Coleg Powys is holding an Equine Open Day at Fronlas Farm, Newtown on Thursday 9th September between 11am and 2pm.

If you would like to learn about horse management or improve your existing skills come and find out about the British Horse Society Horse Knowledge and Care course that we offer at stages 1 to 3.  The course starts in September and is one day a week.   It will cover safety in the workplace, equine field checks, the tack room and equine yard duties.  Other topics include feeding, horse health and first aid, clipping and plaiting, horse psychology and lunging/long reining.

For further information contact Liz Ashton or Suzanne Davies on 0845 4086 245 or email liz.ashton@coleg-powys.ac.uk or suzie.davies@coleg-powys.ac.uk. Alternatively visit www.coleg-powys.ac.uk.

Agricultural Engineering Apprentice Luke Wear has been awarded the Teme Valley Land Based Service Engineering Award.  It is a new award that has been sponsored by Teme Valley Tractors of Welshpool, a local Agricultural Engineering dealership.

Luke is doing his apprenticeship at Western Farm Service Knighton.  Partners of the firm Roger Wilding and Ian Milles are delighted for Luke.  Roger said: “Luke winning this award reflects the hard work and effort he has put into his training.  Luke is a valuable member of our team.”

Luke was presented with the shield by Jonathan Benbow of Teme Valley Tractors.  Jonathan said: “Supporting agricultural engineering and the whole of the agricultural sector is something we at Teme Valley are totally dedicated to.  We see the annual award as being very important in showing our commitment to the sector.”

In addition to receiving the award Luke was given a £25 gift voucher for tools.

Agriculture lecturer at Coleg Powys Mike Lewis said: “It’s really great that we have companies that want to play an active role in supporting the college and the students that come here.  We are very grateful for the support that we receive.”

Coleg Powys student Aled Jones of Dolyfelin at Llanafan Fawr, Builth Wells has won this year’s Hafren Vets Shield for being the best first year agriculture student.

Aled is pictured being presented with the shield by John Hughes, who is senior partner at Hafren Veterinary Practice in Newtown.  It is the first time the trophy has been won by a Breconshire student.

Aled has proved to be a very capable practical student both with livestock and in the workshop.  He also showed fortitude in the worst of last winter’s weather rarely missing a day at college despite his daily 70 mile round trip to attend classes at Fronlas Farm.

Course tutor Nigel Barratt said: “Aled has added his name to some excellent former winners of the Hafren Shield.  It will stand him in good stead when it comes to choosing future career options and he thoroughly deserves recognition for a great effort this year.”

The course at Fronlas Farm is a two year level 2 diploma that covers all aspects of livestock hunsbandry, machinery operation and maintenance.  For further details visit www.coleg-powys.ac.uk or telephone 0845 4086 200.

In May Fronlas Farm hosted the grassland open day.  The event was delivered in partnership with M. Pryce Engineering, McHale (Ireland), Krone UK and Hybu Cig Cymru.  It provided Hybu Cig Cymru with an opportunity to demonstrate the strong domestic and international links they have developed with the industry.  Other manufacturers at the event included Suzuki, Can-Am, Silotite and Aerway (Canada).

The main focus of the day was on grassland machinery with demonstrations enabling farmers and students to see the very latest in grassland technology and innovation.  Both McHale and Krone had an impressive display of over £500,000 worth of machinery onsite including mowers, tedders, rakes, balers, wrappers and squeezes, not to mention the tractors.  Attendees also had the opportunity to listen to the latest research and advice from Dr David Davis of IBERS (sponsored by HCC) on round bale digestibility and quality.

The day was a great success with a very good turnout.

Coleg Powys is holding an Equine Open Day at Fronlas Farm, Newtown on 7th July between 11am and 2pm. 

If you would like to learn about horse management or improve your existing skills come and do the British Horse Society Horse Knowledge and Care course, which is offered at stages 1 to 3.  The course starts in September and is one day a week.  It will cover safety in the workplace, equine field checks, the tack room and equine yard duties.  Other topics include feeding, horse health and first aid, clipping and plaiting, horse psychology and lunging/long reining.

For further information contact Liz Ashton or Suzanne Davies on 0845 4086 245 or email liz.ashton@coleg-powys.ac.uk or suzie.davies@coleg-powys.ac.uk.  Alternatively visit www.coleg-powys.ac.uk.