This week, submissions closed for the Welsh Affairs Committee’s inquiry into the challenges and opportunities facing farming in Wales. The Farmers’ Union of Wales welcomed the opportunity to contribute to this inquiry, highlighting the perfect storm of challenges facing Welsh farmers from a UK Government perspective.

The ongoing concern over the ill-thought-out changes to Agriculture Property Relief (APR) played a prominent part in our submission. As the FUW warned HM Treasury in our meeting in February, these changes could have a significant impact on our rural communities and food production. 

Whilst the Prime Minister previously insisted that a “vast majority” of Welsh farmers would not be affected by the changes,our analysis suggests 48% of BPS recipients in Wales could be subject to the new inheritance tax proposals. Our submission therefore provided an opportunity to highlight this disproportionate impact and outline our alternative proposals. These alternatives include advocating for transitional arrangements for those in these impossible circumstances and the establishment of a UK-wide working group to agree on a dataset that accurately represents the extent and impact of this change in policy. 

The inquiry also provided an opportunity for the FUW to once again voice our concern over the UK Government’s decision to ‘Barnettise’ future agricultural funding. 

Historically, Wales has received around 9.4% of the total UK EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) budget - this allocation was based on a need-based formula, which reflected Welsh farm and rural characteristics. The UK Government’s Autumn Budget however saw a change; with future adjustments to the Welsh agricultural budget now being subject to the Barnett Formula. This will result in a fall from 9.4% to 5% of any proportional uplifts (or reductions) the UK agriculture budget receives.

Whilst this point may seem technical, it could have a drastic impact on the amount of funding Welsh Government receives for agriculture in future. At a time when Welsh farmers are expected to deliver an ever increasing range of sustainability and environmental objectives, while also producing food, the FUW believes that the previous needs-based allocation formula, which reflects Welsh farm and rural characteristics, should be restored for future consequential adjustments.

The inquiry also provided an opportunity to consider the impact of leaving the EU on Welsh farms. This again provided an opportunity to relay our concerns that successive UK Governments have not held agriculture and rural development in as high regard as the EU Commission continues to do for its Member States through the Common Agricultural Policy.

The FUW’s full evidence submission can be found by following this link.

Shortly after the decision to establish the Farmers’ Union of Wales in December 1955, the cartoon below by J.C. Walker appeared in the Western Mail.

With many predicting that the young Union would not last long, the cartoon came to represent a challenge to the FUW’s founders, making them even more determined to succeed.

Seven decades later, it was a pleasure to commission the leading cartoonist, Mumph, to provide an update of the cartoon; with the lost calf of west Wales, now a herd of healthy cattle grazing all over Wales. A copy of the cartoon will be provided to FUW offices across Wales to mark the special anniversary.

As the Easter holidays get underway, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is again reminding dog owners to act responsibly when out enjoying the countryside.

The holidays will once again see an influx of people visiting all parts of Wales’ beautiful countryside. However, an influx of visitors can present devastating risks, particularly in regard to potential dog attacks on livestock. 

Livestock ‘Worrying’ can occur as a result of dogs not being kept under close supervision in the countryside. Dogs chasing, harassing or physically attacking livestock are all guilty of this offence.

Despite significant industry efforts and awareness campaigns over recent years, dog attacks on livestock remain a major concern for Welsh farmers.

The extent of the problem was further documented in a recent freedom of information request by the FUW to North Wales Police, which received over 80 reports of livestock attacks in 2024 alone. 

The Dogs Protection of Livestock Act (1953) makes it an offence to allow a dog to worry livestock and can be punished with a fine of up to £1,000.

However, over recent years the FUW has been lobbying to ensure the police have greater powers to deal with attacks on livestock, stressing the importance of strong enforcement in preventing attacks. 

Currently, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill is making its way through Parliament. The Bill includes changes to what constitutes an offence, and increased powers for investigation of suspected offences.  

Commenting on the impact livestock worrying on farmers, FUW Regional Vice-President, Anwen Hughes said: “These attacks are not mere numbers; they inflict devastating trauma on livestock and further economic strain and stress on farmers. Beyond fatalities and severe injuries, the stress alone can trigger miscarriages in ewes, or lambs to become separated from their mothers. 

"This Easter, as we prepare to welcome visitors to enjoy our beautiful countryside, it’s crucial dog owners demonstrate diligence and responsibility when outside. Dog owners should never underestimate their dog, even the most friendly and well-trained dogs, have a natural instinct to chase and its vital that owners act responsibly when outside in the countryside.” 

"There are no winners from livestock attacks. The trauma ripples through livestock, dog owners, and farmers, often leaving lasting emotional scars and a persistent fear of recurrence."

The FUW is subsequently reminding dog owners to act responsibly, and prioritise the safety of both animals and themselves this Easter.

In particular, the FUW is urging dog owners to use a lead when out and about with their dog in the countryside. Between 1 March and 31 July, a dog must be on lead on open access land, even if there is no livestock on the land.

The FUW is also reminding visitors to follow the Countryside Code, and in particular to pay close attention to and obey any signs indicating livestock presence or restrictions on dog access. Visitors are also reminded to stick to the right of ways and clearly defined paths, and to leave gates and property as you find them. 

Dog owners are also reminded of the importance of ensuring their properties are secure - following several livestock attacks stemming from dogs escaping from their property. 

The FUW also emphasised the importance of dog owners cleaning up after their dog. Dog waste can spread diseases to livestock, and it’s vital dog owners bring bags and dispose of dog feces properly in a bin and not just throw it away.

As part of their campaign to raise awareness of livestock worrying, the FUW has created signs for farmers and landowners encouraging dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead. Signage can be obtained from FUW County Offices across Wales. 

Ian Rickman, FUW President commented: “The FUW continues to lobby for greater police and legal powers to deal with dog attacks on livestock and the devastating impact they continue to have on Welsh farmers. Ultimately however, attacks on livestock are completely preventable through responsible dog ownership by the public.

"As farmers there are some precautions we can undertake to mitigate against the risk of dog attacks on our livestock. Steps such as displaying appropriate signage, clearly warning dog owners to keep their dogs on leads and under control, can be helpful in raising awareness and hopefully ensure the countryside can be enjoyed by everyone in a sustainable manner.”

Gwenno Davies, Account Executive for FUW Insurance Services Ltd also reminded farmers of the importance of having the correct cover in place in regards to livestock worrying. Commenting: “Livestock attacks can inflict substantial emotional and financial hardship on farmers, causing significant business disruption, especially with pregnant ewes. 

"It’s therefore vital farmers have the correct and adequate cover on their insurance policies in the event of such incidents. At FUW Insurance Services Ltd we’re here to help - get in touch with your local FUW Insurance Services Ltd office to discuss the options available to mitigate against costs from livestock worrying.”

This update is correct as of 1 April 2025 and supersedes the pre-movement testing requirements outlined in the April 2025 edition of Y Tir.

The clock is ticking for returning over-wintered animals from England’s Bluetongue Restricted Zone  

Great Britain is currently in a Season Vector Low Period for Bluetongue Virus, where the lower winter temperatures reduce the activity of midge that carries Bluetongue Virus from one animal to another. 

Changes have been announced to the pre-movement testing rules for the movement of cattle, sheep and goats out of the Restricted Zones (RZ) in England. These changes will apply from 26 March 2025 and be reviewed by 23 April 2025, however a review may be required sooner depending on transmission risk. 

Each animal moved out of the RZ will still require a specific licence, which can be obtained from APHA. 

Movements out of the RZ are being allowed WITHOUT a pre-movement test providing that the animals are; 

• older than 60 days, 
• not pregnant,
• not males intended for breeding.

Animals considered ‘higher risk’ will require both a specific licence and a pre-movement test to move out of the RZ, these include;

• pregnant females, 
• youngstock under 60 days,
• entire males intended for breeding 

As a result of the season vector low period the following restrictions that were imposed to slow down the spread of disease have been eased.

• Post-movement testing of animals moved out of the RZ to live is no longer required GB wide,
• Use of insecticides in transport, at approved markets or designated abattoirs is no longer required,
• Slaughterhouses no longer need to be designated to receive animals from the Restricted Zone.

However, as spring commences and the temperature inevitably warms, the Season Vector Low Period and the reprievement of disease control measures will soon come to an end, being replaced with more robust disease control measures.

In light of this, the FUW is urging members to be extremely vigilant of Bluetongue Virus over the coming months and to highlight the possible implications that an imminent change in disease control policies may have on your farm business. For example, if you have livestock overwintering in the Bluetongue Restricted Zone of England, it is likely that more stringent disease control measures, such as not allowing animals susceptible to Bluetongue Virus into Wales to live from Restricted Zones, will be reintroduced when midge activity increases. Such policies play an important role in protecting Welsh livestock from Bluetongue virus, however, they may have serious consequences for farm businesses activities.

During the 2024 to 2025 Bluetongue season, 2 cases of BTV-3 were detected in Wales (as a result of high-risk livestock moves), with 240 cases recorded in England. In addition a single case of BTV-12 has also been detected in England.

Following lobbying by the FUW, on 1st March, the Welsh Government approved the emergency use of three Bluetongue vaccines in Wales. Although these vaccines should not be considered as a silver bullet, they do play an important role in mitigating the impact of disease in livestock.

Vaccines are available on prescription and sold from veterinary practices and can be administered by livestock keepers themselves, following appropriate guidance. The FUW would recommend members to discuss the option of vaccination with your vet.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease that has caused a significant impact on the livestock industry in European countries due to loss of production and increased costs. Farmers are urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicions of disease to their Vet or by contacting APHA Wales on 0300 303 8268.

The FUW will continue to monitor the disease over the coming months and update members as the situation progresses.

For the latest news and developments on Bluetounge Virus in Wales, visit the Welsh Government's website.