Welsh farmers were all heart at the Eisteddfod, when they presented BHF Cymru with a cheque worth over £39,000, following two years of successful fundraising.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) was founded in 1961 by a group of medical professionals wanting to fund extra research into the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heart and circulatory disease.

After half a century of extraordinary scientific and societal progress they have helped to transform the landscape of heart disease. Thanks to their research most babies born today with heart defects now survive, pacemakers help people control their heart conditions, statins are lowering cholesterol levels for millions, reducing risk of heart attack and stroke.

In addition, heart attack treatment has been revolutionised and many inherited conditions can now be diagnosed and successfully treated preventing sudden death.

Presenting the cheque to BHF Cymru, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “It gives me great pleasure to present this cheque worth over £39,000 to BHF Cymru today. The work they do is vital in saving lives and their research into heart disease must continue, especially as each day in Wales 25 people lose their lives to cardiovascular disease, which can devastate those they leave behind. 

“The money raised will help BHF Cymru to continue their pioneering research, which is central to discovering vital treatments for people living with these conditions.

“Therefore, I would like to thank all of the FUW staff, friends of the Union and all those who have helped us in raising this fantastic amount of money. We have held many events, including breakfast functions, walked the Offa’s Dyke path, held Bingo events and Whist drives to raise money and all of this would not have happened without the dedication and determination of everyone involved.”

BHF have brought pioneering techniques to hospitals, including scans that look right inside the heart,and tests like angioplasty which are now routine. They have been involved in some of the biggest advances in heart attack treatment and care, from the discovery of clot-busting drugs and the effectiveness of statins to the way patients are cared for in hospital.  

BHF Fundraising Manager for South West Wales Jayne Lewis said:  “We would like to thank the Farmers’ Union of Wales for all their help and support over the past two years. Too many lives are lost in Wales each year to heart and circulatory disease, and we’re determined to do everything we can to protect more families from this devastation.

“Around 375,000 people across Wales this month are fighting this daily battle and thanks to the local groups and organisations we’ll be able to fund even more research into these conditions.”

BHF Chief Executive Simon Gillespie said: “I would like to say a big thank you to the Farmers’ Union of Wales. Over the past two years, our partnership has raised vital funds that have helped power our life saving research in Wales.

“For over 50 years we’ve pioneered research that has transformed the lives of millions of people living with heart disease. But heart and circulatory disease still kills more than 750 people per month in Wales alone, stealing them away from their families and loved ones.”

Thirteen months after the Farmers’ Union of Wales called for “…the UK and EU to agree on a sensible timetable for Brexit ... or risk dire consequences for both the UK and the remaining 27 Member States”, the Union has welcomed growing support for its call by other organisations and bodies.

In early July, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) called for a Brexit transition period, saying it was impossible for all the details of a new EU trade deal to be in place by March 2019, and that UK businesses need a ‘bridge’ instead of a ‘cliff-edge’ for the new deal - echoing the reality-check issued by the FUW on the day after the Brexit referendum.

And just last week, no less than fourteen farming organisations from across the UK came out in support of an initial transition period being in place for the full duration of negotiations with the EU.

FUW Deputy President Brian Thomas said: “Ministers and politicians are also speaking about the need to agree transitional arrangements with the EU, and it is welcome news that the foremost demand outlined in our May 2017 Manifesto is sinking in amongst so many.”

“However, despite the growing support for that position, we should not forget that such agreement has not been reached, and it therefore remains a priority for both the UK and EU.”

Mr Thomas also highlighted the Union’s frustrations with those who had become fixated with developing new post-Brexit policies while ignoring immediate dangers the country faces.

“Brexit brings with it many concerns, challenges and opportunities, and it is certainly essential that we consider post Brexit policies and plan for the future.

“The FUW has been doing just that through constant consultation with our membership since July last year, but we cannot be sure what an appropriate agricultural policy will look like until we know the details of the agreements currently being hammered out with the EU and others, and the detailed modelling we have called for has been carried out.”

Mr Thomas said that without such careful planning, policy proposals may as well be written out on the back of a fag packet on a Friday afternoon.

“While the important work of looking to the future must continue, we have kept our feet on the ground, and since 24th June 2016 have consistently called for a realistic and safe timetable for leaving the EU.

“We need to recognise the dangers which are just around the corner, and that the immediate focus should be on securing a realistic Brexit transition period. The growing recognition of this is a great relief, but it needs to become a reality,” he added.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to a busy week promoting why #FarmingMatters, and the vital role farming families play in conserving the Welsh language in our rural communities, at the National Eisteddfod, (Friday 4-12 August).

“Visitors to the FUW stand will have an opportunity to find out why #FarmingMatters to our rural economy and of course Welsh rural life. A warm welcome is offered to all those who are attending the National Eisteddfod and I hope to see many of our members at our stand,” said FUW President Glyn Roberts.

Research has shown that throughout Wales, those who speak Welsh within the ‘Agriculture, energy and water’ category make an essential contribution to the preservation of the language in terms of numbers, and in particular in terms of the proportion within the category who speak Welsh (29.5%), significantly higher than the overall proportion (17%). 
Arguably, a similar analysis of those only involved in the farming industry would reveal a higher percentage again, and reveal higher contributions in terms of the role played by farming in preserving the Welsh language.  More information and a report on ‘Farming in Wales and the Welsh language’ will be available on the FUW stand (stand 405-406).

Therefore, moves which undermine the viability of Welsh agriculture are likely to represent a significant threat to the Welsh language. The effects of Brexit on agriculture is a topic under constant discussion: FUW President Glyn Roberts will be highlighting the importance of a phased Brexit transition during a discussion on ‘the future of agricultural communities post Brexit’ at Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s stand on Monday at 2pm. A third of Wales’ population live in rural areas where farming, and businesses which rely on agriculture, play an essential role in local economies, as well as the Welsh language. 

Speaking about the importance of the Welsh language, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “We must acknowledge the fact that there are changing language patterns out there but, a strong Welsh economy needs to be supported by our language, to ensure we keep our Welsh identity.

“So our stand is not just about farming; it is about the wider recognition of how ‘#FarmingMatters’, where supply chains are involved, how money circulates in the local economy, where people survive, where profits are made, communities are sustained and our culture continues to thrive.”

It is with great sadness that the Farmers’ Union of Wales announces the passing of its last founder member Mr Llew Jones.

Leading the tributes FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “We are deeply saddened by the news and our thoughts and warmest regards are with family at this very difficult time. Mr Jones’s passing marks the end of an era for the FUW and he will always be remembered for his role in the formation of the FUW during 1955.”

Glyn Roberts added that even at the age of 92, Llew continued to take great interest in the FUW  until his final days.

In addition to being past Chairman and President of the Carmarthenshire FUW County Executive, Llew Jones was also a past President of the County YFC movement, a past Chairman and President of the Welsh Black Cattle Society, a past member of the Advisory Committee of Pwellpeiran Experimental Husbandry Farm and a past member of the BBC Agricultural Advisory Committee.

Llew Jones was made a deacon of his local chapel in Cilycwm during 1957 and was a precentor since 1954. He also served as Chairman of Governors at Cilycwm, Cynghordy and Myddfai County Primary Schools. Llew was awarded the MBE in the 1998 New Year Honours.

“It was an enormous privilege to have known and to have worked with Llew. He had a great passion for Welsh agriculture and the rural way of life, especially the Welsh language.

“Llew always held great passion for the FUW and everything which the Union stood for and I, and everyone else who had the privilege of knowing him, will greatly miss his wise and passionate counsel,” added Glyn Roberts.

Recognising advances in technology and changes in audience behaviour, the Farmers’ Union of Wales was delighted to hear a familiar voice join the growing realm of online Podcasts.

Dei Tomos, who is the voice of the farming news on Radio Cymru every morning (Monday to Friday) and first started broadcasting in 1982, joined the Podcast family with ‘Bwletin Amaeth’ this year, making the latest agriculture news and issues for those working within the farming industry accessible to a wide range of listeners.

Appreciating the contributions the online Podcast makes, the Union awarded Dei Tomos with the annual FUW Bob Davies memorial award.

The award – in memory of Farmers Weekly Wales correspondent Bob Davies, who died in November 2009 – is offered to a media personality who has raised the public profile of Welsh farming every year.

Podcasting is growing in the UK and seeing a genuine renaissance with 4.7 million adults, in the UK, listening to any type of podcast. The smartphone is the most popular way to listen to a podcast by far, with 66% of adults 15+ tuning into their favourite programme that way.

Presenting Dei Tomos with the award, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “Podcasts have enhanced audio broadcasting, draw in non-traditional listeners, the younger listener and engage with audiences in a way that other mediums are unable to. It was therefore great to hear that Dei Tom’s ‘Bwletin Amaeth’ is now also available for later listening.  

“His early morning radio bulletins on Radio Cymru are essential listening for farmers throughout Wales, some would even say the world, but sometimes we miss it. That’s of course not a problem anymore now, thanks to the online Podcast. All we need now is Dei’s Saturday half hour farming programme ‘Byd Amaeth’ to also join the podcast platform”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales explored what help is available in rural communities for those suffering with mental health and welcomed Executive Officer of Tir Dewi Gareth Davies, Farming Community Network Wales Regional Director David Williams, and Emma Picton-Jones of the DPJ Foundation to its Pavilion at the Royal Welsh Show.

The seminar, ‘It’s Ok to say’ – putting the spotlight on mental health in the farming community’, was chaired by FUW Education and Training Committee chairman Alun Edwards, who personally has experienced the stress of poor mental health.

Speaking ahead of the seminar, FUW President Glyn Roberts said:“The ‘stiff upper lip’ is synonymous with the rural farming community and most farmers just get on with things. Many may be hiding problems from themselves and their families and friends and talking about personal feelings is uncomfortable for many.

“We’ve faced some pretty low-points as a farming community in the last few years, TB, price volatility and uncertainty about our future post-Brexit, this all puts a strain on our resolve. But it’s about time to break the stigma attached to mental health and if you’re feeling vulnerable, please open-up and speak to someone.”

Emma Picton-Jones, a primary school teacher with two children Mali 5 and Trystan 2 and a dairy farmer's daughter, set up the DPJ Foundation after her husband took his own life July 2016.

The foundation aims to support people in agriculture and in the agricultural community by reducing the stigma that surrounds mental health and supporting them by signposting them to support systems that are available.

Their aim is to set up a talking therapies service specifically for people in the rural communities, men in particular who struggle with their mental health. They also aim to ease isolation in rural communities by working with men's sheds Wales.

In the year since setting up the foundation it has gained registered charity status, raised in excess of £25,000, Emma has received a Local Hero Inspiration Award and has been named as part of a national group of 30 people who have been recognised as people who will shape the future of Wales in the next 30 years.

Sharing her personal experience, Emma said: “Although having never experienced poor mental health to the extent my late husband did, I have seen first-hand the devastating effect it can have on a person. I lived through a roller coaster ride of ups and downs with Daniel over the last 5 years of his life. Daniel very much felt that he was alone with his feelings, he felt isolated and as if no one really understood what he was going through. However he was completely wrong, thousands of people are going through what he went through every day.

“Agriculture carries a high rate of poor mental health for various reasons, isolation and given the fact it is a male dominated sector are just a couple of reasons and added to that the pressure that comes along with being a modern day farmer all adds up to a recipe for possible poor mental health. What I think these men and women need to realise is that they are not alone.

“These feelings they are having aren’t ones that only they feel. There are many people who feel the same way, the same loneliness, helplessness and uncertainty. It’s also important to understand there is no shame in having poor mental health. We all have mental health, various things happen throughout our life that impact our mental health and there is no shame or weakness in admitting you are suffering with poor mental health.

“The single most effective thing you can do to help yourself is to talk. Talk about your struggles and about what you are feeling. Just by telling someone what you are going through is one of the biggest steps you can take – you will feel a weight lift off your shoulders.

“Importantly if you are that person being talked to you need to listen. It is too easy to offer advice and positive thoughts and ways forward but ultimately that person has taken a huge step to talk to you and you need to just sit and listen and let them take the weight off their shoulders. Support is out there, if you feel that your mental health is suffering the first thing to do is talk to your GP.

“They will be able to advise you on the best steps forward. There are also excellent services available within Wales specifically for the agricultural community, Farming Community Network and Tir Dewi being two and The DPJ Foundation who are in the process of setting up a counselling service (talking therapies are hugely beneficial when treating poor mental health.)

“There is also Mind Cymru and Call Helpline Wales who can all offer support. Most importantly I urge you to talk, whether you suffer with poor or good mental health. Talk about mental health, have that conversation, look out for the signs amongst friends and be that person to listen.

“The more conversations we have about mental health the more comfortable people will feel talking about it and we can reduce the stigma that surrounds this awful illness that affects so many.”

A charity that helps farmers and farming families affected by poor mental wellbeing and provides practical and pastoral support through difficult times is The Farming Community Network (FCN). David Williams, FCN’s regional director in Wales, is no stranger to the kind of difficulties that farmers face.

His farm operated a dairy unit of 150 Holstein cows before the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak took its toll. As well as looking after the 35 FCN volunteers based in Wales, David is also FCN’s lead contact with the Welsh Government on farming-related issues.

He said: “People seek support from FCN for a number of reasons. They could be anxious about farm support payment, stressed about harvest or depressed about losing their cattle to Bovine TB. But the most common factor in almost all cases is poor mental wellbeing.

“If this is not addressed, the consequences can be devastating. Mental health is less of a stigma than it once was in farming. People are beginning to realise that bottling up your emotions is the worst thing you can do. But there is still much work to do. Farmers and farming families need to continue talking openly about what they are experiencing. FCN is on hand to listen to farmers who are struggling and will treat their case confidentially and without judgement.”

Gareth Davies, Executive Officer of Tir Dewi, is responsible for its development and operations and leading and coordinating a team of dedicated volunteers. Gareth joined Tir Dewi around 8 months ago following a career in business and consultancy and is using his development and project management experience to help him in the role.

While he has never farmed, his mother is from a sheep farm in mid-Wales so he has empathy with farming.  He also lives in the rural heartland of Pembrokeshire and is surrounded by dairy and arable farms.  The more he learns of the multiple challenges faced by our farmers the greater his passion for helping them to overcome their problems.

Gareth Davies said: “The variety and intensity of challenges faced by farmers in Wales is staggering. Trying to deal with them all alone when already working 16 hour days is not sustainable. Tir Dewi wants farmers to know that they don’t have to be on their own, we are always ready to talk and offer support in whatever way we can.”

Following the seminar Alun Edwards said: “We had an encouraging discussion which moves the agenda on. There is still a stigma in admitting that this illness is widespread in the farming community, but meetings like this can only make a positive difference. We were pleased to have such valuable contributions from the the panel members from Farm Community Network, Tir Dewi and the DPJ Foundation, the main charities representing the rural community here in Wales.

“As a public figure, I have been shocked by the response from the farming community to me opening up on the subject and I hope that my experience of talking about it as the first step to cure can be shared amongst other sufferers. We have also come to the conclusion that we need a lot more clarity as to where to turn for professional help and we call on government to reduce waiting times for treatments in this context.”