For many years, Chris Mossman, who farms with his daughter Bella near Llangrannog, Ceredigion, had farmed profitably, running what he describes as ‘a traditional farming system’, but bovine TB breakdowns and other cow health issues led to a change of plan.

Since 2018, the aim has been to find different ways to manage the farm and move away from dependency on chemical fertilisers, purchased feed, wormers and antibiotics, without any grant or support, and remain profitable. Over time the herd has expanded from 100 to 400 cows, which have been specifically bred for grass-based production. They are spring calved in an eight-week block ahead of the grass growth curve to maximise grazed grass producing a high milk solids output.

The first 11 hectares (27.1 acres) of multi-species were sown in 2018 and since then all reseeds have been diverse swards with both cutting and grazing mixtures used. There is also a nitrogen reduction plan in place. Having traditionally used 300kg/ha (121.4kg/acre), by 2022 this had reduced to 126kg/ha (51kg/acre) with the eventual target being 50kg/ha (20.2kg/ acre), with none used on the multi-species swards. This progress has been made by correcting soil chemistry, moving away from monocrop ryegrass to mixed species pasture, no ploughing, foliar applied fertiliser, limiting slurry use and only using a trailing shoe.

The future challenge is to continue to reseed the whole farm with diverse pastures, learn how to manage them and sustain their diversity. Chris says they need to learn what the farm’s sweet spot is (maximum sustainable output) cashing in on the free energy of sunlight and photosynthesis and reducing the need for expensive fossil derived energy. By default this will reduce climate change emissions, restore soil health, improve water infiltration and water holding capacity.

Bella says: “Innovation is crucial for our business to survive – we have to keep reinventing the wheel. We were surprised and delighted to win the award; it was very unexpected. But entering the awards has been a great process – it really makes you think differently about your own business and get excited about the industry in general. The awards night was great fun and it was so nice to meet so many people there."

“Being part of this industry and producing food for the nation is something very special.” With the changes already implemented and Bella’s ideas for diversification and beginning to invest in renewables, the family are confident they will be farming their improved land for generations to come.