COMPETITION PUTS PIG PRODUCERS OF THE FUTURE IN WINTER FAIR SPOTLIGHT

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.

A young Pembrokeshire farmer has been named the champion of a competition created to encourage Wales’ next generation of pig producers.

At the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, Rebecca John, from Fishguard Young Farmers Club   was declared the overall champion of the Menter Moch Cymru & Wales YFC Pig Finishing Competition.

Rebecca John said, “It was a shock to win; I was not expecting it at all. Any one of the finalists could have won. I’m really glad I entered the competition, and I’d like to work with pigs again in the future. I didn’t have any previous pig experience, but taking part has given me more confidence, and the Menter Moch Cymru sessions we had covered everything we needed.”

Open to YFC members across Wales; the annual competition aims to introduce young people to the Welsh pig industry.

In July, the final winners were chosen, and Rebecca was picked alongside Carys Jones from Carmarthenshire (Llangadog YFC), Jack and Rhys Morgan from Swansea (Gower YFC), Frances Thomas from Brecon (Sennybridge YFC), and Leah and Alis Davies from Denbighshire (Nantglyn YFC).

The winners each received five weaners to rear and bespoke training programmes devised by Menter Moch Cymru to help them develop the skills required to establish and manage their new pig ventures.

The training covered all aspects of pig rearing, from husbandry, legislation, and nutrition, to help with marketing their pork – along with ongoing mentor support through Menter Moch Cymru.

Menter Moch Cymru’s Project Manager, Rhiannon Davies, is a past winner of the Menter Moch Cymru & Wales YFC Pig Finishing Competition. Then a member of Caerwedros YFC, Rhiannon entered the competition, which set her on a career path which has come full circle.

Rhiannon said, “I’m delighted for Rebecca and all the competition winners. I know from first-hand experience what an exciting journey they have been on and how much fantastic support and training they have received from Menter Moch Cymru. As new entrants to the Welsh pig industry I wish them every success as they take their next steps.”

Dewi Davies, YFC Rural Affairs Chairman, said, “The competition has been a great opportunity for members of Wales Young Farmers to have an opportunity to trial a new enterprise of rearing pigs and the skills they have learnt is invaluable.”