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Shropshire
07/06/2022 14:39:00
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Shropshire Club - Spring News

We started the new year with the judging of the Winter Top Ten Classic Herds competition. This year we had Ben Yates from Wowcow Holsteins as our judge. Ben is no stranger to the Club as he was a leading light for us before his departure to pastures new. Two of our younger members – Rob Higgins and Charlotte Cope – have announced their engagement and plan to marry later this year. Both are well known as they have been very active and successful within the HYB movement both at home and nationally. We wish them both well.

Abi Reader joined us on 7th February and entertained a packed room with her presentation, which included some of her history at home and particularly with her promotional work for agriculture via her Facebook and blog updates which are to be admired. Abi is also doing great work with TB research and is now Vice-President of the Welsh NFU Milk Council, representing milk producers. 

Our much-anticipated panel meeting saw a visit by Tim Downes – who milks 500 cross-bred cows on an organic system, using homoeopathic remedies – and Richard Bowdler –who milks 1,820 cows on a high input/high output system with three-times-a-day milking and a flying herd using British Blue bulls. The third member of the panel was Mrs Helen Evans. who has worked as a Dairy Farm Consultant for 25 years, with particular experience in business and technical consultancy, helping a wide range of dairy and livestock farms achieve profitable and efficient businesses. The meeting was chaired by Andy Hales from Cogent who did an excellent job in presenting the questions. Members asked questions and picked up ideas to develop at home. 

Brent Crothers, our HYB Co-ordinator, assisted by Philipa Tudor, took some of our young members 10-pin bowling in Shrewsbury – which was very popular, being held in half term. A very successful evening was had by all, with some excellent skills on show. 

Hugh Pocock entertained another full room after agreeing to fill in for Frances Evans from Deri Holsteins who was unable to join us. 
He gave an insight into his history and interests, particularly relating to genetics which he is now using to develop his farming enterprise along with his wife Kate – alongside the development of an interesting sheep and beef business. Hugh’s stewardship scheme work was of particular interest along with the low maintenance and high health status of the breeds he is working with. The work with low line Aberdeen Angus and crossing with Wagyu stimulated a lot of discussions. However, the topic gaining everyone’s interest was the business enterprise that Hugh and Kate have developed which is based on sourcing, recruiting and retaining staff for all agricultural businesses and now expanding outside mainline farming. Hugh then answered many and varied questions from an enthralled audience.


Frank Dixon