A new beginning

In the aftermath of the referendum, the role of agricultural leaders in ensuring policies are in place for a profitable, productive and competitive farming industry is now more important than ever.

Undoubtedly, the campaign proved to be very divisive in the country as a whole, and farming was no different. Now that voters have decided the issue, it is vital that we all come together to work to this common goal.

There is a job to be done and the Unions will play a leading and constructive role in that. The vote inevitably opens a period of uncertainty on a number of fronts and the right answers will be needed to ensure that the right results are obtained.

Strategic procedures have already established a series of fundamental principles on the major issues to be confronted in order to retain the best possible access to markets in the rest of Europe.

Currently, more than 50 trade agreements are in place with countries in the rest of the world and a key question that was asked of the ‘Leave’ camp was what kind of access would an independent UK give to imports from the rest of the world? - the farming industry’s requirement is that this country should not open to imports which are produced to lower standards.

Also, during the referendum, attention was repeatedly drawn to the sector’s need for access to non-UK labour, both seasonal and full-time.

Outside the EU, we will need a student agricultural workers scheme, which is open to students from around the world.

If there was one message which came over loud and clear in all our farmer meetings, it was frustration with European regulation and its handling of product approvals, due to an over- politicised approach and excessive use of the precautionary principle.

British farmers now have a golden opportunity to ensure all arrangements are, in the future, proportionate and decisions are based on sound science.

Exercise caution

Farmers and farm workers should not need to be reminded that the Prevention of Accidents to Children in Agriculture Regulations 1998 (PACAR) make it illegal to allow a child under 13 to ride on or drive agricultural self-propelled machines (such as tractors) and certain other farm machinery.

Thinking of the summer holidays when many more youngsters are out and about the fields and countryside, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require that employers make sure their risk assessment for young people under the age of 18 takes full account of their inexperience, immaturity and lack of awareness of relevant risks.

Every year, children are killed during agricultural work activities. People often believe that farm children understand farm risks, but the vast majority of children who die in farm incidents are family members.

A few straightforward steps, and proper supervision of children, will reduce these risks. Other members of the public may also be at risk, eg when using public rights of way through fields containing livestock, particularly cows with their calves..

Changing face

A family returning on holiday from Canada drew my attention to many of the well-known department stores in Wales that have already or are about to close their doors.

As they travelled around, they noted that one of the most well known of these is B. J. Jones, of Lampeter. It had been in the same family for 80 years, having been founded by the father of the present owner, Mr. Bernard Jones. This store has built up a very strong reputation for quality merchandise. Shoppers drive miles to visit, from England and Wales - not only from the UK, but Europe and further afield, including Toronto and other parts of Canada. Many people from around the world were familiar with BJ’s. Their bi-annual sales drew very large crowds and the merchandise was all sold in no time at all.

Other stores with historical backgrounds have also closed: David Evans, of Swansea, closed after 140 years of trading. Cardiff city centre no longer has David Morgan which closed down after marking its 125th anniversary.

These visitors noted that in Llanelli, Pugh Brothers shut after 112 years of service and Kerfoot’s in Porthmadog, founded as a family business in 1874, is now an independent store.

Also, in Pembrokeshire, familiar businesses like Ocky White, Blands Garages, Lees and Thomas, S. & F. Green, Evans & Williams, George Bennett & Co (wine merchants), Salmon & Son just to mention a few.

Retailing has changed in Wales. Cheaper prices now seemingly to be more important than personal service. Also now people can shop on the internet. These closures are altering the old familiar structure of many main shopping streets of our market towns across Wales.

Show compassion

Mindful of the ‘Leave’ referendum vote, largely swayed by alarm over a supposedly excessive number of immigrants to the UK, I recently received the following plea:

“In whatever religion you have been taught, however you have been brought up, and however you have understood your teachers on these levels, you will understand and grasp this message: It is not enough that this message be believed. It is a message to be lived.

“The essence of Universal Religion is peace and truth, with love for and kindness to all the creatures of the earth. Now is the time to express this essence in your own life. And a beginning must be made, and the place to begin is with and in yourself.

You would reform the world? Begin with your self, brother! The message of the unreformed reformer seldom inspires reformation. The heart of all religion is love. And righteousness, which is love in action, is the fulfillment of religion. Love not only family and friends! - for love limited is love denied. Seek peace within yourself and seek, too, within yourself the divine breath of life. Persist in these things! Do not let up for a single moment!

Through your faith and through your deeds, you shape your life and help shape the lives of others, as well. What a responsibility!

The spirit finds in you its agent and also its partner, and to the degree that you are aware of this and act on it, your life is enriched.

A revelation will occur to you: a revelation higher than your most exalted dreams.

The New Age is coming, and in it there will be a realisation of the oneness of all. Differences between the various religions will disappear. The good, which is in each of them, will be fused and will become the common goal of all mankind.

Know that you have the power to choose! Choose love, not hate; choose gentleness, not violence; choose holiness, not evil! Dare to believe that reign of love and peace is coming soon! Ready yourself for it! Ready yourself for it with deeds of righteousness!

Righteousness is the door-opener, and beyond the door is love.

May power divine enter every aspect of your life endowing it with rewards of material accomplishments, the treasures of purposeful existence, and eternal light of spiritual achievement!” (contributed)

Soul mates

A Welsh rugby fan and an English rugby fan get into a car accident on the way to Cardiff, and its a really bad one.

Both cars are totally demolished, but amazingly neither of them is hurt. Both fans are wearing their respective rugby jerseys and after they crawl out of their cars, the Welsh rugby fan says: “So you’re an English rugby fan, that’s interesting. I’m a Welsh rugby fan... Wow! Just look at our cars, there’s nothing left, but fortunately we are unhurt. This must be a sign from God that we should meet and be friends and live together in peace the rest of our days.”

The English rugby fan replied: “I agree with you completely; this must be a sign from God!”

The Welsh rugby fan continued: “And look at this - here’s another miracle. My car is completely demolished, but this bottle of whisky didn’t break. Surely God wants us to drink this and celebrate our good fortune.”

Then he hands the bottle to the English rugby fan. The English rugby fan nods his head in agreement, opens it and takes a few big swigs from the bottle, then handing it back to the Welsh rugby fan.

The Welsh rugby fan takes the bottle, immediately puts the cap back on, and hands it back to the English rugby fan.

The English rugby fan asks… “Aren’t you having any?” “No,” the Welsh rugby fan replies. “I think I will just wait for the police...”

Think on

If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting?

Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?

Don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty things.

I don’t approve of political jokes - I’ve seen too many of them get elected…