THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have welcomed a new announcement from Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch outlining her proposals to safeguard the future of the UK’s farming industry.

During a press conference earlier today, Ms Badenoch pledged to scrap what the party describes as the “Family Farm Tax”, cut red tape, reduce bureaucracy, lower energy bills and step up efforts to tackle rural crime. She told supporters that the Conservatives “understand what farmers are going through” and would ensure their voices are heard.

Commenting on the announcement, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS, said Labour in both Westminster and Cardiff Bay had “made it clear they do not understand rural life.”

“Farmers are facing immense pressures from rising costs, uncertain markets and changes to agricultural policy,” he said.

“Labour’s family farm tax, their inability to deal with rural crime, high energy costs and unnecessary red tape could all be the final straw for many. Today’s announcement reiterates that the Conservatives are the only party standing with our farming communities.”

Mr Kurtz added that the Welsh Conservatives’ own plan for agriculture, combined with the pledges set out by Ms Badenoch, would help the sector “thrive”.

“Farming in Wales needs a friend,” he said, “and that friend is the Welsh Conservatives.”

POLICE are investigating the theft of 29 yearling ewes from mountain grazing land in Cilycwm, near Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire.

The livestock were taken sometime between 1 September and 22 October 2025, according to Dyfed-Powys Police.

The ewes are mostly white-bodied and have two distinctive pitchmarks which officers hope will help farmers and the public identify them. These include a black number 8 marked on the side of the body and a green ‘T’ symbol on the top of the back. Images of the missing animals have been issued as part of the appeal.

The force’s Rural Crime Team is urging anyone who may have noticed suspicious activity on the mountainside during that period, or who has information on the location of the animals, to contact officers on 101.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.

Long-serving industry advocate recognised for mentoring and public engagement

CARMARTHENSHIRE farmer Haydn Evans has been awarded the 2025 Farmers’ Union of Wales – United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society Award for his exceptional contribution to farming in the county and across Wales.

Mr Evans, an organic dairy farmer and Vice Chair of NFU Cymru Carmarthenshire, was recognised for his long-standing commitment to the agricultural sector at both local and national level.

After a successful career in the banking sector, he began farming from scratch twenty years ago, purchasing his first farm and a small herd of cows. He now runs a 97-hectare organic dairy enterprise split across two units – one dedicated to the milking herd and the other to rearing youngstock.

Alongside running the business, Mr Evans plays an active role in industry representation. He serves as Chair of the Welsh Organic Forum and is closely involved with NFU Cymru’s work in the county. His background in finance is seen as a valuable asset in discussions about business resilience, future policy and the challenges facing family farms.

He is also a mentor with the Farming Connect Mentoring Scheme, offering practical guidance to farmers across Wales, particularly those seeking to diversify or strengthen their business operations.

Mr Evans is a strong advocate for agricultural education and public engagement. Each year he supports Carmarthenshire YFC’s “My Food Plate” event, which introduces primary school pupils to sustainable food production and environmental stewardship.

Further developing his technical skills, he recently completed the Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme (FACTS) and now teaches at Gelli Aur Agricultural College, helping to train the next generation of agricultural professionals.

The award was presented at the FUW’s Eve of the Welsh Dairy Show Dinner, held at Carmarthen Market on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. This year’s award was sponsored by NatWest Cymru.

Sian Thomas, Chair of the United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society, said the recognition was “well-deserved,” praising Mr Evans’ dedication to supporting new entrants and promoting best practice within Welsh agriculture.

FUW President Ian Rickman also congratulated Mr Evans, highlighting both his success as an organic dairy farmer and his “tireless efforts to educate and inspire others within the agricultural community.”