FCTV – the new half-hour farming programme that you won’t want to miss!

Efficiency, best practice, compliance and saving time and money are the driving forces behind Farming Connect’s latest venture, a dedicated half-hour, monthly tv programme for farmers and foresters in Wales.

Tune into YouTube from Monday, July 26 onwards, search for ‘FCTV’ and find out how some of the most progressive Welsh farmers, including those from the Farming Connect demonstration sites, are preparing for the future – a future where farming efficiently, sustainably and profitably are the key drivers for change.  

The new programme will feature a mix of dairy, beef and sheep farmers from all parts of Wales as they share their knowledge and experiences and take you on a tour of their businesses, in particular those areas where they are making the greatest improvements or utilising some of the newest innovation and technologies. Some of the featured farmers have also set up diversified enterprises, so this is a great opportunity to learn at first-hand how these new ventures can contribute to the overall profitability of the main farm business and why turning an idea or interest into a success story can provide a valuable steam of income.

Each new episode will be uploaded on the last Monday of every month. You can view any of them at a time to suit yourself and as often as you like. Each one will focus on a particular theme, with infrastructure scheduled for July, innovation for August and diversification in September.  Keep an eye on the Farming Connect website and social media channels to find out what’s in store for the autumn and winter months.

Eirwen Williams, director of rural programmes with Menter a Busnes, which delivers Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government, emphasised that each episode will also include a broad range of general topics, ranging from animal health and performance to soil and grassland management, certain to resonate with all farmers regardless of sector.

“This is a unique opportunity to learn from some of our industry’s key rural experts, who will offer advice and commentary on what you’ll see on-screen, giving you their personal insight into farming systems that are modernising and professionalising the industry, while also ensuring they meet those all-important rules and regulations, not just today, but long term too.

“FCTV will bring you up to speed with what you need to know at this challenging time, when so much is changing, and you’ll find plenty of inspiration, new technologies and new ideas you will be able to adapt or utilise to suit your own business goals.

“Some of our most progressive farmers are finding cost-effective ways to operate sustainable systems, to work towards carbon neutral businesses and to safeguard the future of not only family farms but the environment and our natural resources too,” said Mrs. Williams.

Provided you have got access to the YouTube app, which is available on most ‘smart’ devices including ‘smart’ televisions or via a Firestick, mobile phones, tablets and computers from Monday, July 26, the first in this new series of half-hour monthly programmes will give you insider knowledge on what some of Wales’ most progressive and innovative farmers are up to.

Farming Connect is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra Wales and funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.