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JANUARY 2023
‘AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE AWAITS’
Farming is going through an “extraordinary time and an incredibly uncertain time”, a meeting has heard.
But farmers have been assured advice and support is available to help them through the difficulties. That message was given when Herefordshire farmers heard from the NFU vice president David Exwood at a virtual meeting. The meeting discussed sector and supply chain issues, the future of farming in the county and other industry news. Mr Exwood was welcomed by county chairman Bill Quan, of Pontrilas, to the Herefordshire NFU annual general meeting. Farmers and growers heard the NFU was working across many policy fronts. Those include agri-environment, water, plant and animal health, the availability of labour, the transition away from the Basic Payment Scheme, rural crime prevention, and a host of other issues. Mr Exwood spoke about current issues in Government and Westminster, the challenges in the poultry sector, in the supply chain, avian influenza and spiralling on farm costs for all. He said: “This is an extraordinary time and an incredibly uncertain time. “We are used to dealing with uncertainty in farming, the weather and other issues, but there are layers to this – the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the energy crisis that comes on the back of it, inflation and the political uncertainty this summer. “We also have uncertainty in agricul-
BY IAIN ST JOHN
tural policy between the old and the new. “What I would say is that you need to give yourself a break. If you are feeling under pressure and you are not sure, be assured there are lots of people who feel the same. “The NFU recognises those layers, that uncertainty, and we will try and help you with them.” Mr Exwood said Herefordshire farmers, industry and decision-makers needed to work together to seize future opportunities and he urged Herefordshire farmers to continue to lobby MPs. At the meeting the farmed environment was discussed, including the Environmental Land Management programme. Members heard schemes needed to be fit for purpose and allow farmers to continue to produce traceable, sustainable, climate-friendly food, and deliver for the environment. Other items on the agenda included commodity board reports. Meanwhile, the message that help and support is available to all farmers feeling the strain of dealing with issues affecting the industry has been echoed by the farming charity RABI. Bosses at the charity said poultry farmers affected by current Avian Influenza issues may in particular be facing a worrying time. RABI’s services manager Helen Sisk has given a reminder that any farmer can access the charity’s free confidential helpline and arrange professional in-person mental health counselling. l Reminder – Page 32
Lights donation made
Builth Wells Mayor Councillor Alan Waller, left, with Aled Rhys Jones
The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has again made a donation to Builth Wells Town Council towards its Christmas lights display. Each year, the display is put up in readiness for the Royal Welsh Winter Fair and to spread the festive spirit in the town. The colourful display gives a warm festive welcome to the thousands of fair visitors. As a mark of appreciation, the society was delighted to contribute £350 to the council to help towards the cost of main-
taining, erecting and purchasing lights. Society chief executive Aled Rhys Jones presented the cheque to town mayor Councillor Alan Waller. Mr Rhys Jones said: “The relationship between the society and the town of Builth Wells is vitally important and we are pleased to continue our ongoing support towards the Christmas lights display. “We are grateful to the council for the festive atmosphere the Christmas lights create for our Winter Fair and showground visitors.”
Firm backs tractor run
Rea Valley Tractors were delighted to be a sponsor of this year’s Welshpool Illuminated Tractor Run. More than 200 tractors participated in the 30-mile Christmas spectacular which raised thousands of pounds for farming charity the Addington Fund. RVT led out the procession with a festive JCB 8000 Series Fastrac, New Holland T7 315 HD and New Holland T6, together with tractors of all colours and ages. Annie Winn from the Addington Fund said: “We have been overwhelmed with support and would like to thank everyone who got involved with this year’s Illuminated Christmas Tractor Run, and especially to organisers Jenny and Kevin Clarke.” l RVT sponsors the Machinery Section of The Farmer, starting on Page 21
New venue
The Royal Agricultural Society of England’s flagship event, the British Pig & Poultry Fair, will be moving to a new venue at the NEC in Birmingham for 2024. The next fair will take place on May 15-16, 2024.
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