KEPAK is reinforcing its commitment to Welsh livestock farming as Gold Sponsor of the Royal Welsh Grassland Event (Brecknockshire), a key industry showcase focused on improving grassland performance, soil health and on-farm resilience.
The event highlights the growing shift towards sustainable and regenerative approaches – building on practices Welsh farmers have developed and refined over generations – keeping grassland at the heart of Welsh livestock production while delivering high-quality beef and lamb, environmental gains and stronger farm resilience. Aligned with the event’s theme, “sowing today for a greener tomorrow,” the focus is on practical, on-farm solutions – many of which are already being successfully adopted.
Tom Finn, CEO of Kepak Meat Division UK, met with Llyr Gruffydd MS, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, to discuss how industry and government can support a strong, sustainable future for Welsh livestock farming.
The discussion centred on the importance of maintaining a confident and commercially viable livestock sector, particularly across beef and sheep farming, and the role of collaboration in enabling farmers to invest for the long term. Kepak is calling for increased partnership across the supply chain to help translate efficiency gains into improved returns for farmers and support long-term investment in sustainable farming approaches.
Kepak operates its flagship Merthyr Tydfil site, with capacity to process around 500,000 sheep and 100,000 cattle annually. Employing more than 1,000 people, the site contributes over £5 million each week to the wider Welsh rural economy.
Tom Finn, CEO of Kepak Meat Division UK, said: “Farmers are the backbone of this industry. They’re producing world-class food while managing the land and supporting rural communities.
“Farmers are being asked to do more than ever on sustainability, but that has to go hand in hand with running a viable business. If farming isn’t profitable, it isn’t sustainable – so the focus has to be on practical approaches that deliver for both.
“The priority now is making sure farmers have the confidence to keep investing – because if farming is strong, everything else follows. That depends on farmers, processors and the wider supply chain working in partnership to build a more resilient future for Welsh livestock farming.”
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Resilience and Sustainability Llyr Gruffydd, said: “We welcome the opportunity to engage with industry partners such as Kepak on the future of Welsh agriculture.
“Supporting farmers to build resilient, sustainable businesses is central to our approach, and continued collaboration across the sector will be key to delivering a strong future for Welsh food production and rural communities.”
Also speaking at the Royal Welsh Grassland Event, Frances Thomas, Kepak UK Sustainability Officer, added: “Grass-based livestock systems are one of greatest strengths for beef and lamb producers in Wales.
“The opportunity is in getting more from that quality forage – improving soil health, resilience and long-term performance.
“Farmers need practical, proven approaches that work within existing systems, delivering both sustainability and profitability. These are approaches many Welsh farmers have long understood, that are now evolving to meet today’s environmental and economic challenges.
“Sustainable practices will be key to future-proofing Welsh livestock systems, supporting soil health, biodiversity and resilience.”
Kepak is also continuing its investment in the next generation through its Young Farmer Forum, helping develop future talent across the Welsh livestock sector. The initiative gives young farmers the opportunity to better understand the full beef and lamb supply chain beyond the farm gate.
Frances said: “Investing in the next generation isn’t optional – it’s essential. Their ambition and fresh thinking will help shape the future of Welsh farming. Kepak is committed to supporting them in building a viable and resilient industry for years to come.”
