Bringing Science to the Field
It has been a great honour for me to be Chairman of the British Cattle Breeders Club in 2009. The Club is full of history, honour and integrity and remains at the forefront of cattle breeding innovation. Our conference in 2009 was a huge success and hopefully was enjoyed by all.
As a beef farmer and breeder myself I was determined that the conference should ensure that all papers had a practical element that could influence delegates' everyday business. British agriculture is changing faster than anyone imagines and the days of breeders creating cattle and hoping someone will buy them are gone forever. The farmer of today must understand his market and create cattle that can deliver a product that fits, the farmers who spoke at the conference were all business people first and breeders second, however they can't achieve one without the other!
The Club took the decision to move venues for 2009 and on the whole the move to such a modern facility was very positive. I felt there was a great sense of enthusiasm and fun for the three days, this is helped in no small part by the students who are now such an integral part of the conference. My sincere thanks go to Lucy Andrews for her tireless work in making the experience for the students so rewarding.
I would like to thank all the committee for all their help and advice during my tenure, especially I would like to thank my Vice Chairman Rob Wills and Secretary Lesley Lewin, without whom things would not run so smoothly. I would also like to thank our sponsors for their support of our Club.
Paul Westaway
