About R & L Anthony

Background

In 1997 Richard and Lynwen rented 45ha of grassland in Tythegston, following the sale of a dairy herd. They established a small sheep flock and carried out some contract work including square baling and wrapping. Gradually the area farmed was increased, reaching 650ha in 2001, when the tenancy of Llampha Farm and contract to farm arable land at Tythegston were secured. Grass was introduced into the arable rotations at Llampha to help improve soil organic matter and both soil indices and yields have gradually improved. Minimum tillage techniques have been adopted.

The Farm

The area farmed at present is approx 850ha, soils are sand through to heavy clay. Annual rainfall is 1100 to 1250mm.

Cropping

Sheep

600 breeding ewes, mainly Lleyn x, with some Texel. The ewes are tupped with Charollais, Texel and Lleyn Rams and lamb mid-February to mid-March

Conservation and the Environment

The farm is in the Tir Gofal scheme. An interesting option on 40ha is production of habitat suitable for breeding Lapwings. Fields are cultivated in spring to provide bare land and mustard is drilled half rate to provide cover for chicks. Some hedges have been coppiced to remove perching sites for predatory birds. This has proved successful, with many chicks being reared.

Grass and fallow margins with stream side corridors and pond maintenance provide enhanced habitat for a wide range of wildlife species.

Awards

• The prestigious RSPB Lapwing Award for Wales was won in 2005.
• Also the Glamorgan Farmers Club Merit Trophy for the best arable farm over 500 Acres has been won for three consecutive years from 2005. to 2007.

R. & L. Anthony Agricultural Services

We undertake a full-range of contracting operations including:

• Ploughing
• Full cultivations including min-till
• Mowing and conditioning
• Big Square Baling:
  - Grass Silage
  - Haylage
  - Hay
  - Whole Crop
  - Straw
• Rolling and chain Harrowing
• Muck Spreading

We can also undertake some operations with an ATV in conditions where a tractor is unsuitable.
Contact us for details