The Farmers’ Union of Wales is seeking nominations for this year’s United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society Award for the person judged to have made the most outstanding contribution to agriculture in Carmarthenshire during the past few years.

The judges will include representatives from the FUW, HSBC Bank plc and the United Counties Agricultural and Hunters Society.

FUW Carmarthenshire County Executive Officer David Waters said: “The nomination should be in the form of a letter or citation giving full details of the work and achievement of the nominee with great emphasis on the positive or beneficial effect on agriculture in Carmarthenshire.”

The award will be presented at the annual Welsh Dairy Show Dinner on Monday, October 24.

The closing date for nominations is Monday October 3.

For further information contact David Waters at 13a Barn Road, Carmarthen, SA31 1DD or by telephone on 01267 237974.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is seeking nominations for this year’s FUW-HSBC Outstanding Service to the Welsh Dairy Industry award.

The winner will be announced, and the presentation made, at this year’s Welsh Dairy Show in Carmarthen on Tuesday, October 25.

Past winners have included former FUW Carmarthenshire County President Ogwyn Evans (in 2008), Carmarthenshire farmer Bryan Thomas – a past member of the Holstein Friesian Society council and founder member of the Welsh Dairy Show (2009) – Flintshire dairy farmer Terrig Morgan – who established a successful discussion group “The Udder Group” in Flintshire for younger milk producers now run by DairyCo (2010) – DairyCo Chairman Tim Bennett (2011), former FUW Milk and Dairy Produce Committee Chairman Eifion Huws from Anglesey (2012), NFU England and Wales Dairy Board Chairman Mansel Raymond, (2013), Gwynedd farmer Rhisiart Tomos Lewis (2014) and Daioni Organic owner Laurence Harris (2015).

FUW Carmarthenshire County Executive Officer David Waters said: “There are a number of other very worthy individuals in Wales who also deserve this award. Nominations should be in the form of a letter or citation giving full details of the work and achievements of the nominee. We have in the past had some very worthy nominations and winners and we look forward to receiving this year’s nominations.”
All nominations need to be sent to the FUW Carmarthenshire county office, 13a Barn Road, Carmarthen, SA31 1DD by Monday, October 3.

The Gwent branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to a busy day at Monmouth Show (Thursday 25 August) highlighting that #FarmingMatters and will welcome all including local politicians including Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee David Davies MP  and Nick Ramsey AM, to discuss on farm policy and funding post Brexit at the Union stand throughout the day.

FUW Gwent County Executive Officer Glyn Davies said: “We look forward to discussing #FarmingMatters at the stand with our members and elected politicians and extend a warm welcome for members, guests and friends of the FUW, as in previous years, to join us on the day. Union officials and staff will be on hand to answer questions our members may have.”

The County Show dates back to the late 17th Century and has over 20,000 visitors each year, who all enjoy a taste of farming and the countryside at the stunning showground on the banks of the River Wye in Monmouth.

“Our county show, just like so many others across Wales, are an excellent shop window for our industry; showcasing not just the best of our livestock and food production but also highlight how many other businesses are reliant on the survival of our farming industry. Here at Monmouth Show we will be looking forward to an outstanding Grand Parade of British livestock and horses, which is the highlight of the day and also the thrills and excitement of main ring entertainment, food, farming and a wide range of rural interests,” added Glyn Davies.

[caption id="attachment_6836" align="alignleft" width="300"] (l-r) Arla Board representative Barbara Hughes, FUW Denbighshire County Chairman Rheinallt Hughes, HCC Industry Information Executive John Richards, BWMB Chairman Ian Buchanan, Clwyd YFC Vice Chairman Dewi Parry and FUW Managing Director Alan Davies.[/caption]

The Denbigh and Flint branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales has hosted a forum of speakers at their local County show to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of leaving Europe from an agricultural point of view.

Joining the panel discussions, which was chaired by FUW Denbighshire County Chairman Rheinallt Hughes, were FUW Managing Director Alan Davies, Arla Board representative Barbara Hughes, HCC Industry Information Executive John Richards, BWMB Chairman Ian Buchanan and Clwyd YFC Vice Chairman Dewi Parry.

The panel were unanimous in their opinion that the decision to leave the European Union should be seen as an opportunity to shape a future that suits Welsh farmers and not just those across the English Channel.

Speaking after the discussions, FUW Managing Director Alan Davies said: “This was a democratic decision and as a democratic organisation we will stand by that decision.There is no point in looking back, we must now focus on the future and recognise the excellent opportunity for us to shape our own future, one that suits Welsh agriculture and the people of Britain.

“For the first time in over 40 years we have an opportunity to create a long-term plan that favours Wales. If we focus on that - it will happen. The FUW is currently consulting its membership on what shape our post-Brexit agricultural policies should take and we will continue to make our voice heard in London and Cardiff, representing and fighting for the needs of Welsh farmers.

“The next step for us now is to make it clear what it is we want and to ensure that we get what is best for Wales and our agricultural industry for a sustainable future.”