South Devons celebrate successful year
The South Devon Herd Book Society has enjoyed another successful year, with the breed’s growing popularity boosting membership once again.
Despite the difficult economic climate, the society recorded its eighth successive year in profit, with a net surplus of ’8885 after exceptional costs from terminating the Stoneleigh Pavilion lease. Membership numbers reached 786’ a rise of 40% since 2003, and contributing 13% to the society’s income.
"With new marketing opportunities being launched last year with Dovecote Park (into Waitrose’s Devon & Cornwall stores), and with Woodheads (into Morrisons stores), the breed’s profile is being highlighted more than ever," said chairman Malcolm Broome at the society’s recent Annual General Meeting in Exeter. "These outlets should also offer some security for commercial beef producers looking for schemes paying premiums, encouraging them to use pedigree South Devon bulls."
The number of bull registrations increased last year, although female registrations were lower than anticipated, due to strong cull cow values, late registrations, and the impact of TB on breeding cow numbers, he added.
Overall expenditure increase by just 2% - significantly lower than inflation, and although the investment portfolio suffered, overall reserves increased by £9000, to £380,000. "Net income of £15,700 is still a very satisfactory result in a hard economic climate, and our reserves provide a sound basis for future planning to take the breed forward."
Strong demand meant the breed set new record prices at Exeter, Bristol and Midland Club sales last year, and the introduction of higher health standards this year would enhance the value of sale animals and promote improved general herd health.
"DNA testing is an increasing asset in our breeding of pedigree cattle, with many members now knowing the myostatin status of their females as well as their bulls," said Mr Broome. "In addition we have Breedplan EBVs, and herds that record can also scan for muscle quality and quantity. These tools can only help in improving our breed."
Breed promotion and improvement were high on the agenda for 2012, with the Council keen to demonstrate how the breed could benefit commercial producers in terms of management and profitability. "This year is an opportunity to take stock of our growth as a Society and as a breed, to review the resources we have and to assess where our strengths and opportunities lie."
