Sign in Subscribe
Agriculture

Farming for the Future: A Family's Commitment to Conservation and Sustainability

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Huw and Claire Morgan, alongside Huw's parents, have been running Pwllyrhwyaid Farm in Powys for decades. The family's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability has been evident through various schemes they have participated in over the years. From strategic tree planting to Glastir and Habitat Wales Schemes, the Morgans have demonstrated a dedication to preserving the natural environment while also generating an income from their farm. However, with the introduction of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), Huw expresses concerns about the added bureaucracy and potential financial constraints, which may impact the family's ability to continue their conservation efforts.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pwllyrhwyaid Farm has been the family's home for 49 years, with Huw's parents, Glasnant and Linda, establishing beef and sheep enterprises and embracing environmental schemes since the early days.
  • The farm has participated in various schemes, including Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Tir Gofal, Glastir, Habitat Wales Scheme, and the Small Grants scheme.
  • The Morgans have invested in farming diversification, including apple juice production, a 46kW hydro scheme, and plans to plant conifers for timber.
  • Huw and Claire's children, Lucy (21) and Ellis (18), are involved in the farm's future, with Ellis training to be a tractor mechanic and Lucy assisting in the apple juice business.
  • The family's commitment to conservation and sustainability is evident in their ongoing efforts to preserve the natural environment, despite challenges posed by the SFS.
  • Huw expresses concerns about the financial viability and added bureaucracy of the SFS, which may impact the family's ability to continue their conservation efforts.

Statistics:

  • The Morgans' 27-cow suckler herd is much smaller than the 70-plus cows found before a major bovine TB breakdown in 2006.
  • Pwllyrhwyaid Farm produces lamb from a flock of 700 Texel-cross Welsh and Suffolk-cross Welsh ewes and 200 replacement ewe lambs.
  • The farm also has a flock of Welsh ewes for breeding replacements.
  • 30 cows were culled during the bovine TB breakdown in 2006.
  • 46kW hydro scheme was installed in 2015, generating an important income stream for the family.
  • The Morgans plan to plant conifers to grow timber as a retirement income.

Sources:

  • "This article does not cite any references."

Read more