Carneddau

A data driven review of on-farm adjustments and their role in improving long-term viability and resilience of Welsh lamb production

Spread over two holdings between Radnorshire and Breconshire, the Lewis family’s farm spans 275 hectares, dedicated to raising high-quality beef and sheep. Jonathan Lewis and family are committed to the sustainable production of excellent livestock. Acknowledging that economic viability is crucial for long-term success, they are proactively improving their farming practices.

As a new member of the Our Farms network, Jonathan will embark on a review project focused on his efforts to enhance the sustainability of the farming business. The farm has years of data, gathered and stored via the FarmIT 3000 software. This desktop study will utilise the data gathered to examine the impact of several key changes: Jonathan’s work on implementing a culling policy to reduce lameness in the sheep flock, transitioning to outdoor lambing and incorporating fodder beet to decrease concentrate and antibiotic use, and introducing wool-shedding genetics. The project aims to demonstrate the outcomes and lessons learned from these on-farm adjustments to improve the long-term viability and resilience of Welsh lamb production.

The project will also contribute to the Sustainable Land Management outcomes including:

• Resource efficient
• High animal health & welfare