Seeking New Farms to join the Our Farms Network
How to get involved
We are currently recruiting for the next cohort of demonstration farms to join the network for the new Farming Connect programme starting 1 April 2026.
Closing date for applications is 10am, Monday 18 May 2026.
Expression of interest form
What is a demonstration farm?
Demonstration farms are open-minded, keen to try new ideas and driven to improve their farm performance and sustainability through on-farm trials. We are looking for demonstration farms that are at various points of their farm business improvement journey and those both in and out of the Sustainable Farming Scheme to join the network.
Following the recruitment process, selected demonstration farms will be supported to run a minimum of two funded long-term on-farm trials from summer 2026 and March 2029.
On-farm trials must align with the Sustainable Land Management framework and will be developed in collaboration with yourself; your allocated Farming Connect Sector Officer and industry expert.
Eligible sectors include dairy, red meat, pigs, poultry, arable, horticulture and farm woodland.
Why get involved?
Former Our Farms network farmers learned which systems worked well and which did not, by implementing new or different approaches to achieve their goals and increase business profitability, sustainability and work-life balance. They are now in a stronger competitive position, better placed to deal with market volatility, to thrive and prosper.
As a demonstration farm, you will work with a team of industry experts to drive a positive change in the areas of importance to you and your business.
Visit the Our Farms Network 2022 - 2026 booklet where you will find details on previous on-farm trials.
What would I have to do?
- Proactively be involved in a minimum of two funded on-farm trials over a three-year period.
- At the beginning, you will be asked to complete a set of fully funded baseline studies to help pinpoint areas of focus for the on-farm trials to ensure these address areas where you will see the biggest benefit to your business.
- Farms will be required to open their doors to learn and share best practice and new ideas on the back of on-farm trials results via one Our Farms Farm Walks (on-farm events) and Our Farms Live (digital events and social media content).
- Farms will be expected to provide quotes for case studies and stories of their on-farm trials with support of their Farming Connect Sector Officer. Farmers will not be accepted to write their own case studies or reports but will have full sign off on any material produced by Farming Connect.
- Some demonstration farms may receive requests for other groups to visit the farm such as discussion and/or industry groups.
What support is available?
Farmers involved in the network will be supported by Farming Connects Sector Officers, sector specific specialists, industry experts and other farmers within the network.
Funding will also be available to deliver on farm-trials and baseline studies.
The information collected via these baseline studies will support farmers in the Sustainable Farming Scheme.
How do I apply?
Applications for an expression of interest will open from 16 March 2026.
The deadline for applications will be 10am, Monday 18 May 2026.
Expression of interest form
If you would like to discuss the opportunity, please contact Siwan.howatson@mentera.cymru / 07399 783 398