The Farmers’ Union of Wales is urging farmers to get to grips with the ‘Making tax digital’ scheme, which will come into force in April and see millions of businesses and self-employed people having to file multiple tax returns each year.

In order to help those VAT-registered businesses with a taxable turnover above the VAT threshold, the Ceredigion branch of the Union has organised a special information evening with Dyfrig Davies, Aeron Accountants.  

The event, which starts at 7.30pm, is held on Thursday 14 February at Aberaeron Rugby Club.

FUW Ceredigion CEO Emma Davies said: “There are many farm businesses who from April will be required to use the Making Tax Digital service to keep records digitally and use software to submit their VAT returns. Businesses will no longer be able to submit paper tax returns.

“To help them better understand what is required of them and what tools are available to comply with the new way of submitting your tax return, we are hosting this special information evening, which we hope will be of interest to our members.”

For more information contact the FUW Ceredigion office on 01570 424 515.

An information evening to discuss bovine TB within the Denbigh and Flintshire counties has been arranged by the local Farmers’ Union of Wales branch.

The event, which is open to all, is being held on Wednesday 13 February at the Hanmer Arms, Hanmer, Whitchurch SY13 3DE, starting at 7.30 pm.

Speaking on the night are representatives from APHA and the North Wales TB Eradication Board, and FUW Senior Policy Officer Dr Hazel Wright will also be available to answer questions.  

FUW Denbigh and Flint CEO Mari Dafydd Jones said: “We have arranged this meeting as we have many members that are being affected by TB within this area.  

“The level of TB in cattle has not shown any significant decline and new TB spikes have developed in the Intermediate TB Area.

“Alongside frustration at the lack of progress in the High TB Area, there is growing concern amongst members that previously clean areas are now at risk of a TB incursion. I hope many of you can join us on the night, which we hope will provide much needed information.”

For more information contact the FUW Ruthin office on 01824 707198

The Farmers’ Union of Wales Meirionnydd branch held their Annual General Meeting themed ‘The future relationship between Welsh Government as administrators of farming, and farmers as practitioners’, on Friday, 25 January at the Rugby Club, Dolgellau.

Guest speakers on the night were Head of Agriculture – Sustainability and Development Division, Welsh Government Gary Haggaty, winner of the New Entrants Category of the British Farming Awards - tenant farmer from Abercegir, near Machynlleth Rhidian Glyn and RSPB Land Use Manager Arfon Williams.

FUW Meirionnydd County President Olwen Ford, who chaired the meeting, said: “We had some very lively and interesting discussions and among the many comments and questions from our members, it was evident that we need better partnerships and a positive dialogue between farmers and Welsh Government. Especially with regards to any future policy decisions.”

The FUW’s annual Farmhouse Breakfast week has raised more than just awareness of the great food farmers produce all year round.

During the week (21 - 27 January) over 27 breakfast functions were held across Wales, which raised nearly £15,000 for the FUW President’s charity appeal.

Glyn Roberts, FUW President, said: “Our staff, members and wonderful volunteers have done an incredible job once again this year. The money raised will go to our charitable causes - Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and The Farming Community Network - and brings the current fund up to almost £35,000!

“Farming communities are close-knit communities and this shows what can be achieved when we all come together, with a common goal. Through these events, where we all sat around the kitchen table to talk and share our thoughts about #FarmingMatters, we’ve strengthened ongoing and permanent relationships and established new ones.

“The money we have raised in our rural communities will go towards helping others in our communities - we must never forget that our communities are the engine room of people powered change and that amazing things can be achieved and will be achieved.”