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Farming

First week of life is key

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IMPROVED new-born lamb and calf survival rates not only result in increased income, but also improve welfare, reduce disease, and reduce environmental footprint, according to the results of major GB-wide research.

The Neonatal Survival Project, funded by AHDB, Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) in the sheep and beef sector, was established to study the key factors which could drive further improvements in farm efficiency and maximise animal welfare.

Key findings show that the majority of lamb and calf losses occur in the first seven days after birth, with over 98 per cent of lamb and 90 per cent of calf losses occurring in this period.

The findings – and the recommendations for new practices to be adopted on farms – will be discussed at two major webinars. The first will be held on 5 January for vets followed by an event on 21 January for farmers. To register visit ahdb.org.uk/events.

A spokesperson on behalf of the three levy boards said: “A survey and interviews were used to understand motivations and barriers for change. While many farmers were aware of good practice industry advice on new-born survival, it was not consistently followed. This was particularly true with respect to colostrum management and genetic selection.

“Farmers were confident in their abilities to improve survival rates, but tended to underestimate new-born losses on their farm relative to national averages. A cultural stigma around losses limits farmers in discussing their experiences with peers, and in some cases, even with their vet.

“The research also discovered that losses can be highly variable between years; the importance of accurate record keeping also became apparent. While most suckler farmers have access to reliable records, a significant number of sheep farmers do not consistently record their data.”

With global pressures to reduce antibiotic use, this study found that a significant proportion of beef and sheep farmers were able to manage infectious diseases without purchasing critically important antibiotics. Preventive antibiotic use was reduced or withdrawn successfully on some farms, while oral antibiotic treatment at birth made no difference to lamb outcomes in an experimental study within this project.

The study also demonstrated that good long-term protein status in late pregnancy results in reduced lamb losses between scanning and 24 hours old.

Twin born lambs with a low serum antibody (IgG) concentration were more likely to have poorer growth rates. As shown by previous studies, poor energy balance in late pregnancy results in a low lamb IgG. This indicates that lambs born to ewes in negative energy balance are at increased risk of absorbing insufficient colostrum antibodies from the ewe.

The project is now complete, although work is ongoing to enable the implementation of a sustainable youngstock survival plan across Great Britain.

Farming

Positive signs for farmland birds of conservation concern on Welsh farms

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A RECENT survey of Welsh farms participating in the Breeding Bird Survey has revealed encouraging signs for several bird species of conservation concern. The 2024 survey, a collaboration between Farming Connect and RSPB Cymru conducted between April and July, identified 49 different bird species across farms in the Farming Connect Our Farms Network, with an average of 29 species recorded per farm.

The project linked volunteers with farmers to monitor and survey farmland birds, providing valuable data to enhance farmers’ understanding of biodiversity on their land. The findings contribute to UK-wide biodiversity monitoring and highlight the role of farmland in supporting wildlife.

Notably, eight species identified in the survey are classified as farmland birds of conservation concern in the UK: House Martin, House Sparrow, Spotted Flycatcher, Grey Partridge, Mistle Thrush, Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipit, and Cuckoo. Their presence underscores the importance of agricultural landscapes in maintaining biodiversity across Wales.

The reports offer insights into species distribution and abundance, helping farmers adapt their practices to safeguard these birds and encourage greater biodiversity. The data will also contribute to broader research on wildlife populations within agricultural settings.

“With approximately 90% of Wales consisting of farmland, farming practices play a crucial role in the future of many UK wildlife species,” said Lynfa Davies, Farming Connect Biodiversity Officer.

“The results of this survey are encouraging and demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved through collaborative efforts between farmers and volunteers. We hope this information will inspire farmers to provide additional habitats as they engage with the new Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales.”

The Volunteer Monitoring Farmland Wildlife (VMFW) Project Team at RSPB Cymru emphasised the significance of such surveys for both farmers and conservation organisations.

“It is a crucial time for farmers to understand the state of biodiversity in their landscape, as both farms and wildlife face challenges from climate change and evolving agricultural practices. Wildlife surveys empower farmers by providing knowledge of species presence, reasons for their presence, and how they can be encouraged to thrive.”

“Surveys also help projects such as VMFW assess what resources are needed to inspire and inform farmers about taking action for wildlife.”

For more information about the breeding bird survey and other services available through Farming Connect, visit businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect.

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Farming

Got great farming skills but no access to land or capital?

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THERE are currently four fantastic share farming opportunities available in Wales through Farming Connect’s ‘Start to Farm’ programme. If you have the right skills and experience, your future career path and destiny could be about to change.

Since 2015, 75 ambitious young farmers desperate to combine both the strategic management and practical side of farming have been matched up with Welsh landowners wanting to ease their workload or transition to retirement. The new partnerships have all been facilitated through ‘Start to Farm’.

Originally launched under its former name, ‘Venture’, the programme’s remit is to introduce landowners, referred to as ‘providers’, to opportunity ‘seekers’.  Once a match is made, both parties are offered a range of both subsidised and fully funded support services including mentoring, training, business, legal and financial advice which help get the arrangement over the line in a mutually beneficial way and that protects both sides.

“Gaining access to land and capital can seem impossible for many young farmers if there is no family farm where their skills, energy and input are needed,” says Eiry Williams, manager of the ‘Start to Farm’ programme.  Eiry explains that with four share farming opportunities currently available throughout Wales, in sectors including dairy, beef cattle, horticulture and organic, this might be the perfect time to check out the ‘Start to Farm’ section on the Farming Connect website.

“There’s no optimum time to either apply or commission Farming Connect to promote a share farming opportunity, but with many farmers preparing for the end of the financial year and planning ahead, this could be a great time to either seek out a new opportunity or bring on board a young farmer whose input could enable you to take a step back from day-to-day farming, without necessarily ceasing altogether,” says Eiry.

Not surprisingly, ‘seekers’ will need to prove their credentials. Experience of the relevant farm, forestry or horticulture sector, business acumen and focus, enthusiasm, confidence and a great work ethic are obvious essentials, but equally important will be their willingness to help find solutions to challenges and to help identify and implement new or more sustainable ways of managing the business.

“All farmers face external pressures such as the weather, market fluctuations and input costs, but for some landowners a willingness to consider new ideas and embrace different or innovative ways of working can breathe new life into a business which has perhaps not moved with the times or had the resources to capitalise on opportunities.

“By partnering with an established farmer or landowner, young farmers and new entrants can make a massive contribution to the overall viability and prosperity of a business, while avoiding full exposure to any potential issues,” said Eiry.

There are many different share farming or partnership models to consider ranging from farm business tenancies to contract or share farming arrangements and equity partnerships. Some will include an agreement that allows the incomer to gradually buy into the business over time, which provides a structured pathway without requiring a large upfront financial commitment.

“Effort, hard work, new ideas and skills will be rewarded by mentorship, the opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge about farm management, business strategy and decision-making, giving the landowner the opportunity to ease back from the labour commitment while remaining involved.

“The most successful share farming arrangements encourage open and honest communications, a mutual respect for each other’s opinions and a willingness to investigate and implement new business strategies which will lead to a more sustainable and profitable business long-term.  

For further information visit ‘Start to Farm’ on the Farming Connect website or contact your local development officer. 

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Farming

Rural digital connectivity: A catalyst for thriving farming

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MAJOR investment across South West Wales will help narrow the digital divide between urban and rural areas in a boost for agriculture and remote communities.

Forming part of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s £25m digital infrastructure programme, a dedicated rural workstream is committed to delivering high-quality connectivity to places where the cost of connecting homes and businesses would otherwise be too high for commercial investment alone to be viable.

Investing in high-speed broadband in rural communities across Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea would help enable the introduction of Internet of Things (IoT) technology to benefit businesses including farms.

This technology would help farmers monitor crops, livestock, machinery and environmental conditions remotely and in real time, potentially leading to improved decision-making, resource efficiency and cost savings.

Supporting initiatives such as UK Government’s Project Gigabit is also a key aspect of the digital infrastructure programme’s rural workstream. Local digital champions are on board to ensure communities are aware of when applications for voucher schemes are being accepted.

In addition to Government initiatives, the programme has developed the ‘Better Broadband Infill Project’, and a commercial partner is now being sought to build a gigabit-capable network to serve rural communities with broadband speeds of less than 30mbps which are not in existing commercial plans or interventions such as Project Gigabit.

With the rise of IoT in agriculture paired with the increased pressures to reduce waste and meet sustainability goals, access to high-speed internet will be critical for seamlessly connecting these technologies.

Rhys Jones, of Arwain DGC, said: “By collaboratively supporting investment in rural network connectivity, will help to enhance livestock health, raise production efficiencies and harness the future economic sustainability of local Welsh farmers. Innovation and Technology will be invaluable to secure the reputation of Welsh agriculture as leaders in animal health and welfare”.

“Rural connectivity is essential for long-term economic growth. When rural areas have access to reliable high-speed internet, it opens up a world of opportunities, and empowers rural communities to become more resilient in the face of future challenges”

Cllr Rob Stewart, Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Joint Committee, said: “As we look to a future where every industry, including agriculture, is seamlessly integrated into the digital economy, rural digital connectivity plays a pivotal role.

“The Swansea Bay City Deal digital infrastructure programme’s approach of working together with both the public and private sectors, alongside the UK and Welsh governments, is providing vital support to ensure that farmers and rural communities are equipped with the tools needed to overcome the challenges of transitioning to an increasingly connected world.”

Visit the case study page to watch a video on the importance of rural digital infrastructure and the future of farming.

For more information on broadband connectivity in your area, you can get in touch with your local digital champions. Funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal’s digital infrastructure programme, the digital champions are continuing to work closely with suppliers, their partners and the UK and Welsh governments to ensure that rural communities are better connected.

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