Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has announced the winner of its 2024 HCC Scholarship, which supports a research project focused on the red meat industry.
HCC has revealed that William Powell from Crossgates, Llandrindod Wells is the recipient of the 2024 HCC Scholarship.
The trade body has offered the annual scholarship for over 20 years to applicants who are employed on a full time basis within the Welsh red meat industry. The Scholarship allows them to study an aspect of production or processing in a country of their choice; examples of previous topics of study include techno grazing, conservation management and anthelmintic usage on sheep farms around the world.
James Ruggeri, industry development executive at HCC, said: “We are delighted to announce William as this year’s HCC Scholar. He impressed the panel with his passion for the red meat sector, and his eagerness to learn more.
“I have no doubt that he will be a great ambassador for the beef sector in Wales, at a time when the industry is under threat from new regulation, ongoing TB issues and misconceptions about red meat production.”
Powell said: “Suckler cows are currently seen as unsustainable and unprofitable; but I believe that they can have a big impact in maintaining and improving the uplands. If we can get them to be more efficient, and use genomics to select suitable replacements, this will help the industry become more profitable and sustainable.”
AHDB hosts international scholars
This news comes as another red meat trade body, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), hosted 10 Nuffield Scholars as part of its International Global Focus programme. The group visited a mixed farm in Northamptonshire and heard from AHDB on key areas for the organisation and UK agriculture.
The Nuffield Global Focus Programme aims to develop scholars’ understanding of global agriculture, broaden their horizons and looks to give them the opportunity to meet with progressive businesses, organisations and Governments across the world.
Izak Van Heerden, AHDB senior knowledge exchange manager and 2023 Nuffield Scholar, said: “It was great to welcome scholars from the Nuffield International Global Focus programme to AHDB. With scholars from New Zealand, Australia, USA and Brazil, the visit strengthened AHDB’s international ties and broadened our industry outlook.
“The scholars who attended came from a wide range of backgrounds with a wealth of knowledge and ideas. Sharing their experiences from back home, we learnt much from the group of how an organisation like AHDB can help farmers.”
Scholars heard from Chris Gooderham, AHDB science and environment director, about AHDB’s new baselining project and how it will help farmers understand their environmental impact.
Dr Mandy Nevel, AHDB head of animal health and welfare, spoke about work to improve health and welfare including industry’s response to Bluetongue. Jonathon Eckley, AHDB head of international trade development, gave an update on the organisation’s work in opening new markets and recent successes.
“It really helped pull things together for me to get a broader idea of what’s happening in the agricultural space, including both challenges and opportunities.”
David Eudall, AHDB economics and analysis director, gave the group an overview of the macro-economics of UK agriculture, with a lot of interest from the group on how the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is replacing the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).
Finally, Liam Byrne, AHDB domestic and international marketing director, spoke about how AHDB’s marketing work champions British beed, lamb, pork and dairy on behalf of levy payers. The day was rounded off with a visit to Perkins Lodge, a previous AHDB strategic farm.
Claudia Benn, 2024 Nuffield Australia Scholar, said: “The day spent with AHDB was so informative and helpful for us to get some context around the UK agricultural industry, the SFI and environmental challenges and targets, as well as the geopolitical/trade climate in the UK.
“It really helped pull things together for me to get a broader idea of what’s happening in the agricultural space, including both challenges and opportunities. The work AHDB is doing is so important for the future of the industry.”
