02 September 2025
Farmers and growers trialling different farming techniques and innovations as participants in the Farming Connect Our Farms network are hosting events in September when other farmers will learn what they have discovered from projects ranging from targeted selective treatment for sheep to intercropping maize.
For the second year, Farming Connect will hold a series of ‘Visit Our Farms’ events in September on its network of beef, sheep and dairy holdings and at businesses producing vegetables, fruit and flowers for the horticulture sector.
Last year there were 15 of these knowledge transfer events but they proved so popular with the industry that 2025 sees that number increased to 22.
Each provides opportunities for other farmers and growers to gain valuable insights into trials and projects that have concluded or are ongoing.
In Montgomeryshire, farmers will see first-hand how the Griffiths family are growing drought-tolerant multi-species leys at Cilthrew, their beef and sheep farm at Llansantffraid ym Mechain.
Through their involvement in Our Farms, Marc, Wynn and Bethan Griffiths are trialling different techniques to put their 120ha farming business in a strong position to adapt to the upcoming changes in agricultural policy, to ensure it is sustainable and prosperous.
Marc, the third generation of his family to farm at Cilthrew, says the drought-tolerant pasture has been put to the test in a summer characterised by long spells of very dry conditions.
He is looking forward to discussing the results further with farmers attending the event. “In my experience, as a farmer you learn as much from others coming to the farm. That can come in part from being challenged on different aspects of how we do things,’’ he reckons.
Topics for discussion will include utilising nitrogen (N) use efficiency to optimise yields in crops of fodder beet, and the impact of biological products such as seaweed and molasses that have been applied on the farm and their impact on grass quality and yield.
“We farm in a high magnesium area and that can make the soil tight so there could be a value in these products in opening up the soil without mechanical interventions,’’ says Marc.
At Cilthrew, the farming policy is centred on efficiency and producing as much feed, as possible on-farm, including protein.
The value of this event and others in this series of farm walks was summed up by people who attended last year's programme, with 99% of attendees stating that they had learnt something new and 93% planning to make changes to their business following the events.
Farming Connect sector officer Owain Pugh, who is overseeing the project work at the farm, says there will be much that farmers will learn from attending the event and an opportunity to see how some of the latest technology is being utilised at Cilthrew, including moisture and nutrient sensors in the fodder beet crop.
These sensors have helped to inform the crop’s N needs and when the product should be applied; by having them in place, the Griffiths’ had used less N than scheduled in the application plan, says Owain.
There will be a chance to see how the fodder beet has performed with a foliar application of N compared to a prilled product.
“We also hope to have a drone there on the day demonstrating how foliar feed can be applied above the crop to prevent the plants from getting crushed,’’ says Owain.
The event at Cilthrew will take place on 16 September from 4pm – 7pm. Refreshments will be provided therefore visitors are advised to book a place in advance of the event.
For a full list of the farm walks in Montgomeryshire and across Wales visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/whats-on