Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has launched its annual scholarship opportunity and invites applications from individuals within the industry.

The scholarship of up to £4,000 is a chance to explore the world and its varying red meat production or processing systems.

Applications are welcomed from individuals working in the red meat sector in Wales, who are over 18 years of age, before the closing date of April 28

Previous scholars have included farmers, butchers, processors, academics and new entrants. Topics studied have ranged from improving cost of production and genetic selection for lamb meat yield to pasture crop utilisation and international beef grading systems.

The scholarship has seen successful candidates travel as far as New Zealand, Australia and South America.

HCC’s Industry Development Executive, James Ruggeri said: “The HCC Scholarship has been running for more than 20 years and is an invaluable opportunity for individuals who are eager to develop their understanding and experiences of red meat production and processing.

“Candidates must be ambitious and committed to the sector, and willing to share their findings with others here in Wales so that the wider industry can benefit from their new-found knowledge.

“We are extremely fortunate to have thousands of extremely hard-working, passionate people in our sector here in Wales. I would encourage anyone with a desire to develop their business and help move the industry forward in the future, to apply.”

Last year, the successful scholar was William Powell from Crossgates, Llandrindod Wells. He chose to consider the reputation of the suckler cow sector during his visit to the USA. Since returning from his trip, William has presented his findings to a number of local farming groups, including young farmers clubs, NFU and grassland groups.

He said: “I found that farmers in the USA are adapting to using modern technologies such as feed efficiency, genomics and methane emissions testing to create more efficient and environmentally friendly cattle. They are also using the modern technologies to help fight the change in environment while reducing their own emissions and reliance on bought in feed.

“It was a great experience and I learnt a lot. I’m grateful to HCC for the opportunity.”

HCC scholars become members of the HCC Scholarship Association which boasts an exclusive membership of award-winning farmers, distinguished academics and notable figures within the industry. The current Chair of the Scholarship Association is sheep and beef farmer William Evans from Machynlleth.

To apply for the Scholarship, an application form can be downloaded from the HCC website, which will be followed by an interview for short-listed candidates. The application window opened on April 9 and closes at 12pm on April 28.

HCC) is the industry-led organisation responsible for the development, promotion and marketing of Welsh red meat. Its ambition is nothing less than to make sheep and cattle farming in Wales a global exemplar of how to produce quality food, sustainably and efficiently.