The Farmers’ Union of Wales Caernarfon Branch has raised the issue of livestock worrying and dog attacks with Aberconwy MP Robin Millar following an increase of incidents in recent weeks. Farmers who keep sheep on the Carneddau range in Caernarfonshire have lost close to 20 sheep in recent weeks due to attacks by dogs, the MP heard.

Henry Williams of Gwern Gof Isaf, Capel Curig has lost sheep due to dog attacks, as has Elfed Jackson from Braich Tŷ Du, Nant Ffrancon near Bethesda. 

Mr Jackson noted: “People just don’t realise the stress and heartache such incidents causes us. And even worse is the attitude of many dog owners who are in denial that their dog would do such a thing. I’ve returned a couple of dogs to their owners recently and just about managed to get a “sorry” from them. They need to understand the full implications of their dog not being under control when walking on the open mountains like we have here.”

Henry Williams added: “It breaks our hearts to have to see the result of an attack by dogs. It’s bad enough when one or two have suffered, but when it gets into double figures it’s even worse. Added to that stress is then the need to carry the carcasses down from the mountain by hand, which is no easy task when you have the local authority insisting that they are cleared immediately. I’m not sure if they realise what they are actually asking us to do.”

Farmers from Carmarthenshire took the opportunity to quiz their prospective Senedd Members for the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr constituency at a virtual hustings, which was hosted jointly on Zoom by the FUW, Wales YFC and NFU Cymru, on Tuesday 13 April. 

Speaking after the meeting, FUW Carmarthenshire County Executive Officer David Waters said: “Many members of the farming community took up this opportunity to pose questions to those that seek to represent them in Cardiff for the next Welsh Senedd term. 

“The big questions around NVZs, river pollution by water companies and future Welsh policies were high on the agenda and the FUW will continue to lobby on these.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has highlighted the current impact of the coronavirus pandemic for Welsh food producers and the dangers of trade and rural support policies which undermine UK food security in evidence to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee.

Responding to the EFRA Select Committee inquiry on Covid-19 and food supply, the FUW said that UK food supply chains have been severely disrupted by the current pandemic and the measures put in place to prevent its transmission, causing a seismic shift in how UK and EU supply chains function and drastic falls in farmgate prices across agricultural sectors.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has written to the Welsh Economy Minister, Ken Skates, in support of the British Veterinary Association’s call for action to ensure that the Covid-19 pandemic does not lead to a future reduction in veterinary capacity. 

FUW Animal Health and Welfare Committee Chairman Mr Ian Lloyd, said: “The current pandemic does not alter the importance of ensuring that staffing levels within veterinary practices are such that 24/7 emergency care for livestock is provided in order to safeguard animal health and welfare. This may require staff to be brought back from furlough and it is essential that the furlough scheme is flexible enough to cope with this type of arrangement.”  

The decision by Welsh Government to exempt cattle under 180 days of age from routine or targeted surveillance bovine TB testing in unrestricted herds has been welcomed by the Farmers’ Union of Wales as a pragmatic approach to the current pandemic.

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day and it is a great opportunity to talk and share your thoughts before starting the day.

In order to promote the health benefits and have a good catch up before the day starts, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) Montgomeryshire team is once again hosting a farmhouse breakfast on:

Monday, January 20: Cafe Maengwyn, Machynlleth

Wednesday, January 22: Dyffryn Cafe, Foel

Friday, January 24: Mark & Helen Williams, Penderw, Forden

FUW Montgomeryshire County Chairman Bryn Francis said: “We all get really excited about our farmhouse breakfast every year. We can start the day together with family, friends and neighbours, in a positive way and at the same time raise money for our charitable cause, the DPJ Foundation.

“All of us are looking forward to yet another good turnout. It’s fair to say that a healthy start is not just good for a healthy heart but also for a healthy mind.”

The FUW’s Farmhouse breakfast week (Monday 20 January - Sunday 26 January) also provides an opportunity to promote the quality premium local produce that farmers grow in a sustainable way, and throughout breakfast week the FUW will shine a spotlight on the importance of our rural economy.

“I hope many of you will be able to join us for breakfast. We want you to be a part of what we do, and share your thoughts and worries about the state of the industry, tell us your stories and help us to understand how we can help each other, and what better way to do that than around a table where we share great food and have a cup of tea,” added Bryn Francis.

To book your seat at the table, contact the FUW’s Newtown office on 01686 626889.