The Farmers’ Union of Wales Gwent and Glamorgan team enjoyed a successful day at Usk show, putting farming matters discussions and the need for thriving, sustainable, family farms in Wales at the forefront of conversation with politicians.

The team discussed the need for improved food education and awareness of farming practises at school age, the barriers facing farmers in playing their part when it comes to reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change whilst not undermining food production, as well the new schemes the agricultural industry is engaging with and the problems associated with them.

The Carmarthen branch of Farmers’ Union of Wales is seeking nominations for the 2023 FUW - United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society Award for the person judged to have made the most Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture in Carmarthenshire during the past few years.

The judges will include representatives from the FUW, FUW Insurance Services Ltd and the United Counties Agricultural and Hunters Society. The award will be presented at the FUW’s prestigious Eve of the Welsh Dairy Show event on Monday 23 October 2023.

FUW Carmarthenshire County Executive Officer David Waters said: “The nomination should be in the form of a letter or citation giving full details of the work and achievement of the nominee with great emphasis on the positive or beneficial effect on agriculture in Carmarthenshire.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is once again looking to recognise an individual who has made a great contribution towards the development of the dairy industry and has become an integral part of the dairy industry in Wales.

To recognise such a person the Union is seeking nominations for its FUW Outstanding Service to the Welsh Dairy Industry award. The winner will be announced, and the presentation made, at this year’s Welsh Dairy Show on Tuesday 24 October 2023.

FUW Carmarthen county executive officer David Waters said: “There are a number of very worthy individuals in Wales who deserve this award and looking back we have had some fantastic nominations and winners. So if you know of a person in Wales who has made a great contribution towards the development of the dairy industry and has become an integral part of it in Wales, then why not nominate them for this prestigious award?”

The Secretary of State for Wales and MP for Monmouth, David TC Davies has officially opened the new Gwent office of the Farmers’ Union of Wales.

A celebratory event took place last Friday (8September 2023) to officially open the office located at Llanover Business Centre which will be the home of the FUW Gwent team, having previously been based in Abergavenny town centre. FUW Staff will be on hand from Monday to Friday in the new location to advise members and answer any membership queries. 

At the event, guests heard how the office is hoped to be a key contributor to the Union’s vision of thriving family farms across Wales. FUW County Executive Officer Sharon Pritchard explained: “We are often the first people members turn to when they have worries or concerns, as well as the first to hear about exciting developments and successes. 

The Montgomeryshire branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to a busy day at Llanfair Caereinion Show on Saturday September 3, which will be held at Llysun, Llanerfyl, Welshpool, Powys, by kind permission of the Tudor family.

Union officials including newly elected FUW President Mr Ian Rickman will welcome all including local politicians Russell George AM and Craig Williams  MP for Montgomeryshire, to discuss farm policies at the FUW stand throughout the day.

FUW Montgomeryshire Senior County Executive Officer Emyr Wyn Davies said: “We look forward to discussing #FarmingMatters at the stand with our members and elected politicians and extend a warm welcome to all as in previous years to join us on the day. Union officials and staff will be on hand to answer questions our members may have. We also wish the Llanfair Caereinion Show all the best for their 50th Anniversary.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is encouraging consumers to get behind Welsh sheep farmers during Love Lamb week (1-7 September) by making Welsh lamb the star of their dinners.

The week provides an excellent opportunity to shine a light on the sustainable farming practices, as well as the exceptional quality and taste of Welsh lamb.

Speaking from his Carmarthenshire sheep and beef farm, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “Farming in Wales has an incredibly positive story to tell. With a focus on our Welsh lamb this week, it is fair to point out that our low-intensity sheep farms tell a very different story compared to production methods in other parts of the world.