The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is celebrating 70 years since its establishment and is marking the occasion with an exciting raffle in aid of Wales Air Ambulance.
Entrants can win a Honda TRX420 FE1 (Electric Shift) ATV and safety helmet which is worth more than £10,000.
The FUW has teamed up with Dalton’s ATV Ltd, Talsarn, Ceredigion for the fundraising initiative.
President Ian Rickman said: “It’s a big year for our organisation; there have been so many massive changes since our establishment in 1955. But we are proud to still maintain the original county structure and our democratic roots, 70 years on.
“The founding members started with nothing, they had no offices, no staff, and no money. But they had the vision to start the Farmers’ Union of Wales / Undeb Amaethwyr Cymru.
“Today we have our insurance brokerage FUW Insurance Services Ltd, and between the insurance business and the union we now employ around 110 people.
“We have grown to become a large organisation, and it is vitally important that we are still there for our members, whenever they need us.”
He added: “We will be celebrating in a variety of ways, including a fantastic raffle which will raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance, my chosen charity.”
Back in 1955, Sir Anthony Eden was Prime Minister; most homes had made the switch to TV, fish fingers started being sold by Mr. Clarence Birdseye and Steve Jobs, was born!
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) was established in 1955, born out of a strong belief among Welsh farmers that their unique interests were being overlooked by existing agricultural organisations, which many felt prioritised the needs of larger, more arable farms in England.
Following a pivotal meeting in Carmarthenshire, twelve farmers made the crucial decision to form a new, dedicated union for Wales. Since its inception, the FUW has remained fiercely independent, exclusively representing the interests of farmers in Wales, and has been formally recognized by both UK and Welsh Governments since 1978 as the independent voice of Welsh agriculture.
Fast forward to 2025 and the FUW has thousands of members across Wales, as well as employing staff in twelve offices around Wales.
Ian said: “My parents first moved to Gurnos Farm in Bethlehem in 1975, they were the first generation of farmers in my family so were pioneers in that respect.
“So, the Rickman family are also marking a special anniversary, 50 years of farming. I am proud to continue that tradition.”
He added: “We are an upland livestock farm with grazing common land. My father used to walk around our fields checking the sheep daily or go out with horses and a dog to round up the sheep. That’s all done on a quad bike now, which means we can cover a lot more land plus it’s kinder on the legs too.”
He continued: “That’s why when we were looking to do a big fundraiser for Wales Air Ambulance, we wanted a prize which had a bit of a wow factor and would encourage people to buy a ticket.
“We’re also delighted to be working with Dalton’s ATV Ltd, Talsarn, Ceredigion as part of this fundraising initiative.
“We have also included a safety helmet because I cannot say it enough times, the safety of our farmers is paramount.
“It’s important to have the right kit on at all times to ensure your head and body is protected in the event of an accident.”
Tickets are £5 each and available online or via the FUW County Offices and at most of the shows that we will attend this summer. All profits from the raffle will go towards the FUW President’s Charity, the Wales Air Ambulance.
Ian said: “It is a fantastic prize, and we hope that people will buy as many tickets as they can which in turn will help the Air Ambulance save lives.”
The FUW raffle will run throughout the summer show season with the lucky ticket being drawn at the Winter Fair in Llanelwedd in late November.
Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance Charity Chief Executive, said: “The FUW is marking an incredible 70 years!
“We’d like to extend our congratulations to FUW President Ian Rickman and his team, as well as all of those who have helped guide and shape the organisation over the decades.
“It is an incredible achievement, and we are hugely honoured that Ian has chosen us as his charity for his term in office.
“We are very grateful for the support extended to us since the beginning of our partnership back in 2024.
“It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to go on the road with the FUW, from the farmhouse breakfast week to county shows the length and breadth of Wales during this special year.
“Thank you to everyone who has bought a ticket for the raffle! Every pound raised will help save lives.”
