Farming

New panel to advise on animal health and welfare

Published

11 years ago

June 23, 2014

NATURAL Resources Minister, Alun Davies, has appointed a group of specialists to support the development and introduction of a new Animal Health and Welfare Framework for Wales.

The team of experts will advise the Welsh Government on the prevention, management and eradication of animal disease to improve the health and welfare of both livestock and companion animals in Wales. The panel members are from a range of backgrounds. They have been appointed to ensure that the views of livestock keepers, animal owners and the veterinary profession are reflected in the ten-year framework that seeks to improve animal health and welfare standards across Wales and increase partnership working with animal keepers. Anglesey Farmer, Peredur Hughes has been appointed chair of the group. As former chair of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy Steering Group, chairman of the North Wales Regional TB Eradication Board and former president of NFU Cymru, Mr Hughes has extensive knowledge of Welsh farming. The other group members are: • David Davies, who runs a farming enterprise and property letting business. Mr Davies is also chairman of the Welsh Advisory Board of NFU Mutual Insurance and former president of the Welsh Dairy Show. • Huw Davies, who manages a 280 acre National Trust tenanted hill farm. Mr Davies also serves on various committees and is Chair of the Ruminant Standing Committee of the Farm Animal Welfare Committee. • Moss Jones, director of the Welsh Agricultural Organisation Society and managing director of Quality Welsh Food Certification Ltd. Mr Jones is also company secretary of Welsh Lamb & Beef Producers Ltd, Livestock Marketing and president of South Caernarfon Creameries. • Ifan Lloyd, veterinary surgeon in clinical practice and a senior partner of a veterinary group with surgeries in Swansea and Neath. Mr Lloyd is the Welsh representative on the British Veterinary Association (BVA) Council. • Professor Joanna Price, Head of Bristol University Veterinary School involved in teaching, administration and research. Professor Price has spent time in veterinary practice in the UK and overseas and has held a variety of academic positions, including Head of Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences at the Royal Veterinary College, London. Speaking about the appointments, Alun Davies said: “I am delighted to announce the members of the new Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group. “Collectively, the group offers vast knowledge and experience of animal health and welfare issues. I am confident that they will provide the very best guidance, advice and expertise and help us to develop our vision for the future of animal health and welfare in Wales.” Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Professor Christianne Glossop said: “Disease outbreaks and the measures to deal with them can carry wide and costly consequences for public health, the economy and the environment. Achieving high standards of animal health and welfare is important to all of us. “That is why we have established this group of specialists. I look forward to working with them and to benefitting from to their valuable advice on disease prevention and eradication in Wales.”.

Crime

Farmer cleared of restraining order breach at Haverfordwest court

Published

6 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

7 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

7 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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.