Sheep Shed Full at Newton Farm, Scethrog

Over 80 people attended a day on Sheep Lice and Scab Control on 13^th May at Newton farm, Scethrog, near Brecon. The day was organised by Lantra in partnership with FWAG Cymru on behalf of the Environment Agency who funded the event. It was staged by kind permission of the Roderick family, who put much time and effort into preparations for the day as well as being very involved in the day itself - Mrs Roderick organised the catering with proceeds being donated to Ty Hafan.

The sheep handling facilities at Newton Farm lent themselves well to the demonstrations with visitors enjoying a bird's eye view of the demonstrations from a high level platform. Presentations included details of scab and lice control as well as cross compliance issues with speakers from the Environment Agency, Hybu Cig Cymru, Norvatis, Pfizer and Forte Dodge with Mr Roderick explaining his farming system. The lambs at the farm looked particularly well on the day. The sheep are housed from December, shorn before Christmas with lambing in March. Lambs are sold to Waitrose via Livestock Marketing.

A series of informative and often entertaining demonstrations were held and included the effective use of pour -ons, mobile dip use, ATV driving, safe handling of pesticides and other hazardous substances and manual handling.

Two more similar events are planned. The first is at Rhiwgarn Farm, Rhiwgarn, Tonyrefail, Rhondda Cynon Taff, CF39 8AX on Tuesday, 2^nd June. It is hosted by kind permission of Messrs Davies & Millichap, starting at 10 o'clock in the morning, until 1 o'clock.

The second is at Dolswydd Farm, Penybont, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 5UB, hosted by kind permission of Mr J E Hughes & Son. It starts at 1 o'clock and is expected to finish about half past four.