AN ORGANIC dairy farm in Trefnant will welcome farmers to discus the future of sustainable agriculture.

Farmers heading to the Ty Newydd Organic Dairy Farm, Trefnant on Thursday, May 9 will be invited to put forward their thoughts in a specialised seminar on how soil and biodiversity should fit into future schemes.

Leading the talks are four experts from The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Wales (GWCT), a scientific-research based organisation, including Dr Alastair Leake, GWCT director of policy, Dr Dave Parish, head of GWCT Scotland’s farm research team, Dr Rufus Sage, GWCT head of lowland game bird research, and Sue Evans, GWCT director of Wales.

Ms Evans said: “It’s really important that farmers put their thoughts forward with regards to what future schemes need to include if we are going to successfully deliver improved biodiversity and soil health.

"Dairy farmers in the past have rarely engaged with environmental schemes so future schemes need to present opportunities for every farmer to deliver public goods.

"From the science-based research carried out by GWCT on our own demonstration farms, we are well-placed to help design future schemes.”

Ant Griffith and Rhodri Ellis will speak about their 500 cow dairy system, which they are intending to expand with a further 300 cows while considering opportunities and concerns for future farming.

They will then lead a farm walk to look at areas on their site where there may be opportunities to deliver public goods in the future.

The conference runs from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Tickets are £15, including lunch, refreshments, The Soils & Water Balance book and a farm walk. To book, click here.