Farmers’ Union of Wales representatives from Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Brecon highlighted the most pressing #FarmingMatters when they met Mid and West Wales AM Helen Mary Jones.
The meeting was hosted by FUW Ceredigion County President Aled Rees at Treclyn Isaf, Eglwyswrw, giving members and the Mid and West Wales AM the chance to see not just the farm but also to discuss the ongoing issue of bovine TB, Sheep Scab, and broadband issues. Members also voiced their concerns about the future of direct payments and life after Brexit.
Aled, his wife Hedydd, son Owain and Aled’s uncle, David Jenkins, are dairy farmers from Penparc situated in south Ceredigion. They live at Trefere Fawr where they milk a herd of 120 Holstein Friesian cows with a spring calving setup.
In January 2018 they started milking at Treclyn Isaf in Eglwyswrw, where they have set up a 54 point rotary system and are currently milking 280 Holstein Friesian cows under an autumn block calving system.
Along with the new parlour they have built a million gallon slurry lagoon and enough housing for 300 cattle.
Across the two holdings they farm 900 acres (half owned) and the business is managed under an Organic scheme, supplying milk to Rachel’s Organic. In addition to the family team, they also employ 3 full time farm workers and an additional 3 part time.
Speaking after the visit, Aled Rees said: “The biggest hardship that currently faces the business is the nightmare of being tested positive for bovine TB. Days of work and money has gone to test and re-test the herd, and all of this during grueling autumn calving at Treclyn Isaf.
“We must now plan ahead for the financial and logistical issues that arise as a result of the applied restrictions. It was good to be able to discuss this problem and the other worries facing our sector with Helen Mary Jones AM and I thank her for joining us here on farm.”