Daily Post

We Won't Really Be Roaming That Much ; Why Farmers Needn't Fear the Access Law

NEW countryside access laws are unlikely to affect North Wales farmers as much as has been feared, ramblers have claimed. Landowners will probably not notice much change providing local authorities properly fund walking infrastructure, said Ron Williams, North Wales secretary of the Ramblers Association.

Hunting Act Dog Loophole

A POTENTIAL access problem stems from the new Hunting Act. According to the Countryside Alliance, in its new Hunting Handbook, landowners and farmers could in theory restrict access to their properties unless walkers have obtained written permission pledging their dogs will not hunt wild mammals.

Dangers of Sentimental Lawmaking

WHILE the furore over hunting continues unabated, another piece of legislation has crept through the parliamentary system almost unnoticed. Yet the draft Animal Welfare Bill, published last July, could have equally serious implications for the countryside. Last month the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) committee recommended 101 changes to the draft bill which is based on sentiments contained within the "five freedoms" set down by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1993.

Milk a Million Litres to Stay Afloat

DAIRY farms need to produce more than one million litres of milk- a-year to remain viable, industry analysts have claimed. A survey by Kite Consulting showed the average dairy farm has added 31 animals to its herd and ramped up milk production by 370, 000 litres over the past three years.

Fond Farewell After Four Decades' Service From Elfed

UNION stalwart Elfed Williams bid a final farewell to his job of 40 years when he retired as NFU Cymru's senior group secretary for Conwy. More than 150 well-wishers poured into the union's Llanrwst office to shake the hand of a man who gave his entire career to Welsh farming.

The Cap Must Fit If You Want Cash ; 'No Sympathy' with Compliance Moans

LORD Whitty was involved in a pro-hunt scuffle yesterday as he urged farmers not be "wrongheaded" over CAP reform. Police had to intervene as several demonstrators brandishing Countryside Alliance placards cornered the UK farming minister outside the Oxford farming conference.

How to Hunt and Stay Within Law ; War Footing to See Sport Through 'Temporary Ban'

HUNTS across Wales have been ordered on to a war footing as they prepare to make life difficult for officers policing the hunting ban. They have been warned to be alert for undercover officers and hunt saboteurs who may try to infiltrate hunt clubs and use hidden cameras to record their activities.

Country Diary

JANUARY 6: Country food market, Town Hall, Llangefni, Anglesey. 6-9: Soil Association's 17th annual conference, Newcastle University. Cost: pounds 100-pounds 620. Details, 0117 914 2451 or www. qlif. org.

Fly-Tying Help

Fmd Ban Call

Tory Pledge

Horse Passes

Tree Fear Over Waste Plant Bid

Learners' Work Recognised by Lantra Awards

PIONEERS of new rural skills in the Welsh countryside were recognised at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair. Countryside minister Carwyn Jones announced the finalists and winners of this year's Land-based Learner of the Year awards. North and Mid Wales learners included:WYN OWEN - winner of the Lifelong Learners title The 43-year-old Llysfasi lecturer worked on the family farm at Rhiwfelen, Welshpool, after completing an HND in agriculture in 1984.

The Market Force ; David Williams Meets Auctioneer Roger Griffiths, the Man Who Put the Heart Back Into Llanrwst

TO quote Ruthin auctioneer Glyn Owens, in his address to the recent Farmers Union of Wales AGM, "last year it was Prince Charles, this year it's King Roger". Though Roger Griffiths might be slightly embarrassed at being crowned king ahead of the Prince of Wales, there are many, especially the rural communities of the Conwy valley and its hinterlands, who would consider the title to be apt, such is their high regard for him.

Out and About: Union Men Get Life Membership

TWO union stalwarts have been made honorary life members of the Farmers Union of Wales. Former president Bob Parry, of Bryngwran, Holyhead, and Meurig Voyle, of Denbigh, take up positions left vacant by the deaths of Lord Geraint of Ponterwyd and Welshpool's Megan Davies. Mr Parry was FUW president for 12 years during which he steered the union through crises such as BSE and foot-and-mouth. In 1994 he was awarded the OBE in the New Year's Honours for services to Welsh agriculture. Married to ...

Out and About: Donkeys' Delight

IN summer the seaside donkeys of Benllech beach are as much a part of the holiday season as buckets and spades. For more than three-quarters of a century they have provided innocent entertainment for generations of youngsters. By Christmas they deserve a hard-earned break - but even then they have an important job to fulfil. Benllech's star attractions have moved to their winter quarters to help the North Wales Wildlife Trust (NWWT) look after a nearby beauty spot, the Cors Goch nature reserv...

Hybrid Vigour Offers 'New Direction' for Uk Dairy Cattle

A NEW hybrid dairy cow, the Norstein, is to be introduced to the UK. The Norstein, a cross between Holsteins and Norwegian Reds, is said to offer better fertility, longevity and masti tis resistance than pure black and whites.

Horse Whispers: Strange Tales From a Lifetime in the Saddle ; Former Bhs Cymru Chairman Mike Roberts Recalls Some Bizarre Stories That Have Coloured a Full and Varied Career of Working with Horses.

MR X, a horse dealer friend of mine, once had a dreadful accident while loading young horses into a horsebox. He was pushed backwards over a metal gate by a 15hh colt which finished up straddling the gate and rocking to and fro in its attempts to get free. My unfortunate friend was pinned under him. When the animal eventually freed itself, it was at his expense. He was left with severe injuries to the chest and abdomen but as he lapsed into a coma he managed to grunt and groan, drawing his wi...

Equine Diary Dates

March 13: Snowdonia Endurance Ride in the Gwydyr Forest, Betws-y- Coed. June 5: BHS Cross Country UK Championships Qualifier at Porth y Post Riding Stables, Trearddur Bay, Anglesey.