Gareth & Pat Jones
Tyn-y-CoedFarm, Vale of Glamorgan
Gareth and Pat Jones describe their farm :
Background
The Jones family have farmed at Tyn-y-Coed for over 50 years. Consisting of 350 acres, it is a mixed lowland farm some 5 miles from the sea in the beautiful rolling countryside of the Vale of Glamorgan, and is located only 6 miles west of Wales's capital city Cardiff.
The farm began the conversion to organic farming methods in 1999 and comprises grass, arable and some woodland.
The Livestock
We have a herd of 60 crossbred suckler cows all born on the farm. They are British Fresians crossed with a continental breed. Running with them is a Hereford bull purchased from the nationally renowned Dender herd in mid-Wales. The Hereford is a preferred choice of bull owing to its ability to grow well on home-grown grass., hay and cereals and for its ease of management. No cattle are bought in - all are home-reared.
Our flock of 250 pedigree Llyn ewes produce prime quality lambs on organic grass and cereals. The lambs once weaned grow extremely well on a diet without the presence of concentrate feed.
The Crops
35 acres of spring sown cereals are grown for consumption by our own livestock so the farm is mainly self-sufficient in animal feed.
The Environment
Yyn-y-Coed also takes part in all Wales Environmental Scheme 'Tir Gofal'. The farm is fast becoming a wildlife haven, particularly for birds and otherwildlife not seen for many a year. The lack of chemicals we use is the major factor behind this change.
Other Activities
We also run a small Boarding lodge for dogs, which Pat is involved in on a day-to-day basis.
