Chief vet predicts a ‘polarised’ future for farming industry

The next decade will see a "polarisation" of the agricultural industry in Wales and the deadly bluetongue disease is likely to be "endemic".

This is the candid view of Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Dr Christianne Glossop.

We asked her what she thought Welsh farms were going to be like in 2018; and what impact diseases such as bluetongue, foot-and-mouth, avian flu and bovine TB will have on Welsh agriculture by that date.

She responded: "I envisage there being a number of very large, professionally-run farms and big dairy farms in Wales.

"A polarisation of the industry could lead to large professional outfits.

"They will be organising regular veterinary visits to their farms, as part of their extensive animal health plans.

"And they will give a high priority to bio security.

"We will still have hill farmers. But some may find it difficult to afford the economics of production and the vaccines and medicines that need to be in place.

"There is likely to be an increase of hobby farmers in Wales too.

"The challenge for us will be to make sure that they understand their responsibilities.