Please email glynogwrshow@yahoo.com if you would like a schedule.
The hard copies of the schedules will be distributed in the following places when available;
Mole Valley
HFS Tony Gore
Countrywide
Huw Thomas Saddler
Jenkins Equine
Keith Pritchard Saddlery
Arthur Johns Cowbridge.
You can also receive a hard copy by sending a stamped, self addressed, A5 size envelope to;
Mrs Sue John
49 Newbridge Road
Llantrisant
CF72 8EX
The UK Government must do more to protect the interests of British dairy farmers. The low price of milk is forcing extremely hard working farming families in to poverty and increasing the dependence on antibiotics used with animals that will have a devastating affect on the industry. If the price of milk is not increased soon then the UK will suffer a shortage of supply and thus pay more in the long-term.
Supporting Dairy Farming in Britain – It’s in our hands
NFU’s new campaign “Farming Delivers”was launched on Monday 21 May. The campaign aims to outline how farming contributes to modern Britain, from jobs and the economy to the environment, animal welfare, clean energy, food security and, of course, superb Red Tractor produce. A report, available on the link at the top of the page, shows how farming provides the foundation stone for Britain’s food and drink industry.
So what Does Farming Deliver?
The WFU National Conference “Food For Thought” was held at Bicton College and organised by Devon members
The Conference was chaired by John Lee OBE, farmer and Chairman of SW Sustainable Farming and Food Board
who introduced the speakers and kept the continuity of the theme “Food for thought” throughout the 2 days.
Baroness Byford, DBE, WFU Patron;
Opened the Conference with an excellent overview of farming, the need for Food Security in a world setting. The need for wise use of resources water, land and technology.
Prof Michael Winter, Director of the Centre for Rural Policy Research
Gave the keynote speech in which he examined the Challenge- Food Security and Sustainability.Drawing on the Food Security Land Research Alliance he outlined the need for relevant research in new technologies to deliver the food needed to feed an evergrowing world population. Using clear graphs he showed the cereal yields for the UK, how self sufficiency has varied over the years and how the current need for food security relates to the “Dig for Victory” efforts in the last war.
Richard Ashworth MEP
Examined CAP reform using the title “CAP Reform made interesting” He gave the clearest explanation of CAP reform and the situation in the EU. Why reform was being examined and how the new members from Eastern Europe affected the CAP budget. The question of social versus economic policy was discussed as well as the effect of limiting the size of Single Farm payments which would affect a lot of UK farms.
Caroline Drummond, MBE Chief Executive of LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming)
Gave a lively exposé of the need for food security in a conservation aware environment. The current population projections would require 5 Earths to feed everyone by 2050!
Mary Quicke MBE, cheese-maker and businesswoman
Local Devon farmer and cheese maker, Mary explained the cheese making process and bemoaned the loss of experts in the field , who are not being replaced as training and experience in these areas is no longer given. The experts she called on to help solve problems in her industry no longer exist and she fears for the future unless this problem is addressed. She was upbeat about production and her quality product.
David Henley, Principal Bicton College
David used the three E’s , (Education, Enthusiasm & Enterprise)to explain the colleges commitment to training and skill provision to provide the young people necessary to keep UK land based industries supplied with the workers they need.
Visit to EaRTH(Environmental & Renewable Energies Hub)
This enterprising use of derelict farm buildings was made to create a learning environment for students to prepare them for using and repairing renewable energy sources. Biomass boilers, underfloor heating, insulation and PV panels were all installed to make an energy efficient teaching resource.
Charles Baughan MD of Westaways
The MD of Westaways sausages gave a positive and entertaining exposé “Getting the message across in a digital age”. How to use modern technology ,internet Twitter and facebook to gain and keep customers.Sitting in an office doesn’t bring buyers in.
Sarah Gayton
Sarah updated the meeting on the progress of the project “Farmers on Film feeding the Olympic Dream”. The film students have won a podium award and Sarah is hoping to build on this to encourage other film students to contribute films for the project.
Neil Parish MP and past MEP
Neil gave an upbeat picture of he position of farming in the UK explaining that from his point of view the UK is well placed to compete in a global market.
Dr Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales
Dr Glossop explained her approach to disease control in Wales, basing her tactics on military strategy. Know your enemy, isolate and exploit.
Her TB team in Wales had by testing mapped the incidence of Bovine TB in Wales and were now preparing to implement the vaccination programme selected by the Welsh Assembly. This would be applied with military precision to the best ability of herself and her team.
Dr Marina Morgan, consultant microbiologist
Zoonoses can we stop them and at what cost? Dr Morgan explained her role at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital, showing slides of various conditions caused by zoonoses. Covering both farm and companion animals she stressed the need of being aware of zoonoses and recommended the WFU Medical alert card be carried by all those in contact with animals as many GP’s had no knowledge of diseases transmitted by animals.
Download the card here Medical Alert Card
Richard Haddock, , FSB spokesman on agriculture, farmer and maverick
What is Fair Trade? Richard Haddock gave a powerful presentation of how to be on top of your market. Get your quality right and your customers will support you.
Nicholas Cooper
What will farming look like without Fossil fuels Nicholas Cooper reminded us that the land had been farmed without fossil fuels for nearly 10,000 years. Thus it was possible to farm without being dependent on mineral deposits and outlined the use of plant oils and Anaerobic digesters which needed no fossil fuels to run.
Helen Camp YFC Ambassador 2011.
Our final speaker Helen Camp gave an upbeat account of how if determined it is possible for young farmers to obtain tenancies , to build up an enterprise and assets all in all emphasising “The Future’s Bright!-The Future’s Farming!”
WG have asked for WFU evidence and support to put a case together to ban Chinese Lanterns
OCVO – Sky Lanterns letter English
OCVO – Sky Lanterns letter Welsh
If you have any evidence or views we would like you to contact Sally before the 18th of April
Please read our previous blogs for news stories and info on the damage these items can cause Thanks
You can also sign the petition here: https://www.assemblywales.org/epetition-list-of-signatories.htm?pet_id=693
Telegraph- Call for fines for releasing Chinese Lanterns and Balloons
Marine Conservation Society who are seeking a ban on both Chinese lanterns and balloons have also organised an on-line petition which at the moment is concentrated in Wales.
Their strategy is to obtain a ban in Walesand then if this is achieved to roll it out across the rest of the UK.
Some AM members already support our campaign so do sign the petition at
https://www.assemblywales.org/epetition-list-of-signatories.htm?pet_id=693
WFU are also concerned that with Drought orders in place in many parts of the UK the risk of fire from lanterns is even higher.
Look back on older posts for news on the disasters they can cause.
Jackie Lougher of Batsleys Farm, St Athans to talk on her charity work for our April meeting.
Jackie helps raise monies in her local church for a charity which supports a village school in Africa.She recently visited the school , along with going on a safari,and will show the slides of her trip.
Please put this evening in your diaries :
Date: Wednesday 4th April 2012
Venue: Golden Mile pub, Corntown ( A48)
Time : 7.30pm.
Meet in lounge. If you would like to order a bar meal then please be free to do so.
Please encourage as many friends/family to come along.
Glynogwr & District Show 