Overall winner: Gareth Davies presents the society's overall grassland prize to Chris James.

Rumours of the demise of one of Pembrokeshire's grassland societies have been scotched at the group's agm.

At the agm of the Cleddau Grassland Society, retiring chairman David James, of Langdon Mill, thanked members for regularly attending meetings, in particular hard-working secretary Neil Batchelor, and said there was great potential to attract new members.

"Rumours of the demise of Cleddau Grassland Society are very premature," he said.

At the meeting at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Mr James reflected on the past 25 years of activities and the most recent series of meetings and farm visits.

More members entered the silage competition, which was won for the seventh time in 11 years by Darren Callen, of Corston Farm whose expertise was truly amazing, Mr James said.

Chris James, Stackpole, won the overall competition and the south Wales regional award, eventually coming second in Wales to the national winner from north Wales.

Richard Morris Bowett won the permanent pasture competition and the best short term leys went to Steve Davies, of Steynton.

The competition judges were Bryan Barney and Gareth Davies.

Meetings were held on maize varieties best suited to the area, alternative energy sources and low-cost out-wintering of livestock.

Farm visits were to Lower House, Spittal, the specialist dairy unit of Philip and Roger Lewis at Poyerston, the organic unit of John and Steve Davies, Steynton and the Wales Federation agm at Aberystwyth. Five members had also attended the British Grassland Society's annual conference.

Officers elected for the coming year were: President, Bryan Barney; chairman, Lyn Jenkins; vice-chairman and Welsh federation representative, Tony Pratt; treasurer, Steve Alderman.

The guest speaker was Gareth Davies, of Wynnstay Farmers, who focused on efficient use of fertilisers and making adequate use of lime.

2:48pm Friday 9th May 2008

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