Hooray, new producer’s welcome pigs on the farm

Six YFC Wales members will have an oink in their step this week as they welcome the new pigs on to the farm.

The finalists of the Pig Finishing initiative between Menter Moch Cymru and Wales YFC this week started their exciting new career in pig keeping with five, eight-week-old Welsh pig weaners to rear.

The six individuals that were hailed winners by the judges are Dylan Phillips from Bwlch y Rhandir, Llangwyryfon, Eiry Williams of Ty Newydd Langwyryfon, Luned Jones of Llanwnnen, Llanllwni, Elliw Roberts of Holyhead on Anglesey, Sally Griffiths of Presteigne, Radnor and Laura Evans of Gwynfa, Llangwyryfon

The finalists were revealed during this year’s RWAS Royal Welsh Virtual Show and have since been eagerly awaiting their prize – the arrival of their pigs.

Before receiving their weaners, the finalists have already started their bespoke training programme, designed and delivered by Menter Moch Cymru to help ensure they are fully prepared for their new venture. 

The training already suppled has included pig husbandry and welfare, legislation and feed/nutrition, with additional training sessions held throughout the year where a specialist speakers will covers different aspects of pig production, show preparation and marketing. The training sessions also feature experienced pig keepers passing on first-hand the knowledge they’ve acquired over the years.

As the young farmers’ skills develop, they will continue to receive support and mentoring from Menter Moch Cymru.

Elliw Roberts, of Brynsannan, Holyhead on Anglesey, one of the finalists was extremely excited to see the pigs arrive at the farm last week:

“I have always wanted to keep pigs on the farm, and the only way I could get them was trying in this competition. I am really looking forward to the challenge over the next coming weeks.  The training sessions have started and they are so informative, I wouldn’t have had an idea if I had started on my own without the support of this initiative.

“It will be so exciting going to the Winter Fair to show off my pigs,” she added.

Melanie Cargill, Menter Moch Cymru Project Manager said:

“All the pigs are settling in well, and it’s great to see these young farmers develop into new pig keepers. The training and support they receive from the Menter Moch Cymru project aim to give them all the tools they need for this new venture and will continue over the course of this year.” 

Wales YFC’s Clare James, Rural Affairs Chairman said, “We are delighted to be working with Menter Moch Cymru again to promote pig keeping as a future enterprise to our members. The finalists are full of enthusiasm and dedication for this new chapter in their lives, and the excitement is already building for the final!”

“The Menter Moch programme is a fantastic initiative for members within Wales YFC. The programme gives those involved the opportunity to develop business and livestock management skills. It provides a unique and exciting opportunity for members to gain hands-on experience of pig keeping, and even gives the chance for the young farmers involved to develop a new and exciting business venture which many of our past competitors have successfully taken up,” she added.

Menter Moch Cymru is funded by 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.