As part of HCC’s Meat Minds programme, its current members have discussed a wide range of relevant topics, from sustainability and grassland management to sheep genetics, with opportunities to meet industry leaders and experts along the way.
Their latest session focused on beef production and genetics with a visit to Warren Farm, Chester where they met Arwel Owen, Beef Supply Chain Manager for Genus ABS. The Jones family at Warren Farm work closely with Genus to record data and the feed efficiency of their cattle and use the latest technologies to rear and fatten their young stock. They record feed and water intake, and their commitment to the environment and sustainability led them to measure methane.
The group enjoyed a tour of the farm and were extremely impressed by the efficient system that provides high welfare standards for the cattle.
They were joined by Arwel’s colleague in the afternoon, Finlay Murchie from Genus, who talked about the Genus stud in Ruthin and how it operates, how they select, collect and store their samples to build their stores and develop beef genetics for the future.
Meat Minds member Lynfa Jones is Breed Secretary for the Welsh Black Cattle Society. She said: “This visit and discussion with Genus Ltd was very valuable and relevant to my work. I have gained a much deeper understanding of the business at Warren Farm and the services available from Genus and hope to be able to share this new knowledge with my contacts in the beef sector.”
The Meat Minds programme also provides its members with an opportunity to spend a day in the workplace with a mentor from within the red meat sector. The initial meetings have taken place, and dates have been set for the workplace visits.
