An event to be held at Plas Uchaf Farm, Llanarthne, Carmarthen SA32 8HS on Wednesday 13 July will be an opportunity to find out more about rejuvenating grass leys without ploughing. The event is being organized by Organic Centre Wales as part of the Farming Connect Organic Development Programme, and is suitable for all farmers.
Phil Jones of OCW, the event organiser said, “With the rising cost of fuel, farmers are keen to discover more economic ways of sowing new grass seeds. Ian Jones of Plas Uchaf has been experimenting with two different reseeding techniques, direct drilling and scratch sowing, both of which will be demonstrated on the day.”
“When a relatively weed free grass ley becomes less productive, it seems to be an unnecessary cost to plough it up simply to return it to another grass ley.”
Sue Buckingham of the Grassland Development Centre, IBERS, will lead the event with discussions on the merits of zero-till reseeding and how to reduce the risks of the new seeds failing.
Plas Uchaf Farm has been producing organic milk since 2002 from the 120 late spring cows which graze the 110 ha farm. Much of the farm has heavy soils which have been prone to waterlogging following the wet summers of recent years.
The event starts at 1.30pm with a brief introduction on the yard before moving to the field to see the various reseeding techniques used. There will be light refreshments at the close of the event. It is free, but you should register with Phil Jones on 01970 622248 to ensure a place and check the arrangements.
