Farming

Market volatility hitting family farms

Published

11 years ago

March 26, 2015

REBECCA EVANS AM – Deputy Minister for Farms and Food, visited the Haverfordwest Creamery to better understand the challenges facing the dairy sector and the plans that farmer-owned First Milk have in place for the future.

Haverfordwest Creamery processes the milk from nearly 300 local dairy farmers, who are all co-owners of the factory and located within a radius of 50 miles.

After completing a factory tour, which included speaking with local employees and a local farmer representative, the Deputy Minister said:

“In the last 12 months we have witnessed volatility and low prices in dairy markets around the world, which has had a direct impact on family farms across Wales. We are working closely with the industry, through our Dairy Task Force, to increase the demand and add value for Welsh milk and milk products.

“I believe that well-invested farmer-owned facilities, such as this creamery in Haverfordwest, are vital to the long-term vision of an efficient and sustainable dairy sector in Wales. One which delivers benefits for the wider rural economy.”

First Milk’s site director at the creamery, Paul Rowe commented: “Haverfordwest Creamery creates approximately £70 million of economic activity per year in West Wales. It processes over 260 million litres of local milk and turns it into 28,000 tonnes of award-winning cheeses, with over 100 local people employed in our cheese making and distribution operations.

“Haverfordwest Creamery is one of the most efficient in the UK and a large proportion of the investments we have made, over the last few years, have only been possible with the support of the Welsh government.

“Dairy markets are very tough right now and dealing with this is our immediate priority. However over the longer-term we firmly believe that the Haverfordwest Creamery is well placed to take advantage of the growing global demand for dairy products. We will continue to work closely with the Welsh government in developing these opportunities for the benefit of our local farming members and owners.”

Addressing the annual DairyCo conference at the University of Aberystwyth the following day (Friday, March 6), Rebecca Evans, announced the completion of the Welsh Dairy Review.

In October, the Deputy Minister announced she was commissioning an independent review of the Welsh dairy sector. She asked Andy Richardson, a member of the Dairy Task Force for Wales, to lead the review, which was commissioned in response to difficulties faced by dairy farmers last autumn, as well as an opportunity to review the voluntary code which had been in operation for two years.

She recently received the final report from Mr Richardson, who categorised his recommendations under five key headings: Leadership, Market Focus, Efficiency, Knowledge and Skills and the Environment.

The Deputy Minister said: “One of the things that has particularly concerned me about the recent cut in the price of milk is the impact on confidence and the possible knock-on effect this could have on investment within the sector.

“Andy Richardson’s review suggests that the mood, both amongst farmers and processors, may be more positive than perhaps is being portrayed and that is good news – without continued investment the future will look very bleak.

“As the price paid for milk continues to fall, many farmers and processors in Wales continue to operate under extremely challenging conditions on a daily basis, as the industry faces a very difficult period, one fundamentally driven by an over-supply.

“I am however confident there is a secure and profitable future for dairy in Wales. As I have said many times before, we have the land, the animals, the labour and the infrastructure. Evident from Andy’s review is that we also have the commitment, the passion and the willingness to change and to adapt that will see us through our current difficulties.

“It is so important to me that we continue to support the sector by taking on board the views of those working within it, and help to grasp the opportunities that exist.

“Following discussions with farmers and processors across Wales, Andy has been able to provide a vision of the future for the whole of the dairy sector which sets the direction for a more sustainable industry in the future.

“I would like to thank Andy for his work, undertaken in such a short period of time. I expect to publish the report, alongside the Welsh Government’s formal response, in the form of an action plan once I have given it due consideration.”

The Dairy Review was intended to draw on the work already undertaken by the Dairy Task Force but looked wider, taking views from all parts of the supply chain. It also considered what support the RDP 2014 – 2020 may provide to dairy farmers and the milk processing sector in Wales.

Meanwhile at Carmarthenshire’s recent NFU-Cymru conference, NFU President Meurig Raymond assured union members that the NFU was doing it all it can to assist its milk producing members get through the current price volatility when he spoke at the recent Carmarthenshire NFU Cymru conference.

Mr Raymond explained helping farmers within the milk industry was the Union’s top priority at present. He said he has met with the leading banks to ask them to help farmers at this difficult time. He has met with Government to discuss tax concessions. They’ve given evidence to the Efra Committee asking for more powers to the Groceries Code Adjudicator. The NFU has spoken to milk buyers, particularly First Milk. Mr Raymond also told those present how he has personally had some very difficult meetings with the major retailers and has had some assurances that they will stock more British dairy products in the future.

Mr Raymond said, “We are grateful to shoppers for the positive messages we’ve received as dairy producers and pleased that so many consumers have come out and backed British dairy farmers at this time. We’ve been inundated on social media in particular by shoppers wanting to know where they should buy their dairy products to help us most. In response we have said that shoppers have to check the labels to make sure they are definitely buying British produce – not something that looks British. The Red Tractor mark is a good quick indicator. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the British public for all their support at this time.”

Farming

Royal Welsh Show opens with Brecknock centre stage

Published

23 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Thousands gather at Llanelwedd as Welsh farming, rural heritage and the future of food take the spotlight

THE ROYAL WELSH SHOW has opened at Llanelwedd, with thousands of visitors arriving for four days celebrating Welsh agriculture, food, countryside traditions and rural life.

Major Andrew Butcher MBE, Senior Training Safety Officer at Sennybridge Defence Training Camp, officially declared the 2026 show open during Monday’s traditional ceremony.

He was joined by Royal Welsh Agricultural Society chair of council Nicola Davies, show president Gethin Havard and representatives from farming, government and rural organisations.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth was among the senior political figures attending the opening day, underlining the show’s importance not only as a major visitor attraction, but as a focal point for debate about the future of agriculture and food production in Wales.

This year, Brecknock is taking centre stage as the society’s Feature County.

It is the fifth time the county has held the honour, following previous feature years in 1964, 1980, 1997 and 2012.

The opening ceremony recognised the efforts of Mr Havard and his family, county advisory committee chair Rob Powell, honorary secretary Shelley Hughes, ambassador Teleri Haf Thomas and the many volunteers involved in organising events and raising funds throughout the year.

Last month’s Grassland Event at Cwmbrynich, hosted by the Havard family, was among the highlights of Brecknock’s feature year.

A special tribute was also paid to the families of Epynt who were displaced from their homes in 1940 when the land was taken over for use as a military training area.

Addressing the crowd, Major Butcher said agriculture remained central to the Welsh economy, environment, food security and national identity.

He said: “In a rapidly changing world, the importance of agriculture has never been clearer. It is central to our economy, to our environment and to our food security. But beyond all that, it is central to our identity.

“The Royal Welsh Show stands as a powerful reminder of that truth. It showcases excellence, encourages innovation and strengthens the bonds between us.

“It brings town and country together, offering a space where understanding can grow and where traditions can be celebrated and shared.”

The show was officially opened to a fanfare performed by the Regimental Band of The Royal Welsh.

Farming policy takes the spotlight

Away from the competitions and entertainment, the political future of Welsh farming has already emerged as one of the central themes of this year’s show.

The Welsh Government used the event to confirm that £340 million a year will be provided for three years to March 2030 to support the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

The package includes £238 million annually for the scheme’s Universal Layer and £102 million for its Optional and Collaborative Layers.

Ministers say the multi-year agreement will end the uncertainty caused by annual funding decisions and allow farmers to plan investments with greater confidence.

A new national Farm to Fork plan is also being unveiled during the show, setting out proposals for the future of food production and the wider food industry in Wales.

New sheep village launched

Among the major additions to the showground this year is Cynefin, a new Welsh Sheep Village created by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and the National Sheep Association.

The area was opened by Margaret Dalton OBE and Alun Evans CBE, both longstanding champions of the Welsh and UK sheep industry.

The dedicated village celebrates the people, breeds, products and traditions that have shaped sheep farming in Wales, while showcasing innovation and best practice across the sector.

Visitors can take part in educational displays, live demonstrations, discussions and interactive activities designed to improve understanding of the role sheep farming plays in the Welsh landscape, rural economy and national heritage.

Brecknock’s native breeds are also being showcased, including the Beulah Speckled Face, Brecknock Hill Cheviot, Epynt Hardy Speckled Face and Talybont Welsh Mountain.

The name Cynefin reflects the close relationship between the land, livestock, farming families and the communities shaped by the sheep industry.

The popular Horticulture Village has also returned with a packed programme of expert talks, demonstrations and practical activities.

BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost joined the opening day as special guest judge for the Micro Show Garden Competition before taking part in a question-and-answer session with visitors.

Main Ring entertainment

The Main Ring programme began with the Royal Welsh debut of the Shetland Pony Grand National, alongside the return of the Paul Hannam Quad Bike Stunt Show, Hawkeye Falconry and displays by the RAF Falcons.

A special performance was also given by Britain’s Got Talent winners the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir, whose members waved to the crowds from the Main Ring.

The choir has used its growing public profile to raise awareness of loneliness and mental health pressures within farming communities.

Wales YFC also marked its 90th anniversary with a colourful display celebrating the organisation’s contribution to rural life and generations of young farmers.

The Royal Welsh Show continues until Thursday, July 23, with livestock and equine competitions, forestry, horticulture, countryside sports, shopping, Welsh food and drink and a full programme of Main Ring entertainment.

Picture caption: Royal Welsh Agricultural Society president Gethin Havard with Major Andrew Butcher MBE following the opening ceremony.

Picture caption: Members of the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir wave to the crowds from the Main Ring.

Pictures: RWAS

Farming

Welsh farmers promised £1bn funding package under three-year deal

Published

3 days ago

July 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Government guarantees £340m annually for Sustainable Farming Scheme as minister pledges greater certainty and less bureaucracy

WELSH farmers will receive more than £1 billion in agricultural funding over the remainder of the Senedd term, under a new multi-year commitment announced by the Welsh Government.

Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, unveiled the package at the Royal Welsh Show, in his first major announcement since taking responsibility for the rural affairs portfolio.

The Government has guaranteed £340 million a year for three years, taking funding for the Sustainable Farming Scheme through to March 2030.

Of that annual total, £238 million will support the scheme’s Universal Layer, while £102 million will fund Optional and Collaborative actions.

The Welsh Government said the agreement would end the uncertainty caused by annual funding settlements and allow farming businesses to make longer-term investment and planning decisions.

The commitment was promised during the first 100 days of the new Plaid Cymru Government.

Mr Gruffydd said: “Giving farmers only 12 months’ line of sight to funding is not sufficient.

“We know how hard it is to plan and make business decisions without knowing what funding is coming.

“Farmers told us loud and clear they need certainty and stability, and that is exactly what we are delivering.”

Red tape changes announced

The minister also announced initial measures intended to reduce bureaucracy for family farms, following early feedback from an independent review led by former NFU Cymru president John Davies.

The requirements of the Animal Health Improvement Cycle, known as AHIC, will be simplified under the Universal Layer of the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

The Welsh Government will work with farm assurance schemes to align their requirements from 2027.

Farmers participating in an aligned assurance scheme would then complete one form following a single veterinary visit, rather than carrying out separate processes for farm assurance and Sustainable Farming Scheme compliance.

Because 2026 is being treated as a transition year, membership of farm assurance schemes that have committed to aligning their requirements by 2027 will be accepted as satisfying the AHIC requirement this year.

Mr Gruffydd said the relationship between farmers and their vets would remain central to improving animal health and farm performance.

New grants opening

Applications for organic conversion support are expected to open at the end of July.

A new Production and Efficiency capital grant category will also provide support towards livestock-handling facilities, precision soil and crop-management equipment, and other investments designed to reduce waste and improve productivity.

Further Optional Actions will be introduced over the coming months.

The Small Woodland Creation Grant and Woodland Creation Grant application windows will open on Monday, July 20.

A further window for the Integrated Natural Resources Scheme, which forms part of the Collaborative Layer, is also expected to open later this year.

Mr Gruffydd said: “The family farm sits at the heart of rural Wales, its economy and its communities.

“I am committed to working to ensure farming in Wales thrives for generations to come.

“My message to farmers from day one has been: you have a minister on your side.

“Someone who is in tune with the agricultural sector, who knows that the family farm is the foundation of our rural economy and our rural communities, and who will work every day to make sure farming in Wales thrives for generations to come.”

Farming

Paul Davies calls for stronger action to eradicate bovine TB in Wales

Published

6 days ago

July 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ceredigion Penfro MS says disease is placing severe emotional and financial pressure on farming families

Paul Davies MS has urged the Welsh Government to use every available measure to tackle bovine tuberculosis and work towards eradicating the disease in Wales.

The Ceredigion Penfro Senedd Member raised the issue during a Senedd debate, warning that bovine TB continues to have a devastating impact on farmers, their families and rural communities.

Mr Davies called for a science-led and comprehensive strategy that addresses every potential source and route of infection.

He said farmers across west Wales needed clear leadership from the new Welsh Government and greater confidence that ministers were prepared to take effective action.

Mr Davies said: “Bovine TB continues to have a huge impact on farmers, their families and rural communities across Wales.

“It places enormous emotional and financial pressure on farming businesses and remains one of the most significant challenges facing our agricultural industry.

“Farmers and the wider rural community are looking to the new Welsh Government to provide leadership by introducing a holistic approach that addresses all routes of transmission.

“The Welsh Government must do everything it can to eradicate this appalling disease.

“I will continue to raise this issue on behalf of farmers in west Wales and press the Welsh Government to use every lever available to tackle bovine TB.”