Alan Armstrong

ANGLESEY

Alan Armstrong is the Farming Connect development officer for Anglesey Brought up on his family’s lowland farm, this former maths teacher spends most of his spare time helping his father manage and develop the family farm. In recent years, influenced by his interest in sheep genetics and trialling more efficient rearingsystems to improve profit levels, Alan persuaded his father to sell all the beef cattle in order to focus on their flock of around 250-300 continent l cross ewes and finishing 300 store lambs, which currently sell at local markets.

Alan, an Aberystwyth University mathematics graduate, then studied teacher training at Bangor University, before taking up his first post as a secondary school maths teacher in nearby Llanrwst. Although he found teaching rewarding, Alan was keen to return to his true roots and work in an agricultural environment. He joined a large local veterinary practice which also had its own farm before moving on to take up the role of animal health adviser for a major agricultural supplies company.

“Having a head for figures means I’m always keen to encourage farmers to focus on profit as well as performance.

“Farming Connect can help businesses on both counts and I will be speaking from personal experience when it comes to promoting projects like business planning, nutrient management planning and grazing strategies, which are critical to the success of all farms.”

Alan is a regular visitor to both Ruthin and St. Asaph markets, and he’s hoping you’ll get in touch if you feel he can help you with any challenges or issues. He leads five discussion groups set up by his predecessor, where the focus is on supporting dairy, beef and sheep farmers through sharing knowledge and experience.