[caption id="attachment_7119" align="alignleft" width="300"] FUW members discuss #FarmingMatters with Anglesey AM[/caption]

A successful farm visit has been held by the Anglesey branch of the Farmer’ Union of Wales with Rhun ap Iorwerth AM, on Friday October 14.

The visit was held at Rhos Helyg, Gaerwen home to Iwan and Rebecca Jones, a young couple and tenants of a County Council small holding.

The couple run a sheep and cattle collection centre centrally located on the Island and close to the A55 carriageway.

FUW Anglesey County Executive Officer Heidi Williams said: “I would like to thank Iwan and Rebecca for hosting the visit last week. It was an opportunity for us to raise #FarmingMatters with Rhun ap Iorwerth and we discussed the current rural economy and the importance of the family farm, as well as concerns the industry has in light of Brexit.”

Discussing the importance of Council Farms and their importance in providing a starting base for young people, Mrs Williams added: “The sale of local council holdings is of great concern for us here on Anglesey. Council farms provide a stepping stone for our young people to get into the industry and whilst we appreciate the financial difficulties councils find themselves in, selling off their holdings does nothing to support those who want to get started in the industry.

“It is clear that if we want to ensure that Wales develops its full potential in being a rural economic powerhouse, we must make it attractive for working families to stay. Agriculture can play a huge part in making that happen, given the amount of jobs it has to offer. However, for young people to get a foot in the door there are issues that need to be addressed.

“If the problem of rural depopulation is not addressed with some urgency it could have severe consequences for our rural communities and with that also our rural economy."

[caption id="attachment_7116" align="alignleft" width="300"] FUW members enjoy #FarmingMatters discussions with Simon Thomas AM[/caption]

The Montgomeryshire branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales hosted a positive meeting with Plaid Cymru AM for Mid & West Wales Simon Thomas, discussing #FarmingMatters of concern.

The meeting was held on Monday October 17 at Welshpool Livestock Market and was well attended by Union members, who enjoyed a question and answer session with Mr Thomas.

FUW Montgomeryshire County Executive Officer Emyr Wyn Davies, said: “We enjoyed taking Mr Thomas on a tour of the market, which is reputed to be the largest Prime Lamb market in Western Europe. I would like to thank him for meeting with our members and we had positive discussions on #FarmingMatters, such as the importance of County Council Holdings, bovine TB, government bureaucracy and the potential implications Brexit will have on our local community.”

The Anglesey branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is teaming up with Davies Meade Property Consultants to host a workshop on renewable energy, planning and land related issues including the National Grid’s proposed route through Anglesey.

The workshop will be held at the FUW Anglesey office at 2-3 Glanhwfa Road, Llangefni on Wednesday 2 November.

Heidi Williams, the Union’s Anglesey County Executive Officer said: “We are delighted to welcome our members to this workshop and hope to see many of you here on the day. Please book your free half an hour consultation slot in advance by ringing the county office on 01248 750250.”

A charity quiz night on ‘Farming and Agriculture’ has been arranged by the Farmers’ Union of Wales Anglesey branch in aid of British Heart Foundation Cymru.

The event will take place on Friday, October 28, at Tafarn Y Rhos, Rhostrehwfa and commence at 8pm. The entry fee is £10 for a team of four players.

FUW Anglesey County Executive Officer Heidi Williams said: “This is going to be a great night and all for a good cause. There will be a variety of prizes and a raffle and I am really excited about  the Anglesey Version of the ‘Stop the Bus’.

“I look forward to welcoming you all to the quiz night - I am sure things will turn delightfully competitive as we question your farming and agricultural knowledge.”

To register your team please contact the Anglesey office on 01248 750250. Food is available to order in advance and menus are available from the office (additional cost for these).