Bovine TB

It is that time of year again. I do not mean the festive season, but that time when your heart is in your mouth as the callipers squeeze what looks like a bottom lump on a cow when having your six-monthly bTB test.

As the Royal Welsh Winter Fair comes to a close, signalling the beginning of the festive season where we can safely eat a mince pie without fear of judgement, it is important to reflect on the event and highlight the many challenges currently facing Wales’ rural communities and farming industries.

When questioned at last weekend's English Winter Fair on whether he had wanted the role of Defra Secretary, Mr Spencer said it was not a question of ‘putting my hat in the ring'. "This was a decision for the Prime Minister," he said

The Government's commitment to continue with the badger cull has been criticised by NFU as 'just warm words' which must be backed up in writing with a policy change

Joyce Watson's comments in the Senedd last week that dairy farms with perpetual TB 'should find another business' sparked fury amongst Welsh farmers and unions

Wales' Rural Affairs Minister said the policy of on-farm slaughter of heavily pregnant cows and heifers with TB is being considered as a ‘matter of priority' by her officials

Livestock farmers in Wales angry after Labour member for Mid and West Wales, Joyce Watson MS said dairy farms with 'perpetual TB should find another business'

Wales' Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths said ‘steady progress' was being made in tackling bovine TB, but 'good biosecurity' on-farm was the best way to keep infection out

This week's letters from Farmers Guardian readers (October 27)

Ulster Farmers' Union president said the decision was a 'major blow' for livestock farmers, adding farming families have been on their knees due to this disease for generations