FARMING CONNET is offering a series of Masterclasses; MasterGrass and MasterRegen, designed to enhance technical skills and business performance for farmers.

These workshops provide a mixture of practical, hands-on learning and theoretical knowledge in small group settings. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced farmers, leading experts, and advisors. The application window for these Masterclasses will open on 17 March and close on 7 April, 2025.

The two-day MasterGrass workshop will equip farmers with the skills to optimise pasture management, improve business resilience, and enhance profitability while reducing their carbon footprint.

The workshops will cover reducing input costs, pasture measurement and software use, designing paddock systems, calculating feed demand, understanding electric fencing, and exploring flexible water systems.

Rhys Williams and Sarah Morgan from Precision Grazing Ltd will lead the MasterGrass workshops, sharing their expertise in grazing systems and pasture management.

“Good grazing management is the foundation of a profitable, resilient farm business. The MasterGrass workshops will give farmers the practical skills and confidence to make better use of their pasture, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. Learning from leading experts and experienced farmers in a hands-on setting makes this a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to take their grazing to the next level,” says Rhys Williams.

Three MasterGrass workshops will be held across Wales (North, Mid, and South) on 6-7 May, 8-9 May, and 12-13 June, 2025. Locations will be confirmed after applications are assessed.

MasterRegen is an introductory workshop for farmers to learn the principles of regenerative livestock farming. It focuses on profitable systems that achieve financial and environmental benefits.

This workshop will include improving soil health, developing low-input livestock enterprises, selecting suitable livestock genetics, calculating stocking rates and building sustainable business models.

James Daniel, from Precision Grazing Ltd, will tutor the MasterRegen workshop, sharing his knowledge in regenerative grazing and farm business management.

“These Masterclasses are all about hands-on, practical learning that farmers can apply straight away. They offer a valuable chance to step back from the daily workload and focus on working on the business, not just in it. With small groups, plenty of discussion, and expert guidance, farmers will gain confidence in new skills, exchange ideas with like-minded peers, and leave with practical solutions they can implement immediately.” says James Daniel.

The MasterRegen workshop will be held on 12-13 June, 2025, with the location to be confirmed after the application window closes.

For more information or to apply for Farming Connect Masterclasses, visit the Farming Connect website https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/business/skills-and-training/master-classes

THE FARMERS UNION OF WALES has expressed concern following the release of UK Trade figures which revealed a significant increase of sheep meat imported to the UK in 2024.

Data released by the UK Government showed the UK imports of sheep meat surged by 40% on the year, reaching 67,880 tonnes, marking the highest level since 2018.

Increased imports from New Zealand (an increase of 14,300 tonnes) and Australia (6,500 tonnes increase) now account for 86% of UK sheep meat imports, marking an increase from 78% in 2023.

Analysis by Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) suggests a range of factors are responsible for the rise in imports, including lower prices from the Southern Hemisphere, new Free Trade Agreements, and a record level of deadweight prices in the UK.

Data by DEFRA also showed UK sheep meat production had declined by 7% in 2024, while UK beef production in 2024 increased by 4%.

Responding to the figures Alun Owen, Farmers’ Union of Wales regional vice-president said:

“The surge in sheep meat imports from New Zealand and Australia poses a very real threat that could undermine the livelihoods of Welsh sheep farmers and the sustainability of our rural communities.

The increased imports are perhaps unsurprising, and follow the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ longstanding warnings that previous governments’ liberal approach to trade negotiations with New Zealand and Australia could drastically undermine Welsh farmers and domestic food production.

Increasingly we are witnessing a potential displacement of high-quality Welsh and UK lamb – a product of world-leading sustainable farming practices – in favour of imports that have travelled thousands of miles.”

Gareth Parry, Farmers’ Union of Wales’ Head of Policy added:

“The tighter throughput of livestock across the UK reflects current confidence levels of the sector, whilst the resulting record-high prices are causing difficulties for processors and retailers across the supply chain which, in part, increases the attractiveness of cheaper imports.

In reality, however, inherent to the increase in food imports is a reduction in the UK’s food security, both through the displacement of domestic production and through additional reliance on food produced many thousands of miles away.”

ARE you passionate about the future of the Welsh farming, forestry and horticulture sectors?  Do you have great people skills and a proven track record in terms of farming and business management?  Are you a successful entrepreneur with experience of innovative or diversified ways of working? 

Mentera, which delivers Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government, is now seeking to appoint an inspirational new leader for the Agri Academy Senior (Business & Innovation) programme, Farming Connect’s prestigious personal development initiative, now in its fourteenth year. 

Confidence, skills and top-class credentials

“If you believe you have the confidence, skills and relevant land-based and business credentials to support, coach and guide future candidates as they embark on their individual personal development journeys, we want to hear from you,” says Farming Connect’s Head of Skills, Einir Davies.

The part-time, self-employed role, largely home-based, will include planning, arranging and facilitating an inspiring programme of workshops, training and study visits while building and fostering a trusting relationship with every participant, empowering each one to express themselves and fulfil their own personal and business ambitions.

Ms Davies explained that the leadership role offers immense job satisfaction and rewards, with the newest incumbent following in the footsteps of some of Wales’ most well-known and respected individuals.

Are you ready to lead, support and nurture the rural stars of tomorrow?

“With the activity-packed programme focused around three short but intensive study periods a year – usually in September, October and November – including an overseas study visit and a business management challenge based on an actual farm business, the Agri Academy commitment has proved enormously rewarding for all our previous leaders, fitting in relatively easily with their busy professional and family lives,” said Ms Davies.

Denbighshire farmer and businessman Llyr Jones – better known by his many friends, business contacts and mentees as ‘Llyr Derwydd’ – has headed up the programme since 2019. 

Having first taken part in the Agri Academy Business & Innovation programme as a participant in 2013, Llyr appreciates at first-hand what a unique and unrivalled experience it is for those fortunate enough to be selected.

“More than anything else, the businesspeople, mentors, coaches and new networks of friends and colleagues I met fuelled my drive and ambition for so many aspects of my life that I now take for granted,” says Llyr, who has a varied farming portfolio, including large-scale beef, lamb and poultry enterprises as well setting up Wales’ first rapeseed oil manufacturing company.

“Returning as the programme leader a few years later gave me an opportunity to give back in some way, and it’s been so rewarding to see so many people, from all sectors of the land-based industries, flourish and achieve so much.

“Being part of the Farming Connect Agri Academy is undoubtedly a life-affirming experience for both candidates and their leaders.

“This is your opportunity to mentor and support some of the up-and-coming rural stars of the future, the generation responsible for safeguarding the future sustainability and viability of Welsh farming – so don’t hesitate – apply today!” 

To apply for this contract send your CV and covering letter to einir.davies@mentera.cymru before 12pm on Friday 28 March.