REGISTERED individuals can now access over 130 training courses subsidised by up to 80%. These short courses, offered by accredited training providers, cover a diverse range of topics, categorised under business, land, land – machinery and equipment and livestock.

One of the courses added to the programme is International Certificate for Digital Literacy (ICDL) – Extra, which provides training in word processing including document creation, editing, formatting and mail merge. The course also focuses on the use of spreadsheets, presentations and improving productivity by teaching participants how to select the most efficient and cost-effective software for various tasks.

Another new course is Lantra Professional Tree Inspection which equips experienced woodland focused participants with the skills to conduct thorough tree inspections, identifying defects and recommending actions within legal and risk management frameworks. This training course helps create a reliable and trustworthy system for inspecting trees, where the decisions made can be explained and justified.

Individuals will gain advanced HACCP knowledge for food manufacturing through the Level 3 Award in HACCP for Food Manufacturing course. The course covers the essential steps of developing, implementing, and verifying HACCP-based procedures, focusing on hazard identification and control throughout the food production process.

The Soil Science (IBERS) course is designed to explore the formation, properties, and functions of soils, emphasising their critical role in sustainable food production. Participants will investigate how human activities impact soil health and learn to apply sustainable management techniques to address current and future food supply challenges. 

Another course now offered is Sustainable Supply Systems (IBERS) that focuses on collaborative strategies within food supply chains to enhance sustainability and security. It examines challenges, innovative technologies while teaching participants to evaluate sustainability approaches and the importance of information and relationship management.

For those of you that are interested in wool handling, two training providers can offer this course – British Wool and Elite Wool Industry Training UK. British Wool will run a one-day practical course for beginners to competition level while Elite Wool Industry Training UK will run a two-day practical course for all ability levels. The courses will provide comprehensive training in fleece handling, sorting, preparation, and storage to ensure quality and market readiness.

Other courses also on offer are Emergency First Aid at Work (+F) and Livestock Production Science. For more information on these new training courses visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/business/skills-and-training/training-courses or contact your Local Development Officer, or the Farming Connect Service Centre on 03456 000 813.

RURAL communities in Wales have been left disappointed this week after the UK Labour Government confirmed that it has no plans to expand the Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme to any new areas, including those in Wales.

The scheme, which provides a 5p-per-litre discount at the pump, currently applies to 21 remote regions across the UK—mainly in Scotland and parts of England. No areas in Wales are currently covered, despite widespread calls for support in rural counties where residents face disproportionately high fuel costs and limited public transport.

In a letter to Welsh Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray MP confirmed that the Government would maintain existing eligibility criteria, with “no plans to make changes to the areas covered by the scheme.” He cited the original intent of the scheme, which targets areas with high pump prices, logistical challenges in fuel delivery, and low retail volumes that prevent bulk discounting.

The decision comes despite repeated calls from campaigners and politicians to address what they say is an ongoing disparity. Research shows that rural residents spend, on average, £800 more per year on fuel compared to their urban counterparts.

David Chadwick, who represents Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, has been vocal on the issue, questioning ministers and campaigning for areas like Powys, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Gwynedd to be included in the scheme. The Liberal Democrats made extending the fuel relief scheme a key part of their rural strategy at the last general election.

Commenting on the decision, Chadwick said: “People in rural areas have been clobbered by the cost-of-living crisis. Now the new UK Labour administration is continuing the legacy of neglect of rural areas and Wales that we saw under the Conservatives.
“By refusing to extend the scheme to Wales, they are showing they simply don’t care about the struggles of rural communities.”

Chadwick also criticised the Government’s inaction on fuel pricing transparency, calling for a UK-wide “Pumpwatch” scheme to tackle what he described as “price gouging” in rural filling stations. A similar scheme in Northern Ireland—where fuel is consistently the cheapest in the UK—has shown promising results.

The Treasury responded that it has extended the existing 5p fuel duty cut for another year, saving the average driver £59 in 2025/26, and is investing £500 million in additional road maintenance funding to fix millions of potholes.

But critics argue that these measures fall short for communities where reliance on personal vehicles is unavoidable.
“The issue isn’t just tax rates—it’s fairness,” Chadwick added. “Labour must do better and stop treating Wales as an afterthought compared to Scotland and England.”

DETECTION of avian influenza (H5N1) in a sheep in Yorkshire is a reminder for all farms to maintain tight biosecurity, particularly on farms with mixed poultry and livestock.

Although UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss says the risk to livestock remains low, she urges all animal owners to have ‘scrupulous cleanliness in place’ and to report any signs of infection to the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) immediately.

While this is the first time this virus has been reported in a sheep, it is not the first instance of influenza of avian origin being detected in livestock, with cases of infection in dairy cows reported in the US.

However, Dr Middlemiss is urging all livestock keepers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of avian influenza following recent outbreaks.

“All keepers must maintain good biosecurity which is essential to protect the health and welfare of their animals and critical to preventing the further spread of disease in the event of an outbreak,” she said.

Nigel Bennet, Livestock Area Manager Northern Europe at biosecurity specialists Roam Technology, which recently incorporated Biocidas Biodegradables Zix (BBZix), a Spanish biosecurity specialist, into its business, says every farm should be reviewing and strengthening its biosecurity protocols.

“Prevention is our strongest defence. This means restricting unnecessary visitors, disinfecting clothing and equipment, and closely monitoring animal health.”

He has outlined seven key areas farmers should be aware of to maximise their frontline defences. They include:

Develop a biosecurity plan: Work with your vet to establish a clear biosecurity plan, including physical barriers, hygiene protocols, and emergency procedures.
Cleaning and disinfection: Thoroughly clean and disinfect all vehicles, boots, equipment, and housing using DEFRA-approved disinfectants. Visitors should use foot baths and dedicated protective clothing. Roam Technology’s Huwa-San TR50, a DEFRA-approved disinfectant, offers a powerful, stabilised hydrogen peroxide solution that provides long-lasting protection against harmful pathogens.
Monitor farm access: Restrict and track visitor access to minimise disease risks. Designate parking away from livestock, use wheel washes, and ensure tradespeople follow hygiene protocols. Mr Bennet says: “A farm should not be an open-door environment—every entry point carries risk.”
Quarantine: New or returning stock must be quarantined for at least 21 days, housed separately, and monitored for disease. Use this period for testing and vaccination before integration.
Rodent and wildlife management: Secure feed storage and effective pest control help prevent disease transmission from wildlife. Maintain fencing to reduce contact with infected animals and minimise standing water to control disease-spreading insects.
Optimise housing: Ensure good ventilation, clean high-traffic areas, and maintain water hygiene.
Monitoring: Daily health checks help detect disease early and prevent outbreaks. “Knowing your animals and spotting illness early is crucial for disease control,” said Mr Bennet. “Stay vigilant and keep biosecurity tight.”
Mr Bennet added: “This case of H5N1 in sheep highlights the need for constant vigilance. Biosecurity isn’t just about responding to outbreaks; it should be a year-round priority to protect farm businesses and animal welfare.

“Farmers must remain proactive in safeguarding their livestock from potential disease threats. With the right biosecurity measures and effective solutions like Huwa-San TR-50 and Roam Eco Power cleaning solution, we can protect both animal health and farm livelihoods,” he said.

Avian influenza is notifiable in all poultry and other captive birds and influenza of avian origin is notifiable in both kept and wild mammals. If you suspect your animals are infected report it immediately to the APHA by calling 0300 303 8268 in Wales .