Farming

Thousands of visitors flocked to the Royal Welsh Winter Fair

Published

2 months ago

November 27, 2025

Two days of celebration, competition and festive atmosphere this week

THOUSANDS of visitors flocked to the Royal Welsh Winter Fair for two days of celebration, competition and festive atmosphere this week.

First staged in 1990, the annual event was held at the showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells on Monday and Tuesday and has become one of the most popular attractions in the British agricultural calendar.

The fair continues to maintain its position as one of the finest primestock shows in the UK, this year attracting nearly 700 exhibitors from across the UK.

**The bustling Food Hall at the Winter Fair**

The choice of father and son duo, Ieuan and Sion Edwards of the esteemed Edwards of Conwy butchery family, to officially open the event fitted within this year’s educational theme of ‘Our Food / Ein Bwyd’.

In his opening speech, master butcher Ieuan reflected on the Winter Fair’s importance to the industry. Speaking candidly about the challenges and opportunities facing food production, he highlighted the crucial role of farmers in feeding a growing global population.

He noted the pressures facing the industry but also its remarkable resilience, emphasising the importance of creating an environment where farmers can produce high-quality, sustainable and affordable food.

***Ieuan and Sion Edwards, of Edwards of Conwy, officially open the Winter Fair***

Ieuan also shared how deeply the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has shaped his professional and personal journey, recalling highlights such as winning the Sir Bryner Jones Award in 2013 and decades of involvement at the fair.

Sion continued the address with an optimistic view of the industry’s future. He also acknowledged the changing landscape of food production, emphasising the importance of ensuring the next generation can thrive.

“To meet the challenges ahead, our industry must be economically viable and function in an efficient and sustainable manner,” he said. “The future will look different, but the importance of what we do remains the same.”

Sion quoted the writer and Harvard University professor, Michael Pollan, saying: “Food is not just fuel. Food is about family, food is about community, food is about identity. And we nourish all those things when we eat well.”

Notable achievements within the agricultural community were celebrated. John Owen, the 2025 Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) president for featured county Caernarfonshire, presented the John Gittins Memorial Award to Kevin Parry, Powys, the Oxford Farming Conference Bursary to Eiry Wiliams, Ceredigion and the RWAS Nuffield Farming Scholarship to Tudor Roderick, Powys.

The inaugural Dai Jones Llanilar Memorial Award was presented to Elen Gwen Williams from Anglesey. Elen will now have the exciting opportunity to develop an original idea for broadcast on S4C.

Education played a central role at this year’s fair, with more than 2,000 schoolchildren and students attending across the two days. They made the most of free entry for organised primary and secondary school visits, along with reduced rates for further and higher education groups.

This year’s theme, Ein Bwyd / Our Food, provided a dynamic learning experience. Year six workshops delivered by food wholesaler Castell Howell, broadcaster Myfanwy Alexander and The Big Science Project helped deepen pupils’ understanding of where their food comes from and how it is produced, with live cooking demonstrations and interactive sessions bringing the message to life.

Rhys Jones, founder of Cattle Strength Gym, Lampeter, presented certificates to participating schools and spoke about the importance of healthy eating and exercising.

A former rugby professional, Rhys established his farm-based gym in 2015 following a family loss and has since combined his passion for fitness and farming to raise awareness of mental health in agriculture.

The fair is an important platform for policy discussion and debate, with Welsh and UK Government Minister in attendance, together with representatives from the German and Irish Embassies.

Discussions were held between highly influential individuals and organisations that impact the future of Welsh agriculture and the rural economy. The Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) breakfast was addressed by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, MS.

Livestock competitions remained at the heart of the event, with excellent support from exhibitors. There were record numbers in the pig section, the second-highest number of lamb carcass entries and sheep classes at full capacity.

The supreme cattle champion – one of the most prestigious accolades of the Winter Fair – was awarded to ‘Glangdwen Velvet’, a pedigree Limousin heifer weighing 598kg, bred by C. L. & F. E. Jerman and exhibited by Edwards Brothers of Denbighshire. The heifer sold for £27,000, a record price for the event.

The sheep supreme champion award went to a pair of Dutch Texel lambs, both bred and exhibited by Tirion Griffiths of Corwen.

The Pig Supreme Champion (Single) title was awarded to a Welsh cross Pietrain bacon pig exhibited by Teulu Jenkins of Newcastle Emlyn. In the pairs section, the was claimed by Mark Horsley from East Yorkshire with his Pietrain-cross bacon pigs.

The Supreme Horse Champion title was awarded to ‘Llanmorlais Buster’, a Section D yearling colt exhibited by Mark Swistun, Swansea. The Welsh Horse Champion was a Section B yearling colt exhibited by Josh Hampson, West Yorkshire and owned by Alison Wright.

Building on the hugely popular Heavy Horse Village, first introduced by Caernarfon’s Ambassador Rhys Griffith at this year’s Royal Welsh Show, a dedicated area in the Farriery Pavilion showcased magnificent horses alongside the nearby Hound Show.

Elsewhere on the showground, winner of the Best Overall Tradestand Award went to Shearwell Data.

There were more than 370 trade stands, along with more than 80 additional stands in the Food Hall and street food area, where guests were able to sample a wide range of produce from across Wales. Best Food Hall Tradestand was Mountainview Ice Cream from Carmarthenshire.

The Gwledd | Feast Welsh food and drink village offered a vibrant mix of live entertainment and delicious Welsh street food. Performances included the Welsh Whisperer, Parti Camddwr and 50 Shêds o Santa Clos, as well as local schools and choirs.

Headline event sponsors were Welsh Government, HSBC and Dunbia.

Honorary Winter Fair director, William Hanks said: “We’ve been thrilled to welcome such high visitor numbers to this year’s Winter Fair, which once again delivered a wonderful festive atmosphere across the whole showground.

“From exceptional live music and outstanding food and drink to the superb standard of entries across all sections, the event truly showcased the very best of Welsh agriculture and rural life.

“We are deeply grateful for the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, stewards, traders, sponsors and, of course, the visitors who make this event possible. The RWAS is immensely proud of what has been achieved this year and we are committed to building on this success to make next year’s Winter Fair even better.”

Other top results were: Baby Beef Supreme Champion, ‘Pretty Little Thing’, a 318kg Continental heifer bred and exhibited by D E & S. J. Cheacker, Gloucester which sold for £4,400.

Sheep: Single Carcass Supreme Champion, a Beltex, bred by Ben Moralee and exhibited by Swinnerton & Hamplett, Shropshire which sold for £1,600. Carcass Supreme Champion Pair, Beltex cross lambs bred and exhibited by T. G. & E. A. Jones, Lampeter which sold for £ 900 each. Champion Single Carcass bred in Wales, a Beltex cross bred and the White Hart, Llandeilo. Champion Pair of Carcasses bred in Wales, Beltex cross lambs, bred and exhibited by TG & EA Jones which sold for £400 each.

Overall Meat Hamper Champion, ‘Showcase of Welsh Meat’, exhibited by Wild Welsh Meat T/A Izzy’s Butchers, Powys which sold for £340. Dressed poultry champion, a16.5lb turkey exhibited by Russel Gibbons, Ceredigion which sold for £450. Bacon, Burger and Sausage champion, sausages exhibited by Morgan’s Family Butchers, Builth Wells. Beef Rib champion, GCSE Butchers, Powys which sold for £180.

Cover image:

Supreme Horse Champion ‘Llanmorlais Buster’ exhibited by Mark Swistun of Swansea

Farming

Judicial review granted for hundreds of farmers and landowners in Wales

Published

14 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

OVER three hundred Welsh farmers and landowners have been granted the right to legally challenge Green GEN Cymru’s ‘unlawful behaviour’ at the High Court.

The collective filed a judicial review application on behalf of the community groups, Justice for Wales and CPRW, on four separate grounds, including claims that the energy company has acted unlawfully and with disregard for biosecurity and the environment, while trying to gain access to private land to conduct surveys for three major overhead pylon routes.

The proposal will see the energy infrastructure and pylons spanning 200 km across Powys, Ceredigion, Carmarthen, and Montgomeryshire in Wales and across the Welsh border into Shropshire, in the West Midlands of England.

Mrs Justice Jefford granted permission on four grounds – including abuse of power and procedural impropriety – during the three-and-a-half-hour hearing at Cardiff Civil Justice Centre on Tuesday, January 20.

A two-day hearing is expected to take place in April 2026, date to be confirmed.

The judge also accepted an undertaking from Green GEN Cymru that it would not enter land using s.172 powers – the right given to acquiring authorities to enter land to conduct surveys or valuations under the Housing and Planning Act 2016 – until an urgent interim relief application hearing can be held.

Natalie Barstow, founder of Justice for Wales, said: “This is a moment of vindication. For months, we have been left feeling unsafe in our own homes and stripped of our power as farmers and landowners.

“This is not a protest against renewable energy; this is about standing up for what is right. Our right to dignity and to have a voice, and for the future of our land, wildlife, and livelihoods.

“Since we began this battle, hundreds of other farmers and landowners across Wales have come forward with similar stories, and we’ve been supported by many generous donations to fund the legal challenge. We knew we weren’t alone in our concerns, but the response demonstrates it is a far wider issue than we initially feared, and why it is so important that Green GEN’s conduct and protocols are properly scrutinised.

“We said we will not be bullied into submission, and this judgment is just the first foot forward in our fight for justice.”

Mary Smith, a lawyer at New South Law, the law firm representing the impacted communities, said: “Holding acquiring authority status does not entitle a company to disregard the limits of its statutory powers or the rights of the people affected.

“The Court’s decision confirms that Green GEN Cymru must be held to the same legal standards as any other public body when exercising intrusive powers over private land. This case is about restoring fairness, accountability, and respect for the communities whose livelihoods and environments are at stake.”

Farming

New rules to make Welsh lamb pricing clearer set to begin next week

Published

7 days ago

January 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mandatory carcass grading and price reporting will be required in slaughterhouses from Wednesday, January 28

WELSH sheep farmers are set to see new rules introduced next week aimed at making the lamb market fairer and more transparent.

From Wednesday (Jan 28), slaughterhouses in Wales will be required to classify sheep carcasses and report prices using a standardised system. The Welsh Government says the move will improve consistency in grading, make price information easier to compare, and help build confidence for farmers selling stock.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced the change during the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) Farmhouse Breakfast event at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff.

He said the measures would support the industry by ensuring a consistent methodology for classifying carcasses in slaughterhouses, promoting transparency, fairness and productivity within the sheep market.

“Our iconic Welsh lamb is celebrated around the world for its outstanding quality and high production standards,” he said. “These measures will implement a consistent methodology for classifying sheep carcasses in slaughterhouses, promoting transparency, fairness, and increased productivity within the sheep market.”

The regulations bring the sheep sector into line with rules already used for beef and pork.

Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales chief executive José Peralta said the changes would allow for greater data capture and analysis and improve transparency within the supply chain.

He said: “The new regulations, which now align with a similar position for cattle and pigs, will allow for greater data capture and analysis to be undertaken and support increased transparency within the sector. As a sector we must seek all opportunities for greater transparency within the supply chain to ensure that choices can be made from an informed position.”

The Welsh Government says the new approach is part of a wider UK framework, with similar arrangements already operating elsewhere.

During his address, the Deputy First Minister also pointed to further changes expected in 2026, including the planned introduction of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, which the Welsh Government describes as a new partnership between the people of Wales and farmers.

The scheme is intended to support the sustainable production of food while also responding to the climate and nature emergency.

The Welsh Government has also confirmed its commitment to financial support during the transition, with up to £238 million committed to the Universal layer and the legacy Basic Payment Scheme in 2026.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: “I would like to reiterate the Welsh Government’s commitment to supporting Welsh family farms, not just in the short term but also in the long run. Our goal is to prioritise stability for the farming industry, ensuring to balance this with sustainability at its very core.”

He added that supporting farmers through the change would be a priority, with consistent advice and support offered across the sector.

Building fairness within the agricultural supply chain remains a key Welsh Government priority, which it says is also integral to food security.

Farming

Natural Resources Wales urges farmers to follow safe slurry spreading rules

Published

2 weeks ago

January 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NRW is reminding farmers across Wales to take key steps to prevent pollution as the organic manure spreading season re-opens.

During the autumn and winter “closed periods”, restrictions were in place to stop slurry and other high-nitrogen manures being spread, helping reduce the risk of agricultural pollution.

Grassland spreading can resume from Thursday (Jan 16), with spreading on tillage land re-opening on Friday (Jan 31). However, NRW said a number of controls under the Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations (CoAPR) will remain in force until the end of February.

Those restrictions include limits on application rates — no more than 30m³ of slurry per hectare, or eight tonnes of poultry manure, in a single application — with at least three weeks required between applications.

Before spreading organic manure, producers must also carry out field inspections to assess weather and soil conditions, slope, ground cover and proximity to watercourses, to help reduce the risk of runoff.

Farm businesses are expected to plan and record all applications in their Nitrogen Management Plan to ensure nutrients match soil and crop need and remain within nitrogen limits.

Spreading is prohibited on waterlogged, flooded, snow-covered or frozen ground — including soil that has been frozen for more than 12 hours in the previous 24 hours.

NRW said its teams will continue to support farmers while monitoring compliance.

Simon Griffiths, team leader of NRW’s Agricultural Pollution Inspection Team, said: “As the closed periods come to an end, we want to remind farmers, tenants, landlords and contractors of the restrictions which remain in place until the end of February.

“This means anyone considering spreading organic manure needs to ensure the conditions are suitable before work starts.

“NRW is committed to protecting the environment and any instances of pollution will be investigated and appropriate enforcement action taken.”

NRW is urging farmers and members of the public to report pollution incidents immediately via its online “report it” form or by calling 0300 065 3000.