In their weekly column, FUW consider the sobering data released by Defra on the number of cattle slaughtered in Wales as a result of bTB.

Last week saw the return of the political parties’ conference season, with Plaid Cymru hosting their Spring Conference in Llandudno. With next year’s key Senedd election fast-approaching, it provided an opportunity for the party to outline its vision and priorities for the coming year, and an opportunity for Farmers’ Union of Wales officials to lobby politicians and candidates on the changes and challenges facing the agricultural sector. 

Amidst the many challenges facing Welsh farmers, bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) continues to cast a dark shadow. Not only does the disease pose a threat to livestock, but it continues to impact the day-to-day life of farmers and their livelihoods and wellbeing. 

The extent of the challenge bTB poses to Welsh farming was emphasised last week in sobering figures released by Defra. 2024 saw 13,034 animals slaughtered in Wales as a result of a bTB incident - an increase of 27% on the previous 12 month period. Tragically, the number of TB-positive cattle slaughtered in Wales in 2024 was the highest ever in a single 12-month period.

Behind these record-breaking slaughter statistics lie Welsh farmers and families bearing the immense burden and unseen costs of this crisis; their businesses threatened, and their mental health often at breaking point.

Whilst eradicating bTB remains a hugely complex and emotive subject, the FUW did welcome the Welsh Government’s decision last Summer to establish a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and TB Eradication Programme Board was a step in the right direction. As part of the work, the FUW has welcomed the opportunity to sit on the Board -  bringing together expertise and experience from a range of farmers, vets, Welsh Government and animal health representatives. 

Whilst the group’s work continues to get underway - and sadly, answers will not be implemented overnight - it remains the case that these slaughter statistics again provide a timely and significant reminder of the extent, and cost of bTB on farmyards across Wales.

Each animal that is prematurely removed from a farm, as a result of a positive TB test, contributes to snowballing economic consequences for that business. There are numerous unseen additional costs incurred with mandatory slaughter such as lost revenue, loss of milk production, loss of breeding lines, delays to re-stocking, shifts in marketing, persistent changes in herd size, disruption to planned purchases and the additional feed, bedding and housing requirements of a breakdown.

It’s all too clear that the status quo cannot continue, and the FUW will continue to reiterate the desperate need for the Welsh Government to take the disease by the scruff of its neck and follow the science in broadening the eradication policy in Wales by adopting a truly holistic approach to address this challenge.

Prominent Carmarthenshire farmer, and Member of Parliament for Caerfyrddin, Ann Davies, has been shortlisted for the Agricultural Ambassador of the Year prize at the National Women in Agriculture Awards 2025.

The annual awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of women making a significant impact in the agricultural industry, with this year’s final set to be held in London in May.

Born and raised in rural Carmarthenshire, Ann’s agricultural journey began in 1992, with her and her husband starting as tenant farmers on a dairy farm near Llanarthne. Alongside her work on the farm, she went on to work as a peripatetic music teacher, and  lecturer in early years learning at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, before becoming the joint owner of a local children’s nursery alongside one of her three daughters.

Ann was elected as a County Councillor on Carmarthenshire County Council in 2017, and was appointed as a cabinet member of the Council in 2021 originally under the portfolio of Communities and Rural Affairs. 

As County Councillor, she became a prominent voice in local campaigns against the development of pylons routes in rural Carmarthenshire. In 2023, she was also appointed Chair of the Carmarthenshire branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW).

She was elected Member of Parliament for the new Caerfyrddin constituency in 2024, and as one of four Plaid Cymru MPs in Westminster, has adopted a wide portfolio including; work and pensions, education, transport, and crucially, environment and rural affairs.

As Member of Parliament, Ann has spoken on a vast number of occasions at Westminster regarding the pressing issues facing the agricultural sector and rural communities, including the UK Government’s controversial changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR), the future of farming, and food security. 

Despite her Parliamentary duties, Ann continues to work on the farm - often out milking in her wellies - whilst her Sunday mornings are spent in chapel, before a Sunday lunch on the farm providing an opportunity to catch-up with her three daughters and many grandchildren.

Commenting on Ann Davies’ nomination, Farmers’ Union of Wales President, Ian Rickman said: “Everyone at the FUW is absolutely delighted with Ann Bremenda’s nomination for this prestigious award.

"For decades, as a farmer, County Councillor and hardworking FUW County Chair, Ann has been an unwavering champion for rural Wales. Since being elected Member of Parliament for Caerfyrddin last year, she has taken this understanding, enthusiasm and dedication towards our rural communities to the heart of Westminster, promoting a range of issues championing our countryside and the agricultural sector. 

"At a challenging time for Welsh farming, having a friend like Ann fighting our corner is invaluable, and we wish her well for the award ceremony.”

The news that the UK Government is to stop accepting new applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Scheme in England has proven the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ views and concerns in response to previous consultations in Wales were correct.

On 11 March, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner MP, announced that England’s SFI scheme had reached its application limit, with 37,000 agreements signed for funding, and the total budget subsequently allocated.

The FUW has consistently argued that any replacement farm support scheme in Wales must be built on robust economic analysis, thorough piloting, and clear long-term planning to prevent such instability.

FUW President Ian Rickman responded to the announcement, saying: “When we hosted a panel discussion at last year’s Royal Welsh Show on how agricultural support policies are being developed across the UK, three of the four speakers expressed a preference for farming in England.

“Yet, just eight months later, the reality in England has changed drastically. The UK Government’s erratic approach of announcing and adjusting payment rates without thorough economic modelling has left farmers in the lurch, highlighting the dangers of shortsighted policies.”

“For decades, the FUW has championed a structured, economically sound approach to farm support. Unlike England’s unsustainable model, Wales’ Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) has been shaped through rigorous consultation and input from farming communities. Thanks to FUW’s advocacy, the Scheme will include an area-based Universal Baseline Payment, ensuring fairer, more stable support for Welsh farmers.”

The FUW has also long advocated for capping payments to maximise the amount of money going to typical family farms and those who make the greatest contribution to rural communities and the economy.

“As discussions continue over the finer details of the SFS, the lessons from England must not be ignored,” Mr Rickman added.

“The Welsh Government must remain committed to its structured, consultative approach and ensure the transition from the Basic Payment Scheme provides certainty for farmers. It is crucial that any new scheme is workable, affordable, and prioritises those who sustain our rural communities.”

Dai Miles, Farmers’ Union of Wales Deputy President added:

“The turmoil in England is a clear example of why Welsh farmers need strong representation through the FUW. Without a union advocating for fair policies and financial stability, farmers risk being subjected to ill-conceived government schemes that fail to address their real needs.

As the FUW marks its 70th anniversary, this milestone reinforces the enduring importance of farmer-led representation. The challenges of modern farming - government policy shifts, economic pressures, and environmental demands - make it more crucial than ever for farmers to stand together. By uniting under the FUW, Welsh farmers can continue to shape policies that protect their way of life and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has expressed concern following the release of UK Trade figures which revealed a significant increase of sheep meat imported to the UK in 2024.

Data released by the UK Government showed the UK imports of sheep meat surged by 40% on the year, reaching 67,880 tonnes, marking the highest level since 2018.

Increased imports from New Zealand (an increase of 14,300 tonnes) and Australia (6,500 tonnes increase) now account for 86% of UK sheep meat imports, marking an increase from 78% in 2023. 

Analysis by Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) suggests a range of factors are responsible for the rise in imports, including lower prices from the Southern Hemisphere, new Free Trade Agreements, and a record level of deadweight prices in the UK.

Data by DEFRA also showed UK sheep meat production had declined by 7% in 2024, while UK beef production in 2024 increased by 4%.

Responding to the figures Alun Owen, Farmers’ Union of Wales regional vice-president said: "The surge in sheep meat imports from New Zealand and Australia poses a very real threat that could undermine the livelihoods of Welsh sheep farmers and the sustainability of our rural communities.

"The increased imports are perhaps unsurprising, and follow the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ longstanding warnings that previous governments’ liberal approach to trade negotiations with New Zealand and Australia could drastically undermine Welsh farmers and domestic food production.

"Increasingly we are witnessing a potential displacement of high-quality Welsh and UK lamb - a product of world-leading sustainable farming practices - in favour of imports that have travelled thousands of miles.”

Gareth Parry, Farmers’ Union of Wales’ Head of Policy added: “The tighter throughput of livestock across the UK reflects current confidence levels of the sector, whilst the resulting record-high prices are causing difficulties for processors and retailers across the supply chain which, in part, increases the attractiveness of cheaper imports.

"In reality, however, inherent to the increase in food imports is a reduction in the UK’s food security, both through the displacement of domestic production and through additional reliance on food produced many thousands of miles away.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has called on the UK Government to deploy stronger security measures to combat the illegal import of meat to the UK following a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease in Hungary last week.

On Thursday 6 March, 2025, Hungary confirmed its first foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) case in more than 50 years, with the case found on a cattle farm in the North West of Hungary, near the border with Slovakia.

The news follows a reported case of the virus in a herd of water buffalo in Germany earlier this year - the first reported case in Germany since 1988.

The UK Government has responded by preventing the commercial import from Hungary and Slovakia of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other non- domestic ruminants and porcines such as deer and their untreated products, such as fresh meat and dairy.

In addition, as of 8 March, travellers will no longer be able to bring meat, meat products, milk and dairy products, certain composite products and animal by products of pigs and ruminants, or hay or straw, from Hungary and Slovakia to Great Britain.   

In light of the situation, the Farmers’ Union of Wales has however urged the UK Government to undertake greater measures to combat illegal imports which pose significant risks to animal health and the UK’s biosecurity.

Earlier this year, a Freedom of Information request found that authorities at the Port of Dover seized almost 100 tonnes of illegal meat in 2024. More recently, in January 2025, the Dover Port Health Authority said it had removed 25 tonnes of illegal meat, triple the amount seized for the same period last year.

The UK’s biosecurity measures are currently subject to an inquiry by Westminster’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee, with the Farmers’ Union of Wales warning that insufficient security measures to combat illegal meat imports could leave the UK’s agriculture sector vulnerable to serious diseases such as foot and mouth disease and African swine fever.

Responding to the foot-and-mouth case in Hungary, and the need for greater intervention to address the illegal meat imports, Farmers’ Union of Wales President, Ian Rickman said: “News of Foot and Mouth Disease on mainland Europe for the second time this year will be a cause for alarm among livestock owners. While it's crucial to stress that this disease poses no threat to human health or food safety, as evidenced by the 2001 outbreak, its potential impact on the agricultural sector and our rural economy and communities cannot be understated. In light of the developing situation, I’d like to remind livestock keepers to remain vigilant and practise good biosecurity.” 

"The UK Government has taken immediate action to protect our borders by suspending the import of susceptible products from Hungary and Slovakia, however, the FUW has warned on several occasions that there is a dire need to increase security measures and vigilance to combat illegal meat imports. These pose a significant threat to animal health and the UK’s biosecurity, and in light of this most recent threat, significantly stronger government action to combat these illegal imports is essential."

The UK has remained free from foot-and-mouth disease since 2007, and following the recent cases on mainland Europe, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer is urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of the disease. Foot-and-mouth disease does not infect humans and does not pose a food safety risk.

Ahead of a Senedd debate on the UK Government's controversial changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) on Wednesday 5 March, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) were in the Senedd once again, lobbying Welsh politicians to press for the UK Government to review their far-reaching changes.

The debate, tabled by Plaid Cymru, called on the the Welsh Government to make representations to the UK Government that they reconsider and pause the family farm tax until such a time as they have conducted a thorough consultation and economic review of its impact on working farms

Despite support from the Welsh Conservatives and Welsh Liberal Democrats, the debate itself saw the Plaid Cymru motion narrowly voted down. 

An amended motion supported by the Welsh Government was passed, which recognised the concerns expressed by Welsh farmers about changes to APR, and that such Welsh Ministers would continue to advocate to the UK Government that the views of Welsh farmers be given full and proper consideration.

Ahead of the debate the FUW, the independent voice of Wales’ family farms, met with Welsh Conservatives rural affairs spokesperson, Peter Fox MS and Plaid Cymru’s Llyr Gruffydd MS, relaying the farming sectors’ concerns over the potential impact the Treasury’s reforms could have on family farms and domestic food production.

The Prime Minister had previously insisted a "vast majority" of farmers would not be affected by the changes, which are due to take effect from April 2026. Meanwhile UK Treasury’s figures have previously claimed it expects around 500 estates across the UK to be affected by the changes each year.

However, previous research by industry bodies has drawn significant doubts over the Treasury’s figures.

The FUW’s own analysis suggests as many as 48% of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) recipients in Wales could be affected by the changes, with the union warning the changes could have devastating impact on family farms and food production, as well as leading towards an increase in agricultural land being transferred into the ownership of remote corporate bodies and companies.

The FUW has previously put forward a range of proposals to the proposed changes to better safeguard family farms and the UK’s food security. - a stance it reiterated to the UK Government on several occasions, including a meeting with UK Treasury officials in London in late February.

These proposed changes include the principle that farming/agricultural assets should not be taxed when passed from one generation to another for farming themselves or letting to another farming family. However, if a generation decides to sell those assets, those assets should be taxed at the point of selling.

Commenting following the debate, FUW President, Ian Rickman said: “Changes to APR have triggered significant anxiety within the farming sector in Wales during what is an incredibly difficult time for Welsh farmers, and the FUW has consistently called for the changes to be reviewed. 

"Considering the continued frustrations within the farming sector that were powerfully articulated during this debate, there was an opportunity here for the Senedd to send a clear message to Westminster that this ill-thought-out policy must be paused and reconsidered.

"Disappointingly, this opportunity fell short, however as pressure continues to mount from the sector and from the government's own back benches, the UK Treasury must now do the right thing and revisit these proposals to better safeguard our family farms and the future of Welsh agriculture.”

As well as opposition spokespersons, FUW President Ian Rickman and Deputy President, Dai Miles, also met Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the far-reaching impact changes to APR could have on Welsh family farms, as well as discuss other pressing issues facing the sector, including the Sustainable Farming Scheme, the ongoing review of the Control of Agricultural Pollution regulations, bovine TB and the surveillance of Bluetounge Virus.