Farmers learn of HCC new lambing project

"Encouragingly, Welsh farmers have seen improvements in the percentage of total costs being covered by their market returns based on Hybu Cig Cymru’s (HCC) research. Farmers appear to have increased their lambing percentages which has helped to offset the increased costs, in particular feed, fuel and fertiliser, faced by the industry," said Hybu Cig Cymru’s Chairman, Dai Davies, to Glamorgan members at the latest NFU Cymru county meeting.

The latest work currently being undertaken by the levy body is a new project designed to investigate lamb losses. Mr Davies said, "We hope with the help of flocks across Wales we can identify the main causes of lamb losses so that we can provide farmers with advice on how to minimise losses and improve lambing percentages further."

Andrew Oliver, Glamorgan NFU Cymru County Chairman said, "Input costs have increased this year again but we are aware that the prices received by livestock producers can alter dramatically due to external pressures outside of our influence. We must maintain and enhance our market outlets both at home and abroad and the work of HCC in this regard is invaluable to the Welsh red meat industry."

Members’ present expressed concern that additional costs from the proposed Food Standards Agency (FSA) meat inspection charges in UK abattoirs could have a huge impact on the viability of some meat plants and that such increased costs will potentially get passed down the production chain to the primary producer.

Andrew Oliver concluded, "The meat charging proposals are very concerning and I urge anyone interested, to attend the FSA Wales meeting in Cardiff on Thursday 19 May where industry stakeholders will be given the opportunity to discuss the impact the current proposals will have on the Welsh meat industry. We certainly do not want to see any abattoirs, particularly those with lower throughput or in remote areas of the country, experience unnecessary cost burdens."