TO SHOW OR NOT?

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34129, 15 April 1976, Page 9

TO SHOW OR NOT?

Dear Sir, —The New Zealand Society of Performance Recorded Herds, catering for Hereford and Angus cattle, was formed recently. This society will recognise commercial and pedigree herds. Being a member of Beeplan and a strong believer in performance recording, I commend

their action. However, I' do question their reasons for eliminating any breeder’s right of entry to the herd book who keeps performance records but takes part in competitive showing. Why does this society want to eliminate many stud breeders, who efficiently record the performance of their cattle but use the med. ium of the show ring to help identify sound, free moving animals that retain the basic characteristics of their breeds. Performance recording has a place in the future of New Zealand’s cattle, but I fail to see how this society can condemn the show ring. The keen competition that exists between breeders ensures that standards are maintained at a high level within the breed.—Yours, G. L. C. DUNSTER.

Mr F. F.- Wilding, who is a member of the steering committee for the new society, said that this matter would be raised at the next meeting of the society when they would be looking at the rules and regulations of the society — this was one of the tasks of the steering committee. Most of those who were members of the society did not go along with showing under present conditions, he said, but he gave it as a personal opinion that it was possible that showing might be permitted if much greater emphasis was placed on the performance of the animal itself. If Mr Dunster wished to become a member of the society, Mr Wilding said, they would be delighted to have his point of view on such matters.