Gethin Havard, whose family produces crossbred calves at Cwmbrynich, near Sennybridge, Powys, made the assertion on the eve of Brecon and Radnor Suckled Calf Rearers' Association's annual autumn sales.

He blamed the impact of support payment decoupling, poor finishing margins, cross-compliance limits on low-cost out-wintering of cattle, red tape, TB and the cost of pre-movement testing.

Rearers urgently needed help through the taxation system or grants to go on supplying the calves needed to produce beef for ever-more discerning consumers.

"Livestock buildings erected in the 1970s using FHDS grants are reaching the end of their useful life, the labour force in the hills is ageing and we cannot afford to employ young workers at the going rate," said Mr Havard.

Source: fwi.co.uk