A packed programme of events has been arranged by the Farmers’ Union of Wales to coincide with the Welsh Dairy Show in Carmarthen next week (Tuesday, October 20).
The major challenges facing the dairy industry will be to the fore when a meeting will be held at Caws Cenarth near Cardigan on Monday October 19, at 1.30pm, which will be attended by Paul Vernon, chief executive of Glanbia Cheese.
Caws Cenarth is a family business started by Gwynfor and Thelma Adams in 1987 in response to the introduction of milk quotas.
Making cheese from the milk produced by their herd was a way of ensuring that they would not go above their allocated quota of milk and the union is looking forward to discuss the future of dairy farming with them, especially now that milk quotas have been abolished.
Later on Monday evening the FUW’s traditional eve of Welsh Dairy Show function, commencing at 7.30pm and held at Carmarthen Athletic Club, will be addressed by Mr Vernon and will offer delegates the opportunity to discuss the future of the dairy industry with senior representatives from across the dairy sector in Wales.
Mr Vernon has worked in the dairy industry for the past 28 years and prior to this he held a number of senior sales positions with a leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company.
He commenced working in the dairy industry with a Co-Operative based in Northern Ireland and for the past 20 years has been chief executive of Glanbia Cheese, which is head quartered in Northwich, Cheshire.
“The FUW is delighted to have attracted speakers and guest of such quality to address our dinner on the eve of the Welsh Dairy Show function,” said FUW Carmarthen executive officer David Waters.
“The dairy sector is facing immense challenges at present, with falling prices forcing many farmers to re-evaluate their businesses and having to decide whether to stay in milk production or not.
“The events that we have organised will help give farmers an insight into the way the dairy industry is likely to develop in the next few years and we look forward to what promises to be an informative day.”