17th World Shorthorn Conference 2022

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn – Benjamin Franklin

This year the 17th World Shorthorn Conference was held here in the UK to coincide with the bicentennial celebrations of the Coates Herd Book. Having attended previous World conferences in Australia 2019 and Uruguay 2016 I knew that this tour was going to be fantastic.

On July 7th the delegates and invited guests convened at Windsor Castle Hotel, situated within walking distance of the castle. The original castle was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and remains the longest-occupied palace in Europe. Many delegates had the opportunity to explore the lavish grounds before the conference was officially opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who has long been Patron to both societies, and we thank her for being so gracious with her time. We then had a short welcome speech from World President, Graham Madeley who quoted Charles Darwin by saying that “it is not the strongest of species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change”. A sentiment that the Shorthorn breed, after two hundred years can attest to. The evening closed with a meal in the hotel where old friends and new acquaintances could catch up. The next morning we headed West to the Vale of the White Horse, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, for a spectacular first visit, home of the Stanford Park and Longfield herd of Beef Shorthorns. On arrival we were greeted by owners Mark and Hayley Stoneham and the Stanford team. Estate manager Simon Bradley Farmer and partner Tina Russell gave us a comprehensive tour of the cattle and purpose-built buildings. Meurig James was also in attendance to give everyone an insight into the classification of beef cattle and the importance of type classification as a management tool for herd improvement. It is clear that everything here is done with precision, the aim being profitability without compromising the environment. Simon is constantly trying to maintain breed attributes whilst improving health, fertility, milk and feed conversion, and genetic development is key to this endeavour. After a delicious BBQ lunch we said our farewells, loaded our first youth delegates, Sinead Flanagan and Chris Kerrigan onto the coach, and headed on to the next port of call.

A short coach drive and we arrived at Beef President Charles Hortons’ Hannington herd, Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Charles and Jemima are no strangers to the World Conference, and they were humbled to host and repay all the kindness afforded them over the years on other Conference tours. Charles certainly understands the importance this Shorthorn Conference offers, giving us all a chance to share techniques, exchange views, and swap genetics. After a brief introduction to the herd and system that is run on the 2,500-acre farm we had an opportunity to see the stock. They all looked in exceptional condition and were a credit to Charles and his herdsman Peter Brain. Later we enjoyed a lovely meal in the garden before heading off to our hotel near Cardiff for the night. That evening we met up with another youth delegate, Brittany Pederson who had been staying with the Osborne family in Bude, Cornwall helping out with their Tobarn Dairy Shorthorn herd before joining the tour. We thank Amy and family for agreeing to host and for looking after Brittany so well. The next morning we had an early start for the trek into Pembrokeshire, South West Wales to the home of the Thomas family, Drisgol Dairy Shorthorns. Hats off to our coach driver Alyn who had a few tricky Welsh lanes to navigate us through, but he did it with flying colours! The trip was well worth the effort. The view of the six hundred plus dairy shorthorns was amazing, and without doubt took away the breaths of everyone on the coach when we saw the red, white and roan Drisgol army. Seimon, wife Eleanor, son Sion and daughter Hanna have the largest herd of Dairy Shorthorn in the UK, and what an impressive herd of cattle they are. They had pulled out a selection of Bushmills Jazz milking daughters which showed great uniformity, for us to see before we walked around the main herd. There are many noteworthy cows amongst this herd, too many to mention, which is a credit to the family. After yet another delicious lunch we bade our farewells to the family, jumped back on board the coach and headed North, with a scheduled rest break at Corris Craft Centre where we were provided with an endless supply of scrumptious cake, before arriving in Chester that evening.

Bushmills Jazz daughters at Drisgol

Day three gave the delegates free time for a morning in Chester, a chance to shop or walk the historic city walls built by the Romans; they date over 2000 years old and remain the oldest, longest (at 1.8 miles) and most complete city defensive walls in Britain. Others chose to view the Cathedral; built in the 10th century this magnificent building is a national treasure displaying a unique blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Modern architecture. After lunch we may have had a cheeky detour to Bidlea Dairy on our way to the next activity, as the unusual summer heat demanded an ice cream salvation! The evening was then spent exploring the new £21 million expansion at Jodrell Bank, an awe-inspiring world leader in deep space radio observatory. This World UNESCO Heritage site was built in the 1940s by Bernard Lovell.

The next day we were very kindly invited to visit Cogent Breeding bull stud and the Grosvenor herd. We welcomed another youth delegate Jessica Graves and more day trippers, including Digby Gribble of the Guernsey Society. The day was extremely informative. The Cogent team started by showing us bulls on parade that were currently on stud, before talking us through all the research that the team here and parent company STGenetics in America are compiling. Most notably the management tools of SexedUltra, Genomics and EcoFeed were hot topics, aimed at helping make businesses more profitable. Our next port of call was the stunning Chatsworth House. Set in the idyllic Derbyshire countryside, this is the home of the Devonshire family, whose estate has been passed down through 16 generations. Split into two groups we had an informed tour of the great house, which is currently filled with modern pieces of artwork to contrast and complement the original pieces that date back to the 1600s. That evening we headed further north to Harrogate for the highly anticipated Great Yorkshire Show. Two hundred years celebrated with two hundred head of beef and dairy shorthorns. Tomorrow was going to be a day to remember!

Day 5 and just WOW!

On an outstanding first day, the Shorthorn friends, members and breeders were bustling with activity as the Beef judging began under the watchful eye of Richard Bartle that morning. The classes were phenomenal in number and quality and Bart certainly had his work cut out deciding placings in strongly contended classes. Congratulations go to the overall Beef Champion Charlesbury MacDonald by Baird, Edwards and Timbrell. All the exhibitors deserve a round of applause for their continued support and commitment to the breed. Whilst the Beef judging was underway The Princess Royal had arrived on the showground and the Dairy exhibitors, with guidance from David Winnington and David Dent, bought forward a tremendous display of cattle. The Princess Royal took the time to speak to every single breeder in this tremendous parade which was commentated by Graham Bell. After a brief interlude for lunch, three awards were presented by Her Royal Highness for lifetime achievements within the breed. Graham Madeley was the dairy recipient whilst Liz Lang and Sally Horrell received recognition from the Beef Society. Congratulations go to you all for your outstanding contributions, uncompromising devotion and inspired work within the breed. Both societies would like to thank The Princess Royal for her time and service to the Shorthorn Breed as our Patron. We are extremely honoured by her time and support, and as a token of this appreciation, the Beef Society had commissioned Angela Davidson to paint a portrait entitled ‘200 Years Strong’ to present to The Princess Royal. Before leaving the showground, Youth Coordinator Tina Russell had set up a youth challenge of stock judging of the native breeds. Paul Westaway kindly stepped in as master judge as the youngsters all took part. Well done to Sinead who won overall, and happily took home the top prize of a showtime set of clippers. That evening we ventured into Harrogate for dinner at our leisure, to reflect on a very busy but memorable day of the tour. There was a trip to York on Wednesday for the delegates who chose to visit the city that is steeped in Roman and Viking history. Wandering the walls, viewing the magnificent stained-glass windows in York Minster, exploring the Viking centre, and shopping down the Shambles are some of York’s many many attractions. Others returned to the Great Yorkshire Show to explore the cattle shed further, before donning our glad rags for a fantastic celebratory dinner in the Pavilions.

Thanks to the Beef Society for organising this fabulous bicentenary dinner that culminated in the auction of Print Number One of 200 Years Strong Breed Portrait. After a highly entertaining auction, the winning bid of £3,300 will go towards the Youth Development programme supporting young beef breeders of the future. Once the dinner celebrations had wrapped up those with very little sense may or may not have headed to the young farmers’ after-show party to continue the festivities! Back into the Great Yorkshire for Thursday and the highly anticipated Dairy judging day. This year the honour of judging fell to the capable hands of Gwyndaf James, who would have exceptional cattle to cast his eyes over. Congratulations to all the exhibitors for putting on a truly magnificent display and congratulations to the Collins family who swept the Championship with a trio of Churchroyd Wildcard daughters. Meanwhile, the youth participants were experiencing the grand parade with the Beef Shorthorns, and the sheer number forward was a spectacular sight. Hats off to all the members who wowed the public by representing the breed. That afternoon we had a dairy presentation which included the Billy Goodman trophy for the stockman looking after the Champion animal, which was awarded to Harry Collins. The Gold Cup was also presented, and this year Shaun Dixon and Grace Holliday received the honours for Shaunlea Geri 9th. Well done to all for another outstanding day at the Great Yorkshire Show. Next stop Lumley Castle. The impressive spectacle that is Lumley Castle dominates the County Durham landscape. Set in beautiful parklands close to the historic city of Durham, this hotel is a nod to a bygone age of chivalry and honour, creating a truly unique hotel stay. This is where the 17th World Shorthorn Conference was to be held. Crammed into the impressive Garter Suite we must give thanks to our outstanding speakers John Thomson, Sophie Throup, Anton Hofland, Paul Westaway, Richard Miller, David Kendall, Gavin Hill, Sarah Pick and Patrick Holden. The passion that was evident in every single talk was inspiring, giving everyone in attendance much to think about. Hot topics continue to be traceability, genomics and data collection. Here’s looking towards a more sustainable, environmentally friendly, more productive and economical farming future, one in which the Shorthorn breed will easily adapt and perform.

To end the conference Sinead Flanagan joined the speakers, contributing a youth perspective to the importance of the Conference and the sharing of knowledge to stay ahead of the game. Well done for stepping up and speaking in front of a room full of peers and leaders in the field. The conference wrapped up with a final panel open to further questions from the room. That night we gathered in the courtyard of the castle where we were treated to a Northumbrian piper who led us into an Elizabethan five-course Banquet. Goblets of mead were flowing and songs a-plenty were sung as we were entertained by the Lords and Ladies, the evening was filled with laughter and merriment before the night closed on the dance floor in the dungeon bar! Day nine finalised the meetings at Beamish, the pioneers of the living museum. The meeting allowed all delegates including those on zoom (a first) to present a country report on the Shorthorn’s performance throughout the world. Canada was elected the next country to host in 2025, and delegate Grant Smith accepted the role of World President; congratulations. Once formal proceedings were concluded, we had a quick look around everyday life in urban and rural North East England at the climax of industrialisation in the early 20th century. Much of the restoration at Beamish is specific to the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. To conclude the day, we had a fantastic afternoon at Page Farms by kind invitation of Ed and Chloe Page and herdsman Martin and his wife Heather Grayshon. For a first-generation farmer, this herd demonstrates the opportunities on which the Shorthorn can capitalise. Ed and Martin’s teamwork has quickly established a modern herd that has prospered from the versatility of the breed without compromising the land, the final product of the profit margin. Once we had a look around the very impressive Rookwith herd we all tried our hands at stock judging four pens of sheep and two of cattle, and a guess the weight challenge. Prizes were awarded across the board with a few surprises! Many thanks to our hosts for a wonderful evening. Day ten was a day of two halves. The youth participants, Chris, Sinead, Jessica, Brittany, Charlie and Jack headed off in the morning to Tofts for THE FIRST EVER Word Shorthorn Youth Program 2022, whilst the rest of the group headed to Alnwick Castle. Built in the 11th Century to protect and control the borders, the Castle is home to the Percy family who still live there today. Alnwick is the second largest inhabited castle in England, second only to Windsor. The grounds are also renowned for hosting 41 TV and film sets, most notably Elizabeth, Downtown Abbey, Robin Hood and Harry Potter. So naturally, some of us may have indulged in a little witch or wizard broomstick training! After leaving the breathtaking Castle, a must-see for anyone, we headed to the Tofts herd of the Playfair-Hannay family near Kelso, to be reunited with the rest of the troops. The youth participants were still in the throes of competition when we arrived, having tried their hands at numerous different challenges; cattle prep, cattle scoring, stock judging, quad bike driving, digger skills, naming different types of grasses, and guessing the vintage implements and feed. Points had been collected throughout the tour and the winning team was sisters Jessica Graves and Brittany Pederson from the USA, well done! Without a doubt this group of young people has made this World Conference outstanding. They have truly become a part of the World Shorthorn family and created lasting friendships. They have stepped up when challenged, mucked in when asked, and shone at every opportunity. The laughter has been contagious, and I am confident that the future of the breed is in the most capable hands. After a delicious lunch, we all had a go at the farming implements challenge which included an elephant enema syringe, before loading onto the trailer and heading up the hill to view the cattle. The property is stunning and the cattle looked well, doing a great job for the PlayfairHannay family, proving that Shorthorns are fantastic grazers. Thanks go to Patrick, James, Debbie, Robert, Charlotte and the rest of the team for looking after us so well and hosting the youth day. We departed unwillingly as we had to say a hard goodbye to Jessica and Brittany as we thanked them for taking a chance and joining this amazing experience. That evening we retired to Gretna Hall Hotel.

Day eleven and the tour headed to the Robinson family home of the Strickley Dairy Shorthorns. The cows looked in fine form, and you can understand why the family has been working with shorthorns for five generations. Cows in their ninth lactation looked fantastic and the younger cows coming through were a credit to the family. The Robinson family is renowned within the farming community for going the extra mile to promote wildlife habitats and farm in a conscientious way. James believes that the Shorthorn breed is the perfect partner when farming in such an environmentally friendly manner, and he has recently been awarded the highly coveted FWAG 2022 Silver Lapwing Trophy for conservation. @Dr_DoWhittle was on hand to teach us all about the importance of the dung beetle, the mini beast hero that is helping to improve soil, prevent pollution and hinder disease. We lunched down by the beck, ambling to the pond through the ancient woodlands which was a little haven in the centre of the farm. The food was delicious, as was the very welcome ice cream van on the hottest day of the year! Thanks to Henry, Kathleen, James, Michelle, Robert and Chris for a wonderful morning. Our next stop was to Paul Coates’ Barwood farm, which has been in partnership with Morrisons for the last ten years. This farm is a blueprint for net zero emissions. The cattle were certainly in fine form and two very impressive bulls stood out in the bull paddock. The farm is impressively managed as the family run arable, sheep and dairy bull beef alongside the Beef Shorthorn herd. That evening we had a bbq banquet with meat supplied by Morrisons, who were on hand throughout the afternoon to talk through the partnership and how they work closely with farmers who directly supply the shelves. Before departing, we all loaded back onto the trailers to head up the fell for a breathtaking view of the Great British countryside, the patchwork quilt of which the farmers are privileged custodians. Our thanks to Paul Coates and family and all involved, for a most enjoyable evening An exceptional day was spent looking around cattle on this, the final day of the main tour. We started at John Thomson’s home of the Shawhill herd. John is no stranger to the value of the World Conference, having attended in the past. His passion for the breed and knowledge of the history is second to none. The herd began in 2009, and by carefully selecting female lines and top-quality bulls John, his son Mathew and herdsman John Dick have ensured successful herd development. The family had very kindly brought together a sample of each of the herds that fall under the Shawhill umbrella, so we thank the whole team for going to this extraordinary effort. We had a fantastic lunch at Powfoot before setting off for the next herd.

That afternoon was spent at the home of the Biggar family. The Chapelton herd is world-renowned, thanks to the hard work, dedication and passion of the late Donald Biggar. Perusing the cattle, you can see that these qualities have been instilled in sons Jamie and Duncan, who have continued to develop the herd through data collection and genetics. The aim is to breed the most profitable animal that will perform each year with minimal input. After a selection of scrumptious cakes, we headed back to the hotel for the final farewell dinner. Thanks to the whole Chapelton team for a super visit. That evening we had a final farewell dinner at Gretna. Auctioneer Raymond Kennedy unexpectedly had to address the haggis, which was superbly done; thank you for the last-minute assist. Speeches of thanks from Graham Madeley, James Playfair Hannay and Lawrie Willett acknowledged those who had made this incredible tour happen, primarily the entire committee for their relentless hard work. To single out a few – special thanks to Ros Rimmer who has been the backbone in keeping us all going – Carolyne Cree from Field Farms Tours for her invaluable knowledge and connections for all things farming tour related – James Playfair-Hannay for his previous knowledge, stepping in as chair and head coach entertainer (we all expect a yearly delivery of Playfair’s homemade gin now!!!) – Mark Severn who orchestrated the youth auction which raised a tremendous amount helping our future breeders – all the sponsors whom without their generosity this really would not have been possible, and of course the tremendously generous hosts for opening up their farms. This was all expertly summed up in a Graham Bell original poem. Every single person involved, no matter what role they have played, has contributed to the enjoyment of everyone who joined this tour, be they overseas delegate or day tripper, to make lasting memories, and we wholeheartedly thank you. Like every night on tour we retired to the bar to end the night in the company of great friends, before most of us went our separate ways in the morning. The next morning a smaller contingent of delegates headed off early doors for the post-Scottish tour of the extended World Conference. Our first herd was the Dunsyre herd of Carey Coombs and family. Dunsyre is another notable herd that has had a major influence within the breed over the last 40 years. Looking around the exceptionally uniformed herd grazing in the beautiful Scottish hills, it is not hard to see why these bloodlines feature in many pedigrees. Strong family lines are key here, whilst bulls are picked on specific desired traits. After looking around the cattle, some making extensive shopping lists for the upcoming dispersal, we enjoyed a delicious lunch. Thanks to the Coombs family for a fabulous morning; the cattle are a credit to you. Next, we headed further north to Pitlochry for a stroll, before checking into the stunning Atholl Palace Hotel. The next morning we continued north, weaving our way through the breathtaking Scottish hills to the borders between Angus and Perthshire. Our first farm visit was to the famous Glenisla herd of Major Gibb and family. We arrived there to find Catriona had pulled out four young, super impressive bulls for our inspection, then we all loaded into a convoy of thirteen pickups to venture up into the hills to find the rest of the stock. This herd is very impressive, with great udder confirmation in strong female lines. There were certainly stand-out animals in each group we entered, and clearly the breed is performing on this upland terrain with a short growing season and long winters. Thanks go to Major John Gibb, Anne, Catriona, Nicholas and Alastair for hosting us and sending us off on our way after enjoying a delectable venison stew.

Next we ventured towards the Organic Glenrinnes Estate nestled in the heart of Whiskey country between the Highlands and the River Spey. The Estate is spread over 6,000 acres and is the perfect farmland for cattle, sheep, deer and grouse, and is all expertly managed by Alistair Laing and the Glenrinnes team. This is an outstanding set-up and the cattle looked in fine form on lush paddocks, with four young bulls singled out showing potential. The Shorthorn is stepping up its presence at the Speyside Estate, and with data recording, the team hopes to further its performance and increase profitably with a breed that fits the environmental focus to which they adhere. We were fortunate enough to go and view the red deer herd, a near 400 of them in all their splendour. A truly extra special treat, as was sampling the gin and vodka that the business also produces, whilst enjoying a bbq with our hosts. That evening we headed to our final port of call, Inverness.