Industry know-how boosted by compelling course content

A series of 35 specialist Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) courses have boosted red meat industry know-how of shopper preferences and abattoir workings, according to feedback from attendees over the past twelve months.

Nearly 400 industry representatives attended the carcase classification courses staged by HCC at abattoirs across Wales in the past twelve months. The courses covered live selection and assessment, carcase viewing and grading, current abattoir and consumer requirements and animal health and welfare; they also sought to help to break down the barriers between farmers and processors by explaining in depth retail requirements and the need to target full carcase returns when rearing.

“HCC is very pleased that the formal feedback we undertake shows the selection for slaughter courses have been so very well received,” said Luned Evans, Industry Development Officer. “It shows that participants reckoned their specialist knowledge increased during the visit by between 30 and 50 per cent.”

Results were consistent across venues and species. “None of us can control the global factors that have had serious impacts on lamb prices in the last twelve months but these courses show that farmers can fight back and maximise the value of each animal by meeting consumer preferences.”

Courses are mainly lamb in content but beef and pork events are also scheduled by HCC. “A new round of events begins in May and if anyone would like to attend they should contact HCC,” said Miss Evans.