The visit to Pant Farm, Llanvetherine, home of NFU Cymru members Gary and Jess Yeomans and their family, coincided with St David’s Day. In celebration of the Welsh nation and all that it has to offer, it was the perfect opportunity to champion PGI Welsh Black beef and goats’ cheese, both of which are produced on the Yeomans’ farm.
More about Pant Farm
The family have built up the goat herd after securing a local goat cheese contract and now milk 600 goats, supplying Abergavenny Fine Foods. They also have Welsh Black beef cattle and have recently added a holiday let to the business. They have taken part in agri-environment schemes and are moving towards more regenerative practices where sustainability is key. They employ one full time member of staff and four part-time relief milkers as well as relying on a host of local businesses to help with the running of the farm.
Gary is a former NFU Cymru County Chairman and Jess is a previous winner of the NFU Cymru Wales Woman Farmer of the Year Award.
Gary Yeomans said: “As a family we are honoured to have hosted Their Royal Highnesses on our farm today, and on St David’s Day as well. It was a pleasure to be able to show them around the stock and discuss with them the issues we are currently facing as farmers here in Wales.
Farming is at the heart of rural communities
"Farming is at the heart of rural communities all over Wales, and the support we give to and receive from local businesses in the area all mean we can continue producing high quality, affordable food, produced to some of the highest welfare standards in the world. Without the services and expertise of these wider businesses, I would not be able to maximise efficiency on this farm.
“Without our staff, we would not be able to devote time and energy to all we do for food production and the environment to such a high standard. The farm is reliant on committed people around us and we value all those who help us and work with us, and in return our investment generates income streams for their businesses and families.
"Farming is a vital cog in the rural economy and it was great to be able to convey this today to Their Royal Highnesses.”
📍 Pant Farm, Wales
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) March 1, 2022
Seeing first-hand the benefits that local businesses receive through their communities at this lovely family-run farm, promoting local produce and sustainable practices. pic.twitter.com/Rt6WGPCImD
NFU Cymru members Gary & Jess Yeomans have today welcomed @KensingtonRoyal to their farm near Abergavenny as part of a St David’s Day visit to Wales pic.twitter.com/x5Jzpj9uyO
— NFU Cymru 🚜 (@NFUCymru) March 1, 2022
David Edwards, NFU Cymru County Chairman for Monmouthshire said: “It’s been a privilege to be able to represent NFU Cymru today and to meet with Their Royal Highnesses. Pant Farm is a perfect example of family farming that is replicated throughout the county of Monmouthshire.
"It is vital that food production and the availability of safe, fully traceable food is not undervalued. Seeing Pant Farm championing its very own PGI Welsh Black beef and goats’ cheese that is manufactured in Abergavenny, illustrates the perfect supply chain that is fully functional. It is really important that the primary food producers are treated fairly so this works all the way through to the consumer whilst ensuring provenance is championed.”