FUW warns collapsing milk prices threaten family farms across Wales

Emergency meeting highlights scale of crisis

The FUW convened an emergency meeting of its Animal Health & Dairy Committee last week after members reported widespread anxiety about milk prices. Farmers across Wales say they have seen drastic drops in payments this autumn, with processors now signalling further reductions into the new year.

Union officials said many producers had approached them confidentially, fearful of jeopardising contracts, but deeply concerned about projected milk payments that in some cases fall far below the cost of production.

Average milk prices are forecast at just 30–35 pence per litre, compared with production costs estimated at 39–44 pence per litre in a Kite Consulting report. That gap means the typical dairy farm could lose thousands of pounds each month if the trend continues.

Calls for government intervention

FUW leaders escalated their concerns directly to Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca‑Davies MS during a meeting in Cardiff on 3 December, stressing the need for government support to prevent long‑term damage to the Welsh dairy sector.

Gerwyn Williams, Chair of the FUW Animal Health & Dairy Committee, said:

“The speed and severity of this price drop are unprecedented. Farmers are facing an impossible situation where their input costs remain high while the value of their product plummets. The viability of many family farms is now at serious risk.”

He warned that if the situation extends into summer 2026, many businesses will be forced to shut:

“These modest sized family farms have invested heavily in infrastructure to comply with regulations and improve efficiencies, but reductions of this scale will severely impact their ability to make repayments as planned.”

Impact on rural communities

FUW Deputy President Dai Miles highlighted the wider consequences:

“Dairy farming underpins thousands of jobs in Wales and plays a vital role in the economic, social, and environmental fabric of our rural areas. When prices fall this sharply, it isn’t just farmers who suffer — local businesses, services, and entire communities feel the impact.”

He said the union has made it clear to government that immediate stability and a longer‑term resilience plan are essential.

The FUW says it will continue working with the Welsh Government, processors and supply‑chain partners to seek solutions and ensure dairy producers receive fair and sustainable prices.

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Tractors roll into Westminster as farmers protest Budget’s “family farm tax”

Farmers brought rush hour traffic to a standstill in Westminster on Wednesday, defying a police ban on agricultural vehicles to protest against the UK Government’s Autumn Budget and its proposed inheritance tax reforms.

Dozens of tractors entered central London from early morning, with signs reading “Starmer farmer harmer” and “rural communities betrayed by Labour.” The protest, organised under the banner Farmers to London: Budget Day, saw vehicles converge on Parliament Square and Whitehall as Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her statement in the Commons.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that several arrests were made after protesters breached conditions banning tractors from entering the area. At least 20 vehicles were stopped in Richmond and Westminster, but many reached the heart of government, where demonstrators called for the proposed “family farm tax” to be scrapped.

Journalist Toby Young described the protest as a “furious” response to Budget plans that would “force many to sell up.”

FUW: “Step in the right direction, but not enough”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) said the Budget offered only a partial concession to Welsh family farms, with damaging inheritance tax reforms still set to come into force next April.

FUW President Ian Rickman welcomed the Chancellor’s decision to make the proposed relief for the first £1 million of agricultural and business assets transferable between spouses — a measure the Union had repeatedly called for.

“This is a step in the right direction, and one that will help ease the challenges of succession planning for many farming families,” said Rickman.

“It is also encouraging to note that the lifetime gifting rules remain unchanged — a mechanism the Union had urged the Treasury to preserve.”

However, Rickman warned that the wider reforms still represent an existential threat to Welsh family farms, risking unaffordable tax bills for those seeking to inherit and continue the family business.

“The Chancellor’s decision to press ahead with the government’s broader proposals for inheritance tax reform remains deeply disappointing, if unsurprising. These changes still risk causing lasting damage to rural communities.”

The FUW said it would continue lobbying MPs across all parties to support amendments to the Budget that would “ensure family farms can be passed on with confidence to the next generation.”

Gareth Wyn Jones: “We will not be silenced”

Welsh hill farmer and broadcaster Gareth Wyn Jones joined the protest in Westminster, sharing footage from Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square on social media.

In one video, he said:

“We’re here to stand up for our communities, our families, and our future. This Budget is a betrayal of everything rural Wales stands for.”

Jones also posted images of tractors lined up outside HM Treasury and called on MPs to “listen to the countryside before it’s too late.”

“We will not be silenced. Family farms are the backbone of Wales — and we’re not going anywhere.”

His posts were widely shared across farming networks and drew support from rural campaigners across the UK.

For full coverage of the Autumn Budget 2025 and its impact on Wales, read our explainer here.

#autumnBudget2025 #budget #chancellor #farmers #farmersUnionOfWales #farming #fuw #hmTreasury #ianRickman #inheritanceTaxReforms #londonTractorProtest #rachelReevesBudget #rachelReevesMp #tractorProtest #ukBudget2025 #ukGovernment #ukParliament

“HM Treasury has slammed the door on the industry and thrown away the key” farming union tells Welsh Affairs Committee

On Wednesday this week (4 June), the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) presented evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee on its inquiry into the challenges and opportunities of farming in Wales in 2025.

The FUW was represented by Gareth Parry, a longstanding FUW staff member, and the Union’s Head of Policy since 2024.

As part of the session, Mr Parry was questioned by MPs on a number of the ongoing challenges facing Welsh agriculture; including the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, the changes to agricultural and business property relief, and how changes to the UK Government’s funding for Welsh agriculture will impact the sustainability of the sector.

Speaking during the evidence session, Gareth Parry, FUW Head of Policy said:

“Brexit has presented us with a situation whereby UK Governments are moving away from the core policy principles of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, such as the supply of affordable food and the provision of fair incomes for farmers, and towards measures primarily designed to tackle the nature and climate crises.

“These crises are often being referred to as justification for this fundamental shift in agricultural policy and yet there remains no legislative mechanism to determine if – or when – the UK faces a food crisis. If it’s measured by the availability of food on supermarket shelves, it’ll be too late.”

The UK’s departure from the EU has also led to the loss of the intermediate-term stability provided by the EU’s seven year Multiannual Financial Framework. The lack of such replacement financial frameworks has allowed the UK Government to apply the Barnett Formula to any future adjustments to Welsh agricultural funding, meaning that Wales will receive subsequent uplifts based on a historical share of the UK population as opposed to rural needs.

“We have been absolutely clear since the referendum: if Governments provide economic sustainability to farming businesses, the cultural, societal and environmental contributions they make will naturally continue.

“However, what we are seeing is a clear appetite from the previous and current UK Governments to sign trade agreements rather than underpinning domestic food production through appropriately designed policies.”

Members of the Committee heard how the previous and current UK Governments have claimed to have protected the UK’s high food standards within their trade agreements. Yet, there has been little mention of the differences between food safety and food production standards.

“By opening the door to agricultural products from other countries where food is produced at a cheaper cost due to differences in production methods and regulatory requirements, is the UK Government undermining our domestic food producers? Yes, 100%.

“Crucially, after operating under favourable EU CAP principles for decades, the UK Government cannot ultimately pull the rug from beneath us by reforming agricultural policies and replacing domestic food production with imports, without seriously considering the economic viability of farming businesses.

“Both the UK and Welsh Governments must therefore empower the agricultural sector as a world leader in sustainable food production first and foremost, but to do so, both Governments must work collaboratively.”

Several questions during the session focused on the proposed inheritance tax reforms, with Mr Parry relaying the latest figures from Family Business UK and CBI Economics on the potential impacts for the UK economy.

“As highlighted earlier this week, the latest figures demonstrate the HM Treasury’s failure to consider the wider economic and social impacts of the proposed changes.

“It has been clear since the Budget announcement that HM Treasury Officials have had no intention of even acknowledging our concerns. They have slammed the door on the industry and thrown away the key.

“With the latest figures showing catastrophic impacts for UK family businesses and a fiscal loss of £1.9 billion for the Treasury over the next five years; with UK Government and HM Treasury Officials claiming that the policy reforms are fair, the question has to be asked; fair for who?

“We are not calling for the policy to be scrapped. Rather, we seek an opportunity to design a policy with the HM Treasury that works for genuine family businesses and closes the loopholes that currently exist.”

#FarmersUnionOfWales #Farming #FUW #UKGovernment #WelshAffairsCommittee

FUW honours Carmarthenshire’s John Owen for lifetime of agricultural innovation

Carmarthenshire’s own John Owen has been named the winner of the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) External Award for Services to Agriculture, recognised for his decades-long contribution to Welsh farming at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

With a career spanning education, research and practical innovation, John has helped shape agricultural policy and practice across Wales. From championing robotic milking at Gelli Aur College Farm to leading environmental pilot projects, his work has supported farmers with tools and insights to meet modern challenges.

Local roots, global impact

John’s journey began at Glynllifon Agricultural College, followed by a diploma at the Welsh Agricultural College, and a Phillip Henman Trust scholarship that took him to New Zealand and Australia to study international farm techniques.

After returning to Wales, he managed pedigree breeding projects for Welsh Black and Llyn sheep, before taking on the role of Farm Manager at Gelli Aur in 1993. Over the next 30 years, he helped establish the Farm Diversification and Technology Centre, and positioned Gelli Aur as a national testbed for innovation — working with the Dairy Development Centre, Hybu Cig Cymru, and farming research groups across Wales.

In 2004, John’s Nuffield Scholarship saw him revisit New Zealand to study development farms, contributing global expertise to local systems.

Champion of sustainable farming

His leadership extended to projects like Prosiect Slyri, aimed at reducing farm waste through slurry dewatering and purification, and the Tywydd Tywi weather network, which equipped farms with real-time soil and moisture data via mobile app.

Since retiring from Coleg Sir Gâr in 2023, John has continued his work as Lead Consultant for Agriculture and Environment with the LAFAN Consultancy Group, supporting rural capacity-building across South Wales.

Industry recognition

Presenting the award, FUW President Ian Rickman praised John’s “pioneering work” and “commitment to sustainable farming,” calling him a key figure whose legacy continues to benefit farmers across the country.

FUW Carmarthenshire County Chair Ann Davies MP added, “John is a true champion of Carmarthenshire agriculture. His work at Gelli Aur empowered farmers locally and nationally with the tools to thrive.”

John is a Treharne Nuffield Scholar, Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies, and a trustee of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers. He previously received the United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society Award in 2023.

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Welsh Government unveils final Sustainable Farming Scheme amid calls for transparency and food security

The Welsh Government has published the final version of its long-awaited Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), marking what the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) describes as a “generational milestone” for Welsh agriculture. But while the scheme aims to reshape farm support from 2026 onwards, it has also sparked criticism from opposition parties and farming leaders over funding clarity, food production targets, and the absence of an updated economic impact assessment.

The SFS will replace the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), which has underpinned Welsh farm incomes for decades. Structured around Universal, Optional and Collaborative layers, the new scheme is designed to reward sustainable land management, biodiversity, and climate resilience, while offering flexibility for farmers to tailor their participation.

FUW: “A milestone, but not without concerns”

FUW President Ian Rickman welcomed the publication, noting that the union had invested over 300 hours of negotiations with Welsh Government officials in the past year alone. He said the scheme reflects years of lobbying and consultation since the initial Brexit and Our Land proposals in 2018.

Among the union’s key achievements are:

• A £238 million budget for the Universal Baseline Payment and BPS taper in 2026
• Retention of capped and redistributive payments to support typical Welsh family farms
• Reduction of Universal Actions from 17 to 12, with added flexibility
• Removal of the 10% tree cover rule, which had sparked widespread protests

However, Rickman acknowledged that the scheme is “not perfect.” He flagged concerns over the 10% habitat management requirement, the ambition to plant 17,000 hectares of trees by 2030, and the shorter BPS transition, which now falls to 60% in 2026, reducing by 20% annually thereafter.

“We urge all Welsh farmers to consider the Scheme requirements and payment rates in the context of your own businesses,” Rickman said. “Whether farmers decide to enter the SFS or continue with the tapering BPS, the FUW is here to support you throughout the transition.”

Welsh Conservatives: “Still in the dark”

The Welsh Conservatives have criticised the scheme’s rollout, arguing that farmers remain “in the dark” due to the lack of an updated economic impact assessment. Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Samuel Kurtz MS said the absence of such analysis undermines the scheme’s credibility and leaves farmers unable to assess its real-world consequences.

“There are aspects of the scheme that can be cautiously welcomed,” Kurtz said, referencing the removal of the 10% tree planting requirement. “But a scheme-wide tree planting target remains, alongside a 10% habitat target, which could reduce food production in Wales.”

Kurtz also raised concerns about future funding, noting that the Universal tier budget is only matched to BPS for 2026, with no guarantees beyond that. He called for a Senedd vote to give the scheme democratic legitimacy and urged the Welsh Government to publish its impact assessment.

Darren Millar MS: “No mention of food security”

During First Minister’s Questions, Welsh Conservative Leader Darren Millar MS accused the Welsh Government of neglecting food security in its updated SFS document.

“The term ‘food security’ doesn’t appear once,” Millar said. “Yet the word ‘environment’ is mentioned 79 times, which tells you everything you need to know about Labour’s priorities.”

Millar warned that under Labour’s plans, Welsh farmers could be forced to sacrifice an area “half the size of the Vale of Glamorgan” to tree planting, while the UK Climate Change Committee recommends a 19% cut in livestock numbers — a proposal the Conservatives reject.

“For every £1 invested in farming, £9 is returned to the Welsh economy,” Millar added. “Yet Labour is freezing the £238m farming budget with no uplift, which is a real terms cut. Labour is sacrificing Welsh livelihoods and food security.”

Andrew RT Davies: “Where is the impact assessment?”

Former Welsh Conservative Leader and South Wales Central MS Andrew RT Davies, himself a farmer, echoed calls for transparency. He pointed to the previous impact assessment, which projected the loss of 5,000 farmers, 100,000 cattle, and nearly a million sheep under earlier SFS proposals.

“We need assurances there will not be devastating consequences from this revised scheme,” Davies said. “Yet Senedd ministers won’t publish an impact assessment. This obviously leads us to ask why.”

Welsh Government: “A whole farm, whole nation approach”

In its official statement, the Welsh Government described the SFS as a “whole farm, whole nation” approach to securing the future of food production while protecting the environment. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said the scheme reflects extensive collaboration and aims to support farmers in adapting to climate change, restoring nature, and maintaining rural heritage.

The scheme includes:

• A Universal layer with 12 required actions, including soil health, hedgerow management, and animal welfare
• A tree and hedgerow planting opportunity plan, replacing the 10% tree cover rule
• A 10% habitat management requirement, with flexible options
• A social value payment recognising farming’s wider benefits
• A £1,000 stability payment for farms up to 100ha

Applications will open via Rural Payments Wales from March to 15 May 2026, with the scheme officially launching on 1 January 2026.

What’s next?

While the FUW and other stakeholders have welcomed the scheme’s publication, calls for greater clarity, economic modelling, and long-term funding commitments continue to dominate the political debate. Farming unions have urged members to review the scheme carefully and provide feedback as technical guidelines are finalised.

The Welsh Government has committed to ongoing consultation and refinement, but pressure is mounting for it to publish the impact assessment and address concerns around food production, budget stability, and administrative burden.

Swansea Bay News will continue to follow developments as the Sustainable Farming Scheme moves toward implementation.

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#AndrewRTDaviesMS #BasicPaymentScheme #DarrenMillarMS #FarmersUnionOfWales #Farming #farmingSubsidies #FUW #HuwIrrancaDaviesMS #IanRickman #SamuelKurtzMS #SustainableFarmingScheme #WelshConservatives #WelshGovernment

Farming union say report on the impacts of inheritance tax reforms cannot be put any clearer

An independent report recently published by CBI Economics and commissioned by Family Business UK provides comprehensive estimates of the economic and fiscal impacts of the proposed Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) reforms for family businesses and farms across the United Kingdom.

The report analyses the findings from 4,147 family businesses and farms across the UK. It suggests that the reduction in business activity will lead to a loss in Gross Value Added (GVA) of £14.8 billion over the next five years.

This could lead to a potential loss of 208,500 full time jobs, and while the Exchequer expects to raise £1.8 billion in tax revenue by 2030 as a result of the reforms, the report estimates a net fiscal loss of £1.9 billion over the same period.

Responding to the publication, Gareth Parry FUW Head of Policy said:

“The findings from this comprehensive report are alarming, although not surprising for the Farmers’ Union of Wales. These figures demonstrate exactly what we, and many others, have been warning about since the Budget Statement last year.

“Specifically for the farming sector and its associated supply chains, the proposed APR reforms are predicted to result in 28,300 job losses, demonstrating yet again the HM Treasury’s failed attempts to justify its proposals based on simple economic calculations. The potential wider economic and social impacts are now clear to see.”

For both business turnover and investment, the agricultural and horticultural sector is expected to see the greatest declines. In Wales, the changes are expected to reduce GVA by £580 million, result in 9,715 job losses and reduce business turnover by 12.2%.

“Whilst our focus is clearly on the agricultural sector in Wales, this report highlights very clearly the possible financial impacts for family businesses across all UK sectors.

“We will certainly be referring the Welsh Affairs Committee to the findings of this report as they continue with their inquiry into the opportunities and challenges of farming in Wales on Wednesday.

“But with such clear and comprehensive analyses now available on the UK-wide impacts of these reforms for all family businesses, how long can the UK Treasury continue to ignore such findings before agreeing to work with all sectors to design a fair policy?”

#FarmersUnionOfWales #Farming #FUW #UKGovernment

West Wales’ produce showcased in the heart of Westminster for ‘Carmarthenshire Day’

‘Carmarthenshire Day’ was held at the historic Westminster Hall, bringing together a wealth of parliamentarians, peers and producers in a vibrant showcase of rural Welsh excellence. 

As part of the celebrations, nine celebrated producers from across the length and breadth of Carmarthenshire were present including Bremenda Isaf, Tregroes Waffles, Brecon Carreg, Castell Howell, Coaltown Coffee, Mêl Gwenyn Gruffydd, Caws Cenarth, Carmarthen Ham and The Welsh Wool Shop. Each had the opportunity to engage with MPs, Lords and guests, offering a powerful insight into the diversity and quality of Carmarthenshire’s food, drink and craft sectors.

The event was officially opened by Dame Nia Griffith MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the UK Government’s Wales Office, herself the Member of Parliament for the Llanelli constituency in Carmarthenshire. 

The event drew a wide range of cross-party politicians and peers from across the UK, including Ruth Jones MP, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee, Alistair Carmichael MP, Chair of Westminster’s Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Committee and DEFRA Shadow Secretary of State, Victoria Atkins MP. The politicians were also joined by over 35 Farmers’ Union of Wales members and supporters from Carmarthenshire, who made the journey along the M4 to celebrate the special day.  

Commenting following the successful event, Ann Davies MP, who has served as Chair of the Farmers’ Union of Wales Carmarthenshire branch since 2023 said: “Carmarthenshire is a county built on hard work, innovation and community, it was a huge privilege to bring our producers to Westminster and to showcase what makes our part of Wales so special. This event was about more than products – it was about giving rural voices the platform they deserve and reminding Westminster of the value of regions like ours both economically and culturally.”

The celebration follows similar events previously hosted by the Farmers’ Union of Wales in Westminster, including Montgomeryshire Day in 2023. 

The Carmarthenshire Day celebrations were particularly timely for the Farmers’ Union of Wales too, as they celebrate seventy years since the agricultural union was founded in Carmarthenshire in December 1955.

Commenting, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “2025 marks an important year for the Farmers’ Union of Wales, as we celebrate seventy years since the Union was founded in Carmarthenshire.

“Working alongside Ann Davies MP, we were therefore delighted to support this successful event, bringing a taste of West Wales to the heart of Westminster.

“It was so heartening to see the event so well-attended by politicians and peers providing them not only with an opportunity to sample outstanding produce we boast in Wales, but also a valuable lobbying opportunity for FUW to highlight the range of challenges and changes facing Welsh farmers.” 

#AnnDaviesMP #Carmarthenshire #FarmersUnionOfWales #Farming #FUW #NiaGriffithMP #Westminster

MoGraph teaser I did for an article on military spending for "Finanz und Wirtschaft" (finance and economics).

#FuW #MoGraph #animation #blender #3D

Farming union says safeguards must protect Welsh farmers in face of US trade deal

As part of the agreement, the US has gained broader access to the UK agricultural market, including a tariff-free quota for 13,000 tonnes of US beef and a tariff-free quota for ethanol.

The US anticipates a $5 billion increase in agricultural exports to the UK.

The UK Government has however stated that there will be no lowering of domestic food standards as part of the deal, and imports of hormone-treated beef and chlorinated chicken will remain illegal. 

The deal also provides reciprocal Beef Access for UK farmers – including a tariff-free quota of 13,000 metric tonnes for UK beef exports to the US, providing a potential new market for British farmers.

As transatlantic negotiations have continued over recent weeks, the FUW has intensely lobbied the UK Government to ensure Welsh agricultural interests are not sold down the river in pursuit of any short-term trade, particularly in competing with sub-standard imports from across the Atlantic.

Whilst the agreement enshrines imported food and agricultural goods must comply with the importing country’s sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, the FUW has highlighted the divergence between food safety standards, and food production standards. Food produced to different standards could undermine Welsh farmers, as has already been the case in previous trade deals. 

Commenting, FUW President, Ian Rickman said:  “The Farmers’ Union of Wales has repeatedly stressed over recent weeks that Welsh agriculture must not become collateral damage in the UK Government’s pursuit of short-term trade concessions with the US, by forcing farmers into an unfair competition with cheaper, sub-standard US imports.

“We therefore recognise the UK Government’s assurance that this agreement will not compromise food, environmental or animal welfare standards.

“While reciprocal beef access presents distinct opportunities for farmers, an influx of US beef imports could however disrupt our domestic market and undermine Welsh farmers already grappling with unprecedented uncertainty

“Comprehensive and unambiguous country-of-origin labelling is therefore vital to ensure the UK public can make fully informed purchasing decisions. Furthermore, meticulous scrutiny and policing of imports must be non-negotiable. Any deviation in standards would constitute a betrayal of Welsh farmers, our food sector, as well as potentially undermining any future trading relationship with the EU.

“Over recent years, Welsh farmers have too often borne the brunt of trade deals forged with countries that prioritise different food production standards. These have undermined UK food production, whilst delivering little return in regard to new markets or tangible opportunities.

“As the dust settles over the coming weeks, we will continue to keep a close eye on developments.”

#FarmersUnionOfWales #Farming #FUW #tradeDeal #USA

Farmers urge dog walkers to keep pets on leads to avoid ‘devastating impact’ of livestock attacks

As the Easter holidays get underway, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is asking dog owners to act responsibly when out enjoying the countryside.

Its a message that’s been echoed by Swansea Council who have urged residents and visitors alike to follow the Countryside Code and make sure that if they’re taking their dogs on their walk on the hills around the city or on Gower that they keep them on leads anywhere near livestock.

Andrew Stevens, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, and a livestock farmer in Gorseinon, said most of the 400 miles of rural paths and bridleways in the Swansea area cross farmers’ fields and dogs running free off their leads was a continuing concern where livestock was present.

He said: “Working alongside our partners in the farming community and Gower, our countryside access team plays its part in supporting the network of rural footpaths that add to the charm and people’s enjoyment of this incredible place.

“But we want to urge visitors to follow the Countryside Code and keep their dogs on leads where there is livestock around. Gower and other rural areas of Swansea are home to many livestock farms and sheep in particular are at risk from dogs.”

Cllr Stevens added: “The farming community welcomes responsible dog owners, but many visitors are not aware that even if their dog doesn’t come into direct contact with a sheep, the distress caused by being chased by a dog can trigger a pregnant ewe to die or miscarry.

“No matter how in control of their pets they think they are, owners should always remain alert and dogs should always be on a lead around livestock.”

The Dogs Protection of Livestock Act (1953) makes it an offence to allow a dog to worry livestock and can be punished with a fine of up to £1,000.

However, over recent years the Farmers Union of Wales (FUW) has been lobbying to ensure the police have greater powers to deal with attacks on livestock, stressing the importance of strong enforcement in preventing attacks. 

Currently, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill is making its way through Parliament. The Bill includes changes to what constitutes an offence, and increased powers for investigation of suspected offences.  

Commenting on the impact livestock worrying on farmers, FUW Regional Vice-President, Anwen Hughes said: “These attacks are not mere numbers; they inflict devastating trauma on livestock and further economic strain and stress on farmers. Beyond fatalities and severe injuries, the stress alone can trigger miscarriages in ewes, or lambs to become separated from their mothers. 

“This Easter, as we prepare to welcome visitors to enjoy our beautiful countryside, it’s crucial dog owners demonstrate diligence and responsibility when outside. Dog owners should never underestimate their dog, even the most friendly and well-trained dogs, have a natural instinct to chase and its vital that owners act responsibly when outside in the countryside. 

“There are no winners from livestock attacks. The trauma ripples through livestock, dog owners, and farmers, often leaving lasting emotional scars and a persistent fear of recurrence.”

The FUW also emphasised the importance of dog owners cleaning up after their dog. Dog waste can spread diseases to livestock, and it’s vital dog owners bring bags and dispose of dog feces properly in a bin and not just throw it away.

As part of their campaign to raise awareness of livestock worrying, the FUW has created signs for farmers and landowners encouraging dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead.

Ian Rickman, FUW President commented: “The FUW continues to lobby for greater police and legal powers to deal with dog attacks on livestock and the devastating impact they continue to have on Welsh farmers. Ultimately however, attacks on livestock are completely preventable through responsible dog ownership by the public.

“As farmers there are some precautions we can undertake to mitigate against the risk of dog attacks on our livestock. Steps such as displaying appropriate signage, clearly warning dog owners to keep their dogs on leads and under control, can be helpful in raising awareness and hopefully ensure the countryside can be enjoyed by everyone in a sustainable manner.”

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#CllrAndrewStevens #countryside #Dogs #FarmersUnionOfWales #Farming #FUW #Gower #livestock #sheep #sheepWorrying #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #walking