There has never been a better time to access the range of support available through Farming Connect. With accredited training, discussion groups, mentoring, advisory service and much more…make sure you take time to visit our stand at this year’s Royal Welsh Winter Fair and let us help you drive your business forward.
“We would encourage all farmers and foresters visiting this year’s Winter Fair to drop by our stand on the balcony above the main ring and talk to our staff who will be very happy to signpost them to support relevant to their business needs. There is a wide range of business and technical services now available; as well as new training and mentoring opportunities and numerous events coming up in their own locality’’ said Eirwen Williams, director of rural programmes with Menter a Busnes, which delivers Farming Connect, which is funded by Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
Farming Connect will be showcasing their new ‘Measure to Manage’ online benchmarking tool and have a number of new publications available including a new directory of Farming Connect mentors, experienced individuals who can provide impartial one-to-one support and guidance for up to 22.5 hours.
“Whether you’re a young entrant or a well-established business person, if you need to take your farm or forestry business in a new direction or want to consider a new business enterprise or different way of working, this service could provide the guidance, encouragement and support you need,” said Mrs. Williams.
Find out how the numerous trials and projects within the Farming Connect demonstration network are starting to show results in the latest issue of the Farming Connect technical publication, which you can either pick up on the stand or sign up to receive electronically.
“The eight innovation sites, 12 demonstration farms and numerous focus sites operating within Farming Connect’s knowledge transfer programme are already providing tangible evidence that implementing advice from experts and having the confidence to try out new systems can pay dividends across all areas of the farm business,” said Mrs. Williams.
Demonstration farmer Irwel Jones of Aberbranddu in Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire, is trialling five finishing systems as part of a project to evaluate lamb performance and cost-effectiveness at his 850 acre hill farm which sells 800 lambs a year to a wholesaler.
“We want to finish lambs faster and at heavier weights. This project will compare forage rape and Italian ryegrass mix; new reseed; old ley only; old ley with concentrate supplements and concentrates indoors. I will be able to compare the different options and see which help the lambs perform best.
“The cost of finishing needs to be justified and one of our main aims is to be less reliant on bought-in feed,” says Irwel. The results will be disseminated at a Farming Connect open day at Aberbranddu at 1pm-3pm, 14 December.
Demonstration Farmer, Irwel Jones of Aberbranddu
Mrs Williams explained that not only are the demonstration farmers themselves benefiting from the experiences of running trials and projects alongside the sector-specific experts brought in to advise them, but so too can every farmer in Wales, because these projects act as a platform for trialling new and innovative management techniques and technologies.
“Some of the farms are trialling electronic heat detection collars for suckler cows and embracing genomic technology for beef and dairy cattle, while for others, rotational grazing and alternative forage crop production for finishing stock and reducing sheep lameness should make a huge difference to their bottom line.
“Improving grassland management, animal health and welfare and environmental management are just a few of the issues covered. They are all important areas that can help improve on-farm sustainability and reduce production costs, which is essential for farming businesses wanting to improve their profit margins.
Farming Connect will be located their usual position on the first floor balcony of the livestock building (stand EXP284) where all are welcome to hear more about what’s on offer as well as enjoy a hot drink and mince pie.