Farming

Thousands of visitors flocked to the Royal Welsh Winter Fair

Published

1 week ago

November 27, 2025

Two days of celebration, competition and festive atmosphere this week

THOUSANDS of visitors flocked to the Royal Welsh Winter Fair for two days of celebration, competition and festive atmosphere this week.

First staged in 1990, the annual event was held at the showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells on Monday and Tuesday and has become one of the most popular attractions in the British agricultural calendar.

The fair continues to maintain its position as one of the finest primestock shows in the UK, this year attracting nearly 700 exhibitors from across the UK.

**The bustling Food Hall at the Winter Fair**

The choice of father and son duo, Ieuan and Sion Edwards of the esteemed Edwards of Conwy butchery family, to officially open the event fitted within this year’s educational theme of ‘Our Food / Ein Bwyd’.

In his opening speech, master butcher Ieuan reflected on the Winter Fair’s importance to the industry. Speaking candidly about the challenges and opportunities facing food production, he highlighted the crucial role of farmers in feeding a growing global population.

He noted the pressures facing the industry but also its remarkable resilience, emphasising the importance of creating an environment where farmers can produce high-quality, sustainable and affordable food.

***Ieuan and Sion Edwards, of Edwards of Conwy, officially open the Winter Fair***

Ieuan also shared how deeply the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has shaped his professional and personal journey, recalling highlights such as winning the Sir Bryner Jones Award in 2013 and decades of involvement at the fair.

Sion continued the address with an optimistic view of the industry’s future. He also acknowledged the changing landscape of food production, emphasising the importance of ensuring the next generation can thrive.

“To meet the challenges ahead, our industry must be economically viable and function in an efficient and sustainable manner,” he said. “The future will look different, but the importance of what we do remains the same.”

Sion quoted the writer and Harvard University professor, Michael Pollan, saying: “Food is not just fuel. Food is about family, food is about community, food is about identity. And we nourish all those things when we eat well.”

Notable achievements within the agricultural community were celebrated. John Owen, the 2025 Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) president for featured county Caernarfonshire, presented the John Gittins Memorial Award to Kevin Parry, Powys, the Oxford Farming Conference Bursary to Eiry Wiliams, Ceredigion and the RWAS Nuffield Farming Scholarship to Tudor Roderick, Powys.

The inaugural Dai Jones Llanilar Memorial Award was presented to Elen Gwen Williams from Anglesey. Elen will now have the exciting opportunity to develop an original idea for broadcast on S4C.

Education played a central role at this year’s fair, with more than 2,000 schoolchildren and students attending across the two days. They made the most of free entry for organised primary and secondary school visits, along with reduced rates for further and higher education groups.

This year’s theme, Ein Bwyd / Our Food, provided a dynamic learning experience. Year six workshops delivered by food wholesaler Castell Howell, broadcaster Myfanwy Alexander and The Big Science Project helped deepen pupils’ understanding of where their food comes from and how it is produced, with live cooking demonstrations and interactive sessions bringing the message to life.

Rhys Jones, founder of Cattle Strength Gym, Lampeter, presented certificates to participating schools and spoke about the importance of healthy eating and exercising.

A former rugby professional, Rhys established his farm-based gym in 2015 following a family loss and has since combined his passion for fitness and farming to raise awareness of mental health in agriculture.

The fair is an important platform for policy discussion and debate, with Welsh and UK Government Minister in attendance, together with representatives from the German and Irish Embassies.

Discussions were held between highly influential individuals and organisations that impact the future of Welsh agriculture and the rural economy. The Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) breakfast was addressed by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, MS.

Livestock competitions remained at the heart of the event, with excellent support from exhibitors. There were record numbers in the pig section, the second-highest number of lamb carcass entries and sheep classes at full capacity.

The supreme cattle champion – one of the most prestigious accolades of the Winter Fair – was awarded to ‘Glangdwen Velvet’, a pedigree Limousin heifer weighing 598kg, bred by C. L. & F. E. Jerman and exhibited by Edwards Brothers of Denbighshire. The heifer sold for £27,000, a record price for the event.

The sheep supreme champion award went to a pair of Dutch Texel lambs, both bred and exhibited by Tirion Griffiths of Corwen.

The Pig Supreme Champion (Single) title was awarded to a Welsh cross Pietrain bacon pig exhibited by Teulu Jenkins of Newcastle Emlyn. In the pairs section, the was claimed by Mark Horsley from East Yorkshire with his Pietrain-cross bacon pigs.

The Supreme Horse Champion title was awarded to ‘Llanmorlais Buster’, a Section D yearling colt exhibited by Mark Swistun, Swansea. The Welsh Horse Champion was a Section B yearling colt exhibited by Josh Hampson, West Yorkshire and owned by Alison Wright.

Building on the hugely popular Heavy Horse Village, first introduced by Caernarfon’s Ambassador Rhys Griffith at this year’s Royal Welsh Show, a dedicated area in the Farriery Pavilion showcased magnificent horses alongside the nearby Hound Show.

Elsewhere on the showground, winner of the Best Overall Tradestand Award went to Shearwell Data.

There were more than 370 trade stands, along with more than 80 additional stands in the Food Hall and street food area, where guests were able to sample a wide range of produce from across Wales. Best Food Hall Tradestand was Mountainview Ice Cream from Carmarthenshire.

The Gwledd | Feast Welsh food and drink village offered a vibrant mix of live entertainment and delicious Welsh street food. Performances included the Welsh Whisperer, Parti Camddwr and 50 Shêds o Santa Clos, as well as local schools and choirs.

Headline event sponsors were Welsh Government, HSBC and Dunbia.

Honorary Winter Fair director, William Hanks said: “We’ve been thrilled to welcome such high visitor numbers to this year’s Winter Fair, which once again delivered a wonderful festive atmosphere across the whole showground.

“From exceptional live music and outstanding food and drink to the superb standard of entries across all sections, the event truly showcased the very best of Welsh agriculture and rural life.

“We are deeply grateful for the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, stewards, traders, sponsors and, of course, the visitors who make this event possible. The RWAS is immensely proud of what has been achieved this year and we are committed to building on this success to make next year’s Winter Fair even better.”

Other top results were: Baby Beef Supreme Champion, ‘Pretty Little Thing’, a 318kg Continental heifer bred and exhibited by D E & S. J. Cheacker, Gloucester which sold for £4,400.

Sheep: Single Carcass Supreme Champion, a Beltex, bred by Ben Moralee and exhibited by Swinnerton & Hamplett, Shropshire which sold for £1,600. Carcass Supreme Champion Pair, Beltex cross lambs bred and exhibited by T. G. & E. A. Jones, Lampeter which sold for £ 900 each. Champion Single Carcass bred in Wales, a Beltex cross bred and the White Hart, Llandeilo. Champion Pair of Carcasses bred in Wales, Beltex cross lambs, bred and exhibited by TG & EA Jones which sold for £400 each.

Overall Meat Hamper Champion, ‘Showcase of Welsh Meat’, exhibited by Wild Welsh Meat T/A Izzy’s Butchers, Powys which sold for £340. Dressed poultry champion, a16.5lb turkey exhibited by Russel Gibbons, Ceredigion which sold for £450. Bacon, Burger and Sausage champion, sausages exhibited by Morgan’s Family Butchers, Builth Wells. Beef Rib champion, GCSE Butchers, Powys which sold for £180.

Cover image:

Supreme Horse Champion ‘Llanmorlais Buster’ exhibited by Mark Swistun of Swansea

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

14 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.

Farming

Farmers Union of Wales Warns: Labour’s 5G Expansion Risks Rural Blackspots

Published

1 day ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FUW Joins Landowners in Urgent Call to Pause Controversial Telecoms Reforms

THE FUW (Farmers’ Union of Wales) has warned that rural communities face worsening mobile blackspots and farmers risk losing essential income if the Labour Government expands a telecoms policy blamed for stalling Britain’s 5G rollout.

In a letter to Digital Economy Minister Liz Lloyd, the FUW aligns with landowners, investors, and property experts demanding a halt to Part 2 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act 2022. Extending the 2017 Electronic Communications Code (ECC) would “entrench failure,” the group argues, sparking more stalled renewals, site losses, and legal battles just as Wales needs swifter rural connectivity.

The 2017 reforms empowered operators to cut mast rents—often by 90%—from hosts like farmers, councils, and NHS trusts. Far from boosting rollout, they’ve ignited over 1,000 tribunal cases since 2017, versus 33 in the prior three decades. Rural goodwill has eroded, with hosts now eyeing exits.

“Every lost mast isolates households, schools, and businesses,” the FUW states. “No public subsidy can fix this systemic damage.”

A survey of 559 hosts (via NFU, CLA, BPF) shows:

35% considering full withdrawal.
70% of expired lease holders facing operator legal threats.

Landowner Ted Hobbs in New Tredegar shares the pain: “My 1995 Vodafone lease was £3,500 yearly, renewed in 2010 at the same rate. It expired May 2025—now they demand a slash, backed by the Code. This is confiscation, not partnership.”

Labour’s push forward—despite earlier opposition and a critical consultation—ignores these red flags.

FUW President Ian Rickman adds: “Farmers hosted masts in good faith for rural connectivity. Punishing them with rent cuts sabotages Wales. Halt this now, restore trust, and incentivise real progress.”

The coalition urges ministers to reopen dialogue before deepening rural divides. Wales can’t afford more policy missteps.

Business

Large new development at one of Pembrokeshire’s biggest dairy farms approved

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a heifer accommodation building and associated works at one of Pembrokeshire’s largest dairy farms, with a milking herd of 2,000 cows, have been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December 2 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Hugh James of Langdon Mill Farms Ltd sought permission for a 160-metre-long heifer accommodation building, a slurry separation/dewatering building and associated yard areas at 1,215-hectare Langdon Mill Farm, near Jeffreyston, Kilgetty.

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 and heifers grazed outdoors when weather and soil conditions permit.

“There has been significant investment in buildings and infrastructure at the farm over the last decade in respect of cattle accommodation, slurry storage, milking facilities, Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant, feed storage. Recently a calf and weaned calf accommodation buildings were approved by Pembrokeshire County Council with construction almost complete.

“The unit is efficient, achieving yields of more than 10,000 litres/cow/year, with cows being milked three times/day in the 60-point rotary parlour. Langdon Mill Farm currently directly employs 21 full-time, and three part-time staff. Of these, four live on site in the two dwellings opposite the farm, with the remaining staff living in the locality.”

It added: “Although the unit has previously purchased heifers to aid expansion, the farm now breeds most of its own replacements to improve genetics and to minimise the ongoing threat of bovine tuberculosis (bTB).

“Following the completion of the calf and weaned calf accommodation buildings, the farm will be rearing all of the cattle under seven months at Langdon Mill Farm, before being transported off site to be reared at three farms in the local area. At 22-months the in-calf heifers are brought back to the maternity building to calve and then are introduced into the milking herd.”

It said the proposed building would be used by heifers between the ages of 7-22 months, the siting “directly influenced by the adjacent calf and weaned calf buildings, with livestock being moved from one building to the next as they get older”.

Approval was moved by Cllr Brian Hall, seconded by Cllr Danny Young, with Cllr John T Davies also stating his support.

“It’s common sense; the fact we approved a calf-rearing shed, it follows on you need a heifer rearing shed,” he said.

Cllr Davies later said the scheme would also support biodiversity, and, with a decline in milk prices, supporting the large-scale farm was about “safety in numbers”.

Chair Cllr Mark Carter said it was “a pleasure to be supporting the farming industry”.

Members unanimously supported the recommendation of approval.