Farming
Flood hit farmers can apply for £35,000 grant

Farmers who were affected by flooding can now apply for grants of up to £35,000 to help get their land back into production as quickly as possible. Farmers can now apply for the larger grant under phase two of the Farming Recovery Fund. The deadline for applications is 27 June 2014.
We have already been taking bids for grants of up to £5,000 as part of phase one of the £10 million fund which was announced in February. However, we have kept money in reserve for the worst affected farmers who needed longer to assess the extent of flood damage once the land had dried out. Farmers who have already applied for the first grant can also apply for the second larger grant, up to a collective total of £35,000. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said: “Our farming industry contributes billions of pounds to the UK economy every year. We want to see those farmers affected by flooding get back to business as soon as possible.” “We have simplified the application process, making it quicker and easier for farmers in need of support to receive up to £35,000 to get their land back into production.” The intention to increase the fund was announced by Owen Paterson on a visit to a flood affected farm on the Somerset levels earlier this month. Among the changes made to improve the process is scrapping the need for three quotes for a number of commonly requested items, such as grass seed and fencing, and a list of maximum guide prices will be used instead. We have been turning around all application forms within two weeks of them being received and will continue to offer this rapid turnaround. NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “This funding is essential to help cover the costs of restoring damaged land following the unprecedented storms this winter, which have also had an enormous impact on so many people’s livelihoods. “We are especially pleased to see that a list of standard costs will be used and that Government is committed to and is delivering such a fast turnaround so communities – both of which will speed up the help provided.”
Business
Huge slurry lagoon to be built in Pembrokeshire countryside

PLANS to build a new slurry lagoon at a 650-dairy herd Pembrokeshire farm have been given the go-ahead.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Richard Morris of Bowett Ltd sought permission for the construction of the lagoon, and associated works, at Quoits Hill Farm, Bentlass Road, Hundleton, near Pembroke.
A supporting statement through agent Cynllunio RW Planning Ltd stressed the applicant does not intend to increase livestock numbers on farm as a result of this 60 by 35 metre development.
“The Morris Family farm at Quoits Hill Farm and specialise in dairy farming. The farm is home to approximately 650 dairy cows plus followers. The herd is autumn calving with milk sold to Laprino. The home farm is grass based and extends to over 300 acres, with more off lying land utilised for growing winter forage.
“The family have invested significantly in recent years in on farm infrastructure to include a rotary milking parlour, silage clamps and covered feed yards.”
It added: “The proposed development seeks to increase the farms slurry storage capacity to above the five-month storage required by NVZ regulations. The existing slurry store and slurry handling facilities are not adequate to comply with the new regulations.”
It went on to say: “The proposed store will provide the farm with 6452 cubic meters of storage capacity (minus freeboard) which will equate to over 171 days storage. It is proposed to use the existing field slurry store as a lightly fouled water store to collect the parlour washings and reduce the size of the store required. Slurry will continue to be scrapped into the existing yard store and then pumped to the new store when required. This work will be monitored closely to reduce the risk of any leakage.”
It concluded: “The proposed development will enable slurry to be spread during the growing season rather than during more difficult weather conditions in the winter. This will be of benefit to farm efficiency and the wider environment.”
The application was conditionally approved.
Farming
Samuel Kurtz MS warns Chancellor: ‘Don’t sell out British farming in US trade talks’

SHADOW Rural Affairs Minister Samuel Kurtz MS has urged the UK Chancellor not to sacrifice British farming standards as trade negotiations with the United States continue this week.
The intervention comes as Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves visits Washington for her first in-person meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The meeting is part of early-stage discussions aimed at forging a UK-US trade agreement.
The Herald understands that the UK government is hoping to secure tariff relief on a number of goods still affected by duties imposed during the Trump administration. However, recent signals from US negotiators suggest that any such deal could require the UK to allow imports such as chlorine-washed chicken—currently banned in Britain.
Chlorine-washing is a process used in parts of the US poultry industry to disinfect meat that may have been exposed to poor hygiene conditions. Critics say it masks low welfare and sanitation standards that would be illegal under UK regulations.
Speaking this week, Mr Kurtz said: “British consumers and farmers expect better. Chlorine-washed chicken isn’t just a food safety issue—it’s a red flag for low animal welfare. Allowing such products into our market would fly in the face of everything we ask our own farmers to uphold.
“Our food producers work tirelessly to meet some of the highest standards in the world. Undermining them with a trade deal that rewards countries cutting corners is short-sighted and shameful. It’s not free trade—it’s a free pass for poor practice.”
He added: “If the UK is serious about food security and sustainability, then we must stand by the people who grow our food. That means defending British farming in the negotiating room—not bargaining it away behind closed doors.”
Farming
Pembrokeshire’s top progressive farmers are encouraged to apply for award

IF YOU farm in Pembrokeshire and can demonstrate your farm’s use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture then the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society encourage you to enter the prestigious Baron de Rutzen Award.
Tim Johns, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s President, said, “We are looking for local Pembrokeshire farmers, under the age of 45, who can demonstrate their farm’s use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture. They also need to show consideration for the environment and habitat sensitivity on their farm as well as present an aesthetically pleasing example of farming in the county. The competition welcomes all those in the livestock and arable sectors to enter.”
Last year’s winners of the Award were Andrew and Jane Phillips of Windsor Farm, Lamphey. They farm 1,100 acres, with 3,000 breeding sheep and lambs. A herd of British Blue cross Limousin suckler cows sired by a Limousin bull and all calves are sold as weaned. The arable side of the business includes 80 acres of winter and spring barley which is mostly used for stock consumption. The surplus is sold. They grow 150 acres of maize which is used in a Totally Mixed Ration (TMR) for their sheep. Again, the surplus is sold to dairy farms. Some land is rented out for growing potatoes and leeks. The autumn season sees the general public invited in to buy some of the six acres of Pumpkins they grow for the Halloween market. Besides this, they are also involved with the holiday business by renting out two shepherd’s huts for visitors.
Baron John Fredrick De Rutzen was President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society in 1936 and the Baron de Rutzen Trophy was produced in his memory. The third Baron served in the Welsh Guards and tragically died, aged 36, in 1944.
This year’s entrants must be fully practising farmers within the county of Pembrokeshire and were under the age of 45 years on 1 January 2025. Entries can either be by nomination or direct application online on the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society website. Click here to apply: Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society Baron de Rutzen Award 2025
The closing date for nominations and applications is at noon on Monday, 30 June 2025.
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