Latest news with #RWAS
Business News Wales
3 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Organic Agri Pioneers Win Inaugural Award for Contribution to Rural Life
Lord Newborough with Ruth Davies (RWAS Clwyd and Cheshire Advisory Committee Secretary) and Judge Nigel Davies. A 12,500-acre organic farm estate has won a prestigious inaugural accolade for the contribution it has made to rural life. Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate near Corwen, Denbighshire, received The Harry Fetherstonhaugh OBE Award (For Large Business) at the first ever Clwyd and Cheshire Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) Presidents Awards. A celebratory dinner and prizegiving was held at the White House Hotel and Spa, Rhuallt. The theme for 2025 was an individual or business that has made a significant contribution to rural life within Clwyd, and RWAS Members were encouraged to nominate for each category. Lord Newborough said: 'Our place at the heart of the Vale of Clwyd is very special to us, as is the impact we have had for generations on sustainable agriculture and now organic farming. 'We are thrilled and grateful to receive this inaugural award – thank you.' The other accolades – reflecting the three past RWAS Presidents – were The Trebor Edwards Award for the individual who has shown to have made a significant contribution to rural life within Clwyd, won by Eryl Williams, and The R. Gwynn Hughes Award (For Small Business), picked up by J&G Tyres Ltd, Denbigh. The Advisory Committee are looking forward to the Awards becoming an annual event in the diaries of the Clwyd and Cheshire rural community.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Royal Welsh bans English livestock amid bluetongue
The Royal Welsh Show is to ban livestock from England from this year's event following the spread of the bluetongue virus. In a statement, organisers said they "recognised the growing concern" around the recent outbreak. Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) said livestock entries of animals susceptible to the virus - particularly cattle, sheep and goats - will not be accepted from exhibitors located within a bluetongue virus restricted zone. The zone is to be extended to cover the whole of England from 1 July before the annual show in Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells in Powys, on 21-24 July. Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3), mainly spread by midge bites, does not affect humans or risk food safety. Warning of 'massive impact' of farm virus in Wales Bluetongue virus 'causing farmers stress and anxiety' Latest Welsh Government advice RWAS said it was committed to working with and supporting exhibitors amid the outbreak and is working closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Welsh government veterinary team. "Our goal is to ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place, in line with the most up-to-date guidance," the statement read. "That said, we are taking steps to provide clarity based on current guidance, while being transparent that circumstances may evolve before the Royal Welsh Show in July. "This policy has been introduced to safeguard the health of livestock exhibited at this year's Royal Welsh Show and to help reduce the risk of bluetongue spreading." The RWAS said: Entries will not be accepted from exhibitors located within a bluetongue restricted zone. Exhibitors who are required to travel through a restricted zone to attend the show will also not be permitted to attend. If an exhibitor enters the show but subsequently moves into a restricted zone, they will no longer be eligible to attend. Exhibitors unaffected by bluetongue restrictions will remain subject to the society's general rules and regulations. The RWAS said the policy could change according to any updates in government policy before the show. Current pre-movement testing exemptions apply in England, Scotland and Wales until 12 June when the Welsh government is due to announce an update. Last summer, the Royal Welsh Show celebrated 120 years since the annual agricultural show first began. Bluetongue does not affect humans and poses no risk to public health or food safety In rare instances, however, dogs and other carnivores can contract it if they consume infected substances such as aborted material and afterbirth. It affects cattle, goats, sheep, goats, deer and camelids such as llamas and alpacas. The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – but in most cases seen since September 2024 clinical signs have been mild and animals have recovered. Bluetongue is classed as a "notifiable" disease, meaning it is an offence not to report it to the authorities. Signs of bluetongue in cattle include lethargy, crusty erosions around the nostrils and muzzle, and redness of the mouth, eyes and, nose. In sheep, signs include ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose, discharge from the eyes or nose and drooling from mouth, and the swelling of the lips, tongue, head and neck, as well as the coronary band (where the skin of the leg meets the horn of the foot). Other symptoms include red skin as a result of blood collecting beneath the surface, fever, lameness, breathing problems, abortion, foetal deformities and stillbirths. The disease can be fatal. We'll work with anyone for rural life, say farmers
BBC News
09-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Bluetongue: Royal Welsh Show bans English livestock amid outbreak
The Royal Welsh Show is to ban livestock from England from this year's event following the spread of the bluetongue a statement, organisers said they "recognised the growing concern" around the recent Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) said livestock entries of animals susceptible to the virus - particularly cattle, sheep and goats - will not be accepted from exhibitors located within a bluetongue virus restricted zone is to be extended to cover the whole of England from 1 July before the annual show in Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells in Powys, on 21-24 serotype 3 (BTV-3), mainly spread by midge bites, does not affect humans or risk food safety. RWAS said it was committed to working with and supporting exhibitors amid the outbreak and is working closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Welsh government veterinary team."Our goal is to ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place, in line with the most up-to-date guidance," the statement read."That said, we are taking steps to provide clarity based on current guidance, while being transparent that circumstances may evolve before the Royal Welsh Show in July."This policy has been introduced to safeguard the health of livestock exhibited at this year's Royal Welsh Show and to help reduce the risk of bluetongue spreading." The RWAS said:Entries will not be accepted from exhibitors located within a bluetongue restricted who are required to travel through a restricted zone to attend the show will also not be permitted to an exhibitor enters the show but subsequently moves into a restricted zone, they will no longer be eligible to unaffected by bluetongue restrictions will remain subject to the society's general rules and RWAS said the policy could change according to any updates in government policy before the pre-movement testing exemptions apply in England, Scotland and Wales until 12 June when the Welsh government is due to announce an summer, the Royal Welsh Show celebrated 120 years since the annual agricultural show first began. What is bluetongue? Bluetongue does not affect humans and poses no risk to public health or food safetyIn rare instances, however, dogs and other carnivores can contract it if they consume infected substances such as aborted material and affects cattle, goats, sheep, goats, deer and camelids such as llamas and alpacas. The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – but in most cases seen since September 2024 clinical signs have been mild and animals have is classed as a "notifiable" disease, meaning it is an offence not to report it to the of bluetongue in cattle include lethargy, crusty erosions around the nostrils and muzzle, and redness of the mouth, eyes and, sheep, signs include ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose, discharge from the eyes or nose and drooling from mouth, and the swelling of the lips, tongue, head and neck, as well as the coronary band (where the skin of the leg meets the horn of the foot).Other symptoms include red skin as a result of blood collecting beneath the surface, fever, lameness, breathing problems, abortion, foetal deformities and stillbirths. The disease can be fatal.
Business News Wales
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Caernarfon Feature County to Lead RWAS Hill Farming Showcase
Hafod y Llan is to host RWAS hill farming event for feature county Caernarfon. The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society's 2025 feature county, Caernarfon, is set to showcase the very best of hill farming with a special event at the iconic Hafod y Llan Farm, Beddgelert, at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The event, supported by Hafod y Llan farm team, includes more than 100 trade stands offering everything from local produce and crafts to farming equipment and rural services. Event highlights include: Machinery displays and demonstrations showcasing the latest agricultural technology and techniques. An Inter Welsh Agriculture Colleges Competition, giving young farmers the chance to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. Sheepdog demonstrations, showcasing the incredible skill and teamwork between shepherds and their dogs. A dedicated forestry area with live demonstrations highlighting sustainable woodland management. A food area, celebrating local produce and culinary talent. Seminars featuring prominent guest speakers sharing insights and experiences on hill farming, sustainability and rural life. Competitions. Hafod y Llan is a National Trust property situated in the heart of Eryri, encompassing Yr Wyddfa itself. 'This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the resilience, innovation and heritage of hill farmers,' said John Owen, RWAS president. 'We are delighted to bring the farming community and the public together at Hafod y Llan, a place that truly embodies the spirit of Welsh farming and conservation.' Admission is £15 per adult, with children under 16 free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. The event runs from 10 am to 5 pm.
Business News Wales
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Record Turnout Reported at 2025 Royal Welsh Spring Festival
A record crowd flocked to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society's Spring Festival at Llanelwedd. The two-day event showcased the very best of rural Wales against the backdrop of perfect spring weather. This year's festival celebrated the RWAS's Welsh heritage while appealing to a diverse audience from all walks of life. 'We couldn't have asked for better conditions,' said John Owen, president of the 2025 feature county, Caernarfon. 'The sunshine brought out record crowds and the atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed and friendly throughout. It's been the perfect start to Caernarfon's year as feature county.' Geraint James, festival director, said: 'We've worked extremely hard to create an inclusive festival that balances agricultural heritage with family entertainment, and this year's attendance figures confirm we're moving in the right direction. 'The refreshed branding and expanded activities have attracted visitors from across Wales and beyond. What's particularly gratifying is seeing people from all backgrounds coming together – from farming families sharing their expertise to first-time visitors discovering rural Welsh culture and traditions. 'This festival truly bridges the gap between rural and urban communities.' RWAS chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones, added: 'This year's Spring Festival has been an outstanding success. The relaxed, family friendly atmosphere that makes this event so special was evident throughout the weekend and we're extremely grateful for all the support we've received from our visitors, exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers. 'Our attention now turns to the Royal Welsh Show and we hope to see everyone back on the showground in July.' Activities included Will's Petting Farm and Emma's Donkeys in the Country Life area, where visitors could meet and interact with the animals. The Panic Family's Circus Big Top gave visitors the chance to try their hand at circus skills. Children received special stamp cards upon arrival and explored the showground collecting stamps from various stands throughout the festival. Those who completed their cards received 'Spring Festival Expert' certificates. Separately, downloadable educational resources, created in partnership with Twinkl, focusing on native and rare breed livestock, provided additional learning opportunities for families. The festival welcomed hundreds of four-legged visitors alongside their owners. The RWAS Ltd Canine Section's Crufts qualifier attracted serious competitors, while the feature county ran a Fun Dog Show. 'As someone who's grown up attending agricultural shows, it's brilliant to see so many dogs and their owners enjoying the festival,' said Rhys Griffith, ambassador for Caernarfon and judge of the heavy horse classes. 'The festival has something for everyone – from impressive heavy horses to family pets competing in fun classes. That inclusive atmosphere is what makes this event so special.' The festival showcased more than 100 cattle, nearly 700 sheep, more than 110 pigs, more than 250 goats and almost 800 horses, ponies and donkeys in competitions. New classes this year included Red Poll and Dexter cattle and Castle Moorit Sheep. The livestock and equine champions were: Supreme beef champion: Glebedale Toblerone, a Beef Shorthorn bull exhibited by Tim Bodily, Monmouth. Reserve: Shelsleys Kwagga exhibited by David Powell, Worcestershire. Dairy youngstock champion: Salfach Thor Caramel, an in-calf Jersey heifer exhibited by Salfach & Nantgaredig Jerseys, Carmarthenshire. Reserve: Nantgaredig Thor Poppy, also from Salfach & Nantgaredig Jerseys. Cattle young handler: Molly Edwards, Carmarthenshire. Cattle breed tradestand Award: Ancient Cattle of Wales. Supreme sheep champion: William Evans, Pembrokeshire with a Kerry Hill. Reserve: D. C. L. & C. J. Williams, Powys with a Hill Radnor. Sheep breed tradestand award: Welsh Mountain Sheep. Goats. Angora champion: Marchgwyn Evan exhibited by Stephen Prentice, Carmarthenshire. Reserve: Chrido Gigi exhibited by Chris Tyler. Fleece champion and reserve: Cwmysewrdy Agoras, Powys. Pygmy champion: Sunnymount Zebedee exhibited by Tim Bee, Monmouth. Reserve: Penrhiw Jazz exhibited by Jill Osborne, Gwent. Dairy goats supreme champion: Chatterbox Texas; reserve: Chatterbox Stargazer, both exhibited by Adrian Bull, Wiltshire. Equine supreme champion: Royal Craftsman exhibited by Jane Brace, Bridgend; reserve: Silverwoods, exhibited by Charlotte Elizabeth Arthur, Swansea. Full Equine and Livestock results can be found on the RWAS website
