Falling flock and farm numbers in Wales are now causing real concern and, if unarrested, could cause “irreparable damage” to the livestock industry, the Chair of Hybu Cig Cymru- Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) told an industry audience on Monday (22nd) morning at the Royal Welsh Show.
Speaking at the annual breakfast function, HCC Chair Cath Smith said: “Any contraction in livestock numbers would irreparably damage our industry. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the loss of productive farms would be potentially disastrous to our sector.”
She highlighted that Wales’ 20,000 strong red meat family farm network underpinned Wales’ economy, its communities, culture and language.
“Together, we are a giant producer of truly great produce - but make no mistake, this industry is at an important crossroads. I cannot emphasise strongly enough how vital it is that we protect our current numbers.”
External economic impacts had already taken a hand. “Critical mass is down across Wales; latest data suggests the total number of sheep and lambs on Welsh farms was 8.7 million head- a significant seven per cent below numbers recorded the previous year. The number of lambs in Wales during the same period was down ten per cent on the year at 4.1 million head.
“Our critical mass of farms and livestock numbers ensure we can put enough top-quality, branded GI red meat into retailers and onto the tables of families across the UK- and, of course, around the world.”
“Every export sale matters, because it helps achieve the carcase balance essential to get best value for every lamb or beef animal produced in Wales and protect the uplifted prices we need to realise our farm returns and economic survival.
“It is not alarmist to say that, without export markets purchasing cuts that aren’t as popular in the UK, the domestic market would simply not function,” said Cath Smith.
Welsh red meat industry’s critical mass of production - and its buoyant export activity- were the twin pillars that “we must keep strong if we are to secure our nation’s farming future- and both rely heavily on their protective foundations, made up of the concrete strength of HCC’s resources, experience and expertise- and its assured delivery.”
She said in 21 years HCC had evolved from a great idea to a great institution and made an indisputable and demonstrable difference to farming. “Together we have built an efficient, resilient and highly cost-effective, supply chain support system,” Cath Smith said.
She further thanked HCC’s staff for their sterling work, saying: “Their focus, determination, dedication and diligence have produced staggering results and delivery. With the support of Welsh Government, with the experience of our staff and our industry’s strategic plan, HCC will strive to shape change and assist you in building a strong, resilient and sustainable red meat industry for the future.”
