Cattle breeders view on judging

Press, 15 October 1976, Page 8

Cattle breeders view on judging

Enthusiasm seems to be declining for showing beef cattle at agricultural and pastoral shows. Making this observation this week the South Island councillor of the Angus Association (Mr S. L. Chambers, of Southbridge) said this was inclined to give the general public the impression that a breed such as the Angus was loosing popularity. However, this was far from the truth. He said the trouble lay in too much emphasis being

placed on the condition of the cattle rather than their type. Mr Chambers doubts the value of showing yearling cattle. He believes they have damaged the image or spoilt the showing of some breeds. These animals, he said, had been displayed in false condition and were very rarely seen again. “If people are to be encouraged to show beef cattle more incentive should be given to the two-year-old and older classes, and more consid-

eration given to the performance of the animal as well as the type.” Mr Chambers offered a word of advice to agricultural and pastoral associations when selecting judges: “Don’t look at a list and pick a name and say ‘He’s a nice man.’ “You must go deeper than this, as personalities don’t come into it. The basis of the whole situation is that he must be active — moving around the country to be aware of what type is required for this day and age.”