FUW lines up plenty of events at the Royal Welsh Show

I think we can all agree that it’s been a long, lonely two years living under very difficult conditions brought about by the necessary Covid-19 restrictions and that the reappearance in our social calendar of the industry’s biggest event is indeed a sight for sore eyes.

So it’s no surprise that those of us who are lucky enough to be here at the 118th Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Show intend to take full advantage of the glorious dry weather to meet up, reacquaint ourselves with the intense hustle and bustle of competing, showing and socialising with people we haven’t had the opportunity to see for so long-and all under the unrelenting glare of a heatwave for the first few days, at least!

Our packed schedule at the FUW pavilion sees us moving to a new approach this year with a welcome emphasis on attracting a newer, younger demographic to the Union as well as acknowledging the vital part women play in agriculture.

Our nine seminars offer something for everyone; from a prestigious event on TB led by the recently-appointed chair of research at Aberystwyth University, Professor Glyn Hewinson to a session with Chware Teg highlighting gender inequalities in the industry and the incredible work women do, from tree-planting and carbon-offsetting discussions to the launch of the GWCT Working Conservationists Farming Community.

We will also have an informative session by FUWIS and partners on how to manage risk as well as a lively panel discussion about the challenges facing the industry in the wake of the relatively recent recognition of the devastating effects that the menopause has on the farm as a whole, not just the woman who is experiencing the symptoms.

We will also be hosting joint events with Mid and West Wales Fire (MAWW) and the National Trust to highlight the use of agricultural techniques in wildfire prevention as well as hosting the annual OFCOM lunch and discussing the recently-released Sustainable Farming Scheme.

READ: Thousands of farms have taken part in industry-led programme

In the spirit of attracting new and young blood to the union, this year for the first time we will be welcoming FUW members Llaeth y Dderi Milk who will be selling their delicious fresh flavoursome milkshakes from their vending machine situated outside the FUW pavilion.

You will also be able to pick up a children’s picnic box #bocsbachbwyd which will include healthy, locally-sourced ingredients, providing a handy takeaway option for keeping small show-goers happy with its tasty contents.

Whilst you enjoy a cuppa and a cake with us, the younger ones can enjoy colouring in and having their picture taken in our peep board whilst the older, cooler kids (and adults!) can pick up a pair of red hot FUW #FUWsummer22 sunglasses and have their picture taken in our Insta-worthy selfie board.

Members of the Football Association of Wales as well as the Scarlets team will also be calling by, so keep an eye on our social media accounts for more details about these exciting appearances.

On Tuesday evening at our pavilion, we are very excited to host a small intimate gig with the one-and-only Bryn Fôn a’r Band but hurry-tickets via Tocyn Cymru are selling fast and we may only have a few left to buy on the door at 7pm.

All proceeds from the ticket sales and the bar will be divided equally between the DPJ Foundation and the people of Ukraine through DEC Cymru, to be presented at the president's reception on Wednesday night. 

All in all, we have packed in over two lost years’ worth of activities to these four days and myself and the staff at FUW and FUWIS look forward to welcoming you one and all for what is gearing up to be a fantastic Royal Welsh Show so be sure to call in and say hello!