Events
Upcoming Events
Outwintering – An option for your farm?
You are invited to a free workshop at:
Nafferton Ecological Farming Group, Nafferton Farm,
Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7XD
On: 8 February 2012
Time: 11:00 to 15:00
Lunch provided
Places are strictly limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. To book your place please ring or email, Sue Buckingham on 07786 397672, seb2@aber.ac.uk by Friday 27 Jan 2012.
Past Events
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6-7th September 2011 The Dairy and Livestock Event, NEC Birmingham
The
Dairy Event and Livestock Show is Europe's leading event for the livestock
sector. It attracts more than 16,000 visitors a year and presents a unique
opportunity for farmers, herdsmen, consultants, processors and retailers
from all over the world to see the best dairy livestock, equipment, products
and services available in the UK market. Members of the GDC will be present
at the show.
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Eighth International Symposium on the Nutrition of Herbivores; 6 - 9 September 2011; Aberystwyth university.
Animal agriculture is at a
crossroads; competing pressures from competition for land with alternative
forms of land use, the need to both mitigate against and adapt to the
effects of climate change combined with the need to meet society's demand
for safe nutritious food produced at low costs mean that requirements for
plant and animal scientists to work together to shape the future of
herbivore production has never been stronger.
14th September 2011- BGS Profiting from Red Clover day
Keen red clover growers,
BGS president John Downes and son Tim are hosting a Profiting from Red
Clover special interest day for the society, sponsored by SilAC.
The red clover day, which should appeal to those growing the crop now and
those considering growing it for the first time, will be held on September
14th at the Longnor Village Hall and the Downes' farm in Shropshire.
More details can be found
here
19th September 2011- NSA Wales and Border Ram sales, Builth Wells
More details to be found here
September 20th- 21st, 2011 - 10th Annual British Grassland Society Research Conference, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The conference will have
theatre sessions and posters, both included in the edited proceedings. We
find a particularly popular feature is having a dedicated poster session
with authors in attendance.
A total of 71 papers have been accepted, please click
here for the 2 day programme and poster list.
Tuesday,
9th of August 2011. 1.30 – 3.30pm
Where: Ynys Deullyn,
St Nicholas, Goodwick, SA64 0LG
Who: Dafydd Williams, Heather McCalman, GDC and Jim Vale IBERS
Why: As global supplies of fertiliser tighten, what grasses will be best suited
for the future?
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Thursday 11th August, 11:30a.m. to 1:30p.m.
Bodrida, Brynsiencyn, Ynys Môn, LL61 6NZ
Getting to
Grips with Grazing Grass
Up to 50% of the
grass grown in Wales is wasted! At this meeting you can find out why and what
you can do to utilise more of the grass you grow.
We will discuss “G4ce”, a Farming Connect project funded by the Red Meat
Development Programme involving 4 beef and sheep farmers who are measuring grass
and aiming to reduce waste and improve profitability.
You will have the opportunity to be involved in discussion with farmers who are
measuring grass and find out about their
experiences, what they have learned and what changes they have made to their
systems.
We will also spend some time out in the field looking at different tools for
measuring grass and at the pros and cons of different systems of grazing
management.
________________________________________________________________
Thursday 11th August, 1.30 p.m – 3.30 p.m. Clover for the Climate?
Where? – IBERS, Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth , Ceredigion SY23 3EB High in protein and able to ‘fix’ nitrogen, clover has much to offer farmers. IBERS research is continually developing new varieties of red and white clover and this day is a chance to find out more about how grass and clover will be better adapted to the future climate of the UK. Explore ways of incorporating clover into your existing swards and managing them to get the full benefits.
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Thursday, 11th August 2011 at 6.30pm (note the unusual starting time!)
Where: Maes Glas,
Crugybar, Llanwrda, SA19 8UG
Who: Lyn Richards and Heather McCalman, GDC, IBERS
Why: A discussion focusing on arable silage and tired RC leys
________________________________________________________________
12th August 2011. 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Abbey Farm Llangollen, HCC demonstration farm open day-
Red clover- a home-grown feed and fertiliser – could this be an option for YOUR farm?
With rising feed and fertiliser bills, Abbey farm is looking to red clover as an option in the cereal rotation. Red clover offers high protein, a good yield and the ability to ‘fix’ up 200kg/N/ha. At the open day we will be looking at the practical aspects of sowing, growing and feeding red clover from choosing the right seeds mix to grazing management. Join us to find out more about making the most of this ‘rocket fuel’ feed.________________________________________________________________
Monday 15th August 2011 at 1.30pm
Where: Cwmsefin, Trallong, LD3 8HP
Who: Ian Davies and Heather McCalman GDC, IBERS
Ian Davies of Cwmsefin, Trallong, LD3 8HP is inviting the Group to his farm on Monday afternoon, the 15th August, 2011. Heather McCalman GDC, IBERS will also be present to be part of the discussions.
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Precision farming-
Farming by the foot.
Date: Wednesday 24th of August
Time: 1.30 p.m – 3.30 p.m
The Knapp Farm, Walton, Prestigne, LD8 2RB
With ever increasing farm input costs, managing resources in an efficient manner is essential, and developments in the available technology in agriculture over the past 15 years, mean there is equipment available to easily improve how precise we work with expensive finite resources. But are they cost effective in a mixed farm context, and are there other ways to be more precise on farm, and improve fuel and fertiliser use?
________________________________________________________________
Middle Garth – HCC
demonstration farm open day- The event will highlight the Farming Connect
RMDP ‘’Getting to Grips with Grazing Grass (G4ce) , managing clover rich
leys and cereals in the rotation.
With Up to 50% of the grass grown in Wales wasted,- Andrew Owen is keen to
effectively measure and manage his grazed grassland to make the most from
his grazing area. The event will highlight the range of methods available to
measure grass and demonstrate Andrews preferred method during the G4ce
project. As an organic farmer, clover is a vital part of his system to build
soil fertility and provide high protein forage so there will be a chance to
look at his clover rich leys and the cereals grown in the rotation.
________________________________________________________________
31st August 2011- Silage +
Making the most of your winter fodder- how to plan ahead for the winter with the silages from summer 2011- and minimise the cost of bought in feeds.
HCC Bryncelynog discussion group- location TBC.
Wednesday 8th
June
11:00am -
3:00pm
Painscastle Village Hall, Painscastle, Powys,
LD2 3JL
Healthy soils
are fundamental to profitable production. Today’s workshop will look at simple
soil assessment and management methods to improve the productivity of your
system including the use of compost. We
will be looking at the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. The
morning session will cover each aspect in turn, demonstrating how to evaluate
and enhance your soil. In the afternoon we will find out more about nutrient
value of manures and why it is important to know. We will also look at soil
management projects that are going on in Wales and explain how you can benefit
from these. The day will be led by Sue Buckingham and Dan Downes of the
Grassland Development Centre, IBERS.
13th
and 14th June 2011-
Institute of Organic Training and Advice. Profitable Management of clover leys
Save costs and improve animal performance
with better clover management
Two workshops:
Monday 13 June, 10am – 4pm
(Back o'Th Brook
Farm, Waterfall ST10 3JA, Staffordshire, hosted by Clive Langford-Mycock)
Tuesday 14 June, 10am – 4pm
(Pound Farm, Holme
Lacy, Hereford, HR2 6LL, hosted by Daniel Seaborne)
Two one-day workshops for farmers
and growers in the West Midlands area (Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire
Warwickshire and Staffordshire). The workshops are for
conventional and organic farmers and are open to those with many years of
experience of clover as well as those new to the crop. The workshops will be run
by three of the UK’s leading specialists in clover management: Dr Heather
McCalman (IBERS), Francis Dunne (Field Options) and Mark Measures (adviser,
researcher and farmer) and will be held on farms growing clover leys, with an
opportunity to discuss the management, grazing and conserving of clover. Clover
can supply 200 kg Nitrogen per hectare, reduce or eliminate nitrogen fertilizer
use, improve stock performance from higher protein and palatability, provide fertility
for following crops and reduce green house gas emissions.
These two farm based workshops will draw on 30 years’ commercial experience and the latest research in legume management to help you get the most from clover. Workshops will:
Help you decide on the best grass and clover seed mixtures for your farm
Provide the latest on white clover, red clover, lucerne and trefoil
Provide information on establishment, nutrient requirements, conservation and grazing
Show how you can save costs and
reduce your carbon footprint
To book a place please visit
http://www.organicadvice.org.uk/Clover%20management%20in%20grassland%20-%20flyer%20and%20booking%20form_final.pdf
16th June 2011-
WINNING WAYS WITH GRASS!
Come to Fferm y Llyn, Llanbabo, Anglesey, LL66 0BW 1.00pm - 4.30pm to find out why Peredur and Llyr Hughes were the Welsh region winners of the National Grassland Management competition in 2010. The event will include; Grassland management and cereal cropping at the farm; Quality livestock including pedigree Limousin cattle Oat breeding at IBERS- the latest developments. Getting the right ley mixture; Light refreshments available OPEN TO ALL FAMILY MEMBERS AND FARM STAFF
For further information and to book a place contact HCC on 01970 625050 or
info@hccmpw.org.uk
29th
June 2011
HCC Demonstration Farmers Knowledge Exchange. G4ce Discussion, Dinas Island.
HCC demonstration farmers will hear about the G4ce Grazing Project and share knowledge and ideas on grazing management.
May
2011
4 May
Sizing up your
soils
With the rising
costs of feed, fuel and fertiliser managing your soils is key
to getting the best grass growth. We will look at managing the chemical,
physical and biological properties of soils to improve the productivity of your
system and cover
*
simple soil
assessment and management methods
*
the importance of
soil sampling and using the results
There will also
be a demonstration of the “Opico” sward lifter, a
grassland subsoiler that can help break up soil
compaction highlight. There will be an opportunity to discuss soil analyses
results from local farms to highlight how to act on them to improve production
and /or reduce costs. We are looking for volunteers to bring along soil slices
from their own farm for the “hands on” session, please contact Sue
Buckingham, seb2@aber.ac.uk
Grassland Development Centre on 07786397 672 for more details.
4th May
An Open Day at Tre Ifan, Brynsiencyn,
Anglesey by kind permission of Mr Richard Rogers to be
held from 11am till 2pm with lunch provided. An opportunity
to walk a recently acquired farm and discuss the issues that you would address
after buying new land with the intention of improving productivity. A
member of the Grassland Development Centre team, IBERS, Aberystwyth will
address the importance of getting soil health and structure right in order to
build the right conditions for productive grassland. OPICO will also be in
attendance with an opportunity to see and discuss the use of a sward lifter
demonstrated. Contact HCC for more details on 01970 625050
5 May
High Sugar
Grasses: Production and Environmental Benefits, Walton Presteigne
for more details please contact please contact Sue Buckingham, seb2@aber.ac.uk Grassland Development Centre
on 07786397 672 for more details
9th May-
Grazing:
Maximising its strengths, recognising the weaknesses- an evening walk at the
host farm with the Blaencwmpridd discussion group”
contact HCC for more details on 01970 625050
10th May
Getting to
Grips with Grazing Grass, “G4ce“ Nantyderri Farm” , Llantilio Crossenny.
Up to 50% of
the grass grown in Wales is wasted! Are you making the most of your
grass? At this meeting come and find out
why and what we can do to utilise more of the grass
we grow. We will spend some time out in the field looking at different
tools for measuring grass and sizing up the pros
and cons of different systems of grazing management. We will also discuss the
G4ce, a RMDP project funded by Farming Connect that includes two beef and
sheep farmers who are working with the Grassland Development Centre to improve meat production from grazed grass. During
the evening there will be a chance to look at a demonstration of
grass growth in a field, half of which is treated with treated with
a soil amendment provided by Mole Valley Famers and half with conventional
fertiliser. For more details please contact HCC on 01970 625050
11th May
An event held
at Glynllifon College at 1.30
until 3.30-4pm. IBERS Grassland Development Centre / Aberystwyth University will
have 2 stands covering their supply chain efficiency projects- 1. Sheep, grass
breeding and genetics: the SLP project and 2. PROSOIL – ‘promoting health
soils in Wales’ with a digging demo of what to look for in a healthy soil. Also
present: Shearwell with EID, Bangor University (the
climate change centre) and Menai Tractors (call the
grassland development centre for further details)
18th May-
NSA Welsh Sheep
event- come and see the Grassland Development Centre at the Welsh Sheep Event
at Penygoes near Machynlleth
(see
www.welshsheep.org.uk for
further details)
18 /19th May
Grass and Muck
Event Stoneleigh- members of the GDC team will be present at the Grassland and
Muck event on the IBERS stand- call in to see the latest developments and
projects at IBERS.
20th May
Organic Centre
Wales, Organic Farm Walk Raglan- for more
details please contact Phil Jones Organic Centre Wales 01970 622248;
pij@aber.ac.uk
20th May-
Making the most
of Nutrients- an on farm open day held at Bryntail
Farm, Pontypridd, as part of the HCC discussion group program. For more details
please contact HCC on 01970 625050
24th May-
“Should I stay
or should I go- Organic farming- the way forwards” Part of the HCC discussion
group program, Heather McCalman of the Grassland Development Centre, IBERS,
will be present to discuss the options available to organic farms when planning
for their future business plans. For more details please contact HCC on 01970
625050
25th
May
Penllan, Brilley meeting – Arable,
Horticulture and Livestock Please contact Phil Jones, Organic Centre Wales
01970 622248;
pij@aber.ac.uk
April 2011
7th
April:
Driving Farm Efficiency: Tractor Technology to Trace Elements! Sue
Buckingham
Nant y Derri
Farm, Llantilio Crossenny, Abergavenny, NP7 8TN 11am
How can you improve productivity
and /or cut costs to help maintain farm profitability?
At Nant y Derri
we will be looking at :-
·
How precision technology based on global positioning systems (GPS) in the
tractor cab can help you cut costs when spreading fertiliser and manures with
Patchwork Technology, Llancayo
·
Making the most of manures - What is the nutrient value of slurry, farm
yard manure, and broiler, layer litter and sewage sludge and at what price is
it worth buying? with Sue Buckingham (GDC) and Aled Evans (Environment Agency)
·
Are your animals deficient in micronutirents?
How can we tell? How do we supply them if they are? What minerals and trace
elements do livestock need to maintain productivity ? with Delana Davies, Animal
Nutritionist
February
2011
3rd
February:
Grass the cheapest feed??!, Sue
Buckingham
Llyny Brain Farming Connect discussion group, Cefn Coch Inn, 7:30pm
8th
February:
Sizing up your silage,
Heather McCalman
Ysbyty Ifan Farming Connect
discussion group, Neuadd Goffa,
7:30pm
10th
February:
Sizing up your silage,
Huw Powell
Famau Farming Connect Discussion Group, Ruthin
10th
February:
Sizing up your silage,
Heather McCalman
Pantetheniog Farming Connect Discussion Group, The
Goat, Bryncir, 7:30pm
Thursday
24 February:
Interpreting standard soil
analyses and making your soil smile!
Hybu Cig Cymru Nantyderri
Discussion Group, Hog's Head Inn, Llantilio Crossenny, Abergavenny, 7.30pm
With the rising costs of feed, fuel and fertiliser managing
your soils is key to getting the best crop and grass growth. We will be looking
at soil analyses from local farms and highlighting how to act on them to
improve production and /or reduce costs.
Also at this event by invitation of the Grassland Development Centre will be a
guest speaker, Elizabeth Stockdale of Newcastle University. Liz will lead a
lively interactive discussion on how to improve soil health and soil life to
make your "soil smile"
We are looking for volunteers to bring along samples for the hands-on session
please contact Sue Buckingham,
seb2@aber.ac.uk
Grassland Development Centre on 07786397 672 for more details
Please confirm your attendance either by; Email
info@hccmpw.org.uk, Text "your
name" and "Nant y Deri" to
07970907229, or call the office on 01970 625050
January
2011
GDC have a
series of dates of meetings on high sugar grasses for Farming Connect Wales
Climate Centre
GDC will
talk about the different high sugar varieties available and explain how to
manage them as well as the benefits to profitability and the potential
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. It will be an excellent opportunity to
find out more about how to take advantage of the benefits of high sugar grasses
whatever your farming system
-
Llangedryn
5/1/2011
-
St Asaph
12/01/2011
-
Portmadog
12/01/2011
-
Llangefni
13/1/2011
-
Bodrida
18/01/2011
-
Gower
18/01/2011
-
Nefyn
19/01/2011
-
Mold
20/01/2011
-
Montgomery
20/01/2011
June
- September 2010
Glastir Training Dates (Cymraeg
18th
March 2010
Hendy Discussion group – managing soil
nutrients and fertiliser Huw Powell GDC
11th
March 2010
Llanearcheron Discussion group – planning reseeding Heather
McCalman GDC
9th
March 2010
Llanegryn discussion group meeting –Reseeding organic land-
heather McCalman GDC
26th
January 2010, 10:30am
Wales Climate Centre / Canolfan Hinsawdd Cymru
Nutritional intervention
to reduce methane emissions from livestock
Focus on: Bull beef production
Development farm event at IBERS Gogerddan, Aberystwyth University
GDC Staff will be in attendance
Enquires: Ben Williams, Wales Climate Centre, 01970 621612
Further Information
Programme
HCC/FC
discussion group meetings coming up in January & February:
January
February
For
dates and times please call Huw Powell at the Grassland Development Centre on
01970 823028
5th
November 2009
HCC Open Day, Nant yr Deri
Contact: HCC or Huw Powell, GDC, 01970
823028
14th October 2009
Forage Crops Open Day, Henfaes
Organised by CALU
Led by Heather McCalman
13th October 2009
Environment Agency Training Day, near Usk
Led by Chris Duller