News

During Wednesday’s results ceremony at the Royal Welsh Show, the Rural Affairs Committee announced the finalists for the 2024 Wales YFC Prime Pork Competition. There had been a large number of strong entries this year with seven members successful in their quest to start a pig enterprise of their own.

The 2024 finalists are: Lisa from Carmarthenshire, Japp from Pembrokeshire, Janet from Ceredigion, Rebeca from Ceredigion, Dominic Hampson-Smith from Gwent, Sioned from Pembrokeshire and Gwenan from Pembrokeshire.

The successful members travelled to Willhome Farm, Haverfordwest courtesy of the Willaims family on Monday 12th August to attend their first day of training.

The day began with members having a tour of the pigs on the farm from Stuart, starting with seeing the sows and piglets before moving on to the 6 month old pigs who were kept from coming to the drove in order to rear. Then we got to see the sows and the boar. During this session members had the opportunity to hold the piglets, and understand how to handle them at this age. They got to learn about the characteristics of the pig and understand how to identify a healthy pig. Stuart showed what food should be fed to them with a quick demonstration on how to show pigs. Throughout the morning members asked questions to deepen their understanding on how to look after and raise pigs.

The afternoon session was lead by Lucy Chubb from Farm First Vets where she spoke about the different legislation and the essential requirements that must be met when keeping pigs. It was an extremely informative session and I’m sure Lucy will be more than happy to answer any question members have in the future once they have received their pigs.

Wales YFC would like to thank the following for their support during this training day: The Williams family for the welcome during the day as for the support in running the competition. Farming Connect for collaborating with us as an organisation to run the competition and for offering courses to the competing members. Thank you to Farming Connect also for organising the speakers during the training sessions including Lucy Chubb in this session. Thank you also to Lucy for travelling to meet the members and for sharing her knowledge and expertise. Our thanks go to NFU Mutual Charitable Trust for their support in running the competition and for providing members with a foundation at the start of their new ventures.

What’s Next?

The 7 candidates will receive 4 weaners in September with the intention of exhibiting them at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair 2024. This is the second year for Wales YFC to hold this competition. This year, there is a new element to the competition where all contestants will be asked to slaughter two of their pigs so that they can be judged on meat quality and overall cover. The three different elements of the competition will be marked separately. The contestants with the maximum points at the end of the competition will be announced at the Wales YFC Agri Awards on 11th January at Rose Dew, Llantwit Major.