Farmers' Union of Wales president Emyr Jones has written to deputy agriculture minister Alun Davies emphasising the importance of allowing lambs to be identified by a single ear tag.

Speaking at Merioneth County Show in Bala today (August 24), Mr Jones said the three tagging options available for farmers - full EID, EID slaughter tags and non-EID slaughter tags - allowed farmers to tag appropriately, depending upon the market into which they were selling.

"Different operators within the supply chain have different needs and we have always advised farmers to speak to their customers in order to assess what their needs are," said Mr Jones.

In order to promote understanding of the options available, the FUW has supported the production of a leaflet by Hybu Cig Cymru which has been made available at shows and events throughout Wales.

In his letter to Mr Davies, Mr Jones said: "The current derogation takes account of a number of scenarios, including movements of animals to slaughter directly and via a market, where requiring such animals to be tagged with EID would result in significant extra costs and record keeping requirements for all those involved, while also increasing many fold the risk of unfair penalties being applied to single payments due to technological failings.

"While we are aware that there are some businesses which may currently, or in future, desire all animals to be electronically identified, it is our firm belief that those businesses must provide financial incentives, through the marketplace, which are sufficient to compensate farmers for the extra burden that EID represents, and that the current derogations must remain in place."

Mr Jones' letter also highlighted the importance of ensuring that any concessions allowed in Scotland regarding EID are also made available in Wales.

"While the Scots have announced concessions in relation to tolerances, the exact nature of these remains vague," said Mr Jones.

"However, given the failings of the technology, it is essential that any concessions allowed in other regions of the UK are implemented in Wales."

Farmers' Union of Wales' Meirionnydd branch is encouraging farmers with land within Internal Drainage Districts (IDD) to check the accuracy of recent drainage rates bills from the Environment Agency.

County executive officer Huw Jones said the branch had received many complaints from farmers noting that letters received by members included many mistakes with bills showing out of date details of land ownership and its occupation.

Following the complaints, the Environment Agency have now appointed Iwan Foulkes, of Farmers Marts (R G Jones) Cyf, Auctioneers, Valuers and Estate Agents, Dolgellau, to look at the full database of farmers within these areas.

Any queries can now be directed to Mr Foulkes at the Farmers Marts office 01341 422334 or alternatively to the FUW Office at Dolgellau 01341 422298.

Mr Jones, who can be contacted on 07974 795778 at the FUW's stand at Merioneth County Show in Bala today (Wednesday August 24), said: "Around 600 landowners and occupiers benefit from IDD maintenance in North Wales.

"The delay in forwarding bills for drainage works is a result of a whole scale review of IDDs and a consultation on the Flood and Water Management bill by the UK government.

"The Environment Agency have confirmed that further legislative change in this area is still been considered but, in the meantime, it is imperative that they hold correct details for all farmers involved."

[caption id="attachment_4445" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Tidytryc[/caption]

Handling big bales around farm yards and fields is set to be made simpler and more economical following the launch by a Meirionnydd young farmer of the "Tidytryc" handling system which will be on display on the Farmers' Union of Wales stand at Merioneth County Show in Bala tomorrow (August 24).

Twenty-eight-year-old Telor Edwards, from Tyddyn Ronnen, near Llanuwchllyn, used knowledge gained during a mechanical engineering degree at Cardiff University in 2004 to come up with the design and has already a launched a website - www.tidytryc.co.uk - where farmers can view images and a video of the Tidytryc in action.

The new design will save money, time and labour by enabling farms and businesses to purchase and handle large square bales.

Mr Edwards has recently taken over the 260-hectare family farm and his new business will be run, from an outbuilding which forms part of Tyddyn Ronnen farm buildings and dwelling, alongside the farming sheep and beef enterprise at Tyddyn Ronnen.

"At this stage of the business development I will be solely responsible for the manufacture, distribution, selling and marketing of the device with the assistance of my wife, Lindsey, who works as a rural regeneration officer with Gwynedd Council at Dolgellau," said Mr Edwards.

"But I hope that the business will grow from strength to strength as people become aware of the advantages of the Tidytryc."

Mr Edwards received support from Llwyddo yng Ngwynedd - Arloesi to formulate a business plan. The business plan states that the competitive advantages of the device is that it would enable individuals to manually handle and move between 5 - 7 wedges (approximately between 50 - 100 kilograms) of hay or straw around confined feeding areas which will need less handling requirements and be less labour intensive.

There is also an option of being able to attach and detach a draw bar on the device to be towed behind an ATV quad bike, which provides a unique selling point, as there is no similar device on the market.

The device provides the ability to carry a significant amount of fodder feed without the need for any ratchet or winch operation and should provide an opportunity for exporting to other EU countries especially with the emergence of Eastern European countries as milk and meat producers.

The purpose of the business would be to provide a diversified income to the current farming business at Tyddyn Ronnen, with the product primarily aimed at agriculture and equine industries

FUW Meirionnydd county executive officer Huw Jones said: "It is most encouraging to see a young FUW member in the county creating such an innovative design which will be of use to the farming industry. We wish the family all the best in this venture."

[caption id="attachment_4442" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Left to Right:- Farmers Elgan Evans, Dilwyn Evans, Rhydian Evans and Marion Evans, with PC Hefin Jones, PCSO Glenda Jones Adrian Evans, William Evans and Rhys Davies[/caption]

The Farmers' Union of Wales has joined forces with Dyfed-Powys Police, Ceredigion County Council and NFU Cymru to urge rural communities to be vigilant over increasing farm thefts.

This week's Farm Watch launch in the county of Ceredigion will address a variety of issues including livestock thefts and will encourage members of the farming community to be vigilant, pool their inside knowledge and report any suspicious activity to the police.

FUW's Ceredigion county executive officer Adrian Evans said: "Sheep thefts in Wales have escalated significantly in recent years and many of our members have suffered major losses as a result of these.

"Farm Watch is free to join and will help improve communication between farmers and the police in order to reduce the opportunities for crime and vandalism.

"The success of Farm Watch depends upon local farmers and their support and input. We need as many people involved as possible to establish a two-way flow of information where all suspicious activity or crimes are reported. This way crime patterns can be identified and potential targets advised and warned," said Mr Evans.

Dyfed-Powys Police neighbourhood policing team officer Constable Hefin Jones said: "These are serious offences which can have a significant impact on the livelihood of the victims and the rural community at large.

"We are working with our partners to further call on residents to remain vigilant. Where possible, police officers will be stepping up patrols across the local area and making vehicle stops in a bid to provide reassurance to members of the farming community.

"Farm Watch will inform members of recent thefts - and encourage members of the farming community who haven't joined the scheme to get in touch.

"Officers are also urging people who see any suspicious activity in the area to call police as all matters will be fully investigated," added Mr Jones.

Ceredigion Council's senior animal health inspector William Evans said: "Farm Watch will enable officers to advise farmers on issues such as crime prevention and provide access to other partnership agencies who can help with the challenges they face.

"A key issue is animal welfare. This type of crime has a significant impact on the transportation and slaughter of the livestock, which is of a major concern."