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FUW DENBIGH AGM: From left, Rheinallt Hughes, Sion Aron Jones, Prysor Williams, Iwan Jones, Bryn Edmunds and John Roberts[/caption]
Topics ranging from the future of the Euro, the UK interest rate, the prospects for the red meat industry and a new Defra initiative for upland farming were discussed by an excellent turnout of members at the Farmers' Union of Wales Denbigh county branch annual general meeting on Monday November 10.
Members enjoyed an interesting and informative evening during the meeting at the Brookhouse Mill, near Denbigh, where they had the opportunity to question and debate a number of agricultural and other topical issues with a panel of guest speakers.
The panel consisted of HSBC senior agriculture bank manager Bryn Edmunds, Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) industry development manager Sion Aron Jones and Bangor University environmental management lecturer Prysor Williams.
Mr Edmunds gave a bank’s perspective on the recent and long-term trends in interest rates, exchange rates and loan facilities (both historical and into the future) for various types of on-farm investments.
Mr Jones provided an overview of HCC’s strategic action plan for the Welsh red meat industry by identifying objectives, actions and outcomes which will seek to address the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities facing the industry.
Dr Williams gave members an insight into new research that has been commissioned by Defra looking at the “sustainable intensification” of agriculture in the UK.
Bangor University’s Henfaes Farm has been chosen as one of five sites across the UK for the project and it will specifically study the effects of intensification on upland "ffridd"-type land over the next three years.
The research will involve experiments using traditional improvement techniques whilst comparing more innovative technology to see the impacts on both agricultural production and habitats and wildlife populations.
In his annual report to the members, county chairman John Roberts revealed that the Denbigh branch had once again been particularly busy. Several shows had been attended during the summer which followed an excellent Farmhouse Breakfast Week series of events in January.
In September members of FUW's Denbighshire and Flintshire branches had together raised over £4,000 as a result of the union’s Wales Coast Path charity walk and a social evening that followed.
In addition, area officer Gwyn Williams was thanked for his 39 years’ service to the union and the county and all present wished him well for his retirement.
The meeting closed with a vote of thanks by county vice chairman Rheinallt Hughes who thanked the panelists for their contribution to the meeting and county president Iwan Jones for chairing the evening.