BREEDER’S FORUM Q
Can Holstein UK as a Breed Society learn from our neighbouring breed associations? John: Yes, don’t get stuck in your ways regarding breed development. Look at all bloodlines and all cows. Just
get out and about and look.
Ian: Yes, as with any of the Breed Societies there is always something new to be learnt, and it is pleasing to see how membership, semen sales and registrations have all vastly increased for the Shorthorn Society in the last fi ve years. In all, over recent years it feels like the societies are becoming more standardised across the board and it’s great to see them working together more and more, everybody can learn from each other and, if that benefi ts the industry as a whole, then I’m all for it. One-upmanship doesn’t help anybody and there is room for all breeds. Michael: I feel it is useful to remember working together with the smaller associations can be mutually benefi cial. Many of the members of the minor breeds are very enthusiastic and do a lot to promote the industry as a whole. Many ‘commercial’ farmers are currently cross breeding, which some of the minor breeds encourage and this can lead to increased membership.
Phil (left): We are all out to breed a cow that will last a long time, give a lot of milk and be as trouble free as possible so I feel that it is important that we work together.
Morris: We have good communications with both Societies, as when we classify we are able to do both breeds together now the two Societies are working with each other.
Q
Do you see events such as the National All Breeds Shows as a natural progression to encourage harmonisation between breeds?
John: Yes, these shows are ideal for ALL breeds to get together. So much can be learned from one another and this is the way forward. Ian: Yes, I am all for events of this nature, we have and will continue to support them. It is a great chance to interact with the different breed members and learn from them. They are great social occasions with the opportunity to meet and make lifelong friends from all over the country. They are also of benefi t to the industry as a whole and certainly help to nurture the future of it through the varying young members associations that are, for example, involved in the All Breeds Calf Show. Michael: Yes, interaction is very important as ultimately we are all working towards the same goals. Any harmonisation that leads towards uniformity of standards has got to be welcome. Phil: Yes, I have enjoyed both the All Breeds Calf Show and the National All Breeds Show. The shows give you the opportunity to speak to people from other breeds. I especially enjoyed looking at the Guernsey cows as we do not get to see them at smaller shows; I was very impressed with their teat quality and placements. A good cow is a good cow whatever the breed. Morris: Yes, we see it as a good thing as the grandchildren attended the South West All Breeds Calf Show for the fi rst time this year, along with doing Royal Cornwall and a few local shows. It’s nice to see that there are now the opportunities for younger members in the smaller breeds to compete against other breeds. But at the end of the day a good cow is a good cow no matter what breed it may be.
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