[caption id="attachment_5854" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Past president Emyr Jones (far right) welcomes Lord and Lady Morris to Dolgellau’s Free Library where a plaque was installed on May 11 2006 when the Meirionnydd county branch celebrated 50 years since its formation.[/caption]

Lord Morris of Aberavon, who was actively involved with the formation of the FUW as the union's legal adviser and deputy general secretary between 1956 and 1958, will be the guest speaker at the union’s 60th anniversary dinner in December.

The dinner, which is being organised by the Carmarthen branch of the FUW, will be held on Tuesday December 8 at the Halliwell Centre, University of Wales Trinity St David, Carmarthen at 7pm.

“The event is being held on the exact date of the first meeting 60 years ago of the FUW Provisional Committee, as recorded in “A Family Affair” - The Story of the Farmers’ Union of Wales 1955 to 1992 - by Handel Jones,” said FUW Carmarthen county executive officer David Waters.

"Lord Morris further founded and edited the early editions of the union's newspaper Y Tir and travelled thousands of miles setting up branches and giving legal advice throughout Wales.

“There is no doubt that Lord Morris' period as Secretary of State for Wales was absolutely crucial in the formation and development of the FUW and we look forward to welcoming him as the guest speaker for our 60^th anniversary dinner.”

Tickets, for a three course meal are £25 each and are available from all FUW county offices.

The Ceredigion branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is calling on all the walkers, strutters and striders, leaders and laggers and even the feet draggers to join them for a charity walk in aid of British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru on Saturday November 14.

Speaking ahead of the event FUW Ceredigion county executive officer Mared Rand Jones said: “We are very excited to kick-start our fundraising efforts in walking all over heart disease by tackling the ‘Ladies Walk’ in the Hafod Estate, about 12 miles outside of Aberystwyth.”

Participants will be walking the 3.6km course in a bid to raise £500 to fund essential research into heart disease. The event will start at 2pm from the car park on the B4574 between Pontrhydygroes and Cwmystwyth.

“Heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer, claiming around 73,000 lives a year – that’s an average of 200 lives every day. I’m glad that this walk will help support research projects into heart disease around the UK. Nearly all of us have been affected by this disease in some way or another.  Millions of adults and children which could be one of our friends or a family member might need help from BHF.  I am very excited to kick start the FUW’s fundraising initiatives with what promises to be a really successful and fun event,” she added.

Tristam Jones, head of events at the BHF said: “ I would like to thank the FUW Ceredigion branch for organising the event. Without our supporters we cannot continue to fund life-saving research into heart disease and provide those affected with the care and support they need.”

Following the previous format the FUW is asking all who participate to donate a minimum of £5 -£10 per person to the charity.

Tea, coffee and cake will be served following the walk at Ysgoldy Goch, Cwmystwyth. Walkers are welcome to bring their dogs, as long as they are kept on a lead. Unfortunately this walk is not suitable for pushchairs. Strong footwear is recommended.

Those wishing to join the walk are being asked to express their interest by calling the FUW head office on 01970 820820.

The annual general meeting of the Farmers’ Union of Wales Caernarfonshire county branch is set to explore the future of the red meat and dairy industry on Friday November 6.

The event will be held at the Nanhoron Hotel, Nefyn, and is due to start at 7.30pm.

FUW Caernarfon county executive officer Gwynedd Watkin said: “We look forward to welcoming South Caernarfon Creamery (SCC) managing director Alan Jones and Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) chairman Dai Davies to give presentations on what their establishments have been doing and what they intend to do in the future in order to promote the dairy and red meat sector.

“These are interesting times for the agricultural industry. The red meat sector has suffered with poor farmgate prices all year and we are interested to hear how HCC are dealing with this on behalf of Welsh beef and lamb producers. And we are of course keen to hear what action has been taken to reduce the unfair way in which a large proportion of Welsh farmers levy payments go over the border to England for lambs which have been born and raised in Wales.

“As for the dairy industry, which has also been pummelled with low prices, market volatility and found itself in a perfect storm once again, we look to processors such as SCC to discuss their development plans for the future. Only recently we have heard that market volatility is not a UK or EU problem but that it’s a global problem and a trend we will continue to see and I am sure our members will be most keen to hear how Wales’ oldest and largest dairy co-operative which has been farmer-owned since 1938, is going to secure its presence on the dairy market.”

The union thanks HSBC for kindly sponsoring the event and looks forward to welcoming senior agriculture manager at HSBC Bryn Edmunds to the event.

“The evening will be an opportunity for members to listen to the views of Alan Jones and Dai Davies on the future of the industry and of course ask pertinent questions. Members will also have the opportunity to raise any other matters,” added Gwynedd Watkin.

Those wishing to attend need to book their space by contacting the county office on 01286 672541 by Wednesday November 4. Light refreshments will be provided at the end.

With bonfire night and Halloween fast approaching, the Farmers’ Union of Wales today urged people to remember the distress fireworks and sky lanterns can cause to livestock and pets and reminds them of the dangers posed by bonfires.

“We call on people to stick to the firework safety code at all times over the bonfire and Halloween season to minimise the risk to livestock, pets and humans.

“This time of year poses many dangers to animals and children – so don’t let negligence and ignorance be the cause for a real-life horror,” said FUW land use and parliamentary committee chairman Gavin Williams.

“Animals in general are not fond of the noise of fireworks and can become quite anxious during this time of year. Therefore, we urge people to be considerate and not let them off near livestock.

“It is also a good idea to make sure that your pets have been micro-chipped by a vet prior to bonfire night, just in case they go missing.”

The FUW recommends that people visit an organised display but if you are having a display at home please make sure you follow the firework code at all times to minimise the stress for farm animals and children.

“We further urge people not to use sky lanterns, which have by now been banned by 12 councils out of 22 in Wales, as they pose significant dangers to livestock and are, of course, a considerable fire safety risk,” added Gavin Williams.

[caption id="attachment_5840" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] (l – r) FUW Carmarthenshire county chairman Brian Richards, FUW milk and dairy produce committee chairman Rhydian Owen, FUW president Glyn Roberts, Glanbia Cheese CEO Paul Vernon, HSBC regional agriculture director - Wales and South West Euryn Jones, Castell Howell and president of the Welsh Dairy show committee Brian Jones MBE[/caption]

Market volatility is not a UK or EU problem - it's a global problem and a trend we will continue to see – is what delegates heard when Glanbia Cheese CEO, Paul Vernon, addressed the Farmers’ Union of Wales eve of dairy show function in Carmarthen on Monday October 19.

Paul Vernon has worked in the dairy industry for the past 28 years and prior to this he held a number of senior sales positions with a leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company.

He commenced working in the dairy industry with a Co-Operative based in Northern Ireland and for the past 20 years has been chief executive of Glanbia Cheese, which is head quartered in Northwich, Cheshire.

Speaking at the event he said: “From an economic point of view we need to stay in the EU – despite market volatility and abolition of quotas. Dairy markets are oversupplied and that will only change if we have a correction. There are so many factors affecting milk prices but even if Russia lift the ban we will not likely see the same demand for European dairy products in Russia,” said Paul Vernon.

Since his time in office, Glanbia Cheese has grown turnover to circa £250m and has become the largest manufacturer of mozzarella cheese in Europe, accounting for over 30 percent of all UK cheese exports and is the second largest cheese manufacturer in the UK.

From its manufacturing facilities in North Wales (Anglesey) and Northern Ireland (Magheralin) the company provides cheese solutions to the leading pizza providers in all the countries of the European Union as well as exporting to a growing number of other counties across the world.

“The demand for dairy will continue to grow worldwide and the milk supply in both the EU and worldwide will continue to grow. What we must recognise is that world pricing will be driven by demand versus supply balance and will exhibit ongoing volatility. The USA, New Zealand, EU and UK milk prices will be driven by the global supply chain and producer margin will become the new “quota”,” said Paul Vernon.

“Sustainability of supply aligned with cost competiveness will see milk production migrate to the more efficient , regions, producers and processors and tools to manage volatility for the entire supply chain need to (will) emerge,” he added.

The company processes circa 1.8 million litres of milk per day, supplied by its contracted farmers in both Wales and Northern Ireland. It employs 350 staff and is the major local employer in the rural areas where its manufacturing facilities are located.

In addition to his role in Glanbia Cheese, Mr Vernon is a member of the group management committee of Glanbia Plc. He is also chairman of Dairy UK (NI), the trade association that represent the interests of both milk producers and processors, and is vice chairman of the main Dairy UK Board.

“The FUW was delighted to welcome a speaker of such quality to address our dinner on the eve of the Welsh Dairy Show function,” said FUW Carmarthen executive officer David Waters.
“The dairy sector is facing immense challenges at present, with falling prices forcing many farmers to re-evaluate their businesses and having to decide whether to stay in milk production or not.

“Mr Vernon helped to give farmers an insight into the way the dairy industry is likely to develop in the next few years and we thank him for being part of an informative day.”

The rapidly approaching payment window for the Single farm payment, poor farmgate prices and serious cashflow issues - with rumours about a possible legal challenge that may further delay payments – has prompted the Farmers’ Union of Wales to organise a series of free farm surgeries at this year’s Royal Welsh Winter Fair (November 30 to December 1).

Joining forces with agricultural solicitors, Agri-Advisor, Davis Meade Property Consultants and Land Agents and LHP accountants, auditors and business advisors, the FUW is offering members a free 40 minute slot with each of the advisors to discuss their business matters.

“The amount paid to farmers is already down by about one-quarter due to the reduced budget, the 15% pillar transfer and the exchange rate, and we have every sympathy with those who will see further falls under the new payment model,” said FUW president Glyn Roberts.

“So in order to help our members - we invite them to book a free appointment for our Royal Welsh Winter Fair farm surgeries. I would urge anybody who’s worried about the farm business to book a slot to talk to the experts. These will be held between 10am to 4pm at our pavilion alongside the main ring on the Builth Wells RWAS showground, ” added Glyn Roberts.

Agri Advisor offers a range of legal and advisory services dedicated to providing specialist advice to farmers, landowners and rural people.

“As expert Agricultural Solicitors we are able to offer specific advice to farmers and landowners directly relevant to the issues faced by their businesses and we look forward to discussing matters of concern to FUW members at this year’s Royal Welsh Winter Fair,” said Agri-Advisor’s Dr Nerys Llewelyn Jones.

Agri Advisor Solicitors was established in 2011, by Dr Nerys Llewelyn Jones on her home farm, Henllan, Pumsaint.

DMPC, who will also be offering free advice to members, are one of the leading firms of land agents, chartered surveyors and valuers in the country dealing with agricultural dispute resolution ranging from landlord and tenant advice to compulsory purchase negotiations.

Carmarthen and Haverfordwest based accountants, auditors and chartered tax specialists LHP, have been working with the business community in South and West Wales for nearly 80 years.

“We describe ourselves as an accountancy practice, with a ‘personal business touch’ and pride ourselves on excellent local knowledge and deal with the smallest ‘sub vat’ lifestyle businesses to multi million pound turnover concerns. I hope that our expertise will prove to be a valuable service to FUW members when they come to join us for the Farm Surgeries,” said LHP director Eirian Humphreys.