A webguide providing links on all aspects of agriculture. If there's a site you think should be here - let us know!

The guide is in eight sections. Click on a subject area below or scroll down the page to see every section.

Environment, Farming Groups, Government Bodies, Livestock, Diversification, Organic, Stress and Business, Miscellaneous

If there's a farming topic that you're looking for that isn't here, tell us and we'll do our best to get it covered. Email us at wales.southwest@bbc.co.uk or have Your Say.

Environment

Coed Cymru
www.coedcymru.org.uk/
Established in 1985 with the aim of bringing Welsh broadleaf woodlands into sustainable management, this colourful site directs users to sources of help, publicises forthcoming events and even offers downloadable pictures - some dating from the 19th century. There's also contact information for Coed Cymru officers in each region of Wales.

Countryside Council for Wales
www.ccw.gov.uk
The CCW is the Government's statutory adviser on sustaining natural beauty, wildlife and the opportunity for outdoor enjoyment in Wales and its inshore waters.
Its site offers a wide selection of material ranging from grants to earth science, marine issues to agriculture, landscape and wildlife protection. There's information on nature reserves including Gower, Stackpole, Skomer Island, Corsydd Llangloffan, Pengelli Forest, Coedmor and Rhos Llawr Cwrt. Information on national trails is featured, including the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, and there's a lively activity-based area for youngsters.

Environment Agency Wales
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/regions/wales/?lang=_e
The agency - an Assembly-sponsored public body - exists primarily to protect and enhance the environment, along with promoting sustainable development.
The site offers a search facility where you can find material on your area - such as details of the Carmarthen Flood Alleviation Project, the special study site at Aberdulais, and the quality of bathing waters around Pembrokeshire. It looks at flood plains, water resources, and there's also a childrens section with educational games which adults will enjoy as well!

Environment Agency - NetRegs Site
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/netregs
The Environment Agency has set up this website to guide small businesses through environmental regulations. Its aim is to provide clear web based guidelines for businesses on how to comply with the environmental legislation that affects them.

The Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research
www.iger.bbsrc.ac.uk
Based in Aberystwyth, the Institute examines a range of subjects on its website. There's a farming section looking at grassland technology transfer, legume silage for animal production and the use of red and white clovers. It also carries information on grant schemes in South West Wales and has a schools section.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
www.rspb.org.uk/countryside/farming/index.asp
The RSPB's site has a number of sectors relevant to farming. It looks at arable agriculture, livestock farming, organic and agri-development schemes. With a dedicated site for RSPB Cymru, there's a range of information on its activities in the principality.

Farming Groups:

National Farmers Union Cymru
www.nfu-cymru.org.uk
This website was launched by the NFU in response to the increasing role the Welsh Assembly plays in agricultural policy. You can access the latest information available on Welsh agricultural issues, as well as sector-specific data.

The Farmers' Union of Wales
www.fuw.org.uk
The FUW's site carries press releases and policy information, as well as contact details for its officers in South West Wales and elsewhere.

The National Farmers Union
www.nfu.org.uk
The NFU's site carries news, views and information, educational materials, press releases, membership details, and a variety of additional services.

The Womens Food and Farming Union
www.wfu.org.uk
This organisation was set up in 1979 to promote understanding and confidence in British produce. The site carries material relevant to local branches in South West Wales.

The Country Landowners Association
www.cla.org.uk
The stated objective of the CLA is to "safeguard the interests of private landowners and rural businesses." Its site offers - among many other things - an attractive 'virtual village'. Users clicking on one part of the village will find themselves moved to a CLA report on a relevant topic. It also carries a list of CLA contacts for South West Wales.

Government Bodies:

Welsh Assembly Government
www.wales.gov.uk
The Assembly is responsible for agriculture, foods and fisheries in Wales. It has a comprehensive website offering a large amount of information on a wide range of farming-related topics. Included is guidance on its Farming Connect scheme (with application forms), advice on rural stress, and the latest farming news.

Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
www.defra.gov.uk
Animal welfare, the minimum wage for farm workers, horticulture, fisheries, exports and trade - all feature on this Government site.

The European Commission
http://europa.eu.int/comm/agriculture/index_en.htm
Meanwhile at The European Commission there's material on agricultural markets, forestry, organic farming; even European enlargement.

Livestock:

The British Goat Society
www.allgoats.com
This site was recommended to us by Jenny White who describes it as "containing a massive amount of valuable information about goats." The society was founded in 1879 and the website is a must for those who keep, or are considering keeping goats.

The British Horse Society
www.bhs.org.uk/
The British Horse Society is a charity, and this site contains extensive material on horses and ponies, including Welsh ponies and cobs. The site also has a section dedicated to this region.

Welsh Black Cattle
www.welshblackcattlesociety.org
It seems that for every specialist breed there's a website, including - naturally - one for Welsh Black Cattle.

British Pig Association
www.britishpigs.org.uk
The site of the British Pig Association covers breeds, exports, sales and shows.

National Sheep Association
www.nationalsheep.org.uk
Sheep farmers can browse material provided by the Association, on a site packed with statistics; production, a history of the species, events and conferences, national shows, and information on ram sales are all covered. It looks at Welsh breeds - including the Badger Face Welsh Mountain, the Balwen Welsh Mountain, the Black Welsh Mountain, the Brecknock Hill Cheviot, the Hill Radnor, the Llanwenog and the Lleyn - and provides local contacts for members of the relevant sheep society.

Meat and Livestock Commission
www.mlc.org.uk
The commission was established in 1967. Its site provides information on its work for the cattle, pig and sheep industries, along with links to its sites about meat, exports, product development, retail and education. There's also a search facility to find locally relevant information.

National Beef Association
www.nationalbeefassociation.co.uk
You'll find information on prices, news, press releases, as well as information on animal health and a board contact in Carmarthenshire.

The Poultry Club
www.poultryclub.org
This club was founded in 1877 to safeguard the interests of pure and traditional breeds of poultry. It offers advice on choosing a breed, handling and welfare. There's also a list of forthcoming poultry shows, including those in West Wales.

Domestic Waterfowl Club of Great Britain
www.domestic-waterfowl.co.uk
Detailed information is given here on breeds of duck and geese, including where to buy breeds and plenty of breeding facts.

The Indian Runner Duck Association
www.runnerduck.net
This site, suggested by Ashton of Welshpool, contains information on looking after the health and welfare of these unique ducks.

The Call Duck Association UK
www.callducks.net
Suggested by Ashton of Welshpool, this comprehensive site provides a wealth of information on Britain's most popular pet duck.

The British Waterfowl Association
www.waterfowl.org.uk
This a group for people interested in keeping, breeding, and conserving all kinds of waterfowl.

Diversification:

The British Domesticated Ostrich Association
www.ostrich.org.uk
This site offers information on Ostrich farming, along with advice on fencing, breeding and keeping ostriches in good health.

The British Trout Association
www.britishtrout.co.uk
This site is a trove of information - including the fact that a French monk discovered how to artificially fertilise and hatch trout by placing their eggs in wooden boxes and burying them in sand!
The site also offers information on organics and a list of BTA members, including those based in South West Wales.

Organic:

Organic Centre Wales
www.organic.aber.ac.uk
This centre (formally opened in July 2000) aims to co-ordinate the provision of advice and information to farmers under the National Assembly's Welsh Agri-Food Partnership Organic Action Plan. The aim of the plan is that 10% of Welsh agriculture will be organic by 2005.
Farmers interested in organic production can use a broad range of material, including a basic step-by-step guide to 'going organic'. It also provides information on other organic groups in South West Wales.

Soil Association
www.soilassociation.org
Another useful site on organics - it offers a search facility and some local links relevant to Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire including a food directories list.

The Henry Doubleday Research Association
www.hdra.org.uk
This is Europe's largest organic membership group. Its site offers guidance on all aspects of organic horticulture - from hot compost boxes to pest management. Its School Reports section includes an entry for Solva Primary School in Pembrokeshire - who have joined HDRA's organic network for schools - where students have their own individual plots and a communal school garden.

Stress and Business:

Mart Cymru
www.martcymru.com
This website brings five local marts online - Carmarthen, Llandysul, Llanybydder, Whitland and Llandovery. Cattle will be showcased on the site before entering auctions.

The Rural Stress Information Network
www.rsin.org.uk
This 'umbrella' charity, works with farming and rural support groups, including one in Pembrokeshire.

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution
www.rabi.org.uk
This group offers help for people working in farming and their families who are facing hardship. It was founded in 1860 by a group of Essex farmers who were distressed by the amount of hardship suffered by others in their profession.

The Farm Crisis Network
www.farmcrisisnetwork.org.uk
This group helps families involved in farming who are experiencing problems or difficulties, and has a support group in South West Wales.

The Samaritans
www.samaritans.org.uk
This group offers emotional support for people with all sorts of difficulties. There is a main telephone number that operates round the clock seven days a week - 08457 90 90 90. Alternatively, you can phone your local branch, or you can contact them via email.
The Samaritans have offices in Aberystwyth, Haverfordwest and Swansea.

HM Customs and Excise
www.hmce.gov.uk
This site offers guidance on a range of subjects, including VAT, other taxes and duties, trading on the internet and importing vehicles. It also gives users access to an electronic VAT return - though at present it takes around two to three weeks to register for the service.

The Inland Revenue
www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk
Users can locate information on all tax and national insurance issues here, including self-assessment, starting up in business, tax credits, rates and allowances. There are also contact details for all the local offices in South West Wales

Miscellaneous:

Slow Food
www.slowfood.com
Founded in 1989, Slow Food is a consumer-led educational and scientific movement active in 45 countries world wide. At a local level groups meet to enjoy shared eating, tasting and drinking occasions, with the aim of increasing awareness of locally produced quality foods.

Milk Development Council
www.mdc.org.uk
Founded in 1995, the Council aims to improve the competitiveness and profitability of British dairy farmers. This site offers news, market information, technical material, and an events diary together with local information on Carmarthenshire.

Royal Welsh Agricultural Show
www.rwas.co.uk
Those eager to visit the show can find all the most up-to-date information on this major event in Welsh farmers diaries. It also incorporates material on the Winter fair and the Smallholders Show.