ROYAL WELSH 2026: Rewind

The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) enjoyed a busy and successful four days at the 2026 Royal Welsh Show, welcoming members, policymakers, industry leaders and visitors to a packed Pavilion programme that reflected the key issues shaping the future of Welsh agriculture.

From political debate and industry seminars to practical advice sessions and evening entertainment, the FUW Pavilion provided a welcoming space for meaningful discussion, giving members and visitors the opportunity to meet, network and celebrate Welsh farming throughout the week. Here’s just a taste of what we got up to! 

MONDAY

Monday's programme began with a meeting between the FUW, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd MS, where discussions focused on priorities for the agricultural sector. The meeting included the Welsh Government's announcement on multiannual funding for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), a move that was broadly welcomed by the Union.

The FUW also met with UK Government Wales Office Minister Anna McMorrin MP to discuss the UK Government's priorities for agriculture under Prime Minister Andy Burnham and the implications for Welsh farming.

Later in the day, members and visitors had the opportunity to hear directly from Llyr Gruffydd MS during a public question-and-answer session with FUW President Ian Rickman. The discussion covered a wide range of issues affecting Welsh agriculture, including bovine TB, BVD and the future direction of farming policy.

Attention then turned to the growing role of women in shaping rural policy and public life, with an engaging panel discussion featuring Anna McMorrin MP, Kate Miles of the DPJ Foundation and the FUW's Caryl Gruffydd Roberts. Arranged by Women in Public Affairs Cymru and sponsored by Grasshopper Communication, the session explored leadership, political engagement and the future of rural communities.

Monday concluded with the FUW's annual political reception, which welcomed more than 30 Members of the Senedd and Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum. Kindly sponsored by the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), the reception provided an important opportunity for the Union to strengthen relationships with policymakers and continue discussions following May's Senedd election.

TUESDAY

Tuesday's programme turned the spotlight on some of the most pressing challenges facing Welsh agriculture, beginning with a wide-ranging discussion on the future of livestock farming in Wales and the importance of ensuring environmental policy supports, rather than undermines, productive agriculture.

Chaired by Councillor Wyn Evans, the panel brought together Catherine Smith, Chair of Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC); Alastair Brown, Policy and Strategy Officer at the Livestock Association; Leisia Tudor, Manager at Dunbia; Professor Prysor Williams of Bangor University; and Wyn Williams, FUW Ltd Board Farmer Director and British Wool representative. Discussions centred on the need to safeguard the future of Welsh livestock farming, including calls to support the nation's abattoir network, strengthen Welsh meat labelling, tackle the increasing risk of hill fires associated with reduced grazing, and remove barriers preventing young people from entering the industry.

The focus then shifted to digital infrastructure, with a well-attended seminar on rural connectivity bringing together representatives from Ofcom, Openreach and VodafoneThree. Joining the panel, FUW Rural Affairs Chair Alan Gardner highlighted the persistent mobile and broadband challenges faced by farming businesses and the importance of reliable connectivity for modern agriculture.

Alongside the Pavilion programme, the Union held a series of key political and stakeholder meetings throughout the day, including discussions with members of the House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee, as well as representatives from British Wool and the National Sheep Association (NSA).

Tuesday concluded on a celebratory note as the Pavilion hosted another sell-out evening of entertainment, with popular Welsh-language band Bwncath drawing a packed crowd and bringing another memorable day at the Royal Welsh Show to a close.

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday's programme focused on herd health, with industry experts answering questions on the implementation of Phase 2 of the BVD (Wales) Order 2024 and what the new requirements mean for cattle farmers. The session provided valuable guidance on the next steps for producers as the industry continues its efforts to eradicate the disease. Those who missed the seminar will be able to catch up soon, with a recording set to be released in the near future.

Attention then turned to communications and public engagement, with a lively discussion exploring how social media is transforming the way farmers connect with consumers, share their stories and champion Welsh agriculture. Featuring popular farming content creator Cammy Wilson of The Sheep Game, Leah Meirion of Mole Valley Farmers and Welsh farmer Sara Jenkins, the panel blended humour with practical insight, delivering an honest and thought-provoking discussion on the opportunities and challenges social media presents for the future of farming.

Wednesday also marked the first meetings between the FUW and newly appointed Welsh Government Ministers Anna Brychan and Mark Hooper. The discussions provided an early opportunity to underline the central role farming plays in sustaining the Welsh language, while also highlighting the importance of improving rural transport links to support farming communities and the wider rural economy.

For the first time, the Farmers' Union of Wales was also delighted to host the annual Welsh Agricultural College (WAC) alumni gathering at the Pavilion, bringing together former students and friends for an afternoon of reminiscing and networking..

The day concluded with the annual FUW President's Reception, welcoming key stakeholders, political representatives and friends of the Union. During the evening, Tir Dewi and Prostate Cymru were announced as the FUW President's Charities for 2026–2029, while Darren Williams, Elwen Roberts and Nia Thomas were recognised for their outstanding contributions to Welsh agriculture and the wider rural community.

THURSDAY

The final day of the Show concluded with practical advice for farming businesses, as Paul Hall, Head of Cyber and Innovation at Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales highlighted the growing threat of online crime and offered guidance on protecting farm businesses, finances and personal information in an increasingly digital world. Keep an eye out for the recording! 

To conclude a busy week, FUW President - and avid Scarlets fan - Ian Rickman, was delighted to welcome some of the players and coaching staff on their annual visit to the Showground! 

DIOLCH!

Across the four days, the FUW held thousands of conversations with members and visitors, while meeting with more than 50 politicians and dozens of key stakeholders and policymakers. Together, those discussions reinforced the Royal Welsh Show's unique role in bringing the farming community, government and the wider rural sector together to celebrate and shape the future of Welsh agriculture. Diolch to everyone who called by and made the week possible.