Started out as an idea between myself and Chris Jackson (On Farm Cattle Competition Manager) as a possible way of keeping the Pymoor Show in people’s minds more often and at the same time fill a general gap in the way cattle folk in our corner of East Anglia go about their business. This is not meant in a derogatory way or in a directive sense but it was thought that a Stockman’s Club could prove helpful to people in the longer term.
In early April after the Cattle Competition and the Stockman’s Dinner, an introduction note was sent out regarding the possible formation of a Stockman's Club. It outlined the why, how, when and what etc., to all those who participated in the Competition, asking if they would be interested in joining. With great surprise and pleasure there was a very positive response from just about everyone written to.
At present there are no formal "Aims or Rules", but the following points were made in the original letter and at the inaugural meeting.
• To promote commercial and pedigree cattle owning and breeding in the region;
• To provide a convenient focal point for cattle owners, breeders and managers in the region;
• To encourage breeders to bring their cattle to the Pymoor Show and to stimulate interest in holding a traditional Cattle Show in future years;
• To hold 3 or 4 meetings a year for members in a semi-social environment, at which topics presented could include Nutritional and Feeding Plans, Breeding and AI, Stock Husbandry and Veterinary Topics/Issues;
• Arrange visits to farms, abattoirs and food processing plants;
• To make the Club open to anyone with an interest in cattle;
• An annual membership fee payable and the Club to be organised by a small committee formed from the membership;
• To create a page in the Pymoor Show web site (www.pymoorshow.com) dedicated to the Club;
• To start a Newsletter, which could include details of members’ cattle for sale.
INAUGURAL MEETING.
This was held on Wednesday 12th May in the Castle Lodge Hotel in Ely and attended by 17 cattle owners and breeders, with 5 apologies.
The first presentation of the evening was from Bob Kendal, Field Sales Manager for Alltech. Bob introduced the audience to Alltech and then went on to talk about the use of natural products, specifically yeast(s) that can be fed to cattle to improve digestion. For almost everyone this was a totally new area in feed methods and proved very interesting and informative. Alltech produce Yea-Sacc and Mycosorb which can be added directly to feeds on farm or already present as an ingredient in a mix from a feed supplier. Bob was accompanied by Tim Wild of Harbro Ltd who was able to answer questions on bulk supplies of feedstuffs with yeast included.
The second speaker was David Scott of The Isle Veterinary Group based in Ely. (David's team is the main large animal practice in the area.) David 's sole topic was Bovine TB, which he regrettably said has now started to reach into East Anglia and is not just something associated with the West Country. David outlined the causes of infection, testing procedures and gave some advice on possible ways to reduce the chances of infection. It was a very serious session that generated many, many questions highlighting the concern felt by those in attendance.
To keep to the semi-social aspect of the meeting, refreshments were provided at the half way stage. Most people stayed on after the presentations to talk more about the topics and with the presenters, which showed the level of interest that had been raised.
The date, venue and topics of the next meeting have still to be decided, but everyone said they wanted to be part of the Pymoor Stockman's Club and to be instrumental in taking it forward. Since that meeting we have been approached by a number of people outside of the original cattle show participants, to ask if they could be included.
Chris and I think the Club is here is to stay, which is such a positive early outcome for us.
John Pinnells and Chris Jackson
Please feel free to get back to us on any points by
Email: johnpinnells@hotmail.com or
tel: 01353 699606 mob: 07932 575133 or
Chris mob: 07768 323345
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