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News

Successful 40th year for North Pembrokeshire Grassland Society

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successful yearTHE annual meeting of the North Pembrokeshire Grassland Society included a summary from the Chair person, Joy Smith, of an organised visit made earlier in the year to agricultural units in Yorkshire, and from Will Prichard who used a bursary from the Society’s Rex Patterson fund to see some of the latest dairy technology being applied in Australia.

Reporting on a hugely successful 40th year programme for NPGS, Joy remarked that the farm tour had included a business who had visions of becoming the most successful integrated animal breeding and farming company in Europe.

Having the business was now one of the largest private, familyowned farming companies in Britain, with a reputation for producing and marketing high yields of quality produce and livestock that achieve very acceptable returns on capital.

Founded just over 50 years ago the company has an annual turnover in excess of £20 million and employs over 220 full-time staff, included are three core businesses –arable farming, pig production and genetics-overseen by a corporate centre comprising 6 directors, 3 of whom are non-executive.

The arable side of the business, she said, which is fully underpinned by technical, marketing, financial and administration support, are responsible for 16,000 acres, either owned or tenanted by the company, or farmed for clients under a farm management agreement. The land grows a variety of crops including cereals, oilseed rape, vining peas, sugar beet, potatoes, and onions.

The pig 18 units, which include the UK’s largest and most environmentally conscious pig genetics base, has 7,800 breeding sows producing 150,000 breeding and slaughter pigs annually sustained by a sound research base dedicated to customer service, veterinary health monitoring and technical support.

Other visits on the 5 day itinerary included a unit where three brothers -who had previously owned 100,000 acres in Russia –now farmed 2,600 acres running a dairy herd of 900 pedigree Holsteins with an annual lactation yield of 9,600kgs, several other dairy farms, a cheese plant and a number of livestock breeders including a 2,000 head beef unit dedicated to using stabilizer bulls and finishing all stock at grass.

Will Prichard presented some fascinating details of the World’s first proto- type commercial robotic milking rotary presently being unveiled by the Swedish dairy equipment company, de Laval, at an al grass pilot farm with 1,300 cows in Tasmania.

The technology has been developed by the FutureDairy project in Australia, a collaboration between de Laval, Dairy Australia, NSW Department of Primary Industries and the University of Sydney. Featuring five robots, the rotary has a capacity to milk up to 90 cows per hour, and is based on 24 -unit internal, herringbone rotary that enables the robots to reach the cow from the side. With the use of laser technology, the robots focus red light to determine the location of the cow’s teats, clean them and attach the cups.

The first two robots clean and prepare the teats for milking, the second two attach the cups to the teats, and the last robot sprays the teats to disinfect them before the cows leave the platform.

Design of the dairy yard plays an important role in the AMR’s operation – the yards have a series of smaller yards, divided by automatic gates known as smart selection gates (SSGs), which can guide cows in two or three different paths after the milking.

Will assured his audience that the cows wear automatic identification collars or transponders, and when the cows approach the SSG, the system reads the transponder and guides the cow in the direction set in the DELPRO herd management software.

Mrs Smith was warmly thanked for ensuring another successful year for the Society which remained, by far, the largest in Wales and also, last month, hosting –for the first time in Wales -a meeting of the British Grassland Society.

Elected chairman for the coming year was Meurig S Harries with Peter Smith as vice –chairman. The secretary, Cheryl Codd, and treasurer, Dyfrig Davies, were re-elected. Delegates reappointed were Neil Perkins (British Grassland Society) and Jeff Evans (to the Welsh Federation of which he is current chairman).

Awards: Member of the Year, 2013 –Roger Jones, Trenichol, Grassland –Will Prichard, Escalwen and Gerwyn Williams, Swmbarch, New leys – Jonathan and Christopher James, Trefaner (at Trevigan), Clamp Silage –Tim and William James, Farthing’s Hook, Round bales, Roger Jones, Milk production, Roger Ridgway, Clovers and Jeff Evans, Broadmoor.

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News

Festival pulls appearance by ex-MP despite acclaim for honest memoir

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A PLANNED appearance by former Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards at this year’s Llandeilo Lit Fest has been cancelled, despite growing praise for his recently published memoir Into the Abyss.

Mr Edwards, who represented the constituency in Westminster for 14 years, had been due to speak about his book on 25 April. The event had originally been billed as “a must for Welsh political enthusiasts” — and many local readers had welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from a man whose political and personal life has played out under intense public scrutiny.

But organisers announced on Tuesday that they had taken the decision to cancel the session, saying: “Upon further review, we believe that the nature and content of the recently published book are not aligned with the values and principles of our festival.” In a follow-up statement, they added: “The potential for harm and distress to some individuals mentioned in the book is too significant to overlook.”

Into the Abyss recounts the most difficult and controversial chapter of Edwards’ life — including a domestic incident in May 2020 that resulted in him accepting a police caution and stepping away from his role in Plaid Cymru. But far from attempting to brush aside the events, the book tackles them head-on with unflinching honesty.

In our earlier review, we described Into the Abyss as “a stark, emotionally raw account of a man confronting the lowest point in his life — not to seek pity, but to take responsibility.” Far from being a political memoir in the traditional mould, Edwards’ writing is deeply personal, exploring themes of shame, regret, and the long, painful road to self-understanding.

While the decision to withdraw his appearance has drawn support from some quarters, others have expressed concern that the festival’s move risks shutting down important conversations.

“It’s a powerful and uncomfortable read,” the review continues, “but that’s what gives it value. In an age where public figures often hide behind PR statements and half-apologies, Edwards has laid himself bare — and that deserves recognition, not rejection.”

Mr Edwards, who stood down at the 2024 general election, has not commented publicly on the festival’s decision. However, those close to him say the memoir was written not to cause harm but as a form of personal and public accountability — a chance to own past mistakes and reflect on what it means to rebuild after failure.

The book has quietly built a following among readers interested not only in politics but in the human cost of public life, and the toll taken by personal breakdown. As our review noted, Into the Abyss is “not a justification — it’s a reckoning.”

Organisers of Llandeilo Lit Fest stressed that they are “dedicated to curating a festival that upholds the values of inclusivity and literary celebration for everyone involved.” But for some, the decision to remove one of the most candid and introspective political memoirs in recent Welsh publishing history raises difficult questions about whose stories are allowed to be heard — and under what circumstances.

Into the Abyss which was co-published by Herald.Wales remains available from major booksellers and online.

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Community

Gentle British Shorthair seeks loving forever home

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A BEAUTIFUL and affectionate four-year-old British Shorthair cat is looking for a calm and loving home through Greenacres Rescue in Pembrokeshire.

Maple, described by staff as having a “luxurious plush coat” and a “gentle, affectionate nature,” came into the charity’s care through no fault of her own. With her classic round face, soulful eyes, and teddy bear-like fur, she is proving popular with volunteers at the centre.

Greenacres said Maple would make an ideal companion for someone seeking a calm and elegant feline friend. She enjoys gentle fuss and quiet company and has previously lived harmoniously with other cats.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Maple would thrive in a peaceful environment where she can settle in at her own pace and be treated with the patience and love she deserves. She may be happy to share her home with another gentle-natured feline.”

The rescue centre is based in Pembrokeshire, but rehomes animals across the UK. However, potential adopters are reminded that visits to the centre are essential, and priority may be given to homes closer to the charity’s location.

Anyone interested in adopting Maple is asked to complete an online application form, clearly stating her name:
👉 Cat Adoption Form – Greenacres Rescue

Applications are processed Monday to Thursday and are subject to home and vet checks. For more information on the adoption process, visit:
🔗 Adoption Procedure – Greenacres Rescue

Greenacres thanked all potential adopters for supporting their mission to find loving homes for animals in need.

🐾 Could you be the one to give Maple the home she deserves?

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Crime

Carmarthenshire man jailed for role in commercial cannabis factory

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A MAN who allowed members of an organised crime group to set up a large-scale cannabis factory at his rural property has been jailed.

Martin Evans, 37, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he claimed to be unaware of the extent of the illegal operation. However, the court heard that by renting out part of his home near Kidwelly, Evans had become a “facilitator” for the criminal enterprise.

During a warrant executed in February under Operation Scotney, police discovered nearly 200 cannabis plants—worth up to £264,100—being cultivated at the property.

Further investigation of Evans’s mobile phone revealed incriminating messages referencing police drones and discussions about increasing heat and humidity to accelerate plant growth, confirming his knowledge and involvement.

Evans was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Another man, Fatjon Xafa, who was actively cultivating the plants, received a 29-week prison sentence.

Detective Chief Inspector Rich Lewis said: “I am in no doubt that Evans knew exactly what was going on at his home. He clearly hoped the rurality of the location would allow the operation to go undetected, and he would have allowed it to continue had we not intervened.”

Police said the bust was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organised drug networks operating in west Wales.

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