The school holidays are here and the farm children are out and about helping us. It is great that they are so enthusiastic, and brilliant that they have a chance to learn farming skills, but it is very important that we all think about Health and Safety on the farm. It is good to spend a few minutes walking around the farm yard looking for hazards such as heavy gates leaning against walls but not tied up, manhole covers broken or not sufficiently secured, ladders tempting youngster to climb, sharp tools left lying around, stock not sufficiently secured and keys left in machines for little hands to fiddle with. The children should be supervised and aware of dangers on the farm.

Sadly, there are sometimes serious accidents on and off the farm in Wales. Hywel Dda, The University Health Board which covers Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire is consulting on trauma services in its area. North Powys relies on the facilities of Hywel Dda. There is a consultation about ‘major trauma services’ open until August 5. It is proposed to designate Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen as the Major Trauma Unit for the area until a new hospital is built. At the same time, they propose to provide 24/7 Wales Air Ambulance cover, as in many cases, long distances are involved. If you would like to get more information or respond to the consultation please go to the Hywel Dda web page.

We are having a Montgomeryshire NFU Cymru meeting to discuss the ‘Summit to sea project’ on Thursday, August 1, at 5pm at Plas Dolguog Hotel, Felingerrig, Machynlleth, SY20 8UJ. This project is aiming to restore 10,000Ha of land and 284km2 of sea running from Plynlimon through the Dyfi estuary into Cardigan Bay. It is envisaged that the project will be a coordinated effort between landowners, communities, farmers, fishers, foresters, public bodies, NGOs, businesses and relevant experts. Please come along to the meeting and communicate your views.