24/04/06
Aled Edwards
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“The British Limousin Cattle Society and its members can reflect
on another year of very satisfactory performance for the breed and
Society.” That’s the confident message from BLCS
Chairman, Mr. Aled Edwards, Home Farm, Cilycwm, Llandovery, in the
Society’s Annual Report and Accounts recently published to
members for the year 2005.
A trend of long term growth is demonstrable throughout the report
and reflects the continued strong progress in all areas of activity.
In the year, the Society registered 17,982 pedigree calves – almost
identical to the previous year and up almost 2,000 on 2003. Membership
in the year increased by 132 to a total of 2,487 full members, a
record Society figure and a total rise for the fourth year in a row.
The report also features the BCMS figures for 2005 which show that
709,122 Limousin-sired cattle were registered in the year which maintains
the breed’s 35% share of the UK’s annual beef registrations. The
Limousin breed has headed these figures for the ten consecutive years
that they have been available.
As a continuing part of the Society’s breed improvement programme,
a record £73,000 was paid back to members, an increase of £12,000
in the year. Through this financially incentivised scheme,
breeders have an extended animal quality assessment period within
which they can choose to de-register any given animal, up to fifteen
months of age, and receive a full cash registration refund. At the
point of pedigree sale, Official Society and Breeders’ Sales
grossed just under £4,250,000, again in line with previous
years and representative of a figure of £81,379 per week.
In the year, the Society realized a prudent surplus of £49,038
which was ahead of budget forecasts. The total level of Society
retained funds is noted as a healthy £1,394,116 with this figure
including £745,038 of listed investments.
Mr. Edwards comments: “This sustained progress has been achieved
one year into the
Single Farm Payment era. It is clear that despite an uncertain
industry, the income of beef farmers will be dependant on producing
what the market wants in the most efficient manner possible. Our
aim must be to focus on and meet the demands of the commercial producer
by delivering cattle with the required performance, predictability
and profitability,” he said.
Through planned technical and marketing programmes, a commitment
is given to utilize financial reserves in areas of innovation that
will tailor and introduce services to directly meet the needs of
the market and bring added value and efficiency to commercial customers
and members alike.
£100,000 over four years has been made available for the Society’s
Limousin Herd Health Initiative. In its first year, over £5000
was paid to members for 2600 calves from over 80 herds. This
is reported as a cornerstone initiative for the promotion of responsible
Herd Health management and the provision of cattle with a high genetic
merit and known health status.
In 2005, the Society delivered to its membership, through its founder
member involvement with BASCO Data Ltd, a new interactive registration
and database facility. Ongoing development of the multi user,
web enabled BASCO application is reported as being a long term Society
investment in an advanced technology with the goal of enhancing value,
functionality, efficiency and speed of service to members and customers. It
is further noted that in the course of the year the BASCO project
has become inclusive of two major industry players in the shape of
MLC Signet and the SAC.
Mr. Edwards concluded his report to members by noting: “It
is a forward objective for us all to be a professional, progressive,
integrated Society providing an ever improving product to the market
place and delivering expanded high level, added value services to
breeders and commercial customers alike.”
The Society’s AGM will this year be held on the evening of
Friday 5th May 2006 at Carlisle, prior to the Premier May Bull sale
on Saturday 6th May.
White
Rose Group Limousin heifers sell to 3,600gns
3,000
is top price calf from Carlisle two day show and sale
Local Breeder Tops Blonde Cattle Sale at Carlisle
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