A new scholar will be assuming to role of chair of the Hybu Cig Cymru Scholarship Association, a group of influential scholarship alumni involved in the Welsh red meat industry.

Alison Harvey, who lives in Tregaron and works as an agricultural manager for Dunbia, takes over the role from farmer and former Farmers Weekly Beef Farmer of the Year, Richard Tudor who is from Llanerfyl.

Machynlleth farmer and TV personality Will Evans, Hendreseifion, also takes over the role of vice-chair from Alison.

The announcement was made at a HCC Scholarship Association reception at the Winter Fair where 2018 scholars Peredur Owen and Dafydd Huw Evans made presentations about their own respective scholarships.

Peredur travelled to America to study grazing systems and antibiotic usage while Dafydd travelled to New Zealand to look at improving production from low fertility land.

The association has been in existence for over 20 years and aims to facilitate individuals working within the Welsh red meat industry to travel the world and learn about different topics and practices across the globe.

Scholars are encouraged to share their findings with the entire industry to share best practice and learnings. Since its establishment over 40 individuals have undertaken a scholarship.

The association boasts a range of past scholars including both the FUW and NFU Cymru presidents, Glyn Roberts and John Davies.

While many scholars are primary producers, other scholars have been involved in butchery, product development and academia. Over the years, topics have ranged from genetic improvement and TechnoGrazing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions with Alison’s own scholarship taking her to France and the USA to study lamb grading systems in 2012.

The 2020 scholarship will be open for application in the spring of 2020.