Brian Bown, NFU Cymru Anglesey County Chairman hosted a visit from the Island’s MP, Virginia Crosbie recently.

The visit provided all three generations of the Bown family with an opportunity to outline the typical mix of enterprises found on farms on Anglesey, and the chance to outline the wider external issues that are likely to affect farming businesses over the coming months.

Brian, along with his father Tom and daughters Cari and Sian, explained their mixed farming enterprise at Trewyn.  The family run a beef and sheep enterprise along with some cereal production at the farm. They also have a single wind turbine and Brian carries out a crop spraying business from the farm.

The visit demonstrated the wide and varied range of skills required to run the business, and also explained some of the economics of the enterprises and how policy changes could have an adverse effect on the farm’s profitability.

Issues covered included commodity prices, input costs, the fluctuating market price for livestock and the need to ensure stability within the marketplace.  In addition, they discussed planning issues, food standards and clear labelling around country of origin on food products in shops and restaurants.

Brian said: “It has been really useful to have the ear of our MP and to have time on-farm. The government should ensure that all food eaten in the UK – whether in our homes, schools, hospitals, restaurants or from shops – is produced in a way that matches the high standards of production expected of Welsh farmers. Covid-19 has highlighted the importance of food security and traceability. It is vitally important that we maintain dialogue with our representative at Westminster and make her aware of the challenges facing the farming community on Anglesey.”

Virginia Crosbie MP added: “It was particularly helpful to meet three generations of island farmers and see what farming systems they are running.  Getting out on a farm enabled me to gain a clearer understanding of how farming is affected by policy decisions. I look forward to working with and supporting the farming community here on Anglesey.”