Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has launched its annual scholarship opportunity, inviting applications from across the industry.
The HCC scholarship is worth up to £4,000 and gives recipients a chance to explore the red meat production or processing systems.
Applications are welcomed from individuals working in the red meat sector in Wales who are over 18 years of age before the closing date of 28th April 2025.
An opportunity for development
Previous scholars have included farmers, butchers, processors, academics, and new entrants. Topics studied have ranged from improving cost of production and genetic selection for lamb meat yield to pasture crop utilisation and international beef grading systems. Successful applicants will spend up to six weeks studying the sheep, beef, or pork industry in a country of their choice and, in the past, the scholarship has seen candidates travel as far as Australia and South America.
“The HCC Scholarship is an invaluable opportunity for individuals who are eager to develop their understanding and experiences of red meat production and processing.”
James Ruggeri, HCC industry development executive
HCC’s industry development executive James Ruggeri commented: “The HCC Scholarship has been running for over 20 years and is an invaluable opportunity for individuals who are eager to develop their understanding and experiences of red meat production and processing. Candidates must be ambitious and committed to the sector, and willing to share their findings with others here in Wales so that the wider industry can benefit from their new-found knowledge.”
Past winners
The successful scholar for 2024 was William Powell from Crossgates, Llandrindod Wells. He chose to consider the reputation of the suckler cow sector during his visit to the USA. Since returning from his trip, William has presented his findings to a number of local farming groups, including young farmers clubs, NFU and grassland groups.
Powell said: “I found that farmers in the USA are adapting to using modern technologies such as feed efficiency, genomics, and methane emissions testing to create more efficient and environmentally friendly cattle. They are also using the modern technologies to help fight the change in environment while reducing their own emissions and reliance on bought in feed.
“It was a great experience, and I learnt a lot. I’m grateful to HCC for the opportunity.”
HCC scholars become members of the HCC Scholarship Association, with a membership including award-winning farmers, academics, and notable figures within the industry. The current Chair of the Scholarship Association is sheep and beef farmer William Evans from Machynlleth.
To apply for the scholarship, an application form can be downloaded from the HCC website, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. The application window opens on closes at 12pm on 28th April 2025.
