Latest news with #ArwainDGC
Business News Wales
28-05-2025
- Health
- Business News Wales
Nominations Open for 2025 Arwain DGC Vet & Farmer Awards
George Tomlinson Nominations are open for the 2025 Arwain DGC Vet & Farmer Awards – accolades that recognise positive action to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock and the environment in Wales. The annual awards celebrate the achievements of livestock vets and livestock farmers in reducing the need to use antibiotics and taking steps to improve animal health. This year, there are three award categories: Livestock Vet, Livestock Farmer, and a new Livestock Veterinary Practice category. The closing date for nominations is June 30th, and the winners will be announced in July at the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd. Arwain DGC is an award-winning Welsh Government-funded programme dedicated to preventing antibiotic resistance in animals and the environment. It supports farmers and vets through data-driven decisions, innovative technologies, and best practices. Dewi Hughes, Arwain DGC's programme manager, said: 'Our goal is to continue positioning Wales as a global leader in the fight against AMR, by nurturing collaboration, promoting innovation, and sharing knowledge, to ensure that antibiotics remain effective for animal and human health for future generations. 'However, this crucial work cannot be done without vets and farmers' ongoing support and commitment. Therefore, it is only right that their efforts and achievements are publicly recognised. So, I'd urge people to nominate individuals and veterinary practices playing their part to safeguard all our health and give them the recognition they deserve.' Dr Joe Angell Recipient of last year's Livestock Vet award, Dr Joe Angell of Wern Vets Cyf said: 'Arwain DGC as a project has greatly impacted reducing antimicrobial use in Wales and refining responsible use in the agricultural sector, and its impact has been felt beyond Wales. 'Part of the initiative is recognising those who have made a significant contribution to reducing antimicrobial use or improving the way antimicrobials are used in their specific field or area of work. 'For vets, it is recognised that actually improving responsible use and responsible prescribing is very much part of the responsibilities of all within the practice team, and it is really encouraging to see that at this year's awards, practice teams as a whole will be recognised. 'I'd urge anyone who knows of a particular individual, or veterinary practice, who has made an impact in their area of work, to nominate them to be considered for one of these awards, so that their work and its impact are recognised.' Livestock Farmer 2024 award-winner, Wrexham organic dairy farmer George Tomlinson said: 'Farmers and vets do a great job in working together to ensure the highest welfare for our animals. 'But we often don't think enough about our own health, and AMR is something that affects people and livestock. Awards like this are a great way to give people the recognition that they're doing a good job for everyone.' To nominate a vet, veterinary practice or livestock farmer, please visit here.
Business News Wales
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Digital Infrastructure Event Showcases Connectivity Progress in Swansea Bay City Region
An event hosted by Swansea Bay City Deal's Digital Infrastructure Programme aimed to draw attention to the transformative potential of digital infrastructure in the region. The event that took place in Parc y Scarlets stadium, Llanelli as well as being live streamed online, brought together industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss the advancements in digital connectivity and innovation taking place, along with the challenges and many opportunities that being better connected brings. Attendees were provided with a comprehensive overview of the programme, which is in full delivery across all three workstreams, highlighting its critical role in driving economic growth and social inclusion across the region. Experts delved into topics such as 5G deployment, rural connectivity, and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, offering valuable insights and practical solutions to further strengthen the region's digital ecosystem. Rhys Jones from Arwain DGC said: 'Being involved in this event has been important for gaining insights into the challenges faced to improve network connectivity across this region. 'Additionally, the golden thread which was voiced by everyone involved, is indicative of the proactive approach that the Digital Infrastructure Programme takes, which is collaboration for success. 'Personally, being able to share and discuss the levels of innovation on Welsh farms, hopefully inspired all the attendees in the room and online.' Prominent figures from the digital and technology sectors shared their visions for the future, emphasising the importance of robust digital infrastructure in fostering innovation and competitiveness. Richard Williams, Head of Acquisitions at Ontix, said: 'We know that digital connectivity has fundamentally changed our world forever but making sure we can maximise its potential in order to improve real people's lives needs creativity, visionary thinking and strong leadership. 'The fantastic work that The Swansea Bay City Deal region is doing to embrace and unlock the opportunities presented by better connectivity for South West Wales demonstrates all of those qualities, and Ontix look forward to continuing to work with colleagues to help deliver better 4G and 5G connectivity across the area.' Cllr, Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee, said: 'The resounding success of the event underscores the vital role of digital infrastructure in our future and as a region we are committed to ensuring that everyone benefits from these advancements. 'The digital infrastructure programme is not just about technology – it's about creating opportunities and improving lives. 'The event highlighted the incredible progress we've made so far as well as the continued collaborative work needed to maximise the exciting opportunities ahead.'
Business News Wales
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Applications Open for Arwain DGC Sponsored Nuffield Farming Scholarship
Arwain DGC has announced the sponsorship of a Nuffield Farming Scholarship, offering an opportunity to undertake international research into antimicrobial stewardship. Applications are open for the '2026 Nuffield Farming Arwain DGC Scholarship', which is worth more than £15,000. The deadline for applications is July 31st, 2025, at noon. Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust is a registered charity that aims to 'inspire passion in people and develop their potential to lead positive change in farming and food.' The scholarships were first awarded in 1947, and since then, more than 1,000 scholars from the UK have undertaken travel and studies to advance agriculture. To further their knowledge and understanding of their chosen study, scholars can travel anywhere in the world for a period of no less than eight weeks. On their return, they will compile a written report along with a five-minute video and present their findings at the Annual Nuffield Farming Conference. Arwain DGC is a Welsh Government-funded programme dedicated to preventing antibiotic resistance in animals and the environment by supporting farmers and vets through data-driven decisions, innovative technologies, and best practices. Its goal is to continue to position Wales as a global leader in the fight against AMR, by nurturing collaboration, promoting innovation, and sharing knowledge, to ensure that antibiotics remain effective for animal and human health for future generations. Dewi Hughes, Arwain DGC Programme Manager, said: 'We're delighted to partner with Nuffield and offer this scholarship opportunity. I encourage anyone with an interest in antimicrobial stewardship and who wants to make a difference to animal and human health to apply for this fantastic opportunity.' 'The successful scholar will have the opportunity to travel the world and see first-hand the different approaches taken in different countries to address antimicrobial resistance. 'We hope that these invaluable insights could further help Welsh farmers and vets to reduce the need to use antibiotics, and ensure antibiotics keep working for future generations. 'We encourage anyone who is interested to contact us or contact Nuffield Farming directly to make an application. Good luck!' Applicants for the '2026 Nuffield Farming Arwain DGC Scholarship' need to study topics related to Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS). Topics could include antibiotic resistance and ways of reducing the risk, strategies that other countries are using or developing to use antibiotics responsibly, or innovation/innovation that avoids the need to use antibiotics in livestock production. Also, the scholar must live and work in Wales to be eligible for funding. For more information about the '2026 Nuffield Farming Arwain DGC Scholarship', potential applicants can contact Arwain DGC at arwaindgc@ or visit here . They can also chat with members of the Arwain DGC team who will be present at the forthcoming Royal Welsh Agriculture Society's Spring Festival (Llanelwedd May 17th & 18th) and the NSA Welsh Sheep event in Brecon on May 21st. Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust also holds regular Zoom drop-in information and Q&A sessions.
