Environment Agency Award for Welsh farmer

A livestock farmer who has reduced inorganic fertiliser inputs by improving his slurry management has been rewarded by the Environment Agency.

Gwyndaf Jones, who also created a water-harvesting facility to supply livestock troughs on his farm near Pwllheli, was presented with the Simple Solutions Farming Award at the Royal Welsh Show.

The award was created to give recognition to farmers who make small changes to improve profits and benefit the environment.

Chris Mills, director of Environment Agency Wales, hoped other farmers would follow Mr Jones’ lead. “Mr Jones is an example to all farmers of just how easy it is to establish new working practices which can save you money and deliver environmental benefits. He is actively helping to protect his local environment and delivering enhanced habitats for wildlife and cleaner rivers.”

The runners up, Teifion and Joanna Rees, Gilfach Farm, Llangadog, have been improving farm soil quality, resulting in high-quality silage production. They have achieved this by composting farm manure and spreading it on the land, as well as planting white clover.

For more from the Royal Welsh Show 2011, see our dedicated web page.