A FARM that has been in the same family for three generations is looking to the future with renewable energy.

Llyr Evans and his father Robert farm the 380 acres near Newcastle Emlyn, which Robert’s parents previously farmed, and have recently invested in a wind turbine on their land.

“There was an open day at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells about renewable energy and it made us think about it,” said Llyr.

“We decided to go for a wind turbine because of our location and I hope it will prove to be a good investment. I think renewable energy is the way forward – hopefully it is a way to make some money while cutting costs. It should pay for itself.”

Robert and Llyr, who farm cattle and sheep, have installed an Endurance 50kw wind turbine which will provide electricity for the sheds on the farm. Any electricity the turbine generates which they do not use will be sold on to the National Grid.

They worked with NatWest relationship manager Graham Harvey, who specialises in agriculture, to secure borrowing under the Government’s Funding For Lending scheme to help install the turbine.

Llyr said: “I told Mr Harvey I was thinking about getting a wind turbine and he told me to get the figures together, and he did his own research too. He made us think carefully about it. He was very helpful.”

Graham said: “Robert and Llyr are good farmers and both possess sharp business minds and great vision and this joint experience puts them in the perfect position to know what they need to do to get the best out of their business.”