News

Farmers warn over rising costs and uncertainty

Published

1 month ago

April 10, 2026

Conservative candidates Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz say feed, fuel and fertiliser pressures are leaving farm businesses under growing strain

FARMERS in Ceredigion have warned that rising costs and political uncertainty are placing increasing pressure on the agricultural sector.

The issue was raised during a visit to Penlanlas Isaf dairy farm in Talsarn, where Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz met farmers including FUW Ceredigion chair Emyr Evans and his family.

The lead Welsh Conservative candidates for Ceredigion Penfro said the rising cost of the “three Fs” – feed, fuel and fertiliser – was a major concern for those working in the industry.

Farmers told the pair that all three essential inputs have faced sustained price pressure, while many businesses have little ability to pass on higher costs. They said this is squeezing already tight margins and adding to wider concerns about the future of farming.

The candidates also heard that uncertainty linked to policy changes from both the UK and Welsh Labour governments is making it harder for farmers to plan ahead with confidence.

Paul Davies said: “The message from farmers was clear – costs are rising across the board, but it is the three Fs, feed, fuel and fertiliser, that are hitting hardest right now. These are essential inputs, and when their prices rise, it has an immediate and unavoidable impact on farm businesses.”

Samuel Kurtz added: “Agriculture is the backbone of our rural economy, but farmers are being squeezed from all sides. Global instability is pushing up the cost of feed, fuel and fertiliser, while uncertainty around wider policies is making it even harder for farmers to plan for the future.”

During the visit, farmers explained that higher feed costs are directly affecting livestock operations, while rising fuel prices are increasing the cost of machinery, transport and day-to-day work. Fertiliser prices, they said, also remain volatile, putting further pressure on already stretched budgets.

Paul Davies said: “These are not optional costs. Farmers cannot simply cut back on feed, fuel or fertiliser. On top of that, uncertainty around new schemes and regulations is creating real anxiety within the sector. Farmers need clarity and confidence, not more unpredictability.”

Davies and Kurtz said the Welsh Conservatives are committed to supporting farm businesses and ensuring government backing is properly targeted, with a focus on food production and long-term viability.

Their proposals include investing an additional £100 million in the agriculture budget over the next Senedd term, placing food security and productivity at the heart of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, taking action to eradicate bovine TB in both livestock and wildlife, increasing the amount of Welsh food and drink served in schools and hospitals, moving away from an all-Wales NVZ “farming by calendar” policy towards a more targeted catchment-based approach, and continuing to campaign against the Family Farm Tax.

Samuel Kurtz said: “We need a system that recognises the real pressures farmers are under and responds accordingly. That means backing farmers through rising input costs, reducing uncertainty, and ensuring they have the confidence to invest and produce.”

Paul Davies added: “Our farmers are essential to our economy, our food supply and our rural communities. Farming needs a friend right now, and farmers will always have a friend in the Welsh Conservatives.”

Community

Concern grows after child hospitalised following Tenby sea swim

Published

57 minutes ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PARENT SAYS BOY BECAME SERIOUSLY ILL AFTER SWIMMING DURING FAMILY VISIT

CONCERN is growing in Pembrokeshire after a parent claimed their child was admitted to hospital after swimming in the sea at Tenby.

The post, shared in a local Tenby Facebook group, said the family had visited the resort between Monday and Thursday, with the boy swimming in the sea on Tuesday (May 6).

His parent wrote: “My son swam in the sea on the 6th and the next morning came down with terrible sickness and diarrhoea — he’s been very unwell since and has tonight been admitted to hospital.”

They added: “It’s terrible we can’t swim in our seas and rivers safely anymore. Please be aware.”

The post prompted hundreds of reactions and dozens of comments, with many people expressing sympathy for the family and others raising wider concerns about sewage pollution and water quality around the Pembrokeshire coast.

One commenter said: “This is a national disgrace, please put in a written complaint to Dŵr Cymru and Natural Resources Wales.”

Another asked: “Why were there no signs put up on the beaches to warn people it was unsafe to swim in?”

Others claimed they or family members had suffered illness after swimming at locations including Tenby, Amroth, Newgale and Coppet Hall.

One person wrote: “I got sepsis from a cut in Newgale surfing. Took six weeks in hospital and seven months recovery and still not right to get over it.”

Another said: “Please check with your son’s doctors regarding E.coli and a condition called HUS, which can develop from E.coli. My daughter swam at Amroth in 2022 after a sewage incident in the area and became seriously ill.”

No medical evidence has been published linking the latest reported illness directly to seawater exposure, and there is currently no official confirmation that conditions at Tenby caused the child’s illness.

However, the post has reignited anger over sewage discharges, pollution alerts and the information available to visitors and local people before entering the water.

Lydstep warning

The concern follows a recent warning at Lydstep Haven after Natural Resources Wales informed Pembrokeshire County Council of an “abnormal situation” which could temporarily affect bathing water quality.

Pembrokeshire County Council said officers from its Pollution Control Team had placed warning notices at various locations around the beach, temporarily advising against bathing while the matter was investigated.

Some residents questioned whether warnings were clear enough, particularly during busy holiday periods.

One commenter wrote: “Why aren’t there any warnings to holiday makers and visitors to our local area? It’s not fair that they find out information after someone becomes ill.”

Another said: “There should be notices and announcements on the beaches if there is an outage.”

Others pointed out that Surfers Against Sewage’s water quality app was not showing an active alert for Tenby itself, and suggested some online comments may have confused the current Lydstep warning with previous pollution notices affecting beaches in the Tenby area.

Protest at Broad Haven

The issue comes less than a week before campaigners stage a Surfers Against Sewage paddle-out protest at Broad Haven.

The protest is due to take place on Saturday, May 16, at 1:30pm, as part of a UK-wide day of action calling for an end to sewage pollution in rivers and seas.

Surfers Against Sewage says communities across the UK will gather on beaches, riverbanks and in the water to demand stronger action on sewage pollution.

The campaign group said: “We are sick of it. Sick of the lies, sick of the greed and sick of a system that’s rigged against us.”

A large banner has already been placed on Broad Haven seafront encouraging people to attend the protest.

Tourism concerns

The row has also raised concerns about the potential impact on Pembrokeshire’s tourism industry, with Tenby, Broad Haven, Newgale and other seaside communities heavily dependent on visitors during the spring and summer months.

One commenter wrote: “Not very good for a holiday destination is it.”

Another said: “Tourism will be massively affected by incidents like this, and people’s health and lives are being put at risk.”

Others called for stronger action from Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.

The Herald has approached Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water for comment.

Community

Milford Haven remembers those lost at sea

Published

2 hours ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National Fishing Remembrance Day marked by Port

MILFORD HAVEN came together on Sunday (May 10) to remember those who have lost their lives at sea.

The Port of Milford Haven joined the Fishermen’s Mission, Stella Maris – Apostleship of the Sea and members of the local community for a National Fishing Remembrance Day service at St Katherine’s and St Peter’s Church.

The service was followed by a gathering at the Fisherman’s Memorial on The Rath, where those who never returned home from the sea were remembered.

Canon Chancellor John Cecil and Reverend Paul Osunyikanmi led what was described as a moving service of remembrance.

The Port of Milford Haven said it was honoured to take part in the event, paying tribute to fishing families and the wider maritime community.

The annual day of remembrance holds particular significance in Milford Haven, a town with deep fishing and seafaring roots.

Local Government

Jonathan Grimes becomes 647th Mayor of Pembroke

Published

3 hours ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

JONATHAN GRIMES has said he is “incredibly proud and deeply honoured” after becoming the 647th Mayor of Pembroke.

Cllr Grimes, county councillor for Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, thanked those who had placed their trust and confidence in him.

He said: “With the support, commitment and dedication of Pembroke Town Council and our wonderful community, I am confident we can meet every challenge together, celebrate our successes, and continue building a brighter and more inclusive future for Pembroke.

“It is a true privilege to serve as Mayor, and I look forward to working alongside the people of Pembroke in the months ahead.”

Cllr Grimes said he was also looking forward to attending this afternoon’s service at St Mary’s Church in Pembroke for the Blessing of the Bells.

He added that he hoped to meet as many people as possible as the town celebrates the return of the historic bells.