Applications are now open to take part in Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC)’s Hill Ram Scheme.
Those wishing to apply have until March 31 to register their interest in the flock improvement scheme, by filling in an online form on the HCC website.
The window has opened following a successful series of open meetings held throughout February in Bryncir, Llanrwst, Dolgellau, Tregaron, Sennybridge, Maesteg, and Rhayader.
The innovative scheme is intended to encourage more Welsh hill farmers to use performance-recorded rams to help produce lambs that meet market specifications for a wide range of markets at home and abroad.
Farmers who participate in the scheme will be using genetics and technology to improve the overall performance of their flocks.
The Hill Ram Scheme is one strand of HCC’s Red Meat Development Programme, a five-year strategic initiative designed to improve the Welsh red meat industry’s efficiency and profitability.
The Red Meat Development Programme has been funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
HCC’s Gwawr Parry, who is leading on the Hill Ram Scheme, said: “We were pleased to see so many farmers coming along to our roadshows, with a full house at every date.
“Attendees showed significant interest in the scheme and we were pleased that the meetings facilitated constructive discussion around the Welsh hill sheep sector.
The expression of interest window is open until March 31 so I would urge farmers who are interested in being part of this exciting project to sign up as soon as possible.
“This is a great opportunity to be part of a progressive project which will benefit hill farming businesses and the wider economy of the uplands.”
Farmers who are interested in the project but were unable to attend the meetings are welcome to contact the HCC office on: [email protected].
