A new survey, run jointly by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes-Wales, CLA, Farmers’ Union of Wales, NFU Cymru and Wales YFC, aims to explore the current state of digital connectivity in Wales.

Following on from the survey held earlier this year, which highlighted that over 50% of respondents from a rural area felt that the internet they had access to was not fast and reliable, the group has met with various stakeholders and hosted a webinar to discuss the issues further at the virtual Royal Welsh Show in July 2021.

The new survey will seek to explore how people feel about the level of communication between themselves and their provider, cost-value of service and further look at how proposed changes to online livestock recording systems are going to affect the farming community.

Members of the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ Glamorgan Branch have raised concerns regarding the impact of trade deals on the farming community and wider rural community in a meeting with Ogmore MP Chris Elmore.

Farmers from Carmarthenshire recently met with Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price to discuss industry concerns including carbon storage, tree planting and climate change, as well as the future of the industry.

Opening the gates to his organic sheep farm Clyttie Cochion was FUW Carmarthen County Chairman Phil Jones, who farms just outside of Carmarthen, Llanpumsaint.

Rural crime and policing were on the agenda when North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin called in to see FUW President Glyn Roberts at his farm near Betws y Coed.

For Glyn, who farms Dylasau Uchaf, Padog with his daughter Beca Glyn it was an opportunity to discuss the latest initiatives to detect and combat crime such as collars that detect when stock are running, gauges that indicate a diesel tank is being emptied and even pressure pads under quad bikes. 

Relative cuts to Wales' agricultural and rural development funding allocation announced in the latest spending review break the Conservative manifesto pledge not to cut rural funding for the second year running, the Farmers' Union of Wales has said.

The UK budget and spending review announced on Wednesday (27 October) revealed that an average of £300 million a year would be allocated to Wales for agriculture and rural development over the next three financial years.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is urging people to remember the distress fireworks and sky lanterns can cause to livestock and pets this year.

With bonfire night fast approaching and the understandable excitement after the cancellation of so many displays last year, the organisation was keen to wish people a great time but reminded them of the dangers posed by bonfires and fireworks.