Last week could go down as momentous, with NFU Cymru Montgomeryshire officeholders having their first face to face meeting for over a year, writes Huw Besent.

We met at Penmaen Isa, observing all social distancing rules, outside.

Members from the eastern side of the county left home in hot, sunny weather, but here on the west it was typically damp and drizzly.

However, by the time we had all gathered, the clouds had lifted, and the drizzle cleared off.

Gwawr Parry, our county adviser, briefed us on current issues including the Australian FTA, the all-Wales NVZ, TB and input costs.

During discussions, the apparent shortcomings in the Glastir schemes were highlighted, especially the issues of late payments and fencing standard costs needing to be overhauled.

Members also expressed concern over extremely high fertiliser prices with at least £100/ton increases since last year. These increases are unsustainable for many farming businesses, and it is difficult to understand what is driving this significant upturn in price.

The months of May and June have turned out to be very contrasting.

May proved to be extremely wet with us having over 8.7inches of precipitation including snow on the high ground.

June has been dry and warm so far with only just over half an inch of rain recorded.

Many people in the Dyfi valley have completed some silaging and hay making, which will help fill the barns for winter feeding.

We have silaged some grazing fields as extra fodder following good growing conditions, and also not to let the grass get too far ahead of the milking cows.

Next month we will start drying off cows for their ‘holidays’ before calving starts in September.

Dairy cows need to have a good rest of at least six weeks before calving to help set them up for their next lactation and hopefully lots of high-quality milk.