In the financial year to last September, Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers Ltd. produced 'a sound operating result from what had been a difficult trading year for members', reported chairman, John Weston-Arnold to this week's annual meeting.
He went on to state that the number of dairy farmers had fallen by almost 40 per cent in recent years and, as the full repercussions of the latest CAP changes come forth, these could further radically change the way in which the majority of livestock farmers run their businesses.
"We must continue to look for common ground within the supply industry and prepare for further rationalisation within the co-operative sector. As farmers we should not be competing against other farmers. We must forget parochialism and examine closely the commercial structures and practices in the emerging support- free markets that may prove to be worthy of serious study," considered Mr Weston-Arnold.
In his first report as general manager, Keith Gosney said he had found that shareholders and customers were looking on CCF to provide branches that were well stocked and well staffed and they were prepared to travel 15- 20 miles to get to an outlet that carried 'sensible stocks at sensible prices'.
"Key issues over the year under review had been to begin a process of modernising the business and to make it more cost effective - we are still actively looking for two new sites in order to broaden our base. The establishment of a blending plant at the Glanrhyd yard had moved ahead far in excess of expectations and the Carmarthen mill is now producing best value in CCF branded dairy compounds," he stated.
"In a year in which volume sales were up price deflation across the board had resulted in a slight reduction in turnover at £29.9 million, but virtually on a par with the previous four years," insisted Arthur Williams, company accountant.
He highlighted initial savings of £90,000 from the partial introduction of central distribution.
Members agreed that CCF would pay a year end dividend to members of £112,400 - equal to 0.25 per cent on eligible sales.
Mr. E. John Thomas, MBE, who had recently stood down as hon. secretary after serving 43-years was attending his 46th annual meeting. His successor is Mr. Keith Gosney.
During Mr. Thomas's term in office (he had succeeded his grandfather who was secretary for 44 years) he saw the 'Co-op' grow to become Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers Association Ltd., having progressively acquired nine similar businesses and merged with five other agricultural co-ops across West and North Wales.
CCF now operates from 19 branches across the whole of Wales and has 125 employees.
The meeting was presided over by Mr. John Weston- Arnold in the unavoidable absence, through illness, of the president, Clr. D. John Thomas.