Agricultural & Rural Affairs Information from the Welsh Assembly Government issue 81 february 2009 Gwlad 2Regional Boards co-ordinate TB eradication actions 6Welsh Black beef now in demand in Australian restaurants 10New strategy to secure Welsh red meat industry 14AgrisgГґp advice helps couple with new fresh chickens venture 17Planning is so important when erecting new farm buildings Farmers given advice on how to avoid accidents page 4 GENERAL NEWS News in Brief Wales is the first country in the UK to publish guidance on the welfare of dogs, cats and equines in a bid to inform people of the responsibility, time and cost involved in caring for an animal properly. Cases of animal cruelty and abandonment continue to rise, which suggests that not all prospective pet owners have considered carefully the responsibilities associated with looking after an animal. The Codes of Practice for the welfare of Dogs, Cats and Equines (which includes horses and donkeys) have been produced by the Welsh Assembly Government following extensive consultation and are welcomed by animal welfare groups. They are practical guides for people who own, or are thinking of getting a dog, cat or equine. Four Crosses Young FarmersвЂ™ Club celebrated its 75th anniversary by holding various money raising events during the year for good causes. These have enabled the club to present cheques for ВЈ1,500 each to Hope House ChildrenвЂ™s Hospices, Wales Air Ambulance and MacMillan Cancer Support. Money was also donated to the Four Crosses Village Hall and some to the club to help ensure its future. The Club is grateful to businesses and individuals for their support. www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside Food Centre Wales at Horeb has arranged several meat cutting courses in February and March. These include lamb cutting on 10 February; pig cutting on 24 and 25 February; pork curing on 26 February and beef cutting on 16, 17 and 18 March. Further details on 01559 362230 or by emailing irene@foodcentrewales.org.uk 2 Courses will be held this month for farmers and countryside staff to learn more about hosting visits by schools, colleges and youth groups. They are being organised by FACE Cymru in association with the YMCA Wales Community College. There will be courses at Bangor on 10 and 24 February; at Dihewyd on 11 and 25 February; at Cwmbran on 12 and 26 February and at St DavidвЂ™s on 17 and 24 February. The course costs ВЈ85 + VAT, but farmers who register with Farming Connect may be able to reclaim 50% of the fee, and learners on a low income can also apply for a bursary. To book a place or for more information contact Jane Powell on 01970 622248 or e-mail jane@face-online.org.uk. The Lord Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan, Mrs Kathrin (Kate) Thomas of Gelli Hir, Nelson, Treharris, has been elected president of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society for 2009. She is only the fifth woman to become president of the society in the 105 years since its formation in 1904. New Boards will co-ordinate action to eradicate TB at regional level T HREE Regional TB Eradication Boards have been set up to provide a local and practical perspective to the disease and deliver a co-ordinated approach to eradicating it from different regions across Wales. The vision is to reach the point where Wales is internationally recognised as being TB free and sustain this position. Established as part of the ВЈ27m TB Eradication Programme, the regional boards have already held their first meetings. They are organised around the three Animal Health Divisional offices centred on Cardiff, Carmarthen and Caernarfon and are chaired by the local Divisional Veterinary Manager. Members include vets, farmers, representatives of enforcement bodies (including local authorities and rural Inspectorate Wales) and Welsh Assembly Government officials. The Regional Boards will work on key issues to integrate services and respond effectively to the disease situation in their own areas. They will aim to ensure concerted and collective leadership on the prevention, detection and removal of TB on a local basis. In addition to the development of local and regional activities, they will be able to provide advice and guidance on the revision or development of new national TB policies. Wales Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christianne Glossop said, вЂњWe are committed to the eradication of TB in Wales and the battle against M.bovis has commenced. Our plans are focussing both on the national and local disease pictures.вЂќ Each Regional Board will identify priorities to tackle the local situation, taking into account epidemiological information, any wildlife aspects, the nature of the industry in the area, evidence of operational performance by delivery agents, compliance with legislation and best practice guidance as well as all national priorities set out by the Assembly Government. вЂў Collectively consider improvements that can be made to the removal of Tb reactor cattle from farm. вЂў Improving biosecurity on farm and at additional destinations such as markets. вЂў Dealing with non-compliance issues such as overdue tests and illegal livestock movements. вЂў Identifying improvements in enforcement and compliance delivery across organisations. вЂў Improved integration of local veterinary services вЂў Improved awareness and understanding of Tb. вЂў Improve the process of managing the individual circumstance of breakdowns. The boards have an initial commitment to continue until 31 March 2011, and are responsibile for ensuring consistency and sharing of best practice between themselves. Incidence of new TB breakdowns between 1986 and 2007 new herd breakdowns 1986 new herd breakdowns 2007 consultation on tb in camelids T he Welsh Assembly government has completed consultation on a framework for Preventing and managing incidents of bovine tb in camelids in Wales. generAl neWs generAl neWs вЂў Promote involvement in the Health Check Wales (where all cattle herds in Wales are being tested for Tb over a 15 month period starting 1 October 2008). The consultation ran from the beginning of august to mid November 2008 and sought the views of stakeholders, including representatives of the camelid industry, on the development of an appropriate framework. Seventeen responses were received from a variety of organisations and individuals and these will be fully considered in the development of an action Plan for taking forward the Tb in Camelids project, which forms part of the Wales Tb eradication Programme. compensation consultation P roPosAls to link bovine tb compensation payments to good farming practices and disease control measures have been published as part of the Welsh Assembly governmentвЂ™s comprehensive programme of activity to eradicate bovine tb in Wales. bovine Tb in Wales has increased substantially in the current financial year вЂ“ and the compensation paid by the taxpayer has therefore also increased. from april 2008 to 13 January 2009 expenditure on Tb compensation in Wales was over ВЈ17,734,564, compared with ВЈ11,185,340 in the same period the previous year вЂ“ an increase of 59 per cent. a consultation paper considers the responsibilities of herd owners and the principles of compensation, and, in particular, how these principles can both encourage positive on-farm actions and help to modify behaviour to prevent the reintroduction of the disease into herds in Wales. The consultation document is available on www.wales.gov.uk/consultations or by request from assembly-publications@wales.gsi.gov.uk. The closing date for comments is 10 april 2009. www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside The plans will develop over time and could include issues such as: 3 GENERAL NEWS Farmers are shown how to avoid accidents on farms O F the 182 farm deaths in the UK over the past four years, 15 of them have been in Wales, Chris Ward, the Health and Safety ExecutiveвЂ™s (HSE) Principal Factory/Agricultural Inspector told more than 360 farmers who attended a safety, health and awareness day in Caernarfon. Held on Coleg Meirion DwyforвЂ™s Glynllifon site, the event saw Lantra instructors take the farmers through six different accident scenarios вЂ“ on manual handling, stock handling, safety with ladders and roofs, quad bike handling, tractor maintenance and Telehandler safety. Mr Ward said, вЂњThe event was arranged to raise awareness of the main causes of farm deaths so that those who attended could go back to their holdings and put into practice some of the ideas. We looked at some of the pitfalls they face on a daily basis and guided them through best practice.вЂќ He said he was delighted to see such a large attendance, highlighting the importance which farmers themselves place on health and safety issues. www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside The farmers, too, said that the practical demonstrations were very helpful. After watching one on the dangers of using a Telehandler, father of two Robert Wyn Jones of Glaslyn, Nantlle said he found it extremely useful. вЂњThe 4 Falls from telehandlers have led to farm deaths instructor pointed out the blind spot for drivers behind the machine and explained how easy it would be to reverse into someone not knowing that person was there. He also advised on the importance of regularly checking the wheel nuts, something I havenвЂ™t been doing in the past.вЂќ Emlyn Jones of Llanidan Farm, Brynsiencyn said events such as this are extremely valuable. вЂњHealth and safety on the farm is extremely important and it is always good to receive professional advice on how to carry out everyday duties in the safest and best ways to avoid injuries and accidents. I thought the manual handling advice was particularly helpful.вЂќ The next event is at Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth on March 5. * Our front page picture shows instructors Stuart Renfree and Dennis Cartmel demonstrating quad bike safety issues. Make the promise вЂ“ and come home safe A CAMPAIGN to prevent deaths on farms highlights farming as one of the most dangerous ways to make a living in Britain. вЂ�Make the promise. Come Home SafeвЂ™ is a hard-hitting campaign from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) targeting farmers and their families, including grandparents and children, with the individual stories behind the statistics and the devastation caused to bereaved families.В In January HSE sent вЂ�Promise PacksвЂ™ to around 70,000 British farmers, which contains all they need to make their promise to come home safe. It includes a вЂ�Promise KnotвЂ™, a symbolic вЂ�knotвЂ™ of farm baling twine,В which canВ be used as a visual reminder of the pledge to come home safe, as well as a poster outlining detailed safety information. Judith Donovan, HSE Board member and agriculture champion, said, вЂњA new booklet вЂ�How lives are lost on British farmsвЂ™ can also be requested by farmers which summarises recent fatal accidents and is designed to help farmers avoid making the same mistakes. HSE is mounting this campaign because on average over 45В deaths, year after year, occur on British farms.вЂќ Farmers can send in a form contained within the pack or call 0800 141 2805 to request a new booklet. In the case of Tir Gofal agreement holders who signed up before 31 December 2004, if the RMP has been included in the Tir Gofal agreement at the five year review, agreement holders should complete their RMP within six months of signing the five year review addendum. All Tir Gofal and Tir Cynnal agreement holders must review their plans annually and where necessary (e.g. if the enterprise or land area changes) are advised to carry out the review more frequently. Agreement holders who are required to complete Manure and Soil Nutrient Management Plans have twelve months from the agreement start or from the date of signing the five year review addendum to prepare these plans (e.g. a deadline of March 2009 for those farmers who joined the scheme in March 2008). Agreement holders are not required to submit their completed RMPs to the Welsh Assembly Government, however, an up-to-date copy must be available for inspection during farm inspection visits. Failure to produce an up-to-date copy during the inspection may attract financial penalties. A вЂ�Promise KnotвЂ™ like this will soon be found on many farmers The three main causes of deaths to agriculture workers in the last ten years were: Transport вЂ“ 24 per cent; Falls from height, especially roofs вЂ“ 17%; Being struck by moving or falling objects вЂ“ 15%. W ITH increasing emphasis being placed on the importance of reducing CO2 emissions from farming, members of FWAG CymruвЂ™s membership scheme FWAG Cyntaf are endeavouring to keep ahead of the game by considering their farm carbon footprints. GENERAL NEWS T IR Gofal agreement holders who signed up after 1 January 2007 and who are required to complete a Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the first time are reminded that their plan needs to be completed within six months of the start of their agreements. The agreement start date is clearly shown on the Tir Gofal offer letter. Farmers advised of changes to reduce carbon emissions About 50 farmers attended a recent seminar on carbon management policies addressed by Gareth Edwards-Jones, Professor of Agriculture and Land Use at the School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University. After explaining the sources of the various greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide at various points along the food supply chain, Prof. Edwards-Jones said that farmers are in the front line with climate change and will soon need to include carbon management as part of their future planning. FWAG Cymru Farm Conservation Advisers last year collected data from 25 FWAG Cyntaf farmers who had been invited to participate in a process that calculated carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from their farms, in partnership with Bangor University. These farmers have now been advised of changes that they should make to help them reduce CO2 emissions. Prof. Edwards-Jones told the farmers that there is now increasing pressure from retailers for suppliers to know their carbon footprint. He cited examples of how farmers can reduce their carbon footprints вЂ“ as defined by PAS 2050 вЂ“ the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) method for measuring the embodied greenhouse gas emissions from goods and services. These include: Managing N inputs; not converting land from forest to agriculture and identifying and breeding stock genetically suited to production efficiency. Among ways in which farmers can reduce their carbon footprint were: Returning organic matter to soil; not ploughing permanent grassland; turning to a Green Tariff for electricity; developing renewable energy sources on-farm, e.g. micro-hydro; actively supporting renewable energy projects and not wasting food or energy. For further details contact FWAG on 01341 421456. www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside RMP reminders 5 GENERAL NEWS Welsh Black beef in big demand at leading Australian restaurants J ESSICA Evans, the Welsh Black Cattle SocietyвЂ™s Young Member Ambassador has recently returned from a three week tour of Australia with the Society. The 25 year old farmerвЂ™s daughter from Harlech established her own herd of Welsh Black Cattle in 2001 at the age of 18. Last year she won the Hybu Cig Cymru Scholarship to travel to Australia to see how Wales' native breed has adapted in a different climate. In this special article for Gwlad she reports on her visit: in 2006. Kangaroos compete with the cattle for feed and water, and therefore electric fences are a must. The tour started with the Welsh Black Cattle SocietiesвЂ™ Second World Conference in Melbourne. It was an amazing experience to meet other breeders from around the world who shared such passion and enthusiasm for the breed, and also provided the opportunity to discuss the future development of bloodlines globally. I was impressed by the great emphasis that the Australian Welsh Black Cattle Society placed on securing the future of the breed by engaging the interests of young people and students through a Youth Development Programme. We travelled 2,526 km in Victoria and New South Wales, visiting 11 farms that kept Welsh Black Cattle. The climatic conditions varied enormously between farms, with some experiencing a 12 year drought, which had resulted in a reduction in cattle numbers. Other problems encountered were kangaroos, wild dogs and bush fires, which had destroyed 1 million hectares www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside Strategic food and drink group named 6 R URAL Affairs Minister Elin Jones has announced the members of a new group that has been set up to examine how the Welsh food and drink industry should be supported in meeting current and future challenges. The Minister said that the Strategic Food and Drink Advisory Group, which has replaced the Agri-Food Partnership Advisory Group, will strengthen the link between government policy and strategy and reflect the working relationship between the Welsh Assembly Government and the Welsh food and drink industry. The members are Dr Nic Lampkin, Jeremy Percy, Roger Hughes, Dr Mark Simkin, Terrig Morgan, Alison Lea-Wilson, Professor Peter Midmore, David Lloyd, Kate Palmer, Kate Morgan, Richard Parry Hughes, Joyce Hughes, Dr Shyam Patiar, Philip Stocker, Jennifer Davis, Sheep numbers in one area visited had been reduced from 40,000 to 1,000 due to attacks from wild dogs living in the bush. This, however, had resulted in an increase in cattle numbers in the high plains вЂ“ an ideal place for Welsh Black Cattle due to their ability to tolerate a range of temperatures from 40ВєC in the summer and -20ВєC in the winter, and their capacity to walk the long distances due to their good hoof quality. Welsh Black Cattle Breeders in Australia were taking advantage of Gene Star testing. DNA technology scores the cattle for marbling, tenderness and feed efficiency. These technologies form part of their selection process in their endeavours to improve the quality of their Welsh Blacks. Some Welsh Black Cattle were sold as stores at nine months to be fattened by feed lot systems, Huw Rees, Gwyn Angell Jones and Rees Roberts, who will represent the Welsh red meat sector. The group will build on the work of the AgriFood Partnership Advisory Group, which since 1999 has provided guidance and support on the development and implementation of support services for the food and drink industry in Wales. It will oversee the development and implementation of the Food and Drink from Wales strategy and provide advice to the Welsh Assembly Government on its support for the food and drink industry. The work of the partnership is supported by sector strategy groups covering Dairy, Fish and Aquaculture, and Horticulture. There is also an Organic and a Trade Development Group. At regional level, there are four partnerships which bring together a range of public and private sector bodies involved in local delivery to facilitate joined up working and the development and implementation of projects that meet specific local/regional needs. while many breeders fattened their own stock and supplied their meat direct to restaurants, and also consumers through farmers markets. Welsh Black Cattle in Australia have gone from strength to strength since first being imported from New Zealand in 1984. The cattle seen during our trip were of the highest quality and a true reflection of those originally exported from Wales. They have gone from an unrecognised breed in Australia to being the feature breed at the Royal Melbourne Show in 2008, and are also now competing against breeds such as the Wagu for the meat in top Australian restaurants. The superior breed characteristics have led to the Welsh Black not only being used as a pure breed sire but often now used in commercial herds as the terminal sire. OCW Director leaves N IC Lampkin, Director of Organic Centre Wales since its formation in 2000 has left to take up a new position as Executive Director of the Organic Research Centre Elm Farm, near Newbury. GENERAL NEWS GENERAL NEWS A FARMER who has demonstrated a high standard of commercial farming alongside sensitive environmental management has scooped another major award. Three years ago Glasnant Morgan of Pwllrhwyaid, Talybont-on-Usk won the British Grassland SocietyвЂ™s UK grassland management competition, showing excellence in the management of grass and forage crops. He has now won the 2008 FWAG Cymru - National Grid Silver Lapwing Farm Conservation competition, which promotes environmental best practice in the commercial farming sector. He receives ВЈ800 and an engraved slate farmgate plaque. Glenda Thomas, Director FWAG Cymru said, вЂњThe judges were impressed by the vibrant farm business based on quality lamb production for Waitrose and high-class weaned suckler calves. Unsprayed spring cereals and root crops supplement the conserved grass forage as well as providing ideal habitats for wildlife.вЂќ The 420-acre holding is all in Tir Gofal and Glasnant, who runs Pwllyrhwyaid with support from his wife Linda and son Huw, said he was determined to keep up the good work of his father Sam and manage the land sensitively. вЂњI believe that the good land should be managed for agricultural production, with the marginal land having more of a wildlife focus.вЂќ Elm Farm is one of the partner organisations involved in running OCW and there will be continued collaboration between the two organisations to support the development of organic farming in Wales, the UK and internationally. His successor at Aberystwyth is currently being recruited by the University. The policy of managing the land sensitively is on-going, and the results include well positioned coppices and rough grazing strips, good hedgerow management, an impressive sequence of ponds and wetland areas, orchard planting and the preservation of pasture with a plant diversity of over 100 species. Nic will also remain closely engaged with organic policy work in Wales, as a member of the new WAG Strategic Food and Drink Advisory Group, Chair of the Organic Strategy Group and Board Member of Hybu Cig Cymru. The 2007 Silver Lapwing Award winner Peter Davies, who was one of the judges said, вЂњGlasnant shares his enthusiasm and knowledge with the many school and farmer groups who come to his door.вЂќ www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside Jessica Evans pictured with some Welsh Black Cattle at Budweed Creek Stud, Dargo, in the high plains in the state of Victoria Farmer shows conservation can work with commercial production 7 GENERAL NEWS Staff gear up to ease red tape burden for farmers T ACKLING red tape and improving communications with the farming industry was the focus of training recently delivered, with the help of NFU Cymru, FUW and the Farm Crisis Network to over 500 frontline staff from the Assembly GovernmentвЂ™s Rural Affairs Department. The training was designed to deliver a key objective of the Red Tape Review action plan focusing on the role of frontline staff in addressing bureaucracy, improving communications with farmers and helping to reduce rural stress. Many of the staff involved come from a farming background and the nine events held throughout Wales proved an opportunity to use their knowledge and experience to consider the impact red tape has on farming families and to explore ways in which the red tape issue might be addressed. www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside The training was provided as a direct response to feedback received from stakeholders that the Department 8 Harvesting willow does have its problems by Huw Powell, IBERS A NYONE who harvested their crops in 2008 had to cope with some very wet conditions following prolonged rainfall, and willow crops were no exception. should do more to communicate clearly the reasons why some bureaucracy is necessary and/or desirable. Some, of course, is linked to the Assembly GovernmentвЂ™s policy objectives, for example in respect of protecting human and animal health and the environment. Much of what exists, however, is necessary to meet the audit requirements of the European Commission in respect of the ВЈ300 million or so paid to Welsh farmers each year through the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) and other payments such as Tir Mynydd and Tir Gofal. During the training events consideration was given to how the DepartmentвЂ™s existing communication methods including Gwlad magazine and its internet site might be improved and how the department might engage with farmers who currently do not access the internet, do not read Gwlad and may not attend the regular meetings organised by the Farm Liaison Service and others. A number of ideas for improvement were suggested by attendees during the events and these are currently being considered and implemented where appropriate. Readers will soon see changes to this magazine which we hope will improve the content and design. Changes will also be made to the Department for Rural Affairs internet pages, which we expect will make them easier to navigate so that customers can reach the information they require more quickly. Amongst other activities, work is also underway to improve the stock letters that the Department issues to farmers. way with modified maize harvester impractical, so local forestry machinery was used at Cilgoed. The stems were then baled using a forestry brash baler and extracted road-side with a forwarder. However, the costs and time of the operations made it an impractical option for economic harvesting of Short Rotation Coppice. In addition, there is significant potential for soil damage with the repeated trafficking of harvester, baler and forwarder. The upside was that unlike some cereal crops the willow doesnвЂ™t spoil, so we could afford to wait until the soils started drying out at some sites whilst at others harvesting is scheduled for early February. Our experience has shown that there is a need to develop machinery that is better suited to marginal areas and small fields than the maize harvester and more economic than forestry machinery. Whilst it is not difficult to produce a tracked machine that can cope with harvesting sloping sites, there will be issues with creating a machine with enough throughput capacity and harvesting speed to make it economic. At two of the project sites in North Wales a combination of slopes and wet soils made harvesting in the usual The Cernyfed site was cut by hand with chainsaws and presented for the baler. A team of two men A S a result of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Health Check review undertaken by the European Commission, changes have been introduced to the Statutory Management Requirements (SMR) included in Cross Compliance. The main changes are as follows: Peredur Hughes, former president of NFU Cymru and external advisor to the red tape review said: вЂњI believe that front line staff, whether they be field officers or desk bound in the regional offices, all have a part to play in reducing bureaucracy and stress; it will in the end benefit not only farmers but staff as well. вЂњI attended one of the training sessions and found it both interesting and informative. The staff I met were both supportive and enthusiastic to make changes. Hopefully as more of the action plan is implemented in the coming months farmers will start to see a real difference in the level of red tape.вЂќ SMR: Conservation of Wild Birds and SMR: Conservation of Fauna and Flora Under SMR: Conservation of Wild Birds and SMR: Conservation of Fauna and Flora requirements have been removed where they are not considered to be relevant to farming activities, farmland or farmers. SMR: Cattle Identification and Registration One of the Commission regulations covering cattle identification has been removed from cross compliance but this does not affect what you have to do to comply with cattle identification. In addition, further changes to the SMRs are occurring which are mainly due to amendments to European Directives. These changes are likely to affect the following requirements: were able to cut 0.2ha/day. The harvesting costs were less than by machine, and there was no machinery damage to the soils. However with the upland sites producing relatively low yields, the costs of using such a harvesting system can only be justified with longer rotation and a greater yield/ha. SMR: Groundwater The practical issues associated with harvesting by hand would be important to investigate given the interest from the rapidly developing domestic chip boilers. Many landowners are keen to grow small areas of willow for their own use, in areas too small to justify mechanised harvesting. The Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2008 have been introduced following a full consultation to implement the European Communities Nitrates Directive and to reduce nitrogen losses from agriculture into water. This has resulted in number of changes to the cross compliance requirements. * The Willow for Wales project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Welsh Assembly Government and by industry involving a consortium of organisations including IBERS, Forest Research, Cardiff University, EGNI, RWE nPower, Renewable Fuels ltd and the West Wales and Cadwyn Cymru- Link Wales Machinery Rings. SMR: Prevention and Control of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies The groundwater regulations are due to be updated during 2009 which may change the requirements for groundwater under cross compliance. SMR: Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Requirements regarding the placing on the market and export of live animals, their semen, embryos and ova have been introduced. Further information will follow in future Gwlad articles and on the Welsh Assembly website. www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside Frontline staff discuss ways to reduce red tape and improve communication with farmers GENERAL NEWS Changes to Cross Compliance for 2009 9 GENERAL NEWS Long-term strategy to secure multimillion pound Welsh red meat sector A NEW strategic action plan has been developed to encourage a thriving red meat industry in Wales with a long-term future. Produced by Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) in close consultation with the Welsh Assembly Government and industry stakeholders, the draft plan is now out for consultation and comments are invited before the closing date of February 20. It points out that the red meat industry is worth ВЈ361 million a year to the Welsh economy and has huge potential for further growth both at home and abroad. Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef are strong brands trusted by consumers, but everyone involved in the production chain must meet several challenges to ensure that they continue to flourish well into the future. Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones said, вЂњThe vision outlined in this important document is to have a profitable, efficient, sustainable and innovative Welsh red meat industry. That is what I want to see. вЂњKey to the success of the industry is knowing the market, knowing the customer and meeting their needs. Despite the many challenges, Wales is in a good position as customers become more aware of environmental issues and where their food comes from,вЂќ said the Minister. HCC Chair Rees Roberts said, вЂњWe want an industry that can respond quickly and competitively to ever changing markets, benefiting the people of Wales. I see this as a positive document, setting out our vision of a bright future for all sections of the industry. But following a sustained period of low prices and low profitability, we have to recognise that there are a number of challenges facing us. вЂњAt the core, profitability remains the biggest challenge, and there is a need to improve overall confidence in the industry and encourage future investment.вЂќ The document states that many Welsh producers are struggling to come to terms with the full implications for their business of the changes in European subsidies, increasing regulations, market and environmental issues. At the same time stock levels are falling. Latest figures show that the number of breeding ewes in Wales has fallen from just over 4.5 million in 2007 to just under 4.2 million this year - a reduction of seven per cent compared with a cut of five per cent in the Scottish flock and an increase of one per cent in England. www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside ВЈ4.5m funding boost will have major benefits for agricultural sector 10 T HE Welsh red meat industry has been given a ВЈ4.5 million boost with the aim of increasing the financial returns for beef and sheep farmers in Wales. The money, drawn by Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) for three new projects under the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007 вЂ“ 2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, will also be used to exploit the latest technology to advance best practice, and source a wider range of economic and market intelligence to improve strategic planning. Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones said, вЂњThis investment will produce major benefits for the agricultural sector and through them, the wider rural community.вЂќ The approved HCC schemes are: Technology Development and Transfer to Practice, Communications and Training - ВЈ2,727,500 This project aims to assess all new innovations properly and impartially and to present the information to the industry in a clear, precise and unambiguous fashion. This will mean that the industry is in the best position to meet market requirements both efficiently and cost effectively. It will include training for farmers, and essential information from abattoirs will be fed back to producers to enable them to implement appropriate strategies. Genetic Improvement - ВЈ782,000 This aims to improve the financial returns to Welsh beef and sheep farmers through a better alignment of the characteristics of breeding stock with market requirements. This will be achieved though performance recording and the incorporation of desirable traits into flocks and herds. The strategic action plan sets out ways that farmers can improve their business performance by responding to changing market conditions driven by consumer demands, as well as environmental requirements including climate change. But the document also makes it clear that the family farm tradition of Wales is a strong image that is respected by consumers, and that it assists in selling the Welsh brand both at home and abroad. вЂњThe image of the Welsh brand encapsulates premium fresh red meat products backed up by provenance and taste,вЂќ said Mr Roberts. вЂњWales is well placed to respond to consumer demands for meat produced from well cared for livestock and in environmentally sensitive ways.вЂќ Interested parties will be able to access the full consultation document at www. wales.gov.uk/consultations/ Economic/Market Intelligence and benchmarking - ВЈ1,050,000 HCC will source a wide range of economic and market intelligence relevant to the Welsh red meat industry, for use as a basis for informed decisionmaking in determining priorities and the direction of individual enterprises. It will also develop and extend the use of benchmarking in Wales. Benchmarking is an assessment that allows enterprises throughout the red meat chain to examine their business and to establish where improvements can be made. It compares individual operational elements, such as costs and performance data, against businesses of a similar size. It also encourages farmers and others involved in the red meat industry to share knowledge and experiences. This HCC Project, funded under the Rural Development Plan for Wales, will ensure that benchmarking is available to all individuals and groups in the red meat chain, including farmers and processors. This will enable the modelling of the effect of a wide range of key features of meat production. GENERAL NEWS GENERAL NEWS M ORE and more people in Wales are now eating fresh fruit and vegetables following the success of a Welsh Assembly Government funded initiative to develop community food co-operatives. The Rural Regeneration Unit (RRU) launched a two-year pilot food co-op scheme in North and South East Wales in 2004 as part of its activities to increase the intake of fruit and vegetables in Wales. The scheme has proved so successful that the RRU has helped to set up and support over 180 community food co-ops across Wales. Mark Jones, Welsh Produce Manager for the Community Food Co-operative Project in Wales said that under the food co-op system customers access fresh fruit, salad and vegetables on a weekly basis at wholesale prices. The vegetable bag will generally have potatoes, carrots and three or four other items; the fruit bag will generally have 15-20 pieces of fruit, while the salad bag will have lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber and two or three other items. Mr Jones said that Assembly Government funding from its Rural Affairs and Health Improvement division has continued to support the development of food co-ops across Wales. The co-ops, which are non-profit making, now provide fruit and vegetables to some 6,000 families, engaging around 800 volunteers, and has a turnover of approximately ВЈ1 million a year. The fruit and vegetables are good quality, affordable and from locally produced sources wherever possible. вЂњWe are especially looking for fruit and vegetable growers or wholesalers in Ceredigion for new co-ops in the Aberystwyth area,вЂќ added Mr Jones. Mr Jones can be contacted on 01492 660263. If you think your community would benefit from having its own food co-operative, or if you would just like further information visit www. nutritionnetworkwales.org.uk/foodinitiatives. www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones pictured at the new Hybu Cig Cymru offices with HCC Chief Executive Gwyn Howells and Chairman Rees Roberts following her announcement of the Red Meat Action Plan Food co-ops encourage more to eat fresh fruit and veg 11 GENERAL NEWS Prestige award for guardians of animals, landscape and habitats A SUSTAINABLE and traceable product lies at the heart of the Oaklands Organics ethos, with proprietors John and Rebecca OвЂ™Dwyer continually striving to produce the best quality meat with the least possible damage to the environment or their animals. That some 95 per cent of their meat and poultry is sold to individuals and restaurants within 10 miles of their farm at Bonvilston, near Cardiff is testimony to their success. Both from farming families and with considerable experience in the industry, John and Rebecca protect rare native breeds by keeping Welsh Black cattle, local breed Balwen sheep and Tamworth pigs вЂ“ an endangered species. вЂњBy using our traditional breeds in commercial systems, we ensure their continuity for future generations,вЂќ said Rebecca, following Oaklands OrganicвЂ™s success in winning the True Taste Organic Product Award. www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside Photo: Kiran Ridley вЂњWe sell everything we produce within a 50-mile radius, providing fully traceable, locally produced 12 John and Rebecca OвЂ™Dwyer food. And our regular farm walks give people the chance to visit the farm and see the animals, farming systems and protected habitats.вЂќ The OвЂ™DwyersвЂ™ achieved full organic status in September 2008. Their quality beef, lamb pork and chicken is now supplied to some of the regionвЂ™s top restaurants. Two of their most succulent products, pedigree Welsh Black sirloin steak, and organic, free range woodland Tamworth leg of pork, were entered for the 2008 True Taste Awards. In the processes used at Oaklands every part of every animal is used and nothing goes to waste. Their organic farming system means all nutrients are put back into the land. The coupleвЂ™s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the fact that Oaklands Farm is off-grid, relying on solar and wind power, backed up by a generator and batteries. Its vehicles run on homeproduced bio diesel. And the OвЂ™Dwyers are always looking for ways to reduce product packaging, using new materials as they appear on the market. вЂњWe consider ourselves guardians of the animals, landscape and habitats at Oaklands, and work to protect them for future generations,вЂќ Rebecca added. John OвЂ™Dwyer said, вЂњWe are a small, family business trying to produce the best local meats possible, without compromising our animals or the environment. These awards are a great boost to us and the team at Oaklands Organics, giving us a standard to work to and acknowledging us for achieving that standard.вЂќ by Simon Moakes, IBERS, Aberystwyth University b enchmarking data collected for 38 Welsh Organic finished beef production showed a net margin organic farms by the Welsh farm business of 4p/kg dw compared with -38p/kg for conventional survey based at ibers, Aberystwyth university, beef. Variable costs were almost identical, higher organic show that Welsh organic farms were generally overheads per kg (mainly due to lower yield per ha) producing better returns than conventional farms in being more than offset by the greater output value. In 2007/8, before the credit crunch started to impact on contrast, the net margin for organic breeding beef at the organic market. output was higher -118p/kg lw was lower than or similar in all cases, with lower or conventional beef at -69p/kg, Milk yields were similar, similar variable costs. Where organic mainly due to lower output per though organic milk fetched yields per ha were lower, overhead hectare. Organic variable costs a considerably higher price, costs per kg were higher, as were were lower than conventional, the value of own resources used and as was output, but organic and whilst organic feed costs support payments. Despite this, overall fixed costs were higher per were slightly higher, other net returns per litre or kg were higher, kilogram. When support although this does not necessarily payments were included in the variable costs were similar. translate to better per ha performance. net margin however there was little difference between the two systems, with The net margin for organic milk at 9.4 pence per litre organic at 47p/kg and conventional at 57p/kg. (ppl) was significantly higher than that for conventional at 5.6ppl with similar differences on a per ha basis. Organic production costs were higher at 18.9ppl, compared with 16.2 ppl for conventional, but this was more than offset by 30% higher organic outputs. Milk yields were similar, though organic milk fetched a considerably higher price, and whilst organic feed costs were slightly higher, other variable costs were similar. fArming connect organic benchmark figures show good results both organic and conventional lamb net margins were negative, at -44p/kg dw and -71p/kg dw respectively. Organic output was higher as a result of higher prices, while variable costs were lower and overheads higher. The organic net margin including support payments was 77p/kg or ВЈ200/ha, while conventional remained negative at -43p/kg or ВЈ-110/ha. Product milk (litres) yield per forage ha Output Variable costs Gross margin Overhead costs Net margin unpaid own resources Support payments Net return 2007/8 Net return 2006/7 Org 13460 28.3 11.7 16.6 7.2 9.4 5.9 3.4 6.9 4.1 Conv 12929 21.8 10.1 11.7 6.1 5.6 5.7 3.9 3.9 2.4 Source: Farm Business Survey, Aberystwyth University breeding beef (kg liveweight) Org Conv 229 284 122 126 75 87 47 40 164 108 -118 -69 291 238 455 364 47 57 -15 -14 trading beef (kg deadweight) Org Conv 156 241 395 274 147 150 248 124 244 162 4 -38 461 295 659 380 202 47 302 -39 lamb (kg deadweight) Org Conv 258 256 271 227 139 157 132 70 176 141 -44 -71 258 194 379 222 77 -43 81 -53 www.farmingconnect.co.uk output, costs of production and margins in pence per litre or kg live/dead weight 2007/8 13 fArming connect farm fresh chickens venture indebted to AgrisgГґp advice f Arming couple martyn and Danielle lloyd are not counting their chickens, but they are quietly hopeful that their new venture will be a success. If it is, then they admit that theyвЂ™ll owe a debt of gratitude to farming ConnectвЂ™s agrisgГґp group in North Pembrokeshire, whose members have provided both the encouragement and information to help them get their farm fresh free-range chickens enterprise off the ground. Martyn, 32, and Danielle, 28, joined agrisgГґp to explore ways of improving the income on their 270acre family farm, Cilshafe Isaf, near fishguard, where they keep 500 ewes and a herd of suckler cows. вЂњWe had noticed that no-one in our area was producing free range chickens and when we discussed our idea for doing so at a group meeting everyone was so supportive. They signposted us to various contacts whose help has proved invaluable,вЂќ said Martyn. how to get the most out of your fruit and veg www.farmingconnect.co.uk by Robert Mackey CALU horticultural advisor 14 I f you farm 1,000 hectares you will have an entire department devoted to selling your produce. if you grow on a very small scale you will probably sell them to neighbours and friends or on an ad hoc basis to a local pub or shop. but if you fit in between these, how do you sell your fruit and vegetables? It is possible to sell all your produce through a merchant or dealer. This minimises the time you need to devote to marketing, leaving you free to concentrate on Martyn and Danielle Lloyd serve another satisfied customer at Fishguard Farmers Market The business, which has been up and running for over three months, is currently operated from portable buildings on the farm, which have been extensively adapted to comply with environmental health requirements. The couple are, however, currently seeking planning approval to erect some purpose built sheds that will enable them to expand their venture. Martyn, who has trained to obtain a slaughtermanвЂ™s licence and together with Danielle attended a food hygiene course, said that before embarking on their venture they were taken by agrisgГґp group leader growing and harvesting the crops. you will need to work with the marketing organisation to make sure that there is an opening for your produce and that they are able and willing to sell it for you. arrangements should be in place before you plant the crop. you can focus on growing a small number of crops and making best use of your skills, equipment and time. The disadvantage is that you will not get the best prices; you are not in control and will have to accept the вЂ�market priceвЂ™ less whatever percentage the marketing organisation takes from sale. The alternative is direct marketing with farm shops, box schemes, farmers markets or selling direct to pubs and shops, which are the favourites amongst small growers. The grower is in direct contact with the end-user. feedback is direct, allowing the grower to identify opportunities for new crops and outlets. Payment is usually immediate with minimal requirement for invoicing or complex paperwork. but there is an issue of вЂ�critical massвЂ™ вЂ“ you must be big enough to provide an adequate level and range of produce to maintain the Now is the time to check that paper work Christmas was a particularly busy time for Martyn and Danielle, preparing and selling hundreds of farm fresh chickens at FarmersвЂ™ Markets at Fishguard and St Davids, directly from their farm and even to a butcherвЂ™s shop in Carmarthenshire. I Two other people revelling in the new venture are the coupleвЂ™s young sons, Aidan, 4 and Ryan, 2. вЂњThey love helping us feed the chickens and giving them fresh bedding,вЂќ added Danielle. The couple can be contacted on 01348 874199 or 07773421352 or email martyn.danielles@yahoo.com. know only too well that record keeping is not every farmerвЂ™s cup of tea, but it is in everyoneвЂ™s interest that farm records are kept up to date. With inspections on going, now is the time for all farmers to check that their paperwork is fully in order. If you need any guidance and assistance then please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Farm Liaison Service (FLS) at your local Divisional Office. We are there to do everything we can to help you. Here are a few points for you to consider: Cattle Keepers I would encourage all Cattle Keepers to check the details held on the BCMS system for their holding. Obtain a printout of all Cattle on your holding. If you need assistance contact a FLS officer. For it to work well there must be tight control of вЂ�who grows what and whenвЂ™ to meet customer needs. It may require some buying in to ensure that there is always a range of produce available. I am particularly keen to encourage farmers who have not already done so to register with CTS Online. They can do this by logging on to www.bcms.gov. uk. Alternatively, they can email ctsonline@bcms. rpa.gsi.gov.uk or phone the BCMS Helpline English 0845 050 1234 or Welsh 0845 050 3456. Registering will help farmers meet statutory deadlines, such as notifying cattle movements within three days and certainly cut down on some of the paperwork! Direct selling increases income to the farm, but can be time-consuming. Quality and customer care are essential ingredients. Localness, traceability, personal contact and quality will keep the customers happy. Sheep Farmers If you have missed the deadline of 1st February for the return of your Sheep Annual Inventory form you are strongly advised to return it without further delay. We must always be aware, however, that they will remember the one week you get it wrong, not the fifty-one you get it right. Food & Feed Law It is important that you keep records of all purchases of concentrates, minerals, etc. CALU will be hosting an event at the Welsh College of Horticulture on 18 March looking at small scale production and marketing of fruit and vegetables. For further information, please contact CALU вЂ“ 01248 680450; calu@bangor.ac.uk. Single Payment Entitlements This is the time of year when entitlements are being traded. To be effective for the SP2009 Transfer/ Lease forms need to be submitted by the 2 April 2009. Forms are available from Divisional Office. outlet throughout the year. Smaller growers can tackle this issue by co-operative working with other growers. Finally, remember if you need any assistance contact the FLS officers at your local Divisional office. www.farmingconnect.co.uk вЂњThe response we have received from the public has been overwhelming,вЂќ said Danielle. вЂњMany people who bought a chicken from us at our first markets have been back for another because they said they enjoyed the taste of a farm fresh bird so much. This sort of feedback is enormously encouraging.вЂќ by Rita Jones, Head of the Farm Liaison Service in Wales FARMING CONNECT Olwen Thomas to see an organic poultry farm near Milford Haven where they received some invaluable advice. They also spent time on вЂ�work experienceвЂ™ with Martin and Julie Davies who breed turkeys at Cuckoo Mill Farm near Haverfordwest. вЂњThey went out of their way to teach us practically all there is to know about looking after poultry. They even showed Danielle the art of dressing the birds.вЂќ 15 FARMING CONNECT Over 1000 sign up to access Farming Connect support T HE new phase of the Farming Connect service has led to over 1,000 farmers signing up to register, with 85% of these seeking assistance to identify their future business needs and 80% interested in training. Head of the Assembly GovernmentвЂ™s Farming Connect Team, Gary Douch commented, вЂњA high percentage of those farmers who are now registered with Farming Connect have indicated that they are keen to receive help and advice on producing a Whole Farm Plan (WFP) with the benefit of five days of subsidised one to one support from an approved list of mentors. Our team of regionally based WFP co-ordinators are now contacting the farmers concerned to help them decide which mentor they should work with and get the business plan underway.вЂќ The Whole Farm Plan can range from advice on a single topic, such as succession planning or tenancy arrangements, to a comprehensive business plan for a diversification project. Farming Connect has also developed a skills development programme which enables eligible farm and forestry businesses to claim 50% funding towards training. To avail themselves of this and other parts of the Farming Connect service, including the wealth of expertise, support, training and advice that is now on offer вЂ“ much of it either fully funded or subsidised вЂ“ farmers MUST register with the Service Centre on 08456 000 813. All those who were previously registered with Farming Connect MUST also register with the new service. The partly funded programme will attract 50% funding for eligible farm and forestry businesses, increasing to 80% for young entrants. The fully funded programme includes: вЂў Knowledge transfer/development programmes for the dairy, red meat, organic and land management sectors вЂў Diversification and awareness raising events/seminars вЂў Planning surgeries вЂў AgrisgГґp - an active learning programme to develop new business opportunities вЂў Agri-environment training вЂў Telephone and one to one support at Divisional Offices, delivered by the Welsh Assembly GovernmentвЂ™s Farm Liaison Service In total there have been 3,601 attendances at Farming Connect events organised throughout Wales during the period July to December 2008. An important part of Farming Connect is the Farm Advisory Service, which will help farm businesses meet cross-compliance and environmental regulations. AgrisgГґp, the action learning programme which brings farming families together to discuss business ideas, aims to build farmersвЂ™ confidence and help them to identify and meet future challenges in a sustainable and innovative way. Any farmer considering diversifying is encouraged to attend one of the Diversification Seminars currently being held by Menter a Busnes on behalf of Farming Connect. See details of all the above on the diary page in Gwlad or by visiting www.farmingconnect.co.uk. www.farmingconnect.co.uk Is your cattle handling facility safe and cos 16 P OOR cattle handling facilities can affect animal welfare leading to stress, weight loss and bruising of meat, which is estimated to cost the UK beef industry around ВЈ14 million a year. With TB testing, weaning and weighing taking place at this time of year, the Red Meat Development Centre has the following advice to help improve health, safety, animal welfare and meat quality: вЂў Take time to watch cattle being handled in your system and note any problems. For example, do you have difficulty getting animals through gates, stopping half way up races or refusing to go into the crush? вЂў Work with the animalsвЂ™ natural behaviour. вЂў Sheet the sides of the race to prevent distractions. вЂў Remove corners by fitting gates/sheeting across them to help improve the flow. вЂў Improve lighting in dark sheds. Contrast can cause animals to stop. вЂў Repair worn and damaged concrete floors to reduce their instinct to stop at holes or changes in the surface. вЂў Make an insert to reduce the width of the race for smaller cattle e recting any new building on a farm requires a great deal of planning to ensure that factors such as cow flow, slurry storage and building location are all taken into consideration. This is particularly important when setting up a new dairy unit and moving an entire dairy herd to what was a beef and sheep farm. This was the situation facing the Owen family of Cillech farm, Newcastle emlyn, who have recently taken over the neighbouring blaenant farm with the intention of moving their 140 cow dairy herd there. Mr Owen and his family wanted to ensure that they would not regret any decisions on the design and layout of the farm in the future. following discussions with the Dairy Development Centre (DDC) and the environment agency Wales (eaW) it was decided to hold a joint workshop on the farm to utilise the experience of Keith Owen of aDaS and local farmers to help with the planning and design. John Griffiths, DDC Manager said, вЂњMany farmers erect buildings without fully considering possible future Farmers discussing the pros and cons of where a new dairy unit should be sited expansion plans; this event was about getting everyone to consider all the possibilities before building commenced.вЂќ fArming connect neighbouring farmers help with planning layout of a new dairy unit blaenant farm has a wide range of buildings, ranging from traditional stone ones to more modern steel structures, and no slurry store or silage clamp. attending farmers were split up into groups, given an existing plan of the buildings and a tour of the farm. The groups were then asked to design their own preferred layout focussing solely on the overall layout of the farm. They were also asked to consider cow flow, access, future expansion, dirty yard areas, slurry store design and capacity. Philip Morgan of the eaW said, вЂњHolding the event at blaennant farm has helped farmers realise the importance of good planning when developing a farm. reducing the size of dirty yard areas and separating clean roof water from dirty yard water can help reduce the amount of slurry storage needed. вЂњaccurately calculating the slurry storage capacity required will also ensure that the nutrients of the slurry can be better utilised in the spring and help to reduce fertiliser costs.вЂќ for more information on building planning, slurry / silage storage guidance contact the DDC on 01554 748570 or the ea on 08708 506 506. st effective? red Meat Development Centre Demonstration farmers Tom and Kate Coney of Narberth have invested in a basic handling system costing around ВЈ1,800. according to Kate this has made a world of difference to routine health testing, treatments and made the process of regular weighing of growing stock much easier and safer. for a copy of the latest factsheet on cattle handling please contact Hybu Cig Cymru on 01970 625050. Cyswllt Ffermio Farming Connect canolbwyntio ar ffermwyrвЂ¦ cefnogi teuluoedd ffermioвЂ¦ helpu eich busnes i gyflawni ei botensialвЂ¦ focusing on farmersвЂ¦ supporting farming familiesвЂ¦ helping your business reach its potentialвЂ¦ cronfa Amaethyddol ewrop ar gyfer Datblygu gwledig: ewrop yn buddsoddi mewn Ardaloedd gwledig the european Agricultural fund for rural Development: europe investing in rural Areas www.farmingconnect.co.uk вЂў reposition gate hinges so that they open back against walls/barriers; fit chains to hold them open and fit effective latches 17 heAlth AnD WelfAre beware of liver fluke infection in housed cattle and sheep infection in the autumn usually precedes chronic infection in cattle and sheep for the rest of the winter. by Roger Daniel, Veterinary Investigation Officer, VLA Carmarthen вЂў animals that were treated, in the autumn, with a flukicide that killed adult fluke only. Immature flukes will be unaffected by such treatment and will have matured to cause disease now. M ost farmers will have treated their cattle and sheep last autumn because of the forecast of a high risk of fluke infection. That forecast was based on the exceptionally wet summer of 2008, which, although of no benefit to most farmers, was of great benefit to the lifecycle of the Liver fluke and its intermediate snail host. There was good evidence that this forecast was accurate, from diagnostic figures produced by the VLa for acute fluke infection in sheep (figure 1). acute www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside farmers should therefore consider a further treatment now for вЂў animals that were not treated in the autumn. 6.00% 5.00% 4.00% 3.00% 2.00% 1.00% 0.00% 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 % of submissions diagnosed with Acute fasciolosis figure 1 vlA rate of diagnosis of acute fluke infection in sheep for the last 10 years vaccinate early for 2009 rural affairs Minister elin Jones said: вЂњThe current cold weather should not lull farmers into a false sense of security. We remain at risk from bluetongue in Wales, and that risk intensifies as we approach the spring and milder weather and midge activity increases. armers in Wales should get ready now to vaccinate their livestock against bluetongue , the Welsh Assembly government has said as it launches the bluetongue vaccination strategy for 2009. вЂњThe effectiveness of vaccination was demonstrated in 2008 by the fact that, in areas such as east anglia where uptake of vaccine was high, there was no re-emergence of the virus. If the Welsh livestock industry is to be protected against bluetongue, most of our sheep and cattle need to be vaccinated. Those who do not vaccinate are putting their business at risk, their neighboursвЂ™ businesses at risk and are prolonging the effect of the disease.вЂќ f 18 Cattle and sheep farmers should therefore be aware that housed and out-wintered animals could still harbour fluke infection, depending on what they were treated with. The risk of bluetongue to the Welsh farming industry remains a reality, with the disease circulating widely in europe, particularly france which had more than 23,000 cases in 2008. lambing advice for pregnant women P regnAnt women are advised to avoid close contact with sheep during the lambing season as they could be at risk from infections that occur in some ewes. These infections include chlamydiosis (enzootic abortion of ewes вЂ“ eae), and toxoplasmosis, which are common causes of abortion in ewes. Listeriosis and Q-fever may also occur. The Welsh assembly Government is advising pregnant women not to help lamb or milk ewes; avoid contact with aborted or new-born lambs or with the afterbirth; avoid handling all clothing that has come into contact with lambing and to seek medical advice if they experience fever or influenza like symptoms, or are concerned that they could have acquired infection from a farm environment. although the number of reports of these infections and human miscarriages resulting from contact with sheep are extremely small, it is important that pregnant women are aware of the potential risks. Farmers should consult their vet over the choice of flukicide, particularly as some products cannot be used in lactating dairy cows, and others have a significant milk withdrawal period. If farmers are not sure whether they have fluke infection in their sheep or cattle, they can check this by submitting faeces samples to their nearest VLA Regional Laboratory for a fluke egg count. Or, for dairy cows, a bulk tank milk sample can be submitted to check for fluke antibody, which gives evidence of exposure to infection. Again results should be interpreted with guidance from their vet. Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Dr Christianne Glossop, added: вЂњThere is still vaccine available from 2008 and when this supply is exhausted, farmers can order and obtain commercially available vaccine via their private vets which will be sufficient to protect all the susceptible animals in Wales in 2009 . вЂњFarmers who took the decision to vaccinate last year will also need to revaccinate in 2009. Those who chose to wait until the spring should be making the necessary arrangements to vaccinate now with their vets. Those who didnвЂ™t vaccinate because of unfounded negative information are encouraged to consider the facts of the benefits of vaccination and prepare to protect their animals with vaccination in 2009.вЂќ If an ewe aborts, farmers are advised to consult their veterinary surgeon and to arrange for samples to be examined at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency to determine the cause of the disease. It is a legal requirement that farmers must dispose of all afterbirths promptly and safely via an animal by-products approved route via a by-products collector if expedient, and sent for disposal such as rendering, incineration or knackerвЂ™s yard storage and transport must be leakproof covered containers or in sealed impervious bags/sacks. Details of collectors in your area must be obtained from your local Animal Health Officer. T HE importance of investing in animal science has been stressed by Professor Jamie Newbold, President of the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS). HEALTH AND WELFARE GENERAL NEWS In the worst cases, sheep can die, and cattle will suffer diarrhoea, anaemia and recumbency. Infected cattle and sheep often show fluid accumulation under the jaw, commonly referred to as вЂ�bottle jawвЂ™. New animal science research needed, policy makers told Speaking at a reception at the Senedd in Cardiff he showcased examples of the contribution that animal science has made in translating developments in biological science into practical benefits for animals, producers, consumers and the environment. He said, however, that new research is needed to meet challenges such as sustaining the rural economy, feeding a growing world population and adapting to global climate change. Prof. Newbold from Aberystwyth University said, вЂњBritish animal science has achieved much and given better investment can provide Wales with a great deal more. Global climate change is expected to reduce food production in many parts of the world вЂ“ a particularly serious issue as the global human population grows, and the expected doubling of global demand for livestock products by 2050. вЂњAgricultural productivity in Northern Europe is, however, expected to be less affected by climate change and should increase the comparative advantage for livestock industries that produce high quality products from land unsuitable for growing human food directly. This gives a great commercial opportunity in the medium term, but we need to ensure we still have both the industry and science capability to rise to this challengeвЂќ. The reception for policymakers and industry stakeholders was organised by BSAS and hosted by Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones. Some 20 top UK scientists met with members of the Welsh Assembly Government, Welsh MPs and representatives from the Welsh agricultural and food industry and organisations concerned with the environment. BSAS is especially keen to help provide independent information and advice to help policymakers and those involved in decision making achieve вЂ�best fitвЂ™ solutions for the economy, environment and social life of Wales. www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside Chronic infection is caused by adult fluke that live in the bile ducts, causing damage and blood loss because of the parasiteвЂ™s feeding activities. This can lead to a slow deterioration in condition and adversely affect the health of pregnant ewes, reduce milk yields in dairy cows, and cause poorer weight gains in beef animals. 19 whatвЂ™s on www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside 20 Introductions to Open Farm Sunday O RGANISERS of Open Farm Sunday, which this year is being held on 7 June, have arranged two workshops in Wales to introduce more farmers to the concept of organising farm tours for local families, friends and neighbours. These are on 28 April at Caerlan Farm, Penrhiwfer, Tonypandy, CF40 1SN and on 29 April at Cannon Farm, Llanerfyl, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 0JJ. To attend one of the workshops or know more about Open Farm Sunday visit www.farmsunday.org or telephone LEAF on 02476 413911. Date Event Venue Details Contact 10 February 11am вЂ“ 3.30pm Meat and two veg Tyn y Pwll, Llanegryn Tywyn OCW event looking at vegetable production on livestock farms Tony Little, OCW 01970 622248 10 February 7.30pm вЂ“ 9.30pm Diversification seminar Llety Cynin, Llangynin Road, St Clears Help to turn your idea into reality Menter a Busnes 01970 636289 11 February 1.30pm OCW rationing and rotation planning Cappele Farm Cerrigydrudion Rationing and rotation planning event with David Peers and Heather McCalman Philip Jones, OCW 01970 622248 11 February 7.30pm вЂ“ 9.30pm Business planning/succession Maesmawr Hall, Caersws Menter a Busnes info event on business planning/ succession Menter a Busnes 01970 636289 11 February 6pm Pig producer meeting Nantyffin Motel Clynderwen SA66 7SU CALU/HCC event promoting pig production in Wales CALU 01248 680450 12 February 7.30pm вЂ“ 9.30pm Business planning/ succession Glasdir Rural Development Centre, Llanrwst Menter a Busnes info event on business planning/ succession Menter a Busnes 01970 636289 12 February 10am Pesticide use workshop Coleg Gwent Usk NP15 1XJ CALU/ CPD workshop on safe use of pesticides. CALU 01248 680450 12 February 6pm Goat producer Meeting Nantyffin Motel, Clynderwen SA66 7SU Discussing routes to markets for goat producers in Wales CALU 01248 680450 23 February 2pm вЂ“ 4pm Diversification Seminar Glwydcaenewydd, Crai, Brecon Menter a Busnes seminar on diversification opportunities Menter a Busnes 01970 636289 24 February 1.30pm Manure management Trefere Fawr, Penparc Cardigan OCW event looking at manure management Philip Jones, OCW 01970 622248 25 February 10.30am Wood fuel event Henfaes Research Centre Bangor LL33 OLB How to manage woodlands for sustainable fuel production CALU 01248 680450 March 3 10am вЂ“ 4pm Bridging the Gap: Commerce & Sennybridge Village Hall conservation PONT free event about marketing products from nature conservation such as meat and hay Jessica Tyler, CALU 0772 6362699 4 March 10am Pesticide use workshop Gelli Aur SA32 8LR CALU/CPD workshop on safe use of pesticides CALU 01248 680 450 18 March 11am вЂ“ 3pm CALU small scale production event Welsh College of Horticulture Looking at small scale production and marketing of fruit and vegetables 01248 680450 www.calu.bangor.ac.uk Rural stress support Farm Crisis Network: 0845 367 9990. Open daily 7am вЂ“ 11pm Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution: 01865 727 888. Open Mon вЂ“ Thurs 9am вЂ“ 5pm, Fri 8.30am вЂ“ 4.30pm. 24-hour answer machine. Please check with organisations before travelling. Changes may also be found on www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside Published by the Department for Rural Affairs and Heritage of the Welsh Assembly Government, Produced by Golley Slater PR. Editor: Roy Hancock Tel: 01970 828 567 email: royhancock@btinternet.com В© Crown Copyright January 2009. Printed on recycled paper Rural Stress Helpline: 0845 094 8286. Open weekdays 9am вЂ“ 5pm. Samaritans: 08457 909 090 or local numbers. Rural Support Wales: www.ruralsupportwales.org.uk How to find us Swansea: 01792 310 436 Anyone wishing to speak to staff at our divisional St Asaph: 01745 535 527 or area offices can do so by calling one of the Dolgellau: 01341 422 199 telephone numbers below: Newtown: 01686 863 132 Llandrindod Wells: 01597 823 777 Aberystwyth: 01970 621 440 Caernarfon: 01286 674 144 Ffynnon Las, Cardiff: 029 2075 2222 Carmarthen: 01267 225 300 National Scrapie Plan Helpline: 08456 014 858 Brecon: 01874 625 123 Farming Connect Service Centre: 08456 000 813 For the very latest information on any disease outbreaks please phone one of the numbers above or visit www.wales.gov.uk/environmentandcountryside.