led many farmers to postpone larger investments until there is clearer long-term stability.

Local reaction

Pembrokeshire farmer Chris James said the situation reflected what many farmers were experiencing locally.

“We’ve definitely noticed the squeeze over the past year or two,” he said. “Costs for feed, fertiliser and fuel are still much higher than they used to be, and that makes you think twice about every decision. Most farmers I know aren’t cutting back on production — they’re just trying to be more efficient and careful with spending.”

He added: “People want to invest and move forward, but it’s hard when you don’t know exactly what the long-term policy picture will look like.”

NFU Cymru has also warned that rising costs and policy uncertainty continue to weigh heavily on farm businesses across Wales, with confidence affected by concerns over future support schemes and wider economic challenges. The union has called for greater long-term certainty to allow farmers to invest with confidence and maintain domestic food production.

Weather shocks impact behaviour

Extreme weather during 2025 — including a very dry spring followed by periods of intense heat and a challenging wet autumn — also affected purchasing patterns, with farmers spacing orders and prioritising essential inputs as conditions changed.

Ordering behaviour is now returning to more normal patterns as conditions stabilise.

Outlook for 2026

Despite ongoing pressures, Wynnstay says it is cautiously optimistic about the year ahead.

Many farmers are making careful decisions around efficiency, nutrition and planning, and the company believes there are opportunities for businesses to strengthen their position through 2026 with good cost control and smart investment.

Summing up the sector, the company said Welsh agriculture remains resilient, with farmers showing determination and adaptability despite continuing challenges.

Farming

Growing fodder beet could be attractive option after difficult 2025 forage season

Published

1 day ago

February 21, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

AFTER the lack of forage in many areas in 2025 due to the drought, this season could see increased interest in growing fodder beet on livestock farms, believes ProCam agronomist, Nick Duggan.

Once fodder beet gets its roots down, it can be quite drought tolerant, says Nick, so it could appeal to farmers looking to diversify forage crops to mitigate risk.

“Although inputs can be quite high, fodder beet does offer a big crop of energy,” explains Nick, who operates in Herefordshire, South Shropshire, Powys and the Cotswolds.

“Compared with stubble turnips yielding about 4-6t of dry matter/ha (DM/ha), fodder beet might yield 20t DM/ha. And, at around 12.5ME, the energy content of its roots is similar to grass.

“There’s also the flexibility to feed fodder beet to sheep, beef or dairy, and to lift or graze it, although it’s important to ‘wean’ livestock onto it gradually, especially cattle, because its high energy content can cause acidosis,” he adds.

To help ensure that farmers grow the right varieties for their situation based on robust data, Nick says ProCam has been evaluating the performance of fodder beet varieties over multiple seasons, with on-farm trials conducted in the North and West of the country as well as other locations country wide.

“We test a range of varieties,” he continues. “These range from low DM beets for grazing, to high energy types for lifting and chopping for livestock, or for use in anaerobic digestion (AD) plants.

“Typically, 20 or so varieties might be tested annually in these replicated trial plots, with 4-5 new varieties included each year. But a lot of the established varieties have been in the trial for maybe six years – so we have long term data and can robustly benchmark new varieties.”

Assessments begin with variety emergence and vigour, and conclude at harvest by measuring yields, says Nick, with beets lifted and tops and roots weighed separately. Yields per hectare are then calculated, corrected for %DM.

“Also at harvest, each variety is assessed for disease resilience, and for the amount of root protruding above the soil. More root protruding is helpful if grazing. If lifting beet, you want more root in the ground for protection from frost.

“Agronomically, we encourage all farmers to keep the tops as healthy as possible with a summer nutrition programme. As well as helping to protect roots from frost, a healthy canopy helps sustain the crop into winter. This helps if growing for energy for AD plants, but also tops have good feed value, at about 17% crude protein, and can provide 2-2.5t DM/ha.”

In addition to evaluating varieties, ProCam also evaluates the performance of primed seed, says Nick, which is available with certain fodder beet varieties. Primed seed is pre-germinated for faster emergence, and tends to produce more uniform plants at the cotyledon stage, he notes.

“Faster establishment, in turn, helps with weed suppression, and once fodder beet reaches 12 leaves, it becomes more tolerant to virus yellows.

“Plus, primed seed can deliver higher yields. Results can vary, but in five years of trials on the variety Geronimo we saw a yield uplift of approximately 1.5t DM/ha from Active Boost primed seed compared with conventional seed.

“With the unpredictable spring weather we get nowadays, I think primed seed is extremely useful technology for fodder beet growers.”

Photo caption: Fodder beet offers a big crop of energy, and once it gets its roots down it can be quite drought tolerant, says ProCam agronomist, Nick Duggan

Farming

Deputy First Minister raises concerns over fishing funds and farm policy

Published

1 day ago

February 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Funding formula and visa rules among key issues discussed ahead of Senedd election period

THE WELSH Government has voiced concerns over fishing funding allocations, farm policy, and potential labour shortages during a recent UK-wide ministerial meeting on rural affairs.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, attended the latest Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs meeting on Wednesday (Feb 5), alongside ministers from the UK, Scottish and Northern Ireland governments.

One of the main topics was the UK Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund. Ministers from devolved administrations expressed disappointment that the Barnett formula had been used to determine allocations, arguing it failed to reflect the size and importance of the fishing sector in each nation or previous funding levels.

Talks also covered progress on negotiations for a UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, which could affect cross-border trade in food, plants and animals. Devolved governments welcomed engagement from the UK Government so far but stressed the need for continued cooperation, particularly around biosecurity and the legislative process required to implement any agreement across the UK.

Ministers also discussed the UK Government’s Farm Profitability Review — known as the Batters Review — and the emerging UK Food Strategy. Although these policies apply mainly to England, ministers noted they could still have implications for Wales and other devolved nations, highlighting the need for collaborative working.

A joint approach to banning peat use in horticulture was also agreed in principle, with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) expected to set out possible timelines.

Concerns were also raised about proposed changes to UK work visa rules, which ministers warned could worsen shortages of seasonal agricultural workers, particularly sheep shearers. UK Government ministers acknowledged the risks and said discussions were ongoing.

The next meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Group is scheduled for March 2026, ahead of the upcoming elections in both Wales and Scotland.