THE MAGAZINE FOR FARMING & FORESTRY IN

Profitable pastoral farming RWAS 2017 How New Zealand farmers Farming Connects’ presence have adapted their systems. at the Royal Welsh show.

ISSUE 9 - May/June 2017 | www.gov.wales/farmingconnect Future proofing a beef unit - embracing technology to deal with an uncertain future

With beef finishers facing increasing commodity prices and a Richard, Tudor and Helen Roderick, Newton Farm, Farming Connect Demonstration Site volatile future market price, one of the key aspects that will affect the profitability of a business will be its production costs. At Rhug Estate, farm manager Gareth Jones, working alongside In September we held our first drawn the first lambs for sale on 8th Emyr Owen, North Wales Technical Red Meat Officer plan to demonstration farm open meeting, where May at weights ranging between 40-46kg re-assess the current beef finishing enterprise. The key driver we disseminated the results of a project liveweight. We’ve been pleased with the for conducting this project is to ensure that the business is focusing on food waste digestate as a growth rates of the lambs, which were in a positive financial position looking ahead to the future. In viable alternative to artificial fertiliser. This selected from groups which are grass addition to this, Gareth has expressed an interest in utilising EID year, for the first time, we out wintered fed only. This year Tudor, our middle technology to produce KPI’s to aid in monitoring performance 85 cattle on fodder beet crops between son, lambed the ewe lambs outside for and planning the marketing of the cattle. November and April. The conditions the first time during the Easter holidays. were ideal and the cows and in-calf Thankfully, the weather conditions were The task of collecting data from the last two full production years heifers went into the calving period at the perfect for outdoor lambing. has now begun. This initial work is an essential step in identifying areas where the enterprise needs to focus on. Once this work ideal condition score. Since then, weaned From the soil sampling results (done by heifers were moved from the fodder is completed, data capture and setting of new KPI targets can Farming Connect), we have applied 280 be implemented. For this process to be as easy and accurate as beet to grass and are growing very well. tonnes of lime to address the pH levels They will shortly be weighed and selected possible, Gareth Jones has decided to invest in EID equipment. INTRODUCTION of the tested fields. Recently sown spring Cattle handling facilities are already in place at Rhug, therefore for this year’s breeding programme, cereals, fodder beet and grass seeds are this aspect of the project will look at the most cost effective which will include synchronised Artificial all now eager for rain as it has been EID solution for the enterprise. We will look to call upon the Insemination. The use of AI alongside an extremely dry Spring. Swedes will expertise that Meilir Jones, Gop Farm (currently a mentor for breeding bulls has led to a much tighter shortly be planted to feed ewe lamb calving pattern this Spring and has enabled replacements through the winter. Farming Connect) has to help advise Gareth in how to utilise the us to introduce preferential maternal technology, and to put a return on investment (ROI) figure which genetics, considered essential during a Following an advisory visit from Ian will be of interest to many other beef finishers. period where we are building our self- Pritchard from Scotland’s Rural College Another area which will be assessed is nutrition. Rhug currently replacing herd. On the 5th May, this year’s (SRUC), we continue to weigh young grows oats, triticale and red clover silage to form the basis crop of fodder beet was drilled, using the cattle on a regular basis to monitor of their winter finishing diet. This currently works well as an Robus variety. We continue to use this growth rates. One of the key areas we are variety as it has a good above ground focusing on this year as a demonstration organic cropping rotation, and to produce high quality forage bulb size which is ideal for grazing in-situ. farm is the health status of our cattle herd. and bedding. Options of alternative feeds will be considered, but By working closely with our local vet being organic certified could make this difficult. The main flock of ewes were scanned and SRUC we have significantly and shorn during December, and housed improved our cattle health plan. on self-feed silage. They lambed from 20th February onwards and we have Richard is one of our Farming Connect Mentors.

2 Farming Connect Issue 9 May/June 2017 | 3 TESTING – the key for the perfect soil Moving from indoor to outdoor lambing: Between 2014 and 2017, a total of 4,848 soil samples were taken across Wales as part of the Farming Connect programme. The soil getting the basics right samples were analysed for pH, phosphorous (P), potassium (K) and A successful move from an indoor to an (metabolic blood profiling). Doing so magnesium (Mg). Samples were taken from various soil types and outdoor lambing system has seen the allowed first and second cut silages to be production systems under a range of cover crops. potential of the sheep flock at Penwern targeted to the most appropriate group It was discovered that on average, Welsh soils have a pH of 5.80, a increase dramatically. Having identified a of sheep based on the silage analysis and P index value of 2, K index value of 2- and an Mg index value of 3. need to increase ewe numbers to better results of the blood sampling. match grassland production, Rhun Fychan From turnout onwards, grass was the In reviewing the data, it is appreciated that only underperforming who farms between Lampeter and only source of nutrition so the Farming land would be submitted for testing in order to take any remedial Aberaeron in West Wales, felt that the Connect project also provided advice action. The results show that 70% of the soils tested were below pH move to an outdoor lambing flock would and support from rotational grazing 6, which is the minimum value for the ideal pH range in mineral soil. allow for expansion without increasing expert James Daniels. A plan was Soil acidity varies across the data and can depend on factors such labour requirements. Making better use of implemented for turnout dates and the ability to grow good quality grass was as rainfall and nitrogen fertiliser usage. Acidity could potentially be fields were allocated in advance to the also seen as a way to reduce production influenced by other factors, such as the atmospheric deposition of various groups of single, twin and triplet costs without compromising on output. pollutants including nitrogen. bearing ewes. Working with Mid Wales Red Meat Lambing began on the 1st of April and Technical Officer, Catherine Nakielny, The data collected weekly grass height measures ensured Rhun established that a dual approach appears to indicate that all ewes received sufficient dry focusing on both flock health and ewe matter intakes to meet with daily energy that Welsh soils have nutrition was required to get the most good soil P and K and protein requirements. Early results out of the ewes and maximise the from the project have already identified levels, however this number of lambs reared. Independent vet that for the farming system at Penwern, tends to vary across the Kate Hovers worked with Rhun in the run outdoor lambing can lead to the same landscape. On average, up to lambing to identify any underlying level of output despite reduction in soil K is at the right level health issues. labour requirements and feed costs. for grazing, but should Fortunately no significant concerns were Under 10% of lambs were lost from be higher for silage identified, but working with Kate allowed scanning to 1 month of age. Rhun plans production. topics such as parasite control and on continuing a proactive approach lameness to be tackled in plenty of time to flock health planning and grassland Magnesium seems to be less of a problem, as 82% of the soils were ahead of lambing. management to ensure the flock at the acceptable level - between index 2 and 3. The potential for Lameness had previously been an issue on maximises its potential whilst also hypomagnesaemia (staggers) across Welsh grazing land is potentially the farm, and over the previous autumn minimising production costs. low, as only 1% of the land tested had soil with Mg levels less than Rhun implemented the 5-point lameness index 2, and only 8% of grazing land was above 2+ on the K index. plan. With a combination of vaccination, culling and prompt treatment of affected animals, Rhun has seen a reduction in This report highlights the importance of regular soil testing. lameness cases and improved health. The advisory service can be used for nutrient management plans Nutrition was also a key focus during which includes subsidised soil analysis. Please contact your local the project. Ewes were housed in late Development officer for more information. pregnancy before turnout onto grass and blood samples were taken in order to ensure that the diet fed was adequate

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Drought-resistant annual clovers, grown under Farming Connect project conditions in Wales, have performed well and enabled the Arloesedd mewn amaethyddiaeth a choedwigaeth grower to reduce winter feed costs and artificial fertiliser inputs. Innovation in agriculture and forestry

The nitrogen-fixing properties of The crop was cut on August 10th Balansa and Berseem clovers have 2016, yielding 33 bales at 630kg/ Ian Beecher-Jones improved soil fertility at Llyn Rhys, bale – the equivalent of four tonnes Precision Farming Coach and Consultant a Farming Connect Focus Site near per hectare. Silage analysis results Wrexham. The clovers are also determined a crude protein value Ian will be available at the Royal Welsh Show to discuss and provide effective weed suppressants. of 14.5%, 11.5MJ/kg metabolisable advice on your planned mechanisation investment decisions, including Annual clovers are high yielding energy, a D-value of 72 and 46% GPS and Farm Business Grant scheme options. and drought tolerant. They provide dry matter (DM).

organic matter to weak soils, In comparison, haylage harvested at Taking advantage of clover to of clover advantage Taking reduce nitrogen and feed bills and feed nitrogen reduce Individual slots must be pre-booked with Delana Davies: aiding water retention and nutrient Llyn Rhys achieved a crude protein 07811 261628 - [email protected] availability. of 11.7%, 11.6 MJ/kg ME and 81.9% Pearce Hughes, who runs a flock DM. The silage from the Balansa of 1,250 ewes, planted a six-acre crop was fed to twin and triplet- trial plot of Balansa – an annual bearing ewes during the pre-lambing clover native to north-eastern period. Feeding this higher quality Mediterranean regions. forage meant a delay of two weeks The seed, a variety called ‘Fixation’ before concentrates were fed, which was bred in America for resulting in an estimated saving of extra cold tolerance, was sown with £1.68 per head. Italian ryegrass at the beginning of The Berseem was well established June 2016. 5kg of Balansa (2kg/acre) by the Spring and grew at an and 22kg of Italian ryegrass (9kg/ average rate of 31KgDM/ha/day acre) was sown per hectare. Unlike from March 20th onwards. Fertiliser some forages, Balansa performs well wasn’t applied last autumn and only at a pH of 5.7- to 5.8. a single dressing of 23:4:13 fertiliser At sowing, a 5:24:24 fertiliser was at a rate of 187kg/ha (75kg/acre) applied at 246kg/ha followed by was applied in early April. 123kg/ha of urea four weeks later. For location details, please see the RWAS map on page 12.

6 Farming Connect Issue 9 May/June 2017 | 7 Protecting property - vehicles and livestock Farmers across Wales are being urged to and other sites. Specialists recommended scrutinise their farms for potential security that a password should be a combination of weaknesses to deter criminals from targeting letters or numbers that can’t be guessed by Staff Management - their property. Simple changes, ranging from an automated process or a person. A Welsh padlocks with the highest security rating to a password can also be an alternative as it can attracting and retaining reliable staff £20 trailer lock, can stop farms becoming a be more challenging for criminals. victim of crime. The biggest threat to a farm business comes Trawscoed, a Farming Connect Innovation from within the farm. This threat occurs when Site near Aberystwyth, recently hosted a farm family members or staff click on unwanted or Farmers who invest time in within the business is important too. security event with speakers including police unexpected emails which can infect computers motivating and training staff are “Fun seems to have been bred out of officers and online security experts. with viruses. To avoid this problem, Matthew more likely to retain their workforce. business, just because folk are having a Arfon Griffiths, of Dyfed Alarms, demonstrated Howells, of Dyfed Police suggested that Farm workers are often highly skilled and laugh it doesn’t mean they are not working how simple it was to cut through a standard farmers should have a dedicated computer experienced but still find work-related and doing a good job,’’ said Mrs Wildman. padlock. “Small locks aren’t going to protect solely for the farm business. training and development opportunities Regular meetings are important, either anything therefore don’t skimp on the security Mr Howells also mentioned that there is an highly motivational. formal or informal. There must be clear rating of a lock,’’ said Mr Griffiths. increasing risk to farms that run diversification With appropriate training, employees and continuous communication, either businesses, such as a campsites. can be empowered to take more one to one or in groups. “I don’t believe ownership of their work, farmers were there is a textbook way to communicate, it “There is a security risk to the told at a series of joint Farming Connect is whatever works for the business,’’ said business if it uses the same and AHDB Dairy meetings facilitated Mrs Wildman. wi-fi network offered to guests, by Jamie McCoy, South Wales Dairy Farmers must be fair and consistent in it is important that farmers are Technical Officer at Farming Connect. their relationships with staff. The key fully aware of all potential risks” According to Heather Wildman, of personality traits of a good employer Saviour Associates, if an employer is are the ability to think positively, to be Inspector Matthew Howells, signposted willing to invest in training staff feel honest and to delegate. “Communicate, farmers to the ‘Get Safe Online’ and valued. “It is telling them you want them inspire and align the team. Mentor and give ‘Action Fraud’ websites for further advice. to be part of the business long term and praise,’’ advised Mrs Wildman. The dynamics can change when a new Most locks have security ratings ranging from you want them to enjoy their work and feel employee joins the business but ensuring 1-15 – the higher the number, the more fulfilled knowing they are doing a good job. that they spend time working with all staff effective the security. Locks with number “Employees value the consideration that is members makes integration easier and combinations are as effective as locks with given to improving their skill set and farmers keys, but once the combination has been get better equipped employees. quicker. Heather Wildman is also working shared, it’s important to change it. with Demonstration Site farmer Aled at “You wouldn’t run a feeder wagon and not Marian Mawr in implementing Leadership The farm office is also a target for thieves, with maintain it so equally you cannot expect and management best practice. cyber crooks taking advantage of relatively your staff to perform if you don’t invest in weak online security measures to defraud them with training, time and social events, ” Training courses for the business farmers. Hackers can use automated software improvement category run through the Detailing procedures and protocols in a staff to crack passwords by scanning social media Farming Connect Skills Development handbook allows staff to work independently, Programme, are subsidised by up to 80%. however establishing the right culture

8 Farming Connect Issue 9 May/June 2017 | 9 Principles of Profitable Pastoral Farming Many farmers in Wales have compared the decision to leave the European Union with the decision made by New Zealand to remove subsidised payments with Synchronization of a immediate effect in 1984. suckler herd for better Although there may or may not be similar changes facing Welsh farmers in the future, there are many lessons which could be adopted from how farmers in New Zealand have performance adapted their farming systems in the years following the loss of subsidised payments. Artificial Insemination is a tool that Valuing the pasture they grew and focusing on the true profitability of the enterprise provides an affordable way for farmers were regarded as key priorities following the change. As New Zealand farmers soon to access superior genetics. discovered, there is no cheaper feed option than home grown pasture. The uncertainty Utilising methods of oestrus synchronisation of future market prices, prompts farmers to focus on areas within their control. to increase profits will be the key focus at Murray Rohloff, a sheep specialist from New Zealand, will be visiting Wales in June Fferam Gyd, a Farming Connect focus site According to Mr Rohloff there are principles of profitable pastoral farming which can be located on Anglesey. adopted to improve business efficiency and profitability. Working with Emyr Owen, North Wales Improving and managing pasture quality during the late spring and summer periods will Technical Red Meat Officer, farmer Llyˆr promote lamb growth as the days to slaughter is regarded as having the greatest impact on Hughes, aims to implement an oestrus the profitability of sheep flocks. Rotational grazing can induce pasture to grow up to 80% synchronisation programme for 50 more dry matter than set stocking systems. commercial Limousin suckler cows with the aim of producing more kilograms of Increasing lambing percentages, controlling parasites and increasing longevity in both ewes beef per hectare. and rams are also key factors to consider. This will be achieved by accessing high All meetings with Murray Rohloff will be looking at principles of pastoral farming with the genetic merit semen with established aim of improving performance of the sheep flock. growth traits and calving ease figures. DATE START TIME LOCATION To ensure a fair comparison is achieved, a Wednesday 14/06/17 4.00pm – 6.00pm Llysun, , SY21 OEL control group of 30 commercial Limousin Saturday 17/06/17 4.00pm – 6.00pm Rhiwgriafol, Talywern, SY20 8NY cattle will run with the farm’s stock bull Monday 19/06/17 6.30pm – 8.30pm Bribwll, Llanfyrnach, Penbrokeshire SA35 0DA at the same time as the synchronisation Tuesday 20/06/17 2.00pm – 4.00pm Mynachdy, Ynysybwl, Rhondda Cynon Taf CF37 3PP programme begins. For more information on The Welsh Pasture Project call us on 07985 379880 or visit Various data will be captured during the www.gov.wales/farmingconnect. project, including; body condition scores prior to mating, health and fertility, associated costs, conception rates and pregnancy diagnosis. Further data will be captured during the 2018 calving period.

10 Farming Connect Issue 9 May/June 2017 | 11 Cyswllt Ffermio yn Sioe Frenhinol Cymru 2017 Farm Safety Awareness – Be alert, be aware, be SAFE Farming Connect at the Royal Welsh Show 2017 Agriculture is regarded as one of the Nowadays, cattle aren’t managed using most dangerous industries to work in, the traditional methods used years ago, with 29 fatalities recorded in 2016 alone meaning that they’re less used to direct in England, Wales and Scotland, according human interaction on a daily basis. ALLWEDD / KEY to the latest figures by the Health and “These days, cattle are mainly fed by Safety Executive (HSE). Adeilad Lantra / Lantra Building machinery and are checked out in the field by a quad bike, whereas decades ago they The most common cause of on-farm were fed by hand and a farmer would walk Defaid / Sheep accidents is farm transport, closely around them making them more docile and followed by livestock, which is easier to handle,” said Mr Rees. currently on the rise in Wales. Coedwigaeth / Forestry Maes Sioe However, farm transport remains to be Frenhinol Cymru According to Brian Rees, Chairman of the the most common cause of farm accidents, Royal Welsh Wales Farm Safety Partnership Charter, which includes tractors, quad bikes and Showground ➞ farmers should be more alert and aware of telehandlers. The ‘Safe Stop’ campaign the potential risks to safety when handling was launched in 2013 by the Farm Safety Gwnewch siwr eich bod yn Make sure you visit cattle, particularly during the calving period. Partnership to promote the importance of ymweld â Cyswllt Ffermio yn Farming Connect at the “Although farmers tend to be more wary of applying the handbrake correctly on farm Sioe Frenhinol Cymru Royal Welsh Show their animals during the calving period, they transport. ADEILAD LANTRA – Cyfle i chi siarad gyda LANTRA BUILDING – A chance for you to seem to still be too trusting towards newly “People automatically apply the handbrake staff Cyswllt Ffermio a dysgu am y gwasanaethau speak to Farming Connect staff and learn about calved cows,” said Mr Rees. when stopping a car, therefore it is critically sydd ar gael. the services on offer. “This has led to an increase in livestock- important that the same procedure is YR ADRAN GOEDWIGAETH – Os ydych chi’n FORESTRY SECTION – Foresters, farmers associated accidents in Wales, cattle in followed when stopping farm transport”, goedwigwr, ffermwr a/neu yn meddu ar goetir, and/or woodland owners here’s your chance to particular.” stressed Mr Rees, who also provides Farm dewch draw i gwrdd â’r tîm a dysgu am y llu o meet the team and learn about the numerous Safety Awareness training as a part of his fuddiannau a chyfleoedd o fewn y diwydiant. benefits and opportunities within the industry. daily work. LAB AMAETH – Arddangosfa o arloesedd ym AGRI LAB – An exhibition of Farm and Forestry Mr Rees suggested that farmers should myd Amaeth a Choedwigaeth gall drawsnewid innovations that could transform the way you y ffordd yr ydych yn gweithio yn y dyfodol. work in the future. take time to walk around their farm to spot potential hazards which may prove a risk to safety, and act on them before it’s COFIWCH Er mwyn cael mynediad REMEMBER – To access the full range too late. llawn i wasanaethau Cyswllt Ffermio mae of services offered by Farming Connect angen i bob busnes gofrestru, dewch draw every business must be registered, call by “It’s so important that farmers are constantly i gofrestru neu ailgofrestru eich busnes ar to register or re-register your business at aware of safety when they’re carrying out faes y sioe yn adeilad Lantra. the Lantra building on the showground. their daily activities. Health and safety must always be made a priority which ever job www.llyw.cymru/cyswlltffermio you’re doing, take the time to fully assess the www.gov.wales/farmingconnect situation - this may save your life”. FACEBOOK: facebook.com/farmingconnect TWITTER: @FarmingConnect

12 Farming Connect Issue 9 May/June 2017 | 13 Inspiring the next generation of rural leaders and entrepreneurs – 40 successful candidates selected for Agri Academy 2017

Building on the success of Megan hopes the Agri Academy will give the Agri Academy, Farming her the skills and confidence needed to Connect’s highly acclaimed achieve her ambitious plans for business personal development expansion, doubling her herd to 200 programme, 40 candidates have been breeding goats over the next 18 months. selected to take part this year. Successful for the Rural Time to dig out your passport! The Agri Academy comprises of three Leadership programme The application window is currently open for our Management Exchange distinct programmes; the Business was beef & sheep farmer Programme. We are looking for focused and ambitious farmers or foresters and Innovation programme, the Rural GARETH DAVIES from who are keen to broaden their horizons by taking part in an exchange visit Leadership programme which is a joint Howey near Llandrindod to other European member states and/or hosting a foreign exchange farmer collaboration with the Royal Welsh Wells. Gareth is eager or forester on your holding. If selected, your visit could be fully-funded up to Agricultural Society, and the Junior to start developing ideas a maximum of £4,000. programme, a joint collaboration with and to network with like-minded people Wales YFC, which is open to young within the industry. He hopes that the Agri “This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about new or improved ways of working people aged between 16 and 19 years. Academy will provide a platform where his in the farm or forestry sectors in Europe, to find out about different approaches Professor Wynne Jones OBE, chairman voice can be heard and give him the skills to business management and to broaden your knowledge, technical ability of the Agri Academy selection panel, and confidence to inspire others. and management expertise,” says Einir Davies, Development & Mentoring said that he and his co-judges agreed GUTO HUWS, an Manager at Farming Connect. that the calibre of applications was again agriculture student “The aim of the programme is to enable both parties to identify opportunities, exceptionally high, and it was a hard task at Coleg Meirion- both personal and business development, and to learn new and innovative or to ‘select the best of the best’ from 65 Dwyfor, Glynllifon was advanced best practice methods which they can implement at home and share applications. one of the successful with the wider industry in Wales,” said Miss Davies. “As always, we were looking for candidates applicants for the Junior able to demonstrate ambition, commitment programme. Guto The window for applications is open between 1 June to 1 July 2017. and a keen sense of focus but above all, shares his time between his studies and For more detailed information on the benefits of this programme, terms & we selected people who we feel have helping his father on their family farm near conditions, eligibility criteria and to download application forms, please visit the potential to contribute most to the Trawsfynydd. With his sights on studying www.gov.wales/farmingconnect future of the agricultural industry and rural Agriculture at university he believes Junior communities in Wales.” Agri Academy will support his application MEGAN MCNAMARA, as it has for previous alumni. Guto is eager FA RH ID EO to gain as much experience as possible W L a part-time nurse who E A N E before applying his new found knowledge F T recently ventured into Y H

C to the family farm. the production and

M ROP E W direct marketing of A G • N E A N E Boer goat meat near To read more about each successful G A • EM CH U ENT EX Clarbeston Road in candidate and how they hope to E R P Pembrokeshire is delighted to have been benefit from the Agri Academy visit 30. O www.gov.wales/farmingconnect

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W P R O Mentoring Programme In industries outside of agriculture, using a mentor as a sounding board to share ideas, seek guidance and support is routine practice. Our fully funded Mentoring Programme, launched just over 12 months ago is encouraging farmers and foresters to do the same. To date over 60 individuals have chosen a mentor and is reaping the benefits of peer to peer learning and sharing knowledge to drive their business forward. Eight new farmers have recently joined our team increasing the network to a total of 48 mentors. They come equipped with a variety of experiences from renewable energy through to wine making. Our Mentors have ‘been there, done that’ and will develop a partnership with you based on mutual trust and respect. They will be able to share their knowledge, experience, and impartial views to help you identify your goals and fulfil your potential. It’s an opportunity Looking for a route into farming? to develop communication skills, to listen, learn and expand your viewpoints which in turn There are over 4,000 acres being offered to may help you find new ways to approach new situations and deal with challenges. To view the full Mentor Directory visit www.gov.wales/farmingconnect new entrants through the Venture programme The new mentors are:

Abi Reader Robb Merchant Many assume that joint venture agreements always refer to a contract farming or share farming agreement. It is also often considered more relevant to the dairy industry. Location: Glamorgan Location: Monmouthshire Key sector(s): Dairy Key sector(s): Viticulture However, the Venture programme is currently facilitating 26 potential joint venture Key specialism(s) or interest(s): KPIs for Key specialism(s) or interest(s): matches, 65% of which are in fact Beef and Sheep enterprises. diary herd, consumer relations Wine production, diversification on small scale farms We have also found that a variety of models can be developed over time to give the new entrant more independence. This makes it a flexibile option for any business to Eilir Evans adopt and means that it can be specifically tailored to your situation and requirements Sion Ifans Location: Ceredigion at any given time. Location: Meirionnydd Key sector(s): Dairy Venture is designed to help match farmers and landowners who are looking to step Key specialism(s) or interest(s): Grassland Key sector(s): Beef, Sheep management, financial budgeting, joint Key specialism(s) or interest(s): back from the industry with new entrants looking for a way into farming. It guides ventures Monitoring and flock improvement using people on both sides through the key steps required to find a potential business partner. EID equipment, Benchmarking An integrated package of training, mentoring, specialist advice and business support

James Raw equips participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to help them Teifi Davies achieve their goals. Location: Ceredigion Key sector(s): Beef, Sheep, Forestry, Arable Location: Ceredigion If you think a joint venture may be a suitable option for you, if you are beginning to Key specialism(s) or interest(s): Renewable Key sector(s): Beef, Dairy, Poultry, think about taking a step back or want to provide an opportunity for a new entrant to Horticulture, Food and Drink energy (Hydro), tourism, building design begin farming get in touch with us. In the first instance, we are here to help you decide Key specialism(s) or interest(s): Farm diversification, farm gate retail whether it is a suitable option and to reassure you of the process. You don’t need to Jenny Davies worry about committing to anything just yet.

Location: Ceredigion Tony Davies Alternatively, if you are a new entrant, looking to enter the industry, register with Key sector(s): Beef, Dairy, Poultry, Venture today to find out if any of the opportunities on offer, totalling 4,000 acres of Horticulture, Food and Drink Location: Radnor land could be your route into farming. Key specialism(s) or interest(s): Farm Key sector(s): Sheep, Forestry, Renewable diversification, farm gate retail, trading Energy, Holiday Accommodation standards and environmental health Key specialism(s) or interest(s): Renewable 08456 000 813 requirements Energy (Solar PV), upland farming, environmental schemes, direct selling

16 Farming Connect Issue 9 May/June 2017 | 17 Events Timetable DATE EVENT VENUE CONTACT Menna Williams Tyn y pant, , 14/06/17 Worm control and benefits 07399 600146 14:00-16:00 of using EID Welshpool, Powys, SY21 8BJ [email protected] Gethin Davies Is your Farming Business Cae Haidd, Nebo, 15/06/17 Secure? Llanrwst, Conwy, 07772 694941 LL26 0TF [email protected] Catherine Nakielny Lambing at grass - making the Penwern, Cilcennin, 15/06/17 Lampeter, Ceredigion, 07985 379890 16:00-18:30 most of spring grazing SA48 8RT [email protected]

20/06/17 Trade In The Global Marketplace The Eagles Hotel, Llanrwst, LL26 0LG 19:30-21:30 Cardigan Rugby Club, Jamie McCoy 20/06/17 Genomics in the dairy herd Gwbert Road, 07985 379819 12:30-15:00 Ceredigion, SA43 1PH [email protected] Lampeter Rugby Jamie McCoy 20/06/17 Genomics in the dairy herd Club, North Road, 07985 379819 19:30-21:30 Ceredigion, SA48 7JA [email protected]

Maximising the economic value Pant Glas farm, Jamie McCoy 22/06/17 of pollinators, dung beetles & Llanboidy, Whitland, 07985 379819 12:00-15:00 other beneficial invertebrates Carmarthenshire, in pastoral agriculture SA34 0EX [email protected]

27/06/17 Trade In The Global Marketplace Brecon Livestock Market, Brecon, LD3 8EX 19:30-21:30 Opportunities to plant trees & Tynyberth, , Geraint Jones 28/06/17 access the woodland carbon , Powys, 07398 178698 11:00-15:00 code to increase farm income LD1 6PU [email protected] 01/07/17 Monmouthshire Show Monmouthshire Showground, Monmouth, NP25 4LG Hop growing and marketing Bubbleton Farm Shop, Delana Davies 06/07/17 and novel growing Penally, Tenby, 07811 261628 18:30-21:00 opportunities Pembrokeshire SA70 7RY [email protected] 24/07/17 - 27/07/17 Royal Welsh Show Royal Welsh Show, , , Powys LD2 3SY 25&26/ Planned mechanisation Royal Welsh Show, Delana Davies 07/17 investment decisions with Ian Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, 07811 261628 10.00-16.00 Beecher-Jones Powys LD2 3SY [email protected] 02/08/17 Cardigan County Show Briscwm Field, Briscwm FIeld, Pembrokeshire, SA43 1DR Fonmon Castle Grounds, Fonmon, Barry, 09/08/17 Vale of Glamorgan Show Vale of Glamorgan, CF62 3ZN 11/08/17 Lampeter Agricultural Society Show Pontfaen Fields, Lampeter, Ceredigion 15-16 Tyˆ Glyn Williams,The Showground, Gwalchmai, Holyhead, /08/17 Anglesey Agricultural Show Anglesey, LL65 4RW 15-17 /08/17 Pembrokeshire Show Haverfordwest, SA62 4BW 17/08/17 Denbigh and Flint Show 1 Cross Street, Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 7LP 23/08/17 Meirioneth County Show Cader Rd, Land Leaf, Dolgellau LL40 1SG Coleg Sir Gar, Gelli Aur Campus Llandeilo, 24/08/17 Muck and Soil Event Show Carmarthenshire, SA32 8NJ

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