HCC connects farmers with the latest grass and clover varieties
Red meat producers looking for improved options for productive, resilient forage are encouraged to get their hands on a copy of the newly published Recommended Grass and Clover Lists (RGCL).
Hard copies of the publication will be available to collect from the Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) stand at the Royal Welsh Grassland Event next Friday 12 June, held at Cwmbrynich Farm, Sennybridge.
Eleven new grass and clover varieties have been added to the 2026 edition of the list, offering beef, sheep and dairy farmers improved options for productive, resilient forage. This year’s additions include Italian hybrid and perennial ryegrasses and a new diploid red clover. A further three lucerne varieties have also been added to the descriptive list.
To make the list, varieties must deliver a clear improvement on key traits such as yield, quality and disease resistance. Only a small proportion meet the standard each year, underlining the strength of the latest additions.
Russ Thomas, HCC’s Industry Efficiency and Sustainability Manager said: “We look forward to attending the Grassland Event next week and to engaging with levy payers on HCC projects and research that seek to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the industry. If you’d like to grab a free copy of the Recommended List, or benefit from practical, technical and financial assistance towards the use of cutting-edge genetic tools as part of Phase 2 of the Welsh Sheep Genetics Project, we would be pleased to see you there.”
The event will also be an opportunity to hear about HCC’s plans and delivery of its new strategic action plan - Red Meat Industry Vision: Delivering Value for Wales. CEO José Peralta will outline the levy body’s priorities in a panel discussion titled ‘From Pasture to Plate: The Future of Welsh Beef and Lamb’, held at 2:15pm as part of the Speakers’ Forum.
For more information about the Grassland Event, click here: Sowing Today for a Greener Tomorrow - RWAS Grassland Event - Royal Welsh
Visit the AHDB website for more details on the RGCL, the only fully independent source of UK trial data for farmers in England and Wales: Recommended Grass and Clover Lists (RGCL) | AHDB
