THROUGH Farming Connect’s Our Farms network, and with support from sector-specific industry experts, farmers have been driving improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and profitability since 2015.

Farming Connect has now added 12 new farms to this network, covering sectors including red meat, dairy, woodland, and horticulture.

On-farm trials and projects focusing on innovation and new technologies will be carried out at these farms over the next year.

These farms are located throughout Wales. Among the farmers recruited are Peter and Jacob Anthony who farm at Cwmrisca Farm, Ton-du, Bridgend. They would like to explore farming practices from a regenerative approach by investigating how to get started with applying regenerative principles to the management of the cattle and sheep on the farm.

Another farm added to the Our Farms Network is Pengelli Isaf, Caernarfon run by Tudur Parry. Energy and electricity are a major cost to the business like any other dairy farming business. Tudur is hoping to explore cost-effective energy alternatives, by performing a feasibility study on renewable electricity production, calculating the return on investment and payback period to offset bank interest expenses.

Caryl Hughes who farms at Tuhwntir Afon, Llanarmon, Dyffryn Ceiriog would like to focus on sheep health and performance. She’s hoping to investigate the effects of different footbath solutions on sheep lameness and the impact of bolusing tup lambs on their weight gain and overall performance to reduce the number of lambs sold after four months post-weaning.

Also recruited to the network is Pencedni Farm, Glandŵr, Pembrokeshire, a smallholding managed by Tom Clare and Jacqui Banks that integrates trees into its pasture-based system, reflecting a growing interest in regenerative agriculture and agroforestry. They would like to further develop the ecological understanding and practical application of agroforestry principles on their farm.

Laura Simpson from Parc y Dderwen, Llangolman, Pembrokeshire would like to investigate the establishment of perennial horticulture crops to seek out alternative routes for business diversification. She’s hoping to monitor and report on ground cultivation, planting, establishment, weeding, and pest management throughout the season, including perennial bed overwintering for next year’s healthy crop.

Siwan Howatson, Head of Technical at Farming Connect, says, “We are delighted to welcome these twelve new forward-thinking farms to the Our Farms network. The network provides a fantastic platform for practical, on-farm innovation, driven by the farmers themselves. The diverse range of projects, from regenerative practices and renewable energy to animal health and diversification into horticulture and agroforestry, truly reflects the commitment within the Welsh agricultural sector to embrace new technologies and sustainable approaches for a resilient and profitable future.”

The other new farms are:

Aled Wyn Evans, Fferm Penllyn, Tywyn, Meirionnydd (Red Meat)

Leonard Griffith Swain, Ty’n Yr Onnen, Waunfawr, Gwynedd (Woodland)

Rhodri Jones, Pen y Parc, Llanerfyl, Montgomeryshire (Dairy)

Jonathan Lewis, Carneddau, Builth Wells, Brecknock (Red Meat)

Andrew Rees, Moor Farm, Rhosson, Pembrokeshire (Dairy)

Jonathan Evans, Berry Hill, Newport, Pembrokeshire (Dairy)

Michael James, Nant Yr Hebog, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire (Dairy)

PLANS to build a new slurry lagoon at a 650-dairy herd Pembrokeshire farm have been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Richard Morris of Bowett Ltd sought permission for the construction of the lagoon, and associated works, at Quoits Hill Farm, Bentlass Road, Hundleton, near Pembroke.

A supporting statement through agent Cynllunio RW Planning Ltd stressed the applicant does not intend to increase livestock numbers on farm as a result of this 60 by 35 metre development.

“The Morris Family farm at Quoits Hill Farm and specialise in dairy farming. The farm is home to approximately 650 dairy cows plus followers. The herd is autumn calving with milk sold to Laprino. The home farm is grass based and extends to over 300 acres, with more off lying land utilised for growing winter forage.

“The family have invested significantly in recent years in on farm infrastructure to include a rotary milking parlour, silage clamps and covered feed yards.”

It added: “The proposed development seeks to increase the farms slurry storage capacity to above the five-month storage required by NVZ regulations. The existing slurry store and slurry handling facilities are not adequate to comply with the new regulations.”

It went on to say: “The proposed store will provide the farm with 6452 cubic meters of storage capacity (minus freeboard) which will equate to over 171 days storage.  It is proposed to use the existing field slurry store as a lightly fouled water store to collect the parlour washings and reduce the size of the store required. Slurry will continue to be scrapped into the existing yard store and then pumped to the new store when required. This work will be monitored closely to reduce the risk of any leakage.”

It concluded: “The proposed development will enable slurry to be spread during the growing season rather than during more difficult weather conditions in the winter. This will be of benefit to farm efficiency and the wider environment.”

The application was conditionally approved.

SHADOW Rural Affairs Minister Samuel Kurtz MS has urged the UK Chancellor not to sacrifice British farming standards as trade negotiations with the United States continue this week.

The intervention comes as Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves visits Washington for her first in-person meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The meeting is part of early-stage discussions aimed at forging a UK-US trade agreement.

The Herald understands that the UK government is hoping to secure tariff relief on a number of goods still affected by duties imposed during the Trump administration. However, recent signals from US negotiators suggest that any such deal could require the UK to allow imports such as chlorine-washed chicken—currently banned in Britain.

Chlorine-washing is a process used in parts of the US poultry industry to disinfect meat that may have been exposed to poor hygiene conditions. Critics say it masks low welfare and sanitation standards that would be illegal under UK regulations.

Speaking this week, Mr Kurtz said: “British consumers and farmers expect better. Chlorine-washed chicken isn’t just a food safety issue—it’s a red flag for low animal welfare. Allowing such products into our market would fly in the face of everything we ask our own farmers to uphold.

“Our food producers work tirelessly to meet some of the highest standards in the world. Undermining them with a trade deal that rewards countries cutting corners is short-sighted and shameful. It’s not free trade—it’s a free pass for poor practice.”

He added: “If the UK is serious about food security and sustainability, then we must stand by the people who grow our food. That means defending British farming in the negotiating room—not bargaining it away behind closed doors.”