"Preparing for the future"
Despite the gloomy trough in which British agriculture currently finds itself, the British Cattle Breeders' Club held another successful conference at the Buckatreee Hall Hotel in Shropshire, which is proving to be a popular and economic venue for this annual meeting of the luminaries of the cattle breeding business.
The delegates once again were treated to an array of fascinating papers from both beef and dairy speakers, touching on all facets of the industry from both home and abroad. I do sincerely thank all the speakers who gave up their time to address us and to both inform and entertain.
Many of the papers are reproduced in this Digest for the benefit of those members who were unable to attend or those who wish to have their memories refreshed. One session that is not recorded in these pages was the final one in which five eminent figures representing different sectors of the industry were theoretically placed in a sinking balloon in which there was only room for one, and who were gradually voted out by the audience on the basis of their future contribution over the next ten years. This provoked some lively and amusing debate, and it was perhaps fitting that the one person remaining at the end was the Cattle Breeder.
I would like to thank all our sponsors who have supported the conference so generously and without which it could not survive in its present form, and in particular our hard working secretary Lesley Lewin, whose efficiency and enthusiasm is second to none, and who makes the Chairman's task an easy one.
The 2004 Conference will once again be at the Buckatree Hall, this time on Tuesday and Wednesday January 20th and 21st. Make a note of the date now for an event which is not only educational, but highly enjoyable as well. New friendships are often forged in the relaxed atmosphere of the conference and we believe that a relationship leading to a forthcoming marriage commenced at the 2002 Conference! Probably a better record than Blind Date!
The baton of Chairman has now passed to Mark Roberts and I know that he and his committee are planning an equally stimulating line up of speakers for next year. We hope to see you there.
Christopher Norton, Conference Chairman
