Farming

Legume trial helps inform public sector food procurement ambitions

Published

2 years ago

October 15, 2024

LESSONS learned from the first season of growing legumes and heritage varieties of wheat on a Carmarthenshire farm will help inform decision making on how farmers and growers can produce more food for local supply.

Through its Our Farms network, Farming Connect has funded a field-scale legume production trial at Bremenda Isaf Farm, a 40-hectare county council-owned holding at Llanarthne.

Here, the Bwyd Sir Gâr Food partnership is growing food with public sector procurement in mind.

During a recent Farming Connect open day at the farm, hosted by the partnership’s co-ordinator, Augusta Lewis, and head grower, Piers Lunt, other food producers learned what had gone well – and what had not gone so well – during the first season.

The Farming Connect trial was instigated to explore how protein could be grown locally for public sector supply, such as in schools and care homes.

Menu redesign by Carmarthenshire County Council is examining food sourcing and sustainability, and replacing items that can be produced more locally and sustainably, including plant protein, where possible.

“We want to demonstrate that we can produce the ‘eat well’ plate in Carmarthenshire, that we can produce high quality protein and good cereals adapted to our climate and to process them, and grow fruit and veg. If we can do all of that on one farm, other farmers can do it as well,’’ said Augusta.

With support from Farming Connect’s Advisory Service, a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) was carried out at Bremenda Isaf to establish the soil nutrient status on this former livestock farm.

“It’s really important to have that insight first up,’’ said Augusta.

Soil testing showed that the farm’s deep alluvial soils are highly fertile.

“The NMP came back revealing some very interesting data in relation to our soils which very much changed the plans,’’ Augusta explained.

“The soils are very high in phosphorous which you would expect from historic slurry application so we do not have a fertility problem here at all and, as we have learned more about soil, we understand that high phosphorus levels potentially lock up other nutrients so, in terms of crop health and vitality, we are looking at creating a balance which means no additional inputs for the time being, apart from lime to raise pH.’’

Support was also received from Farming Connect through its mentoring service with input from Marina O’Connell and Rachel Phillips of the Apricot Centre in Devon, a stacked mixed enterprise which is a model Bremenda Isaf aspires to, and from organic grower, Iain Tolhurst, who has advised on field scale production and is producing a rotation plan.

Bremenda Isaf is currently converting to organic certification, although it already grows to those principles.

The Farming Connect trial explored which legumes perform well in the West Wales climate.

Carlin and Daytona peas were grown and some were intercropped with the heritage wheat varieties, April Bearded and Malika, to establish benefits for soil health, for example reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers and also biodiversity value in terms of pollinator opportunity within the sward.

The trial faced a significant challenge from exceptional levels of rainfall ahead of establishment.

“We had an extremely unprecedented wet winter and that meant our tenant grazier was unable to get on the land to take off the silage and lime application was delayed,’’ said Augusta.

This meant that the wheat and legumes could not be planted until the beginning of June, she added.

“It was very late but we decided that we would plant anyway in the spirit that we will learn something, and we really have learned a lot.

“There is a lot of risk involved with growing cereals, people who have been in the game for a very long time can have a disastrous season if it is exceptionally wet or dry but the great thing about doing trial size plots is that the risk is not too great.’’

Germination rate in the Daytona peas was poor, she reported, and harvesting of the crops will be very late, if at all, but soil and quadrat sampling will provide useful information on any impacts the intercropping has had on soil biomass levels.

“We have learned a tremendous amount about the growing habits of these varieties and we are confident that even over one growing season we will begin to see how intercropping can make a difference to soil health.’’

Hannah Norman, horticulture sector officer for the Farming Connect technical team, urged other commercial growers and market gardeners to tap into the resources available through Farming Connect to help with their own plans.

These include the Advisory Service, with up to 90% funded up to £3,000 per registered business, for accessing technical advice, business planning and other services.

Farming

£236,000 farm veterinary practice opens at Pembrokeshire Showground

Published

1 day ago

July 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New purpose-built facility will provide round-the-clock livestock care, faster diagnostics and expanded services for farmers

Pembrokeshire Farm Vets has opened a new £236,000 veterinary practice at the Pembrokeshire County Showground in Haverfordwest.

The purpose-built, 2,000-square-foot facility replaces the practice’s former portacabin at the site and has been designed exclusively for livestock and farm veterinary work.

The investment will allow the practice to expand its services while continuing to provide 24-hour emergency care to farmers across Pembrokeshire and neighbouring areas.

Facilities include dedicated clinical and diagnostic spaces, a specialist laboratory, a medicines store and a purpose-built lambing room.

The laboratory is equipped with an Ovacyte system for carrying out faecal worm and fluke egg counts, a Mastatest machine for analysing milk samples and equipment for in-house blood testing.

Faecal egg count results can be available within 15 minutes, allowing farmers to receive prompt advice on whether treatment is required.

An on-site Registered Animal Medicines Adviser can also help farmers select appropriate treatments and reduce unnecessary medicine use.

The new lambing room includes a hydraulic lambing table, holding pens and a roller shutter entrance, providing improved facilities for both routine and emergency lambing work.

Services offered by the practice include dairy herd visits, flock and herd health planning, bull fertility testing, pregnancy diagnosis, mastitis investigations, youngstock management, nutritional advice, TB testing and export certification.

The team also provides veterinary support for goats and smallholders, as well as a number of farmer-focused schemes including its Flock Health Club, Smallholder Club, Spring Fertility Package and Growing Calf Package.

A comprehensive range of medicines and agricultural products will be stocked at the site, including vaccines, wormers, fly repellents, oral fluid therapy products, marker sprays and other everyday farm supplies.

The practice said products would be competitively priced, with a price-matching service also available. An online shop offers delivery across the UK.

The Haverfordwest facility will be staffed by a seven-strong farm team, including vets Alex, Alice, Rose and Ruben.

They will be supported by Mark, who oversees medicines and special offers, and reception staff Emma and Melanie.

Pembrokeshire Farm Vets currently works with almost 200 farms and is accepting new clients, including dairy businesses, sheep farms and smallholders.

Clinical director Alice Davies said: “We are incredibly proud to open this new facility for the Pembrokeshire farming community.

“This building represents a major investment in local agriculture and allows us to deliver the standard of care our clients deserve, with better equipment, faster diagnostics and more space for practical support.

“Our team is passionate about helping farmers meet the challenges of modern livestock production, and this new practice will enable us to support even more farms, 24 hours a day, across the county.”

Pembrokeshire Farm Vets launched in April 2023 and provides livestock veterinary services across Pembrokeshire and other parts of south-west Wales.

The practice is based at Unit 15, Pembrokeshire County Showground, Withybush Road, Haverfordwest, and is open from 8:00am until 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Farming

Royal Welsh Show opens with Brecknock centre stage

Published

2 days ago

July 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Thousands gather at Llanelwedd as Welsh farming, rural heritage and the future of food take the spotlight

THE ROYAL WELSH SHOW has opened at Llanelwedd, with thousands of visitors arriving for four days celebrating Welsh agriculture, food, countryside traditions and rural life.

Major Andrew Butcher MBE, Senior Training Safety Officer at Sennybridge Defence Training Camp, officially declared the 2026 show open during Monday’s traditional ceremony.

He was joined by Royal Welsh Agricultural Society chair of council Nicola Davies, show president Gethin Havard and representatives from farming, government and rural organisations.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth was among the senior political figures attending the opening day, underlining the show’s importance not only as a major visitor attraction, but as a focal point for debate about the future of agriculture and food production in Wales.

This year, Brecknock is taking centre stage as the society’s Feature County.

It is the fifth time the county has held the honour, following previous feature years in 1964, 1980, 1997 and 2012.

The opening ceremony recognised the efforts of Mr Havard and his family, county advisory committee chair Rob Powell, honorary secretary Shelley Hughes, ambassador Teleri Haf Thomas and the many volunteers involved in organising events and raising funds throughout the year.

Last month’s Grassland Event at Cwmbrynich, hosted by the Havard family, was among the highlights of Brecknock’s feature year.

A special tribute was also paid to the families of Epynt who were displaced from their homes in 1940 when the land was taken over for use as a military training area.

Addressing the crowd, Major Butcher said agriculture remained central to the Welsh economy, environment, food security and national identity.

He said: “In a rapidly changing world, the importance of agriculture has never been clearer. It is central to our economy, to our environment and to our food security. But beyond all that, it is central to our identity.

“The Royal Welsh Show stands as a powerful reminder of that truth. It showcases excellence, encourages innovation and strengthens the bonds between us.

“It brings town and country together, offering a space where understanding can grow and where traditions can be celebrated and shared.”

The show was officially opened to a fanfare performed by the Regimental Band of The Royal Welsh.

Farming policy takes the spotlight

Away from the competitions and entertainment, the political future of Welsh farming has already emerged as one of the central themes of this year’s show.

The Welsh Government used the event to confirm that £340 million a year will be provided for three years to March 2030 to support the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

The package includes £238 million annually for the scheme’s Universal Layer and £102 million for its Optional and Collaborative Layers.

Ministers say the multi-year agreement will end the uncertainty caused by annual funding decisions and allow farmers to plan investments with greater confidence.

A new national Farm to Fork plan is also being unveiled during the show, setting out proposals for the future of food production and the wider food industry in Wales.

New sheep village launched

Among the major additions to the showground this year is Cynefin, a new Welsh Sheep Village created by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and the National Sheep Association.

The area was opened by Margaret Dalton OBE and Alun Evans CBE, both longstanding champions of the Welsh and UK sheep industry.

The dedicated village celebrates the people, breeds, products and traditions that have shaped sheep farming in Wales, while showcasing innovation and best practice across the sector.

Visitors can take part in educational displays, live demonstrations, discussions and interactive activities designed to improve understanding of the role sheep farming plays in the Welsh landscape, rural economy and national heritage.

Brecknock’s native breeds are also being showcased, including the Beulah Speckled Face, Brecknock Hill Cheviot, Epynt Hardy Speckled Face and Talybont Welsh Mountain.

The name Cynefin reflects the close relationship between the land, livestock, farming families and the communities shaped by the sheep industry.

The popular Horticulture Village has also returned with a packed programme of expert talks, demonstrations and practical activities.

BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost joined the opening day as special guest judge for the Micro Show Garden Competition before taking part in a question-and-answer session with visitors.

Main Ring entertainment

The Main Ring programme began with the Royal Welsh debut of the Shetland Pony Grand National, alongside the return of the Paul Hannam Quad Bike Stunt Show, Hawkeye Falconry and displays by the RAF Falcons.

A special performance was also given by Britain’s Got Talent winners the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir, whose members waved to the crowds from the Main Ring.

The choir has used its growing public profile to raise awareness of loneliness and mental health pressures within farming communities.

Wales YFC also marked its 90th anniversary with a colourful display celebrating the organisation’s contribution to rural life and generations of young farmers.

The Royal Welsh Show continues until Thursday, July 23, with livestock and equine competitions, forestry, horticulture, countryside sports, shopping, Welsh food and drink and a full programme of Main Ring entertainment.

Picture caption: Royal Welsh Agricultural Society president Gethin Havard with Major Andrew Butcher MBE following the opening ceremony.

Picture caption: Members of the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir wave to the crowds from the Main Ring.

Pictures: RWAS

Farming

Welsh farmers promised £1bn funding package under three-year deal

Published

4 days ago

July 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Government guarantees £340m annually for Sustainable Farming Scheme as minister pledges greater certainty and less bureaucracy

WELSH farmers will receive more than £1 billion in agricultural funding over the remainder of the Senedd term, under a new multi-year commitment announced by the Welsh Government.

Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, unveiled the package at the Royal Welsh Show, in his first major announcement since taking responsibility for the rural affairs portfolio.

The Government has guaranteed £340 million a year for three years, taking funding for the Sustainable Farming Scheme through to March 2030.

Of that annual total, £238 million will support the scheme’s Universal Layer, while £102 million will fund Optional and Collaborative actions.

The Welsh Government said the agreement would end the uncertainty caused by annual funding settlements and allow farming businesses to make longer-term investment and planning decisions.

The commitment was promised during the first 100 days of the new Plaid Cymru Government.

Mr Gruffydd said: “Giving farmers only 12 months’ line of sight to funding is not sufficient.

“We know how hard it is to plan and make business decisions without knowing what funding is coming.

“Farmers told us loud and clear they need certainty and stability, and that is exactly what we are delivering.”

Red tape changes announced

The minister also announced initial measures intended to reduce bureaucracy for family farms, following early feedback from an independent review led by former NFU Cymru president John Davies.

The requirements of the Animal Health Improvement Cycle, known as AHIC, will be simplified under the Universal Layer of the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

The Welsh Government will work with farm assurance schemes to align their requirements from 2027.

Farmers participating in an aligned assurance scheme would then complete one form following a single veterinary visit, rather than carrying out separate processes for farm assurance and Sustainable Farming Scheme compliance.

Because 2026 is being treated as a transition year, membership of farm assurance schemes that have committed to aligning their requirements by 2027 will be accepted as satisfying the AHIC requirement this year.

Mr Gruffydd said the relationship between farmers and their vets would remain central to improving animal health and farm performance.

New grants opening

Applications for organic conversion support are expected to open at the end of July.

A new Production and Efficiency capital grant category will also provide support towards livestock-handling facilities, precision soil and crop-management equipment, and other investments designed to reduce waste and improve productivity.

Further Optional Actions will be introduced over the coming months.

The Small Woodland Creation Grant and Woodland Creation Grant application windows will open on Monday, July 20.

A further window for the Integrated Natural Resources Scheme, which forms part of the Collaborative Layer, is also expected to open later this year.

Mr Gruffydd said: “The family farm sits at the heart of rural Wales, its economy and its communities.

“I am committed to working to ensure farming in Wales thrives for generations to come.

“My message to farmers from day one has been: you have a minister on your side.

“Someone who is in tune with the agricultural sector, who knows that the family farm is the foundation of our rural economy and our rural communities, and who will work every day to make sure farming in Wales thrives for generations to come.”