Welsh Government has announced funding of 500,000 pounds to support digital infrastructure developments for eligible livestock markets, collection centres and abattoirs in Wales.

The funding, which has been administered through Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales, is available to small and medium-sized businesses to help the move towards a single multi-species database for traceability.

From February 1 to the 30 April 2020, businesses which are considered as Central Point Recording Centres (CPRCs) can apply for funding to improve their digital infrastructure which will support the future introduction of Bovine EID tags. Once introduced, cattle tags will be able to be scanned and uploaded to EIDCymru as is currently available for sheep.

In preparation for the Bovine EID consultation, the Farmers’ Union of Wales have undertaken a visit with DEFRA officials to an abattoir in Wales in order to explore the implications of implementing Bovine EID and to discuss cross border implications. The FUW will continue to work in partnership with the wider industry and is in the process of setting up Bovine EID farmer focus-groups to aid in efficient delivery of the technology.

Farmers are being urged to remember the hedge cutting regulations which are in place as part of cross compliance to avoid a penalty on their BPS payment.

Farmers are not allowed to cut trees or hedges between 1 March to 31 August. Anyone not complying with the rules could face a hefty cross compliance penalty on their BPS payment which is avoidable.

There are exceptions to the standard rule, but only if the conditions are met can you start cutting early or late. You can also carry out hedge laying and coppicing during March providing nesting birds are not disturbed. However, we urge our members to make sure they don’t fall foul by accident.

Other exemptions include the cutting of hedgerows or trees that overhang a highway, road, track or footpath to which the public have access, where the work is necessary because the overhanging vegetation either obstructs the passage of vehicles or pedestrians; obstructs the view of drivers, or the light from a public lamp; or there is a danger to horse-riders.

Farmers are also allowed to cut or trim hedgerows and trees if they are dead, diseased, damaged or insecurely rooted, and are therefore likely to cause a danger by falling onto a highway, road or footpath.

We also urge our members to remember that for safety reasons, electricity and telephone companies are responsible for the maintenance of any overhanging trees and/or hedges which affect their equipment.

The University of Aberdeen is conducting an interview study with farmers on stress and fatigue and the influence of these factors on ‘situation awareness’.

The information will help determine the causes and effects of stress and fatigue in agriculture, especially the impact on the mental picture of the environment. Respondents will also be asked to complete a short demographic survey at the end. The experiment offers a chance for farmers to share their experiences on stress and fatigue and to help the community by building a better understanding of farmer safety.

The study can take place either via telephone or on site at your farm and lasts 30-40 minutes. Interested members must be aged over 18 and should contact Ilinca Tone via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.