New herd of critically rare cattle arrive at Llwynywermod Estate

Five important rare breed cattle have arrived on The Prince of Wales's Llwynywermod Estate, in a bid to safeguard the breed from extinction. The Whitebred Shorthorn cattle are some of the rarest in the country and it is hoped that the five new additions to the Llwynywermod livestock, will form the nucleus of a new Welsh herd to help safeguard the future of this rare breed.

The project is supported by The Prince of Wales, who is Patron of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), a national charity working to conserve and protect the United Kingdom's native rare breeds of farm animals from extinction. 

The RBST purchased the five endangered animals and arranged for them to move from the North of England to The Prince's Llwynywermod Estate just outside the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Originally from the Scottish borders, Whitebred Shorthorn - all white as their name implies – thrived until the 1960s. Over time however, more and more farmers switched to continental breeds and their numbers declined in Britain till they reached only 150 breeding females today.

Daniel Williams and son Dylan will be raising the new arrivals at Cefn Y Coed on the Llwynywermod Estate near Myddfai.

Mrs Eirlys Williams said: "We are all so pleased with these fine animals and can’t wait to start working with them."

In the longer term, the project aims to build up a herd of ten breeding females and a bull. Mr Williams, who follows his father at Pwll Calch, believes it's essential to save this historic breed for future generations.

Richard Broad, RBST Field Officer said: "It is great we have established a registered herd of Whitebred Shorthorn cattle in West Wales, this will help ensure the breed’s safety if anything should happen in Northern England in the future."

The Prince of Wales shares RBST's belief in the value of the UK’s rich and varied livestock heritage and that this needs to be conserved as a vital genetic resource for future generations and the benefit of agriculture.