The Montgomeryshire branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales held a successful first ever county Farming Conference, which discussed the future of the industry in light of Brexit.

The well attended event was held at the Elephant & Castle Hotel, Newtown, on Thursday 16 November and guest speakers on the night were Steve Hughson Chief Executive of Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, Helen Davies NSA Cymru, Adam White Barclays National Performance Manager – Agriculture and Kevin Roberts Chair of Hybu Cig Cymru.

‘Ffermio’ presenter Alun (Elidyr) Edwards, who chaired the evening, opened the conference saying: “I would like to congratulate the CEO Emyr Wyn Davies for organising this event and also thank you all for being here and supporting the evening.

A Ceredigion sheep farmer has been appointed to lead the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ central education and training committee at a recent meeting in Aberystwyth.

Anwen Hughes, who has been the committee's vice chairman since 2015, takes over from S4C TV's Ffermio presenter Alun (Elidyr) Edwards, who served as the committee's chairman for 11 years.

Many will know Mrs Hughes as the FUW’s Ceredigion County Chairman and younger voice for farming vice chairman.

She farms around 138 acres, of which 99 acres are owned, 22.5 acres are on a lifetime farm tenancy and a further 17 acres are rented and keeps 100 pedigree Lleyn sheep, 30 purebred Highland sheep and 300 cross bred Lleyn and Highland ewes and has been farming since 1995  at Bryngido farm, just outside of Aberaeron in Ceredigion.

Speaking about her appointment Anwen said: “I am honoured and delighted to be taking over as the chairman of this important committee and would like to thank Alun for all of his years of service. His boots will be tough to fill.

“Looking to the future and the work the committee has ahead of it, our focus will be on how the sector can develop through education, training and research.

“We will of course also continue to work with key stakeholders such as Farming Connect, Lantra, FACE, HCC and the agricultural colleges to bring the latest information and guidance to our members.”

Delegates of the Farmers’ Union of Wales Younger Voice for Farming committee met with representatives from Dunbia, Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) and the CO-OP, to discuss the future for lamb production in Wales and wider #FarmingMatters.

The meeting, which was held at the Dunbia Llanybydder plant in Ceredigion, was followed by a tour of the site, allowing delegates to see the whole process from slaughter through to packaging.

The Llanybydder plant has a weekly retail capacity of 200 tonne,  slaughter capacity for 30,000 lambs per week and employs approximately 600 people, from 14 countries.

Delegates heard from Alison Harvey, Dunbia’s Agriculture Manager for Lamb, and Wyn Williams, Senior Livestock Buyer, who explained the history of the Llanybydder site since it was first established in 1956 by Oriel Jones, through to the current day where a newly formed joint venture between Dawn Meats is hoped to enable Dunbia to further develop as a leading supplier in the UK market.

The Anglesey branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is holding an information evening for farmers to discuss bovine TB, animal movements and rural crime.

The event will be held on Tuesday December 12 in the Pavillion on the Anglesey County Showground, commencing at 7.30pm.

The 3 guest speakers on the night include Steve Seagar from APHA and Janet Phillips WG who will both give talks on TB related issues and animal movements.  

In addition, a presentation will be given by PC Rhys Evans, Anglesey Rural Crime Officer, to update members on crime incidences over the last year within the locality of Anglesey.

FUW Anglesey CEO Heidi Williams said: “This promises to be a great evening, where we will discuss the most important #FarmingMatters. Everyone is welcome and I look forward to seeing many of you there.”

There will be festive food and drinks to follow meeting.  

Please confirm your attendance by phoning the Llangefni FUW Office on 01248 750250 or text Heidi Williams on 077255 16949.