The next generation of pig farmers will get the opportunity to get their futures off to a flying start with the launch of the Menter Moch Cymru & Wales YFC Pig Finishing Initiative 2022 this week.
Building on the success of the Pig Finishing Initiative since it was first launched in 2017, Menter Moch Cymru are pleased to be working with Wales YFC once again this year for the last time and offering young farmers in Wales the unique opportunity to start their own business in pig keeping
In a bid to encourage the next generation of pig keepers and to get farmers thinking about pigs as a viable diversification option the six successful Wales YFC members will be awarded with five weaners each.
Past participant Ethan Williams said: “I was a part of Menter Moch Cymru’s finishing scheme around 2 years ago and it gave me all the information I needed to set up my own personal pig enterprise.
“We were taught about the nutrition, health, marketing, showing and many other aspects in the keeping and selling of pigs. Since the scheme I have finished just under 50 weaners, which has brought additional income to the farm. If you have the facilities, I would really consider entering, I really have not regretted it one bit,” he added
As mentioned, this initiative will also ensure that the successful competitors will be supported by expert training and mentoring by Menter Moch Cymru. They will receive practical advice on rearing through, to business skills, marketing and legislation.
The competition will be launched this year on the 29th of April and will be open for a month with the closing date on May 27th 2022.
Another past participant Rhiannon Davies who competed in the competition in 2019 and has established a family business selling pork and lamb meat boxes, Cig Banc Sion Cwilt said:
“It was a fantastic opportunity and as we were having the pigs from Menter Moch Cymru as part of the competition it was a great way to try pig production here on our farm. I think it is a great way to encourage new people to think about keeping their own pigs and also for young farmers to try something new, they have nothing to lose and so much to gain from this competition.
“I have always been interested in adding value and selling produce direct to the customers, and this competition has given me the opportunity to do this and to do something new,” 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.
Many farms may already have suitable general-purpose buildings or land that is currently being under-utilised that could be easily converted for pig keeping, with little capital investment.
“Menter Moch Cymru is delighted to be working with Wales YFC again on this exciting and unique opportunity for their members,” said Melanie Cargill, Menter Moch Cymru Project Manager.
“The initiative is a great introduction for any young farmer thinking of entering the pig sector. We’ve seen so many new farm enterprises take off since running the initiative and it’s always great to see how the young farmers progress during the competition, which ends with an exclusive class at the RWAS Winter Fair, but also post-competition. Once they’ve experienced keeping pigs most go on to develop their own successful herds and businesses selling pork.”
Chairman of YFC, Caryl Haf said, “Thank you to Menter Moch Cymru for the opportunity to collaborate on our pig finishing competition yet again this year. Wales YFC is extremely grateful to Menter Moch Cymru for providing members once again with such a fantastic opportunity to learn valuable skills. Skills that will not only help them develop their enterprises but also support the development of the pig industry here in Wales.”
The application window for the Menter Moch Cymru & Wales YFC Pig Finishing Initiative 2022 will open on the 29th April and will close on the 27th May 2022.
For more information about how to enter, please go to www.mentermochcymru.co.uk or www.yfc.wales