By Debbie James

A BUSINESS philosophy that centres on producing beef and lamb that meets consumer demands but at a competitive cost of production has helped a young farmer win the 2016/17 NFU Cymru/NFU Mutual Welsh Livestock Champion of the Year Award.

Harri Parri is the fourth generation of his family to farm 725-acre Bodnithoedd Farm near Pwllheli, where he runs a herd of 210 Stabiliser cows, 320 Lleyn ewes and 550 New Zealand Suffolk x Lleyn ewes.

The business also grows 120 acres of crops including, barley, swedes, red clover and oats and has invested in a wind turbine. In the near future, the family plans to establish a poultry unit.

The competition, now in its third year, recognises the key role a good livestock manager can make to a livestock farm and to the Welsh livestock industry as a whole.

Harri, whose approach to farming focuses on health, nutrition and genetics, was presented with the award which recognises the key role a good livestock manager can make to a livestock farm and to the Welsh livestock industry as a whole.

He received his award - £300 and a Royal Welsh Engraved Crystal Trophy - at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

Wyn Evans, Chairman of NFU Cymru’s Livestock Board, said a criteria of the awards was how a farmer incorporated health and safety into day-to-day activities.

“Harri has developed a good cattle and sheep handling system which makes working with livestock far safer. Each of the two full-time employees have also completed the relevant health and safety courses and attend a number of health and safety open days throughout the year.

Another important factor was quality of the stockmanship.

“The commitment and confidence shown by Harri towards the industry as a whole is reassuring for the future and heartening to see,’’ said Mr Evans.