The Farmers’ Union of Wales is urging farmers to make use of a free and confidential pesticide disposal scheme across all of Wales as part of the PestSmart project, run by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water.

The scheme will open for registration from Wednesday 14 August until 5pm on Monday 30 September, allowing professional users to safely and confidentially dispose of unwanted, out-of-date or now unlicensed pesticides and other chemicals.

FUW Policy Officer Bernard Griffiths said: “If you find that you have out of date or now unlicensed products on farm, which can be difficult or expensive to dispose of correctly, then we would urge you to register for this scheme. 

The Anglesey branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to a busy two-day county show (Tuesday 13 August - Wednesday 14 August), with #FarmingMatters chats, children's competitions and plenty of entertainment on the agenda. 

Those keen to raise specific farming matters are welcome to join Rhun ap Iorwerth AM at an open surgery at 11am on the Tuesday at the Union’s stand and those concerned about rural crime are invited to stop by for advice on how to keep their property and livestock safe.

Joining the stand are  ‘Quad Claw’, who will be on site for the two days, and Arfon Jones North Wales Police, Police and Crime Commissioner will be on the stand on Tuesday at 12 noon to answer any questions farmers may have. 

Speaking ahead of the event, FUW Anglesey CEO Alaw Jones said: “Farming is facing an uncertain future for so many reasons and we look forward to raising some of our concerns with Rhun ap Iorwerth at the show and hope many of you will join us.

“Rural crime, including farm machinery thefts and livestock worrying, is also still a big problem for our farmers and we look forward to discussing this with Arfon Jones at the show.”

Also joining the FUW team at the stand to highlight the importance of good mental health will be the DPJ Foundation and the Samaritans, who are there for both days of the show.

Those joining the Farmers’ Union of Wales stand (B13, by the Grand Arena) at the Pembrokeshire County Show (Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 August) can look forward to a busy program of events, #FarmingMatters chats and plenty of activities to keep children of all ages entertained.

Speaking ahead of the show, FUW Pembrokeshire CEO Rebecca Voyle said: “We have a busy three days of activities planned for the show, including a new children’s area where there will be an opportunity to enter our colouring competition to win Puddle’s the Pig’s cuddly cousin, Polly. 

“And those needing advice on how to spot scams, mental health support, slurry storage and information on changes to water abstraction licensing, farm fire safety and safe burning advice or any land agent queries, are welcome to join us at the stand as well. 

“We are also looking forward to discuss many #FarmingMatters and #FairFarmFunding with our members and elected politicians and extend a warm welcome to everyone. I hope many of you can join us for what promises to be another excellent show.” 

FUW Insurance Services Ltd. will also be holding a prize draw so don’t forget to enter to be in with a chance of winning a £50 high street voucher.

Those attending the National Eisteddfod in Llanrwst next week, can look forward to a mouthwatering and busy program of events at the Farmers’ Union of Wales stand.

The shock announcement that the Cowbridge Mart is to close, leaving some farmers with a 45 mile trip to sell their stock, will eat into already dwindling returns on livestock.

And now the Farmers’ Union of Wales is calling for a stay of execution on the closure of the mart, which was granted a charter back in 1254 and has been central to town life every since. 

The Meirionnydd branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to a busy day at the County Show (Wednesday, 28 August), which will be held at Harlech.

Union officials, including FUW President Glyn Roberts, will welcome Dafydd Elis Thomas AM and Liz Saville Roberts MP to the marquee for a discussion on farm policy and funding post Brexit, as well as many other farming matters. 

FUW Meirionnydd County Chairman Sion Ifans said: “We look forward to discussing #FarmingMatters at the stand with our members and elected politicians and extend a warm welcome for members, guests and friends of the FUW as in previous years to join us on the day. 

“Union officials and staff, as well as FUW Insurance Services Ltd. will be on hand to answer questions our members may have. The County Branch is also grateful to members and friends of the FUW in the Dinas Mawddwy, Dolgellau and Trawsfynydd areas for taking responsibility for the refreshments on the stand.”

The Meirionnydd Branch of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution will be present at the FUW stand this year throughout the day and in addition North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones will also be present, together with Rob Taylor and members of the Rural Crime Team addressing the issue of  farm thefts in the county.