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Farming

The way forward for Bovine TB?

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Welsh Dairy Show seminar: FUW Senior Policy Officer Dr Hazel Wright and AHDB’s Technical Manager for Breeding and Fertility, Andrew Dodd

BOVINE TB breakdowns in dairy and beef cattle continue to be a sore point amongst farmers in Wales. Despite copious eradication programmes over the years, the disease continues to cause both emotional and financial difficulties, bringing many farming families to their knees.

October1 saw a significant shift in the Welsh Government’s bovine TB eradication programme and, as was expected, the new ‘Refreshed’ programme remains heavily focussed on cattle control measures and many of the new measures pay particular attention to chronic breakdown herds that have sufferedwith bovine TB for more than 18 months.

Whilst various different approaches are included in the most recent Welsh bovine TB eradication programme, the role of genetics in mitigating the effects of bovine TB has also recently come to the forefront of disease eradication discussions.

The initial research into the genetics of bTB was undertaken jointly by the University of Edinburgh, Roslin Institute and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and supported by Defra and the Welsh Government.

Their work showed there is genetic variation between animals and it established the degree of heritability of bTB resistance. AHDB Dairy corroborated these findings with its research partners, SRUC and Roslin; funded the implementation of a genetic index, and embedded the TB Advantage into the national genetic evaluation service.

In addition, they have identified regions of the bovine genome associated with resistance and have shown that genomic selection for cattle with improved resistance is feasible without interfering with the current skin test for tuberculosis.

Shedding further light on the issue was AHDB’s Technical Manager for Breeding and Fertility, Andrew Dodd, who spoke at a seminar on genetic selection for bovine TB resistance, organised by the Farmers’ Union of Wales, at the Welsh Dairy Show.

He said: “Dairy farmers make breeding decisions based on a number of factors and since the launch of our TB Advantage​ ​genetic index last year, they can now think about improved resistance to bovine tuberculosis. This is great news for those in high-risk areas but should also be considered as a wider breeding policy by all farmers as a broader eradication strategy.”

The FUW continues to highlight that current levels of Bovine TB in Wales are in excess of what will be acceptable to other EU countries when the UK is outside the single market and the Union is deeply concerned that the current disease status has the potential to be a challenging negotiation tool.

“These findings are encouraging as they could potentially allow some defence against bovine TB through selective breeding,” said FUW Senior Policy Officer Dr Hazel Wright.

Farming

Pembrokeshire farmer’s award for outstanding service to Welsh dairy industry

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DAIRY farmer, Stephen James, from Gelliolau farm in Clunderwen, Pemborkeshire has been presented the FUW Outstanding Service to the Welsh Dairy Industry award at the Welsh Dairy Show 2024 in Carmarthen.

Presenting Stephen with the award will be FUW President Ian Rickman during the Welsh Dairy Show held at the United Counties Showground in Nantyci, Carmarthen on Tuesday 22 October 2024.

Ian Rickman, FUW President said: “The judging panel were delighted with the nominations this year, but Stephen’s diligent and relentless work for over 20 years representing the industry in a public role on the issue of Bovine TB in particular placed him on top.

“A worthy winner, Stephen has used his own experience of dealing with TB on his own farm business, having been in and out of restrictions for over a quarter of a century, to highlight the main issues that affect Welsh farmers, publicly.”

Stephen is Chairman of the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework a position he has held since July 2018. As Chairman, working closely with Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer, Stephen works to make improvements in standards of animal health and welfare across Wales.

He has also been a leading figure in representing the concerns of Welsh farming to the Government. As an industry representative on the Welsh Government TB programme board, he has undertaken countless bilingual media interviews to local, national and international broadcasters. He highlights the impact the disease has on farming families and the need for the Welsh Government to implement a Comprehensive TB Eradication Strategy.

On winning the award, Stephen James said: “Receiving this award is a huge privilege. It was quite a shock to hear the news. I am extremely grateful to receive the award, especially at an event that is so close to my heart and is so important to the milk sector in Wales. Thank you so much for the honour.”

Stephen James has held a wide range of positions within NFU Cymru from Local Branch Chairman to President (2014 – 2018). He has worked on a number of significant policy areas including the Common Agricultural Policy Reform and Brexit, dairy issues and an influential figure during the trying times of the 2012 milk crisis. Stephen, alongside other UK farming union leaders, addressed the July 2012 dairy farmers Westminster Hall Rally.

Passionate about supporting the next generation of farmers, Stephen shared the responsibility for his farm business at Gelliolau to his son, Daniel, at a young age. He has been heavily involved with the Wales Young Farmers, both locally and nationally holding a number of positions including Pembrokeshire County Chairman, Pembrokeshire County President and Wales YFC Council member.

A long standing member of First Milk and a Director and past Chairman of Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers, he truly believes in the values and principles of co-operative organisations.

He is former President of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, a President and active Board Member of Clunderwen Show Society, a past Chair of Clunderwen Community Council and member and past Chairman of Narberth Grassland Society. Stephen James is also a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies.

Ian Rickman concluded: “Stephen James has truly made an outstanding contribution to the Welsh Dairy Industry. We are delighted to present him with this FUW award in recognition of the years of work he has carried out on behalf of Welsh farmers. On behalf of the FUW, I congratulate and thank Stephen for his work.”

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Farming

Community farm brings support and skills to veterans in Pembrokeshire

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A COMMUNITY farm in Pembrokeshire is making a difference for veterans and vulnerable individuals by blending nature-based activities with therapeutic support.

Founded by Daisy Coleman in 2019, Redberth Croft CIC became an officially registered Community Interest Company in 2024. Since its inception, the farm has offered a host of engaging activities, from gardening therapy and animal-assisted sessions to creative workshops and rural skills training, all aimed at fostering resilience and personal growth.

One of its standout initiatives, ‘Hedging Your Vets,’ received support from the Port of Milford Haven Community Fund. This unique project provides veterans with training in traditional hedgelaying—a skill that preserves biodiversity while promoting mental wellbeing. Running throughout the winter, the programme equips participants with practical skills that open pathways to potential employment in conservation and sustainable agriculture.

To further its mission, Redberth Croft CIC collaborates with organisations such as The VC Gallery and The Tenby Project. Together, they work with local authorities to deliver day services that enhance inclusion and accessibility for individuals facing learning disabilities and mental health challenges.

More than just a farm, Redberth Croft CIC serves as a community hub, offering a supportive space for individuals with complex needs to build confidence, learn new skills, and form meaningful connections. Its core belief is that green health initiatives and nature-based therapies can offer significant therapeutic benefits to those in need.

For those interested in participating in the ‘Hedging Your Vets’ project or other future courses, further details can be found on Redberth Croft CIC’s website and social media channels.

Through its work, Redberth Croft CIC is cultivating a compassionate and resilient community in Pembrokeshire, promoting both personal growth and environmental conservation in a safe, welcoming environment.

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Farming

Kurtz’s showdown with Government over Sustainable Farming Scheme

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MEMBER of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz, today (Oct 23) called on the Welsh Labour Government to acknowledge their failures in developing the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

The SFS, intended to replace the Common Agricultural Policy following the UK’s departure from the EU, has encountered significant challenges. These range from its widespread unpopularity among farmers—due to the enforced tree-planting on productive farmland—to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the funding levels that farmers can expect.

Speaking after the debate, Samuel Kurtz said: “It was the responsibility of everyone in the Chamber who cares about farming and rural communities to forcefully highlight the inadequacy of the SFS in its current form.

“The Welsh Labour Government should be ashamed of their failure to engage properly with farmers. It should never have taken thousands of farmers descending on Cardiff Bay, nor the symbolic placement of wellington boots on the steps of the Senedd, to make the Government finally stop and listen. Speaking at that event was one of the proudest moments of my life, but it should never have been allowed to get that bad that farmers felt compelled to protest.

“The Welsh Government must now act swiftly to address these issues. Farmers need clear answers to plan for their future, their livelihoods, and their communities. If the SFS is not developed and implemented correctly, farming across Wales will be put at risk.”

Also this week, James Evans MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Rural Affairs Minister, said: “The farming community has expressed disappointment that their concerns around Labour’s Sustainable Farming Scheme are being ignored despite multiple consultations.

“Additionally, the deeply unpopular 10% tree cover requirement risks losing valuable farmland. Yet, despite legitimate concerns, Labour presses on.

“The Welsh Conservatives support a farming model that rewards good practices, offers fair incentives, and includes farmers in decision-making. Labour’s Rural Affairs Minister claims to be listening to the community, yet no evidence of this has materialised, he is simply paying lip service to our farmers.”

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