Farming

Fighting pests with predators

Published

10 years ago

May 28, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Tiny but lethal to soft fruit crops: T he western flower thrip.

WELSH soft fruit and ornamental flower growers are drafting in insect predators to control pests the natural way.
The horticulture industry aspires to achieve zero pesticide residues on fruit and vegetables and that means using nature’s own controls.
During a Farming Connect Knowledge Transfer Event at Springfields Fresh Produce, Manorbier, growers were given expert advice on this approach, known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), by ADAS soft fruit and ornamental plant adviser, Chris Creed. It was also an opportunity to share their own experiences and ideas.
IPM seeks to manage pests and diseases without damaging the environment and beneficial organisms.
Nick and Pat Bean have been growing horticulture crops at Springfields for 30 years and only use sprays to combat pest infestations as a last resort. “We don’t use any conventional pesticides during harvesting. To achieve that you need to know the lifecycle of the pests you are fighting against and understand the physiology of your crops,’’ explained Nick, who grows daffodils, soft fruit and asparagus.
“You have to anticipate what is going to come in and be prepared to do everything at the right time.’’ Nick and Pat use pheromone and coloured sticky traps as an advanced warning of pest levels.
The majority of growers embrace IPM as they recognise it as the right approach. Government directives are also designed to ensure conventional pesticides are only used when other approaches have failed, directives enforced by auditors.
“It is nothing more complicated than good crop hygiene and husbandry,’’ said Nick.
For those who use chemical sprays to control pests and disease, natural biological pesticides are available.
There are multitudes of pest species intent on damaging crops in Wales but among the worst is the Western flower thrips. This prolific pest is resistant to all pesticides and was responsible for destroying hundreds of acres of strawberries last year.
Chris Creed recommends using predators, in the case of Western flower thrips, Neoseiulus cucumeris, to eat the insects as they hatch. “On the farms I work with, we introduce 25 predators per plant every two weeks which reflects how serious this problem is and it has been quite a success story,’’ he said.
It takes time, often a month, for predators to establish on the crop before they control the pest. “Patience is therefore important” said Mr Creed.
The Western flower thrips is among five main pest species which attack the flowers of developing fruit and vegetables. The others are the capsid bug, pollen beetle, British thrips and blossom weevils.
Mr Creed recommended encouraging wild predators, which can be very tolerant to pesticides within IPM programmes. This could mean introducing background plants such as nettles which provide habitat and food for these predators. Mr Creed also advises using plant varieties which are resistant to pests.
Regular crop inspections should be carried out through the growing season. “Either monitor the crops yourself or use an agronomist,’’ advised Mr Creed. “There should be a lot of crop walking and checking and making key decisions.
“It may be that if you spot red spider mites in March you use a pesticide then because predators don’t work when the temperature is under ten degrees Celsius. Predators can then be introduced in May.’’
Mr and Mrs Bean regard membership of organisations such as the Horticultural Development Council is essential for keeping them up to date on new pests and diseases and control methods.
“There is huge value in knowing what is going on in the industry, it is important not to be isolated. We are on our fifth system of growing strawberries here and it is by attending events like this organised by Farming Connect where we can exchange information that has allowed us to do that.’’
The Farming Connect event at Springfields Fresh Produce was facilitated by Jamie McCoy.

Farming

Welsh Conservatives back Kemi Badenoch’s “positive plan” for farming

Published

6 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have welcomed a new announcement from Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch outlining her proposals to safeguard the future of the UK’s farming industry.

During a press conference earlier today, Ms Badenoch pledged to scrap what the party describes as the “Family Farm Tax”, cut red tape, reduce bureaucracy, lower energy bills and step up efforts to tackle rural crime. She told supporters that the Conservatives “understand what farmers are going through” and would ensure their voices are heard.

Commenting on the announcement, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS, said Labour in both Westminster and Cardiff Bay had “made it clear they do not understand rural life.”

“Farmers are facing immense pressures from rising costs, uncertain markets and changes to agricultural policy,” he said.

“Labour’s family farm tax, their inability to deal with rural crime, high energy costs and unnecessary red tape could all be the final straw for many. Today’s announcement reiterates that the Conservatives are the only party standing with our farming communities.”

Mr Kurtz added that the Welsh Conservatives’ own plan for agriculture, combined with the pledges set out by Ms Badenoch, would help the sector “thrive”.

“Farming in Wales needs a friend,” he said, “and that friend is the Welsh Conservatives.”

Crime

Police appeal after 29 ewes stolen from Carmarthenshire hillside

Published

4 days ago

November 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating the theft of 29 yearling ewes from mountain grazing land in Cilycwm, near Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire.

The livestock were taken sometime between 1 September and 22 October 2025, according to Dyfed-Powys Police.

The ewes are mostly white-bodied and have two distinctive pitchmarks which officers hope will help farmers and the public identify them. These include a black number 8 marked on the side of the body and a green ‘T’ symbol on the top of the back. Images of the missing animals have been issued as part of the appeal.

The force’s Rural Crime Team is urging anyone who may have noticed suspicious activity on the mountainside during that period, or who has information on the location of the animals, to contact officers on 101.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.

Farming

Farmer honoured for outstanding contribution to Welsh agriculture

Published

4 days ago

November 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Long-serving industry advocate recognised for mentoring and public engagement

CARMARTHENSHIRE farmer Haydn Evans has been awarded the 2025 Farmers’ Union of Wales – United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society Award for his exceptional contribution to farming in the county and across Wales.

Mr Evans, an organic dairy farmer and Vice Chair of NFU Cymru Carmarthenshire, was recognised for his long-standing commitment to the agricultural sector at both local and national level.

After a successful career in the banking sector, he began farming from scratch twenty years ago, purchasing his first farm and a small herd of cows. He now runs a 97-hectare organic dairy enterprise split across two units – one dedicated to the milking herd and the other to rearing youngstock.

Alongside running the business, Mr Evans plays an active role in industry representation. He serves as Chair of the Welsh Organic Forum and is closely involved with NFU Cymru’s work in the county. His background in finance is seen as a valuable asset in discussions about business resilience, future policy and the challenges facing family farms.

He is also a mentor with the Farming Connect Mentoring Scheme, offering practical guidance to farmers across Wales, particularly those seeking to diversify or strengthen their business operations.

Mr Evans is a strong advocate for agricultural education and public engagement. Each year he supports Carmarthenshire YFC’s “My Food Plate” event, which introduces primary school pupils to sustainable food production and environmental stewardship.

Further developing his technical skills, he recently completed the Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme (FACTS) and now teaches at Gelli Aur Agricultural College, helping to train the next generation of agricultural professionals.

The award was presented at the FUW’s Eve of the Welsh Dairy Show Dinner, held at Carmarthen Market on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. This year’s award was sponsored by NatWest Cymru.

Sian Thomas, Chair of the United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society, said the recognition was “well-deserved,” praising Mr Evans’ dedication to supporting new entrants and promoting best practice within Welsh agriculture.

FUW President Ian Rickman also congratulated Mr Evans, highlighting both his success as an organic dairy farmer and his “tireless efforts to educate and inspire others within the agricultural community.”