[caption id="attachment_7512" align="alignleft" width="300"] Last year's Ceredigion breakfast was a great success - so why not join one of the breakfasts this year?[/caption]

Start your day the Welsh Italian way at the end of January and join the Ceredigion team of the Farmers’ Union of Wales for breakfast.

Two breakfast have been organised as part of the FUW’s Farmhouse breakfast week campaign (January 21 – January 28), which aims to raise the profile of Welsh produce and get politicians, key stakeholders and the general public to really understand the important role the food and drink sector plays in their everyday lives.

The first breakfast is being held on Thursday, January 26, at Neuadd Goffa Felinfach, Lampeter and starts at 8.30am.

A further breakfast starting at 8.30am is held on Friday, January 27, at La Calabria, Rhydgoch, Ffostrasol, Llandysul, where a passion for good food and a love of the Welsh countryside and its people are the driving force behind the Italian family-run restaurant.

Gino Vasami, who farms 110 acres at Rhydgoch farm, Ffostrasol, converted the old milking parlour and set up the La Calabria restaurant for his son Tony in November 2003.

Gino’s father Antonio was captured by the British in the siege of Tobruk, North Africa, and brought to prisoner-of-war camp near Ffostrasol at Henllan. While in captivity Antonio worked on farms in Ceredigion, falling in love with the land and its people.

[caption id="attachment_7513" align="alignright" width="200"] I am excited about the 2 farmhouse breakfasts we are hosting at the end of January and we want you to be a part of what we do[/caption]

On his release he went back to Italy for one year but returned to Ceredigion with his family to farm in 1946. Antonio purchased Hill View farm and started off with just 18 acres and four milking cows. Over the generations the family has gone from strength to strength and expanded the family business to three holdings.

Tony and Gino farm in partnership with Tony Hack and his wife Arlene, of nearby Glasfryn farm and, using their own milk, the family also produce ice cream following an old Italian family recipe for the restaurant.

Mared Rand Jones, the County Executive Officer for Ceredigion, who is organising the breakfast functions, said: “I am excited about the 2 farmhouse breakfasts we are hosting at the end of January and we want you to be a part of what we do.

“I would love you to join us for breakfast; to share not just great food but also 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 there is no better time and place to do all that than over a cuppa with some great food - which is a guarantee at the Felinfach and La Calabria breakfasts.

“So, if that’s something we can tempt you with why not give us a call in the office on 01570 424515 to book your seat at our breakfast table?”

[caption id="attachment_7509" align="alignleft" width="300"] A New Zealand type approach is one the Welsh farming industry would fully support, because it is a genuine partnership between government and farmers in which politicians recognise the need to cull wildlife to control TB[/caption]

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has rejected proposals to split Wales into five bovine TB regions in its response to a Welsh Government consultation, highlighting the need to tackle the disease in badger populations.

The Welsh Government proposes splitting Wales into two high, two intermediate and one low TB level regions, with different rules applying in each region. The proposals would mean a heightening of Wales’ cattle TB rules, which are already amongst the strictest in the world.

But following a consultation with its twelve county branches, the majority of FUW members rejected the proposals, highlighting the need for meaningful controls which address transmission of the disease from badgers to cattle.

FUW TB Spokesman Brian Walters said: “The consultation paper acknowledges that the level of disease found in badgers in Wales is 6.6 percent, around 1420% higher than the level found in cattle - which is 0.4 percent.

“Members made it clear that the proposal to split Wales up into five regions and further add to what are already the strictest TB controls in Europe would only make sense if badger numbers were reduced in the areas where they are passing the disease on to cattle.”

In 2012, the Bovine Tuberculosis subgroup of the EU Task Force for Monitoring Animal Disease Eradication criticised Welsh Government politicians for replacing a previously planned badger cull with a badger vaccination programme, stating: “There is no scientific evidence to demonstrate that badger vaccination will reduce the incidence of TB in cattle. However there is considerable evidence to support the removal of badgers in order to improve the TB status of both badgers and cattle.”

The latest official report on the badger vaccination programme, which lasted four years and cost £3.7 million, concludes that “Consistent trends in indicators of bTB incidence have not yet been seen…”

By contrast, the government’s official scientific advice had concluded that a badger cull in the area would have led to a significant reduction in the number of herds with TB and cattle slaughtered and actually saved money, despite costs being similar to those of the vaccination programme.

Amongst the proposals consulted upon by the Welsh Government was the adoption of a New Zealand type ‘informed purchasing’ approach to cattle trading, but during a recent Welsh Assembly Climate Change Committee hearing Dr Paul Livingstone, who previously led New Zealand’s successful eradication programme, said nothing was being done in Wales about the disease in badgers, describing the issue as ‘the elephant in the room’.

“A New Zealand type approach is one the Welsh farming industry would fully support, because it is a genuine partnership between government and farmers in which politicians recognise the need to cull wildlife to control TB.

“Without that commitment by Welsh politicians we will never achieve the success seen in New Zealand, Australia and other countries which have implemented successful eradication programmes by tackling the disease in both cattle and wildlife,” added Mr Walters.

[caption id="attachment_7504" align="alignleft" width="300"] The Meirionnydd breakfast bonanza kick-starts at Castell Hen, Parc, Y Bala[/caption]

Those living in the county of Meirionnydd can expect a Farmhouse breakfast bonanza at the end of January, with the local Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) team hosting a total of six breakfast functions.

The events are organised as part of the FUW’s Farmhouse breakfast week campaign (January 21 - January 28), which aims to raise the profile of Welsh produce and get politicians, key stakeholders and the general public to really understand the important role the food and drink sector plays in their everyday lives.

“We are building on the success of previous years in Meirionnydd, and for the first time holding 6 events – up from 4 last year! Again we are grateful to everyone for the support and co-operation, and of course to those who are sponsoring the events,” said FUW Meirionnydd County Executive Officer Huw Jones.

Breakfast functions in the county are being held on the following dates:

• Saturday, January 21, Castell Hen, Parc, Y Bala
• Monday, January 23, Canolfan Siop y Pentref, Llanfrothen
• Wednesday, January 25, Llew Coch, Dinas Mawddwy
• Thursday, January 26, Marchnad Dolgellau
• Friday, January 27, Tymawr, Carrog, Corwen
• Saturday, January 28, Neuadd Llanegryn, Tywyn

Mr Jones added: “We want you to be a part of what we do and I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you all and hope many of you can join us at one of our breakfast functions.

[caption id="attachment_7505" align="alignright" width="300"] There is no better way for bonding people together than with good food![/caption]

“Decision makers and key stakeholders who are joining us will see the vital part farmers play in maintaining our rural communities, in sustaining a viable and profitable agricultural sector and of course producing excellent food.”

To book your seat at a Meirionnydd breakfast table please contact the office on 01341 422298 or e -mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

[caption id="attachment_7501" align="alignleft" width="300"] There really is no better place for bonding people together and sharing ideas than over good food and that’s exactly what we intend to do with these breakfast functions[/caption]

Montgomeryshire farmers are opening up their kitchens for you to join them  for breakfast at the end of January. And who wouldn’t enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast at a farmhouse kitchen table?

As part of the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) breakfast campaign, two breakfasts will be held in the county - Monday, January 23, at Trewythen, Llandinam and on Friday, January 27, at Pen Y Derw, Forden.

This breakfast campaign provides an opportunity to promote the quality premium local produce that farmers grow for us every day of the year and throughout breakfast week the FUW will shine a spotlight on the importance of our rural economy.

Mark Williams, the FUW’s Montgomeryshire County Chairman, who is hosting a breakfast at his farm on Friday, January 27, said:

“I would like to invite you all to join us for breakfast here in Montgomeryshire. There really is no better place for bonding people together and sharing ideas than over good food and that’s exactly what we intend to do with these breakfast functions.

“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, so why not give us a call in the office and book your seat at our table?”

Those wishing to attend the breakfast functions need to contact the Newtown office on 01686 626889.

[caption id="attachment_7498" align="alignleft" width="300"] We want you to be a part of what we do. So why not come along after dropping the sheep off at the market and have some breakfast with us?[/caption]

Are you dropping off sheep at the market in Builth Wells on Friday, January 27? Then why not join the Farmers’ Union of Wales Brecon and Radnor team for breakfast before the selling starts at lunch time?

As part of the FUW’s Farmhouse breakfast week, the county office is putting on a wonderful breakfast at the Union’s Pavilion at the RWAS Showground, which starts at 08.30am.

This breakfast campaign provides an opportunity to promote the quality premium local produce that farmers grow for us every day of the year and throughout breakfast week the FUW will shine a spotlight on the importance of our rural economy.

“We want you to be a part of what we do. So why not come along after dropping the sheep off at the market 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.

“Decision makers who are joining us will see the vital part farmers play in maintaining our rural communities, in sustaining a viable and profitable agricultural sector and of course producing excellent food,” said FUW Brecon and Radnor County Executive Officer Aled Jones.

Over the last year the FUW has been busy highlighting why farming matters – not just in terms of food security but also in terms of our rural economy and our rural communities.

A host of businesses up and down the country have already been supporting the FUW in bringing that message across to politicians over the past 12 months and through farm visits, round table discussions and meetings, the Union has been making great progress in highlighting why #FarmingMatters.

“We want to continue that work and would like to invite you to join us around the kitchen table for breakfast. So why not join us for breakfast and help us to show why farming matters?” added Aled Jones.

To join the FUW’s Brecon and Radnor team for breakfast on January 27 at the Union’s Pavilion, please call the office on 01982 554030.

[caption id="attachment_7491" align="alignleft" width="300"] Over the last five years 152 workers have died as a result of injuries sustained on the job[/caption]

Agriculture is known to be one of the most dangerous professions, which often sees farmers and farm workers working in solitude, challenging weather conditions and in stressful situations.

The risks on farms are all well-known and readily managed, but all too often farmers and farm workers put themselves in situations where one slip can have life changing or even fatal consequences.

Figures published in the Health and Safety Executive’s report 'Fatal injuries in agriculture, forestry and fishing in Great Britain 2015/16' highlights just how dangerous the profession can be, with 29 people being killed as a result of farming and other agriculture-related activities during the year.

Over the last five years 152 workers have died as a result of injuries sustained on the job, with 25 resulting from a fall from height, 25 were struck by moving vehicles and 23 were injured by an animal.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) falls are the second highest cause of death in agriculture, stating that every year at least eight people die falling from a height.

Falls often happen from roofs, lofts, ladders, vehicles, bale stacks, and unsuitable access equipment, such as buckets. These accidents and injuries are very painful and can cost your farm time and money.

However, most fall injuries can be avoided by following a few simple guidelines. For example, if you need to raise people above the ground, eg. for building maintenance, make sure you use properly designed work platforms rather than ladders.

[caption id="attachment_7492" align="alignright" width="300"] Agriculture is known to be one of the most dangerous professions, which often sees farmers and farm workers working in solitude, challenging weather conditions and in stressful situations[/caption]

The official guidelines also advise farmers never to use grain buckets, pallets, or other makeshift equipment, as serious injuries and deaths have resulted from buckets tipping accidentally.

Unfortunately many incidents, some fatal, involve loading bales on to the trailer, or during or after stacking - a falling bale can kill, so keep people clear when unloading or destacking. It is also important that when loading, farmers check that trailer floors are in good condition and end racks or hay ladders are used and that loads are built to bind themselves.

Stackers are advised to keep away from the edges and drivers should indicate clearly before the trailer is moved. It is also important that full loads are secured before leaving the field and no one rides on them.

FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “Farming can be an incredibly dangerous job. Farmers are in a rush to get jobs done but it can’t be stressed enough that safety has to come first.

“The FUW has long been an official partner of the Wales Farm Safety Partnership and we continue to highlight the importance of following proper health and safety guidelines. Just think about the devastation in a family if a family member is fatally injured or sufferes injuries that prevent them from going about their daily business.

“Agriculture represents about 1.4 percent of the workforce across the UK but astonishingly accounts for up to 20 percent of all reported work-related fatalities in Great Britain. And even though we still have one of the lowest rates of workplace deaths in Europe, one death is still one too many and we don’t want to see our farmers become a farming fatality statistic.”