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The Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to a busy week of promoting #FarmingMatters at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show (24 - 27 July) and has lined up a series of seminars and discussion groups, focusing on key issues the industry is facing.
“The Royal Welsh Show not only provides an opportunity to socialise, let off steam and see Welsh farming and Welsh livestock and produce at their best; it also allows farmers to seek advice from the plethora of bodies represented there.
“The FUW is adopting a very practical and informative approach at this year’s show, focusing on issues such as rural crime, the role of women in agriculture, young farmers and succession, digital connectivity, social care and mental health in rural communities,” said FUW President Glyn Roberts.
As all eyes turn to the showground in Llanelwedd, the Union is starting the week with a practical approach seminar on preventing rural crime on Monday 24 July, 1pm at the FUW Pavilion.
“Every year rural crime costs millions of pounds and causes untold anxiety to farmers and rural businesses. The seminar aims to shine a light on the issues, to improve understanding and enhance community safety and we hope many of you can join us on the day,” said FUW Marketing and Membership Manager Teleri Fielden.
Keynote speakers include Dyfed-Powys Police Rural Crime lead PC Matthew Howells, North Wales Police Rural Crime Team Manager Rob Taylor, Barclays Agriculture Relationship Director Kathryn Whitrow, who will speak about Cyber Security and Plant-I Managing Director Jason McAuley to outline some practical solutions to rural crime. The seminar will be chaired by Olivia Midgley, Head of news & business Farmers Guardian.
The Tuesday evening (25 July) of the show will firmly put the spotlight on young people in the industry, with the FUW hosting a networking event for young farmers (under the age of 40) between 4-6pm.
Joining the networking session are Jon MacCalmont, Research Assistant in Bioenergy, IBERS; Ruth Wonfor, Lecturer in Animal Science, IBERS; Sarah Lewis - FC Lifelong Learning & Dev Programme Mger - Lantra, Einir Haf Davies, Development and Mentoring Manager, Farming Connect; Alison Harvey, Agriculture Manager for Lamb, Dunbia; Julie Finch, Corporate Strategy and Policy Manager, HCC; Delyth Davies, Head of Dairy Development Wales, Dairy Co. and Andy Middleton, Board Member, NRW.
FUW’s Policy Officer Charlotte Priddy, who is organising the networking event, said: “This is a great opportunity for our young people to come together, enjoy some great Welsh food and chat with industry bodies and other farmers in an informal setting. I hope to see many of you there on the night and look forward to some great #FarmingMatters chats.”
Wednesday afternoon (26 July), between 4-5pm, the FUW is hosting a discussion group with the focus on the changing role of women in agriculture. Keynote speakers include Baroness Eluned Morgan, Brecon deer farmer Kath Shaw, Meirionnydd farmer and HCC board member Rachael Davies and a secret guest speaker, which will be revealed on the day.
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“The main aim of the seminar is to discuss the grassroots involvement of women in agriculture and their wider role in shaping the industry. I really look forward to hearing about their future vision for women in agriculture, as well as their experience as a woman in the industry,” said FUW President Glyn Roberts.
On the Thursday of the show (27 July) the Union will explore what help is available in rural communities for those suffering with mental health and is welcoming Gareth Davies from Tir Dewi and David Williams, Wales Regional Director, Farming Community Network to its Pavilion.
The seminar, ‘It’s Ok to say’ - putting the spotlight on mental health in the farming community’, will start at 11am and is open to all.
“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.
“This seminar will shed some light on the help available in rural areas and I hope that it will offer some guidance and reassurances to those who are suffering with mental health problems and their families,” added Glyn Roberts.