Organic Centre Wales Technical Note 1: Controlling ectoparasites on Welsh organic sheep farms

At present there is little information on current practices for ectoparasite control in Welsh organic sheep flocks. In order to rectify this lack of information a survey was carried out to investigate current practices for ectoparasite control on Welsh organic sheep farms. The results of this survey are reported in this technical note. The key findings were; • Percentage of farmers treating their flocks for ectoparasite infestations are similar for organic and non-organic sheep farmers • Although scab was listed as a major ectoparasite for both organic and nonorganic flocks only 3% of organic flocks were treated specifically for scab and only 11% of non-organic flocks • There is confusion as to what is the most appropriate treatment for specific ectoparasites • Only 16% of organic sheep farmers use SP-based dip products • There is little evidence to suggest that organic farmers contribute disproportionately to the level of SP-based pollution incidence

Eisenstein series and quantum groups

We sketch a proof of a conjecture of [FFKM] that relates the geometric Eisenstein series sheaf with semi-infinite cohomology of the small quantum group with coefficients in the tilting module for the big quantum group

Momentum

Momentum was an exhibition of work by 8 applied artists who incorporate digital technologies in the creation of their artworks. The exhibition included 7 original objects created by Illner, using a combination of traditional craft-based and digital technologies such as rapid prototyping and laser engraving, and in materials such as paper, glass and silver. The show took place at Craft in the Bay, which is a leading centre for showcasing new crafts in Wales, with an internationally recognised reputation. The show travelled to the University of Hertfordshire (UH Galleries), a national centre for the theory of practice-led research (2012/13). An accompanying symposium brought together the artists the issues and themes arising from the use of new technologies within contemporary crafts. Illner's pieces were also shown in Framework Gallery (UH) as part of a group show The Printed Image (2012). Illner's work for this show was "an enquiry and exploration with materials, processes and techniques." (Dr. Cathy Treadaway, Momentum catalogue) Illner is described as a maker with “a playful and creative approach to materials and forms – these contrasting qualities are fundamental to her way of thinking, making and inspiring others.” (Felicity Cooke, Momentum catalogue). This work continues Illner's ongoing research project exploring how the digital can be embedded within materials, to create new possibilities in form and technique. Includes collaboration with other craftspeople and technical specialists, in order to develop innovative technical solutions to material connections. Illner’s current research use laser engraving on layered glass to create virtual imagery through shadow and reflection, challenging viewers to reflect on their perception of materials and their visual characteristics. Illner's practice-led research has also been shown in UK and European galleries over the last 20 years. Her work features in the Crafts Council and other private collections

Organic Centre Wales Factsheet 14: Lowland organic beef and sheep production: financial performance

This factsheet covers financial performance of lowland organic beef and sheep production. Survey data illustrates that while organic farms can achieve similar incomes to conventional, the finances for both organic and conventional groups are at best marginal, and the models illustrate the reliance of farms on support payments. Organic premium prices are required to maintain relative incomes, especially on lowland farms with dairy and arable holdings. The main factors that will influence performance are the increased role of cattle, with implications for housing and winter feed provision and the emphasis on closed flocks and herds and increase in feeds produced on farm to avoid purchasing expensive conserved forage

Organic Centre Wales Factsheet 15: Upland organic beef and sheep production: financial performance

This factsheet covers financial performance of upland organic beef and sheep production. Survey data illustrates that while organic farms can achieve similar incomes to conventional, the finances for both organic and conventional groups are at best marginal, and the models illustrate the importance of support payments. Organic premium prices are important to maintain relative incomes, but are less so here compared with dairy and arable holdings. The main factors that will influence performance are the increased role of cattle, with implications for housing and winter feed provision, as well as the emphasis on closed flocks and herds and increase on feeds produced on farm to avoid purchasing expensive conserved forage. In addition, upland farmers should consider whether agri-environment payments should contribute to income

Organic Centre Wales Factsheet 8: Machinery Rings

This factsheet provides information on Machinery Rings; ‘not for profit’ co-operative societies of farmers and agricultural businesses who have the common aim of reducing machinery and labour costs. Supplier members benefit by spreading their machinery costs over a larger area; other members are able to reduce their capital investments in labour and machinery while at the same time having access to modern machinery when they need it. Machinery Rings provide the logistical and administrative structure to empower co-operation. They also act as an information hub and a signposting centre between members

Hardy's paradox according to non-classical semantics

In the paper, using the language of spin-half particles, Hardy's paradox is examined within different semantics: a partial one, a many-valued one, and one defined as a set of weak values of projection operators. As it is shown in this paper, any of such non-classical semantics can resolve Hardy's paradox.Comment: This is a pre-print of an article published in Journal of Mathematical Physics. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1063/1.502378

Organic Centre Wales Technical Note 5: Biology and management of wireworms

Wireworms are the larvae of a group of beetles commonly known as click beetles. After falling on their backs they right themselves by flicking themselves into the air and produce a “clicking” sound. There are about 60 species of click beetle in the UK, but the majority of attacks are caused by three Agriotes species (lineatus, obscurus and spuator). This technical notes lists natural enemies of wireworms, nature of damage, life history and control measures, and a list of sources of further information