Farm picked as new role model (From Western Telegraph)

Farm picked as new role model

4:30pm Thursday 5th February 2009 in

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A Pembrokeshire dairy farm is to become an organic role model after being chosen as one of only six new demonstration farms in the UK.

Bill Ridge’s 300-hectare farm in Bethesda, Narberth, has been specially selected to be part of a demonstration farm programme launched by the Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative (OMSCo).

Bill said: “Being chosen for this programme is a massive pat on the back for what we are achieving on the farm.

“We are passionate about running a profitable business based on the best level of organic farming practice. This programme gives us access to regular monitoring and allows us to share what we learn with fellow farmers.

“I’m particularly interested in being involved in the research projects that will ascertain the real benefits of new developments in organic dairy farming.”

As part of the programme, anything that impacts on profitability, sustainability and animal welfare has been closely monitored at Bill’s farm for six months. The impact of farm management changes will continue to be monitored and evaluated and the data will be shared with OMSCo’s members on its website and in regular newsletters.

Peter Savidge, OMSCo technical manager, said: “The demonstration farms programme is a key way in which we can offer our members technical and farm management support.

“The selected farms cover a wide geographic area and a range of different sizes and systems, ensuring that the programme is relevant to all. We hope that through this initiative we will help our farmers to improve the efficiency and profitability of their businesses.”

It is hoped the demonstration farms programme will help farmers improve the profitability and quality of their businesses through sharing knowledge and best practice. As well as hosting events such as farm walks and discussion groups, the farms will also be used as centres of research and development.