Up to 30,000 are expected to attend the United Counties Show

They say they are struggling to make a living and claim big name food stores are selling milk at a loss to attract shoppers.

Carmarthen dairy farmer Brian Walters turned to organic farming five years ago but says his heard of 250 cattle provide little income.

Mr Walters was speaking on the first day of the United Counties Show at Nantyci, Carmarthenshire, which is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors on Thursday and Friday.

The local community has responded well to a call to support this year's event. Show administrator Jackie Keen

To illustrate the drop in income the Farmers Union of Wales had two tractors on display at its stall on the showground.

One was a 1957 model which Mr Walters said cost �785 when it was produced - the equivalent of 23,000 litres of milk at the going rate 46 years ago.

Now a farmer has to produce 60,000 litres to afford an equivalent tractor today.

"These costs illustrate the serious threat to survival facing Welsh dairy farmers," he said.

"At the present market price of 17p a litre we are running at a loss. We need 5p a litre more to make it worthwhile.

"Organic milk is selling for the same as normal milk.

"I really enjoy organic farming and have not used fertilisers for five years and I have no doubt about the organic system - it's the market that has let us down."

Brian Walters said dairy farmers at getting a bad deal

He appealed to supermarkets to stop using milk as a loss leader and to put up their prices.

Despite the problems facing dairy farmers there was a general feeling at the event that the industry was bouncing back from the foot-and-mouth crisis which forced its cancellation in 2001.

By mid-morning the overflow car parks were already in use and thousands of people were enjoying the sunshine.

Show administrator Jackie Keen said: "Overall the level of entry is most encouraging and we are thrilled to return this year.

"The local community has responded well to a call to support this year's event.

Now in its 107th year - organisers pride themselves on the mix of attractions and activities they say appeal to both rural and urban residents.

To widen its appeal this year the main show and entertainment rings have been separate into two areas.

As well as the traditional competition classes entertainment includes a mountain bike stunt show, a falconry display, lumberjack exhibition, speedway racing and a dog agility show.

New this year is the food extravaganza marquee promoting local produce and a garden festival.

Mrs Keen said the weather had been a bonus and judging by the number of people arriving on Thursday morning the 30,000 visitor target should be reached.