SEVERAL organisations, including the Farmers’ Union of Wales have written to the Welsh Government raising the critical issue of Wales’ diminishing local abattoir infrastructure.

The letter, addressed to Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, has been co-signed by 8 organisations, including Nature Friendly Farming Network, North Wales Wildlife Trust, Pasture for Life, Plantlife Cymru, Rare Breeds Survival Trust, RSPB Cymru, the Sustainable Food Trust and the Farmers’ Union of Wales. In 1990 there were 58 red meat abattoirs in Wales, whereas today there are just fifteen, with nine being small-medium, and five of these being classed as small. Even fewer are able to provide all of the services farmers need to sell directly to local consumers, such as butchering, packaging, processing small numbers of animals, multi-species animals, having organic certification, and the ability to deal with horned animals, or those ‘over thirty months’ (OTM).

This issue puts Welsh farmers’ ability to sell and distinguish their products from imports produced to lower environmental and animal welfare standards at risk.

All co-signatures of the letter highlighted the role of grazing livestock for the management and enhancement of priority habitats across Wales, from peatlands to salt marshes, species-rich grasslands to heathlands, ffriddoedd and ‘Celtic Woodlands’. Complementing this grazing with being able to sell directly to the consumer, supports the economic sustainability of farming businesses through ‘added value’ sales, particularly when the hardier breeds of livestock that are typically used will often have less of a commercial value.

Commenting, Farmers’ Union of Wales President, Ian Rickman said: “The FUW has been clear that if the Welsh Government wants to promote a ‘circular economy’ and ensure Welsh produce produced to high environmental standards can be marketed as such, then the abattoir infrastructure is an essential enabler. The fact that Australian and New Zealand lamb imports have increased by 78%, at the same time that farmers in Wales are struggling to sell their produce locally, makes no sense. Such a situation undermines the efforts farmers are making to enhance biodiversity, nutritional value, and low carbon produce sold to Welsh consumers, as well as the integrity of Welsh Lamb and Beef’s ‘Protected Geographical Indication’ status.

The FUW’s Livestock and Hill Farming Committee wish to see the Government providing additional support to abattoirs in light of increased and burdensome regulation, running costs and veterinary capacity issues. The letter also urges the Government to ensure the Food Standards Agency small abattoir discount is maintained, that they recognise the abattoir network as ‘critical infrastructure for Wales’, and work with industry to explore solutions such as capital grant schemes.”

Other issues facing abattoirs include ‘animal by-products’ (such as skins, hides or offal) which used to represent an income stream for abattoirs and contributed towards a circular economy, which are now an added cost due to disposal charges.

Teleri Fielden, Farmers’ Union of Wales Policy Officer added: “Farmers in Wales are rightfully proud of our high animal welfare standards and the quality of life afforded to many grazing livestock. Whilst out of the farmers’ control, short journeys to slaughter is part of this, as is access to casualty and emergency slaughter services. However, there is only one slaughterhouse in Wales which has the ‘contract’ to receive BovineTB reactors, creating lengthy journeys and additional stress to both the animal and the farmer experiencing a bTB breakdown.

As the letter outlines, the startling loss of small and local abattoirs in Wales, which is replicated across the rest of the UK, poses a threat to sustainable farming, biodiversity restoration, Welsh produce, animal welfare and our circular economy. The FUW looks forward to finding solutions to this issue by working with the Welsh Government and the wider industry.”

FOUR CYMRU, the leading bilingual integrated international media, creative and communications agency in Wales, recently announced its sponsorship of the Royal Welsh Show 2025, Europe’s largest agricultural show.

Part of the wider Four Agency Worldwide international group, Four Cymru offers a pan-Wales reach delivering integrated marketing and communications campaigns with a strong focus on branding, creative design and digital media across many sectors in the industry.

“We’re proud to support this year’s Royal Welsh Show – a cornerstone event that honours the rich agricultural traditions and dynamic culture of Wales,” said Amelia Stevens, managing director at Four Cymru. “This sponsorship is a meaningful way for us to give back to our communities and celebrate what makes Wales so special.”

“As one of the sponsors of the show and the Food and Drink Village – Gwledd, we’re excited to continue our journey with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, having developed the Gwledd brand in 2023. It’s a privilege to see it come to life again this year and we look forward to connecting with stakeholders and visitors throughout the event.”

Attracting over 200,000 visitors, the prestigious Royal Welsh Show held annually at the Showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, is a cornerstone of Welsh culture and agriculture, attracting thousands of visitors from across the country and beyond.

The Royal Welsh Show 2025 promises to be an exciting event, featuring a wide range of competitions, attractions, displays, activities, live music and shopping opportunities.

Two of Four’s founders are sisters, Nan and Einir Williams, who are originally from Llanidloes in Mid Wales. Einir, Four’s group managing director has fond memories of the Royal Welsh added, “The Royal Welsh is a key summer event for many people living in mid Wales. We went as a family mostly and by my teenage years I worked on the event in many guises – even driving an ice cream van one year! To now be part of shaping its experience through our work at Four is a real privilege.”

Nan Williams, group chief executive of Four Agency Worldwide said, “Supporting the Royal Welsh Show is not only a celebration of Welsh culture and rural enterprise, but a strategic investment in the future of our economy. The Royal Welsh is Europe’s largest agricultural showcase and an important event in the calendar. We pride ourselves on marketing Wales to the world with offices in Cardiff, London, Sheffield and then beyond in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh.

“At Four, we believe in the power of partnerships that drive visibility, opportunity and growth for UK businesses. Our sponsorship of the Food and Drink Village reflects our commitment to championing producers and amplifying the voices of those shaping the nation’s food and farming landscape across Europe.”

Aled Rhys Jones, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society said, “We are delighted to welcome Four Cymru as a sponsor for this year’s show. Their support is invaluable, and we look forward to working together to make the 2025 Royal Welsh Show a memorable experience for all visitors.”

For more information about Four Cymru and our services, please visit https://www.four.agency.

New movement restrictions and testing regime come into force from June 20

PEMBROKESHIRE livestock keepers are being urged to prepare for imminent changes to Bluetongue virus (BTV) control measures as Welsh Government updates its policy to prevent further spread of the disease.

From Thursday, June 20, any cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas or alpacas being moved into Wales from a Bluetongue Restricted Zone will require:

A specific movement licence (available on gov.uk)

A valid pre-movement test, at the owner’s expense

Animals showing clinical signs of illness on the day of travel must not be moved into Wales.

To allow time for preparation, exemptions to pre-movement testing have been extended until Wednesday, June 19. After that date, the new rules will be strictly enforced.

Additional temporary measures introduced during the low vector season remain in place until July 1, including:

No requirement to use insecticides at approved markets, abattoirs, or in livestock transport

No requirement for slaughterhouses to be designated for Restricted Zone intake

However, from July 1, the Bluetongue Restricted Zone will expand to cover all of England, significantly increasing the number of animals subject to movement controls.

What is Bluetongue?

Bluetongue is a viral disease primarily affecting ruminants and camelids. It is spread by certain types of biting midges (Culicoides species), which are active in the UK from April to November.

Animals may be infected and contagious without showing symptoms — particularly adult cattle, which can carry the virus for weeks.

Clinical signs in sheep may include:

• Mouth and nose ulcers
• Eye and nasal discharge
• Drooling
• Swelling of lips, tongue, head, neck, and hooves
• Lameness, breathing issues, fever, and sometimes death

In cattle, signs include:

• Fatigue and loss of appetite
• Crusting and redness around the muzzle and nostrils
• Reduced milk yield and abortions
• Nasal discharge and erosions on teats

In pregnant animals, BTV can cause miscarriage, deformities, blindness, or death of newborn calves.

Controlling the spread

The Bluetongue virus can be transmitted through:

• Infected midges
• Infected animals (including imports)
• Contaminated biological materials (blood, semen, embryos)

Livestock keepers are advised to:

• Source animals responsibly
• Monitor livestock closely
• Use insect-proof housing, particularly at dawn and dusk
• Maintain high standards of biosecurity and hygiene

Vaccination

Three BTV-3 vaccines are permitted for use in the UK. Two are authorised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate; a third may only be used under licence. All vaccination must comply with current licensing rules.

More information is available at: Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccination – gov.uk

Tracing and licensing

All livestock must be registered and traceable. If you’re planning to move animals into or out of a Bluetongue-affected area, you must check if a movement licence is required.

Animal keepers should consult their vet before importing animals or biological products from any country with a known or suspected Bluetongue risk.

Report suspected cases

If you suspect Bluetongue:

📞 Call APHA immediately on 0300 303 8268

An APHA vet will investigate and confirm suspected cases.

For local advice, contact Pembrokeshire County Council’s Animal Welfare Team at:
📧 [email protected]