Brecon farmer wins top beef prize

Roger Powell of Upper House Farm, Tredomen, Brecon walked away with a top beef prize in the annual carcase show at Two Sisters Food Group’s processing hub in Merthyr Tydfil.

The main PGI Welsh Beef category was once again sponsored by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), the body responsible for the promotion and development of red meat from Wales.

Prizes are awarded for the beef carcases which best meet market requirements, with judging based on a wide range of criteria – including the size, quality and fat content of the meat.

Dai Davies, HCC’s Chairman who presented the award, said; “HCC was proud to sponsor the carcase show at Merthyr again this year, and many congratulations to Roger Powell on his victory. The event is a real showcase for the excellence of PGI Welsh Beef, and it’s a pleasure to see such high standards being achieved. The demands of the red meat consumer are continually evolving, so it’s vital that the whole industry works together to produce animals which meet market requirements.”

HCC Industry Development Executive James Ruggeri referred to the red meat body’s role in sharing information about carcase grading across the red meat supply chain, particularly the ‘Selection for Slaughter’ courses delivered at abattoirs.

“We’re seeing improvements year-on-year in the percentage of animals that meet the processors’ specifications,” said James. “HCC is happy to bring farmers and processors together to share understanding. We’ve held dozens of Selection for Slaughter courses, at Two Sisters in Merthyr and at other major Welsh abattoirs, with the aim of securing the best financial returns for the whole supply chain. We’ll be holding more sessions in the New Year, and farmers are welcome to contact HCC for details.”