The First Minister joined NFU Cymru members at Castellior, Menai Bridge, as part of a programme of on-farm visits designed to give Senedd Members first-hand insight into the contribution Welsh farmers make to food production, environmental management and rural communities.
The visit marked the first time NFU Cymru has hosted a First Minister on-farm during Welsh Farming Week since the campaign was launched five years ago.
Hosted by Dylan Jones and family, the visit showcased a highly efficient beef finishing enterprise that demonstrates how productivity and sustainability can work hand-in-hand.
By adopting a fully home-grown forage system, the business has increased output while reducing emissions, providing a practical example of how Welsh farms are innovating to meet economic and environmental objectives.
Engagements across Wales
“These opportunities provide the perfect platform for our members to illustrate how they are delivering for the people and communities of Wales, whether that be food production, environmental management or boosting the local economy.”
NFU Cymru President, Abi Reader
The First Minister's visit formed part of a wider programme of engagements held across Wales, with MSs visiting farms in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Clwyd, Gwynedd Maldwyn, Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni and Glamorgan. Farmers used the opportunity to discuss both the achievements and challenges facing Welsh agriculture.
Common themes across the country
Across the country, a number of common themes emerged. Discussions centred on the future of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, the impact of increasing regulation and bureaucracy, the need for policies that support productive farming, and the importance of maintaining a thriving domestic food production sector.
Farmers also highlighted concerns around bovine TB, water quality regulations, repeated inspections and the challenges facing new entrants to the industry.
In Ceredigion, dairy farmer Gethin Hughes discussed the barriers facing new entrants, the frequency of farm inspections and the continued impact of bovine TB on farming businesses.
In Knighton, NFU Cymru members highlighted the complexity of the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme and the difficulties created by cross-border regulation, stressing the need for greater flexibility within future agricultural support policies.
At Whitehall Farm near Nelson, host farmer Andrew Edwards demonstrated how herbal leys are being used to improve soil health, livestock performance and biodiversity, while also calling for a reduction in unnecessary bureaucracy and regulatory burdens on farming businesses.
Meanwhile, at Nantymoel Farm in the Ogmore Valley, discussions focused on the important role livestock farming plays in landscape management, reducing wildfire risk and delivering environmental outcomes, alongside concerns relating to agricultural budgets, rural crime and regulatory pressures.
Valuable engagement
Speaking following the visit to Castellior, host farmer Dylan Jones said: "While this meeting presented an opportunity for us to discuss some of the challenges facing our farming businesses, it was also great to be able to share our ambitions and visions for the industry."
NFU Cymru Deputy President Paul Williams said: "This is the first time NFU Cymru has hosted a First Minister on farm during our annual Welsh Farming Week since the campaign's inception five years ago.
It is fantastic that the First Minister has been willing to give up his time to join us at Castellior and hear from farmers in his constituency about their day-to-day work, their challenges and hopes for the future."
NFU Cymru President Abi Reader added: "On-farm meetings like this provide such valuable engagement for us at NFU Cymru.
These opportunities provide the perfect platform for our members to illustrate how they are delivering for the people and communities of Wales, whether that be food production, environmental management or boosting the local economy."
Welsh Farming Week was established by NFU Cymru to celebrate the contribution of Welsh farmers and to encourage greater understanding of the role agriculture plays in producing food, caring for the countryside and supporting rural economies. The 2026 campaign saw Senedd Members from across the political spectrum visit farms throughout Wales, allowing farmers to showcase their work and discuss the policies that will shape the future of Welsh agriculture.
