Last week a pan Wales, Farming Connect Agrisgôp group of Welsh farmers visited farmers and veterinary officers in Ireland to learn more about sustainable farming.

The visit was organised by Lilwen Joynson, Agrisgôp leader on behalf of Farming Connect with the support of Natural Resources Wales's Four Rivers for LIFE project.

The focus of the visit was on showing how sustainable regenerative farming can protect and enhance the natural environment and at the same time improve farm productivity and profitability.

The Four Rivers for LIFE project emphasises sustainable land management methods through its advisory work with farmers and landowners, as well as providing new infrastructure such as riparian fencing to protect watercourses and livestock.

Aspects such as soil health, improving biodiversity and water management are core to this work and can ensure the long-term health of the environment and the productivity of the land.

Chris Thomas, Four Rivers for LIFE Senior Land Management Officer said: "A fundamental part of our advisory work is to maintain and improve the structure, health and fertility of soil on farms.

"Good soil management will improve absorption of nutrients and water, ensuring more stays in the land thus keeping our rivers healthier."

To see this in practice ten farmers from Wales visited Irish farmers who have been farming sustainably for several years, initially the change was challenging but the farmers are now seeing major financial benefits to the farm business.

Donal Sheehan, farms 70 dairy cows in the Bride Valley East Cork and is Project Manager of the Bride Project and Danú Project. He explains: "It was great to see Welsh farmers being on the same page as ourselves – initiating ways of finding solutions to the problems we are all facing."

He adds: "Improving the soil through less inputs and changes to farm practices are difficult challenges, but it was obvious the farmers from Wales are keen to lead the charge."

The benefits of peer to peer visits are clear as Einir Davies, Head of Skills at Farming Connect explains: "This was a valuable experience for the group, as we know that farmer to farmer knowledge exchange is an effective way of sharing practical knowledge and overcoming challenges."

Lilwen Joynson, Agrisgôp leader adds: "I've met these Irish farmers in the past and saw how passionate they were about the benefits of sustainable farming. Learning from each other and developing skills to really enhance farming practices will support a healthy natural environment."

The Four Rivers for LIFE Project is funded by the EU LIFE Programme with support from Welsh Government and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.