Ear to the Ground / Clust i'r Ddaear

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 "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.

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.

Is lameness a problem on your dairy farm?  Despite decades of effort, lameness remains a challenge for dairy farmers. This podcast explores a ground-breaking European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Wales project that tackles this issue head-on. Join us as we delve into practical interventions, and discover how Welsh dairy farmers are working together to improve lameness records. This podcast is presented by project lead vet Sara Pedersen of Farm Dynamics Ltd. She is joined by three farms from the Newport and Monmouthshire area who have all looked at finding actionable strategies to implement on their farms to reduce lameness prevalence within their herds.

A yw cloffni yn broblem ar eich fferm laeth? Er gwaethaf degawdau o ymdrech, mae cloffni yn parhau i fod yn hêr i ffermwyr llaeth. Mae’r podlediad hwn yn archwilio prosiect arloesol Partneriaeth Arloesedd Ewropeaidd (EIP) Cymru sy’n mynd i’r afael â’r mater hwn yn uniongyrchol. Ymunwch â ni wrth i ni edrych yn fanwl ar ymyriadau ymarferol, a darganfod sut mae ffermwyr llaeth Cymru yn cydweithio i wella cofnodion cloffni. Cyflwynir y podlediad hwn gan filfeddyg arweiniol y prosiect, Sara Pedersen o Farm Dynamics Ltd. Yn ymuno â hi mae tair fferm o ardal Casnewydd a Sir Fynwy, sydd wedi edrych ar ddod o hyd i strategaethau y gellir eu rhoi ar waith ar eu ffermydd i leihau achosion o gloffni yn eu buchesi.

Croeso i 'Arbrawf Cnau Ffrengig Cymru,' lle rydym yn archwilio potensial tyfu cnau yng Nghymru. Yn y bennod hon, cawn gwrdd â Martyn Williams o Sir Gaerfyrddin sydd wedi mentro i fyd cynhyrchu coed cnau. Gyda chefnogaeth Cyllid Arbrofi Cyswllt Ffermio, mae wedi plannu coed cnau Ffrengig a chastanwydd melys ar ei dir, gan obeithio datgloi ffynhonnell newydd o incwm a chyfrannu at ddyfodol amaethyddol mwy cynaliadwy. Ymunwch â ni wrth i ni ymchwilio i heriau a gwobrau’r prosiect uchelgeisiol hwn, a darganfod a all Cymru ddod yn hafan i dyfwyr cnau. Mae Tom Tame, sy'n tyfu Cnau Ffrengig yn fasnachol ar fferm ei deulu yn Swydd Warwick, yn ymuno â Geraint Jones Swyddog Arbenigol Coedwigaeth hefyd.

Welcome to 'The Welsh Walnut Experiment,' where we explore the potential of growing nuts in Wales. In this episode, we meet Martyn Williams from Carmarthenshire that has venturing into the world of tree nut production. With the support of Farming Connect's Try Out Fund, he has planting walnut and sweet chestnut trees on his land, hoping to unlock a new source of income and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural future. Join us as we delve into the challenges and rewards of this ambitious project, and discover whether Wales can truly become a haven for nut growers. Geraint Jones Forestry Specialist Officer is also joined by Tom Tame who grows Walnuts commercially on his family farm in Warwickshire.

Janet Roden will outline the work that has taken place in Wales on lowering the carbon footprint of sheep, and how farmers that are part of the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme with Farming Connect can get involved. For more information please visit the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme webpage

Suzanne Rowe is a Senior Researcher with AgResearch in New Zealand, and is the world expert in breeding sheep with a lower carbon footprint. Suzanne will outline the background of the work happening in NZ and the history behind developing the technology.  She will also bring us up to speed as to where they are now and their plans for the future.