Cattlemen’s Successful Tour

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32321, 12 June 1970, Page 9

Cattlemen’s Successful Tour

I The tour of the i Nelson-Marlborough area by members of the New Zealand Hereford Cattle Breeders’ Association, along with commercial breeders, between May 18 and 22, has been successfully completed.

The association’s area president, Mr Dan Tomlinson, said he regretted that all herds could not be visited, but with the mileages involved this would not have been possible. Even so, the tourists visited 15 studs in three fiays. “The Hereford has fully played its part in the terrific explosion of cattle numbers in the area and the pedigree breeders have not lagged,” said Mr Tomlinson.

HERD BOOK He recalled that when he first registered in the 1950-51 herd book there were eight breeders in the Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast area. Today there are 30 active breeders with registered herds. “The improvement in the quality of the animals at the calf sales in the area is surely sufficient evidence of the service our association is doing towards the very important beef industry,” he said.

GREAT PROGRESS The competition is getting tougher each year and breeders have to be on their toes more and more. This is good, not only for Hereford cattle numbers but also for quality.” The Past 100 years had seen great progress. By careful study of bloodlines and selection of herd sires, and rigid culling of females by mating the best to the best the breed was bound to improve.