The chair of Hybu Cig Cymru- Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has said that any contraction in livestock numbers would irreparably damage the Welsh livestock industry.
Speaking to an industry audience at the Royal Welsh Show today (Monday, July 22), Cath Smith said falling flock and farm numbers in Wales are now causing real concern and, if unaddressed, could cause “irreparable damage” to the livestock industry.
“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 said.
Smith highlighted that Wales’ 20,000 strong red meat family farm network underpinned the country’s 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,” she said.
“I cannot emphasise strongly enough how vital it is that we protect our current numbers.”
Welsh farms
Smith said 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 7% below numbers recorded the previous year.
“The number of lambs in Wales during the same period was down 10% 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.”
Smiths said 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 needed to realise 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,” she said.
Smith said the Welsh red meat industry’s critical mass of production and its buoyant export activity were the twin pillars that must be kept strong to secure the nation’s farming future.
