Past Director of Public Relations for the FUW and past Editor of Y Tir, Mr Gwilym Thomas, passed away on July 24. 

Gwilym worked for the FUW for 38 years, retiring during April 2002. Gwilym started his career in journalism as sports editor at the Welsh Gazette. He subsequently became chief reporter and sports editor at the Cambrian News before becoming a freelance reporter, covering major stories for the Western Mail, Daily Express and the Sunday Mirror, amongst others, before joining the FUW during 1964.

Work by the FUW, in association with the Animal Welfare Network Wales (AWNW), has led to the production of distinctive black and yellow gatepost signs which aim to help combat livestock worrying in Wales.  

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has told the Prime Minister that seeking an extension to the Article 50 period must be a priority if a hard Brexit in April 2019 starts to become a real likelihood.

Speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May on the Royal Welsh showground, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “The consequences of a hard Brexit would be so extreme for our industries, including farming, and for the economy of the country as a whole that it should not be allowed to happen.

“I made it clear to the Prime Minister that seeking an extension to the Article 50 period which allows more time to negotiate a common sense agreement with the EU has to be a priority if a hard Brexit starts to become a real likelihood.”

Every year the Farmers’ Union of Wales recognises a media personality who has raised the public profile of Welsh farming with the FUW Bob Davies memorial award.  

This year’s winner has been raising the profile of Welsh farming not as many others in the spotlight of the cameras, speaking to us directly through our radios or even via the front pages of farming publications -  but quiet and diligently in the background producing BBC Wales' only dedicated rural programme.

Announcing BBC Radio Wales Country Focus producer Pauline Smith as this year’s winner, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “Pauline is not one to draw any attention to the work she does - yet the program she has been producing for BBC Radio Wales for all those years, is one that has and continues to serve everyone living in the countryside.

West Wales farmer and entrepreneur, Brian Jones, who formed Castell Howell Foods in the early 1980s, has been recognised for his services to agriculture with the Farmers’ Union of Wales External award for services to agriculture.

Presenting the award, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “Brian has done so much for agriculture and his passion for Wales as a food destination is infectious. His commitment to do what is good for Wales as well His Celtic Pride brand is an example of that and should serve as an example to others. The award is well and truly deserved and we thank Brian for all he does.”

Well known Welsh TV presenter and farming stalwart Alun Edwards has been recognised for his tremendous dedication to the farming industry with the Farmers’ Union of Wales Internal Award for Services to Agriculture at the Royal Welsh Show.

Alun Elidyr, as he is known in the farming community and on the popular S4C farming series Ffermio, came home to farm at Cae Coch, Rhydymain , Meirionnydd, in 1996, after the sudden loss of his father. This was after a successful acting career – acting in several drama series such as Coleg, Yr Heliwr, Rownd a Rownd, Tipyn o Stad, and Lleifior.

He was determined to see farming and the way of life carrying on in Cae Coch, and particularly to look after his mother at the time.