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Farming

‘Protect your flocks now, to avoid losing them to avian flu’, says Wales’ Chief Vet

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POULTRY keepers need to take action now to make sure they have biosecurity measures in place to protect their birds, or risk losing their flocks to bird flu, the Chief Vet for Wales, Christianne Glossop, has said in recent days.

The warning has come as the UK as a whole faces its most significant bird flu season ever. Over 50 cases have been recorded to date in kept birds, with three in Wales.

New housing measures were introduced last month to stop the disease from spreading, which means keepers are legally required to keep birds indoors and follow biosecurity measures.*

Wild birds and other wildlife can spread the disease so it is vital to not allow wild birds to mix with chickens, ducks, geese or other birds.

People can also spread the disease on their clothes and shoes so before going into bird enclosures you should wash your hands, and change or clean and disinfect your footwear.

Whilst the main source of infection comes from migratory wild birds, those failing to implement these measures risk infecting their own flocks by walking the virus into their holdings.

The risk to human health from this strain of the avian influenza virus is very low. It is safe to eat poultry meat and eggs as usual.

Wales Chief Veterinary Officer Christianne Glossop said: “We are currently seeing unprecedented levels of bird flu across the UK, and bird keepers must ensure they implement the very highest levels of biosecurity to protect their flocks. This applies whether you have one bird or a large flock.

“Excellent biosecurity if the best thing you can do to protect your birds from this disease. Without it your flocks will be at risk.

“An outbreak of bird flu in a flock is a devastating experience. Please ensure you keep your birds protected and limit the spread of the disease.”

Poultry keepers must do the following:

house or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds;

  • cleanse and disinfect clothing, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing;
  • where possible change their footwear before entering sheds housing poultry and captive birds. If not, then ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected;
  • reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control;
  • thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis;
  • keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points; and
  • minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds.
  • We would encourage all keepers to register their birds on the Poultry Register. This is a legal requirement if you have 50 birds or more. Registering with us means that we will be able to contact you with information or action required should an outbreak happen near you.

Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find. If you find dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

To find out more on how to register on the Poultry Register and for the latest information regarding avian influenza visit: www.gov.wales/avian-influenza

To report suspicion of disease in Wales contact 0300 303 8268

Farming

Welsh Government pressed on impact of new farming tax

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THE Welsh Government have been urged to clarify how many farms in Wales will be affected by the Family Farm Tax.

The calls come after farming unions rebuked claims from the UK Labour Government and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens that only a minority of farmers will be affected by the new inheritance tax rules.

The UK Labour Government has come under heavy criticism following the announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves that farmers would have to pay a 20% tax on farms worth more than £1m.

When questioned on Sunday Politics about the potential impact of the new tax laws on Welsh Farmers, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens claimed that “Three quarters of farmers will be unaffected”.

The treasury has yet to publish an estimate around the impact that the new tax laws will have on Welsh farms.

Both the FUW and NFU Cymru have expressed their concerns at the changes made by the UK Government, stating that it will cause “lasting damage to Welsh farming.”

The Welsh Lib Dems have now called on the Welsh Government to clarify how many farms in Wales will be impacted by the new Family Farm Tax rules.

Party leader Jane Dodds MS has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies to express her concern over the “untold damage that farming communities throughout Wales will face as a consequence of the UK Government’s most recent budget”.

In the same letter, Jane Dodds MS pressed Mr Irranca-Davies to confirm how many Welsh farms will be affected by the new inheritance laws.

“We cannot afford to leave our farming communities in the dark when it comes to the impact of this potentially devasting new tax law” said Jane Dodds MS.

Both our farmers and the Welsh Public deserve to know the truth that lies behind Labour’s claims that only a small amount of farmers will be impacted by the Family Farm Tax. Claims that, I should add, have already been disputed by both NFU Cymru and the FUW.

The uncertainty surrounding these new inheritance laws will place more unnecessary pressure on farmers across Wales, many of whom are already struggling under a cloud of financial pressures.”

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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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