The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has welcomed the Welsh Government’s announcement confirming plans to introduce Bovine Electronic Identification (EID) for newborn calves in Wales using Low Frequency (LF) technology.

The announcement follows the publication of a summary of responses to the Welsh Government’s public consultation on Bovine EID, which ran from 19 June to 14 August 2025 and received 30 responses from industry stakeholders, farming unions, and other interested parties.

The Welsh Government confirmed it will move forward with the implementation of Bovine EID for newborn calves using Low Frequency technology. Implementation in Wales is not expected before 2027.

The Welsh Government also emphasised its intention to continue working closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to ensure, where possible, that implementation plans in Wales are aligned with those in England. Further details, including technical specifications for official Bovine EID ear tags, and practical guidance for cattle keepers, will be made available in due course.

The Welsh Government written statement is available in full here. 

Responding to the announcement, FUW Policy Officer Elin Jenkins said:

“The FUW supports the decision to adopt Low Frequency technology for Bovine EID. This technology is already in use within sheep EID systems and is therefore familiar to farmers, avoiding the need for additional reading equipment. However, members recognise the potential challenges posed by differing EID technologies across the GB administrations and we remain eager to collaborate in identifying and overcoming these practical issues.

The FUW also welcomes the phased introduction of Bovine EID for newborn calves only and calls upon the Welsh Government to provide financial support to assist with the transition to this new technology.”

The FUW remains committed to working constructively with the Welsh Government, Defra, and other industry stakeholders to ensure that the introduction of Bovine EID in Wales is practical, proportionate, and delivers tangible benefits for the cattle industry.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has questioned whether the recently introduced Fair Dealings Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024 are delivering on their promise of transparency to dairy farmers, following a wave of milk price reductions by processors.

The FUW’s calls coincide with the Welsh Dairy Show, taking place at the Carmarthen Showground on Tuesday 28 October, 2025.

Jon Lewis, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gower View Foods, has been named as the winner of the Farmers’ Union of Wales/NatWest Cymru 2025 Outstanding Service to the Welsh Dairy Industry Award.

The annual award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the Welsh dairy industry. 

Established in 2007, under Jon Lewis’ leadership, Gower View Foods has grown into one of the UK’s most recognised independent butter and dairy co-packers, supplying leading brands for many of the major retailers and food service providers across the UK and Europe.

Based at a modern, purpose-built manufacturing facility in Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire, the company’s co-packing capabilities range from portion-sized butter and bulk block production to a wide range of flavoured butters, flavoured creams, and promotional packaging solutions.

In addition to its co-packing services, Gower View Foods also produces its own range of products, including the notable Shirgar Butter and Ísey Skyr, made using a traditional Icelandic recipe on its state-of-the-art Ultra Filtration plant.

Recognised as one of the 50 fastest-growing businesses in Wales in 2020, the company’s success has been driven by a flexible, collaborative approach and more than 30 years of collective experience in the dairy industry. 

Under Mr Lewis’s leadership, the company has created skilled jobs in West Wales and has made a substantial contribution to the local economy through sustained investment, product development, and rural employment. 

Sustainability is a cornerstone of operations, with ongoing investment in renewable energy generation, recyclable packaging, plastic reduction initiatives, and advanced effluent treatment systems, supporting both environmental objectives and long-term business resilience.

The award was presented to Mr Lewis at the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ annual Eve of the Welsh Dairy Show Dinner, sponsored by NatWest Cymru, held at Carmarthen Livestock Market on Monday, 27 October 2025.

Presenting the award, FUW President Ian Rickman said:

“Jon Lewis’s leadership has made a significant contribution to the Welsh dairy sector. Through his focus on innovation, sustainability, and job creation, he has demonstrated how strong business vision can deliver real benefits for both the industry and rural communities. His achievements with Gower View Foods are an excellent example of how Welsh dairy can compete and thrive on a national stage.”

Rhys Williams, Director, Commercial Banking at NatWest Swansea & West Wales said:

“Jon Lewis has shown how strong leadership and strategic investment can turn a local business into a national success story. 

His achievements with Gower View Foods demonstrate how commercial success and community benefit can go hand in hand, creating skilled employment, supporting local supply chains, and contributing to the wider prosperity of rural Wales. 

NatWest Cymru is proud to help celebrate such an inspiring example of sustainable business growth.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has responded to the Welsh Government’s announcement today (Monday 27th October) regarding Bovine TB and changes to Resolved Inconclusive Reactors, describing the move as a “practical, evidence-led step”.

Following a review of the evidence by the TB Technical Advisory Group - subsequently accepted by the TB Programme Board - it was concluded that cattle previously classified as standard interpretation resolved inconclusive reactors are  3 times more likely to be later identified as reactors, inconclusive reactors, or slaughterhouse-positive cases compared to animals that have consistently tested clear.