20/5/08

Find out about organic arable rotations

Farmers who are interested in growing arable crops on their farms will be able to get some useful advice at a demonstration event organized by Organic Centre Wales and Farming Connect in Anglesey on Monday 2 June.

‘Farmers should come and see how easy it can be to introduce a simple arable rotation which will benefit both the environment and livestock,’ said Phil Jones, Helpline Officer with Organic Centre Wales.

The event, to be held at Pen Yr Orsedd farm, Holyhead, on 2 June from 1.30 pm will focus on crop rotation. Farmer Ernie Gibbons will explain how he grows cereals and fertility-building legumes in a rotation which produces all the forage and grain needed to feed a herd of 95 pedigree Limousin cows and offspring. Many of the animals are taken through to finishing weight and meet the exacting conformation requirements of Shrewsbury abattoir and processor ABP.

Farmers who attend will be able to see how the crop rotation is managed, using legumes to build up fertility that allows cereals to be grown without artificial fertilizer. The arable crops are undersown with clover and grass which helps to bind the soil, preventing erosion, as well as controlling weeds and building up soil organic matter. The rotation also provides regular clean grazing which helps with internal parasite control, so that routine drenching is no longer required.

The event starts at 1.30pm and anyone interested in attending should contact Philip Jones of Organic Centre Wales on 01970 622248.

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Further information:

Philip Jones, Organic Centre Wales, Aberystwyth University, Tel. 01970 622248.

Notes for editors

1. Organic Centre Wales is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government to provide information on organic food and farming to producers, food businesses, consumers and others. It is based at Aberystwyth University and run by a partnership consisting of the ADAS, the Organic Research Centre Elm Farm, and the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University.

2. Farming Connect is an advisory service for farming families, supported by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and delivered by the Welsh Assembly Government in partnership with various organizations including OCW.

3. The Organic Conversion Information Service (01970 622100) is funded by WAG to provide information to producers considering conversion – an information pack and up to two free on-farm visits are available.

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