Merger vote expected soon

LIVESTOCK MARKETING business Meadow Quality is set to merge with Wessex Quality Meats if members of the two farmer-controlled enterprises agree.

Meadow Quality has over 2000 members nationwide and markets about 35,000 calves, 100,000 sheep, 40,000 cattle and 500,000 pigs annually.

WQM specialises in finished stock from its 1000 members who market about 30,000 sheep and 9000 beef animals a year.

Simon Phelps, development and marketing manager at Meadow Quality, said the merger would reduce core costs and provide additional services for WQM members.