Ear to the Ground / Clust i'r Ddaear

Listen to find out why more and more farmers are planting trees for the sake of their stock, their soil, and their bottom line.   Agroforestry is one of the most exciting and fast‑growing areas of sustainable farming, and in this episode, we're breaking it down to what really matters, cutting through the jargon and get right to the practical stuff:  how to plan design agroforestry systems that work for your farm without overcomplicating it how shelterbelts and tree strips genuinely improve livestock wellbeing and performance, and what it really takes to get trees in the ground on a working farm. And we've got a seriously strong line‑up: Clive Thomas – Soil Association The planner shaping agroforestry systems that fit and strengthen commercial farm businesses. Dr Lindsay Whistance – Organic Research Centre Animal behaviour expert revealing why your stock absolutely have opinions on shade and shelter. Rhodri Lloyd Williams, Moelgolemen Farm, Tal y Bont Upland sheep and beef farmer who's already putting agroforestry into action and seeing the results. If you're curious about agroforestry or wondering how trees can genuinely make your farming easier, more resilient and more profitable, this is the episode to start with. Listen now and discover The Agroforestry Advantage.     Gwrandewch i ddarganfod pam mae mwy a mwy o ffermwyr yn plannu coed er lles eu stoc, eu pridd, a'u llinell waelod. Mae amaethgoedwigaeth yn un o'r meysydd mwyaf cyffrous ac sy'n tyfu gyflymaf ym maes ffermio cynaliadwy, ac yn y benod hon rydym yn torri'r pwnc i lawr i'r hyn sy'n bwysicaf, mynd heibio'r jargon ac yn mynd yn syth at ymarferoldeb: sut i gynllunio a dylunio systemau amaethgoedwigaeth sy'n gweithio i'ch fferm heb ei gymhlethu sut mae lleiniau cysgod a rhigolau coed yn gwella lles a pherfformiad da byw yn wirioneddol, a beth sydd wir ei angen i gael coed i'r ddaear ar fferm weithredol. Ac mae gennym ni restr wirioneddol gref o westeion: Clive Thomas – Cymdeithas Pridd Y Cynllunydd sy'n siapio systemau amaethgoedwigaeth sy'n briodol i fusnesau fferm masnachol ac yn eu cryfhau. Dr Lindsay Whistance – Canolfan Ymchwil Organig Arbenigwraig ymddygiad anifeiliaid sy'n datgelu pam bod eich stoc yn bendant gyda barn am gysgod a lloches. Rhodri Lloyd Williams – Fferm Moelgolemen, Tal y Bont Ffermwr defaid a buches mynydd sydd eisoes yn rhoi amaethgoedwigaeth ar waith ac yn gweld y canlyniadau. Os ydych chi'n chwilfrydig am amaethgoedwigaeth neu'n meddwl sut y gall coed wneud eich ffermio'n haws, yn fwy gwydn ac yn fwy proffidiol, dyma'r bennod i ddechrau gyda hi. Gwrandewch nawr a darganfod mantais Amaethgoedwigaeth.

Farmers know their land better than anyone — but keeping track of the wildlife that visits their farms can be a challenge. Traditional bird surveys require time and specialist knowledge, so a new project is turning to innovative, AI‑powered technology to help.   In this episode, we explore how Chirrup acoustic monitors are being used across fourteen farms in Wales to automatically capture and identify birdsong during the dawn chorus. These small, battery‑powered devices record daily over a 2–3 week period, generating invaluable insights into the birdlife found on a wide range of farm types, from upland sheep farms to productive lowland dairy units.   Farming Connect Biodiversity Officer Lynfa Davies visits Rhys Davies of Moor Farm in Holywell to discover which species are thriving on his North Wales dairy farm. They're joined by ornithologist Keith Offord, who helps unpack the project's encouraging findings and what they reveal about biodiversity on working farms.   Tune in to learn how technology, farming, and conservation are coming together to better understand and support Wales's bird populations.   Pennod 127 - Defnyddio synwyryddion acwstig i fonitro bioamrywiaeth ffermydd Mae ffermwyr yn adnabod eu tir yn well nag unrhyw un - ond gall cadw golwg ar y bywyd gwyllt sy'n ymweld â'u ffermydd fod yn her. Mae arolygon adar traddodiadol yn gofyn am amser a gwybodaeth arbenigol, felly mae prosiect newydd yn troi at dechnoleg arloesol, wedi'i grymuso gan ddeallusrwydd artiffisial (AI) i helpu.    Yn y bennod hon, rydym yn edrych ar sut mae monitorau acwstig Chirrup yn cael eu defnyddio ar draws pedair fferm ar ddeg yng Nghymru i ddal ac adnabod cân yr adar yn awtomatig yn ystod côr y wawr. Mae'r dyfeisiau bach hyn, sy'n cael eu pweru gan fatri, yn recordio'n ddyddiol dros gyfnod o 2-3 wythnos, gan roi cipolwg amhrisiadwy ar yr adar sy'n bresennol ar ystod eang o ffermydd, o ffermydd defaid ucheldir i unedau llaeth cynhyrchiol ar dir isel.    Mae Lynfa Davies, Swyddog Bioamrywiaeth Cyswllt Ffermio, yn ymweld â Rhys Davies o Moor Farm yn Nhreffynnon i ddarganfod pa rywogaethau sy'n ffynnu ar ei fferm laeth yng Ngogledd Cymru. Mae'r adaregydd Keith Offord yn ymuno â nhw, sy'n helpu i ddadansoddi canfyddiadau calonogol y prosiect a'r hyn maen nhw'n ei ddatgelu am fioamrywiaeth ar ffermydd gweithredol.    Gwrandewch ar y bennod hon er mwyn dysgu sut mae technoleg, ffermio a chadwraeth yn dod at ei gilydd i ddeall a chefnogi poblogaethau adar Cymru yn well.  

Welcome to another chance to catch up on a Farming Connect webinar recorded in November 2025. In this episode, we're joined by Ian Jones, MRCVS, Director of Hafren Veterinary Group, for an important update on Avian Influenza and practical biosecurity measures. Ian also shares insights on achieving optimum poultry shed lighting, and we'll hear of a successful project at Glanalders where traditional strip lights were replaced with LEDs in a 16,000-layer shed—delivering impressive results. #126- Ffliw Adar a goleuadau sied ddofednodCroeso i gyfle arall i ddal i fyny ar weminar Cyswllt Ffermio a recordiwyd ym mis Tachwedd 2025. Yn y bennod hon, mae Ian Jones, MRCVS, Cyfarwyddwr Grŵp Milfeddygol Hafren, yn ymuno â ni am ddiweddariad pwysig ar Ffliw Adar a mesurau bioddiogelwch ymarferol. Mae Ian hefyd yn rhannu golwg fanylach ar gyflawni'r goleuadau gorau posibl mewn sied ddofednod, a byddwn yn clywed am brosiect llwyddiannus ar fferm Glanalders lle cafodd goleuadau stribed traddodiadol eu disodli gan oleuadau LED mewn sied gyda16,000 o ieir —gan gyflawni canlyniadau trawiadol.

Join the specialists from the Farming Connect team as they pull back the curtain on the crucial baseline studies conducted within the Our Farms Network. In this episode, we dive into the data collection process and the practical application of assessments focused on woodland management, biodiversity enhancement, and on-farm carbon footprints. The team discusses how these detailed studies identify opportunities for improving business efficiency and environmental stewardship. Discover: The purpose and findings of the woodland, biodiversity and carbon baseline studies.   - Real-world examples of how these findings have shaped new on-farm trials. - Actionable advice for farmers on how to utilise this information for future planning. - The first practical steps other farmers can take to prepare for and implement similar assessments on their own farms.   This is essential listening for any farmer looking to benchmark key aspects of their system and enhance the environmental value of their farm business.   #125 - Ein Ffermydd Cyswllt Ffermio: Golwg fanylach ar goetiroedd, bioamrywiaeth, a charbon Ymunwch â'r arbenigwyr o dîm Cyswllt Ffermio wrth iddynt agor y llen ar yr astudiaethau llinell sylfaen hanfodol a gynhaliwyd o fewn Rhwydwaith Ein Ffermydd. Yn y bennod hon, rydym yn edrych yn fanwl ar y broses o gasglu data a chamau ymarferol asesiadau sy'n canolbwyntio ar reoli coetiroedd, gwella bioamrywiaeth, ac ôl troed carbon ar y fferm. Mae'r tîm yn trafod sut mae'r astudiaethau manwl hyn yn nodi cyfleoedd i wella effeithlonrwydd busnes a stiwardiaeth amgylcheddol. Darganfyddwch: Diben a chanfyddiadau astudiaethau llinell sylfaen coetiroedd, bioamrywiaeth a charbon. - Enghreifftiau o sut mae'r canfyddiadau hyn wedi llunio arbrofion newydd ar y fferm. - Cyngor ymarferol i ffermwyr ar sut i ddefnyddio'r wybodaeth hon i gynllunio ar gyfer y dyfodol. - Y camau ymarferol cyntaf y gall ffermwyr eraill eu cymryd i baratoi ar gyfer asesiadau tebyg ar eu ffermydd eu hunain ac i'w rhoi ar waith. Mae'n bwysig i unrhyw ffermwr sy'n edrych i feincnodi agweddau allweddol ar eu system a gwella gwerth amgylcheddol eu busnes fferm wrando ar y podlediad.

Welcome to the third episode in our special series on profitable and productive farming in Wales! Host Ifan Jones Evans is joined by leading independent plant and soil health educator, Joel Williams, to dive into the most vital resource on your farm: your soil.                                                                                                                                                          This episode is essential listening for livestock farmers looking to build better pastures and boost overall productivity by focusing on the fundamentals of soil health. Joel Williams brings his wealth of practical experience from Australia, the UK, and Canada, integrating soil and plant analyses to help farmers optimize production and manage soil biology.                                                                                                                                                         Tune in to unlock the potential beneath your feet! Key points:  Improving soil health: A fundamental overview of how soil works and strategies for building resilient systems.  Soil testing: The basics of taking a proper soil test and how to correctly interpret the results.  The compaction challenge: Practical advice for overcoming compaction issues specifically on  livestock farms.  Cutting the costs: How transitioning to healthy soils can significantly reduce your nitrogen  fertiliser bill.  Sward management: Strategies for successfully including clover into the sward and  leveraging multi-species swards alongside rotational grazing techniques.                                                                                                                                                                                This series has been formulated in partnership with Precision Grazing Ltd. They are experts in livestock enterprises and work with numerous Farming Connect registered businesses to create resilience and sustained profit.

Welcome to another episode of the Farming Connect Ear to the Ground podcast. We are staying on the topic of soil health for this episode as we were keen to expand on the foundations and principles heard in our latest podcast with Joel Williams, do go back to listen to that episode if you haven't yet had an opportunity. Today, we're talking to a farmer whose journey proves that sometimes, the drive for profit is the best route to environmental stewardship. Our guest is Stuart Johnson, a fifth-generation tenant farmer from West Wharmley Farm near Hexham.    For years, like many others, Stuart focused on high inputs and high yields, barely giving the soil a second thought. But about a decade ago, a simple need to save money on the farm led to a major operational shift. What began as a financial decision quickly unlocked a profound revelation about the land beneath his feet. Join us as Stuart walks us through how that single change became the surprising catalyst for a full transition to regenerative farming, increasing his farm's resilience.   In Stuarts own words, his farming system is planned and purposeful but doesn't necessitate perfection, and It's a much nicer way to farm! Listen in to hear the details.   Datguddiad y Pridd: Sut arweiniodd arbed arian at ffermio adfywiol Croeso i bennod arall o bodlediad Clust i'r Ddaear Cyswllt Ffermio. Rydym yn aros ar y testun iechyd y pridd ar gyfer y bennod hon. Mae hyn am ein bod yn awyddus i ehangu ar y seiliau a'r egwyddorion a glywyd yn ein podlediad diweddaraf gyda Joel Williams, ewch yn ôl i wrando ar y bennod honno os nad ydych wedi cael cyfle eto. Heddiw, rydym yn siarad â ffermwr y mae ei daith yn profi weithiau mai'r ymgyrch am elw yw'r llwybr gorau i stiwardiaeth amgylcheddol. Ein gwestai yw Stuart Johnson, ffermwr tenant pumed genhedlaeth o Fferm West Wharmley ger Hexham. Am flynyddoedd, fel llawer o bobl eraill, canolbwyntiodd Stuart ar fewnbynnau uchel a chynnyrch uchel, heb feddwl dwywaith am y pridd. Ond tua degawd yn ôl, arweiniodd angen syml i arbed arian ar y fferm at newid gweithredol mawr. Fe wnaeth yr hyn a ddechreuodd fel penderfyniad ariannol ddatgelu datguddiad dwys yn gyflym am y tir dan ei draed. Ymunwch â ni wrth i Stuart ein tywys drwy sut y daeth yr un newid hwnnw'n gatalydd annisgwyl ar gyfer trawsnewidiad llawn i ffermio adfywiol, gan gynyddu gwydnwch ei fferm. Yng ngeiriau Stuart ei hun, mae ei system ffermio wedi'i chynllunio ac yn bwrpasol ond nid yw'n gofyn am berffeithrwydd, ac mae'n ffordd llawer brafiach o ffermio! Gwrandewch ar y podlediad i glywed y manylion.

Welcome to "Sustainable Dairy Farming," where we explore the evolving world of energy and technology in dairy farming. This two-part episode was recorded at the recent Farming Connect Roadshow in Pant Farm, Llanddewi, Ceredigion. Cennydd talks to Eirinn Rusbridge from NFU Energy to explore how Welsh farms are turning towards renewable energy to power their work, and also reduce emissions. Discover practical strategies and insights into real returns on investment that can help you cultivate a more sustainable and profitable future for your dairy operation.

Welcome to "Sustainable Dairy Farming," where we explore the evolving world of energy and technology in dairy farming. This two-part episode was recorded at the recent Farming Connect Roadshow in Pant Farm, Llanddewi, Ceredigion. Host Cennydd Jones takes the time following the event to chat with Conor Hogan of Teagasc Moorepark, whose research focuses on labour productivity, efficiency, and innovative labour-saving technologies for dairy farms. Discover practical strategies and insights into real returns on investment that can help you cultivate a more sustainable and profitable future for your dairy operation.

Welcome to a focused discussion on sustainable agriculture and technological integration. We revisit key insights from our recent webinar featuring Jonathan Sandercock of NFU Energy. We'll examine the strategies for navigating the current energy landscape, emphasising practical solutions and analysing the return on investment required to ensure a profitable future for your business. Additionally, Dairy Technical Officer Simon Pitt speaks with Dylan Roberts from Cornwal Uchaf for a detailed look at their farm's long-term experience with renewable energy investments.  

Ymunwch ag Ifan Jones Evans ar gyfer yr ail bennod yn ein cyfres arbennig ar ffermio proffidiol a chynhyrchiol yng Nghymru. Y tro hwn, rydym yn edrych yn fanwl ar systemau ffermio sy'n seiliedig ar laswellt. Mae Ifan yn teithio i Moelogan, Llanrwst, i gwrdd â Llion a Sian Jones. Mae'r pâr arloesol ar genhadaeth i greu fferm ucheldir broffidiol gan ddefnyddio system sy'n seiliedig ar borfa, gan wthio ffiniau rheoli glaswellt dros 1,000 troedfedd. Darganfyddwch beth sydd wir yn bosibl gyda'r rheolaeth gywir yn y bennod graff hon!   Pwyntiau Allweddol: Cydbwyso Cyflenwad a Galw: Paru twf glaswellt ag anghenion da byw i wneud y mwyaf o elw. Dod o Hyd i'ch Cyfradd Stocio Orau posibl: Gwybod sut i'w chyfrifo ar gyfer eich fferm a'ch amodau eich hun. Rheoli Glaswellt yn Well: Hybu cynnyrch ac ansawdd porfa trwy dechnegau pori. Ymestyn y Tymor Pori: Anelu at fwy o ddyddiau ar laswellt, llai o ddibyniaeth ar ddwysfwyd a brynir i mewn. Osgoi'r Peryglon: Deall y risgiau ariannol o dan-stocio a gor-stocio. Defnyddio Pori i Leihau Costau: Mae rheoli pori'n ddoethach yn golygu biliau porthiant is a gwell elw. Mae'r gyfres hon wedi'i llunio mewn partneriaeth â Precision Grazing Ltd. Maent yn Arbenigwyr mewn mentrau da byw ac yn gweithio gyda nifer o fusnesau cofrestredig Cyswllt Ffermio i greu gwydnwch ac elw cynaliadwy.

Join us for the launch of a special new series dedicated to profitable and productive farming in Wales, presented by Ifan Jones Evans. In this inaugural episode, we're diving deep into taking control of your farm's finances for smarter decision-making. We're joined by Aled Evans of Rest Farm, a recipient of the prestigious Farmers Weekly Beef Farmer of the Year Award. Aled, who farms in partnership with his brother Iwan, took over Rest Farm at Henllan Amgoed with a blank canvas. They strategically implemented a low-input, grass-based system, prioritising environmental ideals. Their core business goals revolve around building a financially robust farm that provides a high quality of life and establishes a lasting legacy for future generations. Learn how Aled and Iwan approach creating a simple business plan and managing their accounts to achieve their vision.   Key Points: A farmer's mindset and decision-making have a bigger impact on business success than weather, land quality, or external conditions. Confidence and control over farm finances can transform business performance. Every farm — beef, sheep, dairy, or mixed — can benefit from a basic business plan. Core elements: clear goals, budgets, and forecasts that suit the farm size and system. Business plans help farms prepare for uncertainties like weather and market swings common in Wales.  This series has been formulated in partnership with Precision Grazing Ltd. They are Experts in livestock enterprises and work with numerous Farming Connect registered businesses to create resilience and sustained profit.

Ymunwch â ni ar gyfer lansiad cyfres newydd arbennig sy'n ymroddedig i ffermio proffidiol a chynhyrchiol yng Nghymru, a gyflwynir gan Ifan Jones Evans. Yn y bennod agoriadol hon, rydym yn edrych yn fanwl ar gymryd rheolaeth o gyllid eich fferm er mwyn gwneud penderfyniadau mwy craff. Ymunwn ag Aled Evans o Rest Farm, derbynnydd Gwobr Ffermwr Cig Eidion y Flwyddyn y Farmers Weekly. Cymerodd Aled, sy'n ffermio mewn partneriaeth â'i frawd Iwan, Rest Farm yn Henllan Amgoed drosodd â dalen wag. Fe wnaethant weithredu system mewnbwn isel, yn seiliedig ar laswellt yn strategol, gan flaenoriaethu delfrydau amgylcheddol. Mae eu hamcanion busnes craidd yn ymwneud ag adeiladu fferm gadarn yn ariannol sy'n darparu ansawdd bywyd uchel ac yn sefydlu etifeddiaeth barhaol i genedlaethau'r dyfodol. Dysgwch sut mae Aled ac Iwan yn mynd ati i greu cynllun busnes syml ac yn rheoli eu cyfrifon i gyflawni eu gweledigaeth.   Pwyntiau Allweddol: Mae meddylfryd a phenderfyniadau ffermwr yn cael mwy o effaith ar lwyddiant busnes na'r tywydd, ansawdd y tir, neu amodau allanol. Gall hyder a rheolaeth dros gyllid fferm drawsnewid perfformiad busnes. Gall pob fferm — bîff, defaid, llaeth, neu gymysg — elwa o gynllun busnes sylfaenol. Elfennau craidd: nodau clir, cyllidebau, a rhagolygon sy'n addas i faint a system y fferm. Mae cynlluniau busnes yn helpu ffermydd i baratoi ar gyfer ansicrwydd fel y tywydd a newidiadau yn y farchnad sy'n gyffredin yng Nghymru. Mae'r gyfres hon wedi'i llunio mewn partneriaeth â Precision Grazing Ltd. Maent yn Arbenigwyr mewn mentrau da byw ac yn gweithio gyda nifer o fusnesau sydd wedi cofrestru â Cyswllt Ffermio i greu gwydnwch ac elw cynaliadwy.

Mae Joe Angell yn filfeddyg o Ogledd Cymru sydd â dull rhagweithiol o wella iechyd a pherfformiad da byw. Dyma gyfle i glywed am y cysyniad 'TST' a pham mae'n ddull pwysig o rheoli parasitiaid mewn defaid.

North Wales vet Joe Angell is a livestock vet that has a proactive approach to improving the health and performance of our livestock here in Wales. This is an opportunity to hear about the concept of TST and why It's important to optimise parasite control in sheep.

Cyfle arall i wrando yn ôl ar Sam Boon o AHDB, Uwch Reolwr Bridio Anifeiliaid gyda Signet AHDB yn siarad mewn digwyddiad Geneteg Defaid Cymreig yn ddiweddar ar Stad Rhug, Corwen. Mae Sam yn rhannu ei arbenigedd mewn cynhyrchu defaid, geneteg, dadansoddi data a chyfnewid gwybodaeth.

Another opportunity to listen back to AHDB's Sam Boon a Senior Animal Breeding Manager at AHDB Signet speaking at a recent Welsh Sheep Genetics event at Rhug Estate, Corwen. Sam shares his expertise in sheep production, genetics, data analysis and knowledge exchange. 

Ydych chi erioed wedi meddwl sut y daeth meithrinfa yng Nghymru yn allforiwr mawr o blanhigion gardd ar draws y DU ac Ewrop? Ymunwch â'r cyflwynydd gwadd Neville Stein wrth iddo ymweld â Meithrinfeydd Seiont yng Nghaernarfon. Dysgwch y cyfrinachau y tu ôl i'w llwyddiant, o'u sefydlu ym 1978 i'w cynhyrchiad blynyddol trawiadol o dros filiwn o blygiau a leinin, gan arbenigo mewn mathau newydd cyffrous. Darganfyddwch sut maen nhw'n partneru â bridwyr rhyngwladol ac yn rheoli eu gwasanaeth dosbarthu wythnosol. Hefyd, clywch am eu cynlluniau i ehangu i farchnad Iwerddon. Mae'r bennod hon yn cynnig mewnwelediadau gwerthfawr i unrhyw un sydd â diddordeb mewn garddwriaeth, twf busnes, a chymhlethdodau masnach ryngwladol yn y diwydiant planhigion.

Ever wondered how a nursery in Wales became a major exporter of garden plants across the UK and Europe? Join guest presenter Neville Stein as he visits Seiont Nurseries in Caernarfon. Learn the secrets behind their success, from their establishment in 1978 to their impressive annual production of over a million plugs and liners, specializing in exciting new varieties. Discover how they partner with international breeders and manage their weekly delivery service. Plus, hear about their plans to expand into the Irish market. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in horticulture, business growth, and the intricacies of international trade in the plant industry.

Cyfle unigryw i ymweld ag Ystâd Rhug ac i ddysgu mwy am y newid mawr yn y ddiadell ddefaid yn sgil y cyngor a chymorth a gafwyd drwy'r Rhaglen Geneteg Defaid Cymru. Byddwn yn clywed yn uniongyrchol am y rhan arwyddocaol technoleg, gan ddarparu data i helpu i reoli penderfyniadau'n ymwneud â bridio wrth ganiatáu i'r fferm ŵyna'n bennaf yn yr awyr agored, gan gadw diadell gaeedig ac felly bridio defaid cyfnewid ei hun.

A unique opportunity to visit the Rhug Estate and learn more about the major change in its large-scale sheep flock as a result of advice and support received through the Welsh Sheep Genetic Programme. We will hear first hand the significant role technology is playing, providing data to help manage breeding decisions while allowing the farm to primarily lamb outdoors, keep a closed flock and breed its own replacements.