The Gwent branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to a night at the races and are all set for their upcoming ‘Wooden Horse race’ night in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and the Farming Community Network.

The event will be held on Saturday, June 30, 7pm at Ty Oakley Farm, Hafodyrynys, by kind permission of Mr Howard Vicary.

The evening will see the auctioning of six wooden horses, for six separate races, which will then race over a short course with the winners receiving a cash prize.

The Farmers' Union of Wales has welcomed an announcement by First Minister Carwyn Jones that £2,150,000 of the Welsh Government's EU transition fund will go towards helping livestock farms prepare for Brexit.

Speaking shortly after the announcement was made at the FUW's annual general meeting today (Monday, June 18), FUW President Glyn Roberts said:

"We welcome the fact that one of the first EU transitional fund projects to be announced relates to the livestock sector which is so important to our economy and communities."

FUW President Glyn Roberts has raised concerns over the stark contrast between discussions taking place within the UK on the future of agriculture and equivalent EU discussions on the continent - highlighting worrying differences between recognition of the importance of common standards and support for farming.

Speaking shortly before Wales’ First Minister, Carwyn Jones delivered his keynote address at the FUW’s Annual General Meeting in Aberystwyth, Mr Roberts told delegates that the principles of providing a fair standard of living for farmers and securing a stable supply of affordable food had been key elements of both Labours 1947 Agriculture Act and the 1957 Treaty of Rome.

“The latest Euro Barometer survey reveals that providing a fair standard of living for farmers and securing a stable supply of safe, healthy high quality food are still considered priorities by the public, not only across the EU, but also here in the UK,” said Mr Roberts.

There are just a few days to go before the Farmers’ Union of Wales is embarking on its Snowdon 6 challenge, in aid of its President’s charities - Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and The Farming Community Network.

With excitement building all over the country, Senior Account Executive at FUW Insurance Services Ltd,  Gwion James, who is leading the arrangements, said:

“The current weather forecast for Friday is good, this will help us enjoy a good day together and hopefully enjoy the fabulous views of Snowdonia.

“At the end of the walk we look forward to a BBQ, which will be prepared at Llyndy Isaf and I hope everyone has a great and safe time completing this gruelling challenge.”