Welsh Organic Forum Visits IBERS to Explore Sustainable Grazing and Crop Innovation

04 June 2026

IBERS recently welcomed approximately 20 members of the Welsh Organic Forum to Plas Gogerddan for a visit focused on research supporting sustainable and organic farming systems.

The visit began with an introduction from Mark Needham (Agri Engagement Manager), who outlined key IBERS research areas, including grassland systems, livestock productivity, and environmental sustainability.

Dr Hannah Vallin presented research on grazing behaviour and dietary composition, highlighting the use of DNA metabarcoding (eDNA technologies) to identify the plant species consumed by livestock. This approach generated significant interest among attendees, particularly for its potential to improve understanding of diet selection, livestock health, and farm sustainability.

The group then visited the Germinal research plots, where Dr David Lloyd (IBERS) and Jim Vale (Germinal) showcased breeding work on grasses, clovers, and other legumes. Discussions focused on the role of legume-rich swards in biological nitrogen fixation and their importance in organic systems.

Visitors were especially interested in the development of double-root red clover varieties, which offer improved persistence and enhanced nitrogen fixation potential for forage systems.

The final stop was the Ty Hen grazing platform at Penglais Farm, led by Dr Christina Marley and Dr Rhun Fychan. Here, the group explored livestock grazing systems based on mixed swards, including herbal leys and birdsfoot trefoil-rich mixtures. The platform demonstrated practical approaches to improving productivity, soil health, and environmental outcomes.

The visit highlighted strong interest from the Welsh Organic Forum in:

  • Testing IBERS-bred varieties under organic conditions
  • Engaging with the IBERS Gradient Challenge
  • Exploring collaboration opportunities

Overall, the visit reinforced the value of linking research, innovation, and practical farming systems to support the transition to more sustainable agriculture.