Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and
Rural Affairs, has visited an award-winning Anglesey farm to
see how sustainable farming practices are creating a blueprint
for climate-friendly food production in Wales.
The Deputy First Minister, toured Castellior farm recently to
learn how farmer Dylan Jones is successfully combining profitable
beef production with environmental stewardship.
Castellior farm, spanning 332 hectares and run by Dylan and his
father Wyn, has recently received prestigious recognition at the
British Grassland Society Awards Evening 2024 and was named Beef
Farmer of the Year at the Farmers Weekly Awards 2024.
During his visit, Deputy First Minister said: "The sustainable production of food
remains at the core of the Sustainable Farming Scheme.
"But significant changes to our climate and weather will continue
to develop over the next few decades, and it is essential that we
take steps now to build resilience and adapt to the potential
impacts of climate change.
"Dylan is an exemplar in showing how farms can modify pasture
management to address the impacts of climate change while staying
profitable - good for business and good for our
environment."
Dylan's commitment to innovation is further demonstrated through
his successful application to Farming Connect's Try-Out Fund,
which supports farmers to test new approaches to improve
sustainability.
His project, titled 'Evaluation of Phosphate sources with
homegrown cereals in relation to farm nutrient balance and
environmental footprint', aims to find more sustainable ways to
manage essential nutrients on the farm.
The Try-Out Fund enables Welsh farmers to experiment with
innovative techniques that might otherwise be too risky to
implement without support, driving continuous improvement across
the agricultural sector.
Dylan is also an active member of Farming Connect's Farmer
Steering Group, sharing his expertise to help shape the content
and focus of Farming Connect.
Dylan Jones said: “I was pleased to welcome the Deputy First
Minister to the farm to showcase the progress and developments
we've made over the past ten years. Our collaboration with
Farming Connect at various stages throughout this period has
provided valuable guidance and helped give us the confidence to
move forward.
“During the visit, we had an open and constructive discussion
about the ongoing challenges facing the agricultural sector. I
was grateful for the Deputy First Minister's respectful approach
and willingness to listen to my concerns, particularly around
food security and the long term future of agriculture in Wales.”
Eirwen , Director of Service Delivery for
Farming Connect at Mentera, said: "This visit was a great
opportunity for the Deputy First Minister to see the impact this
important programme has on the agricultural industry. As the
agricultural industry transitions to the new Sustainable Farming
Scheme the support offered by Farming Connect will be vital. It's
been a pleasure working with Dylan on some of the innovative
projects he's been doing in Castellior."
Results from Dylan's pioneering work will be shared at a Farming
Connect Our Farms Farm Walk in September, allowing other Welsh
farmers to learn from Castellior's sustainable approach.
The farm demonstrates how focusing on soil health, efficient
resource use, and data-driven decision making can create a
farming system that's both environmentally responsible and
economically viable for Wales' agricultural future.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Notes to Editors:
- Mentera, alongside Lantra is responsible for delivering
Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government
