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South Devon Newsletter, December 2012, issue 53
Contents of this issue:
- President's Message
- South Devons Carcase Win at Royal Melbourne Show
- Extract from a letter from an Australian Commercial Farmer
- South Devon Notes & Dates
- South Devon Trial
- Canterbury A&P Show 150th Show
- Show Results
Click here to download the full version of the newsletter.
1. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
As I sit down to write this report and reflect on the past
twelve months of the farming scene where the pricing of
our commodities are having a downward spiral we have just
received the results of our first draft of lambs and freezer ewes.
The prices received being back $53 for lambs and $64 for ewes
which makes 2013 a year of containment for sheep farmers
and on the positive side the beef schedule is just above last year
which gives us some hope to receive the rewards we deserve.
The spring has been kind to us farmers with good weather
conditions throughout and with good survival rates being
recorded in both islands.
October-November were a lot more challenging with the cool
windy conditions making grass growth very slow, hopefully
summer will arrive with some moisture.
The PBB service contracts for all breed societies are up for
renewal and at the end of November PBB held a forum to
discuss a formula for the new contracts. It was very informative
with a very open discussion of all aspects of the old and
new contracts.
James and I attended this forum and were also in attendance
at the Future Beef NZ, NZ Beef Expo and Steak of Origin
AGM’s where they outlined the 2013 draft programme content.
A lot of work has been done to lift the profile of Beef Expo
and make it more appealing to attend. A lot of new initiatives
have been put forward but it may take two or three years to
implement all of these changes which look very exciting for
the future.
South Devons are competing very well at shows and carcass
competitions both here and Australia which is a great
achievement for the breed.
The 2013 AGM is to be held in March in the Waikato/
Bay of Plenty/King Country region and I would encourage
all members to attend this and enjoy the programme and
fellowship of members.
Thank you to all members who ordered 2013 calendars, the
Board appreciates your efforts.
Christmas and New Year is always a time for family to reflect
on the past and forward for the future.
On behalf of Ann and myself we would like to extend our
very best wishes to all members and their families for a Merry
Christmas and safe and Happy New Year.
Brian Thomson
President
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