Farming
TB incidence falls
FIGURES released by the Office of National Statistics, show fewer cases in the period Jan-Oct 2014, compared to the previous year.
The number of new herd incidents during the period January to October 2014 was 3,852 compared to 3,962 for January to October 2013. The number of tests on officially TB free herds was 63,962 during January to October 2014, compared to 58,837 during January to October 2013.
The number of cattle compulsorily slaughtered as reactors or direct contacts was 26,775 during January to October 2014, compared to 27,465 during January to October 2013.
The regional and county-level statistics published as part of this statistical notice show that there are considerable differences in the distribution and frequency of bovine TB across GB. Scotland, which has officially TB-free (OTF) status, has very few breakdowns of the disease. The incidence of new TB breakdowns is very low and stable and is largely driven by sporadic introductions of disease into Scotland. In Wales, TB prevalence varies across regions.
The Central, South West and some areas in the South East regions have high levels of bovine TB whereas the regions in the North West and North East of Wales have relatively low levels. To attempt to contain the disease and prevent its spread into these lower-incidence regions, all herds in Wales are tested for the disease annually.
The strategically located Intensive Action Area (north Pembrokeshire and small parts of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire) has one of the highest incidence rates of bovine TB in Wales. The ONS report notes that extra measures are in place in the Intensive Action Area to control the disease, such as stricter cattle controls and improved biosecurity.
The Welsh Government has not followed the badger cull route of disease control.
Crime
Farmer cleared of restraining order breach at Haverfordwest court
A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been found not guilty of breaching a restraining order after being accused of referencing a protected individual in a Facebook post.
Philip Stoddart, 58, of Monkhill Farm, St Ishmaels, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jan 20) to face the charge. The prosecution, led by Ann Griffiths on behalf of the crown, alleged that between December 4 and December 13, 2023, Stoddart made a Facebook post that, by inference, referred to a person he was prohibited from contacting under a restraining order imposed by Swansea Crown Court on April 16, 2021.
The restraining order, issued under Section 360 of the Sentencing Act 2020, barred Stoddart from making any form of contact with her.
Prosecutors argued that the Facebook post constituted a breach of the order, contrary to Section 363 of the same act.
Stoddart denied the allegations and entered a not guilty plea during a prior hearing on October 1, 2024.
Magistrates Professor N. Negus, Mr. J. Steadman, and Mrs. J. Morris presided over the trial, which concluded on Monday.
After reviewing the evidence, the bench found Stoddart not guilty, dismissing the case.
The dismissal brings to a close legal proceedings that had been ongoing for over a year.
Farming
Get up to £5,000 for on-farm trials in Wales
FARMERS in Wales are being called to apply for the next round of funding for on-farm trials.
The Farming Connect initiative, which has funded projects such as growing lucerne in Brecon, is inviting applications for the Try Out Fund.
The new application window opens on January 27, 2025, and will run until February 17.
Successful applicants will be awarded up to £5,000 to help fund trials that experiment with new ideas on their farms.
The last round of funding supported several projects, including integrated pest management at a pick-your-own strawberry enterprise.
Menna Williams, the Farming Connect project lead, said: “Farming Connect has developed the Try Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst protecting the environment.”
She added: “There are many changes on the horizon for agriculture, and now is a great time for farm businesses to explore an idea that could benefit them, allowing farms to tackle ‘real’ problems or check if a research idea works in practice.”
The fund is open to individuals or groups of up to four farmers and/or growers in Wales who have identified a local or specific problem or opportunity.
Ms Williams said: “Because these ideas are initiated by farmers themselves, they are really passionate about them, giving them 100 per cent effort right from the start.”
Projects should focus on enhancing production efficiencies and profitability while ensuring environmental protection through adherence to sustainable land management principles.
A guidance handbook is accessible on the Farming Connect website, providing support for farmers in outlining their projects and completing the application process.
To apply, individuals must be registered with Farming Connect and capable of finishing their projects by January 2026.
Ms Williams explained: “Funding can be used for technical assistance, sampling, testing and other reasonable expenses such as those relating to short-term hire of specialist equipment or facilities directly relating to the project.”
The findings will be shared with other producers in Wales by collaborating with a Farming Connect team member.
Interested parties can apply on the Farming Connect website.
To receive the link or get further information, contact [email protected].
Farming
Funding window to re-open for on-farm trials in Wales
WITH Farming Connect-funded trials ranging from growing lucerne in Brecon to establishing sunflowers as a companion crop with maize, farmers are being invited to apply for the next round of funding from the initiative that brought these projects to life.
The new application window for the Try Out Fund opens on 27January2025 and will run until 17 February. Successful applicants will be awarded up to £5,000 to help fund on-farm trials that experiment with new ideas. The last round of funding saw farmers supported for several projects including integrated pest management at pick your own strawberry enterprise.
Project lead Menna Williams of Farming Connect said the aim is for farmers to compare different treatments or management systems – the project is not intended to fund new equipment she stressed.
“Farming Connect has developed the Try-Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst protecting the environment,’’ she said. “There are many changes on the horizon for agriculture, and now is a great time for farm businesses to explore an idea that could benefit them, allowing farms to tackle ‘real’ problems or check if a research idea works in practice.’’
The fund is open to individuals or groups of up to four farmers and/or growers in Wales who have identified a local or specific problem or opportunity.
“Because these ideas are initiated by farmers themselves, they are really passionate about them, giving them 100% effort right from the start,’’ said Ms Williams.
Suitable projects must aim to improve production efficiencies and profitability whilst protecting the environment by aligning with sustainable land management outcomes. A guidance handbook is available on the Farming Connect website to help farmers scope their project and complete the application form.
Applicants must be registered with Farming Connect and be able to complete their projects by January 2026.
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