Wales Farmer APRIL 2014 NEWS


PLAID Cymru rural affairs spokesman Llyr Gruffydd has been re-elected to chair the Assembly’s cross party group on rural affairs. The group brings together elected rep-


resentatives and countryside organisa- tions and campaign groups representing all strands of rural life to ensure the voice of ruralcommunities is being heard in the corridors of power. MrGruffydd said: “Our role is tomake sure rural communities are central to gov-


ernment thinking and not an add-on or afterthought. I think we have succeeded in promoting the interests of rural areas, showing that they are living communities that have a vital place in terms of the economy and promoting a greener Wales.” The group next hopes to discuss rural


business development, public transport, fuel costs and issues such rural broad- band provision with the minister for the economy and transport.


17 AM retains rural affairs group hotseat


FESTIVAL FAVOURITE: Becky Rowlands, of Llanbrynmair showing off the cattle supreme champion and reserve cow with calf at foot at last year’s Royal Welsh Spring Festival.


Festival set to spring into life


LIVESTOCK schedules are now out for the pre- mier event for smallhold- ing, gardening and sus-


tainable living. The Royal Welsh Spring Festi-


val attracted more than 23,000 visitors to the Royal Welsh Showground last year, and the livestock section with its many traditional, rare and native breeds, is a major interest to all. This year the event will again be host to a huge number livestock classes and special awards, including 144 for sheep, 69 for pigs, 75 for goats and 13 for cat- tle.


“Preparations for this year’s


Royal Welsh Spring Festival are in full swing and we are looking forward to hosting another suc- cessful event.” says Kay Spencer, honorary festival director. “New exhibitors are always


welcome at the event and with the new mix of classes there is something for everyone to partic- ipate in and enjoy.” New classes include a BPA


young pig of the year round, a pair and group of three competi-


tions in the pig section and best pair classes in the cattle section. Best presented pen awards will also be available in most sections, with judges casting their eyes over all the exhibitors through- out the weekend to find the win- ners.


Again, the festival will also


hold a qualifying round for the Rare Breeds Survival Trust young shepherd of the year con- test. Visitors will also be able to


enjoy the open premier dog show, floral and horticultural displays, gardeners question time, vintage machinery displays, scurry driving, BASC gundog display, farmers’ market, show jumping and working hunter classes and, new for this year, forestry tradestands and chain- sawcarving. The closing date for livestock


entries is April 4th, (April 11th for dairy goats only). For copies of the schedule and forms,


entry visit


www.rwas.co.uk or call Rhian Davies on 01982 554408. The Spring Festival will be held onMay 17th and 18th.


For more information about the Spring Festival, go to www.rwas.co.uk/spring-festival


For the latest Wales farming news: walesfarmer.co.uk


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