Farming

Welsh farmers on the brink: Could we soon see protests like in Europe?

Published

2 years ago

February 11, 2024

WHILE scenes of agricultural protest sweep across Europe, from the bustling streets of Brussels to the historic avenues of Berlin, Britain’s farmland remains notably calm. Yet, farmers have been gathering in large numbers, voicing their concerns in packing out cattle markets rather than taking their issues directly to the streets.

The relative quiet of the farmers in Wales might seem puzzling against the backdrop of widespread European demonstrations. The agriculture sector across the whole of the UK, in fact, is grappling with significant challenges.

Recent surveys revealing alarming concerns among fruit, vegetable, and dairy producers about their survival in the coming years.

Nearly half of the UK’s fruit and veg growers and a third of dairy farmers fear their operations may not last beyond 2025, a statistic that paints a grim picture of the industry’s future.

One might speculate that Brexit has shielded British farmers from the tumult affecting their European counterparts.

***Tractors parked at the farmer’s meeting in Carmarthen last week (Image C Campbell/Herald)***

However, this assumption quickly falls apart when one delves into the myriad issues facing UK agriculture.

The crisis is not of isolation but of scale, economics, and policy. British farms are generally larger than those in the EU, which may buffer them against some pressures but does not immunize them against the high costs of fuel, stringent environmental regulations, and the uncertainties post-Brexit policy changes bring.

In Wales, the situation is particularly acute. The Welsh government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme, set to redefine agricultural funding post-Brexit, demands significant environmental commitments from farmers.

They are required to dedicate portions of their land to tree planting and wildlife habitats, a mandate that many argue is impractical without undermining their business viability.

Coupled with the reduction in environmental payment schemes and sweeping regulations on slurry and fertiliser usage under the new nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZ) policy, Welsh farmers find themselves at a crossroads.

The dissatisfaction runs deeper, touching on the essence of farming identity and its place in society. British farmers, particularly in Wales, express a profound concern over their perception by the public and the political establishment. There is a fear of far-right or populist groups exploiting their cause, a worry compounded by a perceived lack of public empathy towards the agricultural sector. This cultural and political disconnect has left many feeling isolated and misunderstood, reluctant to adopt the protest tactics seen elsewhere in Europe.

Moreover, the shadow of bovine tuberculosis (TB) looms large, with Welsh farmers calling for more decisive action to tackle the disease that has led to significant cattle losses. The government’s refusal to consider a badger cull, seen by many as a necessary measure, has added to the sense of frustration and helplessness within the farming community.

The challenges are manifold: rising operational costs, from fertilisers to machinery fuels, have squeezed margins to breaking points, while environmental and regulatory demands place additional burdens on an already struggling sector. Yet, despite these hurdles, the response from Welsh farmers and their British counterparts has been markedly different from the uproar seen across the Channel.

***A coffin placed at the meeting in Carmarthen last week as a stark warning from farmers (Image: BBC)***

This divergence perhaps speaks to a broader narrative about the British agricultural ethos – one of quiet endurance and a focus on adaptation over confrontation. The farming community in the UK, and particularly in Wales, is at a pivotal moment, navigating the complexities of modern agriculture, environmental stewardship, and economic survival.

In response to the crisis, Welsh Government Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths MS, has invited the presidents of the two farming unions to an urgent meeting to hear their views and discuss the serious concerns of Welsh farmers and rural businesses.

The meeting has been arranged following an urgent request from NFU Cymru President Aled Jones who met with Minister Griffiths earlier this week to express the deep sense of feeling and anguish that the industry is feeling at this moment in time.

NFU Cymru President, Aled Jones said: “We met with the Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths on Tuesday this week to express the deep concerns of the industry and we left her in no doubt over the strength of feeling and seriousness of the situation following the robust feedback we have received from our series of roadshows. I welcome the fact that the Minister recognises the serious concerns of farmers and as such has agreed to meet and look at ways to address these issues.

“Having travelled the length and breadth of Wales in the past week and met with thousands of members, it is clear that the current Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) consultation and the proposals laid out in it are causing a deep sense of anguish and concern as members contemplate the future scheme and the implications on their own individual business.

“The Minister has assured me this remains a genuine consultation and so I would urge anyone with an interest in Welsh farming to respond and let the Government know directly the strength of feeling that exists amongst our farming community. The information, briefings and response template are all available on the NFU Cymru website.

“The current consultation which proposes that the Basic Payment Scheme will be fully phased out in 2029 with no long-term stability payment in its place within the SFS is set against the backdrop of a challenging time for Welsh farmers. Agricultural inputs are over a third higher than pre-covid times, water quality regulations have added a huge regulatory and cost burden on farming businesses and bovine TB continues to cause heartache to farming families.

“NFU Cymru will take the concerns of the industry directly to the Minister at our meeting, and we will clearly set out our key asks.”

***Samuel Kurtz MS, Shadow Rural Affairs Minister*** ***(Pic: Herald)***

The conservatives, in opposition in Wales, have been vocal about what they feel is Welsh Labour’s lack of support for the farming industry.

Responding to news that protest action amongst farmers may soon be “inevitable”, Samuel Kurtz MS, Shadow Rural Affairs Minister, said: “The Labour Government must listen to the farming industry before it is too late.

“Welsh farmers have had to deal with a host of policy changes in a short space of time, their frustration is not being heard by the Labour Government and they are left feeling protests are the only option.

“There is a real sense of frustration and anger in the sector at the moment, therefore I am urging the Welsh Government to pause this consultation and to redouble their efforts to get the scheme right so that it works for Wales’ farmers.”

He later added: “Had the Welsh Government taken seriously my calls to pause the SFS consultation, then changes to the proposal could have been made. Sadly, my calls, like the calls from the farmers themselves were ignored.

“The inevitably of farmers protesting is linked to the Welsh Government’s inability to listen.

“I will stand shoulder to shoulder with farmers during any protest. My message to them is only stick together, be respectful, but the Welsh Conservatives will be with you.”

Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid & West Wales, who spoke at the large farmers’ meeting on Thursday (Feb 8), said: “Enough is enough was the resounding message amidst the 3,000 heavy crowd in Carmarthen.

“The frustration our farmers and rural communities feel towards the Welsh Government and Westminster on many issues was all too clear. I will do my best to make sure their voice is heard in Cardiff Bay, and I would urge the Welsh Government to accept the unanimous call made by those present for a meeting, where these concerns can be discussed further”.

Farming

Plaid challenged over badger cull fears as Labour demands answers

Published

14 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WELSH LABOUR has challenged Plaid Cymru over fears that badger culling could return as part of the new Welsh Government’s approach to bovine TB.

Interim Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates questioned First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth in the Senedd today, Tuesday (Jun 9), after Plaid Cymru’s manifesto pledged a “new approach” to managing bovine TB which recognises wildlife as a source of infection and allows “scientifically validated control methods”.

Labour says the wording has raised concerns among animal welfare campaigners that badger culling could be reconsidered in Wales.

During First Minister’s Questions, Mr Skates asked: “What is Plaid Cymru’s preferred method of killing badgers? Is it to shoot badgers? To poison badgers? Perhaps bludgeon them, or gas them?

“Would you want the badgers shot or poisoned or do you have another method in mind?”

The First Minister did not rule out badger culling in his response, according to Welsh Labour.

However, Plaid Cymru has not explicitly said it will reintroduce badger culling. Its manifesto refers to “scientifically validated control methods”, wording which could cover a range of approaches unless ministers provide further clarification.

The issue remains highly sensitive in rural Wales. Farmers and farming unions have long argued that wildlife transmission must be addressed as part of any serious bovine TB strategy, while animal welfare campaigners strongly oppose any return to culling.

Labour said the previous Welsh Government rejected badger culling following research which it said showed the practice was cruel and ineffective in tackling the spread of bovine TB.

Mr Skates said: “I was appalled that the First Minister dismissed concerns raised about animal welfare today as ‘not a serious question’.

“Plaid Cymru’s approach to the outdated and cruel practice of culling badgers sets a dangerous precedent around how they will approach animal welfare. Which animal rights are they prepared to roll back on?

“Welsh Labour will continue to hold the government to account to ensure the progress made on a safer, kinder Wales for animals is not undone.”

Welsh Labour also pointed to its record on animal welfare, including bans on greyhound racing, snares and glue traps.

The Herald has asked Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government to clarify whether badger culling is being considered.

Farming

Ffermio Bro support window opens for Pembrokeshire farmers

Published

2 days ago

June 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE farmers and land managers are being encouraged to apply for the latest round of Ffermio Bro support, with the next Expression of Interest window now open.

The scheme supports practical, farmer-led projects within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, helping to improve nature, water quality, habitat links, traditional boundaries, wildfire resilience and the wider farmed landscape.

The programme has already supported a range of projects across Pembrokeshire, including habitat restoration, watercourse fencing, traditional boundary restoration, firebreak creation and woodland connectivity work.

FARMERS SUPPORTED

During its first year, Ffermio Bro supported 37 farms and land managers across the National Park, with projects covering just under 3,000 hectares.

The work included more than four kilometres of hedgerow creation and restoration, over 800 metres of watercourse improvement and protection works, and around 27 hectares of woodland support and management.

A number of collaborative projects have also focused on improving biodiversity and ecosystem resilience across the National Park.

Arwel Evans, Conservation Farm Liaison Officer with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “The first year of Ffermio Bro has shown what can be achieved when farmers and land managers are supported to deliver practical conservation work on the ground.

“We’ve worked with farms across the National Park on projects ranging from habitat restoration and water quality improvements to traditional boundary work and wildfire resilience.

“Looking ahead to the next two years, we’re particularly keen to support projects that improve water quality and river resilience across catchments such as the Eastern and Western Cleddau, Nyfer and Gwaun.

“That includes practical measures such as riparian fencing, buffer strips, healthier soils and habitat management that help keep rivers clean and resilient for the future.”

FARM-LED PROJECTS

Gareth Waters, Ffermio Bro Advisor, added: “One of the strengths of the scheme is that projects are designed around individual farms and local priorities.

“We’re keen to support practical projects that deliver long-term benefits for both farming businesses and the landscape, and we’d encourage interested farmers to contact us before the deadline.”

The current application window for Ffermio Bro: Farming within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park will remain open until Monday, June 22.

Further information on the scheme, eligibility and how to submit an Expression of Interest can be found at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/ffermio-bro.

Caption: Farmers and land managers within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park are invited to apply for the latest round of Ffermio Bro landscape and conservation funding.

Farming

Heat stress warning for pregnant cows as autumn calving season approaches

Published

3 days ago

June 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FARMERS are being warned that high summer temperatures could have long-lasting effects on autumn-born calves.

Animal health specialists say heat stress in pregnant cows can lead to weaker immunity, poorer growth rates and a higher risk of disease in calves after birth.

Nia Williams, Technical Livestock Manager at Nettex, said farmers may not immediately link hot weather now with calf performance several months later, but the impact during pregnancy can be significant.

She said: “Cows calving this autumn are at greater risk of producing calves with impaired immunity, which can increase susceptibility to diseases such as scours during the first weeks of life.”

Colostrum critical

Heat stress can reduce feed intake, alter metabolic function and suppress immunity in cows. It can also affect mammary gland development during the dry period, potentially impacting milk production in the next lactation and calf performance after birth.

Ms Williams said: “Calves born to heat-stressed cows are often lighter at birth and can show reduced growth rates both before and after weaning. That makes colostrum management absolutely critical.”

Farmers are being advised to ensure calves receive colostrum quickly after birth and to monitor passive transfer levels during the first week of life.

A blood test between one and seven days of age can help assess how well antibodies from colostrum have been absorbed into the calf’s bloodstream.

Ms Williams said this can help identify calves at greater risk of health problems, while also giving farmers a useful measure of how well colostrum management is working across the herd.

Support after birth

Calves that struggle to suckle or appear weak in the first few days may need extra nutritional support.

Ms Williams said energy-boosting supplements can be used alongside colostrum to help encourage feeding and support early vitality.

Electrolytes can also play an important role in helping calves recover from scours, which may be caused by pathogens including Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Salmonella and Rotavirus.

The warning is not limited to calves. Freshly calved cows can also struggle with reduced appetite, dehydration and electrolyte loss, particularly during hot weather.

Ms Williams said: “Water intake often declines before and during calving, increasing the risk of dehydration. During calving, cows can lose close to 60 litres of water through blood and uterine fluids, along with significant electrolyte losses.”

She warned that water alone may not be enough to restore electrolyte balance and normal cellular function after calving.

Farmers are being urged to support cows immediately after calving with energy, calcium, vitamins and electrolytes to aid recovery, encourage intake and support overall health and milk production during this critical period.

The warning comes as farmers prepare for the autumn calving season following periods of high summer temperatures.