Latest news with #PembrokeshireFarmer
Western Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
West Wales dairy farmer breeds his way to better business
Breeding is the cheapest and most effective way to make permanent, long-term improvements to a wide cross-section of traits in dairy cows. Autumn milk producer Marcus Ferraro has historically only utilised milk recording to inform his drying off strategy but is now fully recording to build individual cow data and a herd genetic report. This will help identify 'passenger cows' in his 300-cow herd at Sychpant Farm, near Newcastle Emlyn, and allow him to breed from his best animals. Don't miss our next edition of Pembrokeshire Farmer, available free inside the Western Telegraph on July 30 During a recent AHDB strategic farm event at Sychpant Farm, farmers were told that Marcus was using breeding to transition the herd to a ProCross, a cow with a combination of Holstein, Montbeliarde and VikingRed genetics. Farm business consultant Anna Bowen, of The Andersons Centre, said the business is achieving considerable year-on-year improvements, making a comparable farm profit (CFP) of 14.58 pence per litre (ppl) in the year ending March 2025 - up 15.45ppl on the previous 12 months. This, she explained, had been helped by favourable market conditions but also by other actions, including more output per cow, up by an average of 837 litres/cow/year to 6,714, and an improvement in milk solids from 491kg/cow to 561kg. Milk is supplied to cheesemaker, Leprino. Making greater use of homegrown feed through actions such as measuring grass weekly and a greater focus on cow health, including through mobility scoring, had also reduced the farm's purchased feed and veterinary costs. The Ferraros farm 182ha (450 acres), of which 61ha (150 acres) are owned and form the grazing platform. Cows are wintered in sawdust-bedded cubicles and fed silage in central passageways but have access to pasture as soon as a pregnancy diagnosis confirms they are in calf. 'If it is dry and frosty they will be out in January to loaf and graze from February onwards,'' said Marcus, who farms with his wife, Vicki, and his father, Richard. Going forward, they have invested in weigh scales to regularly monitor heifers to ensure growth rates are on track to breed and calve at 24 months in the 12-week calving block. Despite improvements, Anna said there is further progress the business could make including the volume of milk produced from forage – currently 2,814 litres/cow/year. Steps taken so far to achieve this include mapping out paddocks for grazing, upgrading silage clamps, and increasing feed space at winter housing. Taking the guesswork out of genetics Many milk producers openly admit that genetics is a topic they struggle to get to grips with. AHDB genetics expert Victoria Ashmore said there are several actions farmers like Marcus can take to remove the guesswork from their breeding and management decisions, including genetically evaluating individual animals within the herd. Using milk recording data in combination with the levy-funded AHDB Dairy Herd Genetic Report service will provide a genetic evaluation on individual animals. The report will show where the herd's good genetics, and its weaknesses are, on traits like fertility or mastitis. 'The farm can then start to pinpoint more specifically their existing genetics and what they might need to do to improve these in the next generation,'' said Victoria. Sexed semen can simplify the route to genetic progress. Wider use of sexed semen means that dairy farms need to breed fewer animals to dairy sires to produce the required number of herd replacements. They can then be more specific on which cows they want to breed their next generation of milking cows from. 'This is where we really start to drill down into individual animals and rank the herd based firstly on the overall profit index but also the traits of interest so the next generation is being bred from the superior animals in the herd,'' Victoria explained. Genomics allow a broader genetic identification for each animal. Dairy farmers don't need to wait until a heifer calves and starts milking to establish her genetic merit as taking a DNA sample from her as a young animal will provide that. Using this information, certain heifers can be selected to breed future replacements that match a farm's own strategy. Breeding the best females will increase the genetic value of replacements and, as a consequence, fewer animals with a lower genetic merit will come into the herd.
Western Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Farm plastics plan by NRW to cut River Cleddau pollution
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has set up drop-off centres within the rivers Cleddau, Teifi, Tywi and Usk catchment areas where farmers can drop off silage bale wrap, clamp cover sheeting, fertiliser and feed bags, and feed buckets. The scheme is supported by Agriculture Plastics Environment, Birch Farm Plastics and Afonydd Cymru, who will provide the service at a reduced rate compared to charges for on-farm collection. NRW wants to recycle an additional 200t of farm plastics through the trial scheme. Chris Thomas, senior land management officer at Four Rivers for Life, says farm plastics have been found in the Cleddau, Teifi and Tywi rivers. 'Rivers can only fully perform this function and support farmers if they are healthy and free from pollution and plastic waste,'' he said. Don't miss our next edition of Pembrokeshire Farmer, available free inside the Western Telegraph on July 30 A report in 2023 by non-governmental organisation Wrap found that the UK has an agri-plastic recycling rate of 20-30%, which is significantly lower than other European countries, including Germany, France and Ireland who have recycling rates of 65%, 80% and 90% respectively. These countries operate drop off centres and these significantly help farmers recycle their used farm plastics. In 2024, West Wales Rivers Trust (WWRT) carried out a survey of 100 farms to review current practices on the disposal of agricultural plastics in Carmarthenshire and across Wales. The results showed that cost was one of the main barriers preventing more farmers recycling their silage plastic waste. Cheryl Birch, director at Birch Farm Plastics, which is partnering NRW in the scheme, said the company's costs can be lower when collecting from drop-off centres and those savings can therefore be passed onto farmers. One of the dedicated drop-off sites is at Crymych. More information can be found at
Western Telegraph
24-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Farming Connect's Our Farms Network welcomes 12 new farms
Under the scheme, with support from sector-specific industry experts, farmers have been driving improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and profitability since 2015. The new farms cover 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. The 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. Don't miss our next edition of Pembrokeshire Farmer, available free inside the Western Telegraph on May 28 Mr Parry 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)
Western Telegraph
25-04-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Top post for Whitland-born genetics expert Meurig James
Mr Meurig James FRAgS was unanimously elected following the Annual General Meeting held at the Cliff Hotel, near Cardigan. He succeeds Mr Nick Green FRAgS, Operations Director at Lye Cross Farm, Redhill, Bristol, who steps down after a highly respected and impactful term as chair. Mr James will serve a two-year term leading the prestigious UK-wide organisation, which recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to agricultural and rural progress. A native of Whitland, Meurig James began his career on the family dairy farm at Pengawse Farm before moving into cattle breeding and genetics. Don't miss our next edition of Pembrokeshire Farmer, available free inside the Western Telegraph on April 30 In 1993, he joined the British Holstein Society, where he rose to become Head of Breed Development for Holstein UK. In this role, he oversees the classification of over 140,000 cattle annually and also leads the National Bovine Data Centre. Meurig has played a pivotal role in expanding breed classification services to include 14 dairy and beef breeds and in introducing new traits and composites to support modern breeding priorities. His work has contributed significantly to improving herd health, productivity, and data-driven breeding decisions for farmers across the UK. A well-known figure at agricultural shows and events, he has represented the UK internationally, including at workshops in Europe, and through study tours in Argentina and North America. He has also held senior roles within the Young Farmers movement in Wales, the South Wales Holstein Club and is currently chair of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society's Livestock Committee and Assistant Honorary Director for Cattle at the Royal Welsh Show. 'It is an incredible honour to be elected Chair of CARAS UK' said Mr James. 'CARAS plays a vital role in celebrating the people who help drive our industry forward, and I look forward to championing their achievements across all four nations of the UK.'
Western Telegraph
25-04-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Award on offer to Pembrokeshire's progressive farmers
If you farm in Pembrokeshire and can demonstrate your farm's use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture then Tim Johns, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society's President, said, 'We are looking for local Pembrokeshire farmers, under the age of 45, who can demonstrate their farm's use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture. "They also need to show consideration for the environment and habitat sensitivity on their farm as well as present an aesthetically pleasing example of farming in the county. The competition welcomes all those in the livestock and arable sectors to enter.' Don't miss our next edition of Pembrokeshire Farmer, available free inside the Western Telegraph on April 30 Last year's winners of the Award were Andrew and Jane Phillips of Windsor Farm, Lamphey. They farm 1,100 acres, with 3,000 breeding sheep and lambs. A herd of British Blue cross Limousin suckler cows sired by a Limousin bull and all calves are sold as weaned. The arable side of the business includes 80 acres of winter and spring barley which is mostly used for stock consumption. The surplus is sold. They grow 150 acres of maize which is used in a Totally Mixed Ration (TMR) for their sheep. Again, the surplus is sold to dairy farms. Some land is rented out for growing potatoes and leeks. The autumn season sees the general public invited in to buy some of the six acres of Pumpkins they grow for the Halloween market. Besides this, they are also involved with the holiday business by renting out two shepherd's huts for visitors. Baron John Fredrick De Rutzen was President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society in 1936 and the Baron de Rutzen Trophy was produced in his memory. The third Baron served in the Welsh Guards and tragically died, aged 36, in 1944. This year's entrants must be fully practising farmers within the county of Pembrokeshire and were under the age of 45 years on 1 January 2025. Entries can either be by nomination or direct application online on the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society website. Click here to apply. The closing date for nominations and applications is noon on Monday, 30 June 2025.
