An all-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone has been declared by the Welsh Government from the 17th October 2022. The Prevention Zone applies to the whole of Wales. It will require all bird keepers to adhere to certain biosecurity measures, as set out in the declaration. 

Biosecurity measures in the declaration include:

Hybu Cig Cymru have launched an eight week consultation on proposals to link red meat levy rates to inflation. HCC are seeking the views of stakeholders on how the work to promote Welsh red meat can be maintained in light of the erosion in real terms of the income from levy revenue due to inflation over the past 10 years.

The proposal is to introduce a new mechanism to allow annual levy rates to track inflation so that levy income is maintained in real terms. As an example, if inflation for 2022 was 8.8% then levy rates for 2023/24 would increase by 8.8%.This would see the producer levy for 2023/24 for sheep increase by 6 pence from 63 pence to 69 pence and cattle increase by 38 pence from £5.67 to £6.05.

HCC say that an increase in levy income will ensure that the Welsh red meat industry has a sufficiently funded red meat body to undertake development, promotion and marketing of Welsh red meat, both at home and abroad. 

The UK Veterinary Antibiotic Resistance and Sales Surveillance 2021 Report was published on the 8th November and showed a continued downward trend on antibiotic use in food producing animals in the UK.

Since 2014, the VARSS reports have shown how data on antibiotic sales and on-farm use has helped show national trends and formulate actions.

Highlights of this year’s report include:

The DPJ Foundation has upcoming courses on Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture in Wales. 

The sessions aim to increase awareness of mental health in agriculture in Wales with practical tips to support someone who is struggling.

The training is for anyone who works/lives in the agricultural sector in Wales or works directly with Welsh Farmers.