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Farming

Pembrokeshire young farmers recognised for their community spirit with national award

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FISHGUARD Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) in Pembrokeshire has been recognised for its work supporting the local rural community at The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ (NFYFC) YFC Achiever Awards 2023, sponsored by Kärcher UK.

Members of Fishguard YFC were presented with the Community Spirit Award, sponsored by Tama, by NFYFC President and former international rugby referee Nigel Owens MBE.

The annual YFC Achiever Awards recognise the achievements of members and clubs during the previous membership year. This year’s event was held at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on Friday 3 November.

Fishguard YFC, which has 65 members and meets every Thursday at Mathry Village Hall, was rewarded for its impressive community efforts.

The judges highlighted Fishguard YFC’s ‘Recycle & Reuse Sport Shoes Appeal’ which was developed in response to high child poverty rates in Pembrokeshire. The club donated 43 pairs of trainers to local primary schools and a rugby club, allowing families to participate in sports.

As well as supporting local and seasonal events such as an Apple Fair and the Harvest Festival, they also introduced Hampers for Emergency Services and distributed gift bundles to local care homes. There was also hands-on support for a local school and fire station when they helped with repairs and redecoration.

Club Chair Cariann Griffiths said: “As a club we are overwhelmed and incredibly proud to have won the Community Spirit Award.

“We truly value our community and fundraising work which was one of our club’s priorities last year, therefore, to have it recognised at the highest level within the organisation is something really special.

“It’s a great privilege to be rewarded for our hard work and we look forward to continuing our community and fundraising efforts. Diolch yn fawr.”

The club’s efforts impressed the judging panel, which consisted of Lizzie McLaughlin from the Becca and Lizzie podcast, Dan Corlett Rural Life Officer, Diocese of Coventry, and James Nixey, NFYFC’s Vice Chair.

NFYFC President Nigel Owens said: “Young Farmers’ Clubs across England and Wales provide excellent opportunities for rural young people and it’s clear to see that our winners have grabbed those opportunities with both hands.

“They are using the skills and connections made in YFC to forge exciting businesses, to support their rural communities, to run efficient clubs and counties, and to mentor others to be their best. I feel very fortunate to have experienced YFC as a member of Llanarthne YFC in Wales, which also gave me skills and confidence that I have used throughout my life.”

Tama is a proud sponsor of the Community Spirit Award 2023 and Warren Tatton, Tama UK Commercial Manager, said: “Working with NFYFC means a great deal to us. Tama, being farmer owned, understands what it takes to be a farmer and what it means to provide support and guidance to the next generation.

“We congratulate Fishguard YFC on their achievement of gaining the Community Spirit Award and for all their hard work in supporting their local community.”

The Community Spirit Award is one of eight award categories and all the winners were revealed during the YFC Achiever Awards event on 3 November 2023.

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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