Beef Shorthorn Society board apprenticeship opens for applications

The society board of the oldest recorded cattle breed, the Beef Shorthorn, is seeking two young up-and-coming members to take part in its newly launched Board Apprenticeship Scheme.

The opportunity is open to those aged between 20-30, and will run for a 12-month period. In this time, the two chosen apprentices will work alongside the whole board, as well as shadowing one board member for the year.

Beef Shorthorn Society president Tim Riley said: “We are delighted to launch the Board Apprenticeship Scheme for the next generation within our society, with the aim not only to develop the future pipeline of talent for the society, but also to bring fresh perspectives and new skill sets to the board.”

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Beef Shorthorn have been identified as one of the fastest-growing native breeds in the UK, and Tim says that the society has seen several young breeders establishing herds in recent years, along with some taking the reins of already established herds.

He added: “It gives us as a board great encouragement that the future direction of the breed and the society is in safe hands.”

Other opportunities for the apprentices include involvement in the Youth Development initiative, recognition as young ambassadors of the society, as well as supported attendance to the British Cattle Breeders Club Conference in January 2025.

Clive Brown, operations manager for the society, added: “Having completed our bicentenary celebrations, we are now very much focused on the future.

“We are keen to help encourage and develop youth within the breed, and we feel this is one such initiative that will help us do so, building sustainable foundations for the next 200 years.”

Applicants will be interviewed by Tim, Clive, and the society’s lead director for member and youth development.

The successful apprentices will be announced at the society’s AGM, which will take place at the Stirling bulls sales at the beginning of February 2024.

For more information, or to express an interest on behalf of yourself or others, contact Clive or breed co-ordinator Ellie Doak on 02475 099146 or email info@beefshorthorn.org.