Rhymney Valley beef and sheep farmer Brian Bowen opened the doors to Pencoedcae farm to discuss important #FarmingMatters with Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney AM Dawn Boden.

Brian, who is the Farmers’ Union of Wales Policy Delegate for South Wales farms 2000 breeding ewes and around 150 suckler cows on the 1250 acre (rented and owned land) at, Princetown, Tredegar, along with his father, mother and his son.

Speaking at the visit Brian Bowen said: “Farm businesses, and family farms in particular, are an essential part of the economic, social, and cultural fabric of Wales.

“Welsh food production sustains tens of thousands of other businesses – from upstream businesses such as feed merchants, agricultural contractors and engineers, to downstream businesses such as hauliers, processors and retailers.

“Farmers are an exceptional conduit for money, so if their businesses are thriving they reinvest and this, in turn, brings wealth to second and third sector businesses and the wider rural economy.”

Farmers and FUW representatives on the day further stressed that irrespective of what trade deals are in place post-Brexit, within the UK, Welsh farmers will compete against their counterparts in other devolved regions.

“It is critical that everyone understands just how much #FarmingMatters and I would like to thank the businesses who came to join us here and echoed that sentiment.

“Following the downturn in agriculture over recent times and across almost all sectors, it is critical that we acknowledge the importance of a thriving agricultural sector on the economy – both locally and much further afield. ”

Dawn Boden further heard that around 60,000 people are employed on farm holdings in Wales, in addition to the thousands employed in businesses which are reliant on agriculture such as contractors, feed and machinery merchants, mechanics etc.

[caption id="attachment_8106" align="alignright" width="300"] "It is critical that everyone understands just how much #FarmingMatters and I would like to thank the businesses who came to join us here and echoed that sentiment. " - Brian Bowen[/caption]

“The wider contributions to our economy are also well documented, for example, in terms of tourism, while agriculture has been acknowledged as the single most significant contributor to an estimated £1.9 billion worth of wildlife based activity in Wales per annum (Mabis, 2007), the Welsh countryside, managed by farmers, provides the backdrop for the tourism industry worth over £2.5 Billion,” added Brian Bowen.

The visit was joined by a variety of local businesses and common land associations, including John Richards of The Prince of Wales pub, Price Farm Supplies, T Alun Jones Machinery, Neil Davies of PMR, Bowketts Feeds, Rees Agri, Clee Tompkinson and Francis Estate Agents, Land Agent Chris Smith, Llangynidr Commons Secretary Colin Greeves, and Merthyr Gelligaer Commons Chairman Huw Williams.

Dawn Bowden, Welsh Labour Assembly Member for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney said: “I am grateful to the FUW  for inviting me to Pencoedcae Farm to meet with farmers and representatives of local business which are heavily reliant on farming.

“It was helpful to hear at first hand the challenges facing the farming industry, particularly in the context of the many uncertainties surrounding Brexit. The discussions brought home in very clear terms that “farming matters”, and I look forward to working with organisations like the FUW, alongside farmers and businesses in my constituency as we face the challenges ahead.”

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The Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to a busy week of promoting #FarmingMatters at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show (24 - 27 July) and has lined up a series of seminars and discussion groups, focusing on key issues the industry is facing.

“The Royal Welsh Show not only provides an opportunity to socialise, let off steam and see Welsh farming and Welsh livestock and produce at their best; it also allows farmers to seek advice from the plethora of bodies represented there.

“The FUW is adopting a very practical and informative approach at this year’s show, focusing on issues such as rural crime, the role of women in agriculture, young farmers and succession, digital connectivity, social care and mental health in rural communities,” said FUW President Glyn Roberts.

As all eyes turn to the showground in Llanelwedd, the Union is starting the week with a practical approach seminar on preventing rural crime on Monday 24 July, 1pm at the FUW Pavilion.

“Every year rural crime costs millions of pounds and causes untold anxiety to farmers and rural businesses. The seminar aims to shine a light on the issues, to improve understanding and enhance community safety and we hope many of you can join us on the day,” said FUW Marketing and Membership Manager Teleri Fielden.

Keynote speakers include Dyfed-Powys Police Rural Crime lead PC Matthew Howells, North Wales Police Rural Crime Team Manager Rob Taylor, Barclays Agriculture Relationship Director Kathryn Whitrow, who will speak about Cyber Security and Plant-I Managing Director Jason McAuley to outline some practical solutions to rural crime. The seminar will be chaired by Olivia Midgley, Head of news & business Farmers Guardian.

The Tuesday evening (25 July) of the show will firmly put the spotlight on young people in the industry, with the FUW hosting a networking event for young farmers (under the age of 40) between 4-6pm.

Joining the networking session are Jon MacCalmont, Research Assistant in Bioenergy, IBERS; Ruth Wonfor, Lecturer in Animal Science, IBERS; Sarah Lewis - FC Lifelong Learning & Dev Programme Mger - Lantra, Einir Haf Davies, Development and Mentoring Manager, Farming Connect; Alison Harvey, Agriculture Manager for Lamb, Dunbia; Julie Finch, Corporate Strategy and Policy Manager, HCC; Delyth Davies, Head of Dairy Development Wales, Dairy Co. and Andy Middleton, Board Member, NRW.

FUW’s Policy Officer Charlotte Priddy, who is organising the networking event, said: “This is a great opportunity for our young people to come together, enjoy some great Welsh food and chat with industry bodies and other farmers in an informal setting. I hope to see many of you there on the night and look forward to some great #FarmingMatters chats.”

Wednesday afternoon (26 July), between 4-5pm, the FUW is hosting a discussion group with the focus on the changing role of women in agriculture. Keynote speakers include Baroness Eluned Morgan, Brecon deer farmer Kath Shaw, Meirionnydd farmer and HCC board member Rachael Davies and a secret guest speaker, which will be revealed on the day.

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“The main aim of the seminar is to discuss the grassroots involvement of women in agriculture and their wider role in shaping the industry. I really look forward to hearing about their future vision for women in agriculture, as well as their experience as a woman in the industry,” said FUW President Glyn Roberts.

On the Thursday of the show (27 July) the Union will explore what help is available in rural communities for those suffering with mental health and is welcoming Gareth Davies from Tir Dewi and David Williams, Wales Regional Director, Farming Community Network to its Pavilion.

The seminar, ‘It’s Ok to say’ - putting the spotlight on mental health in the farming community’, will start at 11am and is open to all.

“The ‘stiff upper lip’ is synonymous with the rural farming community and most farmers just get on with things. Many may be hiding problems from themselves and their families and friends and talking about personal feelings is uncomfortable for many.

“We’ve faced some pretty low-points as a farming community in the last few years, TB, price volatility and uncertainty about our future post-Brexit, this all puts a strain on our resolve. But it’s about time to break the stigma attached to mental health and if you’re feeling vulnerable, please open-up and speak to someone.

“This seminar will shed some light on the help available in rural areas and I hope that it will offer some guidance and reassurances to those who are suffering with mental health problems and their families,” added Glyn Roberts.

Brian Walters, the FUW’s long serving Vice-President has retired from official union duties at the recent annual general meeting.

Brian, a passionate and committed supporter of the FUW, has been a member since he started farming. He was county vice-chairman from 1995 until 1997, when he became county chairman, a position he held for two years. He is a past chairman of both the Carmarthen branch milk committee, of which he became chairman in 1995, and the union’s central milk and dairy produce committee, of which he was chairman from 1996 to 2000. He held the role of vice-president of the FUW since 2000.

He was a District Representative on Milk Marque’s South Wales Board, and then Area Representative on the Board of First Milk until 2002. Brian represented the union on the Council of the Wales Federation of YFCs and the Organic Steering Group and has given evidence on TB in cattle to the Agriculture Committee of the House of Commons and to the Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee of the National Assembly for Wales.

Brian has acted in a local drama group for 20 years and also compères local concerts. He is also an after-dinner speaker. During his time in office he has given many television and radio interviews in Welsh and English on various topics for Radio Cymru, Radio Wales, and Radio 5 Live, as well as participating in ‘Farming Today’ on Radio 4 and Jeremy Vine’s programme on Radio 2, as well as many other local radio stations.

Speaking about his retirement, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “I would like to thank Brian for all his years of long service to the FUW and agriculture. He has been a stalwart for farming, standing up for the rights of our members and tirelessly campaigning about the eradication of bovine TB.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has welcomed a recent decision by the European Court of Justice to protect dairy produce labels. The ruling means that plant-based food products can no longer be sold in the European Union using terms such as ‘butter’ and ‘milk’. It follows a referral from the German court, where Tofu products had previously been sold as ‘veggie cheese’ and ‘Tofu butter’.

FUW Milk and Dairy Produce Committee Chairman Rhydian Owen, said: “This ruling represents a significant step forward in the correct marketing and labelling of plant based products.  By using terminology that should be solely reserved for our excellent and high quality dairy produce, plant-based competitors have been misleading consumers and cashing in on the good reputation of milk based products.”

He added that FUW members have consistently called for clearer labelling on food produce in order to ensure that consumers can make an informed purchase and the Union is pleased with the decision of the EU Court.

With the exception of coconut milk, peanut butter, almond milk and ice-cream, EU regulations state that marketing and advertising labels such as milk, butter, cheese and  cream may only be used when describing products from animal milk.

The ruling will mean that companies selling plant-based products using dairy-only terms will need to rebrand or face litigation proceedings if the matter is taken forward by national courts. Member States failing to comply with the ruling could also face EU action.

“The Welsh and British dairy sector works hard to maintain high standards and the mislabelling of plant-based products undermines both the nutritional value of our milk based products and the hard work and dedication of our dairy farmers. Given the move towards better labelling within the EU, the FUW would seek to ensure that products sold in the UK are also compliant with this ruling, irrespective of the Brexit deal negotiated,” added Rhydian Owen.

The Anglesey branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is holding their annual general meeting on Thursday June 29, with the focus firmly on ‘Life post-Brexit’.

The meeting is being held at the Anglesey Showground Pavilion, Gwalchmai and will commence at 7.30 pm.

Guest speakers on the night are Anglesey MP Albert Owen and Aberconwy MP Guto Bebb.  The county will also be presenting the County Branch Awards for 2016.

In addition, there will be a change of office with Mr D G Williams, Pen Y Bryn, Llynfaes taking over as County President from Mr T H Jones.

Heidi Williams, the FUW CEO on Anglesey, said: “We are looking forward to a very interesting AGM, with many discussions focusing on life post-Brexit and the future of our industry. I hope many of our members can join us for what promises to be a great evening.”

Those wishing to attend should contact the FUW Anglesey county office on 01248 750250 by Wednesday June 28. Refreshments will be available after the meeting closes.

[caption id="attachment_8073" align="alignleft" width="300"] FUW representatives joined a group of school children from London at Lower Treginnis farm, St David’s, Pembrokeshire to see for themselves how much the children enjoy being out on farm and what the project has to offer.[/caption]

How many children across the UK have the chance to live on a working farm for a week, learning in the great outdoors and enjoying the beautiful countryside?

For some children that is a daily privilege but not necessarily for children from inner cities. So, children’s author Michael Morpurgo and his wife Clare founded Farms for City Children (FFCC) at Nethercott House in Devon in 1976 to offer urban children from all over the country a unique opportunity to live and work together for a week at a time on a real farm in the heart of the countryside.

In 1986, FFCC acquired Lower Treginnis in Pembrokeshire on a long lease from the National Trust. After a highly successful fundraising campaign, the buildings were converted and re-structured by FFCC and in May 1989 Lower Treginnis opened for its first schools. The project won many awards for its sensitive restoration of the original farm buildings to provide a purpose-built, child-oriented space.

In 1993, a further property was secured on a 99 year lease – Wick Court in Gloucestershire, and across the 3 farms the charity now welcomes over 3000 pupils and 400 teachers every year.

To see for themselves how much the children enjoy being out on farm and what the project has to offer, representatives from the Farmers’ Union of Wales joined a group of school children from London at Lower Treginnis farm, St David’s, Pembrokeshire.

[caption id="attachment_8074" align="alignright" width="300"] FUW Education and Training Committee Chairman Alun Edwards enjoyed meeting the children at Lower Treginnis.[/caption]

The farmstead dates back to 1284, and is the most westerly farm in Wales. Here Farms for City Children works in partnership with organic farmer and FUW members Rob and Eleri Davies, who keep around 900 sheep.

The award-winning buildings were converted and re-structured by FFCC to provide for up to 40 children and their teachers. Here the children help look after poultry, horses, donkeys, milking goats and a breeding herd of pigs. The farm now welcomes over 1000 pupils every year and is booked up for 32 weeks a year.

In charge of running the project in Pembrokeshire is School Farm Manager Dan Jones, who in 2009 started his teaching career in Swansea. He wanted what most teachers want - to help each child achieve their personal best, help them excel and feel fantastic about themselves. Disillusioned with the education system Dan decided to quit general education just 5 years later.

He explains: “The current education system makes it increasingly difficult for teachers to inspire children to learn. There is a huge workload teachers have to deal with, statistics and data inputting are a priority and that can have a real negative impact on teachers but also the children. It was more about reaching targets and getting my performance related pay and the children were no longer seen as children but as a level.

[caption id="attachment_8075" align="alignleft" width="300"] School Farm Manager Dan Jones loves that the Pembrokeshire coast is now his classroom and the sheep, pigs, horses, goats and vegetables are his resources.[/caption]

“So I quit and moved to the most westerly part of Wales - Lower Treginnis farm. The Pembrokeshire coast is now my classroom and the sheep, pigs, horses, goats and vegetables are my resources.”

The farm was not new to Dan. Every spring he would head west for a week of muck and magic with a group of year 6 pupils and fell in love with the place.

“I would beg to be one of the team who accompanied the children and when a few years later the manager’s position at Treginnis was advertised I knew this is what I wanted to do. I was eventually appointed and am now doing my dream job. My wife, a city slicker at heart, supported my decision and we both handed in our notices and left for Treginnis. To say I am thankful to her for supporting me is an understatement,” Dan said.

Every Friday a coach load of children, aged 9-11, are welcomed to the farm and for many this is their first time away from home. FFCC aims to encourage learning, to raise self-esteem, and to enrich young lives by providing a safe and welcoming setting where children and their teachers together get involved in the working life of a real farm with real farmers.

“Treginnis is not a petting zoo, and we ask them to do real farm work. They are up at the crack of dawn milking goats, feeding pigs and poultry or looking after newborn lambs. The children are completely unplugged from the virtual world and instead can enjoy a game of chess, play cards, read a book or a kick about on the playing field.

“Three times a day the children sit at the dining table with their peers and teachers and eat together. For some that is a new experience but one that they relish. In only a week, you can see a change in the children. They are more confident, have more self-esteem and a real understanding of hard work and perseverance. These experiences and memories stay with them right the way through into their adult lives.

[caption id="attachment_8076" align="alignright" width="300"] FUW Younger Voice for Farming Committee Vice-Chairman Anwen Hughes gives the kids a helping hand with feeding the lambs.[/caption]

“It is an intense, ‘learning through doing’ experience of a different life – for children who may not know where their food comes from and have limited opportunities to explore the outside world,” explains Dan.

Alun Edwards, the FUW’s Education and Training Committee Chairman who joined the farm visit, said: “This is a fantastic project that helps children understand farming, the countryside and food production and it was great to see how teamwork helps to develop them socially and emotionally.

“The children are immersed and completely involved in a way of life that is so very different to their normal week, helping them to learn also about healthy eating and using practical, hands-on learning outside the classroom really helps with enhancing the requirements of the national curriculum.

“For some of these children it is an opportunity of a lifetime and they may never experience anything like this again. Looking at how the project here celebrates success and building self-worth through work and the completion of tasks, experiences like these should be on the national curriculum.”