Meet Gayle Bersey, Youth Development Programme co-ordinator

Gayle Bersey lives and breathes farming, particularly Aberdeen-Angus cattle, so it’s no wonder she jumped at the chance to become involved with the Societies Youth Development Programme.

Gayle Bersey, Youth Development Programme co-ordinator

A farmer’s daughter, Gayle has spent all her life living in Torpoint, Cornwall. Self employed she openly admits she can turn her hand to most things. Her busy work life is split between relief milking on two dairy units, working on a free range poultry unit and auctions administrator at Hallworthy and Liskeard markets. “I’ve done every job at the market except for selling, but I’m sure I’ll never get the chance to do that!”

Having grown up helping on the family farm, Gayle has always known she’d follow the family tradition in some form or another. “My grandparents started with Angus in the 60’s, but when he died and my father fell ill, I took over the farm in 1994 but had to scale down. I keep six cows on 28 acres selling steers as stores and heifers in calf at two years.”

It might only be small scale compared to some pedigree breeders, but her herd – run under the Lyhner Valley prefix – suits Gayle down to the ground. “I’ve always been hooked on showing thanks to my Dad. It’s a job to get a champion out of eight cows every year, but I reckon I do OK,” says Gayle modestly.

“I manage to get a summer and prime stock show out each year which has resulted in a few reserve championships in the south west, but the highlight has to be taking the female championship at the Carlisle society sale last year.”

Gayle Bersey

Alongside her work activities, Gayle has been secretary of the south west Aberdeen-angus club for the last four years. “My mum was secretary for years and Dad was one of the founder members, so it’s lovelytoI get the chance to carry it on.”

But even with her busy schedule, Gayle still has huge plans for the Youth Development Programme. “I love a challenge and saw this as a great opportunity to put something back in to the Society by bringing on new members.

“The programme is an ideal chance for members to learn new skills from some of the breed’s top stock people. And it’s not just about learning, it’s a great way of meeting people from all over the UK and Ireland.”

Her plan is to not only grow the programme, but make it more sociable. “The learning aspect is obviously at the heart of the programme, but it has to be fun at the end of the day. We want members to talk loudly about what the programme has to offer and get youngsters from other breeds interested as well.

“I’m really excited to be involved and can’t wait to start attending the workshops and training sessions.”

Get to know Gayle in a minute:

What’s your favourite food and drink?

Chocolate and a nice glass of port – but not together obviously!

How do you like your steak cooked?

Well done!

What do you do to relax?

Spending time with my nine year old daughter Milly as well as attending point to point race meetings, can’t say I win much, but it’s a good day out. Oh and of course showing my Angus cattle is a hobby.

What’s your favourite piece of clothing?

Jeans – I live and die in them.

Tell us a secret?

I know all the words to Hairspray the musical!!

What’s your best and worst characteristic?

Honesty and honesty!

To contact Gayle or enquire about joining the Programme email her on gayle@bersey.fslife.co.uk or call her on 07792 777889. Check out the Aberdeen-Angus Youth Development Programme group on Facebook.