26 August 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 exchange 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 Pembrokeshire, at Parc y Dderwen, Llangolman, where Lauren Simpson and Phil Moore run a number of a horticulture enterprises on their 5ha holding, visitors will see first-hand the progress being made on their Our Farms project work on growing edible and herbal perennial crops to supply new markets.
They also grow crops for commercial seed saving to supply Welsh businesses, Real Seeds and the Welsh Seed Hub.
At the event at Parc y Dderwen, topics for discussion will include Lauren and Phil’s diversification into perennial horticulture crops, how they utilise commercial seed saving and produce brassicas for their commercial fermented food business.
Lauren says it promises to provide other growers with lots of opportunities to learn how to enhance both the income and biodiversity potential of their own businesses.
One aspect of the enterprise is to add value, she points out, with a processing kitchen on site, an example of how primary producers can generate additional income or make what they grow last for longer.
The business is also a good example of how a viable business can be created from a relatively small growing area, Lauren adds.
“We have also got lots of wildlife areas so growers will be able to see how they can integrate biodiversity alongside growing,’’ she says.
Speakers will include agroforestry specialist Tom Clare, Kate McEvoy, of Real Seeds, and Geraint Jones, Forestry Specialist Officer at Farming Connect.
They will share detailed information on perennial crop management, on generating an income from seed saving, and advise how trees can be used to enhance perennial horticulture to grow a business.
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 Horticulture Sector Officer Hannah Norman says the event at Parc y Dderwen is an opportunity for farmers and growers to explore the fundamentals of longer-term crop cycles, primarily considerations for perennial crop production, seed saving and integrating trees into horticulture systems.
“The trial at Parc y Dderwen has been looking at the establishment of different perennial crops and how to manage soil health, weeds, pests and disease for plants not in rotation,’’ says Hannah, who has been overseeing the project work.
“Joining us in September is a great line up of technical experts and we look forward to sharing the lessons learnt so far.”
The event will take place on 8 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 Pembrokeshire and across Wales click here.