Ex-farmer brings McDonald’s experience to bear on Brexit

A DAIRY farmer turned fast food entrepreneur will be talking to sheep farmers about the uncertainty and challenges of Brexit next week.

Ron Mounsey’s 40-year business career comprises 20 years in farming followed by 20 years running McDonald’s restaurants.

The former Carmarthenshire dairy farmer trained to take on a McDonald’s franchise in 1998 and now runs 15 restaurants from Pembroke Dock to Newport.

He will be the headline speaker at NSA Cymru’s annual regional members meeting later this month.

Mr Mounsey says he’s not inclined to introduce lamb burgers to his customers any time soon.

He said: “I’m constantly asked if I’ll be putting lamb burgers on the menu, but it’s not on the horizon.

“It’s a difficult product to get right. It’s easily overcooked and doesn’t suit the taste profile of my customers. But we’re in Wales and if there was a way, I’d do it.”

He said comments by UK Environment Secretary Michael Gove and the Welsh Government mean there will be stability for farming until 2022. The restaurant business is likely to be slightly more stable, but Brexit brings worries about the cost of food and sustainability of the supply chain.

Other speakers include Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers’ Sion Ifans, NSA Next Generation Ambassador Caryl Hughes and NSA chief executive Phil Stocker.

The meeting will be at Hafod y Hendre on the Royal Welsh Showground on February 22.