THE May 18 deadline is approaching to join the next cohort of demonstration farms to join the network for the new Farming Connect programme.

The Our Farms pan-Wales network leads the way in sharing best practice and new innovative approaches through funded practical on-farm trials, giving farmers access to industry experts and latest on-farm research through on-farm and online events.

The network is made up of different tiers, allowing more opportunities for Welsh farmers to be supported with carrying out on-farm trials to drive their businesses forward under the Sustainable Land Management framework and the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

As the core of the Our Farms network, demonstration farms will lead the way on deploying a minimum of two on-farm trials over a three-year period (2026 to 2029).

Applications close 10am on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Farmers across Wales are being encouraged to make the most of the refreshed Farming Connect programme, which launched on April 1.

Available to all eligible farm businesses in Wales, the new programme offers a wide range of fully-funded and subsidised services designed to help improve business performance, resilience, and long‑term sustainability.

Eirwen Williams, Service Director at Mentera, said:

“We are excited to launch this refreshed Farming Connect programme and encourage farmers across Wales to take full advantage of the wide‑ranging support on offer. From one‑to‑one advice and mentoring to training courses, e‑learning, events and practical on‑farm assistance, Farming Connect will continue to play a vital role in helping farm businesses adapt, innovate, and plan with confidence.”

As part of the new programme, funding for both the advisory service and training has fully re‑opened, giving every eligible business a clean slate to access subsidised business or technical advice and training.

The programme will also provide tailored support to help farmers prepare for, and transition to, the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme, ensuring businesses have the knowledge and skills needed to meet future requirements.

Eirwen Williams added:

“One key change is the way businesses access Farming Connect. All businesses now need to re‑register through RPW Online by creating a One Login account. Guidance is available on the Farming Connect website, or farmers can contact our Service Centre for support.”

Services available through Farming Connect now include independent business and technical advice; FarmData+, the new benchmarking tool, training courses and flexible e‑learning modules. Mentoring, peer‑to‑peer support and one‑to‑one advisory support are also available.

To get involved, visit the Our Farms Network page of Farming Connect (https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/services/our-farms-network) and fill in the expression of interest form.

For further support or business advice, call 03456 000 813 between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Farming Connect also has a team of local development officers located across Wales: Susie Morgan, of Jeffreyston, is the Farming Connect development officer for South Pembrokeshire; for North Pembrokeshire there’s Rhiannon James, of Llawhaden and in West Carmarthenshire, Delyth Mair Jones.