The Farmers' Union of Wales is currently enjoying the Eisteddfod at Parc Ynys Angharad Island, Pontypridd this week.
Visitors and eisteddfod goers are warmly welcomed to a jam packed week at the FUW stand on the maes which includes cookery demonstrations and tasting sessions, an agricultural quiz, a discussion about the wool industry and musical entertainment around farm safety with the much loved country singer, Welsh Whisperer.
FUW Deputy County Executive Officer for Gwent and Glamorgan, Gemma Haines, said: “As a native of this area who has rekindled my Welsh language skills, being part of the FUW’s arrangements for this national Eisteddfod event has been very exciting.
"We are keen to bring a piece of rural life to Pontypridd this week to remind local residents, families and visitors where their food comes from.
"We will share key messages about the importance of food quality and security plus we will remind visitors how to care and behave wisely in the countryside. We will also share some farm safety messages in the form of some musical entertainment.
"Farmers and landowners are countryside ambassadors, and by bringing Tegwen our colourful cow to the Eisteddfod, we hope to promote our work whilst offering tea, coffee and cold drinks to people and families while they rest, chat and relax on our stand. The FUW stand can be a destination to pause, rest weary legs and take five minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Festival, while the youngsters enjoy some activities.
“For this county, It is a great privilege to welcome the Eisteddfod here. The preparation work and the fundraising by our communities over months and years has been incredible and the culmination of all the work will pay off this week. Pop along to our stand during the week to visit us," said Gemma Haines.
The week's programme of activities at the FUW stand include:
Monday 5.8.24
10.30 "Our agricultural journey" a panel discussion with former FUW President, Glyn Roberts; Deputy President, Dai Miles; Natalie Hepburn and Heather Jones.
11:30 Natalie Hepburn from Garlic Meadow creates soap
13:00 Cheese tasting, thanks to sponsorship from Calon Wen company
14:00 Cooking using dairy products with chef, Aneira from Cwm Farm Shop
Tuesday 6.8.24
10.30 Women's Institution - Presentation An end to violence against women
14:00 Creating Welsh cakes with Aneira from Cwm Farm Farm Shop and a talk by The DPJ Foundation charity
Wednesday 7.8.24
10.00 Gareth Jones, Head of Members Engagement at the Wool Board gives an overview about Welsh wool
13:00 The future of the wool industry in Wales, with Gareth Jones and farmer, Anwen Hughes
14:00 Art and craft for children using sheep's wool
Thursday 8.8.24
10.00 Rhian Pierce from the RSPB discussing birds on our farms and sharing nature crafts and activities for children and youngsters
11:30 Cooking demonstration with Welsh chef and food expert, Nerys Howell
13:30 Presentation by Lee Oliver from Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust Cymru
14:30 Cooking demonstration with Welsh chef and food expert, Nerys Howell
15:30 Rhian Pierce from the RSPB discusses birds on our farms and sharing nature crafts and activities
Friday 9.8.24
11.00 Family agricultural quiz and The DPJ Foundation charity visit the stand
An afternoon of crafts and pom pom with Mari Anne
Saturday 10.8.24 Cooking demonstration with Welsh chef and food expert, Nerys Howell
An afternoon of crafts