THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed £3 million in funding over the next three financial years to continue the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme (WSGP), helping Welsh sheep farmers improve efficiency, productivity and environmental performance.

From April 2026, Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) will lead Phase 2 of the programme, marking a significant next step in supporting farmers to make smarter, evidence-based breeding decisions.

The new phase will provide transition support for existing participants while also opening the programme to new flocks. Farmers will receive practical, technical and financial support to make use of Genomic Estimated Breeding Values, advanced genetic tools designed to help them make better-informed decisions at farm level. The data collected will also strengthen industry benchmarking and support longer-term business planning.

Phase 2 will also include the development of robust key performance indicators, tailored farm-level action plans, and an ambitious portfolio of research projects aimed at driving innovation across the sector.

The programme’s objectives are closely aligned with the Sustainable Farming Scheme, which launched on January 1, 2026, as well as HCC’s Vision 2030, reflecting a shared commitment to a productive, sustainable and competitive Welsh red meat industry.

Phase 1 of the WSGP, delivered by Farming Connect, comes to an end on March 31, 2026. Since launching in 2023, the programme has achieved significant progress, including introducing genomics into the sheep sector for the first time anywhere in the world.

It has also generated 70,000 genotypes across Tier 1 and Tier 2 flocks on the AHDB-Signet database since 2023, the highest number recorded there, while developing two major research strands focused on breeding for worm resistance and reduced methane emissions.

The programme has worked in close partnership with leading specialists, including Innovis and AHDB-Signet, and has delivered measurable genetic gains and improvements in key performance traits across participating flocks.

The investment underlines the Welsh Government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the production of high-quality, sustainable PGI Welsh Lamb.

Deputy First Minister for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “This funding demonstrates our commitment to supporting farmers to build profitable, resilient businesses while delivering on our climate ambitions. The Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme shows what is possible when cutting-edge science meets the proud tradition of Welsh livestock farming. By helping farmers breed healthier, more productive flocks with a lower environmental footprint, we are strengthening food security and safeguarding our rural economy for the long term.”

José Peralta, Chief Executive of Hybu Cig Cymru, said: “The progress achieved to date reflects the commitment of farmers across Wales, the work of the Farming Connect team, and the continued financial support of the Welsh Government. Together, these provide a strong platform for the next phase.

“This next step directly supports a core priority in our new strategic plan: to develop and lead the implementation of initiatives that improve economic and environmental sustainability. We look forward to working closely with farmers to ensure they have the tools, insights and support needed to thrive in the years ahead.”

I can also turn this into a Herald-style news story if you want.

A MAN from Llandysul has pleaded guilty to food safety offences following an investigation into the illegal trade of so-called “smokies”.

Carmello Gale, aged 71, admitted the offences at Isleworth Crown Court after an investigation by the Food Standards Agency’s National Food Crime Unit.

Gale pleaded guilty to conspiring to place unsafe food on the market, specifically “smokie” meat, in breach of food safety regulations and the Criminal Law Act.

He was granted bail ahead of sentencing, which will take place at a later date.

“Smokies” refers to skin-on sheep meat produced by singeing the fleece off an unskinned carcass, giving it a distinctive colour and smell. The process is illegal in the UK and is often carried out in unapproved premises that may not meet basic hygiene standards.

Neil Castle, Deputy Head of the National Food Crime Unit, said: “Carmello Gale is considered a significant figure in the illegal smokies trade, with the investigation uncovering his involvement in the wide-scale distribution of smokies across the UK.

“This guilty plea reflects the work of everyone involved in this investigation. I would like to thank Ceredigion County Council, Dyfed-Powys Police, Southwark Council, Swansea Council, and the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit for their support.

“The NFCU will not stop in its efforts to identify, investigate and bring to justice those who seek to exploit our food system.”

The agency is urging anyone with concerns about food fraud or illegal “smokies” production to report it to their local Trading Standards team or contact the unit confidentially.

Fears grow over fertility problems as virus spreads across England and Wales

FARMERS are being urged to vaccinate their cattle against bluetongue before spring turnout, as the virus continues to spread and cause serious fertility issues across England and Wales.

The warning comes following a briefing organised by the National Beef Association (NBA) and Ruminant Health and Welfare (RH&W), as part of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) campaign, Battle Bluetongue.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss and NBA Chief Executive Neil Shand both stressed the need for urgent action, warning that delaying vaccination could have severe consequences for herds.

Defra has reported 320 confirmed cases of bluetongue since July last year, but industry leaders believe the true figure may be significantly higher due to under-reporting.

Neil Shand said: “From what we are seeing in England, and to a lesser extent in Wales, there are higher levels of abortions and ‘dummy’ calves during the spring calving season.

“In some cases, calves are being born with severe deformities, including partial or absent brain development.

“We are seeing this across much of England, but notably far less in eastern counties where vaccine uptake was higher due to earlier restrictions.

“With the current value of livestock, protecting cattle against bluetongue is a no-brainer – and vaccination is the best way to do that.”

Dr Christine Middlemiss warned that some of the most serious effects of the disease may not yet be visible.

She said: “The reproductive signs of bluetongue may not appear until months after infection, so farmers must think ahead.

“Vaccinate now while cattle are still housed and can be handled safely, rather than waiting to see the impact later.”

Farmers are also being advised to vaccinate breeding animals, including bulls and tups, well in advance, and to carry out semen testing six to eight weeks after vaccination to ensure fertility is not affected ahead of the breeding season.

Industry leaders warned that bluetongue could be significantly under-reported, as symptoms are not always immediately obvious.

Mr Shand added: “The official Defra statistics could represent only a fraction of the true picture. We would encourage farmers to report any suspected cases so we can better understand the spread of the disease.”

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

In Wales, farmers should call 0300 303 8268, while those in Scotland should contact their local Field Services Office. Failure to report suspected cases is a criminal offence.

Further guidance, including resources and updates on the BTV-3 strain, is available via Ruminant Health and Welfare.