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Farming

NFU Cymru President’s New Year message

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NFU Cymru President John Davies provides his New Year message, looking back over an unprecedented 12 months and assessing what lies ahead in 2021.

 

“2020 was a year the likes of which we’ve never seen. The Coronavirus pandemic has challenged all of society. My condolences go out to all of those who’ve lost loved ones to this disease. My thoughts are with all whose livelihoods have been affected by the knock-on effects that the pandemic has had on businesses and our general way of life. I’d like to place on record my heartfelt thanks to our NHS workers and those supporting them on the front line for their courage in tackling this global health emergency. So often the term ‘hero’ is attached to those in films or on the sporting stage, but if this year has taught us anything it’s that, in fact, the real heroes are those people in our communities who have gone to work – putting themselves at risk – to care for the sick and keep the rest of us safe. Diolch yn fawr iawn pawb.

“The initial impact of the Covid-19 outbreak and the overnight closure of the hospitality sector had severe consequences for the food supply chain. The resilience of those systems was stretched to the limit as the supply chain frantically sought to redirect produce that would usually be destined for the out-of-home market to the retail sector, where panic-buying had resulted in empty shelves in many stores. I thank all our farmers who have worked throughout the chaos of the Covid-19 fallout to keep the nation fed. I know that for many businesses and sectors this hasn’t always been easy and some experienced significant losses as those supply chains struggled to adapt to new demands. However, the role the entire industry has played during such a fraught period will live long in the memory of many, and indeed recent polls suggests farmers’ favourability with the consumer is higher than it has been in a decade.

“I very much hope that lessons can be learned from this tumultuous year and if the past few months have taught us anything, it’s that the safe, reliable supply of high quality affordable food is now of paramount importance to the public. As farmers we are ready and committed to ensuring that the nation remains fed during this difficult time and through future challenges, too. Our farming systems, underpinned by a fantastic, natural asset base, mean we are well equipped to be the providers of the most climate friendly food in the world. NFU Cymru will continue to lobby Welsh Government to see the importance of food production recognised and protected as a cornerstone of future policy.

“Looking ahead and, with significant changes to how Wales and the UK trades with the EU and the rest of the world, one of the biggest challenges for 2021 is going to be making sure that Welsh farmers have the widest possible range of markets freely open to them, on the best possible terms. We are, of course, relieved that that a deal has finally been agreed between the UK and the European Union, providing some much-needed certainty for the farming sector and allowing Wales’ farmers to continue to send products to the EU27 free of both tariffs and quotas. All efforts must be now be focussed on finding ways of minimising the impact of red tape on the movement of our produce to the EU.

“A heartfelt thanks must go to the one million people from all walks of life who backed our food standards campaign. Their support was instrumental in delivering legislation to ensure that food standards will now have a ‘stronger voice in UK trade policy’.

“Of course, away from the pandemic and agricultural policy, there are still major issues that are affecting the nation’s farmers every day. Bovine TB continues to blight so many businesses across Wales – all too many times this year I have again learned of families’ heartbreak and herds, generations in the making, being decimated due to this horrific disease. Please be assured that NFU Cymru will continue to pressure government to act upon the science and take notice of the proven strategies adopted by so many other countries – an approach that seeks to tackle bovine TB across all its vectors.

“NFU Cymru maintains that a heavy-handed and inflexible approach to water quality through the proposed all Wales Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) designation will not deliver the enhancements to water quality that we all want to see. NFU Cymru is committed to helping to deliver these improvements via an effective and proportionate framework that supports farmers to take action to improve water quality where it is needed. I am heartened that our Minister has recognised that these are not regulations to introduce at a time of crisis.

“Climate change remains a major challenge for all of us in society and the farming industry is putting its best foot forward to deliver on its net zero 2040 ambition. With the prestigious COP26 summit rescheduled to be held in Glasgow in 2021, it is clear this topic will, rightly, remain high on the news agenda next year. As a farmer, it’s important to me that farming’s contribution to mitigating the effects of climate change is fairly reflected in this debate. Recent research has pointed to the fact that Welsh livestock production systems are amongst the most sustainable in the world, but we know that there is much more we can and will do.

“With a Senedd election scheduled for May 2021 we will be speaking to candidates from across the political spectrum to push home the importance of Welsh food and farming. We are committed to working with the next government to deliver our ambitions for a productive, profitable and progressive farming sector that delivers for the people and communities of Wales.

“It has been a year like no other. With the vaccine rollout now underway I hope we will soon be able to consign the last pandemic-hit year to the history books and return to some form of normality, where we can soon meet at the agricultural shows and events that we all hold dear to our heart. Let us look ahead to 2021 and what we hope will be a bright, healthy and safe future.

“Blwyddyn Newydd dda.”

Farming

Got great farming skills but no access to land or capital?

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THERE are currently four fantastic share farming opportunities available in Wales through Farming Connect’s ‘Start to Farm’ programme. If you have the right skills and experience, your future career path and destiny could be about to change.

Since 2015, 75 ambitious young farmers desperate to combine both the strategic management and practical side of farming have been matched up with Welsh landowners wanting to ease their workload or transition to retirement. The new partnerships have all been facilitated through ‘Start to Farm’.

Originally launched under its former name, ‘Venture’, the programme’s remit is to introduce landowners, referred to as ‘providers’, to opportunity ‘seekers’.  Once a match is made, both parties are offered a range of both subsidised and fully funded support services including mentoring, training, business, legal and financial advice which help get the arrangement over the line in a mutually beneficial way and that protects both sides.

“Gaining access to land and capital can seem impossible for many young farmers if there is no family farm where their skills, energy and input are needed,” says Eiry Williams, manager of the ‘Start to Farm’ programme.  Eiry explains that with four share farming opportunities currently available throughout Wales, in sectors including dairy, beef cattle, horticulture and organic, this might be the perfect time to check out the ‘Start to Farm’ section on the Farming Connect website.

“There’s no optimum time to either apply or commission Farming Connect to promote a share farming opportunity, but with many farmers preparing for the end of the financial year and planning ahead, this could be a great time to either seek out a new opportunity or bring on board a young farmer whose input could enable you to take a step back from day-to-day farming, without necessarily ceasing altogether,” says Eiry.

Not surprisingly, ‘seekers’ will need to prove their credentials. Experience of the relevant farm, forestry or horticulture sector, business acumen and focus, enthusiasm, confidence and a great work ethic are obvious essentials, but equally important will be their willingness to help find solutions to challenges and to help identify and implement new or more sustainable ways of managing the business.

“All farmers face external pressures such as the weather, market fluctuations and input costs, but for some landowners a willingness to consider new ideas and embrace different or innovative ways of working can breathe new life into a business which has perhaps not moved with the times or had the resources to capitalise on opportunities.

“By partnering with an established farmer or landowner, young farmers and new entrants can make a massive contribution to the overall viability and prosperity of a business, while avoiding full exposure to any potential issues,” said Eiry.

There are many different share farming or partnership models to consider ranging from farm business tenancies to contract or share farming arrangements and equity partnerships. Some will include an agreement that allows the incomer to gradually buy into the business over time, which provides a structured pathway without requiring a large upfront financial commitment.

“Effort, hard work, new ideas and skills will be rewarded by mentorship, the opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge about farm management, business strategy and decision-making, giving the landowner the opportunity to ease back from the labour commitment while remaining involved.

“The most successful share farming arrangements encourage open and honest communications, a mutual respect for each other’s opinions and a willingness to investigate and implement new business strategies which will lead to a more sustainable and profitable business long-term.  

For further information visit ‘Start to Farm’ on the Farming Connect website or contact your local development officer. 

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Farming

Rural digital connectivity: A catalyst for thriving farming

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MAJOR investment across South West Wales will help narrow the digital divide between urban and rural areas in a boost for agriculture and remote communities.

Forming part of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s £25m digital infrastructure programme, a dedicated rural workstream is committed to delivering high-quality connectivity to places where the cost of connecting homes and businesses would otherwise be too high for commercial investment alone to be viable.

Investing in high-speed broadband in rural communities across Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea would help enable the introduction of Internet of Things (IoT) technology to benefit businesses including farms.

This technology would help farmers monitor crops, livestock, machinery and environmental conditions remotely and in real time, potentially leading to improved decision-making, resource efficiency and cost savings.

Supporting initiatives such as UK Government’s Project Gigabit is also a key aspect of the digital infrastructure programme’s rural workstream. Local digital champions are on board to ensure communities are aware of when applications for voucher schemes are being accepted.

In addition to Government initiatives, the programme has developed the ‘Better Broadband Infill Project’, and a commercial partner is now being sought to build a gigabit-capable network to serve rural communities with broadband speeds of less than 30mbps which are not in existing commercial plans or interventions such as Project Gigabit.

With the rise of IoT in agriculture paired with the increased pressures to reduce waste and meet sustainability goals, access to high-speed internet will be critical for seamlessly connecting these technologies.

Rhys Jones, of Arwain DGC, said: “By collaboratively supporting investment in rural network connectivity, will help to enhance livestock health, raise production efficiencies and harness the future economic sustainability of local Welsh farmers. Innovation and Technology will be invaluable to secure the reputation of Welsh agriculture as leaders in animal health and welfare”.

“Rural connectivity is essential for long-term economic growth. When rural areas have access to reliable high-speed internet, it opens up a world of opportunities, and empowers rural communities to become more resilient in the face of future challenges”

Cllr Rob Stewart, Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Joint Committee, said: “As we look to a future where every industry, including agriculture, is seamlessly integrated into the digital economy, rural digital connectivity plays a pivotal role.

“The Swansea Bay City Deal digital infrastructure programme’s approach of working together with both the public and private sectors, alongside the UK and Welsh governments, is providing vital support to ensure that farmers and rural communities are equipped with the tools needed to overcome the challenges of transitioning to an increasingly connected world.”

Visit the case study page to watch a video on the importance of rural digital infrastructure and the future of farming.

For more information on broadband connectivity in your area, you can get in touch with your local digital champions. Funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal’s digital infrastructure programme, the digital champions are continuing to work closely with suppliers, their partners and the UK and Welsh governments to ensure that rural communities are better connected.

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Farming

Owain John joins Origin to support Welsh farmers

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ORIGIN SOIL NUTRITION has said it has appointed Owain John as a nutrition agronomist to support customers in Wales. He is looking forward to assisting merchants and farmers across the country with Origin’s comprehensive range of soil nutrition products.

Owain is well known in the Welsh agricultural industry, working for Origin’s sister company Humber Palmer and, before that, Wynnstay. Growing up on a family livestock farm in Carmarthen, Welsh speaker Owain appreciates the daily challenges farmers face and is committed to helping them become more productive with nutrition inputs.

“With Origin’s bespoke product range, I can already see innovative ways to help the farmers I support in Wales. Increasing nitrogen use efficiency through prescription blends, and ensuring we are applying the right fertiliser for the crop and the soil, will make a real difference on farm. All farmers and growers are looking for something extra and I believe there is great potential with Origin’s enhanced efficiency range of fertiliser.”

Alongside supporting farmers and merchants, Owain will use his role to navigate the new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) options.

“This will be a key part of my responsibility in the immediate future as SFS in Wales will go live in 2026. I’ll be attending meetings to understand the implications and feed this information down to farm level, so farmers can maximise the options available to them.

“Another hot topic is Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, as the whole country is included, which can place a great strain on farming businesses. Supporting farmers to find solutions will make a real difference to logistics and help to drive change from farm level.”

Owain is a trainee FACTS advisor and has already started with Origin Soil Nutrition.

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