Agricultural supply firm shows its loyalties lie with the Lions

AN AGRICULTURAL supply company which boasts a former Wales rugby international among its workforce has commissioned a calf-feeder in the colours of the British and Irish Lions.

Emblazoned in red, the 50-teat Stallion open-trough trail feeder mirrors the Lions’ famous jersey and is now being offered for sale to a farmer who shares Kiwi Kit’s passion for the game.

The company’s founder and director, Pembrokeshire dairy farmer Kim Petty, and two of his staff, 34-times capped John Davies and Justin Rees, are in New Zealand with legions of other Lions fans.

Although Kiwi Kit imports much of its agricultural, equine and leisure products from New Zealand, its loyalties on this tour lie firmly with the British Lions as the squad takes on the might of the All Blacks.

Mr Petty, who is an avid Lions fan, said the colourful feeder sent a clear message to the squad that the company was right behind it.

Mr Davies, who has worked for Kiwi Kit since retiring from professional rugby and rears beef calves on his north Pembrokeshire farm, is scrutinising each game with the benefit of an insider’s knowledge.

He played more than 600 matches of first-class rugby for Neath RFC, Richmond RFC and Llanelli/Scarlets RFC, and has 34 international caps.

The Stallion MG50LT feeder, which has capacity to hold 1,000 litres of milk, is a popular product with Kiwi Kit’s customers on grass-based systems.

However, the specially commissioned model doesn’t come with a guarantee that the Lions will outperform the All Blacks during the series.