Farming and Science Working Together

’Although science has had a bad name at times within the farming industry I think we need science more than ever before within agriculture to face future challenges such as climate change, global population increases and animal diseases,’ Prysor Williams, a lecturer in Environmental Management at Bangor University, told NFU Cymru members in Glamorgan during their recent annual County Conference.

During his address Dr Prysor Williams thanked NFU Cymru members for their help in various studies students at Bangor University have done relating to farming, he emphasised that what we have to ensure is that science is targeted at the right areas and that the results can be easily applied on farm. He said, ’We are very grateful to the Union for letting us conduct research on their stand during agricultural shows and of course to those farmers who took part in the studies.’

Prysor explained to the crowd gathered at the Grove Golf Club, South Cornelly, about the CEFN Conwy project him and his team had recently completed in conjunction with farmers. The project’s aim was to improve Catchment Environmental Quality through better soil and Nutrient management in the livestock Farming Landscape. Prysor proved that the project was a good example of how science can help farmers increase their yields whilst reducing their costs.

The bio-reduction of fallen stock is another on-going project of Prysor’s team at Bangor University and he explained to Glamorgan farmers that he will shortly be submitting evidence to the EFSA Committee in Brussels on the technology trials they’ve been carrying out which will hopefully get approved.

Currently it is illegal for Welsh farmers to use the bio-reduction system being trialled at Bangor University due to the Animal by-products regulation of 2003, but it is hoped that EU approval will be given so that farmers can have a potentially cost effective and practical option to dispose of their fallen animals.

The new Glamorgan County Chairman, Andrew Edwards, thanked Prysor Williams for his enlightening address and expressed his appreciation to the scientist for explaining the intricate projects being done on behalf of the industry in a way that farmers understood. The Chairman also thanked HSBC Bank Plc for sponsoring the event.