Llandyrnog and Llangwyfan Local History Society

THE large number of members and friends of the Llandyrnog and Llangwyfan Local History Society who braved the weather to attend the talk on The modernisation of agriculture, and how it has changed over the years by Edwin Hughes, says a great deal about the popularity of the theme and the recognition of the knowledge of the speaker about his subject.

Mr Hughes initially farmed a mixed farm at in Flint - Cornist Ganol.

He then concentrated on lambs and beef farming until his recent “almost” retirement.

The talk started with the speaker identifying historical events which he believes continue to be important for farming today:

- 18th century: The Industrial Revolution, which led to good practices with economic benefits such as crop rotation.

- 19th century: The repeal of the Corn Laws, which had a major positive effect with tariffs on imports and export as a result of the Napoleonic Wars being withdrawn.

- 1914-18: The First World War which, with the loss of so many horses, was the catalyst for mechanisation and the sending over of tractors, notably Fordson tractors, from the US to help the war effort.

- 1920s: County Council Holdings Act, which meant that men returning from war could obtain starter units of approximately 12 acres and increase this over time to provide work and a livelihood.

- 1930s: Establishment of statutory boards such as the Milk Marketing Board, which saw farmers working together and provided a guarantee of regular payment.

- 1947: The Agriculture Act, which provided a tenant farmer tenure of that property for his lifetime and for sons and daughters to have the right to take over the tenancy. It also allowed for deficiency payments to be made if price of animals and crops fell below an agreed level.

Mr Hughes then proceeded to a presentation of photographs, which showed how various aspects of farming have evolved.

For example, from lambing in the field to lambing inside, from chickens running around farmyards (usually looked after by the female of the farm) to the huge battery houses of today, from the milking stool to the mechanised building parlours.

Also, from the horse taking a day to cut a field of hay to a contractor finishing the work of a whole farm in less time, from the “Fordson Bach” tractor to the monster John Deere and other makes on the road today.

He did admit to being the owner of 40 vintage tractors!

The audience was then invited to try and identify a number of historic implements on the table.

How successful the non-farming members of the audience were is questionable!

A project officer from Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych also attended on the evening with their ‘Amgueddfa Atgofion’ I-Pad, and a supply of free booklets about farming memories.

There was much interest in all of their information.

The next meeting of the society will be on Wednesday, May 20 at 7.30pm, with Tony Griffiths talking about the famous people of Denbigh.

All are welcome to society meetings, with members paying only £5 for the yearly programme of three meetings and visitors £3 per meeting.

Light refreshments are served for all at the end of every meeting.

For additional details or queries, e-mail the society secretary via llangwyfanhistory@hotmail.com