An innovative project using canine DNA technology from livestock attacks is taking its next step in the process of engaging with the agricultural community to further develop and promote the technique.

In recent months, the FUW has been at the heart of important discussions to provide better legislative powers in Westminster relating to dog attacks on livestock. The Union has been publically supportive of improved powers for police in order to help officers to respond more effectively when a dog attack has occurred on a farm.

Led by Liverpool’s John Moores University, the project will now begin the task of distributing Canine DNA Collecting Kits to FUW representatives to share with hotspot areas that are seeing recurring problems with dog attacks affecting farms across Wales. 

The kits include swabs, scissors, tape, detailed instructions for DNA collection and information regarding the project. It is hoped that this trial period of testing and collecting could lead to an expansion of the project leading to evidence gathering that could lead to prosecution, down the line.

A panel discussion regarding the project will take place at the Royal Welsh Showground (Wednesday 24 July at 11am in the FUW pavilion). Dr. Nick Dawnay, forensic scientist with 20 years of experience is the Canine DNA Recovery Project lead, is one of the four panel members. He also lectures in Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University. 

North Wales Police’ rural crime team, Rhys Evans, who runs a smallholding in Anglesey keeping cattle and sheep will offer his insight to the project, together with newly elected Carmarthen MP, Ann Davies. She is working closely with Ceredigion MP, Ben Lake who is busy progressing the change in legislation at Westminster. 

Wyn Evans is the fourth panel member. A beef and sheep farmer based in the Ystwyth Valley, he has had personal dealings with dog attacks on his farm. He urges the public to keep their dogs on leads whilst walking in the countryside. 

Chaired by FUW’s Regional Vice President, Anwen Hughes said: “I have been keeping my eye on the developments of this project since its inception and have been involved in many of the discussions regarding livestock worrying issues in Wales, on behalf of FUW members.

“It is difficult to unsee the horror left behind after dogs have attacked and disfigured sheep in a field. It impacts our own mental health and well-being, in addition to the cost implications it has on the business. It is a harrowing situation to be in,” added Anwen Hughes.

Following the third meeting of the Ministerial Roundtable held (23 July) at the Royal Welsh Show, the Welsh Government has confirmed its intentions to pay for the maintenance of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) as part of the Universal Baseline Payment through the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

Speaking after the meeting, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “We highlighted in our comprehensive consultation response earlier this year that some farms are almost entirely categorised as SSSI and would therefore be placed at a severe disadvantage compared to other producers across Wales if they were unable to access maintenance payments.

“The initial proposals would have resulted in the perverse effect of penalising those farming what have been categorised as Wales’ most precious land.

“While some fundamental questions remain around the payment methodology and capacity within Natural Resources Wales to issue management agreements for SSSI sites, we welcome the efforts made by the Welsh Government to address how the SFS can work alongside the regulatory requirements of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

“We are committed to the work of the three Welsh Government groups in working through elements of the scheme in turn, and we certainly see this as an important step forward,” concluded Mr Rickman.

What does football and farming have in common here in Wales? Both begin at grassroot level, both are the fabric of many rural communities and both are placing women at the forefront of sports and agriculture in the 21st Century.

At a special event at FUW’s pavilion on the Showground this week [2pm, Tuesday 23 July] Cymru Women's National Team manager, Rhian Wilkinson joins our very own, FUW Insurance Officer, Danielle Walker who also plays for Berriew FC. The debate will be chaired by Caryl Roberts, FUW group business development manager to discuss how sports and agriculture’s attitude towards women has changed in recent years. 

Taking on the role of Cymru manager back in February this year, Rhian Wilkinson has herself had a successful professional career as a player and coach in Canada and the United States. 

Her Welsh bloodline comes from her Welsh mother, but part of Rhian’s childhood was spent growing up in South Wales. Her mum lobbied for a more inclusive sports policy at her former primary school in Bontfaen 25 years ago, as football was not available for girls at the time. A true role model for Rhian, who is now herself a female ambassador to young players, we look forward to hearing more about Rhian’s career, her Olympic Games and World Cup experiences.

Danielle Mills, a Berriew Football Club player feels honoured to sit with the Cymru women head coach at this event. An Insurance Officer for FUW in Montgomeryshire, Danielle shares her experiences of playing football and her work in the agricultural industry within a rural area, Danielle will offer an insight into how both industries have developed in recent years and given women more opportunities.

Rhian Wilkinson said: “I’m delighted to attend this FUW event at the Royal Welsh Showground this week. I’ve been to the show several times in the past and I’m very proud of my family’s Welsh farming history. 

"I’m keen to discuss the FAW’s strategy of recognising the importance of football at grassroots level and the investment we’re looking at in facilities and resources to support clubs to grow and develop.  

“We know that this can make a huge difference to communities, many of whom the football club is the only remaining community asset. Football can bring the community together, it gives a sense of belonging, similar to the farming community. Both can help improve people’s health and mental well being whilst also contributing to a vibrant and sustainable rural Wales. 

“Football and farming are both essential threads in the fabric of Welsh society. Each contributes a huge amount to local communities, the economy, the Welsh language, culture and heritage. Both also form a part of the national picture and put Wales firmly on the world stage.”