The Farmers’ Union of Wales has welcomed the announcement by the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, that TB eradication targets for Wales as a whole and interim targets for each TB region have now been established.  If achieved, these targets would see Wales become officially TB free between 2036 and 2041.

Dr Hazel Wright, FUW Senior Policy Officer said: “Other countries, such as New Zealand, Ireland and England have established bovine TB eradication programmes which set target dates for being TB free and the FUW has consistently highlighted this over the past year.

Farmers are today being reminded of the December deadline for Glastir capital works - and to request a derogation if they are struggling to complete their works because of bad weather.

FUW Policy Officer Charlotte Priddy said: “All 2016 and 2017 Capital Works have got to be completed by the December 31, and claimed no later than the February 28, via RPW online.

 

Steffan Harries from North Pembrokeshire is 18 years old and lives with his parents Arwyn and Sharon. His brother Hedd is in his second year Studying Veterinary Medicine at Warsaw University Poland, whilst his sister Grug is studying for her A levels.

Steffan left Ysgol Y Preseli when he was 16 years old and couldn't wait to be home on their Beef and Sheep farm at Garregwen, Boncath. He admits that school work was not on the top of his priority list, but excels  when it comes to the more hands on farming chores and has a good eye for choosing quality livestock.

 

Farmers’ Union of Wales Meirionnydd beef and sheep farmer Geraint Davies has been appointed as the chairman of the FUW’s  Younger Voice for Farming committee.

Together with his wife Rachael, he farms at Fedw Arian Uchaf, Rhyduchaf, Y Bala.An organic farm since 2005, it has been in the Glastir Entry scheme since 2013 and in the Advanced scheme since 2014.

The land, which lies approximately 900 feet above sea level, with much of it reaching up to 2200 feet, extends to 1200 acres, being mostly mountain land with approximately 200 acres of lower land, of which 70 acres is being kept to produce silage every year.