“We cannot control the weather, but we can make sure rural Wales is better prepared,” Senedd Member says

Over the summer, it has been good to spend some time back on the farm, but it has also brought home just how difficult this year has been for many farmers and graziers across rural Wales.

The prolonged dry weather has created huge challenges. Water supplies for livestock have been under pressure, grass growth has been badly affected and some farmers have found themselves feeding hay to sheep far earlier than they normally would.

For some, it has felt like livestock have needed feeding almost year-round, adding significant costs when farm businesses are already under real financial pressure.

Alongside that, we have seen the devastating impact of hill and moorland fires. I recently spent time on Llangynidr Mountain seeing first-hand the damage caused there, while closer to home the fire around Glascwm Hill has caused serious concern for residents and graziers.

These fires have shown just how quickly prolonged dry conditions can become a serious threat to rural communities.

I want to pay tribute to the farmers, graziers, contractors and emergency services who have worked tirelessly in extremely difficult conditions. The contribution of local farmers, using their machinery, knowledge and experience of the hills, has been invaluable.

With the Senedd recess now over, I will be raising what I have seen and heard over the summer with the Welsh Government.

We need to look seriously at appropriate grazing, vegetation management and sensible land management, and make sure the people who know and work these hills every day are properly listened to.

We cannot control the weather, but we can make sure rural Wales is better prepared!

Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd Senedd Member James Evans.