Glastir Small Grants contracts are now being issued to those farmers who have been selected as part of the carbon theme, following their expression of interest in the window which closed on 5 August 2016. Contracts need to be accepted within 21 days of issue and are available on your RPW online account. Please note that geotagged photos must be taken before and after capital works and submitted with your Glastir Small Grants claim. Further photo  guidance is available on the Welsh Government’s website, or contact us here at CARA.

Capital Works claims for Glastir Small Grants – carbon theme should be submitted via RPW online by 31 March 2017. Before and after geotagged photos must be uploaded with your claim.

The Euro exchange rate has been set for calculating 2016 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments.

BPS payments for Wales are set in Euros and then converted into sterling and the rate, an average of the European Central Bank exchange rates set in September, will be:-

€1 = £0.85228

In 2015, the exchange rate for BPS was €1 = £0.73129

The third Glastir Organic window opened on 17 October 2016 and will close at midnight on 4 November 2016. Contracts will commence on 1 January 2017. The application is available and must be submitted through the Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online Service and guidance can also be found on the Welsh Government’s website. If you need additional help, please contact us at CARA.

We can assist in National Reserve applications for the new Basic Payment Scheme. Please phone with queries. (more…)

77pence to the Euro exchange rate on 30th September will be used to calculate SFP to be received in December. This is less than last year?

Most farmers will have to complete a Field Maintenance form detailing where hedges are adjacent to arable land. This involves marking the hedges on a map, and listing the fields on the form. This must be done by 31st October.

Points to note:
1. Hedge must be at least 20metres long
2. Hedge must be in effect stock proof
3. Hedge must be adjacent to arable field – no track, ditch between field and hedge!
4. Arable fields include temporary grass.

If you require us to assist in this process please phone the office

Many thanks to all those who called with us at the Pembrokeshire show. The winner of the prize hamper was Teifi Jenkins – congratulations. We hope you all enjoyed some hospitality and look forward to catching up over the next few weeks and months.

Average first cut yields are down on normal by around 2-3 tonnes per acre. Second cuts may make up some of the shortfall but is unlikely to cover it all. It is essential to budget forward your winter forage requirements, allowing for some spring buffer. Think about alternatives as soon as possible, remember you won’t be the only one who may be short of forage. Bale up any excess grass on the grazing platform, think about buying standing crops of whole crop, or grass, consider putting young stock on straw, price up bulk feeds.

Try and be ahead of the game – it will save you money and stress later on.

Some mowers are out dropping grass for second cut. A grass test will be useful to check that the nitrate levels are low enough. If in doubt go for an acid additive to guarantee fermentation. Yields are looking good, so maybe this winter could be better than last.

We are currently looking to employ a full time business recorder. The role involves visiting farms to collect data and produce management accounts. We use the Farm plan software, and provide full training as necessary.
If you are interested please send a CV and covering letter to

office@carawales.co.UK