Farmers and Industry Professionals from across West Wales came together at the recent NFU Cymru/NatWest Cymru Seminar in Carmarthen to hear from industry experts on the political, economic and business challenges facing agriculture, while exploring opportunities to build profitable, resilient and sustainable farming businesses for the future.
Held at Canolfan S4C Yr Egin, the seminar focused on the theme of helping businesses sustainably grow in an increasingly volatile world, bringing together leading voices from banking, economics, farm business management and agricultural policy.
Changing landscape
Opening the seminar, Dylan Morgan, Head of Policy at NFU Cymru, provided delegates with an overview of the changing agricultural political landscape. He outlined the significant policy developments facing Welsh agriculture following recent governmental changes and highlighted the challenges and opportunities arising from the ongoing development of the Sustainable Farming Scheme. He stressed the importance of ensuring future agricultural policy delivers both economic sustainability and environmental outcomes for Welsh farm businesses.
Period of significant change
Ian Burrow, Head of Agriculture and Renewable Energy at NatWest, highlighted the importance of the Bank supporting farm businesses through a period of significant change. He also underscored the importance of food security, animal health, supply chain resilience, innovation and supporting the next generation entering the industry.
Delegates also received an overview of the economic outlook from Philip Bartlett, Senior Economist at NatWest. He outlined ongoing economic pressures facing businesses, including higher borrowing costs, inflationary pressures and challenges within global supply chains. While noting that the Welsh economy has recently returned to growth territory, he warned that rising costs continue to squeeze business margins, with agricultural input costs remaining a particular concern for farming businesses.
Driving profitability
Farm business consultant John Crimes of CARA examined what drives profitability on farm and how businesses can adapt to future policy changes, including the transition to the SFS. His presentation highlighted the importance of focusing on output, efficiency and continuous improvement rather than simply farm size. He encouraged farmers to embrace learning opportunities, benchmarking and knowledge exchange, stressing that successful businesses are built by people who are willing to learn, adapt and invest in their future.
Performing under pressure
A key highlight of the afternoon session was the keynote address from Jonathan Davies, the former Scarlets, Wales and British & Irish Lions rugby star. Drawing on his experiences at the highest level of professional sport, Jonathan shared insights on leadership, resilience, performance under pressure and adapting to change, offering valuable lessons that can be applied both on and off the farm. Delegates also heard from Ann Davies, MP for Caerfyrddin, who provided a political perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Welsh agriculture.
Closing the event, NFU Cymru President Abi Reader, reflected on recent discussions with Welsh Government ministers and officials, highlighting the union's ongoing work on the Sustainable Farming Scheme, bovine tuberculosis and water quality regulations. She reiterated the need for farming policy to recognise the high standards already achieved by Welsh farmers and called for a practical, collaborative approach that enables farm businesses to remain productive and profitable while delivering for the environment.
Speaking after the seminar, Ms Reader said:
"Welsh farming has so much to offer and so much to be proud of. Events such as this provide an important opportunity for farmers to hear from experts, share experiences and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead.
"The future of our industry will be built on profitable, sustainable businesses. By working collaboratively, embracing innovation and ensuring policies work in practice for farming families, we can create a strong future for Welsh agriculture."
Expert insight
The seminar formed part of the ongoing partnership between NFU Cymru and NatWest Cymru to support farm businesses through a rapidly changing political, economic and environmental landscape, providing practical information and expert insight to help farmers make informed business decisions.
Nathan Davies, Agriculture Relationship Manager, NatWest Cymru, said:
"Farming makes a vital contribution to the Welsh economy and to the communities that sustain it. Through our dedicated network of relationship managers, NatWest Cymru works closely with the agricultural sector across the country, helping them navigate change and invest for the future.
"Our partnership with NFU Cymru is about providing practical support, expert insight and opportunities for farmers to come together and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Welsh agriculture has a strong future, and we're committed to playing our part in supporting its continued success."
