FARMERS across Wales are being urged to take urgent steps to protect livestock as extreme heat warnings raise serious concerns over animal welfare.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency has issued hot weather guidance, warning that heat stress can pose a severe risk to animals and affect productivity during prolonged periods of high temperatures.

NFU Cymru is reminding livestock keepers to check water supplies daily, with animals able to double their water intake during extreme heat. Farmers are also being advised to use extra troughs where needed to reduce competition.

The union says housed animals should have good airflow, with fans used where appropriate and buildings kept well ventilated. Outdoor livestock should have access to natural or artificial shade.

Farmers are also being urged to avoid moving or handling animals unless absolutely necessary. Where transport cannot be avoided, it should take place during the coolest part of the day, with loading density reduced by at least 30 per cent and vehicle airflow maximised.

NFU Cymru has also warned farmers to remain vigilant for blowfly strike in sheep and metabolic diseases such as CCN in cattle.

Rob Lewis, NFU Cymru Livestock Chair, said: “With unprecedented day and night temperatures expected over most of Wales in the next few days, I urge all livestock keepers to follow the APHA guidelines mentioned above to protect the welfare and the well-being of their stock.

“In particular, avoid livestock moves during the hottest parts of the day.”

CEREDIGION Penfro MS Anna Nicholl has welcomed the Welsh Government’s broad ambition to strengthen rural resilience and sustainability, but has warned that farmers and local communities must be involved in shaping the detail if policies are to work in practice.

Speaking during a Senedd debate on June 23, Ms Nicholl referred to a recent visit to a farm in Pembrokeshire with the Farmers’ Union of Wales, where she heard first-hand about the significant challenges facing the sector.

She highlighted examples of farms working with Farming Connect to reduce emissions, boost biodiversity and increase profits at the same time.

Ms Nicholl welcomed some of the Government’s stated priorities, including tackling bovine TB, reforming nitrate vulnerable zone regulations and cutting red tape, saying they had given the industry “fresh hope”.

But she pressed ministers on how they would work with farmers when drawing up the detail of future policy.

In response, the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability said the Sustainable Farming Scheme was being refined following feedback, with an emphasis on working with the sector, making the system easier to navigate and offering greater long-term certainty.

Ms Nicholl said: “It’s clear that change is needed to respond to the climate and nature crises, but that change must happen with our rural communities, not against them.

“It’s not just farming that matters here – it’s about keeping our food system strong, supporting local businesses, and securing jobs in our rural areas.

“Farmers in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire want to see a system that is fair, simple to navigate, and provides real financial security, while also tackling the nature and climate crisis.

“It’s positive to hear that the Government is talking about less bureaucracy and more partnership. I look forward to seeing that happen in practice now.”

Photo caption: Anna Nicholl MS, Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro, on a farm visit in north Pembrokeshire arranged by the Farmers’ Union of Wales.

AMENDED plans for a rural mid Pembrokeshire slurry lagoon have been given the go-ahead after an initial scheme was altered due to the presence of mine workings.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Owen Thomas, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, sought permission for the excavation of an earth bank nutrient ‘slurry lagoon’ store of 60 by 48 metres near to New House Farm, some one kilometre from the village of Cresselly.

A supporting statement said: “The dairy farming operation at New House Farm covers approximately 290 hectares of mixed tenure land with the herd comprising of 250 milking cows, which have a yield of between 6-9 thousand litres per cow and associated youngstock.”

It added: “The current slurry storage arrangements at New House are insufficient based on the livestock numbers to accommodate a five-month slurry storage capacity. The purpose of the proposal is to increase the slurry and dirty water storage capacity for the farming enterprise to be compliant with the control of Agricultural Pollution (Wales) Regulations 2021 (CoAPR) requirements.

“It is not the applicant’s intention to increase stock levels at the holding. The existing slurry store on the farmstead following the deduction of rainfall and freeboard has a capacity of 1,178 cubic metres.”

It said the required capacity would be 5,481 cubic metres over a five-month period, leading to a current shortfall of 4,303 cubic metres, which the proposal would address.

It added: “A further environmental benefit bought by the development is the nutrient store would allow the spreading of nutrients during suitable weather conditions, rather than needing to be disposed of in unfavourable weather conditions.”

Local community council Jeffreyston raised no objections but noted concerns about its size, although recognising the development is required to meet legislation, requesting all appropriate mitigation measures would be explored and implemented.

The Coal Authority objected to the original proposed location, owing to the presence of a recorded mine shaft and associated zone of influence, leading to an amended scheme moving the store some 150 metres.

An officer report recommending approval for the amended scheme said: “The principle of the development is considered acceptable, given its direct functional relationship with the agricultural enterprise and the demonstrated operational need for additional storage capacity.

“The proposal would remain closely associated with the existing farm holding and would not result in the introduction of an unrelated use within the countryside.”

It added: “The proposal would improve slurry management arrangements at the holding and assist in reducing the risk of pollution incidents associated with insufficient storage capacity.”

The application was conditionally approved.