Scottish Charolais breeder, Murray Lyle is the new president of Charolais International, an umbrella body comprising more than 20 affiliated countries, designed to facilitate information transfer and further develop genetic progress.

Out going Charolais International president, Garner Deobald of Canada congratulates his successor, Murray Lyle

Mr Lyle who runs the 70 cow Loganbar herd based at Mid Cambushinnie, Dunblane, was elected to the 12 month term of office at the International Charolais Congress 2006, staged in Edmonton, Alberta earlier this month attended by representatives from 17 different countries.

“Charolais International is not just a talking shop but a practical vehicle to facilitate both information and the breed’s latest genetic developments,” he explains. “During my presidency, I plan to get its web site up and running, and make that facility readily available to every member to source genetic information, encourage active participation and an exchange of data, information and ideas.

“In addition, my plans are well in advance with the British Charolais Cattle Society to host in Scotland next June, Charolais International’s biannual technical conference to which we will be welcoming delegations from every member country. The conference theme is marketing and promotion, and we will be discussing how the breed is developing new techniques worldwide.”

He adds: “The Charolais breed is in good heart worldwide. Charolais’ superior commercial performance is strengthening its position as the leading Continental terminal beef sire, particularly in major countries such as Australia, Brazil and North America. Charolais International is also helping me to identify export trading opportunities for British breeders. For example, we have just finalized a substantial consignment of embryos to Australia and semen to both North and South America.”

A former chairman of the British Charolais Cattle Society and Scottish and Northern Charolais Breeders, and currently a national council member, Mr Lyle is expecting to spend substantial time away from his 400 acre farming business. “It’s thanks to the team at home, wife, Fiona, sons, David, Alastair and Frazer and the farm staff, who are enabling me to inform Charolais breeders around the world of the breed’s merits, reintroduce them to British Charolais and the new trading opportunities.”

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