Poor mental health and suicide in rural and farming communities is sadly an increasing problem and one that the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has made a commitment to tackle. 

Approaching the fourth year of awareness raising and doing everything it takes to help break the stigma, the Union is hosting a virtual All Wales Mental Health Conference on Friday 9 October 2020 via Zoom, ahead of World Mental Health Day.

FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “The FUW understands that mental health problems can affect a person’s ability to process information and solve problems, deplete their energy and motivation, and increase impulsive behaviour. Whilst the symptoms are being treated, the root causes of these issues are not so frequently addressed.

“This conference will therefore go beyond the usual points of discussions and explore the subject further. It is an open event and anyone with an interest in mental health is welcome to join us virtually on the day.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is urging farmers to be vigilant following reports by South Wales Police that there has been an increase throughout the UK of the theft of high value Tractor Navigation Systems.  

It is believed that farms are being targeted and the devices are being exported and sold via various auction platforms worldwide. Fully licenced, these systems can cost upwards of £20,000, all carry unique serial numbers which can be checked with manufacturers.

FUW Glamorgan County executive officer Rachel Saunders said: “We urge members across the county and indeed Wales to be extra vigilant. If you are using these systems on your farm,  take some crime prevention action by photographing all items relevant to the system including a close up of the serial numbers and mark them up with your surname,  farm name, post code etc.  

“Any removable parts should be removed from agricultural machinery and locked away safely each night and not left on the tractors. The advice is for such items to be stored in a safe place within the main property.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has highlighted the importance of a trade deal with the EU at a meeting with Minister for Trade Ranil Jayawardena MP and Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams.

The round-table discussion, which included representatives from the FUW and NFU Cymru officials, at Pickstock Farm in Llanfechain was arranged by Craig Williams MP. 

Speaking after the event, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “We had a good meeting with the Minister and a lively debate around the dangers of allowing cheap substandard food imports after the Brexit withdrawal period.”

Mr Roberts highlighted that food in other non-EU countries was produced to lower animal health and welfare, environmental and social standards than those legally required in Wales and the UK.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales and RDP Law are joining forces to discuss the issue of land disputes and are hosting a special members webinar to address this complex, costly and contentious area of litigation. 

The event, which is free for FUW members, will take place on Wednesday 16 September at 7pm via Zoom and aims to shed light on the land registry process, boundary disputes, the importance of an accurate plan, rights of way and experts will share their top tips for avoiding litigation.  

Keynote speaker on the night is Rhys Evans, senior associate within RDP’s litigation department, heading up all property litigation and contentious probate matters. Clare O Sullivan, senior associate solicitor within RDP’s Litigation department, who advises clients on a range of commercial and professional negligence disputes with a specialism in financial services litigation and regulatory disputes, will be available to answer questions.