0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:06 > 0:00:12- Every Welsh cattle farmer's aim - is to tackle and eradicate TB.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16- It's been a problem for over - 20 years for the rural community.
0:00:16 > 0:00:21- Have we found the answer in - the Welsh Government's new plans?
0:00:32 > 0:00:36- Also tonight, Daloni visits - a company in Llanefydd...
0:00:37 > 0:00:39- ..which has diversified the farm...
0:00:39 > 0:00:44- ..creating a multi-million pound - business and local work.
0:00:45 > 0:00:50- Maintaining a vibrant countryside - is the message from a report...
0:00:50 > 0:00:55- ..published today by Baroness - Eluned Morgan of the Labour party.
0:00:55 > 0:01:00- She's called on the Welsh Government - to establish a strong programme...
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- ..to prepare the rural economy - for Brexit.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08- We'll look more closely - at the report next week...
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- ..and ask - how realistic are these aims?
0:01:11 > 0:01:15- Next, a full response to the - Welsh Government's programme...
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- ..to deal with the challenge of TB - on our farms.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25- In the words of the Government...
0:01:26 > 0:01:30- ..the new programme to eradicate TB - consists of stronger methods.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35- What are the views of those - who must implement the new rules?
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- Alun has the story.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43- I can see the industry shrinking...
0:01:43 > 0:01:48- ..and the ability of the industry - to be of international importance.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53- They've pushed us into a corner - - theirs is the only way.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55- It's got to be sorted out, yes...
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- ..but to get people working together - would be so much better.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- There are many new elements - to the programme.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- One of those is the intention - to split Wales into five regions...
0:02:12 > 0:02:14- ..in terms of risk.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- Two high, two medium and one low.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- One farmer who's worried - about splitting Wales...
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- ..is former president - of the World Limousin Society...
0:02:25 > 0:02:27- ..Aled Edwards, Home Farm, Cilycwm.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- We live in a relatively clean area.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37- We'll end up in a medium-risk area - in terms of zoning.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- I'm worried - that we'll have a situation...
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- ..where the market - for selling bulls will shrink...
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- ..as it has done - over the past decade.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53- We lost our market in Scotland - ten years ago...
0:02:53 > 0:02:58- ..when the need for testing animals - after they'd been sold came in.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- We're seeing that happening again...
0:03:02 > 0:03:06- ..in the context of what's - happening in England and in Wales.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09- Areas in North-West England...
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- ..will lose interest in bulls - from this area.
0:03:13 > 0:03:19- If we're talking about bringing - new blood into the herd...
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- ..how difficult will that be - in the future?
0:03:22 > 0:03:27- It'll make it difficult for us as - we look westwards and eastwards...
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- ..for stock bulls in the future.
0:03:31 > 0:03:36- It's been frustrating for us to buy - stocks bulls over the past decade.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- We're not very competitive - in the British market.
0:03:40 > 0:03:46- We compete against - the Scottish, English and Irish...
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- ..for stock bulls.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- Our market is smaller and the price - we receive for our bulls is lower.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- We're trying to keep the quality - of the herd as high as possible.
0:03:58 > 0:04:04- We're trying to keep ahead - and be adventurous in what we do.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- The rules they've introduced - make life more difficult for us...
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- ..to maintain a progressive herd.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- If a farm has chronic TB...
0:04:18 > 0:04:23- ..an individual - eradication plan will be created...
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- ..to completely rid the herd - of the diseases.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- If a badger with the disease - is found on the farm...
0:04:30 > 0:04:36- ..consideration will be given - to destroying it in a humane manner.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- Unfortunately, - only around 50 farms in Wales...
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- ..fall into the category.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- The question is, - are these plans strong enough?
0:04:47 > 0:04:52- TB is a major problem - in the Llys y Fran area.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57- Penlan dairy farm is home to three - generations of the Griffiths family.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- Over the past 22 months, - they've lost 98 cattle.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- We've suffered a lot, - losing so many animals.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- It's a difficult situation, - numbers are down...
0:05:12 > 0:05:14- ..and we're losing a lot of value.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- It's nice to hear - that they've realised...
0:05:19 > 0:05:24- ..that it's the wild animals - spreading TB in this area...
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- ..amongst the dairy cows.
0:05:27 > 0:05:32- Andrew, you'll receive - an individual plan for the farm.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- Does that sound like - more hard work for you?
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- We can't move any of the animals.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- We can buy animals in...
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- ..but there's an added cost.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- We have to keep them apart, - we need isolation units.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- There's so much hygiene work to do.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57- They say we have to wash - the feeding troughs after every cow.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- It's virtually impossible.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- It'll get worse.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- Yes, there are so many new rules - coming in.
0:06:05 > 0:06:10- We're not 100% sure - what's going to happen.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- I hope it improves - but there's a lot of work to do.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- If I can turn - to the voice of experience...
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- ..can you remember a time when - things were different and better?
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- TB wasn't a problem years ago...
0:06:25 > 0:06:29- ..and then TB became a problem.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34- They managed to overcome - the problem fairly quickly.
0:06:34 > 0:06:39- They tackled it right away - and overcame it.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- They stopped it spreading - in no time at all.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- The way they're tackling it - this time is very different.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- We've known for months - and many years...
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- ..that they're dragging their feet.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- They've left it too long this time.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01- The Welsh Government - are using public money...
0:07:01 > 0:07:03- ..to buy the infected cattle.
0:07:04 > 0:07:09- The intention is to decrease the - maximum sum available to farmers...
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- ..from 15,000 to 5,000.
0:07:14 > 0:07:20- The state buys the animal - when it fails the test.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- It's not compensation.
0:07:23 > 0:07:29- It's difficult for us to invest - in a high quality stock bull...
0:07:29 > 0:07:34- ..in the Limousin breed because - it could cost 20,000 - 50,000.
0:07:34 > 0:07:40- If we get it back to the farm - and it has TB, we only get 5,000.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44- It's very frustrating for us. - We have to reassess the situation.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- I know 5,000 is a lot of money - but it will still affect farmers.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- You could have an animal - that's won in shows a few times...
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- ..and it's worth a lot of money, - this will only drag the price down.
0:07:58 > 0:08:03- It's not going to be enough - for what you receive for the animal.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- We buy expensive cattle - because we breed here.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- We've probably lost - eight or nine cattle families.
0:08:12 > 0:08:17- You lose them overnight. - That's more upsetting than anything.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- When considering the measures - in the plan...
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- ..the question is, - who will benefit the most?
0:08:29 > 0:08:36- The Government sitting in its - offices dealing with TB from afar...
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- ..or the farmers facing - the challenges on a daily basis?
0:08:43 > 0:08:48- Certainly, it's more political - than scientific. That's very sad.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53- We need scientific experts to stand - up and say, "We have to do this."
0:08:54 > 0:08:59- Personally, as a family - trying to rear the Dyfri herd...
0:09:00 > 0:09:02- ..it's a worrying time again.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- We've had worrying times in the past - and overcome them.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09- I don't know - how we'll survive this time.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- I'll try and get - as many bloodlines into the herd...
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- ..and keep my customers happy...
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- ..but the Government - isn't helping me.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- The Government - needs to grasp the situation.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- They have a responsibility - to do something about the disease.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33- They put pressure on the industry, - they talk about partnerships...
0:09:33 > 0:09:40- ..but the plans they're implementing - must gain international respect.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- That's the response of the farmers.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- What about other businesses - within the industry?
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- How will it affect marts like this, - in Carmarthen?
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- How do you see this - affecting your business?
0:10:12 > 0:10:19- If you look at the consultation for - marts, auctioneers and farmers...
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- ..the message they sent back - in the consultation...
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- ..wasn't accepted at all.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- These guidelines will cause - difficulties, it'll split farmers.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- For me, it's a step - in the wrong direction.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41- How many buyers do you have - coming from England?
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- From West Wales, most of the cattle - are taken out of this area...
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- ..to be fattened, - to England, specifically...
0:10:48 > 0:10:54- ..the west of England - and as far north as Yorkshire.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- They're clean areas.
0:10:56 > 0:11:02- Those buyers have much cheaper food - available to fatten their animals.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- We need them here to buy the stock.
0:11:05 > 0:11:10- That's been the system for centuries - and it will continue.
0:11:10 > 0:11:15- Will prices fall in this area - because of the changes?
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- I hope they don't but the buyer - will have additional costs.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- Those costs will come straight back - through us to the seller.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- If that happens, - the cattle will be devalued.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- The Welsh Government's - TB eradication board...
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- ..has members across the industry.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- John Owen, Coleg Sir Gar Farm - in Gelli Aur...
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- ..is chairman - of the south-west area.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- We welcome the fact that the - Government, for the first time...
0:11:53 > 0:11:58- ..has acknowledged the link - between wildlife and TB in cattle.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- We wanted to see further steps - involving this...
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- ..but we feel it's a step - in the right direction.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- Is it fair on farmers that haven't - had TB in high-risk areas?
0:12:11 > 0:12:13- This plan will devalue their cattle.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- Unfortunately, - the way things have developed...
0:12:17 > 0:12:22- ..I can't see another way around it.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- All the other countries - are going in this direction.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- They put a different emphasis - on different areas.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- It's unfortunate, of course...
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- ..especially if your herd - is disease-free.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- What about the maximum compensation - pay out?
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- Does it contradict the message...
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- ..that farmers need to improve - the quality of their stock?
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- It could be seen like that.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55- There are circumstances where it - makes a difference to the animals.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- It's helped improve the bulls - in a pedigree herd.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- In contrast to England - where they are compensated...
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- ..according to the average price - of the cattle...
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- ..when they're sold in the marts...
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- ..we are better off in Wales.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- We are compensated according to - the value of the individual animal.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26- As well as the sellers, the cattle - buyers are prominent in the mart.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- What effect will this have - on their business?
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- There's no light - at the end of the tunnel.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- I fear we'll be in the same position - in five years' time.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- Something has to be done.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- It's affecting the lives - of so many people.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- They're testing the animals - all the time.
0:13:47 > 0:13:52- The animals realise this, they - become wild and people get injured.
0:13:52 > 0:13:53- It's unbearable.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- We feed about 1,400 cattle - ourselves all the time.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02- We sell 200-300 cattle a week - through the dealing business.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07- With the new regulations, how much - will it change things for farmers?
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- It's going to make things difficult. - We send a lot of cattle to England.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- Them people will not take the cattle - because they won't test the cattle.
0:14:17 > 0:14:22- It's affecting the Welsh cattle - and devaluing them really.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- At times, we wonder - if it's worth carrying on.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- There's so much hassle about it.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- We work hard on the job.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35- If this carries on, people - will start leaving the industry.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- We can't let this carry on.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- Of course, the farmers - must deal with the problem daily.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- How does TB affect your business?
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- We're under restrictions - at the moment because of the TB.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- We've lost six animals - over the last six months.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- They all came back negative.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- They need to re-do the skin test, - it's out-of date.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- It's already a struggle - with the TB regulations.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- What frustrates a lot of farmers - is the lack of help.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- They introduce - more and more regulations...
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- ..without trying - to sort out the problem.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- It's time for a break.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- After the break, Daloni visits - a family from Llanefydd...
0:15:32 > 0:15:38- ..who've developed their milking - parlour and invested 4m.
0:15:38 > 0:15:39- See you soon.
0:15:40 > 0:15:40- .
0:15:45 > 0:15:45- Subtitles
0:15:45 > 0:15:47- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- A decision facing - many dairy farmers...
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- ..is whether to give up completely, - expand their business...
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- ..or stay exactly the same...
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- ..and accept that market prices - will fluctuate.
0:16:06 > 0:16:12- Daloni meets one family - who've diversified their farm...
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- ..and now have an annual turnover - of 4m.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- Tal Y Bryn Farm, Llanefydd, - home of Llaeth Y Llan.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- Recently, their new production unit - was opened...
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- ..after an investment of over 4m.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- Since starting the business - 32 years ago...
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- ..they've increased a business - which once had 50 cows...
0:16:41 > 0:16:45- ..to a business which is prominent - across the country.
0:16:48 > 0:16:53- Back in the 1980s, Gareth and Falmai - Roberts had a small milk round...
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- ..delivering from door to door - locally, selling their milk.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- They would talk to their customers - and understood their needs.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- Like every market, fashions changed.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- Skimmed milk was new at the time.
0:17:13 > 0:17:19- They started potting the leftover - cream and started making yogurt.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- When we started, - everyone wanted low fat.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- It was important.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- There was an image that fat - was bad for you...
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- ..and it made you put on weight.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- Because we had so much skim - left over...
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- ..it was a great opportunity for us.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- In those days, low fat was popular.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- How much milk - were you processing at the time?
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- At the start, - we had plenty of skim left over...
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- ..but the business grew - to a point...
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- ..that we were buying milk - in by the 1990s...
0:17:57 > 0:18:01- ..in addition to the milk - from our dairy herd.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06- We were just reacting - to the demand in the market.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- The truth about it, - as owners of the business...
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- ..we weren't showing - that much enterprise.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- We were just reacting to the demand.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- We were doing - a little bit more each time.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- In truth, - we knew how to fill 1,000 pots...
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- ..but filling one more - was a new experience.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- It worked, Falmai. - You spoke to people face-to-face.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- You had faith in your produce.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- You also needed confidence - in yourself as a business...
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- ..to produce that level.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- Customers wanted to know - where the produce came from...
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- ..and they wanted to see us - week on week.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- That's important to them and us.
0:18:49 > 0:18:55- It's a good story. It's been - a big boost to market the produce.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- As the Llaeth Y Llan name spread...
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- ..orders came in - from the big supermarkets.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13- As the business grew, - difficult decisions had to be made.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- Should they invest in the milking...
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- ..or continue expanding - the yogurt business.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- How difficult - was making that big decision?
0:19:25 > 0:19:29- Stop milking and produce - more yogurt.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31- It was a difficult decision...
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- ..because I came from - an agricultural background.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- From an economic point of view, - it was an easy decision.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- We could make enough money - from the farm to re-invest.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- It was essential for us - to concentrate on the yogurt.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- As Llaeth Y Llan - celebrated 25 years of production...
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- ..the milking parlour was closed.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01- All the milk used here comes - from within 10 miles of the farm.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- It's brought here - by De Arfon Creameries.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- They produce 60 tonnes of yogurt - every week.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- We've rebranded.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- That strengthened the brand.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- Our sales increased - on the back of that.
0:20:20 > 0:20:27- We also built a new facility - to produce more yogurt.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- That must have been a huge step.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- It was a huge step - but it was also very satisfying.
0:20:35 > 0:20:41- We were missing out on contracts - because we didn't have the capacity.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- Did you receive financial aid - for the new facility?
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- There was a grant - from the Welsh Government...
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- ..to create jobs.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- It's linked to the number of jobs - we create.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- How many people work here now?
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- We have 50 people working here.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- We hope to increase the workforce - to 70 within four years.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- How easy is it to make a profit - from yogurt?
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- Can you make big profits?
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- It's not easy. You have to keep - your production costs down.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- The production cost of the item - is crucial.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- The political landscape - is changing quickly.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- How much of an impact - will Brexit have on your business?
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- In the past year, - our production costs have increased.
0:21:30 > 0:21:36- The price of imported raw materials - from Europe has risen.
0:21:36 > 0:21:42- Pots, caps, lids, the price - of plastic has increased...
0:21:42 > 0:21:48- ..but the value of the pound has - presented us with opportunities...
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- ..with European supermarkets.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- Customers want to work - with British firms...
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- ..instead of importing from Europe.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- You have an incredible work ethic.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- You've worked very hard - to get to where you are.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- Yes, but it's been very satisfying.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- If you don't enjoy something, - you wouldn't do it.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- You do it for yourself - and your family.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- That's very important.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- Is it too late for people - to consider diversifying?
0:22:28 > 0:22:29- No, not at all.
0:22:29 > 0:22:36- I'm saying that because - if that person has energy...
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- ..if that person is happy - working outside normal hours...
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- ..if that person is happy - to produce high-quality produce...
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- ..there's plenty of hope.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- What's the future for Llaeth Y Llan?
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- The future is creating jobs...
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- ..and create a future - for my family...
0:22:58 > 0:23:03- ..by putting something in place - that will last another generation.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- That's it for this week.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- From Carmarthen Mart, cheerio.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:37 > 0:23:37- .