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Despite Hybu Cig Cymru saying they would "take action" to resolve the issue, BBC Wales understands those actions were not shared with staff, with some feeling the matter had not been dealt with appropriately.

Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association said: "I'm hearing all sorts of stories and allegations coming from Hybu Cig Cymru, and I'm concerned as to how levy-payers' money is being used, and whether all this leads to HCC taking its eye off the ball."

In a statement, Hybu Cig Cymru said it "must advise that it would not be proper for any HR matters to be discussed in public on the basis of anonymous sources".

"Publication of such information will place Hybu Cig Cymru... at significant reputational risk," it added.

Hybu Cig Cymru said Mr Howells "will not be undertaking his duties for a period of time" due to "a period of sickness absence".