The decision by the UK’s largest dairy farmer co-operative to host its agm and conference in Pembrokeshire is being seen as a major coup for the county.

More than 400 farmers, including many from First Milk’s supplier base in Scotland and representatives from allied industries, were at the high-profile event in Haverfordwest.

Pembrokeshire farmer and First Milk regional representative, Mansel Raymond, who secured rugby legend Gareth Edwards as a speaker for the conference dinner last Monday, was delighted the event was being held on his home ground.

“The west Wales milk field is crucial to the success of our flagship creamery at Haverfordwest,” he said.

“It is only appropriate that the agm should be held here in the same year that we launched the Pembrokeshire Cheese Company at that creamery.”

Cheeses produced by the Pembrokeshire Cheese Company and others in the First Milk group were served up at the dinner at the Parkhouse Exhibition Centre at the county showground, Withybush after after a traditional meal of cawl and roast beef.

First Milk also incorporated its new probiotic ingredient GOS into one of the desserts, Eton Mess.

Gareth Edwards entertained guests with reminisces from his playing days at the dinner, which was attended by another rugby great, Derek Quinnell, following his promotional work during the launch of the Pembrokeshire Cheese company.

The following day Elin Jones, Welsh Assembly minister for rural affairs, opened the business conference where First Milk’s chairman Richard Greenhalgh, spoke of the challenges which he says the co-operative is well-placed to overcome.

“Everyone will recognise that the economic and market environment we are operating in has changed significantly over the past few months,” he said.

“However, we have taken these challenges and opportunities in our stride and positioned ourselves to ride the waves.

“While our business strategy remains unchanged, we have demonstrated flexibility and nimbleness to reshape our business and our product range to focus resources where it matters most.

“I am convinced that the challenging market conditions create opportunities for well-placed companies like First Milk.”