MEMBERS DIGEST AUTUMN 2019

Worth Chewing Over

WHAT’S INSIDE... p2 Whyp6 Sire Verifiedp10 Angus?

An update from the August Latest news from the Irish Herd Health update 2019 Council Meetings Aberdeen-Angus Association A Herd Health and disease update All the most important updates and All the latest news from the Irish arm of covering all key discussion points, brought developments from Council and the the Society, including key show and sale to the members from the Chairman of the Society’s sub-committees off the back news and upcoming events. Health Committee, Angus Stovold. of our most recent meetings. Plus much more... www.aberdeen-angus.co.uk Follow Us Registrations andPRESIDENTS Late Fees WELCOME

The process for late registrations is changing

From the 1st November 2019, the registration Upgrade intimation to full registrations process is changing with regards to any late fees (must be previously intimated within 27 days): payable. The current procedures within the office come with a great deal of manual inputting of Males £25 + VAT Plus additional late information when completing late registration fees. registration fee

There is a cost related to dealing with the late registrations, 0 - 6 months no extra charge which is reflected in the fees that have been agreed as part of 6 - 12 months £25 + VAT our Articles of Association and Bye-laws for a number of years. This cost is in place to encourage the registration of animals or 1 - 2 years £175 + VAT upgrading to fully registered in a timely manner. 2 - 3 years £275 + VAT All registration charges and late fees remain unchanged. However, the following late fees will be applied automatically by 3 - 4 years £375 + VAT the accounts system on completion of the animal’s registration and added to the member’s invoice. 4 - 5 years £475 + VAT A reminder of the fees that will be applied:

Additional late Plus additional late Age groups registration fee Females £25 + VAT registration fee

Male and female at 4 months £25 + VAT At 4 months £25 + VAT

Male and female at 5 months £35 + VAT At 5 months £35 + VAT

Male and female at 6 months £45 + VAT At 6 months £45 + VAT

Male and female at 7 months £55 + VAT At 7 months £55 + VAT

Male and female at 8 months £65 + VAT At 8 months £65 + VAT

Male and female at 9 months £75 + VAT At 9 months £75 + VAT

Male and female at 10 months £85 + VAT At 10 months £85 + VAT

Male and female at 11 months £95 + VAT At 11 months £95 + VAT

Male and female at 12 months £105 + VAT At 12 months £105 + VAT

Male and female at 1 - 2 years £175 + VAT There are many reasons why people register or upgrade to Male and female at 2 - 3 years £275 + VAT registered animals late, and it takes up a great deal of time and resource in the office dealing with these. There will be no Male and female at 3 - 4 years £375 + VAT exceptions to this process and we thank you for your co-operation.

Male and female at 4 - 5 years £475 + VAT PRESIDENTSPresident’s WELCOME welcome

Welcome to The Cud can have over 40,000 jaw movements a day chewing their cud. A note from the President, It’s a sign of a happy, healthy herd, ensuring they get the most benefit possible from their food. Paul Jeenes

That’s what we want to achieve Well, here I am, now six months into my second tenure as with The Cud; to get everyone’s President. Thanks to everyone for their continued support and jaws moving. this opportunity! As a breed, we are now positioned rather well, We believe a happy, healthy society but still have a lot of work to do in a number of fields, as you will is one that chews over the important see by the notes from the Council meeting later in The Cud. issues; drawing out the opinions of members and the wider industry for Projections are showing that Aberdeen- As of January 2019, the Society has the greatest possible benefit to the Angus is set to become the country’s continued to invest in the programme, breed, the brand, and beyond. most popular breed by the end of funding the required DNA testing included 2020. The Sire Verified Aberdeen-Angus in the registration fee for all sires entering The Cud contains plenty to chew programme - in which we have invested the herd book. This step will strengthen the over; offering key breed news and in excess of £100,000 to date - is very historic sample-tested database that we hot topics, in the form of bitesize much to the fore in relation to the have and will continue to strengthen the Certified Aberdeen-Angus Beef Scheme. DNA Sire Verified programme – this step articles that are manageable, It is vital that we protect our market is our contribution to the protection of the informative, and engaging. premium and brand in what is currently a breed and brand. There will be a very busy period of instability in the cattle industry. time ahead on this project for Barrie, who We hope you enjoy our second issue The number of registered Aberdeen- has been well received by the membership and look forward to hearing the ideas Angus and Aberdeen-Angus cross and now needs to focus on delivering in his and discussions it generates. animals continues to rise year on year, role as CEO of the Society. with 2018’s total accounting for 17.49% of the beef industry total – a figure that The Youth Development Programme (YDP) has been through a major restructure, Contents is projected to rise to as much as 20% by the end of 2020, placing the breed in its with the focus now lying on making best strongest position for decades. use of the local areas and continuing to Council update 2 grow the participation levels. With one We are currently breeding and selling more national and four regional co-ordinators Liley Herd profile 4 into the market, when not too long ago now in place, we have the necessary skills we were flirting with ‘rare’ breed status. and experience to deliver a top-class Cheerbook Herd profile 5 The popularity is driven by the consumer programme going forward. Participation demand for Aberdeen-Angus sired has increased significantly over the past 10 An update from Ireland 6 cattle, which is well-known for its taste, years, making our YDP the most popular in succulence and consistency. Producers the country. Review 2020 advertising 7 are also very attracted to the significant efficiencies that the breed offers within the As the economic uncertainty of the Borderway Agri Expo 9 breeding and feeding of cattle. We must beef industry unfolds and people look preview continue to build our breed and brand and at ways of strengthening the viability of protect it through providing DNA tools to their beef enterprises, Aberdeen-Angus Herd Health update 10 ensure that beef which says ‘Aberdeen- naturally offers many traits that can Angus’ on the label, is in fact Aberdeen- improve financial performance. One of Zootechnical certificate 12 Angus in the pack. I mentioned this in my the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society’s key changes AGM speech back in February 2011, so we projects this year is to work on how to have been working away on this subject for best measure this financial impact and a considerable time. demonstrate to the wider industry that Your Council needs you! 13 Aberdeen-Angus has a female that is Aberdeen-Angus 14 The Sire Verified Aberdeen-Angus low-cost and can work hard to deliver programme has been building up for a economic, sustainable beef to the sector. through the years significant amount of time and strengthening our database in the process. The programme I hope that you enjoy the rest of The Cud. A YDP update 16 is a tool for retailers and processors that allows them to ensure the integrity of the Paul Jeenes, Sire Verified 18 products they produce. The programme President Aberdeen-Angus goes a long way towards ring-fencing UK and Irish produced Aberdeen-Angus beef New Society 20 and protects our domestic market against phone system potential imports from third parties that may be lacking product authenticity.

Members Digest Autumn 2019 1 Update from the August Council meetings

A round-up from the August 2019 Council meetings from Society Chief Executive Barrie Turner

Youth Development Programme Breed Promotions Committee when trawling the media for news from the Society. We are set to test a paid-for We’re delighted with how the YDP has We were delighted to engage the services social media post in the lead up to the run this year under the supervision of of Isla Campbell on a recent photography Worcester Sale and also the Stirling National Co-ordinator, Tina Russell mission to Orkney, obtaining a set of October Sale, testing the method’s and the four Regional Co-ordinators assets that we will be able to use in our effectiveness against print advertising. Steph Dick, Jess Musk, Niall Lynch and publicity material. Thank you to Raymond Ruth Perry. The 2019 finals weekend in Flaws, Alistair Froubister, William It was agreed that the sub-committee Drumshanbo in Southern Ireland was Harcass and Colin Davidson for opening should revisit last year’s option for an taking place at the time of print of The their doors on the island to let us do this Open Day and perhaps visit a further Cud. The final event is always highly and compile an article on Aberdeen- two or three venues with a view to anticipated and provides a great chance Angus on Orkney for the Review. The having things finalised for inclusion and for everyone involved in the industry article provides great insights into promotion in the Review. to get excited about its future and the farming on the island, with a range of capable youngsters who will be driving highs and lows I’m sure! For Society sales, we will have to move it forward. forward closing dates for entry. This is The planning for the January 2020 to ensure that we can get back all the Tina is very keen to make the scheme Review is well underway, with timing parentage information and Myostatin work and is a determined and creative and page plans progressing well. We are results that we need prior to the sale, so character, with lots of new ideas coming looking to introduce further pages of that any animal sold at a Society sale is to the fore to make the programme even trade advertising and seek help from the what it says it is! better than ever. We have engaged with membership to achieve this. Simply contact the City and Guilds vocational learning [email protected] if Watch out Wales - the Aberdeen- to have a bespoke package of modules you’d like to have your company featured Angus is coming! Our three-year plan ready for next year which will include in the Review and he will send out forms to improve our market share in Wales topics such as tele-handling, health and and details. Booking for herd adverts will is underway, with opportunity for some safety and ATV training as well as the as usual be welcome, with a tear-out form television coverage also being approved. disciplines – a brilliant new available in this publication for booking Well done and thanks to Council member path to produce young stockpersons (page 7). We hope to group all club and John James for heading that up. who are ready to work on farms and herd adverts by region which will make develop good careers in agriculture. referencing herds much easier. After the success of the photo competition that we ran, it’s going up We will shortly be sharing details of We are also pulling together a new show again! Keep your eyes on the website and how to apply for the youth competition and sale handout that will be ready for social media for the next instalment. team at the 2021 World Forum which next year and will include a membership is open to senior YDP competitors. form to encourage people to join the The Irish Aberdeen-Angus Association We will be looking to assemble at least Society. It will also include case studies brought some ideas to help promote one or two teams to travel to Australia and demonstrations of what Aberdeen- Aberdeen-Angus over the water. and compete against their peers from Angus can do for you. These were discussed and some around the world, creating contacts and enhancements to the ideas will be making lifelong friends along the way. Of The new website is constantly brought to Council in December. all the breeds in the world, Aberdeen- developing as a resource for breeders Angus offers a huge opportunity to with new information being added at Our elder statesman Willie McLaren travel. The YDP continues to be a very a rate of knots! Keep visiting the site has been working for some years on important part of the Society and offers for the latest news and views from the recording his vast experiences with great opportunities for individuals and Society. Social media continues to be the Aberdeen-Angus breed. We will be organisations to sponsor many of the popular and growing, showing peaks developing this work into a history of the events that we run in the UK. If you in activity and engagement during key breed presentation that will highlight the know of any potential sponsors, don’t events with some impressive statistics. changes that breeders have made over hesitate to put Tina in contact and she Instagram and Twitter feeds are also the years to suit the market. will do the rest! being developed so keep your eyes open

2 Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Update from the August Council meetings

Health Committee govern their presence in animals. The Other matters brought to Council Technical Committee has been working We are developing a health programme on this issue for some time and seeks Ongoing costs of keeping the Royal that will take our breed and our members to employ some specialist help on the Show pavilion at Stoneleigh were to the forefront of Herd Health, bTB and subject to ensure that we can manage any discussed and it was agreed that Neospora. The programme will include presence of these defects in our herds to this should be demolished, and the methods available to avoid and manage best effect. lease relinquished. On the subject of these conditions in simple terms. We infrastructure, a sub-committee was would encourage membership to join the To keep our Society compliant with established following a revisit to plans CHeCS scheme for Neospora. We are zootechnical regulations, the pedigree submitted five years ago to work on our looking to adopt an enhancement to the certificate format will be changing to facilities at Pedigree House. TB scoring system and include a further include extra information that is necessary. We welcomed 82 new members since CHeCS enhancement with 1 – 10 year March to our ongoing membership, score and clear testing period. For some time, we have been evaluating options for grading systems as our current reflecting the popularity of Aberdeen-Angus Due to a specific opportunity arising for method rewards meat yield with no regard cattle and its standing in the industry. exporting Aberdeen-Angus beef to a for the taste, texture and succulence that The redevelopment of the Certified customer in Italy, we have been asked by Aberdeen-Angus beef is famed for around Aberdeen-Angus Beef (CAAB) scheme a processor to raise the profile of broken the world. A good reference for examples is continuing and is being well received needles as an issue. This is covered by of this can be found at Meat Standards in the wider field as a very positive Farm Assurance, but we have been asked Australia and USDA grading where further move ahead in protecting the breed and to reinforce to our members and this will systems of grading carcasses are employed the brand going forward. The scheme be added to the website. to ensure good quality meat is delivered to cannot exist without the help of all our the customer time and time again. membership, ensuring our market’s We have been working on an update to the future will benefit everyone. health booklet that is a clear and simple reference to all the disease challenges that Finance Committee The Society is in good shape with BCMS cattle herds can face. The economic impact We met with our brokers who provided figures reflecting an increase in registered of your herd contracting a disease can be an insight into their thoughts on the Aberdeen-Angus and Aberdeen-Angus catastrophic and we are very focussed financial markets as we move forward. cross cattle of just over 1% year to date, on ensuring that our membership is kept taking our numbers for July over the Some interesting insights were revealed, fully informed of all methods of disease 200,000 mark for the first time. but we are satisfied that they are looking avoidance and control. after our reserves to best effect. The Society and Council is here to serve Technical Committee the membership. Our Council members We are currently investing heavily in our are the link to your area, so make sure We continue to work with our suppliers DNA programme as you are aware, with that you know who they are and make to improve our success rates in our all 2019 bull calves being tested and use of their role on Council. If you have handling of DNA samples and testing. not just sampled prior to certificates of any suggestions or matters to raise to A great piece of work was contracted pedigree being issued. The importance help improve what we do, please don’t by Past President Angela McGregor on of this investment and its value to the hesitate to contact your local Council a sample trial. The samples were split membership going forward cannot be member. Their details and contacts are and basically subjected to abuse before stressed enough. We are keeping a on the website, where you can also find testing. It is important that the Society watchful eye on the spend and ensuring all the news and information that we are shows all due diligence in this field to that we are achieving value for money by updating on a daily basis. enable us to keep to our obligation to the asset the database gives us. Finance Our next Committee and Council protect the purity and integrity of the Manager, Angela Cumming brought us meetings will be held on the 4th and 5th Aberdeen-Angus breed. up to date with the core accounts which are, apart from a few timing issues, in line of December 2019. A meeting was held where the final with expectations and budget. Barrie Turner, parameters for our Maternal Index were Chief Executive discussed. This has been forwarded to We are a little behind this year with ABRI to have a trial run against the animal registrations, but we have a lull in the For and on behalf of Council population and review the results. This incomings at this time of year, which unfortunately had not been completed presents a chance to catch this up and by the time of our meeting, but would be get in line. This has been caused in some circulated to Technical for consideration way by the extra administration that when it has been. DNA takes that adds a little extra time to process each registration. Going forward, Although genetic defects are not a huge we will be able to allocate a bit more problem within our domestic herds here, resource at busier times to be able to there are rules in the Bye-Laws that keep up at peak registration times.

Members Digest Autumn 2019 3 Liley Aberdeen-Angus herd profile

Liley Aberdeen-Angus Herd to go under the hammer after a decade of success

The upcoming Stirling Bull whilst working towards optimisation of Sales at United Auctions all the breed’s key characteristics. As the herd became more established, the key in Stirling in October will influence on the breeding policy was to feature the total herd sale of produce bulls that suit the commercial market. Whilst ensuring easy calving, Ben Marsden’s Liley Herd of strong performance recording statistics Aberdeen-Angus, 10 years and daily liveweight gains, the core focus Presentation by HRH The Countess of Wessex to Ben after its initial establishment. was the commercial market’s interests and Marsden at the 2019 Royal Norfolk Show. ensuring these demands were met. never had TB on the farm. They don’t The decision to sell the herd has come as Over the years, the Liley Herd has made vaccinate specifically for IBR, but have Marsden Farms look to raise and manage successful use of embryo transfers and never experienced any problems. Health funds to concentrate on other areas of dabbled in foreign genetics, all to the Status is something that Ben and the team their enterprise for now, with an existing herd’s benefit, which showcases one at Marsden Farms have always taken very pedigree Texel flock that plays a large of the ways in which the industry has seriously, ensuring the operation runs as part in the business’ operation, alongside developed over recent years. In relation cleanly and risk-free as possible. finishing around 150 Angus-sired calves to the industry’s changes during his time per year for Scotbeef which will continue working with the Aberdeen-Angus breed, The upcoming sale at Stirling in October into the future. Speaking of the sale, Ben Ben Marsden comments: presents an opportunity to attend one of Marsden said: the main events on the UK agricultural ‘’We notice buyers becoming more calendar and purchase from this ‘’The decision to sell isn’t one that was and more reliant upon EBVs and other established, successful and trusted herd. taken lightly. We’ve quite deliberately performance recordings – they want all There will be around 65 head of cattle ensured that this goes down as a total the information available and this is how it from the Liley Herd forward at the event, herd sale and not a dispersal. I don’t should be in my opinion. We’ve always run with the reduced number coming as a want to give up the Liley prefix just our herd in a genuine and open manner, result of 20 heifers already being sold to yet, especially with my seven-year- which is important for the reputation a new herd in Staffordshire. This is a great old daughter Hettie’s obsession with and authenticity of the national herd and opportunity to purchase some genuine Aberdeen-Angus – there’s no reason why overall industry. That said, the data-based fleshy cattle from an honest herd with no she couldn’t be the catalyst for the re- detail isn’t the be all and end all. People unwelcome surprises. The genetics and emergence of the Liley Herd in the future, still demand strong conformation and pedigrees are right, and herd health status something I’d love to see!’’ breed characteristics – it’s about having has been good from day one, having only Ben Marsden established the Liley Herd the correct balance.’’ ever bought from Hi Health herds too. An ten years ago in 2009 when he saw the opportunity not to be missed! Aberdeen-Angus as the number one The Liley Herd has featured some native breed, an opinion that he still interesting and renowned family lines feels strongly about today. In the early over the years. In recent times, Liley Total herd sale of the days, the number one focus for the Liley Kinannie is an animal that Ben Marsden Liley Aberdeen-Angus Herd was to ensure a good female head highlights as his idea of the perfect Angus. Ben strongly believes that she Herd will take place ticks every box, and if he was starting at Stirling Bull Sales out a herd now, he’d purchase Kinannie on Monday 21st and build the full operation around her. Sure to be sought after at Stirling October 2019 in October, Liley Kinannie is a multiple show champion who most recently took the female reserve championship at the 2019 Great Yorkshire Show.

Ben Marsden with Liley Kinannie at the 2019 Royal Norfolk The Liley Herd is currently accredited Show, where she took the native interbreed championship. BVD, Johnes risk level 1 and TB4 having

4 Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Cheerbrook Aberdeen-Angus herd profile

Total herd sale of Cheerbrook Aberdeen -Angus after almost two decades

For just shy of two decades, ‘’Cheerbrook Angus was established in 2000. Not having done any ET work Andrew Shufflebotham before, I took the opportunity to start has been at the helm of the my herd this way. I chose embryos from Cheerbrook Herd of Aberdeen- leading Canadian herds as I admired many of the prominent cow families and Angus whilst also running the saw these easy fleshing, mobile ranch family’s successful farm shop cattle as a great base to start from. The resulting calves exceeded expectations with wife Sarah. At the Stirling Cheerbrook Elysium and have been the foundation of the Bull Sales on 21st October, the herd today. Over the years, select cow the actual scan and weight statistics are Cheerbrook Herd will go under families have been added. These cows shown in the catalogue for all animals. have always been acquired not only on the hammer, providing breeders Showing has been kept to the National Calf their attributes, but on their families’ Show because of time constraints, always from around the country with achievements and performance. being in the top cut - the highlights being the opportunity to make a Heifer Calf Overall Champion in 2015 with purchase from this established ‘’Since the herd was first established, I Cheerbrook Errila and Reserve Bull Calf have always endeavoured to produce Champion 2017 with Cheerbrook Luther. herd which has been a regular females with volume, femininity, good on the National Calf Show udder structure and good performance. ‘’I have thoroughly enjoyed my time circuit for many years. Prior to My belief is that a beef animal should have within the Aberdeen-Angus breed and beef, but should also be easily managed, I’m extremely proud of the cattle I have the sale, Andrew has provided not only in temperament, but in other traits bred. It will be sad to see them go, but us with all the need-to-know both maternal and structural. Throughout it will be rewarding to see them flourish information along with the our time, herd selection has been strict within new herds.’’ and culling has always been dictated by background to the herd. phenotype before pedigree. I feel this has Already one of the most anticipated events resulted in a consistent type of animal. on the UK agricultural calendar, the Stirling Bull Sales in October presents a great ‘’I have had a life-long interest in native In my opinion, just because it has an opportunity to purchase from this well-run, beef breeds, starting with the family herd impressive pedigree doesn’t necessarily established and successful herd. Make sure of Polled Herefords in the earlier days. mean it’s right for our operation. If the to head along on Monday 21st October to When the family decided to go their own animal does not perform, there is no avoid disappointment in what is likely to be way, the herd was dispersed and this gave place for it in the Cheerbrook Herd. The a packed sale ring. me the opportunity to try something new. Miss Essence family from Miller Wilson I had always admired the strength of the DMM Angus is a prime example and has Aberdeen-Angus brand not only in the consistently bred this type of animal. UK, but worldwide. The eating quality is Total herd sale of the second to none and this was the obvious ‘’Sires have been selected on performance, path to take for our farm shop. always keeping in mind maternal traits. Cheerbrook These sires include our previous stock bull Penguin Henry and the current sire Aberdeen-Angus Cheerbrook Luther. Luther is by Gretna Herd will take place at House Blacksmith and is out of the Royal Highland Show Champion Female, Stirling Bull Sales Haughton Laura. Luther was one of the fastest growing calves we have ever on Monday 21st had at Cheerbrook, with a pedigree to October 2019 complement our females. His first crop of calves are really impressive and he is the current service sire.

‘’Performance recording has been embraced Cheerbrook Luther from the start and not only the EBV, but

Members Digest Autumn 2019 5 An update from Ireland

An update from The Irish Aberdeen-Angus Association

Summer Show News The first major showing title of the summer season was won by Birches Lady Julie U507 from the Matchett family, Portadown, Co Armagh who stood supreme Aberdeen-Angus breed champion at Balmoral last May. The Matchett family also scooped the 2019 Ulster Provincial Trophy at Antrim Show with their junior two year old cow, Birches Lady Julie, Supreme Champion Munster Provincial Trophy holder, Birches Lady Holly T301 whilst SJ Smyth, at the Balmoral Show Cheeklaw Jake Eric Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone reigned supreme at the Ulster Aberdeen-Angus Irish Aberdeen-Angus Summer Championships, taking the Association Autumn Premier Sale Upcoming Events: top spot with their three year old cow, Glen Cowie Jackie Erica F096. Moving The 2019 Irish Aberdeen-Angus to the southern half of the country, Association Premier Autumn Sale will 27th September Albert & Jennifer DeCogan, Killamuckey, take place at The Showgrounds, Carrick- Munster Aberdeen-Angus Club Open Castlemartyr, Co Cork secured the On-Shannon, Co Leitrim on Saturday Day on the farm of Eustace & Deirdre annual Munster Provincial Trophy with 16th November. Please note the date has Burke, (Clontead Aberdeen-Angus Herd) their senior stock bull Cheeklaw Jake Eric been changed (by one week) from last Ballyginnane, Carrigaline, Co Cork R535. Meanwhile, Mogeely Pru U600 year and will run on the third Saturday 28th – 29th September (also from Albert & Jennifer DeCogan) in November. The Irish Aberdeen-Angus and Castlelough Mister Bert U196 Association is delighted to announce Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society YDP Finals, Lough Allen Equestrian Centre & from Edward Dudley, Dovea, Thurles, that one year’s free membership to The Hotel, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim Co. Tipperary took the top spoils in Irish Aberdeen-Angus Association will be the Munster Aberdeen-Angus Calf awarded to the purchaser of any heifer 5th October Finals at Nenagh over the August Bank that is not an existing member of The Tomriland Aberdeen-Angus Reduction Holiday weekend. Irish Aberdeen-Angus Association on Sale, Carnew Mart, Co Wicklow Several other major events (including the the day of the sale. Entries must close by All-Ireland Championships) are taking Friday 20th September and there is also 12th October place around the time of this publication a small increase in the entry fee for bulls National Aberdeen-Angus Calf Show, going to print and we encourage all entered for this year’s sale. For more Carrick-On-Shannon members to continue to visit the Society details and entry forms, please contact 26th October website for all the very latest from the [email protected] or call Irish show circuit as it happens. 071 9632099 immediately. Multi-breed Autumn Sale of Pedigree Bulls and Heifers, The Showgrounds, Carrick-On-Shannon YDP Final Tomriland Aberdeen-Angus 2nd November Planning is at an advanced stage for the Reduction Sale annual finals of the Youth Development Northern Ireland Aberdeen-Angus Club Programme that will take place over the Louis Byrne of the Tomriland Aberdeen- Calf Show, Dungannon weekend of September 28th and 29th Angus herd will be putting forward a 16th November at the Lough Allen Equestrian Centre selection of pedigree in-calf Aberdeen- Irish Aberdeen-Angus Premier Autumn in Drumshambo, Co Leitrim. The Irish Angus cows with calves at foot, in-calf Sale, The Showgrounds, Carrick-On- Aberdeen-Angus Association is very and maiden heifers and young bulls for Shannon much looking forward to hosting the a herd reduction sale at Carnew Mart, event in Ireland this year and would like Co Wicklow on Saturday 5th October at 3rd December to wish all of the young people involved 2pm. The mart is located at Y14 NN72, Northern Ireland Aberdeen-Angus Club in this year’s competition the very best of please contact Louis on 087 6426780 Autumn Sale, Dungannon luck for the finals. for more details.

6 Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Member booking form: January 2020 Review

BOOK YOUR ADVERT BY

REVIEW29TH NOVEMBER 2019 To secure your advertising space in the January 2020 Aberdeen-Angus Review, complete this form, cut it out and return it to Denvir using the contact details provided overleaf.

Media booking Advert size Media booking Media booking + + design and Artwork specification provided upon booking only amends artworking

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Half Page 127mm h x 177mm w (+3mm bleed) £275 £325 £575

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DPS 297mm h x 420mm w (+3mm bleed) £500 £600 £1000 or 2x 297mm h x 210mm w (+3mm bleed)

Inside front cover 297mm h x 210mm w (+3mm bleed) £1000 £1100 £1300

Inside back cover 297mm h x 210mm w (+3mm bleed) £1000 £1100 £1300

Advertorial opportunities are also available and can be discussed if desired.

Media booking only: Media booking + amends: Media booking + design and artwork:

This is the cost for providing an advert that is This is the cost if you require amends to be This is the cost if you require your advert to already fully designed, correctly artworked and made to existing artwork. ‘Amends’ constitutes be designed and artworked by our marketing meets the specification indicated in the advert changing up to 4 images that can be provided and and design partners Denvir. The cost includes size column of the table. small text changes. full design and two rounds of amends. Denvir will liaise with you to confirm advert content and completion to the specification indicated in the table.

Please turn over to complete your booking details

Members Digest Autumn 2019 7 Name Herd prefix (if applicable)

Membership number (mandatory) Herd/Company name

Address

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Telephone Media booking only Design and artwork required

Email

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Please complete and return this form by 29th November 2019 directly to our marketing partners at Denvir Marketing either by post to Michael Chan, Denvir Marketing, Pavillion 1, Castlecraig Business Park, Players Road, Stirling, FK7 7SH or electronically by email to [email protected]. Please note, the 29th November date is the deadline for booking advert space. The deadline for supplying final artwork of your adverts is 13th December 2019.

All adverts in the January 2020 edition of the Aberdeen-Angus Review are subject to a first come, first served process. All advertising booking forms must be completed and returned to the above address/email address by 29th November 2019. Payment will be made through your regular Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society invoices, with amounts being added to your account.

8 Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Borderway Argi Expo preview

Borderway Agri-Expo 2019 Friday 1st November 2019 Borderway Mart, Rosehill, Carlisle CA1 2RS

The home of the Aberdeen-Angus Winter National Show

Judge: John McEnroe from the Liss Herd of Aberdeen-Angus in Oldcastle, County Meath, Republic of Ireland ONLINE ENTRIES OPEN AT WWW.ABERDEEN-ANGUS.CO.UK

WINTER NATIONAL CLASS STRUCTURE

Class Description Trophies

Bulls GOLDOVERA S43 Class 1: Yearling Bull Class 1A – Born 1st January to 31st July 2018 Classes may be amalgamated or split MEMORIAL according to entries Class 1B – Born 1st August to 31st December 2018 Calf Champion – classes 2 & 5 Class 2A – Born 1st January to 28th February 2019 Class 2: Bull Calf Classes may be amalgamated or split Class 2B – Born 1st March to 31st March 2019 ARDGARTH TROPHY according to entries Class 2C – Born 1st April 2019 onwards Champion Bull Calf – class 2 Females EYNSHAM Heifer born 1st January to 31st December 2017 Female Champion – classes 3, 4, & 5 with first natural calf at foot Class 3: Heifer Calf to be born in 2019 and within 26 months WYCH CROSS of the date of birth of the dam Best Pair – class 6 Class 4: Heifer Class 4A – Born 1st January to 31st July 2018 Classes may be amalgamated or split according to entries Class 4B – Born 1st August to 31st December 2018 This year’s Aberdeen-Angus Winter Class 5A – Born 1st January to 28th February 2019 Class 5: Heifer Calf National is kindly sponsored by AK Classes may be amalgamated or split Class 5B – Born 1st March to 31st March 2019 Stoddart. according to entries Class 5C – Born 1st April 2019 onwards www.akstoddart.co.uk: Offering a full range of Certified Aberdeen-Angus Beef Pairs with full DNA traceability. Class 6: Pair Of Calves One male and one female already shown in classes 2 & 5

Note: If less than 4 entries forward in any class, prize money will be halved.

Members Digest Autumn 2019 9 Herd Health update

A Herd Health and disease update from the Chairman of the Health Committee, Angus Stovold

As Chairman of the Health do this than by reducing or in cattle – a bit like a quality control or Committee of The Aberdeen- eliminating the disease burden assurance for cattle health schemes. We have encouraged involvement by Angus Cattle Society, it is my on their operation. Our farming making members join if they sell cattle at responsibility to improve and future will be about low cost Society sales and by producing a booklet safeguard the health of the farming systems. All livestock describing the diseases, how to improve farmers have a responsibility biosecurity and directions to CHeCS national Aberdeen-Angus herd. to not spread disease, however health providers. Like our CEO, Barrie Turner, I this becomes more important if The Society disease booklet is now being have a background in the pig you are selling breeding stock updated and it will now take into account industry. Subsequently, we because, as breeders, we have Neospora, a disease caused by protozoan both know the importance the added responsibility of not parasites that is an emerging problem of biosecurity and disease that causes abortions in cattle. It was passing on disease. described in an excellent article by Owen prevention. In fact, I would Tunney in the latest Aberdeen-Angus put it as the number one I could give a number of examples of farm Review which is well worth a read if you consideration to any livestock businesses that have been devastated by have not already done so. It is a complex the introduction of a disease through the problem that is difficult to test for, but farmer’s business. Any successful buying of cattle or poor biosecurity. So, to now CHeCS have an accreditation scheme business and all future farming protect the national herd, the Society has for it and it is Society policy for members businesses need to control been encouraging members to join one to join that scheme. Angus Smith has also of the health scheme providers of CHeCS contributed his research on this issue and costs, and there is no better who runs a protocol for controlling and has fed this into the Health Committee. way for a livestock farmer to eliminating infectious endemic diseases We have also looked at other breed

10 Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Herd Health update

societies’ policies on Neospora, but for the time being we believe encouraging members to join the scheme is the best way forward.

Another disease that will be included in the booklet is bovine TB. This is again due to CHeCS introducing an accreditation scheme so cattle farmers who take a proactive approach to controlling bovine TB (bTB) can now get the recognition they deserve through a Licensed Cattle Health Scheme.

When, how or if we leave the EU is something we all need to prepare for. Disease has become an important part of many sales of cattle into Europe and beyond. When the trade talks start again, I am sure that we will have to provide a higher level of disease accreditation to sell animals back into Europe. Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) is a disease existing or newly infected herds and that our European friends are beginning is another virus that the Society has a to control, and the Society wants to policy on. Any animals put forward to a PROTECT YOUR improve the take-up of the accreditation Society sale must be from an accredited of this disease. IBR is caused by Bovine herd or be tested and vaccinated. STOCK Herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1). The virus Nationally, apart from who have causes an acute upper respiratory a compulsory BVD scheme, we have Know your health status tract disease and is not just a cough as voluntary BVD schemes. It is a very easy described by infected herds. It has serious virus to control with good biosecurity and join a health scheme economic impact on the national herd. and vaccination. Therefore, the Society With successful existing IBR vaccines again recommends that you join a health Don’t buy in disease, find out already on the market, this disease can scheme which will take you through the the seller’s health status, be controlled first and then eliminated. process of accreditation. ASSUME NOTHING The Society believes the best way to improve the IBR accreditation uptake is I often think that we were so much better Isolate and test new and to make it into a risk-based accreditation system rather than the all-in or all-out off up to the 1980’s, when it seemed returning animals to the herd accreditation as it is now. In fact, this that disease was not an issue and it is will work much the same as the Johnes true that many of these diseases have Practise good biosecurity. accreditation does today. Johnes changed developed since then. This is true because Disinfectant is not only used at to a risk-based system that now works, as we became not just a global industry, Foot and Mouth outbreaks! rather than a system that breeders found but a fluid national one, disease was able hard to get accreditation from. to spread and develop into new areas. Vaccinate to control disease Midges became a vector of viruses from that cannot be eradicated Johnes is beginning to come under control Europe and it seems that we are under now that so many farmers understand attack from all sides. The good news is Cull infected animals the risks of the disease and the risk-based that we all understand how vulnerable that cannot be cured system. With the industry beginning we now are, and we are doing something to eliminate it from their national herd, it about it. We are fighting back and is appropriate that we do the same. There winning. The livestock industry as a whole Ensure your animals do not are still some issues that need addressing is beginning to embrace good biosecurity have nose-to-nose in the scheme that the Society is aware of and disease knowledge. We as a breed contact with other stock and this is something the Society Health must be at the forefront of this and as Committee will be looking at in the not- too-distant future. the world markets open up to us, we will Talk to your vet. A life’s be able to respond by having the right Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is another animals and the right disease status for work – why take risk? disease that has a devastating effect on the buyers.

Members Digest Autumn 2019 11 Zootechnical certificate changes

YOUR COUNCIL NEEDS YOU!

Zootechnical certificate changes

The pedigree certificates are To be clear, as we are currently still APHA, the body charged with enforcing changing! members of the EU, we must comply the regulations. with these regulations. If we end up not Therefore, with the amount of being part of the EU and become a ‘third Following a review of the extensive administration in mind, we have taken country’ who wants to export to the EU, zootechnical legislation at the end of the view that it is better to produce we need the accompanying paperwork November 2018, the EU introduced the new certificate and be totally to ensure we are compliant. To the best some new legislation, some of which compliant with the regulations. This way of our ability and knowledge, we are affects our breed. The main aspects we can ensure we keep our important futureproofing our trade by taking the having an impact are the importation export markets open by adopting these necessary measures at this stage, rather and exportation of pedigree breeding regulations and, whether inside or than producing a compromised plan and stock and any embryos or semen. The outside the EU, when we reach the end having to revisit it in six months’ time. updated legislation is in accordance with of October this year, we can continue our regulation EU 2016/1012 for trade in As the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle trading relationships, having compliant breeding animals of Bovine Society, we have possibly the most paperwork in place. All exported cattle species and means that we will be challenging position of all the beef from the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society making some changes to the style of the cattle breed societies in the UK, in will now comply with EU rulings. existing zootechnical certificates. that we export somewhere in the We are aiming to have the new certificates region of 3,000 head per year of available with the distribution of this You might be wondering why we have pedigree cattle abroad. We also issue issue of The Cud, so this has allowed to comply with this legislation when pedigree certificates for our members us to inform all members of the coming we are not going to be in the EU. That in the Republic of Ireland numbering changes. All the information on the current said, when and if we are going to be somewhere in the region of 2,500 per certificates will remain on the new styled outside of the European Union remains year. This makes a total of circa 5,500 certificate, plus some extra data which will unknown at this point to the best of certificates per year, which will require enhance the exchange of information. anyone’s knowledge, given the current a new style of compliant certificate. political situation. NB to all importers of cattle, embryos or We have taken advice from the semen from the EU: you should receive a The purpose of the revision of the competent authorities, DEFRA and the zootechnical certificate with all transactions, legislation is to standardise the Scottish Government, the body who which will assist the administration of your paperwork between the EU countries grant breed societies their recognised imports into the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle and the ‘third countries’, so that we have status and with a substantial amount of Society’s Herd Book. paperwork which is the same for every background work, have put together all animal, embryo and batch of semen. This that is required to comply with the new You can access the new zootechnical is now the prerequisite for all animals in regulations. We are now at a point where certificate under the Downloads section at: Europe, whether it be beef, dairy, , we are awaiting an audit to confirm our www.aberdeen-angus.co.uk/resources/ pigs and even horses. compliance with the new legislation from breeders-resources.

12 Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Your Council needs you!

YOUR COUNCIL NEEDS YOU! Council recruitment: team players required

We are using this issue of The Cud as an opportunity to highlight the need for members to make a difference and add valuable input towards taking the Aberdeen-Angus breed and brand forward. Before we get into the nuts and bolts of what Council is all about, it is important to highlight the opportunity that being involved offers. Being a part of Council offers the chance to meet and interact with breeders and like-minded people from all corners of the UK, Ireland and the rest of the world, forging friendships and relationships that can last a lifetime. We need people with expertise and transferable skills from both inside and outside the world of cattle breeding to join Council. An explanation on the workings of Council is below.

The perfect place to start this article functionality. It is the ‘collective think tank’, cattle, in either business or another is by explaining to all the membership our Board of Directors and Trustees of the working environment, and know that there that the Society is a company limited by Charity, who are responsible for ensuring are many members with knowledge in guarantee. Registered in Scotland No. that we don’t contravene any corporate fields that would be very helpful in taking 926, Scottish Charity No. SC003894. This rules or legislation. They are also in charge the Society forward. is a complicated way of saying that we are of ensuring that the items contained in the a limited company with charitable status. Articles of Association and Bye Laws when If you have experience in finance, animal As such, we need a Board of Directors looking at internal matters are complied health, marketing and promotion, youth that ensures that we are compliant with with at all times – a highly responsible development or education, or have all the current and future legislation that position to hold. interests in the technical side of cattle governs our sector. We also have the breeding and management, please don’t added legislation of the Scottish Charity We have several committees, including hesitate to get in contact with your local Regulator (OSCR), the body set up to Technical, Health, Youth Development, Council member and discuss in more detail ensure that there is no bad practice by Breed Promotion, Finance and Executive. how you can help the Society to progress. charitable organisations, and that they are These committees are made up of people The Society and its breed continue to what they say they are, and do what they within the members of Council who have grow from strength to strength and there say they are doing. either an interest or the expertise to take the business and breed forward in the is no better time to be involved. It is an Our Patron is HRH Prince Charles, The areas covered by each committee. enjoyable and rewarding experience, with Duke of Rothesay. We are delighted that the opportunity to work with like-minded he continues his patronage and that he The Council members are nominated people for the benefit of the Society and continues to breed Aberdeen-Angus cattle. by the membership annually and are its membership. appointed to serve for a three-year period. We need to be ultra-sure that we comply Where there is more than one candidate Barrie Turner, with the laws of the land and keep our in an area, there is a voting paper sent out Chief Executive business compliant in every aspect to and the membership can vote for their prevent any defacement to the Society, chosen candidate. Paul Jeenes, its membership, employees or officers, President both internally and externally to our If you think that you only have a small herd organisation. or little spare time and therefore wouldn’t be suitable for the position, please think The Council of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle again. We have met many of you over the Society is a very important part of our years who have other interests, outside

Members Digest Autumn 2019 13 Aberdeen-Angus through the years

Nostalgia: Aberdeen-Angus through the years

This nostalgic feature is becoming increasingly popular within our Society publications, and it’s great to see that you enjoy viewing it as much as we enjoy pulling it together! Looking through the archives and taking a walk down memory lane is something we all love, so here is your latest account of Aberdeen-Angus through the years.

‘’Aberdeen-Angus Beef is Best’’. A ‘’Here’s tae us, wha’s like us!’’ Lord Elgin (left) toasts the breed with President Jock message from 1985 that rings true and Campbell and Lady Elgin at the 1977 World Forum Banquet in Aviemore. important to this date!

The Queen Mother meets Aberdeen-Angus herdsmen during her visit to the 1977 Royal Highland Show

14 Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Aberdeen-Angus through the years

Official delegates from the 14 represented countries at the 1977 World Forum in Aviemore

Mr John Arnott speaks with the Queen and Prince Philip At 1962’s Royal Show, Society President Mr CHR Reeves as they visit the Haymount Herd of Aberdeen-Angus. presented a model Aberdeen-Angus bull to the Queen Mother.

As we look to drive our YDP forward in the current day, we look back Back in 1989, Neil Massie’s two-year-old heifer to 1988 when young farmers got the chance to judge the Aberdeen- Blelack Blackbird L53 took the female and supreme Angus at Royal Smithfield. championship at the Royal Highland Show.

Members Digest Autumn 2019 15 A YDP update

A new structure and outlook for the Youth Development Programme

In the early part of 2019, the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle The team took to their posts in the spring with each regional co-ordinator taking on Society decided to give its Youth Development the management and organisation of three Programme a fresh look and as part of this decision, workshops in their area. All co-ordinators five new co-ordinators were appointed: undertook first aid training, CRB checks and health and safety training. The full team of co-ordinators met up at the Worcester Sale Tina Russell in April to discuss the way forward for 2019. National YDP Co-ordinator New for the year, would be the introduction Email: [email protected] of a presentation at each workshop from a nutritionist to offer the young people the opportunity to learn about what goes on inside the animal as well as outside - a huge subject that will be built on in 2020. In addition, the programme’s format would Stephanie Dick be similar to previous years in order to Regional Co-ordinator for Scotland understand the workings of what was a very successful YDP. Managed by National Email: [email protected] Co-ordinator Tina Russell, all co-ordinators were tasked with taking notes and observations and reporting back at the October Stirling Bull Sales, where they would compare notes, evaluate and look Jess Musk at putting together a new and improved YDP for 2020. Regional Co-ordinator for England and Wales North There are very exciting times ahead for Email: [email protected] the new team, taking on a unique Youth Development Programme that has been running since 2000 and being asked to move it forward. During the summer, the National Co-ordinator has attended Ruth Perry the majority of workshops to work Regional Co-ordinator for alongside the Regional Co-ordinators, who England and Wales South themselves have all been through the YDP, Email: [email protected] so bring a participant’s perspective to the role. Each of the Regional Co-ordinators currently work in beef farming full-time and are heavily involved with bringing out cattle at shows and sales. In addition, they have Niall Lynch taken on their YDP roles because they have seen first-hand how it has helped them Regional Co-ordinator for Ireland into the beef industry. All are YDP finalists, Email: [email protected] with some even being winners at YDP finals in the past – the perfect people for our current crop to learn from.

The National Co-Ordinator, Tina Russell has come from a school farm environment

16 Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society A YDP update

Raising breeders in Kent, having worked for Kent Young on deck in preparation for the selection workshops. By who raise Farmers Club as their County Field Officer of candidates for the YDP Final event to getting all the and undertaken youth worker training. Tina be held this year at the Lough Allen Hotel, workshop dates the bar is a qualified farm secretary, having run Co Leitrim, Southern Ireland, where the in the Review young member training days for the Beef competitors will stay, with the final itself for 2020, it Society for six years and having being hosted at the Moorlands Equestrian is hoped that been involved at the end of a halter in the Centre next to Lough Allen. The places Young Farmers Clubs and other breed show ring with beef and dairy cattle for in the finals in all age categories were societies can note our YDP dates for their over 30 years. Tina has also been a trainer extremely competitive this year, with a calendar well in advance. at several YDP workshops and finals, and great standard being shown throughout ‘’We are very blessed that the hosts and currently lives on their farm in Oxfordshire the year. The finals event was ongoing trainers of the YDP workshops give so with her partner and their 180-pedigree- at time of print of The Cud, and we look much of their time and experience. The cow herd of Beef . forward to sharing success stories from quality of delivery is immense and without a great weekend. Information about the their volunteering to help, the YDP The 2019 YDP workshops have spread locations can be found at: would not be able to provide the quality throughout the length and breadth of the of learning that we do. All hard-working www.loughallenhotel.com country in Sussex, Inverness, Exmoor, farming folk, who will have already had Co Leitrim and Co Meath, Southern Ireland, www.moorlands.ie a very busy week, finding time to give Gloucestershire and Suffolk. All three At this stage in the year it is difficult to say back to the future farmers that attend our southern workshops have taken place how the YDP will look in 2020. Looking workshops – that’s what it is all about. If and venues already set for 2020. It has at the workshops which have taken you are a breeder, farmer, retired lecturer been extremely encouraging to observe place this year, it is true to say that every or have any expertise in agriculture and this year that some workshops have had young person taking part has thoroughly would like to be a host farm or trainer, a larger percentage of Juniors (8-13 years enjoyed their day, and upon evaluation please do come along to one of the old), which bodes very well for the future. with them at the end of the day, the workshops and get to meet the team We are still seeing some strong Senior constructive feedback would be to have involved and speak with current trainers.’’ competitors (19-24 years old), but there a longer day to do more of the same. The If you would like to find out more, please is an inclination that there may be more Juniors especially have such a thirst for do contact the National YDP Co-ordinator Intermediates (14-18 years old) out there knowledge and ‘hands-on’ experience, it’s Tina Russell on mobile: 07711810354 who might’ve missed a workshop in their a real pleasure to work alongside them. or email: [email protected]. It area, and we would very much hope to see Speaking about the year gone, National is an incredibly fulfilling and fun day, and them attend in 2020. Co-ordinator Tina Russell states that a without doubt helps keep you young! personal observation so far would be to Newly appointed YDP Chairman Will It was pleasing to see that we had a hold Junior-specific days, on top of what Chrystal has taken over the helm from our good-sized group of 2nd year veterinary is already provided. The Society and team of co-ordinators would be very grateful if previous Chairman, Andrew Shufflebottom, students attend the workshop in the east who was instrumental in the new structure of England. They confessed to not having a any previous/current participants have any feedback they would like to share with us of YDP. We are very grateful to Andrew vast amount of cattle handling experience before the meeting at Stirling in October. for the time, passion and energy he and worked alongside the Juniors Any feedback should be directed to: brought to the role. Will is already proving and Intermediates on the day, gaining [email protected]. to be a very enthusiastic Chairman, with experience and confidence as the day went progress made on investigating new City on. We would welcome any animal care In relation to her ambitions for the and Guilds qualifications for Intermediate students who wish to build on their cattle programme, Tina Russell says: and Senior members. This work follows handling and bovine knowledge, as 2020’s ‘’We want to deliver a YDP for all young on from the previous work undertaken YDP will see more aspects of stockmanship people, be they Aberdeen-Angus breeders, by Gayle Bersey with Duchy College. It at the workshops, not just showmanship. from another cattle breed or commercial is so important that the work we deliver farming, students or school children. I has value in the workplace for the young With all of the year’s workshops being would also like to see more Young Farmers people undertaking this training. Watch completed in mid-August, it was all hands Clubs members benefitting from these this space for more!

Members Digest Autumn 2019 17 Sire Verified Aberdeen-Angus

Sire Verified Aberdeen-Angus: an update

At the time of writing, beef prices and sales have been rather depressed. On the brighter side, even when the beef price has been falling, we are seeing a premium for Aberdeen-Angus sired beef of above 20 pence per kilo. We therefore need to do as much as we can to preserve that premium and make sure that our stakeholders and partners in the supply chain have the DNA tools to protect the brand name.

We are currently, and have been over the it is ‘Angus’. We deliberately choose the This is the reason that we have developed last six months, really focussing on the word ‘Angus’ here, as many of our fellow the Sire Verified Aberdeen-Angus Scheme, realignment of the Certified Aberdeen- breeders from around the world have employing the DNA technology so that Angus Beef Scheme to firstly bring the dropped the ‘Aberdeen’ from the name. we can trace back to an Aberdeen-Angus rules up to date with the advancements in That name is the key to preserving and registered bull from the UK and Ireland, technology deployed by the processors. protecting our market within the UK and and be sure that it is home produced, Secondly, to embrace the technology that Ireland. The Aberdeen-Angus name is differentiating our quality, authentic and crucial to setting us apart from imported is available behind the farm gate to offer true Aberdeen-Angus from ‘Angus’. beef that may be derived using practices our partners security in the Aberdeen- that we are not allowed to use in the UK, The retail sector, who keep their eye on Angus beef brand. and beef that perhaps doesn’t have the the consumer through consumer research, provenance or welfare standards that we is reporting that 80% of British consumers A key part of this is working on the observe here. The current test does not will buy food that is produced in the UK development of the database of DNA differentiate between ‘Aberdeen-Angus’ in the event of us leaving the EU. We profiles that can tie the meat on the shelf and ‘Angus’, so we need to move on, need to make sure that our brand, and back to the sire. It will be a step up from update and improve the tools that we therefore the breed, is clearly defined as the current testing that we do, known offer our partners to ensure it is what it UK born and bred Aberdeen-Angus in the as the ‘proxy’ test, which says that yes, says it is. retail sector going forward.

18 Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Sire Verified Aberdeen-Angus

The first rule of any business is to protect your marketplace wherever possible, as without a buyer, a primary producer has no future. We can use the suckler beef sector in Ireland as an example that has seen a switch into dairy from beef in an unprecedented scale. Those farmers have chosen not to produce something that has a difficult and volatile market outcome and have taken the decision to change farming policy substantially.

There are two ways of looking at the above scenario. You could look to produce less, which in the beef supply chain takes three to five years to sort itself out, or you look to develop new avenues for your product. As a society, we have been very successful and proficient in developing a Agriculture and Meat Standards Australia The sector we are looking at is different, retail market and our partners have been reward growers for a carcass that is and has different needs. It is well reported highly supportive of the cause and worked going to eat well, and that’s it. Marbling that consumers will eat out on less occasions than eating at home, but when with us to make sure the supply chain is one key factor, but there are others. they do, they will be looking for that extra works. It all comes down to the power of The great British public have an aversion special experience and will be prepared to ‘fat meat’ and I have personally had the Aberdeen-Angus brand. to accept a higher cost for that. This is our the conversation with a number of our speciality as our breed is proven to deliver partners who say that heavily marbled There is another huge sector that we have this throughout the world. not yet engaged with to communicate beef is often the product that is returned the benefits of our breed and brand - the from retail as unsold. We can use the same assurances on foodservice sector or the out of home provenance to develop our brand in the dining (OOH). In 2018, this sector was Figure 1 shows the United States OOH dining sector as we have done in the valued at £49 billion in the UK alone, a Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) retail sector, to create a premium brand huge market and one that we need to marbling standards diagram, with ‘Prime’ using a grading for taste. This is what our breed has been renowned for since its engage with along with our partners in the being offered into the foodservice sector inception and should be a core focus. processing industry. and ‘Select’ being classified as ‘needing further processing’, mincing dicing or To sum up, if we create an additional grinding because of its lack of marbling. The sector covers everything from market sector that will consume our snacks to high-end dining experiences ‘Choice’ graded beef, we create more and everything in between and is a huge demand. More demand means more consumer of meat and meat products. volume, and if we can keep growing both This sector looks at meat and its offerings demand and volume at a steady pace, we in a totally different way to the retail can achieve a consistent premium which trade, in that they need you to have a may suit a lot of producers by taking out good experience when you visit their the boom and bust! establishment so that you will come This will not happen overnight, and back again and again. This sector is very Figure 1 opening new markets is never easy, but it interested in consistency of product and is a mountain worth climbing. Your support eating experience and the people involved Cooking the beef removes the visual fat in providing us with the DNA samples is in the market understand meat and how content as it is rendered out before it paramount to the project going forward. to cook it to deliver that experience meets the consumers eye, and therefore consistently, every time. is just cooked meat, not “fat meat” and Barrie Turner, the eating experience is guaranteed to be Chief Executive This brings us to the factors that good. Now you see it and now you don’t, affect meat quality and from a breed marbling delivers an open texture which is tender, juicy and succulent, just what perspective, there are grading systems you want when you are eating out! from other parts of the world that reward the grower for meat quality unlike the This is the next step along the way in UK and the EU system, which rewards creating a new market alongside our only meat yield. The US Department of existing one for Aberdeen-Angus beef.

Members Digest Autumn 2019 19 New Society phone system

Society contact information guide: new system in place

At the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, we and included in this leaflet is a summary of We hope that this guide to contacting take communication with our members, their individual roles within the Society, so the appropriate people and department stakeholders and trade very seriously. We that you can reach the right department first time will help us to help you have have invested in a new phone system that and person first time. a good experience when contacting the will help make communication with the Society – every time. Society easier and get you to the person This guide has been put together to It is important that we are aware of any or department that you need to get to help you save time when dealing with aspect of our service that is not up to efficiently and effectively. the Society and make our dealing with your enquiries simpler, quicker and more standard. If you have any concerns in The most noticeable feature of the new effective. Please keep this information and relation to this, please contact our Chief system is that when you call the office, refer to it as a guide to getting to the right Executive Officer, Barrie Turner. you will be asked to press a number to person with the skills needed to deal with connect directly to an individual member We will always seek to quickly establish the your matters. of staff. This will help you to reach the cause of your dissatisfaction and put it right correct person quickly and if that person to the best of our ability. If is not available, you will be connected to At your service we can’t, we will openly and honestly explain their voicemail to leave a message. You The team at Pedigree House are at your Including will then be called back as soon as is the reasons why. service and are here to help you. The your handy practically possible. expertise held within the team can cover Each member of our team here at Pedigree most situations and bring them to a guide to keep House will also have a direct dial number suitable resolution. by the phone

20 Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society New Society phone system

Welcome to your points of contact Angela Cumming Fiona Flood Finance Manager (also deals with DNA, paper and online Here at The Society, we are committed registrations, new member enquiries, to providing you with the best advice Angela is our Finance Manager and looks after all financial matters, the sale of back copies of the Review and and assistance that we can. We want archiving) to make it as easy as possible for you including reporting to the board for to deal with us, and for you to know the Society, Pedigree Cattle Services Direct Dial: 01738 448342 where to turn if you need help with any (PCS - our subsidiary company) and Alternative: 01738 622477 Option 4 aspect of your business. We believe Youth Development Programme (YDP) Email: [email protected] that by establishing contact between accounts. It is important that you notify the different departments of our Angela straight away if you have a query Pedigree Cattle Services (PCS) business, we will be able to serve you with an invoice. To pay by card, please Pedigree Cattle Services is our more efficiently. contact Angela using the details below. Alternatively, you can pay by cheque or performance recording arm, using the through internet banking. Please ensure globally recognised Breedplan Software. Barrie Turner you quote your membership number. Breedplan offers bull breeders the Chief Executive Officer Direct Dial: 01738 448344 potential to accelerate genetic progress Barrie is ultimately responsible for in their herds, whilst providing objective Alternative: 01738 622477 Option 5 ensuring that we run a tight ship in terms information on stock they sell to of legislative and financial matters, as Email: [email protected] commercial breeders. Our Pedigree Cattle well as developing the infrastructure that Services team are ready to help you on is required to deliver the needs of the Registrations department your way to ensuring you are making the breed, our membership and stakeholders. right choices for your business. Our Registrations team are all very well Direct Dial: 01738 448345 versed in our registration system and the Barbara Webster Mobile: 07597 369580 software difficulties sometimes faced. Alternative: 01738 622477 Option 7 They offer assistance with the rules Direct Dial: 01738 448346 Email: [email protected] governing our breed integrity. The DNA Alternative: 01738 622478 Option 3 sampling and reporting system is also Email: [email protected] Laura Stewart dealt with by the Registrations team. Office Manager and P.A. Helena Stewart to the Chief Executive Caroline Ford Direct Dial: 01738 448347 Laura has been with the Society for (also deals with DNA, online registrations Alternative: 01738 622478 Option 2 several years and is well versed in the and Society sales) Email: [email protected] running and governance of the Society. Direct Dial: 01738 448341 Laura has a multi-task role within Alternative: 01738 622477 Option 3 Amy Johnstone the Society, from managing the office Email: [email protected] (also deals with stock for sale) infrastructure and working with Council Direct Dial: 01738 448348 and committees, to secretarial and Yvonne Buchanan Alternative: 01738 622478 Option 1 administrative tasks, communications, (also deals with online registrations, show planning, Certified Aberdeen- Republic of Ireland and overseas Email: [email protected] Angus Beef (CAAB) scheme enquiries/ registrations, Farmplan, Farmdata etc. membership, as well as PA to the CEO. and merchandise) Direct Dial: 01738 448343 Direct Dial: 01738 448340 Alternative: 01738 622477 Option 6 Alternative: 01738 622477 Option 2 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Members Digest Autumn 2019 21 Pedigree House, 6 King’s Place, Perth, Scotland, PH2 8AD

Representatives of The Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society will be at the following confirmed events:

28th September 1st November 22nd November Worcester Autumn Sale, Borderway Agri Expo, Black Beauty Bonanza, McCartney’s, Winter National, Thainstone Agricultural Centre, Worcester Borderway Mart, Inverurie Carlisle 4th October 25th - 26th November Welsh Winter Fair, Carlisle Show and Sale, 2nd November Royal Welsh Showground, Borderway Mart, Northern Ireland Calf Show, Builth Wells Carlisle Dungannon Farmers Mart, Northern Ireland 20th - 21st October 3rd December Stirling Show and Sale, Dungannon Sale, United Auctions, Stirling 6th November Dungannon Farmers Mart, Female Sale, Northern Ireland Including: Skipton Auction Mart, Liley Aberdeen-Angus Herd Sale Yorkshire Please get in touch Cheerbrook Aberdeen-Angus 9th November with your local club Herd Sale Stars of the Future Calf Show, for regional events Wolflaw Herd Reduction Sale United Auctions, Stirling

UK Contact Registrations Breedplan and Pedigree Cattle Services T: 01738 622477 Caroline Ford Barbara Webster Direct Dial: 01738 448341 Direct Dial: 01738 448346 Barrie Turner, Chief Executive E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Direct Dial: 01738 448345 E: [email protected] Fiona Flood Helena Stewart Direct Dial: 01738 448342 Direct Dial: 01738 448347 Laura Stewart, Office Manager E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Direct Dial: 01738 448343 E: [email protected] Yvonne Buchanan Amy Johnstone Direct Dial: 01738 448340 Direct Dial: 01738 448348 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Ireland Contact Accounts Kathryn Bradshaw Angela Cumming, Finance department T: +353 71 9632099 Direct Dial: 01738 448344 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

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