The Carmarthen branch of Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is seeking nominations for the 2025 FUW - United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society Award for a person judged to have made the most Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture in Carmarthenshire during the past few years.
Eifion Evans, Pembrokeshire sheep and beef farmer and FUW member, is set to complete a charity sky dive on September 13, 2025, to raise funds for LATCH, the Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity.
12 months ago, Eifion’s 14-year old son, Luc - a keen farmer and avid rugby player - was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Since the diagnosis, the past year has been an emotional rollercoaster for the Evans family, with Luc undergoing treatment at Cardiff Heath and Velindre Cancer Centre.
Now 15, Luc is being seen by the Royal Marsden Hospital in London - making the long journey from Pembrokeshire to London once a month to support him in participation in his clinical trial for a new drug.
Throughout the challenging 12 months, Luc, Eifion and the family have been supported by LATCH, a leading Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity. LATCH was established in 1983 by a group of families and friends who recognised that children diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia and their families not only needed medical support but also practical, emotional and financial support to ease the burden they face.
Inspired by the support his family has received, Eifion has decided to take to the skies; signing-up for LATCH’s first ever charity skydive, taking place on Saturday 13th September at Swansea Airfield. Initially setting a fundraising goal of £500, donations have already soared to over £1,200, with Eifion hoping to raise even more to support LATCH and raise awareness about the vital work.
Commenting ahead of the dive, Eifion said: “The past year has been incredibly challenging for Luc and our family, but the support from LATCH has been a lifeline. They ensure families like ours don’t have to face this journey alone, providing help and care when we need it most.”
This isn’t the first time Luc’s diagnosis has inspired charitable events, with an illuminated tractor run organised by Aberhafsep YFC and Trefeglwys YFC in Montgomeryshire in December 2024 raising over £11,000 for Velindre Cancer Centre.
To support Eifion’s skydive you can donate by going to the JustGiving website.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has welcomed the findings published today (September 3 2025) by Senedd’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs (ETRA) Committee report on Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC).
Committee Recommendations
The Senedd Committee’s report, and recommendations can be found in full here https://laiddocuments.senedd.wales/cr-ld17386-en.pdf
Amongst the recommendations are calls for a comprehensive governance reform for HCC, aiming to enhance the representation of levy payers and increase wider industry involvement, with a consideration for returning full ownership to them.
The report also calls for a review of HCC's financial sustainability, urging the Welsh Government to clarify its funding plans and explore additional sources.
The recommendations also outline the need for enhanced accountability and performance measures, advocating for more transparent reporting to ensure value for money. Furthermore, it recommends that HCC improves its engagement with key stakeholders, including farmers, processors, and auctioneers, and increases collaboration with other levy bodies and Farming Connect to reduce duplication.
Finally, the Committee advises that HCC strengthens the evidence of its marketing effectiveness, using data to better measure the impact of its promotional work.
Farmers’ Union of Wales response
Many of the recommendations outlined in the report reflect evidence provided to the Senedd’s Committee by the FUW as part of their inquiry. The FUW’s written evidence to the Senedd’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs (ETRA) Committee can be found Download Inquiry into HCC FUW Evidence Submission ETRA Committee February 2025.
Commenting following the publication of the report, FUW President, Ian Rickman said: “The FUW welcomes the comprehensive report by the Senedd’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and its recommendations on Hybu Cig Cymru’s governance, financial sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.
"The Committee’s findings validate our longstanding calls for greater transparency and enhanced engagement for levy payers.
"It is clear that while HCC requires a sustainable funding model to fulfil its extensive mandate, any additional funding must be directly tied to enhanced accountability and a renewed focus on delivering tangible value for the funders of its work.
"We cannot underestimate the importance of having an effective red meat levy board in Wales, and the Committee’s findings must therefore be a central consideration as the red meat industry vision for Wales is developed.
"As Welsh farmers face growing uncertainty and financial pressures, ensuring a levy body that operates effectively and sustainably is vital for the future of our red meat industry.
"The Union remains committed to working with HCC and all other relevant bodies to ensure this is achieved, and that the interests of our members and the wider industry are at the forefront of this process.”
Do you know an exceptional individual who has made a lasting impact on the Welsh dairy industry?
The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) has teamed up with NatWest Cymru to seek nominations for its esteemed Outstanding Service to the Welsh Dairy Industry Award. This is your chance to shine a spotlight on someone within the dairy sector who has truly gone above and beyond.
This prestigious award celebrates a person who has not only contributed significantly to the development of the Welsh dairy sector but has also become a key part of its community.
The winner will be publicly announced and honored with the award presentation at the Welsh Dairy Show on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at the United Counties Showground in Nantyci, Carmarthen.
Previous winners of the prestigious award include, Peter Rees of Llandovery, a former college lecturer and leading figurehead within Wales’ land-based and dairy sectors, and Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Chair, Stephen James of Gelliolau farm, Clunderwen, who won the award in 2024.
Opening the nominations process for the FUW/NatWest Cymru Outstanding Service to the Welsh Dairy Industry Award, FUW Carmarthen County Executive Officer, David Waters said: “This award provides a terrific opportunity to recognise the hard work, dedication, and innovation of individuals who have helped shape the industry for the better. We’re particularly delighted to have teamed up with NatWest Cymru this year, with their support helping us give this award the profile it deserves.
"There are many worthy individuals in Wales who deserve this award, and the nominations we have received in the past have been fantastic. If you know someone who has driven progress, fostered community, and become an integral part of the Welsh dairy landscape, don't hesitate to nominate them today for this deserving honour."
Dai Miles, FUW Deputy President and a former winner of the award in 2021, added: "The dairy industry is a crucial part of Wales’ agricultural fabric, and a significant contributor to the Welsh economy.
"Every day individuals go above and beyond to safeguard and champion the sector. This award therefore serves as a fantastic opportunity to publicly celebrate and honour those unsung heroes who are the very backbone of our industry.”
Commenting, Rhys Williams, Director, Commercial Banking at NatWest Swansea & West Wales said: “NatWest Cymru is delighted and proud to support this highly prestigious award. The agricultural sector is key to NatWest Cymru and is well supported by a dedicated team of locally based Relationship Managers to help our customers and the sector thrive.”
Nominations should be in the form of a letter or citation giving full details of the work and achievements of the nominee and need to be emailed to FUW Carmarthen by e-mail:
The first week of September once again marks Love Lamb week, now in its tenth year. The week provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate the high quality produce, its magnificent taste, and its key role as the beating heart of so many of Wales' rural communities.
It’s worth remembering that our Welsh lamb is a family affair from start to finish; from the family farms in Wales who produce it, to our consumers who enjoy coming together around the table to eat. It is a product shaped by generations of knowledge and tradition, with its distinct flavour a result of Wales’ unique environment, delivering a product that is not only delicious but also rooted in the Welsh landscape. This heritage of traditional farming methods and a deep connection to the land is what makes Welsh lamb so special, offering a taste that is truly unique and a story that is genuinely authentic.
Beyond the plate, Welsh lamb is a powerful economic engine for our country. The industry supports thousands of jobs, not just on farms, but throughout the supply chain, from local abattoirs, independent butchers and bustling farmers' markets. This traceability and local connection mean that when you choose Welsh lamb, you are directly investing in the sustainability and vibrancy of our rural economy, and in turn securing local employment and sustaining the Welsh language and rural communities.
Recent years have however seen the sector face its share of challenges. UK trade figures released earlier this year showed a 40% surge in imported sheep meat in 2024 - the highest level since 2018. Imports from New Zealand and Australia now account for 86% of UK sheep meat imports; a result of lower prices from the Southern Hemisphere, new Free Trade Agreements, and record levels of deadweight prices in the UK. The continuation of such a trend could be a real threat to the livelihoods of Welsh farmers by displacing high-quality, sustainably produced Welsh lamb in favour of imports that have travelled thousands of miles, and undermining our long-term food security and self-sufficiency.
In light of such challenges, this week therefore provides a timely opportunity to champion Welsh Lamb. It is a chance to not only celebrate the product, but to make a conscious choice to support the families and communities who produce it. By choosing Welsh lamb, not only are you supporting a way of life, a set of values, but also a flavour that is unmistakably Welsh. Let's ensure the future of Welsh lamb is as bright as its past.
