The important role farmers play in keeping the wheels of the rural economy turning, concerns about the future of family farms in light of Brexit and wider #FarmingMatters, were top of the agenda when Farmers’ Union of Wales members and officials met with Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones.

Hosting the meeting at his farm Tymawr, Carrog, near Corwen, was FUW Meirionnydd County Vice-Chairman Edwin Jones. Speaking to the MP, he said: “Farming matters in so many ways that are seldom realised. 

“Not only do farms produce food but they are also the cornerstone of our rural economies. Family farms, in particular, are at the heart of our rural economy, caring for our landscape, and of course our culture.

“They make innumerable other contributions to the well-being of Wales and the UK. Central to such benefits is the production of food and the improvement in domestic food security. 

“All those businesses who supply essential services, materials, and machinery to farmers, through to the farmers themselves and their produce, to the processors who turn them into food, and the consumers themselves, have a critical part to play in our rural economy. And that is at stake if we get Brexit wrong.”

Pembrokeshire farmers embraced the baler twine, flat cap, rigger boots and moustache, as the Welsh Whisperer played a special charity fundraising concert in Maenclochog.

The evening was organised by the Farmers’ Union of Wales Pembrokeshire branch to raise money for two amazing local charities, The DPJ Foundation, and Farms For City Children in St David’s.

And a gwd thing it was, with the event raising over £850.

Rebecca Voyle, FUW Pembrokeshire CEO, said: “Thank you to everyone who came along to support our evening with the Welsh Whisperer, as you helped us raise a fantastic amount of money, which will be equally split between the two local charities.

“A great time was had by all and the younger members of the audience should certainly have slept well that night!”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to a busy Welsh Dairy Show (Tuesday, 29 October), with #FarmingMatters and the future of the industry high on the agenda.

Speaking ahead of the event, FUW Vice President Dai Miles said: “We look forward to welcoming members to the Union stand and those visiting the show are also invited to join us for some warming cawl at our outside trailer. 

“There will be plenty of #FarmingMatters chats and we look forward to discussing the dairy industry with those who come to see us.”

The FUW is also looking forward to the annual eve of Welsh Dairy show farm visit, which will take place at Caws Teifi Cheese on Monday, 28 October and the evening function, held at Carmarthen Livestock Market, commencing at 7 pm. 

“As is FUW tradition, we will be visiting an inspirational dairy enterprise in the afternoon of the eve of the Welsh Dairy Show and in the evening we look forward to hearing from our keynote speakers as they discuss the past and future of the dairy industry.”

Caerphilly farmer David Perkins, who farms at Duffryn Isaf Farm, Lanbradach, welcomed local Assembly Member Hefin David to his farm to discuss the most critical #FarmingMatters.

The farm extends to around 100 acres and carries a flock 220 breeding ewes plus 15 suckler cows. It has been in the family for 3 generations with David’s grandfather having bought the farm in 1945.

During the visit to the typical Valleys family farm, FUW officials explained how the proposed future farming support system, as laid out in the Sustainable Farming and our Land consultation, would impact upon the viability of farms like Duffryn Isaf.

The consultation proposes that future support should be designed around the principle of sustainability in a way which brings together the ‘wide-ranging and significant economic, environmental and social contribution or farmers’, through a single Sustainable Farming Scheme based on the principles of providing a meaningful and stable income stream; rewarding outcomes in a fair way; paying for both new and existing sustainable practices; and flexibility allowing every type of farm to apply.

FUW Gwent CEO Glyn Davies said: “We took the opportunity to highlight that farms such as Duffryn Isaf are likely to be severely affected by the removal of the basic payment scheme, and its replacement by environmental schemes. What is proposed is the replacement of direct support for farmers with what is, in essence, a public goods scheme. 

With bonfire night fast approaching, the Farmers’ Union of Wales is urging people to remember the distress fireworks and sky lanterns can cause to livestock and pets and reminds them of the dangers posed by bonfires.

“We call on people to stick to the firework safety code at all times, especially over the bonfire and Halloween season, to minimise the risk to livestock, pets and humans,” said FUW Vice President Brian Bowen.

“This time of year poses many dangers to animals and children – so don’t let negligence and ignorance be the cause for a real-life horror,” added Mr Bowen.

Animals in general are not fond of the noise of fireworks and can become quite anxious during this time of year. Therefore, the FUW urges people to be considerate and not let them off near livestock.

“It is also a good idea to make sure that your pets have been micro-chipped by a vet and that the details on the chip are up to date prior to bonfire night, just in case they go missing,” said Brian Bowen.

The importance of staying safe on-farm and the benefits of producing food with the environment in mind, were topics high on the agenda at a recent farm visit in Meirionnydd. 

Opening the gates to their beef and sheep farm to host the event, were FUW Meirionnydd county chairman Sion Ifans and wife Gwawr. The couple farm at Brynuchaf, Llanymawddwy. 

The farm extends to 370 hectares, the majority of which is mountain land, and is a typical Meirionnydd upland farm.  

Here they keep a flock of 900 Welsh mountain ewes, and 15 suckler cows. All store stock is sold through farmers marts, with all the finished lambs sent to Randall Parker Foods in Llanidloes or via Farmers Marts at the livestock auction in Machynlleth.

The farm has also been in the Glastir scheme since 2014, and there is a long history of participation in agri-environment schemes such as Tir Cymen in the early 1990’s when Meirionnydd was chosen as a pilot area for the scheme. Thereafter, the farm joined the Tir Gofal scheme until the opportunity came to join Glastir. 

To supplement the farm income, Sion also works self-employed on a part-time basis with Farming Connect and Welsh Lamb and Beef Promotions and wife Gwawr is employed by Conwy Council as a translator. 

Welcoming a delegation of local farmers and showcasing the various elements of the Glastir scheme, Sion said: “We have always cared deeply for the environment here at Brynuchaf and think that food production and looking after the land, go hand in hand. 

“As food producers, we are subjected to all weather and are just as exposed as everyone else to climate change and the extremes it brings.