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Visitors turn out to see cobs' performance at Royal Welsh

The centrepiece of Wales' agricultural calendar, the Royal Welsh Show, runs from 21-24 July at the showground at Llanelwedd in Powys.

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Warnings over falling beef prices

The Royal Welsh Show begins today at Llanelwedd, with warnings over the future of the beef industry here on the agenda.

There is concern too much beef from abroad is stocking shelves of retailers. Credit: ITV Wales

Meat Promotion Wales says supermarkets and other retailers are stocking too much beef from outside the UK, having gone back on pledges to stock more British meat after the horsemeat scandal.

It says the amount received by farmers in Wales and around the UK has fallen meanwhile, with some paid up to £300 less per animal compared to last year.

The Welsh Retail Consortium, which represents retailers here, has responded by saying that beef prices are related to wider market conditions, and are projected to rise later in the year.

“Large quantities of imported beef products are now present in some UK retailers and we must presume – for want of a better explanation - it’s because it’s a penny or two cheaper than our own produce....The big danger for our industry is that some farmers will feel they have little choice other than to get out of beef altogether and that will be a tragedy, not only for our industry, but also for the consumer....Our message to the entire retail trade is simple - use our products or lose them."

– Dai Davies, chairman of Meat Promotion Wales
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Visitors turn out to see cobs' performance at Royal Welsh

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