Pasture and arable values fall slightly amid uncertainty over taxation, agricultural policy and rural spending

FARMLAND values in Wales have softened for the second consecutive quarter, although demand remains strong for high-quality farms, development land and larger commercial holdings.

The latest Farmland Market Update from property consultancy Carter Jonas shows that the average value of Welsh pasture land fell by 0.4% during the second quarter of 2026 to £7,750 an acre.

Average arable land values declined by 0.3% to £9,467 an acre.

Compared with the same period last year, arable land values are now 2.4% lower, while pasture land prices have fallen by 1.9%.

The figures suggest the Welsh farmland market is cooling gently following several years of sustained price growth between 2021 and 2024.

However, Carter Jonas said the published figures did not reveal the full extent of activity, as a significant proportion of farmland transactions were taking place privately and without being openly advertised.

The consultancy said fewer farms and parcels of land had been publicly brought to market during the first half of the year, while buyers had become more selective about location, land quality and commercial potential.

Hugh O’Donnell, rural partner at Carter Jonas, said: “The volume of farmland brought to market has been lower in the first half of the year, but acreage alone only tells part of the story.

“We continue to see a significant number of transactions taking place, underlining the ongoing appeal of well-located, high-quality farmland as a long-term investment.

“Buyer demand remains resilient, but understanding local market conditions and having access to off-market opportunities is increasingly important in a more selective market.”

The report comes as Welsh farmers continue to face uncertainty over agricultural support, succession planning, inheritance tax changes and the future direction of rural policy.

Carter Jonas said the appointment of a new Prime Minister had added another element of uncertainty for buyers and sellers considering major transactions.

Sophie Davidson, research associate at Carter Jonas, said: “While it is unlikely to trigger significant short-term changes to agricultural policy, the potential for shifts in spending priorities, taxation and rural policy direction may encourage a ‘wait and see’ approach among some vendors and purchasers.”

Despite the modest fall in average values, demand remains strong for land offering clear agricultural, investment or strategic benefits.

Larger commercial farms remain scarce and continue to attract significant interest, while land close to towns and villages, or with potential for housing, renewable energy or other development, is also commanding attention.

Ms Davidson added: “Strategically located land with development potential is seeing robust demand.

“What we’re seeing is a selective market where targeted demand continues to support values despite a thinner buyer pool.”

New purpose-built facility will provide round-the-clock livestock care, faster diagnostics and expanded services for farmers

Pembrokeshire Farm Vets has opened a new £236,000 veterinary practice at the Pembrokeshire County Showground in Haverfordwest.

The purpose-built, 2,000-square-foot facility replaces the practice’s former portacabin at the site and has been designed exclusively for livestock and farm veterinary work.

The investment will allow the practice to expand its services while continuing to provide 24-hour emergency care to farmers across Pembrokeshire and neighbouring areas.

Facilities include dedicated clinical and diagnostic spaces, a specialist laboratory, a medicines store and a purpose-built lambing room.

The laboratory is equipped with an Ovacyte system for carrying out faecal worm and fluke egg counts, a Mastatest machine for analysing milk samples and equipment for in-house blood testing.

Faecal egg count results can be available within 15 minutes, allowing farmers to receive prompt advice on whether treatment is required.

An on-site Registered Animal Medicines Adviser can also help farmers select appropriate treatments and reduce unnecessary medicine use.

The new lambing room includes a hydraulic lambing table, holding pens and a roller shutter entrance, providing improved facilities for both routine and emergency lambing work.

Services offered by the practice include dairy herd visits, flock and herd health planning, bull fertility testing, pregnancy diagnosis, mastitis investigations, youngstock management, nutritional advice, TB testing and export certification.

The team also provides veterinary support for goats and smallholders, as well as a number of farmer-focused schemes including its Flock Health Club, Smallholder Club, Spring Fertility Package and Growing Calf Package.

A comprehensive range of medicines and agricultural products will be stocked at the site, including vaccines, wormers, fly repellents, oral fluid therapy products, marker sprays and other everyday farm supplies.

The practice said products would be competitively priced, with a price-matching service also available. An online shop offers delivery across the UK.

The Haverfordwest facility will be staffed by a seven-strong farm team, including vets Alex, Alice, Rose and Ruben.

They will be supported by Mark, who oversees medicines and special offers, and reception staff Emma and Melanie.

Pembrokeshire Farm Vets currently works with almost 200 farms and is accepting new clients, including dairy businesses, sheep farms and smallholders.

Clinical director Alice Davies said: “We are incredibly proud to open this new facility for the Pembrokeshire farming community.

“This building represents a major investment in local agriculture and allows us to deliver the standard of care our clients deserve, with better equipment, faster diagnostics and more space for practical support.

“Our team is passionate about helping farmers meet the challenges of modern livestock production, and this new practice will enable us to support even more farms, 24 hours a day, across the county.”

Pembrokeshire Farm Vets launched in April 2023 and provides livestock veterinary services across Pembrokeshire and other parts of south-west Wales.

The practice is based at Unit 15, Pembrokeshire County Showground, Withybush Road, Haverfordwest, and is open from 8:00am until 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

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