St Merryn Foods’ Lamb Carcass Show goes from strength to strength

21 | Jun | 2012

The 2012 St Merryn Foods lamb carcass show, held recently at its Merthyr Tydfil site, attracted well over 300 show entries, and was voted a success by all involved.  A wide range of farmers from Wales, as well as from the borders and the South West of England that supply lamb to St Merryn Foods, entered the annual show. 

The champion lamb carcass, a beltex cross, was entered by IT Davies & Son, Dan Yr Egwlwys, near Brecon. The reserve champion was an organic lamb from D.R & G.M Watkins, Vowchurch, near Hereford. 

With the support of retail partner, Tesco, the carcass show has become a feature of the sheep farming calendar, and now enjoys the support of both politicians and industry leaders. At this year’s show, Alun Davies (AM), the Welsh Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes, gave the keynote address.  

The Deputy Minister used his speech to reinforce the commitment that the Welsh Assembly Government has to sheep farming. He also reminded the farming audience that they need to continue to improve their efficiency and use technology to their advantage. 

He commented: “I am delighted to see such strong and positive relationships existing in the lamb supply chain helping to maximise economic benefits. This collaborative working also results in superb quality Welsh lamb being made available to consumers and helps to ensure the sustainability and profitability of the red meat industry in Wales.” 

VION’s Red Meat Livestock Director, John Dracup, added: “This event has gone from strength- to-strength. It demonstrates, in the best possible way, the consistent quality that is now the norm for our lamb producers. For anyone to be able to view the quantity and quality of lamb that we have been able to display at the carcass show, is a rare privilege. We are able to showcase some of the best lamb in the world in a unique way. That can only be a good thing for the product, as well as everyone involved in its production - from farmer through to retailer. We are very grateful to all of our sponsors and supporters who have helped us make this event such a success.” 

Also present was Tesco lamb buyer, Adele Davenall-Gabain, who spoke to the farmers, highlighting the importance of innovation and consistency. She also emphasised the role of promotions if lamb is to become a more regular purchase for consumers feeling the effect of the current economic climate, and concluded by complementing the farmers on the high quality of the carcasses presented at the show. 

St Merryn Foods also used the carcass show to underline their commitment to working closely with their producers. Establishing ways of improving the carcass information sent to farmers was confirmed as part of this commitment, with automated reading of electronic ear tags on lambs entering its plant soon to be introduced.

 

Note for the editors

VION Food Group Ltd, the UK arm of VION N.V. VION Food Group Ltd produces and processes beef, lamb, pork, bacon and chicken, as well as a wide range of convenience products such as sausages, cooked meats and added value cooked chicken. The operation has extensive facilities across the UK from farms and hatcheries to primary production, processing and packing, and supplies products according to customer and market demands. The business is primarily focused on the UK retail market but also includes important foodservice and wholesale clients within its portfolio.  

For further information please contact:

Robert Smith,

Group Communications Controller,

VION Food Group Ltd 

+44 (0)1506 400400

+44 (0)7785 502976

rob.smith@vionfood.com