The Brecon & Radnor Branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales has arranged a special open meeting to explain the changes to the sheep identification rules since January 1 and the new electronic sheep reporting system for Wales known as ‘EID Cymru’.

The meeting will be held at the FUW Pavillion on the Royal Welsh Showground, next Monday, February 22 at 7pm.

The main presentation will be by Jonathon Pryce of EID Cymru. Also present will be local officers from Farming Connect to explain what is available under the scheme and provide details about preparing of Personal Development Plans.

FUW Brecon & Radnor County Executive Officer Aled Jones said: “This meeting provides an excellent opportunity for farmers to raise any questions they may have and I urge them not to miss out.

“With the need for all sheep movements to be recorded on the Welsh Government’s EIDCymru database from this year onwards, the prospect of such a change raises significant concerns within the industry, and many remain confused as to what they are expected to do, particularly if accessing the online system is not an option due, for example, to a lack of broadband in many areas.

"Sheep keepers are not mandated to report their sheep movements electronically, and will still be able to utilise the paper movement licenses (AML1 forms).

“Any farmers wishing to use EIDCymru to report or confirm their sheep movements will be provided with the information needed to use the system, during the meeting.”

Following the presentations, there will be an opportunity for questions or comments on the new arrangements.

These are very important changes which apply to all sheep farmers. A large number of FUW members are expected to attend, and more details are available from the Union’s Brecon & Radnor County office on 01982 554 030 or [email protected]