The emergency authorisation to use asulam to control bracken was approved on 10th June by the relevant bodies for the 2021 season.

Bracken (Pteridium aquilinium) is a perennial plant that has an impressive invasive ability to spread through rhizomes under the ground, such that increases in land cover of around 3% per annum are not uncommon. Estimates of bracken ground cover vary between 900km2 (4.3%) and 1200km2 (5.3%) of Wales’ land mass.

Those planning to apply asulam products for bracken control this year must study the approval documents carefully.

Key points:

• Aerial application is approved subject to a 90m wide no-spray buffer zone against surface water bodies.
• Ground-based application is authorised but restricted to conservation areas only, and the use in these areas must be under the direction of the relevant conservation body. See the full details in the Authorisation document.
• Livestock must be removed from areas to be treated and must not be allowed to return until at least 1 month after treatment.

Key dates:

The Farmers Guardian #Farm24 campaign, sponsored by Morrisons, has returned for 2021 to provide an opportunity for farmers and the public to celebrate British farming and highlight how farming serves the nation.

In 2020, #Farm24 reached more than 26 million people. This year, the aim is to reach even more people through Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok from 5am on 5th August to 5am on 6th August.

To get involved with #Farm24, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Download and print your favourite pledge card

Pledge Card 1
Pledge Card 2
Pledge Card 3

Step 2: Take a photo, video, or even a TikTok with it - be as creative as you like! You could take your pledge with your favourite British food or your favourite farm animal!

Step 3: Share it on social media using #Farm24

Step 4: Tag Farmers Guardian - @FarmersGuardian and @Morrisons

Step 5: Nominate friends and family and get them involved too

Farming Connect has recently launched its new interactive air quality tool online here: https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/improving-air-quality. The tool provides advice on the actions a typical Welsh farm can take to improve air quality and the subsequent benefits to the business.

The tool covers the following subtopics:

• Air treatment and muck drying
• Regulatr scraping
• Switching from straight urea fertiliser
• Extending the growing season
• Precision slurry spreading
• Wasing the collection yard
• Efficient use of protein in the diet
• Covering the slurry store

It also provides further information on how to access Farming Connect services relating to the topic and relevant Rural Development Programme grants.

The Farming Connect Agri Academy 2021 is now open for applications and will close on 30th June.

The goal of the Agri Academy is to support and inspire the next generation of farming and forester entrepreneurs in Wales through its Business and Innovation and Junior programmes.

The Business and Innovation programme is for those passionate about farming, about Wales and about their future. The Junior programme is jointly collaborated with Wales YFC for those between 16 and 19 wanting to pursue a rewarding career in the food and farming industry.

For full details, calendar dates and application forms, please visit the Farming Connect website: https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/business/skills-and-training/agri-academy