by Angharad Evans, Welsh Language Communications Officer

For many farms across the country, the shearing season has arrived, and we are no different, and have done the thankless but essential task quite swiftly during one beautiful summer weekend.

From bringing the sheep in from all over the farm to packing the wool sacks, the task is laborious. But whilst the work is hard, it is very encouraging to see that young people are taking as much interest as ever and are eager to learn the craft.

This is true of Elis Ifan Jones, one of our members from Llanddeiniolen, Caernarfon. 17-year-old farmer’s son, Elis has been announced as the winner of the new British Wool Training and Development Programme. The programme was launched earlier this year which offers one winner from each UK nation the opportunity of winning 12 months of training as well as a Lister Shearing prize package worth £500.

Elis has a keen interest in keeping sheep with his family farming 2,000 sheep - with that in mind, Elis’s favourite time of year is always the shearing season. Cornel Clecs had a chance to talk to Elis and ask him what were the requirements of the competition and what his plans are for the future.

My name is Elliw Grug Davies and I’m a beef farmer’s daughter from Synod Uchaf, Synod Inn, Ceredigion. My interest in the agricultural industry, by working on the family farm since my childhood, has been a huge part of my life. The Young Farmers’ Club has been an essential part of my life as well. I thoroughly enjoy being a member of Caerwedros YFC. 

I’ve had many experiences with the federation, from public speaking that has developed my personal confidence which has helped me during job interviews, to stock judging by learning different aspects of different breeds. Meeting new friends and people within this federation has been important to me.

A few years ago I was part of the Agriculture Academy which is a Young People’s Programme with Farming Connect, again I had great opportunities meeting other young people who enjoy working in the agricultural industry, including meeting guest speakers within the industry and discussing agricultural businesses. It was an eye-opener when we all went to Ireland for an educational trip.

Since my time at Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron I have studied Agriculture at Aberystwyth University. I concentrated on studying business, livestock systems and making the most of grass when farming livestock. Also, I had the opportunity to go on a study tour to Cambridge, visiting arable farms etc. Going to University has helped me to get a good job within the industry.

by Gwyn Williams, Former Denbighshire Area Officer

It is with great sadness to record the death of Mel Williams of Colwyn Bay after a short illness. Mel served as County Officer in the Denbighshire and Flintshire counties of the Farmers’ Union of Wales for twelve years, between October 1989 and November 2001. Following in Meurig Voyle’s footsteps as County Officer in these counties was a challenge and a great achievement, but Mel did so with very special tenacity.

A farmer’s son from Cynwyd, near Corwen, he spent 30 years as a Police Sergeant, ending his career as an Inspector with North Wales Police. He was a member of the force’s CID, and he used the same talents of thorough, careful and decisive action as an officer of the Farmers' Union of Wales through turbulent times, both for the industry as well as for individual members.

Immediately upon starting with the Union, he became extremely popular with the members. I remember the late Lloyd Williams of Pentre, Rhuddlan saying with a smile that he would have liked to ask Mel one more question during his interview, namely how long it took Mel to become a police officer. The answer, says Lloyd Williams, would give an idea of ​​how much work it would involve to take the policeman out of Mel! But Mel used his skill as a policeman to assist and solve the problems of the agricultural industry, with a special flair.

by Alun Edwards, Farm Safety Partnership Ambassador

How many of you know someone who has suffered an accident on the farm? I would hazard a guess by saying everyone, and many have lost a relative or friend. It happens despite all the training courses available, often cheap or free, and the constant efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of an agricultural career.

So what next? How can we improve the situation where agriculture is recognised as the most dangerous industry in Britain?

One thing's for sure, the future will include more records. You will need a risk assessment before starting work, and technology to record this. When I go out filming for Ffermio, it’s compulsory on a daily basis. It's a simple template, but it does need to be updated from time to time by attending a course, and in agriculture there is a real need for better communication and sympathy from the providers in this context.

Contractors will need a record of a risk assessment before offering you a service, through discussion and possibly a recce visit. An extra cost I hear you say. If you can't afford it, can you afford the result of an accident?

Insurers will increase the use of the carrot and the stick; asking for evidence of a training qualification before insuring a tractor, quad and bull, asking for proof of purchasing a helmet, and of course offering a discount for reducing the risk as a result.

F.A.W.L. will require similar evidence before accrediting your business, perhaps in the form of upskilling by gaining a Farming Connect skills record.

by Angharad Evans, Welsh Editor

The brushes, trimming stand and head collars are idle for another year. For the second year running, there are no shows to show off Wales' best stock and the golden opportunity to socialise. But everyone understands the situation and the reasons behind the postponement as Covid continues to cast a shadow on our daily lives. But what is the real impact of losing another season of local shows and the Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells? 

Cornel Clecs has been asking two people, who are usually found in the middle of the show buzz, about the disappointment of losing another season and what is the future of agricultural shows in Wales?

Firstly, we asked Mared Rand Jones, Head of Operations, RWAS: “The postponement of the Royal Welsh Show for the second year running due to the Covid-19 pandemic is certainly a huge loss to the Society and also to the wider community both financially and socially.  The Show is the highlight of the year for many of us in Wales and beyond, and a shop window for the Welsh agricultural industry. It's a great opportunity for everyone to get together to socialise, enjoy superb Welsh produce, competing and also to see the high quality of stock in the main ring.

by Angharad Evans, Welsh Editor

The past year has been a difficult and challenging one for us all. We have had to adjust our lifestyles, our priorities have changed, and everyone has found a new appreciation for the small things that may have been taken for granted before Covid.

But one young girl has adapted and gone on to help others through lockdown. Betsan Jane Hughes’ family, who are members of the Union in Ceredigion, farm near the village of Llangwyryfon, and Betsan's interest in sewing developed into setting up a business on the farm overlooking Mynydd Bach and the windmills.

Betsan admits that home is very important to her, and gives her the opportunity to combine the two things that are close to her heart - sewing and agriculture. During her time at college, Betsan enjoyed considerable success designing for a number of well-known companies, but now it is home that offers her the most inspiration.

After the busy lambing season, Cornel Clecs had the opportunity to talk to Betsan about everything from sewing to farming, and what inspires her creative work. Here is Betsan to explain more:

My name is Betsan Jane and day to day I run a clothing design and renovation business called Betsan Jane Design & Alterations. I set up my business back in 2017 after graduating from Carmarthen School of Art while doing a degree in 'Fashion: Design & Construction'. During my last year at University I was fortunate to win a scholarship in memory of Miriam Briddon, this inspired me to start my own business.