Held at Nant yr Odyn Hotel, near Llangefni, Rachael outlined what the sustainability of both the beef and lamb sector in Wales means for the industry, as well as how HCC’s The Welsh Way was gaining traction with buyers.

Sustainability within the Industry 

Rachael told the story of the wider sustainability that is being driven by the red meat industry in Wales and highlighted how this was a key consideration amongst our buyers, adding that work would be needed to build on this in the future.

She shared results of research undertaken that looked at the various systems in operation within both the beef and the lamb sector in Wales and the variance in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Members were keen to learn more about the intricacies of the systems and how various elements within the finishing system would affect the total GHG of the products.

Finally, Rachael gave members a clear message; that the link between securing reduced GHG emissions and the overall efficiency of the farm business are often two sides of the same coin, providing an opportunity for businesses to achieve efficiency savings and profitability whilst also addressing some of the GHG issues that the industry will face in the future.

Abi Reader's Update 

NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader also addressed the meeting and covered subjects including the current cost of production issues, increased input costs, input inflation, the effects of NRW charging scheme consultation proposals, NVZ lobbying and the current licencing scheme for N usage consultation. She encouraged every farmer to respond to the consultation, no matter what their own circumstances are.

NFU Cymru Anglesey County Chairman, Brian Bown, said:

“I would like to thank both Rachael and Abi for coming to speak with us at our first in-person county conference in three years due to the pandemic. It was great to all be back in a room together and hear about the interesting work HCC is undertaking and also a behind the scenes look at the work of the union.”