Overview
With at least two of his daughters keen to come home to farm in the near future, Edward made the decision in 2023 to disperse the suckler herd at Hafod y Foel and alternatively grow calves for Warrendale Wagyus.
Edward wants to make sure that there is a future for his daughters on the farm and is currently putting the infrastructure in place to make the most of pasture with minimal input costs. Through the Welsh Government Small Grant Efficiency, a borehole has recently been installed to pipe the water to a header tank at the highest point of the farm. The next step is to decide on the layout of the grazing platform.
Having been a member of a Farming Connect Discussion Group in the past, Edward believes that cell grazing is the best way forward for him and understands that planning is key to ensure the platform is designed in the most efficient and user-friendly way and to ensure that water is available in each cell.
For phase 1 of this project the farmer will work with an expert adviser to decide on:
- size and location of paddocks
- infrastructure (cell structure and water)
- grazing plan
After the infrastructure and grazing plan is completed, phase 2 of the project will aim to demonstrate how technology can be used to help farmers make informed decisions and plan grazing and inputs accordingly, whilst ensuring a simple system for multiple users.
The project will also contribute to the Sustainable Land Management outcomes including:
- High animal health and welfare
- Maximise carbon storage
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Clean water
- Resource efficient
