s I write the winter is giving way to spring. Lambing has begun and the first calf struggles to find its mother's milk. The curlew swirls over the hay fields and small birds busy themselves with cheerful song.

Farming remains depressed and unprofitable. The Prime Minister suggests we need to diversify. His minister says he has done all he can to help us, but would be glad of any useful suggestions from the opposition. Economist, Sean Rickard, tells us we need to be more efficient and get bigger, for only those who do will survive. Against this background it is not surprising that the farming community has lost its sense of direction. Since the war we have been compelled to put immediate production before all other considerations. One now realises the magnitude of farmers' achievements. Heavy use of fertilisers and feed, driven by technology and aided by subsidy, has resulted in phenomenal stocking rates of cattle and sheep in Wales. Farming, of late, has been referred to as an 'industry'. Surely this is mistaken. A farm in fact, is not a factory. But we do belong to an industrial society. It has to be said that the farming community owes a huge debt to the industrial revolution that has produced machines, fertiliser and power. This debt to the scientist is less obvious in research and development of veterinary matters, soil chemistry and plant breeding. Genetic engineering is the latest "buzz science"

For fifty years farmers have been able to sell our lamb and beef to a viable market. "Progress" in farming has been aided by the good intentions of the advisory service, universities and financed by government support. Science is all very well, but is prone at times to cut corners, and that progress will have to be paid sooner or later. The bill has now been presented. The cost of progress is accountable in terms of the loss of farmers, the contentment, dignity of craft and a sense of balance in the productive use of the land. Progress in qualitative terms is more dubious. The losses are dramatic - the flavour of our food, loss of species-rich hay meadows, heather clad hillsides, neat hedgerows and the lapwing.

The result is an over capitalised and overdrawn farming community supplying an oversupplied market with an oversized pound.

No longer will profits and credit be adequate to cover the cost of modern machinery. Contractors are more affordable and professional. Farmers are more than willing to pay for computers and farm management advice to help achieve a successful business.

The farming community is adapted to more difficult times ahead with global competition in the market place. Cutting cost and certain thriftiness are well-known methods of survival. Make do and mend! It seems that the trend will continue and there will be fewer farmers managing larger farms. Young farmers will continue to leave their family farms as the older generations retire. Farmhouses will continue to be occupied by those seeking the country lifestyle. Farming will remain a lonely business.

Tir Gofal and the Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme are absolutely essential to encourage the conservation of hedgerows, stone walls, wetland habitats and hay meadows. Without such schemes this work would not get done in the present farming crisis. Conversion to organic farming seems to be dependent on organic subsidy. It seems a pity to me that such schemes are necessary and the days when "conservation" was part of the natural rhythm and necessity of farming have long gone. Many would welcome a return to mixed farming where hedges were layered in a crop rotation, and a return to indigenous breeds which produce Welsh meat valued as the very best.

What farming needs is an imaginative initiative to encourage a sound partnership between the producer, retailer and consumer. This would be based on trust and loyalty recognising the mutual advantages of jointly marketing Welsh lamb and beef as wholesome and nutritious food to the consumer. It may well be tha< the future holds an exciting "internet" link between the hill farmer and the distinguished chef. Hopefully, this would lead for a prosperous countryside rich in wildlife.

efn Llech has been farmed by Jonathan and his family for forty five years. Worthy of note are the flower-rich hay meadows which are cut in mid July to encourage a diverse, species rich pasture and give protection to ground nesting birds. The farm contains ecologically valuable areas of wetland. Five small ponds have been created, and a four-acre otter haven has been incorporated with some woodland. Some 2500 metres of hedgerows have been restored. An interest in integrating farming and forestry encouraged the planting of 2O hectares (50 acres) of mixed species woodland. Improvements to the wetland habitats, hay meadows and unimproved pasture were made possible by entry into the Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme. Farming with lower stocking rates and without the use of inorganic fertiliser and chemical sprays protects and improves the environment, allowing wildlife to thrive naturally. Hopefully, treating the land and animals with respect makes sound business sense and provides healthy lamb and beef.