Fedw Arian Uchaf

Project objectives:

• Maximise dry matter output from productive areas of the hill farm through looking at grass and forage crop options, primarily for grazing.
• Identifying less productive areas (steep slopes and near ditches) and exploring options such as tree planting to gain additional habitats and shelter.
• Achieve a return on investment.

What will be done:

Following soil analysis, a 8 hectare field that has been in short term ley will be split into 3 areas and planted in late August/early September with

1. Westerwold
2. Italian ryegrass
3. Forage rye
    

Dry matter production (through exclusion cages) and grass quality (samples sent for analysis) will be monitored at 3 different stages:-

1. late autumn grazing
2. early spring grazing
3. silage cut
    

Geraint Jones, Farming Connect Forestry Technical Officer will also evaluate the farm and create a woodland management plan to highlight areas where tree planting may be an option, and advise on most appropriate varieties and management.