Latest news with #PembrokeshireFarmer
Western Telegraph
24-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Farming Connect's Our Farms Network welcomes 12 new farms
Under the scheme, with support from sector-specific industry experts, farmers have been driving improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and profitability since 2015. The new farms cover sectors including red meat, dairy, woodland, and horticulture. On-farm trials and projects focusing on innovation and new technologies will be carried out at these farms over the next year. The farms are located throughout Wales. Among the farmers recruited are Peter and Jacob Anthony who farm at Cwmrisca Farm, Ton-du, Bridgend. They would like to explore farming practices from a regenerative approach by investigating how to get started with applying regenerative principles to the management of the cattle and sheep on the farm. Another farm added to the Our Farms Network is Pengelli Isaf, Caernarfon run by Tudur Parry. Energy and electricity are a major cost to the business like any other dairy farming business. Don't miss our next edition of Pembrokeshire Farmer, available free inside the Western Telegraph on May 28 Mr Parry is hoping to explore cost-effective energy alternatives, by performing a feasibility study on renewable electricity production, calculating the return on investment and payback period to offset bank interest expenses. Caryl Hughes who farms at Tuhwntir Afon, Llanarmon, Dyffryn Ceiriog would like to focus on sheep health and performance. She's hoping to investigate the effects of different footbath solutions on sheep lameness and the impact of bolusing tup lambs on their weight gain and overall performance to reduce the number of lambs sold after four months post-weaning. Also recruited to the network is Pencedni Farm, Glandŵr, Pembrokeshire, a smallholding managed by Tom Clare and Jacqui Banks that integrates trees into its pasture-based system, reflecting a growing interest in regenerative agriculture and agroforestry. They would like to further develop the ecological understanding and practical application of agroforestry principles on their farm. Laura Simpson from Parc y Dderwen, Llangolman, Pembrokeshire would like to investigate the establishment of perennial horticulture crops to seek out alternative routes for business diversification. She's hoping to monitor and report on ground cultivation, planting, establishment, weeding, and pest management throughout the season, including perennial bed overwintering for next year's healthy crop. Siwan Howatson, Head of Technical at Farming Connect, says, 'We are delighted to welcome these twelve new forward-thinking farms to the Our Farms network. The network provides a fantastic platform for practical, on-farm innovation, driven by the farmers themselves. "The diverse range of projects, from regenerative practices and renewable energy to animal health and diversification into horticulture and agroforestry, truly reflects the commitment within the Welsh agricultural sector to embrace new technologies and sustainable approaches for a resilient and profitable future.' The other new farms are: Aled Wyn Evans, Fferm Penllyn, Tywyn, Meirionnydd (red meat) Leonard Griffith Swain, Ty'n Yr Onnen, Waunfawr, Gwynedd (woodland) Rhodri Jones, Pen y Parc, Llanerfyl, Montgomeryshire (dairy) Jonathan Lewis, Carneddau, Builth Wells, Brecknock (red meat) Andrew Rees, Moor Farm, Rhosson, Pembrokeshire (dairy) Jonathan Evans, Berry Hill, Newport, Pembrokeshire (dairy) Michael James, Nant Yr Hebog, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire (dairy)
Western Telegraph
25-04-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Top post for Whitland-born genetics expert Meurig James
Mr Meurig James FRAgS was unanimously elected following the Annual General Meeting held at the Cliff Hotel, near Cardigan. He succeeds Mr Nick Green FRAgS, Operations Director at Lye Cross Farm, Redhill, Bristol, who steps down after a highly respected and impactful term as chair. Mr James will serve a two-year term leading the prestigious UK-wide organisation, which recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to agricultural and rural progress. A native of Whitland, Meurig James began his career on the family dairy farm at Pengawse Farm before moving into cattle breeding and genetics. Don't miss our next edition of Pembrokeshire Farmer, available free inside the Western Telegraph on April 30 In 1993, he joined the British Holstein Society, where he rose to become Head of Breed Development for Holstein UK. In this role, he oversees the classification of over 140,000 cattle annually and also leads the National Bovine Data Centre. Meurig has played a pivotal role in expanding breed classification services to include 14 dairy and beef breeds and in introducing new traits and composites to support modern breeding priorities. His work has contributed significantly to improving herd health, productivity, and data-driven breeding decisions for farmers across the UK. A well-known figure at agricultural shows and events, he has represented the UK internationally, including at workshops in Europe, and through study tours in Argentina and North America. He has also held senior roles within the Young Farmers movement in Wales, the South Wales Holstein Club and is currently chair of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society's Livestock Committee and Assistant Honorary Director for Cattle at the Royal Welsh Show. 'It is an incredible honour to be elected Chair of CARAS UK' said Mr James. 'CARAS plays a vital role in celebrating the people who help drive our industry forward, and I look forward to championing their achievements across all four nations of the UK.'
Western Telegraph
25-04-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Award on offer to Pembrokeshire's progressive farmers
If you farm in Pembrokeshire and can demonstrate your farm's use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture then Tim Johns, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society's President, said, 'We are looking for local Pembrokeshire farmers, under the age of 45, who can demonstrate their farm's use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture. "They also need to show consideration for the environment and habitat sensitivity on their farm as well as present an aesthetically pleasing example of farming in the county. The competition welcomes all those in the livestock and arable sectors to enter.' Don't miss our next edition of Pembrokeshire Farmer, available free inside the Western Telegraph on April 30 Last year's winners of the Award were Andrew and Jane Phillips of Windsor Farm, Lamphey. They farm 1,100 acres, with 3,000 breeding sheep and lambs. A herd of British Blue cross Limousin suckler cows sired by a Limousin bull and all calves are sold as weaned. The arable side of the business includes 80 acres of winter and spring barley which is mostly used for stock consumption. The surplus is sold. They grow 150 acres of maize which is used in a Totally Mixed Ration (TMR) for their sheep. Again, the surplus is sold to dairy farms. Some land is rented out for growing potatoes and leeks. The autumn season sees the general public invited in to buy some of the six acres of Pumpkins they grow for the Halloween market. Besides this, they are also involved with the holiday business by renting out two shepherd's huts for visitors. Baron John Fredrick De Rutzen was President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society in 1936 and the Baron de Rutzen Trophy was produced in his memory. The third Baron served in the Welsh Guards and tragically died, aged 36, in 1944. This year's entrants must be fully practising farmers within the county of Pembrokeshire and were under the age of 45 years on 1 January 2025. Entries can either be by nomination or direct application online on the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society website. Click here to apply. The closing date for nominations and applications is noon on Monday, 30 June 2025.
