News

Concern for the state of specialist beef production

Published

10 years ago

January 8, 2015

THE CURRENT fragile state of specialist beef production was highlighted at a recent NFU Cymru meeting when it was reported that the number of beef cattle, over two years of age, has decreased in Wales by more than 22,000 over the last four years. The figures highlight the problems within the Welsh beef industry of price volatility, cost of production and bovine TB, which are all contributing factors as to why Brecon and Radnor farmers present at the well-attended county Annual General Meeting feared for the future of the national suckler herd.

Addressing the meeting, NFU Cymru Livestock Board Chairman, Lyndon Edwards said, “Cattle finishers had a tough summer season whilst the store trade remained firm. The Irish supply of beef has now started to tighten therefore demand for UK produce is increasing. Margins are tight in the beef sector but I do believe that the prospects for the coming year are better.” Suggestions were made that the Wales Rural Development Programme (RDP) should be delivering on capital grants on practical items such as improving cattle handling systems on farm.

Mr Edwards continued, “We desperately need projects and schemes up and running to deliver RDP support direct to farm level as soon as possible. “Welsh farmers cannot afford to see support lost from direct payments this year without a clear timetable of when they will have the opportunity to recover this support back to their farming businesses.

We need the RDP to be straightforward and any funding must be accessed easily and made available to all farmers throughout Wales.” Looking at the sheep sector, the largest breeding flock of 4.4 million breeding ewes has been recorded in Wales for a decade. Mr Edwards concluded, “Weather conditions were far better for the 2014 lambing season, we have however seen poor practice on the part of some of the retailers during the summer months.

Throughout this I have met with a number of the retailers and impressed on them the need to back Welsh farming through placing PGI Welsh lamb prominently on their shelves. Alongside this we need to explore all avenues of improving lamb consumption at home as well as building new export markets.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.