Farmers from all over Wales enjoyed a constructive meeting with Cabinet Secretary Lesley Griffiths, focusing strongly on the recently launched Welsh Government consultation paper on post-Brexit agricultural and land use policies.

FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “This was a constructive meeting and we have raised numerous concerns about what is being proposed in this consultation document and our members have been quite outspoken about some of the proposals.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) says the current and coming impacts of the weather on Wales’ farming industry should be a key focus for governments, and should not be forgotten amidst other important debates to do with Brexit and future rural policies.

Speaking at the FUW’s pre-Royal Welsh Show press conference, FUW President Glyn Roberts said that while concerns about issues such as post-Brexit trade deals or future agricultural policies were of critical importance, the need to look after animals now and ensure there is enough fodder to look after them through the winter must be a priority.

The Gwent Branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales recently organised a “Wooden Horse Race Night” to raise funds for the President’s charities Alzheimer’s Society Wales and Farming Community Network.

The event attracted over 200 people and raised in excess of £4,100 with donations still being received.  The horses were auctioned off for the 6 races, with the winners going forward to a Grand Final, which was very keenly contested.

Musical entertainment was then provided by Ricky Jenkins A.K.A Elvis, which kept everyone going well into the night.

The event was held at Ty Oakley Farm, Hafodyrynys, and CEO Glyn Davies said: “A huge debt of gratitude is due to Howard Vicary and his family, who were hosts for the evening.  They put an enormous amount of work into preparing for the night and it is pleasing that it all proved worthwhile.

“I would also like to thank everyone who helped on the evening, our sponsors, and all those who donated to the cause.  The amount raised is fantastic and will help our charities continue their important work.”

The Pembrokeshire branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales in conjunction with Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed Powys Police, held a successful information day to help farmers get up to speed on scam awareness.

The event was held at Mountain Farm, Haverfordwest, and heard from Sandra McSparron and Rebecca Elliott, Trading Standards Consumer Safeguarding Team, Pembrokeshire County Council, as well as Paul Callard, Dyfed Powys Police Financial Crime Team.

FUW Pembrokeshire CEO Rebecca Voyle said: “This was an excellent opportunity for farmers to find out about telephone, mail and online scams which affect rural communities. I would like to thank Sandra McSparron, Rebecca Elliott and Paul Callard very much for their valuable contributions.