Business

Farmers cautious but resilient as costs remain high across Wales

Published

5 months ago

February 21, 2026

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.

Business

Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery celebrates opening of second shop in Narberth

Published

3 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A LOCAL pet treat business has celebrated a major milestone after opening its second shop on Narberth High Street.

The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery welcomed customers through the doors of its new Narberth store on Saturday, marking the latest stage in the growth of the independent business founded by Ali and Kelly.

Despite the hot weather, the opening attracted a strong turnout, with customers visiting to explore the bakery’s range of nutritious and colourful treats for dogs, cats and other much-loved pets.

The new premises joins the company’s established Haverfordwest store, allowing the team to serve customers from two Pembrokeshire town centres.

Ali and Kelly said the opening had been the result of years of hard work, determination and belief in their business.

They said: “What started as a big dream is now a reality, and seeing everyone flock through the doors on Saturday, despite the heat, has been one of our proudest moments to date.

“We are still pinching ourselves, to be honest, and it probably won’t sink in for a while yet.”

The pair also thanked residents and neighbouring businesses for the warm welcome they had received since arriving in Narberth.

They added: “The response and support from our friends, followers, customers and visitors has been absolutely incredible.

“Thank you doesn’t seem to cut it, but thank you all so very much. We are a little overwhelmed.”

The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery specialises in fun and nutritious handmade treats, with products available for a range of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, birds and small pets.

The owners said they were now looking forward to building on the success of the opening weekend and continuing to serve customers in both Narberth and Haverfordwest.

The new shop adds another independent name to Narberth’s busy High Street, which is widely known for its mix of locally owned shops, cafés and specialist businesses.

Picture caption: Ali and Kelly outside the new Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery shop on Narberth High Street.

Business

Iconic Tenby music shop Dales opens new branch in Carmarthen

Published

4 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ONE of west Wales’ most recognisable independent music retailers has expanded into Carmarthen with the opening of a brand-new Dales Music Store.

The family-run business, which first opened in Tenby in 1947, has become a favourite destination for generations of music lovers, known for its extensive range of vinyl records, musical instruments, guitars, music accessories and merchandise.

Now, after almost 80 years in business, Dales has opened a second branch on Blue Street in Carmarthen, bringing its distinctive yellow-and-blue branding and passion for music to the county town.

The new store offers a wide selection of new and pre-owned vinyl, guitars, musical instruments, equipment, accessories, gifts and official band merchandise, catering for everyone from experienced musicians to collectors and casual music fans.

The expansion represents a significant milestone for the long-established business, which has evolved from its roots as a piano retailer into one of Wales’ best-known independent music stores while remaining family owned.

Owners say they are excited to welcome customers through the doors of the new Carmarthen branch and hope it will become a hub for the local music community, offering the same friendly service and specialist knowledge that has made the Tenby store a trusted name for decades.

The arrival of Dales also provides a welcome boost to Carmarthen’s independent retail scene, giving shoppers another reason to visit the town centre and supporting the area’s growing reputation as a destination for independent businesses.

Photo caption: The Dales team outside the new Carmarthen store on Blue Street, marking the opening of the iconic Tenby music retailer’s second branch.

Business

All Pets Vet Care begins new chapter under local ownership

Published

5 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ALL PETS VET CARE is beginning a new chapter as ownership of the practice passes from founder Billa Schleicher to experienced local vets Alice Richards and Pete Howe.

The change will ensure the practice remains independently owned and firmly rooted in the Pembrokeshire community.

Alice and Pete have both worked as small animal vets in Pembrokeshire for more than a decade and say they are proud to build on the strong foundations already established at the practice.

They have pledged to continue providing compassionate, gentle and fairly priced veterinary care, with every animal treated as a valued member of the family.

The existing All Pets Vet Care team will remain in place, meaning clients will continue to see the same familiar faces and receive consistent, high-quality care.

Alice and Pete said the team’s longstanding relationships with clients were central to the practice’s success and that they intended to support and invest in staff as the business develops.

Alice said: “It is a privilege to take on All Pets Vet Care. There is a wonderful team here, and we are committed to maintaining the same personal and caring approach that clients and their pets know and trust.

“Remaining independent means we can stay close to the needs of our clients and the local community.”

Pete added: “We both care deeply about Pembrokeshire and the people and pets who live here.

“We want every client to feel supported, listened to and confident that their pets are in safe hands.

“That includes continuing to provide our own out-of-hours care for registered clients, so pets can be seen close to home by a familiar and trusted team when it matters most.”

All Pets Vet Care is one of only a small number of practices in Pembrokeshire to provide its own out-of-hours service for registered clients, offering continuity of care during evenings, nights and weekends.

The practice will also continue supporting local wildlife charities Tinkers Hill Bird Rescue and The Hogspital, which cares for sick and injured hedgehogs.

The partnerships have formed an important part of Billa’s legacy at the practice and will continue under the new owners.

Alice and Pete said All Pets Vet Care would remain an active part of the community, providing trusted advice, continuity of care and a genuinely personal service to pet owners across Pembrokeshire.

As the practice looks to the future, its commitment remains unchanged: providing trusted, compassionate and independent care for local pets and the people who love them.