Farming

Huge turnout in Carmarthen as Welsh farmers protest government reforms

Published

3 months ago

February 10, 2024

APPROXIMATELY 3,000 Welsh farmers and their supporters converged at the Carmarthen showground in Nantyci this week (Feb 8), voicing their stern opposition against the planned reforms by the Welsh Government.

This significant gathering followed a similarly packed meeting in Welshpool last week, which saw over 1,000 attendees.

The protests have been ignited by the Welsh Government’s proposed changes to farming policies, aimed at encouraging “sustainable” agricultural practices. Under the new subsidy scheme, set to be implemented from 2025, farms would need to dedicate 10% of their land to tree planting and another 10% to wildlife habitats to qualify for payments. These measures are part of a broader effort to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.

However, the reforms have been met with widespread criticism from the farming community.

A mock coffin, bearing the inscription “In memory of Welsh farming,” was paraded by protestors at the demonstration, symbolising the perceived threat to the industry. Signs with messages like “RIP Welsh farming” and “no farmers, no food” were also prominently displayed, underscoring the deep concerns within the agricultural sector.

The Welsh Government has urged farmers to engage in the ongoing consultation process regarding the reforms, suggesting that changes to the plans could still be made. Despite this, the sentiment on the ground reflects a profound fear of the future, with many farmers feeling the new requirements would impose unmanageable burdens and significantly increase administrative work.

The farming industry’s leaders have not minced words, describing the current moment as a “crunch point” for Welsh agriculture. They argue that the scheme’s rigid requirements on tree and habitat creation, coupled with the lack of clear details on payment rates, will have disastrous effects on farm businesses. An impact assessment accompanying the consultation predicted a substantial reduction in livestock numbers and a potential loss of 5,500 jobs, further exacerbating the industry’s anxieties.

In response to the mounting pressure, the Welsh Government, represented by Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths, has acknowledged the sector’s concerns, emphasising the importance of the consultation process and suggesting that adjustments to the proposals are likely. The government insists that the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) aims to ensure the long-term viability of Welsh farming, alongside environmental sustainability.

Nevertheless, the farming community remains skeptical. The current and final consultation period represents a critical juncture for Welsh farmers to express their concerns and potentially influence the future direction of agricultural policy in Wales. With a history of farming that runs deep in the Welsh countryside, the outcome of this dispute will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the region’s rural economy and way of life.

Samuel Kurtz MS, said on X: “Immensely proud and in awe of every farmer at Carmarthen Mart tonight. The sleeping dragon that is rural Wales is awakening after years of neglect by Labour.

“Fed up, frustrated but not taking a backward step.”

The Welsh Conservatives say that the Labour Government does not listen to Welsh farmers. “The farming community is understandably frustrated at being ignored for so long”, they said on social media.

WELSH FARMERS AT A CROSS ROADS

With just a month remaining in the final consultation period for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), agricultural leaders in Wales have sounded the alarm, declaring the sector at a critical juncture. The scheme, which has been under development following the Welsh Government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, faces mounting scrutiny from the farming community. Concerns hinge on the government’s insistence on a 10% land allocation for both tree planting and habitat creation, with many in the sector calling for a reconsideration of these requirements amid fears of significant operational and financial impacts.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has been at the forefront of opposition, highlighting the scheme’s potential to cause a near 10.8% reduction in livestock numbers and an 11% decrease in agricultural labor, equating to an estimated £199 million loss in farm business income. FUW President Ian Rickman emphasised the urgency of the situation, urging all stakeholders to engage in the consultation process to advocate for necessary adjustments to the scheme.

Amidst this backdrop of concern, individual farmers like Tudur Parry, a dairy, beef, and sheep farmer from Caernarfon, express apprehension towards the SFS’s rigidity, particularly around land use for trees and habitats. Parry’s concerns reflect a broader sentiment that the scheme’s current form could undermine the viability of traditional farming operations in Wales.

The consultation process has also shed light on the anxiety permeating the farming community, with only a fraction of attendees at a recent FUW meeting indicating their willingness to participate in the SFS under its present conditions. This reluctance underscores the perceived incompatibility of the scheme with

Farming

E-Tickets now on sale for Pembrokeshire County Show 2024

Published

2 days ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

E-TICKETS are now on sale for this summer’s Pembrokeshire County Show, the largest county agricultural show in Wales. Preparations are coming together well for what is set to be a fantastic two days of livestock, competitions, attractions and much more.

General entry tickets for the show, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, 14 & 15 August, are now available at an ‘early birds’ rate online from the website. Ticket prices have had to increase slightly to cover costs but still remain below 2019 charges. The early bird rate for Adults is £15, children £8 (5-16 years), Carers as well as children four years and under are free. Please visit: www.pembsshow.org to purchase your e-tickets.

Adam Thorne, President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society said, “At the event in August visitors will be able to tickle their tastebuds in the Castell Howell Food Hall, marvel at the livestock classes, enjoy watching the dog agility, be wowed by the showjumping, explore the horticulture, arts and crafts entries.

Shop ‘til they drop in the Country Market area, which will showcase over 40 quality local and award winning product and craft stalls and much more.”

Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society Membership packages are also available and these include admission to the Show and the Members’ Area. Purchasing membership of the society will support its aim to promote, advance and improve agriculture, horticulture and rural crafts and skills by the improvement of livestock and the demonstration and showing of livestock, machinery, crafts, products, methods and processes connected with agriculture and agricultural education in particular by the holding of an annual show. Full details are available on the website: Become A Member | Pembrokeshire County Show | Pembs Agricultural Society (pembsshow.org)

Putting together this event is hard work and requires an enormous effort by the staff, volunteers and trustees of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society. The Society is indebted to so many for their commitment and support in helping host the event.

A special mention must go to the county show sponsors. Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society is proud to have many local, regular, sponsors who make the event possible.

Sponsorship Director, Richard Cole, said, “Sponsorship and Pembrokeshire County Show have been a successful combination for the last 45 years. Sponsors have enjoyed promoting their businesses through the varied mediums of banners, announcements, show rings, buildings, equine and livestock classes and championships over the years. It isn’t too late. If you’d like to discuss becoming a corporate sponsor please complete the form on our website: www.pembsshow.org.”

Farming

Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society in search for county’s top progressive farmers

Published

3 weeks ago

April 9, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.

Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire County Show 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 livestock and arable sectors to take part.”

Last year’s winners of the Award were Mark and Caroline Davies of Little Newcastle, Haverfordwest. They milk 230 pedigree Holsteins through a fully automated system. They rear their own replacements and also have a small beef enterprise. The farm is all grassland and they follow a strict reseeding and liming policy to optimise the yield from their multi-cut silage system. The couple place significant emphasis on animal health, husbandry and breeding to maximise the efficiency of their system.

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 2024. Entries can either be by nomination or direct application online on the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society website. Click here to apply: Baron de Rutzen Award | Pembrokeshire County Show | Pembs Agricultural Society (pembsshow.org)

The closing date for nominations and applications is at noon on Wednesday, 29 May 2024.

Farming

Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society elect new president

Published

4 weeks ago

April 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ARABLE and beef farmer, Adam Thorne, has been unanimously elected to become the new President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society for the year ahead. Adam is the third generation of his family to hold the position.

During the Annual General Meeting of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, held last week on the Pembrokeshire Showground, Mr Tim John and his wife Margaret John were also voted in as Presidents elect.

Adam Thorne has had a long association with Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society. After visiting the show as a toddler, then helping show the family’s pedigree Herefords, his uncle got him into helping him with stewarding in his early teens. From there he progressed to being a Steward with his own section, Commercial Cattle, and then also the Butcher’s Lambs section.

From stewarding, Adam became involved with committee work, starting as an Executive and then on to the former Finance and General Purposes Committee. He has been Chairman of the Estates Committee for 12 years and is now a Board member and a Trustee.

Adam said, “I am proud of my long association with Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society. I am the third generation to now be President, following my late grandfather, Walter Thorne, my father, Robert Thorne and more recently my uncle, George Thorne. I am looking forward to my year in the prestigious position.”

Away from his work with the society, Adam runs the family’s arable and beef farm in Robeston West, Milford Haven. He has been heavily involved with Tiers Cross YFC from an early age, having been Club Secretary twice and Chairman. He has also sat on Pembrokeshire County YFC Committees and the Wales YFC Rural Affairs Committee.

The 2024 Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society officeholders, announced at the AGM, include Miss Ffion Edwards who was awarded the role of Ambassador at last year’s show. Ffion, a nurse from Maenclochog, has enjoyed many years of attending the county show and believes that there are so many good elements to it. Ffion has been a member of Llysyfran YFC for 15 years and enjoys every aspect of young farmers – trying new experiences, competing and travelling to name a few. Mrs Nicola Owen was also elected as the Honorary Treasurer.

Brian Jones, the outgoing Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society President, took the opportunity to thank everyone who had helped and supported him throughout his presidency. During his year as President, Brian and his wife Helen, raised a tremendous amount of money for various charities including the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, RABI, Tir Dewi and the DPJ Foundation. Brian also gave his assurances that Castell Howell will continue to sponsor the Food Hall for future years.

Pembrokeshire County Show, the largest county agricultural show in Wales, will be held over two days again this summer on 14 and 15 August. Everyone is invited to attend the celebration of rural life in the county.

Pictured (left to right): Ffion Edwards the Ambassador for 2024; Adam Thorne, President; Margaret and Tim John, the Presidents Elect.