Wyn and Enid Davies have won the FUW Bob Davies Memorial Award for allowing the filming of the “horrific process” of putting down a quarter of their dairy herd due to bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB).
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) said the couple showed “bravery and strength” in allowing the Welsh agricultural television show ‘Ffermio’ on to their farm to film, and that this was recognised by members all over Wales.
All three generations at Castell Howell treated their cows as “pets”, Enid Davies said, and she did not understand why they had to endure the pain of seeing the cattle being put down on the farm rather than off-site.
The award, in memory of Farmers’ Weekly Wales correspondent Bob Davies, is offered to an individual or group that has raised the public profile of Welsh farming.
On receiving the award, Enid Davies said: “We just hoped that by sharing our story it could hopefully help someone else.
“We wouldn’t wish anyone to go through what we’ve been through and hope that by showing what happened to us we might help other farmers and families feel less alone.”
Presenting the award, FUW president Ian Rickman said: “We can shout and stamp our feet all we want but if our message isn’t heard then our effort is wasted. We need people to hear our story.
“The FUW are truly thankful to Enid, Wyn and all the Davies family for allowing the Ffermio cameras onto their farm during the horrific process of putting down a quarter of their dairy milking herd because of bovine TB.
“Their strength in allowing the public to see them at their most vulnerable is why we were proud to present Enid and Wyn Davies, Castell Howell, Capel Issac with the Bob Davies memorial award.”
