GETTING TO KNOW OUR STAFF... MEURIG JAMES
How long have you worked for Holstein UK and what positions have you held within the company?
I first started with Holstein UK in August 1993, so last year celebrated 21 years with the company. Initially I was a type classifier before being senior classifier for three years.
What’s your job title and what does your role involve? I am now Breed Development and Promotions Manager, as well as classifying full time, which includes re-visiting cows nominated for EX95 and heifers for VG89. I also travel the country promoting Holsteins. I always feel people are glad to see me, whether at major shows, open days, Society events or HYB competitions, it is great to represent the Society and discuss the breed with people across the country.
What’s the most challenging part of your role? When an expensive heifer hasn’t calved down as good as it should it can be challenging convincing farmers that just because she cost five figures she isn’t good enough to be VG. As with everyone traffic can be challenging, particularly when there are many weeks I can do 1000 miles, traffic has definitely got worse over the last 20 years, so getting to farms on time has become harder.
What’s the most exciting part of your role?
I find it exciting going back to farms a few years after encouraging them to start classifying, it is very rewarding to see the improvement in the herd.
Also, seeing British bred bulls coming up through the testing scheme and going on to do well, I feel proud to have been part of the team that has been involved in classifying test daughters of bulls like Shottle. I am a big believer that every dairy farmer should use a certain amount of British proven bulls – to promote genetics from this country, mixed with the best genetics from other countries.
What’s been your biggest achievement during your current role?
Persuading people to go back in to classifying. Sometimes people can move away from classifying, but after some encouragement to get back in they see the merits. I think Type Classification is one of the most important services the Society offers and over the years it has changed and moved with the times to be in line with what farmers want – a more robust type of cow that has balance between strength and dairyness, production and longevity, with sound legs and feet as well as a capacious mammary system. I am honoured to have been awarded a FRAgS for my work in the dairy industry combined with a thesis I wrote a few years ago and my involvment with Young Farmers, including being Chairman of Wales YFC. How well do you get on with your boss?
I get on well with Michael, we understand each other and respect each other’s views. What do you do in your spare time/how do you like to relax?
I enjoy watching rugby and support my local second division team Whitland. I also like football more than I used to and have enjoyed seeing Swansea and Spurs doing well. I’m very involved with the Royal Welsh Show, something I have got a lot of enjoyment out of. I’ve been commentating for 10 years now and I’m also a member of Council and the Livestock Committee.
THE JOURNAL FEBRAURY 2015 9
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