Farming
FUW sets out its key priorities at the Royal Welsh Show
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THE Farmers’ Union of Wales has set out its robust asks of the UK and Welsh Governments despite the challenges presented by navigating through a constantly changing political landscape.
Speaking at the Royal Welsh Show this week, FUW President Ian Rickman reiterated the fact that the Union’s stance remains constant and relentless in an ever changing political arena.
“Welsh farming is at an important crossroads which will determine our future for decades to come. Whilst our direction of travel depends heavily on the development of devolved agricultural policies, we must not forget how decisions made by the newly elected UK Government will effectively determine the degree of funding the Welsh Government has available to support agriculture and rural development.
“This, in turn, will have an impact upon the extent to which Welsh food producers can be expected to compete against producers in other UK nations and across the globe on various levels.
“Despite these challenges, our focus as a Union is to keep-on lobbying governments relentlessly for the best possible outcomes for our members, Welsh agriculture and our rural communities.
“The recent Senedd Cabinet reshuffle and UK General Election certainly brought about considerable change to the political landscape in Wales, not least the appointment of Huw Irranca-Davies MS as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and a new UK Labour Government holding a majority at Westminster.
“However, turmoil in Cardiff persists as Vaughan Gething’s resignation leaves the door wide open for yet another reshuffle within a matter of a few months.
At a UK level, the FUW is calling for a fair, multiannual funding settlement of £450 million per year in EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) legacy funding for agriculture and rural development in Wales.
“The role of this support in underpinning food production, environmental protection and rural communities in Wales cannot be underestimated.
“We also need to see a far more robust approach to future trade deals with other countries and trading blocs if we are to protect Welsh farmers and UK food security. Food imports and exports must be subject to the same customs and adherence to similar standards if we are to provide a level playing field for both UK and EU producers.”
The FUW is calling for incentives and support for farmers to invest in on-farm renewable energy production that benefits local communities. Food production should be recognised as a national asset and the use of productive agricultural land to meet tree planting and other environmental targets should be halted.
Procurement policies must prioritise public sector support for Welsh and British businesses, recognising the range of benefits such properly designed policies can deliver for society. The newly elected UK Labour Government must also protect and promote the UK’s high animal health and welfare standards and bring in a law that ensures that all dogs should be kept on a lead in fields near or adjacent to livestock.
“Despite the uncertainty in Cardiff, we call on the Welsh Government to build strong relations with the newly elected UK Labour Government to ensure that Welsh agriculture receives the attention it deserves. EU CAP legacy funding allocated for Welsh agriculture and rural development must be protected for this purpose and such funding should continue to be co-funded using national funds.
“The ongoing process of negotiating a revised Sustainable Farming Scheme that provides stability for our food producing family farms must also continue if the scheme is to be implemented in 2026. It is crucial that the scheme considers economic, social and environmental sustainability on equal footings and is accessible and achievable for all active farmers in Wales.
“We also want to see the adoption of practical and innovative technological solutions as a central part of the Control of Agricultural Pollution ‘NVZ’ Regulations review. The process must be based on robust data and evidence while seeking to address water quality issues through innovation rather than regulation.”
Mr Rickman added that the Welsh Government has to, now more than ever before, adopt a scientific and holistic approach to bovine TB eradication in Wales by working with the Technical Advisory Group in investigating the effectiveness of current testing regimes and methods for addressing disease transmission by wildlife.
“Finally, moves towards net zero must be sustainable and based on robust science in such a way that actions carried out in response to short-term targets are not reversed. Reducing our carbon footprint must be manageable and realistic, and must not compromise production or the economic viability of farming businesses.
“The coming days are a celebration of Welsh agriculture and the farmers who continue to produce high quality food and protect the environment against a constant backdrop of political uncertainty and challenge.”
Mr Rickman said that the impacts of such uncertainty across the UK and some fundamental policy questions would be the focus of the FUW’s seminars being held over the coming days, as panels of professionals tackle a diverse range of areas of concern for Welsh farming.
“As always, in addition to these events, our staff and Presidential Team will be meeting officials and stakeholders in order to highlight FUW’s farming members’ good news stories and industry concerns. Rest assured, despite navigating a constantly changing political landscape, our constant and relentless stance remains; to represent the interests of Welsh farmers,” concluded Mr Rickman.
Farming
Langdon Mill Farm major development approved by planners
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PLANS for new calf buildings one of Pembrokeshire’s largest dairy farms, described as having near-five-star animal welfare despite previous concerns, have been given the go-ahead.
At the September 3 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, an application by Hugh James of Langdon Mill Farms Ltd for a calf building, weaned calf building, and associated yard areas, at Langdon Mill Farm, near Jeffreyston, Kilgetty was recommended for conditional approval.
The application was previously heard at the July meeting, again recommended for approval, but was deferred pending a site visit.
Ahead of that application, a supporting statement, through agent Reading Agricultural Consultants, said: “The holding currently has a milking herd of approximately 2,000 cows, which are housed indoors for the majority of the year, with dry cows [cows that are not lactating, prior to calving] and heifers grazed outdoors when weather and soil conditions permit.”
Currently, calves are reared at Langdon Mill Farm for two months before being transported off-site to be reared at a number of third-party farms in the area before being return later; the proposed 61.2m long calf building is required to accommodate young-stock, following separation from the cows, to two-months, with the 164.8m weaned calf building to be used for calves from two months to seven months.
The application said the proposals would “clearly make the enterprise more financially robust by reducing reliance on third party farms”.
16 letters of objection to the proposal have been received, raising concerns including claims the size of the operation is already out of keeping with the area, a potential impact on highway safety, environmental concerns including smell and claimed river pollution, a report for planners says.
Concerns were raised at the July committee meeting by objector Ian Dennis, a former vet of some four decades’ experience, who said the 2,000 cattle currently on site “are never allowed to graze,” the proposal, he said, would add another 1,000 cattle to the site.
“This is factory farming, an intensive livestock unit, no longer a farm.”
Speaking at the September meeting, Mr Dennis raised concerns about the potential pollution of nearby water sources from the development.
Following the site visit, an officer report is recommending conditional approval of the scheme said it “would enable efficiencies in the operation of an existing dairy farm business that will have associated environmental and animal welfare benefits”.
At the September meeting, Councillor Brian Hall, who later moved the application be approved, referred to the committee’s site visit.
“I was initially very concerned about the animals in the buildings, but once I looked in, I was very impressed by the condition of the cattle, they looked as if they had just come out of the barbers.
“On the basis of what I saw, the condition of the calves, in all honesty I have no hesitation in moving approval of the site, it’s got to happen so these farmers can increase their very successful operation.”
He was backed by Cllr Mark Carter, who said: “It’s a huge farm with lots of cows, it may be thought that big farms don’t equal a lot of welfare; in my past jobs I’ve driven a livestock lorry, the cows and calves all looked very healthy to me.
“The reason we’ve been told the shed is required is to effectively make a closed unit to minimise the effect of TB; TB is an absolute scourge for agriculture, to me this farm has got the right idea: they are not being moved around the county.
“I absolutely wholeheartedly agree with this application, I’ve no concerns about the welfare of the animals.”
While Councillor Jon Cole raised concerns about the ‘factory’ nature of the farming, Councillor John T Davies, himself a dairy farmer, supported the scheme.
“It is impressive, clearly the gent seemed to be very committed to animal welfare; this new building will make it significantly better as far as animal welfare is concerns, I certainly have no question marks whatsoever, it was no less than four-star, bordering on five-star.”
He said dairy farming was being forced to bigger farms due to economies of scale: “Whether you agree with industrial size farming or not, it exists; sadly in the world we now live in the market and supermarkets are now pushing in this direction – the milk prices at 30 years ago but the costs at 2024.”
The application was unanimously approved by committee members.
Farming
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society say thank you to all county show supporters
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Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society would like to thank all those who supported this year’s county show with competitor numbers up on the previous year as well as an increase in ticket sales.
The Society, which is celebrating its 240th anniversary this year, has praised the hard work of the huge army of volunteers, sponsors and exhibitors, without whom it would not have been possible to hold the show.
Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society President, said, “Thank you to everyone who came and supported the show, especially the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, who we were privileged to have with us. We witnessed two fantastic days of competitions throughout all the livestock categories. It was such a shame the glorious sunshine of day one was replaced with heavy rain on day two. Planning now begins for the 2025 event on the 20 and 21 August.”
Award winners at this year’s Pembrokeshire County Show included:
Baron de Rutzen Award Those under the age of 45 who farm in Pembrokeshire and could demonstrate their farm’s use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture were encouraged to enter the prestigious Baron de Rutzen Award. The winners were Andrew and Jane Phillips of Windsor Farm, Lamphey. They farm 1,100 acres, with 3,000 breeding sheep and lambs. A herd of British Blue cross Limousin suckler cows sired by a Limousin bull and all calves are sold as weaned. The arable side of the business includes 80 acres of winter and spring barley which is mostly used for stock consumption. The surplus is sold. They grow 150 acres of maize which is used in a Totally Mixed Ration (TMR) for their sheep. Again, the surplus is sold to dairy farms. Some land is rented out for growing potatoes and leeks. The autumn season sees the general public invited in to buy some of the six acres of Pumpkins they grow for the Halloween market. Besides this, they are also involved with the holiday business by renting out two shepherd’s huts for visitors.
Student Bursary Award was awarded to Catrin Palferey from Llanfyrnach who will begin studying at Aberystwyth University this autumn. The £1,000 bursary is open annually to all qualifying students studying agriculture, veterinary science, agricultural engineering, food technology, forestry or other subjects clearly allied to agriculture.
Ambassador for 2025 to help support officeholders in promoting and meeting the aims of the Society. During the show, the role was awarded to Alys Owens, who works for Castell Howell and lives in Haverfordwest. Alys is an active member of Llysyfran YFC and was Club Secretary last year, for which she was awarded Club Secretary of the Year at County level. She is a cornet player for Goodwick Brass Band.
Long Service Award – Farm and estate workers from Pembrokeshire, who have been employed on the land for 25 years or more, could be nominated for this Award. There were three recipients for the inscribed Awards: Gary Barber who has been employed by Pembrokeshire Farmers Hunt for 33 years; Robert Davies who works for Michael Morris and Sally Rees who works for Tom Goddard & Sons in Camrose.
The next large event to be held on the Showground will be the Christmas Fair which will take place over two days this year on Saturday and Sunday, 14 and 15 December, between 10am and 4pm. There will be gift and craft stalls, food and drink, festive music and a Santa’s Grotto. Admission is Free.
The date has been set for Wales’ largest county agricultural show, Pembrokeshire County Show in 2025. The event will take place on 20 and 21 August at Pembrokeshire County Showground in Haverfordwest.
Farming
Urgent call for vigilance among Welsh farmers following latest fatality figures
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FARMERS across the country are being urged to prioritise safety after new figures revealed 27 people were killed in Britain’s agricultural industry in 2023/241.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), two of the deaths in the sector – which encompasses agriculture, forestry and fishing – were in Wales.
“The number of fatalities serves as a stark reminder for anyone involved in agriculture that safety must always be a top priority,” said Alex Cormack, of Lycetts Risk Management Services.
“While accidents can happen, many are preventable. It is crucial to implement and maintain rigorous safety protocols, which may include regular training, the proper use of equipment and strictly adhering to all safety guidelines.
“Farmers should also conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards on their farms.
“By taking these proactive steps, we can reduce the number of preventable incidents and protect the lives of both workers and the public in this essential industry.”
The data also revealed that more than two-fifths (44 per cent) of fatalities nationwide involved individuals over the age of 60.
“Older farmers face unique challenges, such as reduced physical strength, slower reaction times and underlying health conditions, which can increase the risk of accidents,” added Cormack.
“In addition to standard safety practices, they should consider taking more frequent breaks to help prevent fatigue and enlisting extra help when needed.”
Cormack also suggested embracing new technologies.
“Wearable safety devices and real-time hazard monitoring systems can play a significant role in reducing risks.
“Furthermore, farm owners, colleagues and family members should be vigilant in recognising when older workers may be struggling and provide appropriate support. This could involve assigning less physically demanding tasks and fostering a culture where asking for help is encouraged and respected.”
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