Board dropping beef contests

Press, 15 August 1980, Page 10

Board dropping beef contests

The Meat Board is giving up its participation in the sponsorship of export beef competitions in the same way that it did with export lamb competitions a few years ago. This has been confirmed by the chairman of the Meat Board, Mr A. M. Begg. The export beef competitions, like the old lamb competitions, have been very much part of the farming scene for many years, but in recent years' the rules of the competitions have been the subject of change, which have either pleased or displeased cattle producers according to their breed allegiences.

Mr Begg said it was felt that the competitions had not achieved their purpose from a breeding point of view' — an animal might be a good one but it was not clear that it was the best commercial proposition for the producer when other factors were taken into account. Thus it was felt that the

competitions might better be replaced by demonstrations.

Mr Begg said that there had been some complaints from breed societies about the board’s action and the board would be meeting with those interests to see what could be done and how these competitions Could best be replaced. The board has been associated with agricultural and pastoral associations in the organising of the beef competitions, with the board helping with the specifications for the contests, the judges and some of the prize money.

The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association will be looking at ways of continuing the competition. without Meat Board support if that is not forthcoming. The general committee - felt this week that the abandonment of the competition would be a retrograde step and the loss of a source of education.

It is hoping that the competition may be deve-

loped to fit in with the local breeding scene, with perhaps more classes, including one maybe for local market purposes. In this way it is hoped that it will attract more interest.

The freezing companies are understood to have indicated that they would still be prepared to host a competition. The president of the New Zealand Charolais Society, Mr I. S. Thomas, has come out very strongly against the idea of

dropping the competitions in an editorial in the society’s July newsletter. “A decision of major concern was made at _the United Breeds Society meeting in Wellington,” he said. ‘‘The Meat Board sought support for the dis-

continuance of their sponsorship of export beef competitions, with these to be replaced by field day type exhibitions with hoof and carcase demonstra» tions..

“It was indeed unfortunate that a full representation of breeds was not present when the United Breeds Society beef committee voted to support the Meat Board. “This is undoubtedly a retrograde step for the beef industry of New Zealand, as the greatest teacher in any field is practical involvement. “I would ask all members of this society to promote carcase competitions in your own district by lobbying freezing companv directors and A & P Society committee members to continue these competitions outside Meat Board sponsorship. “ ‘Knockers’ may say that we are pursuing the continuance of these conn petitions because the cri-: teria favour the young, heavyweight, leaner type of animal. Surely if this is what the exporters require and they can sell these carcases at a premium overseas, then any competition that points up these ' requirements should be fostered.

“There is no doubt' that the Charolais-cross has been the most consistent prize winner at these competitions over the past five or six years, not only in New Zealand but in all major beef producing countries. ~

“Let us keep.’demonstrating this fact and not let it be swept under the table,” said Mr Thomas.