Please click HERE for the latest edition of the Briefing from RSC Chairman Chris Riddle which was sent to Members at the end of September.
NEXT STEP IN 'WE EAT BALANCED' CAMPAIGN
‘Eat Balanced’ Campaign to continue
Advertising watchdog rebuffs complaints
British Nutrition Foundation highlights benefits of eating meat and dairy
Following its successful pilot in the early part of 2021, AHDB’s ‘We Eat Balanced’ campaign will launch on 6th September with ‘a refreshed look and feel to build on the success of the pilot’. When it first went live in January 2021, the campaign generated an increase in the number of shoppers who felt red meat could form part of a healthy, balanced diet and that dairy is produced in both a natural and sustainable way. Please click HERE to see the independently-reviewed results.
Furthermore, complaints made by a number of lobby groups that the ‘Eat Balanced’ campaign was ‘misleading’ were recently rejected by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) who pointed out the Government’s own nutritional advice around a healthy and balanced diet which includes red meat and dairy products.
In other related news, a recent report by the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) has highlighted the benefits of eating meat and dairy in a new review paper. Entitled ‘Healthier and more sustainable diets: What changes are needed in high-income countries’, the report said meat provides essential nutrients and talked about the high nutrient density of foods like milk and eggs. It also warned that a widespread take-up of vegetarian or vegan diets could reduce intakes and availability of iron, zinc, calcium, iodine and vitamin B12. You can access the BNF website by clicking HERE.
ROYAL SMITHFIELD TROPHY PRESENTED TO DR JUDE CAPPER - RECIPIENT OF THE SIR JOHN HAMMOND AWARD
The recipient of this year’s British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) Sir John Hammond Award is Dr Jude Capper - with the winner announced during the final day of the BSAS annual conference held 12-15 April.
The prestigious Sir John Hammond award, which was re-launched earlier this year in collaboration with the British Cattle Breeders Club (BCBC) and with a new trophy presented by The Smithfield Forum, is based solely on nominations and is awarded to those who have made significant contribution through research, teaching, knowledge exchange, breeding, farming industry or affiliated professions. This is BSAS’s first ever joint award with the BCBC, which Sir John Hammond founded in 1946. The club aims to improve the breeding of livestock, by promoting knowledge through collecting, collating, and distributing available information and data of practical and scientific interest, to breeders of cattle at home and overseas.
Dr Jude Capper receiving the Sir John Hammond Award and a trophy presented by The Smithfield Forum
Jude is an independent Livestock Sustainability Consultant based in Oxfordshire and her research focuses on modelling the sustainability of livestock production systems, specifically dairy and beef. She is currently working on projects relating to on-farm greenhouse gas emissions from UK beef production; climate footprints of smallholder farming; the impacts of livestock health and welfare on system sustainability; and technology use in South American beef production. Her professional goal is to communicate the importance of factors affecting livestock industry sustainability to enhance the knowledge and understanding of food production stakeholders from the farmer through to the retailer, policy-maker and consumer. She sits on the National Beef Association board; is Chair of the Route Panel for Agriculture, Environment and Animal Care and Vice-Chair of the Green Apprenticeships Advisory Panel at the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
The award was presented during the final day of the recent BSAS annual 2021 conference by BSAS President, Professor Michael Lee, who commented: ‘Dr Capper has played a significant role in promoting the understanding of sustainable livestock production, building on her research conducted in the USA and the UK. Jude is also helping the next generation of agriculturalists, through her activities in supporting the development of apprenticeships and her contributions to other national industry bodies. Jude has made an enormous contribution to understanding the role of livestock as part of a sustainable food system over the years and the awarding of the Sir John Hammond Memorial Prize demonstrates BSAS’ appreciation and recognition of all she has accomplished.’
On receiving the trophy, kindly presented on behalf of The Smithfield Forum, Dr Capper said: ‘I am truly humbled to be considered worthy of receiving the Sir John Hammond award. This is an amazing honour - I will do my very best to live up to the excellence exemplified by previous winners, and to continue serving the British food and farming industry that I know and love.’
GREAT BRITISH BEEF WEEK 23-30 APRIL
Great British Beef Week is ‘going green’ as its 11th year focuses on sustainability
British beef farmers are to receive industry-wide recognition at the end of April, with their support for sustainable production practices being the focal point of Great British Beef Week 2021.
The campaign is to take place between 23-30 April 2021, with organisers Ladies in Beef (LiB) once again supported by AHDB, as well as Red Tractor, National Farmers Union, The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) and Hybu Cig Cymru.
Great British Beef Week (GBBW) 2021 will proudly showcase the strides being taken by British farmers in the sphere of sustainability, with Britain continuing to maintain its position, as among the most sustainable in the world. The campaign is to be run predominantly via digital channels, with regional media and in store activity also being used to highlight innovative and sustainable farming methods from producers across Britain.
Jilly Greed, who co-founded Ladies in Beef with NFU president Minette Batters, said: “Great British Beef Week enables us to shine a light on all aspects of the beef production process. Our farmers are passionate about the beef they produce and are committed to delivering high quality red meat for consumers to continue to enjoy.
“Managing land in a sustainable way is a fundamental responsibility of the modern-day farmer. This includes farming regeneratively, improving grasslands and paddock grazing, planting trees, maintaining wildflowers for the bee population, or harvesting and giving cattle rainwater to drink. British beef production boasts a carbon footprint of just less than half the global average, and reflects the hugely important and positive work our farmers are putting in day-by-day. It’s vital that we keep bringing attention to the ways our producers are respecting the land, whilst also producing the foods we enjoy eating.”
Cookalong Event - 23 April - 7pm
RABI are the chosen charity for Great British Beef Week again this year with a ‘Cookalong’ event on St George’s Day priced at £30, hosted by multi-award-winning chef Chris Wheeler. Chris is Executive Head Chef of Stoke Park Club, including the 3 AA Rosette fine-dining restaurant. He was a contestant on the Great British Menu in 2016, has appeared on Saturday Kitchen and won Hotel Chef of the Year at the Hotel and Catering Awards. He is also Chef of choice to represent British Beef and Lamb around the globe and has for the last few years been Chef Ambassador, representing Quality Stand Mark Beef and Lamb.
Chris will be taking you step-by-step through a classic British-inspired three course menu, including expert insight into how to create the perfect steak at home. This sensational virtual cookery demonstration takes place on St George’s Day, Friday 23 April from 7.00pm – 8.30pm. Tickets are available via Eventbrite https://rabicookalong.eventbrite.co.uk. Registration provides access to an ingredients and kit list to organise in advance, and a link to the online Zoom event. The ingredients are based on cooking for two people but can be scaled up or down based on the size of your household. Ticket sales close at 7pm on Monday 19th April. We hope you can join RABI for what promises to be a fantastically fun evening to support the farming community. If you’re unable to join the Cookalong, then we hope you may be able to support the R.A.B.I JustGiving page with a donation.
Industry representatives and other stakeholders who are keen to support Great British Beef Week 2021 can do so by visiting www.ladiesinbeef.org.uk.
Note to editors
· For more information on this release please email comms@ladiesinbeef.org.uk
· For more information about Ladies in Beef please contact Jilly Greed on jilly@ladiesinbeef.co.uk / 07850 554713
· Ladies in Beef supports the Red Tractor mark, promoting farm assured quality meat. All beef carrying the Red Tractor logo can be traced back to the farms the livestock came from and you can be assured that the farmers and suppliers meet comprehensive standards covering hygiene, safety and animal welfare at every stage, from farm to fork. Compliance with these strict standards is regularly checked by independent auditors.
The quality mark also guarantees the provenance of the meat you are buying. The flag on the Red Tractor logo identifies the country of origin so if it carries the Union flag it comes from a UK farm.
· Farming’s oldest and largest charity, RABI provides financial support, practical care and guidance to farming people of all ages. For more information go to www.rabi.org.uk.
HRH THE COUNTESS OF WESSEX IS CLUB PRESIDENT 2021
HRH The Countess of Wessex (centre) pictured at the launch of the Smithfield Forum, House of Lords, January 2019. Also pictured are L-R John Dracup, Andrew Laughton, Prys Morgan, Tom Kirwan, Robbie Galloway, David Gunner, Mark Allan & William Bedell
The Royal Smithfield Club is delighted to announce that HRH The Countess of Wessex is the Club’s President for 2021 having previously held the position in 2019.
SUSTAINABLE BRITISH MEAT WEBSITE
A new website, Sustainable British Meat, was recently launched which sets out Why Origin Matters in sections devoted to Standards, Sustainable Livestock, Innovative Farming & Food Security.
As one of the British Meat partners, the Royal Smithfield Club has contributed an article on The Smithfield Forum which is led by the Club’s Industry Strategy Director, John Dracup. Please click HERE for the article.
“In the UK, we are increasingly concerned about the safety, welfare standards and sustainability of the food we eat. We also want to know that, whatever diet we choose to follow, our food will be safe and nourishing, but not at the expense of the planet. British meat has a built-in promise that these concerns have been addressed because here in the UK, we have the perfect growing conditions. Our plentiful rain and lush grass along with some of the highest welfare and quality standards in the world mean that British meat is amongst the most nutritious and environmentally sustainable meat on the planet. Unlike other countries that rely on clearing rainforest or intensive feedlots, we simply turn grass and rain into one of Nature’s superfoods. This is why the origin of your food matters. “
The Sustainable British Meat website can be found at www.sustainablebritishmeat.org
CHAIRMAN'S BRIEFING WINTER 2020
Please click HERE for the Winter 2020 Club Briefing from Chairman Chris Riddle keeping you up-to-date with Club news and activities including The Smithfield Forum, as well as reports of events and forthcoming diary dates. Wishing you a good read!
ROYAL ULSTER CHAMPION CALF
ROYAL ULSTER CHAMPION CALF
The Champion Calf award at the 2020 Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championship held on 24 November was won by Michelle O’Kane. Pictured with the winning calf is handler Kelly O’Kane.
Congratulations to all exhibitors in the Calf Championship sponsored by the Royal Smithfield Club. A 17-strong entry saw judge Anthony Kitson award his championship to this March 2020-born Limousin-sired heifer calf out of a Limousin dam; reserve went to a May-born Blonde-cross calf out of a Blue-cross dam from Pat Hackett, Clogher.
SMITHFIELD FORUM - REVIEW & FORWARD PLAN
The Club’s Industry Strategy Director, John Dracup, gives an update on the forward plans of the Smithfield Forum. Please click HERE. Should you wish to join the Smithfield Forum, membership applications are invited as an Independent (£95pa) or Corporate member (£750pa) - please click HERE for full details.
Summer 2020 Chairman's Briefing
Welcome to the Summer 2020 edition of the Briefing on behalf of Club Chairman Chris Riddle. You can open this by clicking HERE. We wish you a good read!
Royal Smithfield Club - Bicentenary Award Nominations Open
Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy – Call for Nominations
Nominations are being sought for the 2020 Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy, a national award to publicly recognise an individual's, or company’s, significant contribution for the overall benefit of the British Meat & Livestock Industry. Nominations for this prestigious annual award, established to mark 200 years since the Club was established in 1798, close on Tuesday 1st September. Full details and forms can be found by clicking HERE.
Pictured is 2019 Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy winner Terry Bayliss (centre) with (L-R) Richard Saunders (RSC Secretary), Phil Henshaw (RSC Steward), Jake Roberts (grandson of Mr Bayliss) & Geoff Burgess (RSC Deputy President) receiving the award at the English Winter Fair, November 2019.
BICENTENARY TROPHY - PREVIOUS WINNERS
2000 Sir Don Curry, MLC
2001 Fred Mallion
2002 John Thorley, NSA
2003 Jack Woodhead, Woodhead Bros
2004 Norman Bagley, AIMS
2005 David Raine
2006 J Alan Stevenson
2007 Ian Galloway, Scotbeef
2008 Dr Basil Lowman, SAC
2009 Richard Cracknell, ABP
2010 Prof Geoff Simm, SAC
2011 J Rees Roberts, HCC
2012 HRH The Prince of Wales
2013 Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust
2014 David Gunner, Dovecote Park
2015 John Cross, Former Chairman, EBLEX
2016 Prof Julie Fitzpatrick, Moredun Research Institute
2017 Robert Forster
2018 Heather Jenkins, Waitrose Partners
2019 Terry Bayliss, Farmers Fresh
For further information, please contact Club Secretary Richard Saunders on 07901 768904
Smithfield Forum - Letter of Support from HRH Countess of Wessex
The Club’s Industry Strategy Director, John Dracup, has recently written to supporters of the Smithfield Forum as follows:
“I am delighted to share with you a letter of support from HRH The Countess of Wessex which you can view HERE; its contents are self explanatory.
Thank you for your support and encouragement with the creation and development of The Smithfield Forum which has moved into the next phase of its development. As with everything, this has been challenged by the Covid 19 pandemic, but as we complete the metamorphosis into the industry that emerges, we will be contacting you to share in our activities and invite you to participate.”
Kind regards,
John
John Dracup, Industry Strategy Director, Royal Smithfield Club
Agrifest South West returns on 11 November
The Club’s Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions return to Agrifest South West, Westpoint, Exeter, Devon on 11th November. The Club is also delighted to present its historic trophies once again to the event’s individual cattle and sheep champions respectively.
L-R Leighton Jones (Kepak), Richard Saunders & Phil Henshaw (RSC) and Rob Burlton (Kepak)
For the RSC Ribs & Saddles schedule, please click HERE. Entries close 10th October. Wishing all exhibitors the best of luck! For further information on Agrifest South West, please see https://www.agrifestsouthwest.co.uk/
Provisional Programme announced for Members Country Meeting 3-4 September
A provisional date of 3-4 September has been set for the 2020 Members Country Meeting to be held around Windsor. Bringing Members together in both a farming and social setting, the draft programme includes: Members Annual Meeting, a tour of The Royal Farms, lunch at Windsor Farm Shop, dinner and one overnight (Thurs 3rd); followed by a visit to The Savill Garden (Fri 4th) before departing around lunchtime. Full details including costings and how to book will be published as soon as they become available - but in the meantime please save the date for what promises to be a fantastic gathering! For more information, please email Club Secretary Richard Saunders richard@royalsmithfieldclub.co.uk
Members & Guests pictured at last year’s Members Country Meeting held in Ludlow
Next Generation Candidate Sought!
2020 Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth Conference, Norfolk, July 2020
Next Generation (NG) Candidate Sought!
The Club sponsored Harry Huddart (centre, back row) who was one of the UK’s NGs at the last RASC Conference held in Canada in 2018
The Royal Smithfield Club is looking to support a Next Generation delegate who wishes to attend the 2020 RASC conference being held in Norfolk in July. Harry Huddart, 25, (pictured here with NGs from across the Commonwealth in 2018), is Assistant Farm Manager of Beeswax Dyson Farming, Nocton, Lincs and was the Club’s Next Generation delegate to the last conference held in Edmonton, Canada, in 2018.
The Club is paying for one person (under 40 years of age) to attend both the NG Conference 5-6 July PLUS the Main Conference 7-9 July comprising farm visits, seminars, gala dinner, networking opportunities and BBQ. The cost of both (£750) is being met by the Club with the lucky NG responsible for their own travel and accommodation. It is a fantastic opportunity to join other future leaders of the agricultural industry from around the Commonwealth, share ideas and make life-long friendships.
Please visit www.therasc.com for further information and conference details. Please email Club Secretary Richard Saunders richard@royalsmithfieldclub.co.uk with a CV and covering letter outlining why you would like to attend.
THE SMITHFIELD FORUM & RETHINK CONFERENCE 17 MARCH
On behalf of incoming Club Chairman, Chris Riddle, we are pleased to enclose an update on the activities of The Smithfield Forum and an invitation to join us at a major conference in London in March.
The Smithfield Forum
The Forum is returning the Club to one of its original objectives, which is to work for the benefit of the public, promoting best practice in the production of quality livestock for the British Meat Industry. This role was very effectively delivered in the past by The Show at Earls Court, but we now live in a different time, so must be smarter and more dynamic in order to deliver these messages to an ever more sceptical audience.
Vegans and environmentalists are bombarding the press and media with claim after claim, very few of which are being challenged. Most of these claims use international processes, standards and production systems to attack the UK's production methods. This clearly does not represent current practice in the UK, but just saying it is not true is not enough; we need credible, scientifically-based facts to counter many of the challenges being thrown at the British Red Meat Industry.
In September 2018, we held our first meeting with some of the major stakeholders of the Red Meat Industry, gaining unanimous support to go ahead and launch the Forum. We did this by kind invitation of Baroness Byford at the House of Lords in January last year, again receiving support from those present which included our President The Countess of Wessex, Peers, Members of Parliament and industry leaders from throughout the United Kingdom.
In March, at the next meeting of The Smithfield Forum Strategy Group, again supported by our President and senior representatives of the Red Meat Industry, we were given clear direction and objectives to focus our activities. These were to encourage:-
· A joined-up approach from the entire industry in promoting The British Red Meat brand, creating a point of difference for the United Kingdom.
· The publishing of scientific work demonstrating the true carbon/environmental footprint of UK Red Meat production, as opposed to the global figures currently used.
· The levy boards to carry out desktop research to identify what work, if any, has been completed to support the economic benefit of grazing livestock for environmental enhancement.
· Wider and more efficient promotion of red meat to the consumer, focusing on the UK’s leading position in animal welfare, production standards, healthy eating, environment, sustainability and eating quality, communicating this message consistently to consumers wherever they are.
In June, we met at the Highland Show and confirmed our next steps, which included a clear message that the Forum should engage with the major retailers. This we have done with considerable support from our now Immediate Past President, The Countess of Wessex, for which we are very grateful.
To maintain the progress of The Forum, we will be heavily involved with a conference on 17th March in London, which is being independently run and promoted as Rethink - The Sustainable Truth about British Livestock, and will be the authoritative event on this subject – full details are given below.
The Forum has achieved a considerable amount in a short time and is moving at quite a pace. We are very grateful to all those who have supported it through hosting or attending our events, participating or speaking at meetings and being supportive to the concept.
The Royal Smithfield Club has committed considerable reserves to the creation of The Smithfield Forum, but to be able to continue we now need to seek funds through subscriptions for membership of the Forum Group, donations to the Smithfield charity and grant funding.
Rethink Conference
The Smithfield Forum, in partnership with AHDB, HCC and the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) are to run:
“Rethink – the Sustainable Truth about British Livestock”
on Tuesday 17th March 2020 at 30, Euston Square, London.
The upcoming Rethink Forum is an invitation-only event with a limited number of tickets available for purchase. It will gather industry leaders, journalists, influencers and Government policy makers together with scientists and experts on both sides of the climate change debate. BBC journalist and Countryfile presenter Tom Heap will be chairing the event and ensuring we have a balanced exchange of scientific opinions.
We aim to demonstrate the impacts of different farming systems from across the globe and their impact on climate change. We also want to make it easier to navigate the mass of opinions, pseudo-science and genuine science that is currently shaping ordinary people’s choices about what they should and shouldn’t be consuming.
To book your ticket visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rethink-the-sustainable-truth-about-british-livestock-tickets-83584213633?discount=74GENR94201 .
If you require any further information please email John Dracup john@royalsmithfieldclub.co.uk and do please save the date in your diary.
For more information, check out the www.rethinkforums.org website.
I hope you will be able to join us on 17 March. Tickets cost £80 + VAT and include lunch and the opportunity to meet the influencers and industry players at the centre of the meat and climate debate.
CHAIRMAN'S BRIEFING DECEMBER 2019
Please click HERE for the December 2019 Briefing on behalf of Club Chairman William Bedell. Packed with news of all things Smithfield, we wish you a good read!
O'KANE BROTHERS WIN SMITHFIELD TITLE AT ROYAL ULSTER
ROYAL ULSTER CALF CHAMPION FROM O’KANE BROS
The Champion Calf title at the 2019 Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships held on 22 November was won by the O’Kane Brothers, Carnlough. Shannon O’Kane is pictured receiving the Royal Smithfield Club Perpetual Trophy from Richard Primrose, Agri Manager Bank of Ireland & Billy Martin, RUAS President.
STRONG SMITHFIELD SHOWING AT LIVESCOT
STRONG SMITHFIELD COMPETITIONS AT LIVESCOT 2019
David Dickinson Champion Beef Rib
Robert Struthers takes Saddle of Lamb Championship
The Royal Smithfield Club Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions, sponsored by Kepak-McIntosh Donald, returned to LiveScot, the Scottish National Fatstock Club’s winter primestock event held at Lanark on Saturday 23 November 2019.
Champion Beef Rib from David Dickinson (centre) pictured with (L) Richard Saunders (Club Secretary) & Ben Malone (Judge)
Judge Ben Malone of Malones of Edinburgh, wholesale butchers based in Newmarket Street, Edinburgh, awarded the Beef Rib championship and with it the Royal Smithfield Club Perpetual Trophy to David Dickinson, Brockwoodlees, Canonbie, Dumfries. This was a 432kg Limousin-cross heifer grading -U3. Mr Dickinson finishes around 900 cattle a year selling live at Lanark and Stirling and aiming squarely at the butcher trade, buying in strong 14-15 month old stores from markets including Carlisle, Lanark, Stirling & Ayr. Reserve Overall from the light rib class was Andrew Purdon, Stravenhouse, Law with a 331kg Limousin cross grading -U3.
Champion Saddle of Lamb presentation with (R-L) Robert Struthers, Ben Malone (judge), Iain Struthers & Richard Saunders (RSC)
Having won the heavy lamb class the previous year, Robert, Margaret & Iain Struthers, Collielaw Farm, Carluke took the Supreme Lamb Saddle Championship with their 24.8kg Beltex-cross entry, being a Beltex-sired lamb and out of a Beltex-Texel ewe. The Struthers run a flock of 680 breeding ewes with Texel crosses in the majority alongside a small flock of Beltex crosses. All lambs are sold live through Lanark. Standing Reserve were R&B Dickie, Spango with another Beltex cross at 24.5kg.
The Club extends its grateful thanks to sponsor Kepak-McIntosh Donald, to all the exhibitors for putting entries forward, to Margaret Gray and all the team at the Scottish National Fatstock Club, to Royal Smithfield Club Steward Hugh Black of Hugh Black & Sons Butchers and to Judge Ben Malone for all their efforts in making the event such a success.
Results
Light Beef Rib (up to 360kg cold carcase weight)
1. Andrew Purdon, Stravenhouse, Law -U3 Lim x 331kg RESERVE CHAMPION
2. Andrew Purdon, Stravenhouse, Law -U2 Lim x 354kg
3. John Spence & Sons, Roberthill, Lockerbie -U3 Lim 330kg
Heavy Beef Rib (over 360kg)
1. David Dickinson, Brockwoodlees -U3 Lim x 432kg SUPREME CHAMPION
2. David Dickinson, Brockwoodlees U+3 Lim x 420kg
3. Messrs Taylor, Heathery Hall -U3 Lim x 366kg
Light Lamb Saddle (up to 24kg)
1. Andrew Baillie, Carstairs Mains Farm, Carstairs Beltex x 20.3kg
2. Andrew Dunlop, Corstane Farm, Broughton Beltex x 19.3kg
3. Tom Frame, High Dyke Farm, Sandford Beltex x 21.3kg
Heavy Lamb Saddle (over 24kg)
1. R&M Struthers, Collielaw Farm, Carluke Beltex x 24.8kg SUPREME CHAMPION
2. R&B Dickie, Spango Beltex x 24.5kg RESERVE CHAMPION
3. Kenny Johnstone, Boghouse Farm, Crawfordjohn Texel 24.5kg
Guess The Weight Competition (Proceeds to RSABI)
The Beef Rib weighed 7.225kg. Winner William Purdon. Thank you to all those who entered!
BICENTENARY TROPHY AWARDED TO TERRY BAYLISS, CHAIRMAN OF FARMERS FRESH
Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy awarded to Farmers Fresh Chairman, Terry Bayliss
Terry Bayliss (centre) pictured with L-R Richard Saunders (Club Secretary), Phil Henshaw (Club Steward), Jake Roberts (grandson of Mr Bayliss) & Geoff Burgess (Club Deputy President)
The Royal Smithfield Club’s Bicentenary Trophy for 2019 has been awarded to Terry Bayliss, Chairman of lamb processor Farmers Fresh and a well-known personality in farming circles throughout the border counties of England and Wales. The trophy was presented to him by Geoff Burgess, Deputy President of the Royal Smithfield Club, at the English Winter Fair in Stafford, at the conclusion of the judging of the Duke of Norfolk Trophy on Sunday 17th November 2019.
The Award was presented in front of a packed ring at the conclusion of the Duke of Norfolk Trophy judging on Sunday 17 November at the English Winter Fair, Stafford
The award was established in 1998 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Smithfield Club in 1798, and is a national award to publicly recognize an individual’s or company’s significant contribution to the overall benefit of the British Meat and Livestock Industry.
This year’s winner, Mr Bayliss, was nominated by Mr Glyn Roberts, President of The Farmers Union of Wales (FUW), in recognition of his role in establishing Farmers Fresh Ltd and the farming co-operative, Farmers First, which is owned by 2,700 farmer shareholders. The business is focused on working for famers throughout the UK in exporting in excess of one million premium-end lamb carcases per year. The company, which now has an annual turnover in excess of £70 million, has been instrumental in maintaining market prices, of benefit to many farmers in the UK.
The phenomenal success-story began in 1998 when Terry, along with five others, formed “Farmers Ferry” with the aim to export lambs to the continent. After the acquisition of a slaughter house in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, in 2000, which now has over fifty employees, the name was changed to Farmers Fresh. Farmers Fresh Wales further expanded its market share in 2017 when it bought Fairfield Meats, Wrexham.
Announcing the Award, Club Secretary Richard Saunders said that Mr Bayliss’s vision had been instrumental in achieving premium prices for UK farmers producing quality British lamb. Citing the nomination, he said that this exceptional success must be due, to a significant degree, to the drive and ability of Mr Bayliss.
NOTES
1. The Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy celebrates the bi-centenary of the founding of the Smithfield Club in 1798. The trophy is awarded each year to a person or organisation deemed to have made a significant contribution to the UK meat industry. Recipients can be from any part of the industry - from livestock producers through education, research, processing to retailing.
2. Terry Bayliss is the 20th recipient of the annual award which includes the presentation of the Club’s Armada Shield. The winner receives the trophy, a solid silver Armada Shield, set with 25 gold sovereigns donated by benefactors including from the late Queen Mother who was a huge supporter of the Club.