Connecting with farmers

In a unique opportunity to discover more about resilience in farming and environmental sustainability, a group of Welsh farmers recently embarked on an insightful exchange to Wexford and Cork, Ireland. Facilitated by Innersense founder and Agrisgop leader Lilwen Joynson in partnership with Farming Connect and Natural Resources Wales’s Four Rivers for LIFE project, the trip gave participants a hands-on look at sustainable farming in action.

Building Resilient Farms Through Sustainable Practices

The focus of the visit was to explore biological farming systems across dairy, beef, and sheep farms, connecting with farmers who have successfully transitioned to a regenerative model or on that journey. The Welsh contingent was able to get out into the rolling green fields and see first hand how Irish farms have embraced regenerative techniques to enhance soil health and biodiversity, improve water quality and increase habitat and have cows out at grass longer to improve profitability.
The exchange highlighted the tangible benefits of adopting more sustainable practices and gave Welsh farmers a taste of how innovative approaches can lead to improved productivity and environmental outcomes. Every farm visit reinforced the financial and ecological advantages of reducing artificial inputs and the critical importance of working in harmony with natural systems.

Chris Thomas, Senior Land Management Officer for Rivers for LIFE at Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales says:

“I can honestly say it was inspirational and hugely thought provoking. It showed that
cutting back or even cutting out fertilisers and pesticides and getting in tune with your
own land can result in improved animal performance, improved crop performance
and ultimately a better bottom line. The solution to farm problems is rarely found in a
bag, or 5lt canister, the solutions are found in the soil…I can honestly say, when you
talk to dairy farmers who have been farming conventionally for years, but have now
gone full regenerative, it moves the dial in your own mind. These guys and gals have
done it. It works.”

The Power of Peer Learning in Agriculture: Transforming Farming Practices

A key takeaway from the visit was the power of peer-to-peer learning, as emphasised by Einir Davies, Head of Skills at Farming Connect:

“This was a valuable experience for the group, as we know that farmer-to-farmer
knowledge exchange is an effective way of sharing practical knowledge and
overcoming challenges.”

Lilwen Joynson, Innersense Consultant and leader for Farming Connect’s Agrisgôp action learning programme for Welsh farmers and growers, echoed the sentiment.

“I’ve met these Irish farmers in the past and saw how passionate they were about the
benefits of sustainable farming. Learning from each other and developing skills t
really enhance farming practices will support a healthy natural environment.”

Strengthening Welsh-Irish Farming Ties for a Sustainable Future

Inspired by this experience, a return visit in September is on the cards, giving Irish farmers the opportunity to see how their Welsh counterparts are implementing their own sustainable farming practices. With an overwhelmingly positive response to the initiative, the team plan to create an ongoing exchange programme, fostering continuous learning, innovation, and connection in regenerative agriculture. The visit reinforced a powerful message: sustainable solutions are not found in chemical inputs but in the soil and the generations of knowledge farmers share. By working together, Welsh and Irish farmers are paving the way for a more resilient and thriving agricultural future.

Get Involved: Join the Regenerative Farming Movement Today

Are you a Welsh or Irish farmer looking to adopt regenerative agriculture, connect with like-minded peers and gain hands-on experience? Contact us to find out more about our knowledge exchange programme, farmer-led initiatives, workshops and more. We are building a team to create an annual Welsh / Irish event to speed up the on the ground transition to a sustainable practice for a more holistic approach to
farming.