PONT Cymru have been working closely with the Pasture Fed Livestock Association to launch a new Pasture Fed Livestock Association Group in the Black Mountains.

The aim of the PFLA’s project is for groups of farmers to explore pasture-fed farming methods as a means to improving farm profitability. It was launched in response to the actions of some upland farmers who found they could improve business performance by managing land and livestock without grain-based inputs.

Over the course of the next two years the Welsh group will have the chance to hear from speakers, visit pasture-fed farms, conduct trials and learn together about future possibilities.

Emma Douglas from PONT will be coordinating this group.

“I’m really pleased to be heading up this important group,” says Emma.  “Through PONT I’ve worked in this area for some time and understand the complexities of farming in a difficult area, where there are added challenges caused by livestock worrying by dogs, and even fires on the moorland.  I’m also looking forward to learning more about pasture-fed farming via this project and developing my own skills as a group facilitator.”

Russ Carrington, general manager for the Pasture Fed Livestock Association, said

“PONT is a really good fit for co-delivering this project in Wales. This area brings its own set of issues but being locally-led the group is well equipped to explore possibilities and overcome barriers.

“We are also going to be working with farmers in the group to look at farm economics and the financial impacts of changing systems of management. We can then use those learnings in other Severely Disadvantaged Areas of the UK.”

The Princes Countryside Fund have provided funding for the wider national project so far and several other local organisations have provided resources and support in-kind. The PFLA is hopeful of securing further funding in due course as the local groups become further established.

If you are interested in finding out more of this group, get in contact with PONT Cymru.