NBA Beef Expo to Host South Devon Herd Book Society Performance Championships

As part of National Beef Association’s (NBA) annual Beef Expo event, being held at NWA Auctions near Kendal in Cumbria on Saturday 27th April, The South Devon Cattle Society hold its Performance Championship.

In this competition, South Devon performance recording breeders from across the country compete in a unique technical event to showcase EBVs and appraisal of appearance.

To be judged by Mr R A Rundle, Kestle Mill, Newquay, Cornwall, entries are invited for bulls and heifers aged between one year and two and a half years on the date of the Championships (27th April 2024). All cattle put forward will be restricted to pedigree registered South Devon cattle, owned and exhibited by South Devon Herd Book Society members who participate in the South Devon Breedplan recording scheme.

In this competition sponsored by Neogen Europe Ltd, each class will be judged on inspection of the animals, and on their performance (Quality Beef Index for each bull and Suckler Replacement Index for each female) and will be placed accordingly. From these winners will be selected the Male, Female and Breed Champions.

Caroline Poultney, Breed Secretary for the South Devon Herd Book Society said, “Holding a competition to highlight the importance of performance recording is an exciting way to encourage the use of genetic evaluations, and we are so pleased to be welcomed by Beef Expo.

“We have found, that since making the recording service free to our members, there has been an increase in the numbers of South Devons being assessed for calving ease, growth, and carcase traits; and all information – genetic, performance and breeding – contribute to Breedplan Single Step genetic evaluations.”

Closing date for entries Monday 15th April 2024, entry forms can be requested from 01392 447494 or [email protected].

Beef Expo provides a great opportunity for farmers, breeders, and businesses involved in the industry to gather from all over the UK to celebrate the best of beef cattle breeding and to share ideas to help take Britain’s world class beef industry forward into the future. With one of the highlights of the day being the extensive seminar programme, when a panel of leading experts will address the most important issues facing the industry.

National Beef Expo 2024 will be held at North West Auctions, J36, Rural Auction Centre, Kendal, on Saturday, 27th April 2024. Further information about NBA Beef Expo, can be found on the National Beef Association’s’ dedicated event web site – www.beef-expo.co.uk.