A delegation of Farmers’ Union of Wales officials will meet with Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths on Monday (August 15) to discuss the wider economic and social importance of agriculture to the rural and urban economy as well as the impact of Bovine TB.

The meeting will be held at Llwyncelyn Lan farm, Llanfyrnach - home of FUW Deputy President Brian Thomas who has been farming here since 1988. The delegation will then visit Mansel Davies & Son Ltd. to discuss the history and nature of the business and its interrelationship with the agricultural industry and rural economy.

Brian Thomas, who farms 280 acres, 30 acres of which is woodland, in North Pembrokeshire, runs a herd of 100 beef shorthorn cattle and a flock of 300 ewes, with cereals also being grow.

He was elected as the Union’s Deputy President in 2015 at the Annual General meeting. Brian is a past County Chairman of the FUW in Pembrokeshire and was elected South Wales Member of the Central Finance and Organisation Committee in 2011.

Speaking ahead of the meeting about why farming matters to our rural economy, FUW Deputy President Brian Thomas said: “Much political and media attention has recently been focussed on risks to jobs and the local economy in and around the M4 corridor in south Wales - and quite rightly so.

“But you may be surprised to learn that there are almost as many people engaged in the milk industry in Pembrokeshire as there are people making a living in our Welsh steel industry. Yet there is a clear imbalance in political focus for supporting these two very important industries - an imbalance which also extends to all our agricultural sectors.

“We want to see the value and importance of the rural economy truly recognised, and to build a visible and valued Rural Powerhouse. The Rural Powerhouse we envisage will take all that is valuable in our rural economies and maximise their outputs and impact. It will recognise the interactions that exist in rural Wales, the communities that work and live together, the networks that support each other and of course the importance of rural Wales to our culture.”

Bovine TB is also a subject which Brian is passionate about. When his herd went down with the disease in the late 1990s he commented in interviews that the disease would be more of a problem than BSE would ever be if it was not tackled.

Unfortunately, for many he has been proven right and currently he sits on the local working group for the Assembly’s Bovine TB Intensive Action Area in North Pembrokeshire, representing farmers in the area.

“We know that our current rates of bovine TB will pose a significant threat to our exports once we are outside the EU, unless we make significant inroads towards eradication. The FUW’s longstanding policy on proactively managing the wildlife disease reservoir has been well publicised. If we do not change our policy on the wildlife vector, our exports to the European Union, in a post-Brexit world, are under considerable threat.

“I look forward to welcoming the Cabinet Secretary here to the farm to discuss these issues with her in more detail and highlight that we need to nurture our farming sector to ensure that money keeps flowing through the rural economy so that we can protect and improve domestic food security,” said Brian Thomas.

[caption id="attachment_6762" align="alignleft" width="300"] FUW member Richard Parry of Gwindy, Llecheiddior, FUW President Glyn Roberts, FUW Caernarfonshire County Executive Officer Gwynedd Watkin, FUW Meirionnydd County Executive Officer Huw Jones, FUW member Arfon Hughes, FUW member Gwilym Evans, FUW Montgomeryshire County Executive Officer Emyr Wyn Davies and FUW Gwent Council Delegate Elwyn Probert.[/caption]

177 miles, 9 days and £2000 - what a challenge for the Farmers’ Union of Wales team who recently tackled the Offa’s Dyke walk in aid of the British Heart Foundation Cymru.

The Caernarfonshire crew, including FUW Caernarfonshire County Executive Officer Gwynedd Watkin, Gwilym Evans of Gelli, Prenteg near Tremadog and Arfon Hughes of Braich-y-Bîg, Cwm Ystradllyn, Garndolbenmaen, tackled the whole of the path starting on Saturday July 23 and completed the challenge in 9 days. They were joined on the first day by Richard Parry of Gwindy, Llecheiddior, Garndolbenmaen.

The strenuous journey of steep climbs, blisters and painful limbs was completed on Sunday July 31 by the whole group, which also included FUW Meirionnydd County Executive Officer Huw Jones and FUW Montgomeryshire County Executive Officer Emyr Wyn Davies.

Huw and Emyr started their journey on Friday June 17 in Prestatyn completing 52 miles in their first stint and picked the 8th Century National Trail back up on Monday July 25, walking the remainder of the journey with the Caernarfonshire team. The duo completed the the treck in 10.5 days.

The trail, was opened in the summer of 1971, linking Sedbury Cliffs near Chepstow on the banks of the Severn estuary with the coastal town of Prestatyn on the shores of the Irish sea.

It passes through no less than eight different counties and crosses the border between England and Wales over 20 times.

The Offa’s Dyke trail explores the tranquil Marches,as the border region is known, and passes through the Brecon Beacons National Park on the spectacular Hatterrall Ridge.

In addition, it links no less than three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Wye Valley, the Shropshire Hills and the Clwydian Range / Dee Valley.

Gwynedd Watkin, who lead the Caernarfonshire delegation on their journey and who only last year completed the Inca Trail in Peru, said: “I must give my wholehearted thanks to all of those who have supported our effort along the way. We could not have done it without your help.

“It was a real challenge and I would advise all those who are thinking of following in our footsteps to make sure they’ve got a plentiful supply of proper walking socks. It really is a must for such a strenuous walk. I would go as far as saying that these 177 miles across Wales were much more difficult than the Inca Trail last year in Peru.”

The FUW would like to say to a special thank you to those people who supported the walker in their efforts and without whom this task would not have been such a success.

[caption id="attachment_6765" align="alignright" width="300"] The Famous 5 (l-r) - Gwilym Evans, Huw Jones, Arfon Hughes, Gwynedd Watkin and Emyr Wyn Davies[/caption]

Providing overnight accommodation in caravans and breakfast were FUW Denbighshire County President Tim and his wife Fiona Faire at Plas Bedw, Pentrecelyn, Ruthin; Tom and Lynne Hughes and family of Caeau Gwynion, Chirk; FUW Insurance Services Account Executive, North Montgomeryshire Kay Williams of T? Nant, Sarn Wen, Four Crosses, Llanymynech and her partner Dai;FUW Montgomeryshire County Chairman Mark and Helen Williams of Pen y Derw, Forden, Welshpool; Ivor and Ros Price of Travley, Llowes, Hay-on-Wye; Idris and Gwen Jones of Pen-y-Dre Farm Holidays, Llanfihangel Crucourney, Abergavenny and Chris and Jill Lewis of Trevine, Llantillio Crossenny, Abergavenny.

“I would also like to thank Justin, Helen and Ieuan Rees at the George & Dragon Inn, Knighton, who gave the 5 of us free B&B on the Wednesday night and we had a wonderful breakfast Thursday morning,” added Gwynedd.

Brecon and Radnor County President and part time Administration Assistant Kath Shaw of Blaenhow, Llandeilo Graban, Builth Wells provided invaluable luggage transport assistance and last but definitely not least by a long way, the very patient Elwyn Probert of Pant Farm, Llanfihangel Ystum Llewern, Monmouth who met the team and drove them back and forth many times to the Offa’s Dyke track from their respective overnight stays.

In addition, Huw and Emyr extended their thanks to Richard Joyce, Woodville Farm, Woodbrook, Kington and John and Alwenna Price of Clawddnewydd, Ruthin for their kind help.

[caption id="attachment_6763" align="alignleft" width="300"] FUW’s Emyr and Huw are half way through the walk just outside of Knighton[/caption]

Speaking about his experience, FUW’s Huw Jones said: “My favourite part of this challenge was the walk over Moel Fammau and the walk over the Black Mountains from Hay on Wye to Pandy. There are such great views and we were extremely lucky with the good weather.

“For those who are thinking of also walking this path, I would say take more time to do the walk. We were on a mission to walk this as fast as possible for charity but if you have time - sit down for a bit longer, enjoy the spectacular views and places of historical interest, and of course stop to have a chat with people on the way.”

“This has been a fantastic challenge and all the sweat was well worth it,” said Emyr Wyn Davies.

“Did you know that if you walk the entire route from north to south there is about 28,000ft of ascent, which is the same as the height of Everest?

“My favourite part was the walk from Knighton to Kington. Really  excellent views on a glorious sunny day. Overall the whole journey was a fantastic experience - to see the whole length of Wales, knowing that all the hard painful days were worth it for the Charity,” he added.

The 5 would like to thank everyone who has already very generously sponsored them, and you can still sponsor the team for their efforts until the end of September by sending a cheque to the respective county office or by donating online via JustGiving - http://www.justgiving.com/FUW-UACtaithClawddOffasDyketrek

BHF Head of Fundraising for Wales & Northern Ireland Paul Davies, said: “Thanks to the support and generosity of the organisations like the FUW, the BHF is able fight for every heart beat in Wales. In Wales 375,000 people fight their daily battles with heart and circulatory condition. FUW’s support allows the British Heart Foundation to invest in life saving medical research in Wales, delivering significant breakthroughs that will help change the lives of millions of people across the UK and globally. Without the support of FUW and others none of this would be possible. Every step we take reduces the devastation that heart disease causes in our communities.”

Brexit discussions and #FarmingMatters will be high on the agenda for the Farmers’ Union of Wales at the Denbigh and Flint County Show (Thursday, August 18).

FUW officials are looking forward to meet Hannah Blythyn AM, Llyr Gruffydd AM, Mark Isherwood AM and Cabinet Minister Secretary for Environment & Rural Affairs  Lesley  Griffiths AM, as well as Minister of State for Exiting the European Union, David Jones MP throughout the day to discuss issues of local concern, including how the current state of bovine TB might impact on UK trade negotiations and other #FarmingMatters.

In addition, the FUW will host a forum of speakers in the afternoon to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of leaving Europe. Joining the panel discussions are FUW Managing Director Alan Davies, Arla Board representative Barbara Hughes, HCC Industry Information Executive John Richards, BWMB Chairman Ian Buchanan and Clwyd YFC Vice Chairman Dewi Parry.

Speaking ahead of the show, FUW Denbigh and Flint Acting County Executive Officer Gwennan Williams said: “We will have a display showing how much #FarmingMatters in the local community and how many rural businesses rely on agriculture and farming. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all our members to join us at our stand for the panel discussion in the afternoon as it will provide an invaluable opportunity to ask plenty of questions and get involved with the #FarmingMatters campaign.”

For those who have questions about renewing their agricultural waste exemptions, the Union has arranged for staff from NRW to attend in order to assist and advise members.

“The show offers a wonderful day out for the whole family with a variety of attractions and entertainments such as the Food Festival with cookery demonstrations, an array of locally produced foods, hundreds of trade stands, vintage machines and classic cars, livestock including cattle, sheep, pigs and horses, as well as BSJA Show Jumping. I look forward to what promises to be a successful day and hope to see many of our members at the show,” added Gwennan Williams.

[caption id="attachment_6746" align="alignleft" width="300"] Father and son team - Arwel Davies and Hywel Dafis[/caption]

Nestled in the Ceredigion countryside are Blaenglowon Fach farm and Pantswllt farm, just outside of Talgarreg. The area was once thriving with milk producing Welsh farming families but due to dwindling farm gate prices and the economic downturn many have stopped farming over the years.

Still producing around 6 thousand litres of milk a day is the 320 Friesian cow milking enterprise, which stretches over 500 acres, run by father and son team Hywel Dafis (correct spelling) and Arwel Davies.

Over the last 2 years, they have seen their milk cheque being reduced by 50 percent, paying them now just 14.5 pence per litre compared to the almost 35 pence per litre their milk was fetching in 2014.

With just 8 producers left in the immediate area and each of them facing significant cuts to what they get paid for their milk, Arwel Davies estimates the loss to the local economy to be over £1 million in revenue.

“In the late 1960s there were around 50 milk producers here in the area. That has dropped down to just 8 now. Between the dairy farms here we produce approximately 12 to 13 million litres of milk each year and the money we make gets spent here in our local economy.

“The significant drop in milk price has resulted in all of us suffering financially. And with that I don’t mean just dairy farmers, but all of those local businesses who are involved in the rural economy.

“We rely on approximately 350 different companies to run our business here but we are not immune to the rollercoaster ride of the dairy market, so we have to strap

our belts tighter and get on with it.

“Of course that means spending less and will naturally filter down to all the allied industries. Overall the reduction in farm gate price means that our local economy has felt the effect of the lost income.

“So this is not just about farming; it is about the wider recognition of how Farming Matters, where supply chains are involved, how money circulates in the local economy, where people survive, where profits are made, communities are sustained and our culture continues to thrive,” he added.

Working on average 80 hours every week, 36-year-old Hywel said: “ I do this out of choice for the welfare of the stock and care of the land is the most important aspect for us as farmers. However, I feel at the moment the returns we get for the work is not at a sustainable level.

“We need to invest in our business but the way things are at the moment that is just not possible. Family farms across Wales know how to tighten their belt but I am sure you will not find anybody else who takes a paycut like this in many other sectors. No spare money means no investment and if you stand still you actually go backwards.

“And of course, you take the rise with the fall. I am confident better times will come and that we can compete with any region worldwide in terms of cost of production with excellent produce from grass based systems.”

The average 2015-16 net Welsh farm income was just £13,000, putting farmers around £2,000 below the approximate annual minimum wage.

“We cannot underestimate the importance of recognising that farming matters and how much of an impact it has on the rural economy. We need to nurture our farming sector to ensure that money keeps flowing through the rural economy and through that we protect and improve domestic food security. Look at these farming incomes, the hours our farmers put in every day, every week; they are producing wonderful food that we all enjoy and their input to the local rural economy can not be underestimated,” said FUW President Glyn Roberts.

“This is why we are reminding those in power that in the absence of moves which ensure markets provide sufficient income for farm businesses, that it is essential that support is maintained for sectors at levels which do not compromise either family farms or rural economies.

“Agriculture and domestic food production has to be given priority during all trade negotiations with other countries and trading blocks so that we can ensure food security for our home markets.

“Therefore we repeatedly insist that the procurement of Welsh and British produce is the default position for all public sector bodies amongst other measures.

“In addition, robust steps must be taken to ensure supermarkets and other private sector bodies support domestic producers and do not act in a way which undermines UK food production or the viability of our agricultural sectors,” he added.