WELSH BEEF FARMER BUCKS TREND TO BUY ROYAL DAIRY HERD

THE final consignment of a dairy herd bought off the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh by Farmers' Union of Wales member Phillip Reed is due to be delivered to his West Wales farm tomorrow (Wednesday, July 4).

The 32 in-calf Ayrshire heifers will join 154 cows and two bulls which have already arrived at former beef farmer Mr Reed's farm near Cardigan.

With dairy farmers suffering farm gate prices for their milk around 6p per litre lower than the cost of production it is unusual for a beef farmer to switch to dairying - it's usually the other way round.

"I always go against the tide and then you can buy cheaply and hopefully the tide is turning now," said 39-year-old Mr Reed, of Rhosygadair Fawr, Blaenannerch.

Asked if he bought the Royal herd cheaply, he replied: "That's between me and The Queen but I can now sell my milk by Royal appointment!"

Mr Reed was one of 86 farmers who applied to purchase the herd. It was the first time The Queen and Prince Phillip put cattle on the market because the farm is converting to organic and only Jerseys will be kept there in future.

The applicants were whittled down to a shortlist of four and each interviewed to discover whether they were suitable to take over the cattle.

"Prince Phillip didn't want the cattle sold on and was anxious that they all settle down on one farm," said Mr Reed. He and his wife Lorenza have three children - Steffan, Rebecca and Shaun.

He was given the OK to purchase the herd following an interview in the grounds of Windsor Castle. "The Duke told me I was lucky to have such prime cattle and asked if he could pay us a visit when the cows have settled in.

"Of course I told him he was more than welcome. We are privileged to have cattle from the royal herd," said Mr Reed.

Mr Reed now owns around 600 cattle and what is believed to be the biggest herd of Ayrshires in Britain.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Depending on haulage arrangements the in-calf heifers are due to arrive some time tomorrow (Wednesday) or in the early hours of Thursday. For specific timings contact Welsh-speaking Mr Reed on 01239 810 310 or 07971533090.

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