Farming

Who is profiting from Welsh lamb?

Published

9 years ago

July 30, 2015

Lamb producers: Suffering as
seasonal prices plunge

LATEST figures show that while the retail price of lamb for consumers is lower in the spring of 2015, compared to the spring of 2014, it has not fallen anywhere near as much as the farmer’s share of that retail price which has dropped from 60 per cent to 50 per cent over the past year.

Speaking following a meeting of the NFU Cymru Livestock Board, Lyndon Edwards, said: “Lower retail prices would help bolster demand for lamb, but consumers aren’t seeing as much of a drop in price as farmers are, which begs the question – who is profiting from lamb? Our farm-gate price of lamb is reaching critically low levels. Whilst we recognise that trading conditions are tough, as the strength of sterling and the Eurozone crisis impacts negatively on our export markets, we are called to see that whilst the price we are receiving for our lambs has slumped that this price crash is not being reflected in the price on the shelves. Farmers need a sustainable price for their product that encourages them to invest in future production, returns must be delivered to everyone throughout the supply chain so that the consumer can continue to enjoy and savour PGI Welsh lamb in years to come. We know the challenges we all face in boosting lamb consumption here in the UK but I am confident that this can be achieved by giving in season PGI Welsh lamb pride of place on retail shelves and promoting our fantastic product this summer.”

Mr Edwards ended: “Members of our livestock board have been carrying out our own store watch in recent days visiting retail stores across Wales to find out who is showing commitment to Welsh lamb. Whilst there are retailers out there who are very supportive of Welsh lamb we have to say how appalled we are that in the first week of July we continue to see so much importedproductstillavailableonretail shelves in many stores. Individually we have complained to local store managers and as a Union we are using every available opportunity to raise our concerns with the agricultural teams and directors and we will continue to do so in the coming weeks.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has warned that the fall in lamb prices, drastically reduced farm incomes and frustrations over the volume of imported lamb on supermarket shelves means farmer anger is reaching boiling point.

“Lamb prices have fallen drastically over recent weeks, with prices down by around 20 percent compared with the same period last year,” said FUW livestock, wool and marts committee chairman Dafydd Roberts. “Such falls come against a background of predicted falls in net hill and lowland livestock farm incomes of 41 and 24%.”

Mr Roberts said the volumes of imported lamb, which continue to appear on supermarket shelves, added insult to injury for farmers who had seen a fall in live-weight new season lamb prices of around 35p/Kg during June.

“The FUW has highlighted the need for an increase in farm-gate prices for all commodities during meetings with supermarkets over recent months, and the current plight of the industry was reiterated in a meeting with deputy minister Rebecca Evans last week. We will continue to draw attention to the need for fair farm-gate returns in meetings with bodies involved in the supply chain during the Royal Welsh show,” he added.

Mr Roberts said that while there was an ongoingfocusonfarmers cutting costs and become more efficient, there was widespread feeling that those further down the supply chain were not meeting their side of the bargain by showing the type of commitment to Welsh produce promised during the horsemeat scandal.

“As people struggle to pay bills and face up to the prospect of further falls in CAP support, tempers are beginning to fray and action needs to be taken to restore confidence,” he added.

Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Agriculture Minister, Llyr Gruffydd AM, has called on the Welsh Government to take urgent steps to protect Welsh farmers as price of Welsh produce continues to plummet.

Lamb prices have dropped by around 20 per cent compared with the same period last year as total farm income continues to plummet. The price of liveweight new season lamb fell by around 35p/Kg in June 2015.

The news comes just a few days after milk buyer, First Milk announced a further 1ppl cut to its standard litre price, meaning the majority of Welsh dairy farmers will be receiving milk prices far below the cost of production.

The Party of Wales’ Shadow Agriculture Minister, Llyr Gruffydd AM, said: “Supporting our farmers is a matter of increasing urgency and it is imperative that the Welsh Government steps in which is why Plaid Cymru will be holding a debate next week in the Senedd which will call on the government to utilise the Rural Development Programme to provide immediate support for those most affected and to protect farmers from the volatility of the global markets by strengthening domestic supply chains.

“If this isn’t a message to supermarkets, I don’t know what is. They have a duty of care to their suppliers and they need to recognise that the sector is struggling. We need leadership from the Welsh Government to ensure that supermarkets step in and support their suppliers. When the boot was on the other foot during the horsemeat scandal the suppliers stood by the supermarkets – it is now incumbent on the supermarkets to show the same loyalty.

“The public sector also needs to set an example and ensure as much of its produce is sourced from within Wales as possible and we needn’t look very far to see what needs to be done. Gwynedd council has led by example, sourcing 100 per cent of its school meals contracts from within Gwynedd or the surrounding region whereas Anglesey council over the bridge spends its whole school meals budget in Reading.

“Welsh farmers have been suffering for too long with seemingly perpetual cuts to farm-gate prices coupled with the slashing of their subsidy payments by the Welsh Government. It is imperative that the Welsh Government shows leadership in turning the situation around.”

Farming

E-Tickets now on sale for Pembrokeshire County Show 2024

Published

3 days ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

E-TICKETS are now on sale for this summer’s Pembrokeshire County Show, the largest county agricultural show in Wales. Preparations are coming together well for what is set to be a fantastic two days of livestock, competitions, attractions and much more.

General entry tickets for the show, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, 14 & 15 August, are now available at an ‘early birds’ rate online from the website. Ticket prices have had to increase slightly to cover costs but still remain below 2019 charges. The early bird rate for Adults is £15, children £8 (5-16 years), Carers as well as children four years and under are free. Please visit: www.pembsshow.org to purchase your e-tickets.

Adam Thorne, President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society said, “At the event in August visitors will be able to tickle their tastebuds in the Castell Howell Food Hall, marvel at the livestock classes, enjoy watching the dog agility, be wowed by the showjumping, explore the horticulture, arts and crafts entries.

Shop ‘til they drop in the Country Market area, which will showcase over 40 quality local and award winning product and craft stalls and much more.”

Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society Membership packages are also available and these include admission to the Show and the Members’ Area. Purchasing membership of the society will support its aim to promote, advance and improve agriculture, horticulture and rural crafts and skills by the improvement of livestock and the demonstration and showing of livestock, machinery, crafts, products, methods and processes connected with agriculture and agricultural education in particular by the holding of an annual show. Full details are available on the website: Become A Member | Pembrokeshire County Show | Pembs Agricultural Society (pembsshow.org)

Putting together this event is hard work and requires an enormous effort by the staff, volunteers and trustees of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society. The Society is indebted to so many for their commitment and support in helping host the event.

A special mention must go to the county show sponsors. Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society is proud to have many local, regular, sponsors who make the event possible.

Sponsorship Director, Richard Cole, said, “Sponsorship and Pembrokeshire County Show have been a successful combination for the last 45 years. Sponsors have enjoyed promoting their businesses through the varied mediums of banners, announcements, show rings, buildings, equine and livestock classes and championships over the years. It isn’t too late. If you’d like to discuss becoming a corporate sponsor please complete the form on our website: www.pembsshow.org.”

Farming

Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society in search for county’s top progressive farmers

Published

3 weeks ago

April 9, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IF you farm in Pembrokeshire and can demonstrate your farm’s use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture then the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society encourage you to enter the prestigious Baron de Rutzen Award.

Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire County Show President, said, “We are looking for local Pembrokeshire farmers, under the age of 45, who can demonstrate their farm’s use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture. They also need to show consideration for the environment and habitat sensitivity on their farm as well as present an aesthetically pleasing example of farming in the county. The competition welcomes all livestock and arable sectors to take part.”

Last year’s winners of the Award were Mark and Caroline Davies of Little Newcastle, Haverfordwest. They milk 230 pedigree Holsteins through a fully automated system. They rear their own replacements and also have a small beef enterprise. The farm is all grassland and they follow a strict reseeding and liming policy to optimise the yield from their multi-cut silage system. The couple place significant emphasis on animal health, husbandry and breeding to maximise the efficiency of their system.

Baron John Fredrick De Rutzen was President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society in 1936 and the Baron de Rutzen Trophy was produced in his memory. The third Baron served in the Welsh Guards and tragically died, aged 36, in 1944.

This year’s entrants must be fully practising farmers within the county of Pembrokeshire and were under the age of 45 years on 1 January 2024. Entries can either be by nomination or direct application online on the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society website. Click here to apply: Baron de Rutzen Award | Pembrokeshire County Show | Pembs Agricultural Society (pembsshow.org)

The closing date for nominations and applications is at noon on Wednesday, 29 May 2024.

Farming

Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society elect new president

Published

4 weeks ago

April 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ARABLE and beef farmer, Adam Thorne, has been unanimously elected to become the new President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society for the year ahead. Adam is the third generation of his family to hold the position.

During the Annual General Meeting of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, held last week on the Pembrokeshire Showground, Mr Tim John and his wife Margaret John were also voted in as Presidents elect.

Adam Thorne has had a long association with Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society. After visiting the show as a toddler, then helping show the family’s pedigree Herefords, his uncle got him into helping him with stewarding in his early teens. From there he progressed to being a Steward with his own section, Commercial Cattle, and then also the Butcher’s Lambs section.

From stewarding, Adam became involved with committee work, starting as an Executive and then on to the former Finance and General Purposes Committee. He has been Chairman of the Estates Committee for 12 years and is now a Board member and a Trustee.

Adam said, “I am proud of my long association with Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society. I am the third generation to now be President, following my late grandfather, Walter Thorne, my father, Robert Thorne and more recently my uncle, George Thorne. I am looking forward to my year in the prestigious position.”

Away from his work with the society, Adam runs the family’s arable and beef farm in Robeston West, Milford Haven. He has been heavily involved with Tiers Cross YFC from an early age, having been Club Secretary twice and Chairman. He has also sat on Pembrokeshire County YFC Committees and the Wales YFC Rural Affairs Committee.

The 2024 Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society officeholders, announced at the AGM, include Miss Ffion Edwards who was awarded the role of Ambassador at last year’s show. Ffion, a nurse from Maenclochog, has enjoyed many years of attending the county show and believes that there are so many good elements to it. Ffion has been a member of Llysyfran YFC for 15 years and enjoys every aspect of young farmers – trying new experiences, competing and travelling to name a few. Mrs Nicola Owen was also elected as the Honorary Treasurer.

Brian Jones, the outgoing Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society President, took the opportunity to thank everyone who had helped and supported him throughout his presidency. During his year as President, Brian and his wife Helen, raised a tremendous amount of money for various charities including the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, RABI, Tir Dewi and the DPJ Foundation. Brian also gave his assurances that Castell Howell will continue to sponsor the Food Hall for future years.

Pembrokeshire County Show, the largest county agricultural show in Wales, will be held over two days again this summer on 14 and 15 August. Everyone is invited to attend the celebration of rural life in the county.

Pictured (left to right): Ffion Edwards the Ambassador for 2024; Adam Thorne, President; Margaret and Tim John, the Presidents Elect.