Lloyds TSB Agriculture and Bank of Scotland to sponsor suckler herd competition

Entries are now being accepted by the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society for its suckler herd competition, sponsored by Lloyds TSB Agriculture and Bank of Scotland.

The competition is open to any suckler producer in England, Scotland and Wales who is running pedigree Aberdeen-Angus bulls on commercial suckler cows. Producers must be either selling Aberdeen-Angus sired offspring as stores or finishing them on farm for liveweight or deadweight outlets.

Judges will be looking for profitable enterprises with good technical ability, sound management practices and an emphasis on the bottom line. The closing date for entries is 30 April 2010.

Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society chief executive Ron McHattie adds: “This competition regularly draws out some of the finest beef producers in the UK who are using Aberdeen-Angus genetics to an advantage. We will be looking for producers who are making maximum use of management tools such as EBVs, who have a good grasp on the commercial market place and who are most importantly running a profitable enterprise.”

Dick Mason, Policy Director for sponsors Lloyds TSB Agriculture and Bank of Scotland says: “The ability to take advantage of future opportunities at the same time as managing volatility will remain a real challenge to beef producers. A key focus for the management of any herd will, therefore, need to be on efficiency, productivity and profit. We are pleased to be involved with the competition which we hope will encourage those with skills in these areas to come forward and showcase them.”

Regional judging will take place over the summer with finalists from Scotland, England North, England South and Wales being judged in the autumn. The winner of this prestigious competition will be announced by the Society at the end of the year with the winner receiving a silver salver and a cheque for £1000.

For more information or to request an entry form please visit the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society website www.aberdeen-angus.co.uk or contact 01738 622477 or email info@aberdeen-angus.co.uk