‘Seamless’ support for pork producer
SYNCHRONISED support has been the key to success for new Welsh pork producer Mochyn Mawr.
When Swansea Valley pig farmer Ann Lewis contacted Menter Moch Cymru – a Menter a Busnes project to support and develop the pig industry in Wales – she tapped into a wealth of practical and business advice.
Through Menter Moch Cymru (MMC), Ann connected with Cywain, a sister Menter a Busnes project that supports the development of growthorientated businesses in the food and drink sector in Wales.
Using the expertise offered by both projects, Ann has been able to take Mochyn Mawr forward with ease and speed in a co-ordinated approach.
On retiring from her IT job earlier this year, Ann – who inherited the 50-acre Cathelyd Isaf Farm in Craig
Cefn Parc from her parents – began farming full-time to sell free-range pork from a shop on the farm. She established a pig unit and followed in her mother’s footsteps by choosing to rear native breeds.
Ann said: “While I’ve got good pasture here for cattle, there are also woodland and scrub fields which are ideal for pigs. My herd is made up of Saddlebacks, Large Blacks, and Welsh sows with some crosses, which my butcher processes. I sell the meat from the farm shop, or people can order online and collect.”
Mochyn Mawr’s relationship with the two Menter a Busnes projects began through the farm’s vet, who suggested undertaking MMC’S Herd
Health Plan.
The 100%-funded Herd Health Plan fosters a close working relationship between farmers and veterinary surgeons, creating a strategy tailored to the individual farm and herd’s needs. Ann has also attended several MMC training webinars.
Ann also took up MMC’S offer of marketing support, which provides up to £750 for businesses selling pork from Wales to produce personalised marketing and promotional materials, photography and printing.
To create a logo for Mochyn Mawr, Ann was put in touch with Cywain, whose support remit includes logo development and additional business advice. Also through Cywain, Ann created a website (www.mochyn mawr.com) and a business plan.
By working together, MMC and
Cywain provided Mochyn Mawr with “seamless” support, meaning Ann could take full advantage of the assistance in a very time-efficient way.
Ann said: “Working with MMC and Cywain has been a really good experience. They have been great, and they have enabled me to take my business forward really quickly. They have put me in touch with business consultants and the right places that have enabled me to access start-up grants to buy equipment for the farm shop. I can’t fault the advice I’ve been given.”
Ffion Jones, Cywain development manager, said: “I’m really pleased with how Mochyn Mawr’s new brand and website look. Working with Ann and Menter Moch Cymru was a great experience and a chance to co-operate with other support organisations available to Welsh business-owners.”