i) Aberystwyth University research project on Neospora caninum transmission from canine fouling
Neosporosis is a major disease caused by the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum, an infectious disease that is one of the most frequently diagnosed causes of cattle abortion worldwide. The domestic dog has been proven to be a key contributor in the epidemiology of Neosporosis, releasing oocysts in faeces that are crucial in the spread of the disease.
Aberystwyth University is currently running a project to explore N. caninum infection. Within this research the prevalence of N. caninum oocysts in fouled dog faeces will be explored across Wales on public footpaths. They are looking for farms willing to participate in this project that could help identify the regions at greatest risk for disease, and for cattle farms that have a public footpath running alongside or through the premises and have a history of canine fouling. They are interested in farms with a history of Neosporosis as well as those that do not consider Neosporosis as an issue. In addition, they aim to survey farm dogs present on the selected farms.
This research gives Aberystwyth University an opportunity to bolster the understanding of a disease that causes vast economical losses to farmers. If you are interested in participating and would like further information please contact:
ii) ‘The Big Farming Survey’ – RABI to deliver insight into the issues impacting farming people
On 11th January 2021, RABI launched the largest ever research project across Wales and England relating to the wellbeing of farming people. This wide-ranging survey will consider for the first time the relationship between physical health, mental wellbeing and the health of farm businesses.
With mounting external pressures, this vital research will provide the most comprehensive overview of the farming community. It will identify the specific challenges that a generation of farming people face, as well as highlighting how these impact daily life.
The FUW is supporting this important initiative and encourages everyone to get involved in this research and reach the target of 26,000 survey responses.
Goals of the #BigFarmingSurvey
- To understand the wellbeing of a farming generation
- To understand the health of our farmers and their businesses
- To gain insights into external impacts and pressures
- To shape future support and services
Who can take part: Farmers, farm workers, their spouses and adult-aged children
When: 11th January - 31st March 2021
Online: http://ex.ac.uk/BigFarmingSurvey
Print: Request a printed copy from
Please set aside 15 minutes to take part by responding to the printed survey or
completing the online form in Welsh or English.
iii) Research on the socio-economic impacts of the replacement of CAP
Ms Cari Owen is a third year Business Economics student at Aberystwyth University and is undertaking research on the perceived socio-economic impacts of the replacement of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) on rural communities in Wales.
The survey is aimed at farmers who live in Wales and have previously received subsidies through CAP, and should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.
The survey can be accessed here. Please contact Cari on
iv) BeefQ Survey on the perception of beef eating quality
In the last two years of the BeefQ project, work has focussed on characterising the carcasses submitted for slaughter in Wales and developing a system for predicting beef eating quality based on the Australian MSA system, but verified using UK beef samples and consumer taste tests.
The consumer taste panel work revealed that people say they are willing to pay double for the highest quality product and the beef eating quality prediction model now has the potential to lead to a guaranteed standard of eating quality and increase consumer confidence in Welsh Beef.
Now this work has been successfully completed, the project enters a new and critical phase – that of consultation with Welsh and broader UK farming and food industries to gauge the desire/ need for a beef eating quality prediction system and to consider how such a system might be implemented.
The BeefQ project team would therefore encourage anyone working in the beef supply chain (farmers, abattoirs, butchers, retail), as well as catering and hospitality sectors, to complete the survey. The responses will contribute to recommendations on the system’s feasibility, if and how it could be implemented and the barriers perceived in doing so.
To participate in the survey, please go to http://www.beefq.wales/survey.html
v) Cardiff University research food supply chains
The Cardiff University Food Research Collective (FORC) and partners have designed a survey and mapping tool to support a better understanding of the people, organisations and partnerships across Wales, who are working towards a sustainable and just food system, as well as highlighting where there are well-linked activities and where gaps might exist (geographically, in policy terms and with respect to resources).
The results of this survey will automatically feed into the Wales Food Network Resource tool, which is an online tool that can be accessed immediately. The survey data will be displayed there; the Wales Food Network Resource tool is an open resource that anyone can interact with in order to support their activities towards building a sustainable and just food system.
The greater the participation, the more useful the tool will be. Information shared in the survey will also be used to help shape further partnership and collaboration activities within the Welsh community of food system stakeholders.
The survey can be found here: https://socsi.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dmQQOoptgdRn0Hj
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Angelina at: