Dexter Cattle For Sale Discussion Board

Penny · Post by **Penny** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 9:22 pm

Sadly I could not get to the AGM this year, as the venue ( and food!) sounded great. I would really also like to know a bit of the gossip amd some feedback about some of the issues that were going to be discussed, as I am sure there were a few lively debates.........

Has anyone who went got a few moments to let all of us who did not get there know the general jist of things. No names need be mentioned!!
Thanks
Penny

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 10:28 am

The AGM was a splendid day, yes there was debate, yes some of it was heated, but at the end of the day I think we took the right decisions - most of the efforts to reduce charges were resisted, rightly in my opinion as we have to be realistic about costs. The issue of Breed Society office wages bill reared its ugly head again, and I think there was a large majority of the view that running a breed society office is a specialised task, it takes special people to do it and we must pay them properly.

When it came to the presentation of trophies it was wonderful to see so many of them lifted by such young members. The old brigade definitely need to watch their backs in the show ring as far as I can see. Well done all you young folks.

On the social side it was good to meet to many old friends and to meet some new faces too. Harriet Bunning who has been so active on this site recently was not able to be there due to school commitments, but I am sure her mum will give her a full report.

The herd visit in the afternoon to the Gormellick herd was a treat for the Dexter enthusiasts eye, so many really good cattle and in such wonderful condition. The cream scones in the shed did seem to be a bit of a distraction, a big thanks due to Denise.

Those considerable numbers who stayed for the evening of Cornish entertainment were likewise not disappointed, wonderful pasties to provide the energy for all the dancing - many of our members are fitter than they look though there may be one or two still in the recovery phase.

A great many members also visited other herds whilst there on the Friday, Saturday or Sunday, just to add to the weekend treat.

Overall I think we are due really big thanks to Mike and Denise Hashill and all those who helped behind the scenes to give us all a wonderderful time, a fitting "retiral" for one of the breeds most loyal supporters. Mike may think he is bowing out, but we know where he lives!!

Duncan

Penny · Post by **Penny** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 1:11 pm

Thanks Duncan!

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 2:52 pm

The first reply done quickly on a busy Monday morning, a couple more points came quickly to mind when I had sent it.

First it was good to see members from far afield there, by that I do not mean Scotland although there were several Scottish members there, but Greg Federov from Germany, and several members from both Northern Ireland and Eire, and there were also visitors from the USA.

Another comment I feel worth making is that unfortunately the debating took so much time that there was little left to hear a full report from Andrew Sheppey on the Genetics project, though we did get a shortened version. This is something that is extremely interesting and we should all be taking an interest in even if we do not understand 100% of the theory. We should all follow closely what is happening with it and be able to have a considered informed opinion if there are finally any decisions to be taken as a result.

Duncan

ps I was not the only list user there, was I??

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 5:06 pm

Heavens Duncan what are you trying to do to us? All the absentees are now on the edge of our seats wondering what Genetic blessing or bombshell is about to descend.

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 7:31 pm

I don't expect any bomshell, I just think that all who have serious interest in the breed should keep well informed on all issues affecting the breed. The basic idea of the genetics projet is I think to identify all cattle carrying only genes included in the original breed. Then it would seem to me we have to decide what to do with that knowledge. There will be very few animals. Do we then consider them to be the only true dexters, or do we acknowledge that the breed is a living changing thing and those who have gained genes legitimately through the grading up system introduced in the lean times of the 60's and 70's are today's Dexters.

This is one of the subjects I like to take an interest in because there is some potential for diametrically opposed views which could cause divisions. Whilst I do recognise that we can have differing opinions I really feel that the DCS should be a comfortable home for all factions, be it red, dun, black; or polled or horned or dehorned; or short or non-short or long and perhaps even medium; showing or non showing etc etc.. The more we know about the issues the less likely it is that we will end up with any serious divisions.

If we want to continue this particular subject I would be inclined to change it to a topic of its own rather than get it mixed up with any other general stuff on the AGM.

Duncan

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 8:25 am

Duncan we aren't getting into a species v breed discussion here are we? If the 'original' Dexters were a breed surely there has been human interference all along.

moomin · Post by **moomin** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 10:47 am

We had a great time, thank you Mike and Denise.
The only disappointment was that Duncan left his kilt at home!!!!!

Harriet Bunning · Post by **Harriet Bunning** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 4:18 pm

Sounds like it was reall good. I really wish I could have come

but my Mum filled me in.