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Aussies Impressed with the UK Congress

Report by Peter Speers (formerly CEO of Simmental Australia)

The Simmental Australia delegation to the World Simmental Congress held in the UK in June 2008 extends to the organisers and UK Simmental breeders their wholehearted congratulations and gratitude for an outstanding event. Our delegation enjoyed marvelous hospitality, viewed some wonderful UK scenery and history, while reveling in their appraisal of very impressive UK Simmentals.

During the establishment of the Simmental breed in Australia in the early 1970’s, genetics were drawn heavily from the UK. Since those early years there has continued to be a steady flow of UK Simmental genetics, contributing significantly to the development of the Australian Simmental type. Yet most breeders of Australian Simmentals have never had the opportunity to visit the UK to fully appraise the UK Simmental type in shows, on stud farms, and in commercial herds. So when it was announced that the 2008 World Congress was being arranged in the UK, there was keen interest amongst Australian members in attending this event. For some, it was to be their first visit to the UK and for everyone, it proved a unique opportunity to appraise the current type of Simmental being bred in the UK.

Simmental Australia’s Delegation

A large group of 21 Australian Simmental breeders participated in the Congress, with most undertaking the full program of activities in Northern Ireland, Scotland and England. Early concern was raised that due to an outbreak of Bluetongue some of the planned shows and herd visits may need to be cancelled. Yet the characteristic determination of the UK breeders won through and a way was found to continue with a feature rich program.

The Aussies were most impressed with the Simmental type they viewed throughout the Congress. The thickness, muscling, softness and easy finishing characteristics were of particular appeal. These traits are always in demand for infusion into the Australian Simmental type.

While the UK Simmentals were impressive, the Aussies felt really at home amongst the many UK breeders they had the opportunity to meet. The hospitality extended by all was overwhelming and helped many Aussies establish new close contacts which clearly will develop into long term friendships.

The group was also appreciative of the enormous effort by all organisers in staging such a well coordinated and interesting program. As many would know, the next World Simmental Congress is to be held in Australia in September 2010 and the President of Simmental Australia, Mr. Tom Baker, extends a very warm welcome to Simmental enthusiasts from around the world to participate in this Australian Congress.

Keenly observing organisational issues of the UK Congress was Mr. Bill Almond, who as Chairman of the 2010 Australian Congress Planning Committee, held numerous discussions with UK President, Mr. Dan Evans and with other organisers and Society staff.

Bill Almond and Peter Speers presented an outline of the planned activities for the 2010 Congress, emphasising that full details are available on the special Simmental Australia Congress website: www.worldsimmentalcongress2010.com