NFU celebrates centenary at show

The first president of the NFU, Colin Campbell

The National Farmers' Union, which was formed in a period of deep depression in the industry, is celebrating its centenary at the Royal Welsh Show.

The NFU is urging members to bring along memorabilia to its stand on Tuesday so that it can be logged in a special centenary register.

A special web page is also being launched as part of the celebrations.

The union's first chairman in Wales was Sir Meuric Rees, who is also a former Royal Welsh chairman and president.

Dai Davies, the current leader of NFU Cymru, said: "If the history of the last 100 years proves anything, it is that the farming community and NFU Cymru make a winning combination, capable of rising to almost any challenge - and there'll be no shortage of those in the future."

The NFU's first UK president was Colin Campbell, who worked to encourage membership and establish the union with government.

'Difficult beginnings'

The union said its formation was at a time when farming was going through the "longest and deepest depression in its history, as imports of cheap grain and frozen meat flooded in from abroad".

A spokesman added: "From those modest and difficult beginnings, the NFU has grown to become one of the most effective and respected trade associations in Britain.

"The first Welsh county to join the NFU was Brecon and Radnor in 1908, followed by the remaining counties over the next few years.

"The title NFU Cymru was adopted in 1999 at the time of the advent of devolved government in Wales in the Welsh assembly."