The Farmers’ Union of Wales has launched new reflective armbands as part of its commitment to promote farm safety.

The new armbands can be worn by all family members to help them to be seen better in the dark and will be available from all FUW stands during the show season.

FUW Marketing Manager Meryl Roberts said: “If we are seen we are much safer and these armbands are a practical addition to any farm outfit. Of course, it won’t fix all of the problems but it might just help a little, given that most farm clothes are dark and farming doesn’t stop just because the sun has gone down.

“The armbands are functional and can be worn in all types of weather. And above all, they support our commitment as a Union to promote farm safety in any way we can. Being seen is the first step to keeping safe after all, so get in touch with your local FUW office to get your free armband today or come see us at your local county show!”

Farmers’ Union of Wales Meirionnydd administration assistant Louisa Moore completed the Great North Swim in June, raising a total of £350 for the Union’s charities - Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and The Farming Community Network.

Swimming a mile in Lake Windermere, Louisa complete the course in just over an hour.

Speaking after the event, she said: “I was quite confident going into the swim. The weather forecast was great, with the exception of a twenty minute downpour when we were warming up.

“I think the swim went quite well, although I did experience quite a bit of cramp after 1200m, which is probably what slowed me down! I’m very happy that I’ve completed the challenge and, although I was absolutely exhausted by the end of it, I am looking forward to taking on another swimming challenge next year.”

FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “I congratulate Louisa on her fantastic effort in not just raising a great amount of money but also for completing the swim. The money raised will directly help the 45,000 people living with dementia in Wales, as well as help the FCN in supporting the farming community throughout Wales.”

Donations can still be made for Louisa’s swim at www.justgiving.com/louisa-moore3 and  www.justgiving.com/louisa-moore4.

The Glamorgan branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales joined the battle against dementia with cupcakes at the recent official Cup Cake Day.

The little cakes raised over £400 for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and were sold outside the FUW offices in Cowbridge.

Glamorgan CEO Rachel Saunders said: “ We had such a fantastic day and I would like to thank everyone who supported us, including our members and the general public who were passing the office. I’m really happy that we managed to raise so much money for this worthy cause.

“A special thank you however has to go to my sister Catherine Taylor, who gets the star baker award for baking all of the delicious cupcakes!”

The Gwent branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to a night at the races and are all set for their upcoming ‘Wooden Horse race’ night in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and the Farming Community Network.

The event will be held on Saturday, June 30, 7pm at Ty Oakley Farm, Hafodyrynys, by kind permission of Mr Howard Vicary.

The evening will see the auctioning of six wooden horses, for six separate races, which will then race over a short course with the winners receiving a cash prize.

The Farmers' Union of Wales has welcomed an announcement by First Minister Carwyn Jones that £2,150,000 of the Welsh Government's EU transition fund will go towards helping livestock farms prepare for Brexit.

Speaking shortly after the announcement was made at the FUW's annual general meeting today (Monday, June 18), FUW President Glyn Roberts said:

"We welcome the fact that one of the first EU transitional fund projects to be announced relates to the livestock sector which is so important to our economy and communities."

FUW President Glyn Roberts has raised concerns over the stark contrast between discussions taking place within the UK on the future of agriculture and equivalent EU discussions on the continent - highlighting worrying differences between recognition of the importance of common standards and support for farming.

Speaking shortly before Wales’ First Minister, Carwyn Jones delivered his keynote address at the FUW’s Annual General Meeting in Aberystwyth, Mr Roberts told delegates that the principles of providing a fair standard of living for farmers and securing a stable supply of affordable food had been key elements of both Labours 1947 Agriculture Act and the 1957 Treaty of Rome.

“The latest Euro Barometer survey reveals that providing a fair standard of living for farmers and securing a stable supply of safe, healthy high quality food are still considered priorities by the public, not only across the EU, but also here in the UK,” said Mr Roberts.