Farming Connect has found a creative solution to the temporary suspension of its on-farm events this summer with a series of live digital broadcasts from its demonstration sites.
These broadcasts will take the events to farmers, allowing Farming Connect to continue its engagement with them during the current pandemic.
Dewi Hughes, Farming Connect’s Technical Manager, says the online solution will ensure farmers don’t miss out even when they can’t gather on-farm while social distancing measures and travel restrictions are in place.
“From the comfort of their own homes, farmers will be able to see first-hand how new technology and different management techniques can change the way they farm,’’ says Mr Hughes.
All events are scheduled to start at 19:30 and will be streamed live via the Zoom platform. They will feature the host farmers and film footage from their farms whilst the technical officers responsible for the individual projects and the project experts and consultants will present and join in the discussion via a live link.
The 90-minute live events will cover a wide range of topics including soil and grassland management, crops, genetics, fertility, poultry egg production and sensor technology.
Farmers will have an opportunity to interact in the events by submitting questions to the host farmers and the panel of experts.
The initial schedule of events is as follows:
| Date | Time | Demonstration site | Main topic of the event |
| 08/07/2020 | 19:30 | Moelogan Fawr, Llanrwst | The benefits of new heat detection technology on suckler herd performance and profitability. |
| 22/07/2020 | 19:30 | Mountjoy, Haverfordwest |
Embracing genomic technology to breed replacement cows and reducing nitrogen input through the use of clover. |
| 05/08/2020 | 19:30 | Rhiwaedog, Bala |
|
| 19/08/2020 | 19:30 | Wern, Welshpool | Exploring optimal environment conditions for free-range laying hens i.e. air, litter and water to increase bird health and therefore productivity and profitability. |
| 02/09/2020 | 19:30 | Graig Olway, Usk | Focus on cow mobility, slurry storage and infrastructure. |
| 16/09/2020 | 19:30 | Dolygarn, Newtown | Alternative forage options to improve productivity and reduce environmental impact on an upland farm. |
Details of how to access the events will be posted on the Farming Connect events online calendar at: https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/whats-on
Farming Connect, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra, has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.