Farms in Powys are to take part in a series of live digital broadcasts aimed at highlighting their achievements and sharing techniques with other members of the agricultural community.

The usual on-farm events held by Farming Connect have been suspended this year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

But now a new series of live digital broadcasts has been arranged from a number of demonstration sites – including in Welshpool and Newtown – that will allow the farms to share their practices with others.

These broadcasts will take the events to farmers, allowing Farming Connect to continue its engagement with them during the current pandemic.

Dewi Hughes, Farming Connect’s technical manager, says the online solution will ensure farmers don’t miss out even when they can’t gather on-farm while social distancing measures and travel restrictions are in place.

“From the comfort of their own homes, farmers will be able to see first-hand how new technology and different management techniques can change the way they farm,’’ Mr Hughes said.

On August 19, Wern at Welshpool will hold one of the online conferences, exploring optimal environment conditions for free-range laying hens – including air , litter and water – to increase bird health and therefore productivity and profitability.

Then on September 16, Dolygarn at Newtown will look at alternative forage options to improve productivity and reduce environmental impact on an upland farm.

Other events will broadcast from Llanrwst on July 8, Haverfordwest on July 22, Bala on August 5 and Usk on September 2.

All events are scheduled to start at 7.30pm and will be streamed live via the Zoom platform. They will feature the host farmers and film footage from their farms whilst the technical officers responsible for the individual projects and the project experts and consultants will present and join in the discussion via a live link.

The 90-minute live events will cover a wide range of topics including soil and grassland management, crops, genetics, fertility, poultry egg production and sensor technology.

Farmers will have an opportunity to interact in the events by submitting questions to the host farmers and the panel of experts.