The Farmers’ Union of Wales will highlight the importance of family farms and their links to the wider rural community during the National Eisteddfod at Llanelli next week (August 2-9).
On Sunday and Monday (August 3-4) of the event Carmarthenshire farmer's wife Nicola Dickenson will display her range of kids clothing "Kids Casuals" at the FUW stand.
Nicola diversified from farming after deciding that the income of the farm was not enough in 2001.
Using her own farming-themed designs to create t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and socks for kids, the clothing is designed and printed on the farm at Esgair Farm, Llanpumpsaint.
She believes her clothes have a personal touch, highlighting a farming theme featuring tractors and diggers, as she understands how appealing these are to children of all ages.
She and her husband Martin, a PCSO for rural policing serving in Carmarthen, have been farming for over 20 years running the 72-acre farm with a small suckler herd.
In the near future they hope to go into direct meat sales.
Representatives from Agri-Advisor will also be at hand on Monday (August 4) between 10am and 4pm to provide advice on farming issues and concerns.
On Tuesday (August 5) at 11am there will be an “open discussion” at the stand on a range of topics covering rural crime and farming policing links, with Dyfed-Powys Police chief commissioner Christopher Salmon.
Members will get a chance to discuss current farming issues on Wednesday(August 6) when Labour MP Nia Griffith, Plaid Cymru AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM William Powell and FUW director of policy Nick Fenwick visit the stand at 11am.
On the afternoon of Tuesday and Wednesday (August 5-6) there will be free milk tasting from local supplier WJ Phillips and Sons of Cwm Dairy Farm, Cwmffrwd, Carmarthen.
The family business, which has been running for over 45 years, delivers milk to households and businesses in an area stretching from St Clears to Pontyates. One of their businesses is Castell Howell food wholesalers.
The family purchased the dairy milk round business in 1969 from FUW member, Brian Thomas, Gelliddu, Carmarthen. The business is now run by Mr Phillips' sons Mike and Dorian.
They milk 90 Holstein Friesian cows with 55 followers, own 85 acres and rent another 25.
“What makes their milk stand out and what their customers like, is the fact that they can chose between homogenised or non-homogenised milk and we look forward to tasting it,” said FUW Carmarthenshire county executive officer David Waters.
“We are also looking forward to the prose medal presentation on Wednesday at 4pm.
"This prestigious award for the best piece of prose on the topic of 'confrontation' has been sponsored by the FUW Carmarthenshire branch with a prize fund of £750,” added Mr Waters.
On Thursday and Friday (August 6-7) local weaver Judy Roberts will be displaying her craft skills.
She has been spinning for 40 years, designing garments and patterns to suit the yarn produced.
She mixes natural fibres such as silk, wool, alpaca, cashmere, angora, yak and camel to produce some outstanding yarns.
She has taught knitting and knitwear design in Llandeilo and runs a weekly knitting group in Llanarthne and additionally provides personal tuition in the art of spinning.
“Throughout the week, children will be able to enter farming-themed colouring competitions with a range of prizes and are invited to find the ear tag of Tegwyn the cow as she travels across the country.
“Children can pick a square on a coloured numbered board to guess where she has lost her ear tag on her travels across Wales.
"Each square cost £1 and the money raised will go to children’s hospice charities Ty Hafan and Ty Gobaith.
“Representative from the YFC and RABI will be on the stand daily and we look forward to welcoming representatives of land consultants Philip Meade by the end of the week to our stand,” added Mr Waters.
Throughout the week there will be a warm welcome, as well as light refreshments, for all to enjoy and members of FUW Carmarthenshire staff will be on hand to discuss general farming issues.