Just over 12 months since the last case of foot-and-mouth disease in Wales, two county agricultural shows have got under way.

But as the Anglesey and Pembrokeshire shows open their gates, there are warnings the economic effects of the outbreak are still being felt.

Money spent locally benefits the whole community

Local farmer Michael Hooton

During the six months in which Wales was ravaged by the disease, a total of 118 cases were confirmed.

A mass cull of almost 50,000 sheep took place on Anglesey alone.

The island's two-day show was cancelled as a result, but reopened at Mona on Tuesday, with strict measures in place to guard against the spread of disease.

But organisers were delighted by the 32,000 visitors who attended on the first day at Gwalchmai, up 3,000 on the last show two years ago.

"There has been extra work with the biosecurity arrangements which are quite stringent," said organiser Aled Hughes.

Although some sheep categories have been cancelled due to a lack of entries, organisers believe the show will be a success.

"A lot of people have been saying how much they missed the show last year and are looking forward to it," added Mr Hughes.

Aled Hughes: "Stringent safety measures"

Businessmen at the show are urging people in rural areas to boost economic recovery after the devastation caused by foot-and-mouth by supporting local produce.

Local farmers have pledged their support for a "Think Local, Buy Local, Act Local" campaign from the Country Land and Business Association.

"Money spent locally benefits the whole community," said Michael Hooton at his promotional stand for his firm Hooton's Homegrown.

"We urge local people who want to help their home communities overcome the many problems facing the countryside to support the campaign."

Anglesey was the first area of Wales to be hit by foot-and-mouth in March 2001, when a case was confirmed at the Welsh Country Foods abattoir at Gaerwen.

Weather worries

The event is the premier farming show in north Wales and costs around �250,000 to stage.

It is hoped around 50,000 people will attend the show, which features the launch of the first Welsh blue cheese of its kind, branded Gorau Glas.

An Anglesey councillor will also use the show to highlight the importance of walking as a means of keeping fit, following the launch of a Walking the Way to Health campaign earlier in 2002.

The Royal Welsh show went ahead in July

The scheme is now represented in the towns of Amlwch, Benllech and Llangefni, where it encourages people to take part in regular walks.

But the organisers of the show, and those behind the Pembrokeshire county show in Haverfordwest, are concerned about bad weather following rain at the National Eisteddfod at St David's last week.

At the Pembrokeshire show, a local landowner has called for greater access to broadband internet services in rural areas.

In July, the Royal Welsh Show went ahead after being cancelled last year, although strict animal controls were put in place.