The rising cost of the “three Fs” feed, fuel and fertiliser - was at the centre of discussions during a farm visit with Emyr Evans FUW Ceredigion Chair and his family at Penlanlas Isaf dairy farm in Talsarn, Ceredigion recently.

During the visit, the lead Conservative candidates for Ceredigion Penfro Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz spoke with farmers about how global instability is driving sharp increases in input costs, placing significant strain on farm businesses and creating real uncertainty for the future.

Farmers warned that all three key inputs, feed, fuel and fertiliser, have seen sustained price pressures, with little ability for farmers to pass on those costs, leaving margins increasingly squeezed.

This is being compounded by ongoing uncertainty as a result of the wider policy changes from both the UK and Welsh Labour governments, adding to concerns about long-term viability and confidence.

Davies said: “The message from farmers was clear, costs are rising across the board, but it’s the three Fs- feed, fuel and fertiliser, that are hitting hardest right now. These are essential inputs, and when their prices rise, it has an immediate and unavoidable impact on farm businesses.”

Kurtz continued: “Agriculture is the backbone of our rural economy, but farmers are being squeezed from all sides. Global instability is pushing up the cost of feed, fuel and fertiliser, while uncertainty around wider policies is making it even harder for farmers to plan for the future.”

Farmers explained that higher feed costs are directly impacting livestock operations, while rising fuel prices are increasing the cost of machinery, transport, and day-to-day operations. At the same time, fertiliser costs remain volatile, adding further pressure to already stretched budgets.

Davies added: “These are not optional costs. The uncertainty around new schemes and regulations is creating real anxiety within the sector.”