Summer shows must modernise entry
Summer shows must modernise entry
SUMMER livestock shows provide a social function and help promote pedigree cattle, but are an outmoded method of determining the best animals in a breed, says the Sussex Cattle Societys deputy president.
John Lewis told conference delegates that shows were somewhat akin to a circus. "There are virtually the same animals brought out show after show and the judge is being judged to see whether he puts them in the same order as at the previous show.
"We are all familiar with the huge cow immaculately turned out and beautifully behaved. But it doesnt matter whether you see her at an early show in May or a late show in September, she never shows any sign of having produced a calf."
Shows should modernise criteria for entry in their classes, he said. "Classes should take account of performance. For young bulls, judging should include weight for age and beef value. For older bulls, there could be classes showing the bull and his progeny. And for older females, a stipulation that they should have reared a calf in the previous year would be a start."
Mr Lewis was also dismissive of the value of publishing herdbooks. "At home there is a collection of herdbooks gathering dust. These have not assisted me in breeding better cattle. Weight recording, combined with ruthless selection has done so."
He does not believe in any romantic nonsense, such as keeping a heifer because shes the last one in the line. "The reason shes the last is because none of the others were any good." *
lFull report next week.