Just maid for milking! (From Western Telegraph)

Just maid for milking!

Jackie Lawrence, Labour MP for Preseli-Pembokeshire proved she was a hands-on MP recently when she entered a hand milking competition organised by NFU Cymru.

Three contestants were in the running at three locations across Wales. Unfortunately Jacie was a runner up, along with Mick Bates Liberal Democrat AM for Montgomeryshire.

But the competition was extremely close with: Jackie Lawrence, milking 11.5 litres of milk. She did this at Steynton Farm, Steynton, Milford Haven. Her fellow runner-up Mick Bates just pippied her total, milking obtaining 12.25 litres of milk at Jamesford Farm, Montgomery.

But the winner was Elfyn Llwyd who obtaining 12.75 litres of milk. The competition, believed to be the first of its kind in Wales was organised to celebrate World Milk Day on June 1st, and to emphasise the importance of buying Welsh milk.

Peredur Hughes, NFU Cymru President, the official judge said, The competition was close, with everyone enjoying the fine weather and the light heartiness of the event. However, we mustnt forget the seriousness of the situation within the dairy industry at the moment. Brynmor Evans and his family receives 14 pence per litre for the milk while the neighbouring farm pays 40 pence a pint delivered to the gate, which equates to 70 pence per litre. Where is the fairness in that?

Elfyn Llwyd, the victor, said, I had not realised how difficult hand milking could be. To be fair, I had excellent instructors with me today one of which was highly experienced. Ive thoroughly enjoyed the experience and am glad to have been invited to participate in the glorious sunshine on a traditional Welsh family farm.