Following the relaxation of some of the Covid-19 rules, it is good to see that many rural activities are starting to function again after such a long lockdown.

Young Farmers’ Clubs are meeting, and I hope that their wide range of activities can resume, providing social and educational opportunities to all involved. The county branch of NFU Cymru is always there to encourage and support these activities, and should any help be needed, they can always get in touch.

Another rural activity which is now starting again locally is the game shoots, which give much employment to many in such diverse areas as catering, bird food supply and the rearing of the actual game. The guests who shoot are welcome at this time of year when the tourist trade falls off, and it goes on well into the winter.

On the farm we are busy calving. About a third of the heifers and cows have now produced some nice calves. The Friesian/Holstein heifer calves are all kept to replenish the milking herd and most of the beef calves are sold privately at home to other local farmers for rearing.

This week we have completed our bovine TB test and thankfully went clear. Our end of the Dyfi Valley down as far as Tre’r-ddol is in an ‘Intensive Action Area’, meaning that skin measurements can be read on a ‘severe interpretation basis’. Other farms in the area have also had clear tests, and we all hope this continues.

Finally, I was pleased to hear the announcement earlier this week from Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Rural Affairs, of her intention to continue with the BPS until 2023, albeit subject to receiving funding from the UK Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review. I was also pleased to hear that current Glastir contracts will also be extended until December 2023.

At a time of such uncertainty and upheaval for our sector, I am pleased that this announcement will provide some stability to Welsh farming.