As the Phase 2 of the BVD legislation comes into force on the 1st of July 2026, FUW Policy Officer, Elin Jenkins provides a summary of what you need to know about eradicating BVD in Wales.
Background
BVD infection causes multiple health issues in cattle which include abortion, infertility and birth defects but also increases an animal's susceptibility in succumbing to other diseases. All in all, BVD infection in a herd equates to thousands of pounds in costs and reduced performance for businesses, which has led the desire to eradicate BVD from Welsh herds once and for all.
Although the historic Welsh BVD eradication scheme (GwareduBVD) was well supported, frustrations with the lack of enforcement in responsibly managing persistently infected animals were evident. Following consultation with members in 2022, the FUW supported the need for legislation to progress with BVD eradication.
Phase 1 commenced on the 1st of July 2025, which saw the introduction of The Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (Wales) Order 2024. This Phase mandated the annual screening of cattle herds in Wales and the provision to isolate all persistently infected animals from the rest of the herd and for the remainder of their lives.
Phase 2 : 1st July 2026
The second phase of legislation that comes into force on the 1st of July 2026 imposes stricter implications on herds that have either not got a BVD herd status or are ‘non-negative’ status.
Herd Status
BVD Negative Status: Given to a holding when an annual screen of a select number of youngstock returns a negative antibody test.
BVD Not-Negative Status: Given to a holding when an annual screen of a selected number of youngstock returns a positive antibody test, BVD is diagnosed by other means OR a holding’s annual screen has expired.
Unknown BVD Status: Given to a herd that has not conducted an annual screening.
For herds with a Negative Herd Status, there will be little change, only the existing requirement to uphold an BVD annual screening regime of the herd.
However, a herd with a Not-Negative or Unknown BVD Status will be required to arrange a vet to conduct a BVD antigen test on any cattle they wish to move off the holding (unless moving directly to slaughter). A negative ‘Post Movement Test’ will be valid for 60 days.
For cross border, or more specifically movements of cattle into Wales with an unknown BVD status, animals will have to be antigen tested within 20 days of arrival in Wales. This test can be done via the ‘Tag and Test’ method, by the farmer.
Coinciding with the introduction of the second phase was the launch of a BVDCymru test result database, which is accessible and managed through the EIDCymru platform. Members will have to register as cattle keepers on EIDCymru in order to view their herd and individual animal BVD test results. If you do not have digital access, then your vet will be able to notify you of your test results.
Industry collaboration through the work of BVDCymru Steering Group have brought forward amendments to BVD Legislation, however, as the roll out of Phase 2 beds down, it is important that you continue to communicate any issues or barriers with the FUW to influence future evolution of the programme.
Royal Welsh Show
The FUW will be joined by a panel of BVD experts at the Royal Welsh Show for a seminar focused on the efforts to eradicate BVD in Wales. If you do have any queries or questions you’d like to put forward to the panel for discussion regarding BVD legislation, please submit them via this form.
Further information can be found at BVDCymru.wales or contact BVDCymru on 01554 748 576
The FUW Group held its Annual Business Conference in Aberystwyth on 18 and 19 June, bringing together more than 100 staff members and senior officers from the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) and FUW Insurance Services Ltd to network, celebrate the successes of the past year and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The conference programme featured a diverse mix of presentations, interactive sessions and panel discussions, focusing on the strategic priorities of both the Union and FUW Insurance Services.
The conference was opened by FUW Group Chief Executive, Guto Bebb, who reflected on the development and growth of the business over the past 12 months. He also outlined key priorities for the future as the Union implements its new membership structure and as FUW Insurance Services responds to an increasingly competitive and challenging insurance market.
A panel discussion, chaired by the Union’s Head of Communications, Aled Morgan Hughes, featured contributions from Ian Rickman and Ann Beynon OBE. The panel explored a range of topics relating to business development, leadership and the opportunities facing the agricultural sector in the years ahead.
The conference also welcomed two guest speakers. Hywel Ifans, owner of technology company BCCIT, shared his insights on the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, while businessman Gari Wyn, owner of Ceir Cymru, delivered an inspiring address on the importance of innovation, adaptability and maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
As part of the conference, FUW Insurance Services staff also participated in a dedicated ‘speed dating’ session with a range of insurer partners, providing a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas and discuss current market trends, challenges and opportunities across the insurance sector.
Awards
The event also provided an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contribution of staff across the FUW Group, acknowledging their dedication and hard work in supporting members, customers and the wider agricultural sector.
Among the award winners, the Communications Team, comprising Aled Morgan Hughes, Nia Wyn Davies-Jones and Angharad Evans, received the Group Team of the Year Award. Meanwhile, Kath Shaw, Brecon and Radnor Member Services Manager, was presented with the Slaymaker Award, which is awarded annually to the county branch that has done most to promote the interests of members and the FUW.
FUW Insurance Services Senior Account Executive John Price received the Business Development Award, while Meinir Davies and Sian Powell were recognised with the Best Managed Portfolio Award. Theresa Phelps was named Account Handler of the Year, while Nia Evans received the inaugural FUW Insurance Services Culture Champion Award.
The FUW Group’s longstanding Finance Manager, Wyn Lewis, was presented with the Meurig Voyle Award, which recognises a member of staff who has demonstrated exceptional commitment, loyalty, support and enthusiasm towards the organisation over many years.
There was also special recognition for outgoing FUW Farmer Director, Darren Williams, as he leaves the role after 9 years in the role.
Guto Bebb, FUW Group Chief Executive, said:
"The Annual Business Conference is an important highlight in our calendar, giving colleagues from the Union and FUW Insurance Services the opportunity to come together to celebrate our successes, share ideas and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.
The atmosphere throughout the two days was extremely positive and constructive. It was particularly encouraging to see so many colleagues taking part in meaningful discussions and taking advantage of the opportunity to network, reflecting the strength of the collaborative spirit that is at the heart of our success.
Our staff are the backbone of the organisation, and it was a privilege to recognise their special contributions through the awards ceremony. We are extremely proud of all the winners and, indeed, of every member of our team who continue to contribute to the growth and success of the business, while serving the needs of members and rural communities in Wales on a daily basis."
The FUW Annual Business Conference was proudly sponsored by GEO, a valued insurance partner of FUW Insurance Services. The conference dinner was generously sponsored by MSIG Europe, while the awards ceremony was sponsored by Intact. The support of all three organisations played an important role in the success of the event and is greatly appreciated.
Commenting, Karen Royles, FUW Insurance Services Operations Director added:
“We’re particularly grateful for the sponsorship and support of so many of our valued insurer partners in making this event possible. Their continued commitment to our business and our customers is greatly appreciated, and the conference provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen those relationships, share insights and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing our industry.
The support of our partners plays a vital role in our success, and we value the chance to engage with them in person, celebrate our achievements together and look ahead to the future with confidence.”
Farmers’ Union of Wales (UAC Cyf.FUW Ltd) is not regulated by the FCA. FUW Insurance Services is a trading style of FUW Insurance Services Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration number 615251. Registered Office: Llys Amaeth, Plas Gogerddan, ABERYSTWYTH, SY23 3BT. Registered in England & Wales number 07981993
As part of our ongoing political engagement work following the Senedd election, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) welcomed Anna Nicholl MS, the newly elected Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro, to a farm in North Pembrokeshire.
The visit took place at the farm of Wyn and Eurig Jones, a father-and-son farming partnership based near Blaenffos. The family runs a mixed farming enterprise, producing beef and lamb alongside arable crops.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss first-hand the challenges and opportunities facing Welsh agriculture. Particular attention was given to the ongoing impact of bovine TB, which continues to place a significant burden on farming businesses across west Wales.
Discussions also focused on Plaid Cymru’s priorities for government, including the party’s recent commitment to reviewing the bureaucratic burden facing Welsh farmers. In turn, the FUW highlighted its own key priorities, particularly the need for a stable, long-term budget for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). FUW representatives also highlighted the need to review the Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations that continue to cause frustration and concern across the farming community.
Following the visit, Anna Nicholl MS raised a number of the issues discussed during the visit in the Senedd with the Welsh Government Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd MS. She has also, since the visit, been appointed to the Senedd’s Climate Change, Environment, Sustainability and Rural Affairs Committee.
Commenting following the visit, FUW President Ian Rickman said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome Anna to North Pembrokeshire and to have the opportunity to discuss a range of important issues affecting the industry. I am particularly grateful to Wyn and Eurig Jones for hosting the visit and for providing such a warm welcome. Their farm is a terrific example of a successful mixed farming enterprise, and their insight into both the opportunities and challenges facing Welsh agriculture was invaluable.
“It was also good to meet Anna and to discuss how policymakers can work with the industry to ensure farming remains at the heart of our rural communities and economy. We were encouraged that, following the visit, several of the issues raised were taken directly to the Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability in the Senedd.”
Anna Nicholl MS added:
“I’m extremely grateful to Wyn, Eurig, and the FUW for taking the time to meet with me and discuss the issues facing the agricultural sector. Agriculture remains a crucial part of the fabric of west Wales, underpinning our communities and local economy. However, it is also a sector facing significant change and a range of challenges.
“I look forward to continuing to engage with the sector, ensuring that farmers’ voices are heard, and raising these important issues in the Senedd as we work towards a sustainable future for Welsh agriculture.”
The Farmers' Union of Wales recently responded to Westminster’s EFRA Committee’s call for evidence on the growing threat posed by wildfires in the UK, to both urban and rural areas.
In its submission, the FUW argued that effective wildfire prevention depends on maintaining active land management, particularly through sustainable livestock grazing and the continued use of controlled burning. The FUW stressed that wildfire policy should be considered alongside wider agricultural, environmental and climate objectives to avoid unintended consequences that could increase fuel loads and wildfire risk.
A key theme of the FUW's response was opposition to ending controlled burning altogether. The FUW argued that controlled burning remains an important land management tool which, when carried out responsibly and in accordance with regulations, can reduce fuel loads and help prevent larger, more damaging wildfires. While recognising that burning can have environmental impacts, the FUW contended that existing regulations and guidance should be reviewed and improved rather than replaced with outright bans.
The FUW also highlighted concerns about declining livestock numbers and reduced grazing activity in Welsh uplands. The FUW argued that reduced grazing can lead to the accumulation of unmanaged vegetation, increasing both the likelihood and severity of wildfires. Consequently, the FUW emphasised that policies relating to decarbonisation, biodiversity and habitat restoration should recognise the important role livestock can play in managing wildfire risk.
The FUW identified several evidence gaps requiring further research, including the impacts of reduced grazing on fuel accumulation, the effectiveness of controlled burning, the long-term consequences of no-burn policies, and the causes of wildfire ignition. The FUW called for improved monitoring, data collection and investigation of wildfire incidents to support evidence-based policymaking.
The FUW supported nature-based solutions such as habitat management, firebreak creation and controlled grazing, while emphasising the need for greater collaboration between farmers, Natural Resources Wales, emergency services and conservation organisations. The FUW also advocated increased investment in training, communication systems and rural response capacity, alongside the creation of a UK-wide wildfire coordination hub to improve evidence gathering, knowledge sharing and strategic coordination.
The FUW’s full submission can be found here.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has announced the election of Alan Gardner as a Farmer Director to the Union's Board.
Alan has been a prominent member of the FUW for many years and brings a wealth of experience to the Board. He has previously served as Chair of the FUW's Flintshire County Branch, National Livestock, Wool and Marts Committee, as a Vice-President, and completed a previous term as Farmer Director between 2021 and 2024. He currently chairs the Union’s Rural Affairs Committee.
Beyond the Union, Alan has held several influential roles across the industry sector, including positions with Hybu Cig Cymru, the Food Standards Agency, and the Welsh Food Advisory Committee. In 2024, he was appointed to the Welsh Government's Bovine TB Eradication Programme Board and is a Farming Connect Agrisgôp Leader and Mentor.
Originally from Montgomeryshire he grew up on a hill farm in Dolfor near Newtown, Alan went on to serve as County Chair of the Young Farmers Clubs before moving to Flintshire in 1990, where he began share-farming with his young family.
Commenting following his appointment, Alan said: "I am honoured to have been elected as Farmer Director and would like to thank members for placing their trust in me once again.
"The FUW has always played a vital role in representing the interests of Welsh farmers, and I look forward to working diligently with the Board, Union staff and members to ensure that the FUW continues to be heard at every level. Welsh agriculture faces significant challenges, but also opportunities, and I am committed to helping the Union deliver positive outcomes for farming families and rural communities across Wales."
Welcoming Alan back to the board, Farmers’ Union of Wales President, Ian Rickman added: "On behalf of everyone at the FUW, I would like to congratulate Alan on his election as a Farmer Director. His extensive experience across the agricultural sector, combined with his longstanding service to the Union, makes him exceptionally well placed to take on this important role. Alan's knowledge, insight, and passion for Welsh farming will be invaluable as we navigate the opportunities and challenges facing the industry and continue to deliver for our members."
Alan took up his Farmer Director in June 2026, succeeding Breconshire farmer, Darren Williams, who has completed the maximum nine years permitted in the role. FUW President Ian Rickman paid tribute to Darren for his dedicated service to the Union and Welsh agriculture.
"Darren's contribution as a Farmer Director has been immeasurable. His hard work, insight and good humour in the face of challenges have helped to strengthen the Union, delivering real benefit to our members and farming communities across Wales. We extend our sincerest thanks for his commitment and wish him every success for the future."
