This week, submissions closed for the Welsh Affairs Committee’s inquiry into the challenges and opportunities facing farming in Wales. The Farmers’ Union of Wales welcomed the opportunity to contribute to this inquiry, highlighting the perfect storm of challenges facing Welsh farmers from a UK Government perspective.

The ongoing concern over the ill-thought-out changes to Agriculture Property Relief (APR) played a prominent part in our submission. As the FUW warned HM Treasury in our meeting in February, these changes could have a significant impact on our rural communities and food production. 

Whilst the Prime Minister previously insisted that a “vast majority” of Welsh farmers would not be affected by the changes,our analysis suggests 48% of BPS recipients in Wales could be subject to the new inheritance tax proposals. Our submission therefore provided an opportunity to highlight this disproportionate impact and outline our alternative proposals. These alternatives include advocating for transitional arrangements for those in these impossible circumstances and the establishment of a UK-wide working group to agree on a dataset that accurately represents the extent and impact of this change in policy. 

The inquiry also provided an opportunity for the FUW to once again voice our concern over the UK Government’s decision to ‘Barnettise’ future agricultural funding. 

Historically, Wales has received around 9.4% of the total UK EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) budget - this allocation was based on a need-based formula, which reflected Welsh farm and rural characteristics. The UK Government’s Autumn Budget however saw a change; with future adjustments to the Welsh agricultural budget now being subject to the Barnett Formula. This will result in a fall from 9.4% to 5% of any proportional uplifts (or reductions) the UK agriculture budget receives.

Whilst this point may seem technical, it could have a drastic impact on the amount of funding Welsh Government receives for agriculture in future. At a time when Welsh farmers are expected to deliver an ever increasing range of sustainability and environmental objectives, while also producing food, the FUW believes that the previous needs-based allocation formula, which reflects Welsh farm and rural characteristics, should be restored for future consequential adjustments.

The inquiry also provided an opportunity to consider the impact of leaving the EU on Welsh farms. This again provided an opportunity to relay our concerns that successive UK Governments have not held agriculture and rural development in as high regard as the EU Commission continues to do for its Member States through the Common Agricultural Policy.

The FUW’s full evidence submission can be found by following this link.

As the Easter holidays get underway, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is again reminding dog owners to act responsibly when out enjoying the countryside.

The holidays will once again see an influx of people visiting all parts of Wales’ beautiful countryside. However, an influx of visitors can present devastating risks, particularly in regard to potential dog attacks on livestock. 

Livestock ‘Worrying’ can occur as a result of dogs not being kept under close supervision in the countryside. Dogs chasing, harassing or physically attacking livestock are all guilty of this offence.

Despite significant industry efforts and awareness campaigns over recent years, dog attacks on livestock remain a major concern for Welsh farmers.

The extent of the problem was further documented in a recent freedom of information request by the FUW to North Wales Police, which received over 80 reports of livestock attacks in 2024 alone. 

The Dogs Protection of Livestock Act (1953) makes it an offence to allow a dog to worry livestock and can be punished with a fine of up to £1,000.

However, over recent years the FUW has been lobbying to ensure the police have greater powers to deal with attacks on livestock, stressing the importance of strong enforcement in preventing attacks. 

Currently, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill is making its way through Parliament. The Bill includes changes to what constitutes an offence, and increased powers for investigation of suspected offences.  

Commenting on the impact livestock worrying on farmers, FUW Regional Vice-President, Anwen Hughes said: “These attacks are not mere numbers; they inflict devastating trauma on livestock and further economic strain and stress on farmers. Beyond fatalities and severe injuries, the stress alone can trigger miscarriages in ewes, or lambs to become separated from their mothers. 

"This Easter, as we prepare to welcome visitors to enjoy our beautiful countryside, it’s crucial dog owners demonstrate diligence and responsibility when outside. Dog owners should never underestimate their dog, even the most friendly and well-trained dogs, have a natural instinct to chase and its vital that owners act responsibly when outside in the countryside.” 

"There are no winners from livestock attacks. The trauma ripples through livestock, dog owners, and farmers, often leaving lasting emotional scars and a persistent fear of recurrence."

The FUW is subsequently reminding dog owners to act responsibly, and prioritise the safety of both animals and themselves this Easter.

In particular, the FUW is urging dog owners to use a lead when out and about with their dog in the countryside. Between 1 March and 31 July, a dog must be on lead on open access land, even if there is no livestock on the land.

The FUW is also reminding visitors to follow the Countryside Code, and in particular to pay close attention to and obey any signs indicating livestock presence or restrictions on dog access. Visitors are also reminded to stick to the right of ways and clearly defined paths, and to leave gates and property as you find them. 

Dog owners are also reminded of the importance of ensuring their properties are secure - following several livestock attacks stemming from dogs escaping from their property. 

The FUW also emphasised the importance of dog owners cleaning up after their dog. Dog waste can spread diseases to livestock, and it’s vital dog owners bring bags and dispose of dog feces properly in a bin and not just throw it away.

As part of their campaign to raise awareness of livestock worrying, the FUW has created signs for farmers and landowners encouraging dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead. Signage can be obtained from FUW County Offices across Wales. 

Ian Rickman, FUW President commented: “The FUW continues to lobby for greater police and legal powers to deal with dog attacks on livestock and the devastating impact they continue to have on Welsh farmers. Ultimately however, attacks on livestock are completely preventable through responsible dog ownership by the public.

"As farmers there are some precautions we can undertake to mitigate against the risk of dog attacks on our livestock. Steps such as displaying appropriate signage, clearly warning dog owners to keep their dogs on leads and under control, can be helpful in raising awareness and hopefully ensure the countryside can be enjoyed by everyone in a sustainable manner.”

Gwenno Davies, Account Executive for FUW Insurance Services Ltd also reminded farmers of the importance of having the correct cover in place in regards to livestock worrying. Commenting: “Livestock attacks can inflict substantial emotional and financial hardship on farmers, causing significant business disruption, especially with pregnant ewes. 

"It’s therefore vital farmers have the correct and adequate cover on their insurance policies in the event of such incidents. At FUW Insurance Services Ltd we’re here to help - get in touch with your local FUW Insurance Services Ltd office to discuss the options available to mitigate against costs from livestock worrying.”

Shortly after the decision to establish the Farmers’ Union of Wales in December 1955, the cartoon below by J.C. Walker appeared in the Western Mail.

With many predicting that the young Union would not last long, the cartoon came to represent a challenge to the FUW’s founders, making them even more determined to succeed.

Seven decades later, it was a pleasure to commission the leading cartoonist, Mumph, to provide an update of the cartoon; with the lost calf of west Wales, now a herd of healthy cattle grazing all over Wales. A copy of the cartoon will be provided to FUW offices across Wales to mark the special anniversary.

This update is correct as of 1 April 2025 and supersedes the pre-movement testing requirements outlined in the April 2025 edition of Y Tir.

The clock is ticking for returning over-wintered animals from England’s Bluetongue Restricted Zone  

Great Britain is currently in a Season Vector Low Period for Bluetongue Virus, where the lower winter temperatures reduce the activity of midge that carries Bluetongue Virus from one animal to another. 

Changes have been announced to the pre-movement testing rules for the movement of cattle, sheep and goats out of the Restricted Zones (RZ) in England. These changes will apply from 26 March 2025 and be reviewed by 23 April 2025, however a review may be required sooner depending on transmission risk. 

Each animal moved out of the RZ will still require a specific licence, which can be obtained from APHA. 

Movements out of the RZ are being allowed WITHOUT a pre-movement test providing that the animals are; 

• older than 60 days, 
• not pregnant,
• not males intended for breeding.

Animals considered ‘higher risk’ will require both a specific licence and a pre-movement test to move out of the RZ, these include;

• pregnant females, 
• youngstock under 60 days,
• entire males intended for breeding 

As a result of the season vector low period the following restrictions that were imposed to slow down the spread of disease have been eased.

• Post-movement testing of animals moved out of the RZ to live is no longer required GB wide,
• Use of insecticides in transport, at approved markets or designated abattoirs is no longer required,
• Slaughterhouses no longer need to be designated to receive animals from the Restricted Zone.

However, as spring commences and the temperature inevitably warms, the Season Vector Low Period and the reprievement of disease control measures will soon come to an end, being replaced with more robust disease control measures.

In light of this, the FUW is urging members to be extremely vigilant of Bluetongue Virus over the coming months and to highlight the possible implications that an imminent change in disease control policies may have on your farm business. For example, if you have livestock overwintering in the Bluetongue Restricted Zone of England, it is likely that more stringent disease control measures, such as not allowing animals susceptible to Bluetongue Virus into Wales to live from Restricted Zones, will be reintroduced when midge activity increases. Such policies play an important role in protecting Welsh livestock from Bluetongue virus, however, they may have serious consequences for farm businesses activities.

During the 2024 to 2025 Bluetongue season, 2 cases of BTV-3 were detected in Wales (as a result of high-risk livestock moves), with 240 cases recorded in England. In addition a single case of BTV-12 has also been detected in England.

Following lobbying by the FUW, on 1st March, the Welsh Government approved the emergency use of three Bluetongue vaccines in Wales. Although these vaccines should not be considered as a silver bullet, they do play an important role in mitigating the impact of disease in livestock.

Vaccines are available on prescription and sold from veterinary practices and can be administered by livestock keepers themselves, following appropriate guidance. The FUW would recommend members to discuss the option of vaccination with your vet.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease that has caused a significant impact on the livestock industry in European countries due to loss of production and increased costs. Farmers are urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicions of disease to their Vet or by contacting APHA Wales on 0300 303 8268.

The FUW will continue to monitor the disease over the coming months and update members as the situation progresses.

For the latest news and developments on Bluetounge Virus in Wales, visit the Welsh Government's website.

In his weekly column, FUW President, Ian Rickman reflects on discussions regarding transatlantic tariffs and trade, and the pressing need to safeguard the interests of Welsh agriculture.

Following the far-reaching changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) in last October's Budget, many Welsh farmers braced for further blows in the Chancellor's Spring Statement last week. Ultimately, the statement largely avoided direct agricultural policy shifts; rather reaffirming fiscal constraints and austerity measures - extending cuts to welfare, foreign aid and the civil service. 

Much of the Chancellor’s decisions were however soon overshadowed, with Donald Trump's announcement of import tariffs of 25% on cars and car parts coming into the US.

Talks of UK tariff retaliation and transatlantic trade deals have subsequently followed, and it remains imperative Welsh agricultural interests are not sold down the river in pursuit of any short-term trade concessions.

March provided a timely reminder of the danger of ill-thought-out trade deals. The UK Government reported a surge of 40% in imported sheep meat in 2024 compared with the 12-months prior, with Australian and New Zealand imports now accounting for 86% of the entire UK sheep meat imports - a growing threat to domestic producers, as the Farmers’ Union of Wales has warned on countless occasions. 

The risks to Welsh agriculture by becoming collateral damage in any trade deal with the US could be even more significant; creating an uneven playing field, which could force Welsh farmers to compete with cheaper, sub-standard imports, produced using practices that would be illegal in the UK.

In particular, we could see the high animal health and food safety standards maintained by Welsh farmers undermined by the threat of lower standard imports from the US. Amongst these imports are chlorinated-chicken and hormone-treated beef - both illegal to produce in the UK. 

Whilst last week we saw some voices within the political sphere advocate the inclusion of agricultural products in a US-UK trade deal - including chlorine-treated chicken - there’s no doubt any influx of cheaper US agricultural products could drastically drive down domestic market prices; severely impacting the economic viability of Welsh family farms.

Crucially, domestic consumer confidence could be shaken, too. Previous analysis shows there’s little public support for such imports - with a 2020 poll revealing that 80% of the British public opposed the importation of chlorine-treated chicken, with similar disapproval for hormone-treated beef.

Essentially, a US trade deal that fails to prioritise the protection of Welsh agriculture risks not only economic devastation of our rural communities, but also a fundamental shift in the character and sustainability of our rural landscape and food production; jeopardising the future of generations of Welsh farmers. As discussions therefore continue around trade and tariffs, it’s vital the interests of Welsh farmers are safeguarded in any future agreements.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has responded to the Welsh Government’s publication of the independent review into the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021.

The controversial regulations were introduced by the Welsh Government to reduce losses of pollutants from agriculture to the environment. They came into force on all farms across Wales on 1 April 2021, with a transitional period for some measures to 1 January 2023 and 1 August 2024.

In 2024, the Welsh Government announced the appointment of Dr Susannah Bolton to oversee the 4-year review of the CoAP Regulations, with a view of considering the effectiveness of the measures imposed by the regulations to reduce water pollution from agricultural sources.

The report’s findings, released today, found that there are significant opportunities to make improvements to the deployment of the regulations to benefit the environment and farmers. This includes improved targeting, reducing burdens on low-risk farming activities, increasing clarity for farmers and addressing regulatory gaps.

The Welsh Government has committed to implement all 23 recommendations in full, with the independent review making recommendations in five key areas:

• Better targeting regulations at polluting activities while reducing burdens on low-risk farming
• Improving accessibility and clarity of regulations for farmers
• Exploring alternative measures, particularly regarding closed periods and the 170kg nitrogen per hectare manure limit
• Supporting innovation in farming practices
• Addressing regulatory gaps, including soil protection measures and nutrient management planning

The review concluded a whole-Wales approach is needed to help farms to prevent and reduce pollution, however noted further consideration was required of alternatives to the current measures, including the fixed closed periods for the spreading of manure and the 170kg limit.

Responding to the publication, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “The Farmers’ Union of Wales has consistently opposed these regulations due to their bureaucratic, costly and disproportionate nature. The FUW has previously raised longstanding concerns with the Welsh Government surrounding the difficulties farmers face in complying with the regulations - particularly in regarding the recently imposed slurry storage requirements and fixed closed periods for spreading.

“There was an opportunity to work collaboratively with the Welsh Government ahead of the introduction of these regulations in 2021, but that door was shut hard in our faces. More recently, however, we have welcomed the opportunity to engage with Dr Susannah Bolton during this process and this report is an indication that the door for negotiation with the Welsh Government will be opened over the coming months.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales previously opposed the all-Wales regulations in favour of a targeted approach.The FUW has argued this would allow resources to be focused where they are most needed; ensuring maximum impacts in tackling water quality.

“As we take the time to analyse the evidence and the Economic Impact Assessment of the 170kg per hectare nitrogen limit over the coming days, the initial statement from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs suggesting that the economic impact assessment is ‘indicative’ due to ‘significant caveats’, highlights how the Welsh Government previously opted to copy decades old EU legislation into the statute book without considering Wales-specific evidence.

“Nevertheless, a commitment from the Welsh Government to explore alternative innovative solutions to the closed periods and nitrogen limits has to be welcomed, as does the hint towards a risk-based approach through lessening the burden for low-risk farmers and potential exemptions.

“Through regulatory change or otherwise, the FUW maintains that the record-keeping and bureaucratic requirements of these regulations must be simplified for farmers. There is no doubt that this will support an approach of on-farm decision making based on practical data as opposed to nutrient management planning being seen as a costly and time consuming process.

“We now expect the Welsh Government to publish a programme of works over the coming months outlining how these recommendations will be taken forward. Whilst the devil will be in the detail, working in collaboration with the farming industry is paramount so that long-term confidence can be provided to the sector.”