13 minute read
Shorthorn World Conference report
Taking place across 14 days, the 17th World Shorthorn Conference and tour saw delegates visit herds across England, Wales and Scotland.
Rachael Madeley shares her memories
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Benjamin Franklin
“Held to coincide with the bicentennial celebrations of the Coates's Herd Book, the 17th World Shorthorn Conference was held in the UK during July 2022. Having attended previous World conferences in Australia 2019 and Uruguay 2016 I knew that this tour was going to be fantastic.
“On 7th July delegates and invited guests convened at Windsor Castle Hotel where the conference was officially opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who has long been Patron to both societies.
“The next morning, we headed West to the Vale of the White Horse, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, for a spectacular first visit, the home of the Stanford Park and Longfield herds of Beef Shorthorns. On arrival we were greeted by owners Mark and Hayley Stoneham and the Stanford team.
“Estate manager Simon Bradley-Farmer and partner Tina Russell gave us a comprehensive tour of the cattle and purpose-built buildings. Meurig James was also in attendance to give an insight into the classification of beef cattle and the importance of type classification as a management tool for herd improvement.
“It is clear that everything at Stanford Park is done with precision, the aim being profitability without compromising the environment and genetic development is key to this endeavour.
“After a short coach drive we arrived at Beef Society president Charles Horton’s Hannington herd, Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Charles and Jemima are no strangers to the World Conference and they were humbled to host and repay all the kindness afforded to them over the years on other Conference tours.
“After a brief introduction to the herd and system that is run on the 2500-acre farm we had an opportunity to see the stock. They all looked in exceptional condition and were a credit to Charles and his stockman Peter Brain.
“The next morning we had an early start for the trek into Pembrokeshire, South West Wales, to the home of the Thomas family, Drisgol Dairy Shorthorns. The view of more than 600 Dairy Shorthorns was amazing and without doubt took away the breath of everyone on the coach when we saw the red, white and roan Drisgol army. Seimon, wife Eleanor, son, Sion, and daughter, Hanna, have the largest herd of Dairy Shorthorns in the UK and what an impressive herd of cattle they are.
“Day three gave the delegates free time for a morning in Chester, a chance to shop or walk the historic Roman city walls.
“The next day delegates were kindly invited to visit Cogent Breeding bull stud and the Grosvenor herd. The day was extremely informative. The Cogent team started by showing us bulls on parade that were currently on stud, before talking us through all the research that the team here and parent company STGenetics in America are undertaking. Most notably the management tools of SexedUltra, Genomics and EcoFeed were hot topics, aimed at helping make businesses more profitable.
“That evening we headed further north to Harrogate for the highly anticipated Great Yorkshire Show. Two centuries celebrated with 200 head of Beef Shorthorns and Dairy Shorthorns.
“Day five and just wow! On an outstanding first day, the Shorthorn friends, members and breeders were bustling with activity as the Beef Shorthorn judging began under the watchful eye of Richard Bartle. The classes were phenomenal in number and quality and Richard certainly had his work cut out deciding placings in strongly contended classes.
“Three awards were presented by Her Royal Highness for lifetime achievement within the breed. Graham Madeley was the dairy recipient while Liz Lang and Sally Horrell received recognition from the Beef Society. Both societies would like to thank The Princess Royal for her time and service to the Shorthorn breed as our Patron. As a token of this appreciation, the Beef Society had commissioned Angela Davidson to paint a portrait entitled ‘200 Years Strong’ to present to The Princess Royal.
“Before leaving the showground, youth coordinator Tina Russell had set up a youth challenge of stock judging of the native breeds. Paul Westaway kindly acted as master judge as the youngsters all took part. Well done to Sinead Flanagan who won overall.
“There was a trip to York on Wednesday for the delegates who chose to visit the city that is steeped in Roman and Viking history. Others returned to the Great Yorkshire Show to explore the cattle shed further, before donning their glad rags for a fantastic celebratory dinner in the Pavilions. Thanks to the Beef Society for organising this fabulous bicentenary dinner that culminated in the auction of print number one of 200 Years Strong Breed Portrait. After a highly entertaining auction, the winning bid of £3300 will go towards the Youth Development programme supporting young Beef Shorthorn breeders of the future. “Back into the Great Yorkshire for Thursday and the highly anticipated Dairy Shorthorn judging day. This year the honour of judging fell to Gwyndaf James, Meanwhile, the youth participants were experiencing the grand parade with the Beef Shorthorns. The sheer number forward was a spectacular sight. Hats off to all the members who wowed the public by representing the breed. Well done to all for another outstanding day at the Great Yorkshire Show. Next stop Lumley Castle.
“The impressive spectacle that is Lumley Castle dominates the County Durham landscape and it made a fitting venue for the 17th World Shorthorn Conference. An impressive line-up of speakers graced the Garter Suite, putting some pertinent and timely messages to delegates. Thanks must go to the outstanding speakers John Thomson, Sophie Throup, Anton Hofland, Paul Westaway, Richard Miller, David Kendall, Gavin Hill, Sarah Pick and Patrick Holden.
“Hot topics continue to be traceability, genomics and data collection. Here’s looking towards a more sustainable, environmentally friendly, more productive and profitable farming future. One in which the Shorthorn breed will easily adapt and perform.
“To end the conference Sinead Flanagan joined the speakers, contributing a youth perspective to the importance of the
Conference and the sharing of knowledge to stay ahead of the game. The conference wrapped up with a final panel open to further questions from the room. That night delegates gathered in the courtyard of the castle where they were treated to a Northumbrian piper who led them into an Elizabethan five-course banquet. Goblets of mead were flowing and songs a-plenty were sung and the evening was filled with laughter and merriment before the night closed on the dance floor of the dungeon bar.
“Day nine finalised the meetings at Beamish, the pioneers of the living museum. The meeting allowed all delegates including, for the first time, those on zoom to present a country report on the Shorthorn’s performance throughout the world. Canada was elected the next country to host in 2025 and delegate Grant Smith accepted the role of World president. To conclude the day, we had a fantastic afternoon at Page Farms by kind invitation of Ed and Chloe Page and stockman Martin Grayshon and his wife, Heather.
“For a first-generation farmer, this herd demonstrates the opportunities on which the Shorthorn can capitalise. Ed and Martin’s teamwork has quickly established a modern herd that has prospered from the versatility of the breed without compromising the land, the final product or the profit margin.
“Day 10 was a day of two halves. The youth participants, Chris, Sinead, Jessica, Brittany, Charlie and Jack headed off in the morning to Tofts for the inaugural Word Shorthorn Youth Program, while the rest of the group headed to Alnwick Castle. After leaving the breath-taking Castle, we headed to the Tofts herd of the Playfair-Hannay family, Kelso, to be reunited with the rest of the troops.
“The youth participants were still in the throes of competition when the remainder of the delegates arrived, having tried their hands at numerous different challenges; cattle preparation, cattle scoring, stock judging, quad bike driving, digger skills, naming different types of grasses and guessing the vintage implements and feed.
“Points had been collected throughout the tour and the winning team was sisters Jessica Graves and Brittany Pederson from the USA. Without a doubt this group of young people made this World Conference outstanding. They have truly become a part of the World Shorthorn family and created lasting friendships. They stepped up when challenged, mucked in when asked and shone at every opportunity. The laughter was contagious and I am confident that the future of the breed is in capable hands.
“After lunch, we all had a go at the farming implements challenge, before loading onto the trailer and heading up the hill to view the cattle. The property is stunning and the cattle looked well, doing a great job for the Playfair-Hannay family, proving that Shorthorns are fantastic grazers. Thanks go to Patrick, James, Debbie, Robert, Charlotte and the rest of the team for looking after us so well and hosting the youth day.
“The following day the tour headed to the Robinson family, home of Strickley Dairy Shorthorns. The Robinson family is renowned within the farming community for going the extra mile to promote wildlife habitats and farm in a conscientious
way. James believes the Shorthorn breed is the perfect partner when farming in such an environmentally friendly manner and he has been awarded the highly coveted FWAG 2022 Silver Lapwing Trophy for conservation. Vet Claire Whittle was on hand to talk about the importance of the dung beetle, the mini beast hero that is helping to improve soil, prevent pollution and hinder disease. Thanks to Henry, Kathleen, James, Michelle, Robert and Chris for a wonderful morning.
“Next stop was Paul Coates’ Barwood farm, which has been in partnership with Morrisons for the last 10 years. This farm is a blueprint for net zero emissions. The cattle were certainly in fine form and two impressive bulls stood out in the bull paddock. The farm is well managed, with the family running arable, sheep and dairy bull beef enterprises alongside the Beef Shorthorn herd. That evening we had a barbeque banquet with meat supplied by Morrisons, whose representatives were on hand throughout the afternoon to talk through the partnership and how the retailer works closely with farmers who directly supply the shelves. Our thanks to Paul Coates and family and all involved, for a most enjoyable visit.
“An exceptional day was spent looking around cattle on day 12, the final day of the main tour. We started at John Thomson’s, home of the Shawhill herd. John is no stranger to the value of the World Conference, having attended in the past. His passion for the breed and knowledge of the history is second to none. The herd began in 2009 and by carefully selecting female lines and top-quality bulls John, his son Mathew and stockman John Dick have ensured successful herd development. The family had kindly brought together a sample of each of the herds that fall under the Shawhill umbrella, so we thank the whole team for going to this extraordinary effort.
“That afternoon was spent at the home of the Biggar family. The Chapelton herd is world-renowned, thanks to the hard work, dedication and passion of the late Donald Biggar. Perusing the cattle, you can see that these qualities have been instilled in Donald’s sons, Jamie, and Duncan, who have continued to develop the herd through data collection and genetics. The aim is to breed the most profitable animal that will perform each year with minimal input. Thanks to the whole Chapelton team for a super visit.
“The visit was followed by a final farewell dinner at Gretna. Auctioneer Raymond Kennedy unexpectedly had to address the haggis, which was superbly done. Speeches of thanks from Graham Madeley, James Playfair-Hannay and Lawrie Willett acknowledged those who had made this incredible tour happen, primarily the entire committee for their relentless hard work.
“The next morning a smaller contingent of delegates headed off around Scotland for the extended World Conference. The first herd was the Dunsyre herd of Carey Coombs and family. Dunsyre is another notable herd that has had a major influence within the breed over the last 40 years. Looking around the exceptionally uniform herd grazing in the beautiful Scottish hills, it is not hard to see why these bloodlines feature in many pedigrees.
“Strong family lines are key here, while bulls are picked on specific desired traits. Delegates spent an enjoyable morning, with some making extensive shopping lists for the upcoming dispersal. Thanks to the Coombs family for a fabulous morning.
“The next morning we continued north, weaving our way through the breath-taking Scottish hills to the borders between Angus and Perthshire. The first farm visit was to the famous Glenisla herd of Major Gibb and family. We arrived there to find Catriona had pulled out four young, super impressive bulls for our inspection, then we all loaded into a convoy of pick-ups to venture up into the hills to find the rest of the stock.
“This herd was impressive, with great udder confirmation in strong female lines. There were certainly stand-out animals in each group we entered and clearly the breed is performing on this upland terrain with a short growing season and long winters. Thanks go to Major John Gibb, Anne, Catriona, Nicholas and Alastair for hosting us.
“Next we ventured towards the organic Glenrinnes Estate nestled in the heart of whisky country between the Highlands and the River Spey. The estate is spread over
6000 acres and is the perfect farmland for cattle, sheep, deer and grouse. Expertly managed by Alistair Laing and the Glenrinnes team, this is an outstanding set-up and the cattle looked in fine form on lush paddocks.
“The Shorthorn is stepping up its presence at the Speyside Estate and, with data recording, the team hopes to further its performance and increase profitably with a breed that fits the environmental focus to which they adhere. We were fortunate enough to go and view the red deer herd, with nearly 400 of them in all their splendour. A truly extra special treat, as was sampling the gin and vodka that the business also produces, while enjoying a barbeque with our hosts.
“On the final day we spent the morning in Inverness before travelling further north to Fearn Farm, Tain. This 1800-acre enterprise carries 150 sucklers and 3000 sheep and is owned and run by the Scott family.
“Cattle here were clearly thriving in a forage-based system. Rotationally grazed in summer, cattle are out-wintered on feed pads that were built on a former world war two airfield. These cows are bred to perform, produce and be commercially relevant off a forage-based system.
“We saw that there is certainly strength and quality in numbers as we toured around the fields; they are a credit to the entire Scott family who all play a part in running this successful business. As we said our goodbyes, we were sad to say farewell, but we were taking away lifelong friendships and memories.
“At the start of the conference, we set out to celebrate 200 years since the first pedigree herd book, and what an amazing experience we had, with an incredible group of like-minded people all striving towards positivity and championing the Shorthorn breed.
“The world conference is a fantastic opportunity to create worldwide connections, share knowledge and extend the Shorthorn family. Words fail to do this experience justice, nor the thanks that are extended to so many people to whom we are indebted, who have been involved along the way.
“We might be beef breeders, dairy breeders, pure, blended or commercial, but we are all still backing a breed that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. Now ‘Our job is obvious, we need to get out of the way, shine a light and empower a new generation to teach and go further.’
So, here’s to the 2025 Shorthorn World Conference in Canada. Let’s Go!
