News

New GHG study points to encouraging results for Welsh beef and sheep farms

Published

1 year ago

July 19, 2023

A FARMING CONNET study of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced by red meat enterprises has shown that Welsh farms are below the benchmark for similar farms across the UK.

185 Welsh farms had a detailed carbon audit of their businesses undertaken through the Farming Connect Advisory Service during the previous programme and these have produced encouraging results.

GHG emissions produced by the beef enterprises on these farms was 17% less than the benchmark figure for upland suckler spring calving cows published in The Farm Management Handbook 2022/23, which are representative of farms throughout the UK.

At 35.61 kg CO2e/kg deadweight (DW), they were also 5.7% less than the carbon benchmark figure for lowland suckler spring calving cows throughout the UK.

For sheep enterprises, the 29.89 kg CO2e/kg DW lamb figure was on average 9.3% lower than the benchmark figure for a hill ewe flock and 2.9% less than the benchmark for a crossbred ewe flock.

What the study did show was a big variation in the total emissions per kg product for each enterprise, but further analysis gave clear reasons in most cases for the significantly high and low values.

“It was evident that there was no correlation between farm size and total emissions per output,’’ said Farming Connect’s Carbon Specialist Officer Non Williams.

A large proportion of the total emissions produced by beef and sheep farms was methane, deriving from enteric fermentation.

One farm carbon calculator was used for the study to provide consistency with the benchmark farms as this tool had also been utilised on the benchmark farms. Other carbon calculating tools were used to complete a carbon audit for farms beyond the study sample, with the chosen tool decided by the individual farmer and consultant supporting the work.

The carbon audits provided bespoke information on each business’ whole farm GHG emissions, up to the point when the produce left the farm gate. Estimates of carbon sequestration were given too.

The farmers involved were provided with estimates of the carbon sequestered on their farms by soil, trees and hedges in their reports.

They also had recommendations of practical measures they could take to further reduce GHG production and enhance carbon sequestration levels. These measures included improving herd and flock health, manure management and adopting reduced tillage approaches for reseeding.

“This will help Welsh farm businesses to improve efficiency as well as help work towards ‘net zero’ targets,’’ said Dr Williams.

The new Farming Connect Knowledge Transfer programme, which started on 1 April 2023, will continue to offer support to farm and land-based businesses in Wales.

The new Advisory Service can offer all eligible businesses up to 90% funding towards independent and confidential advice to a maximum value of £3,000.

This could include a carbon audit with recommendations on how reductions could potentially be achieved, such as through improving soil management and sequestration and through animal health and efficiency.

Although this study is a very encouraging reflection of the red meat sector in Wales, it emphasises that there is still room for improvement. Farming Connect offers a full range of services to assist Welsh farmers to reduce their products’ carbon footprint. “Further advice is available to look more in-depth at some of the recommendations, such as soil sampling and Nutrient Management Planning,’’ said Dr Williams.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

6 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.