Wednesday 5 March 2008

Society celebrates membership milestone

Wales ' native cattle, the Welsh Blacks have been roaming the hills for thousands of years, now the Welsh Black Cattle Society (WBCS) is celebrating the signing of its 1,000 th member.

It is a tremendous feat for an organisation which only just over two years ago had attracted 100 members in a 12 month period, and puts the breed back on par with its position 30 years ago before the influx of continental cattle.

“Since the mid-1970s, when the Society at its peak witnessed 1,500 members and over 6,000 cattle registrations a year, the breed has, like other cattle societies, had its highs and lows,” said WBCS Chief Executive, Andrew James.

“During the past decade, despite tremendous changes and challenges to both the beef sector and the agricultural industry, the Welsh Black Cattle Society is gaining momentum and, with its 1,000 th member and 3,000 female registrations a year, there is a great deal to celebrate.”

While the halcyon days of the 1970s saw the Society employ 13 staff at its two offices in Caernarfon and Builth Wells, today there are only three, but the surge in Society membership has necessitated increasing staffing levels.

Dafydd James (33) has been appointed as part-time assistant to the Chief Executive, working primarily from the Builth Wells office.

A post-graduate from Swansea University , Dafydd works on his family's farm at Tyllwyd, Felingwm Uchaf, Carmarthen . Where along with his father, he produces pedigree Welsh Black organic beef. Dafydd is a familiar face within Society circles having been actively involved in promoting their Organic Welsh Black boxed beef direct to customers from the farm.

“I have been involved with Welsh Blacks as long as I can remember and I am naturally looking forward to working with both officials and members to promote the breed and helping both new and established cattle breeders,” said Dafydd.

The Society's ever increasing workload has also led to the creation of two new trustees.

Former Society president, Mr John Beynon ARAgS of St Davids, Pembrokeshire, and current president Mr John Pratt, Llanfilo, Talgarth, Powys, join existing trustees Mr R ap Simon Jones MBE, FRAgS, Merionethshire; Mr OG Thomas JP, DL, FRAgS, Anglesey; Mr Richard Williams MBE, Anglesey.

Added Andrew James, “As a Society we are keen to promote and encourage younger members, and as such are looking for candidates aged 18 to 26 to put their names forward for the position of Deputy Young Member Ambassador.

“The position, which will be formally announced at the Society AGM and Dinner on 10 May 2008, enables budding young breeders to have new opportunities, to meet members and learn during the 12 months of office.”

Anyone interested should contact the Welsh Black Cattle Society on 01982 551111.

For further information contact:

Andrew James, Chief Executive Welsh Black Cattle Society

Tel: 01982 551111