5. David Lee, Winnington Green Farm, Middletown, Welshpool, Powys

Clamping what grass he cuts, he relies more on maize silage, grown on rented land away from the main grazing block. Of the 140ha (350 acre) farmed area, 80ha (190 acres) is rented, and most is 10 to 15-year-old permanent pasture, with some new leys in the arable rotation.

This supports a herd of 300 cross-bred cows, which includes a number of breeds, but mostly New Zealand genetics. Everything calves in spring, with 70 per cent having calved since February 5.

The cows went out three weeks ago, but were forced back in by the snow. They are out again now, but grass growth is ‘zero’. This first rotation will last until April 10 and Mr Lee is hoping things have picked up by then.

“There’s no guarantee, but hopefully we’ll see some growth by then - we’ll have to wait and see,” he says. “Some warm rain is what we need. It’s nice at the moment, but it’s not a lot of good because it’s so cold.

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