2023 Limousin Annual Journal

THE SOCIETY
incredible work and support for the breed was
recognised in this fitting way. On a personal
level David was extremely encouraging to me
as a new breeder back in 1999 and I shall never
forget his encouragement and support in those
early years.
As the British Limousin Society celebrated the
50 th year since the first importation of Limousin
cattle from France, it brought with it the
chance to reflect on the significant impact the
No. 1 breed has had on the National Herd and
the industry. The breed’s rapid climb to theNo
1 breed, having the highest market share in the
UK was dramatic and long lasting and for many
years Limousin has been the breed of choice.
But as the saying goes, “It is more
difficult to stay on top than to get there.’
Limousin beef remains popular, I hear some
members say “It sells itself”, but the past couple
of years have seen challenges presented for the
breed. It forces us to look at what the priorities
should be for the society and how we can
continue to grow the breed through the next
50 years.
There’s no doubt the popularity of the breed
remains. For the second consecutive year, 2022
saw another World Record broken with the sale
of Graiggoch Rambo at 180,000Gns. Buoyant
sales have seen averages up to £10,651 and the
Limousin dominance in the sale ring is evident,
be it pedigree, store or prime market. Limousin
are best placed to provide commercial benefit
to their breeders and finishers alike and
continue to be the butchers No. I choice week
in, week out.
But whilst it is wonderful to experience such
demand at this level it should be remembered
that what happens at the farm gate is equally
important for the overall success of the breed.
As it is with many members, it is really
important to me that we maintain the primary
reasons which drove the success of Limousin
in the last 50 years. Those traits which are the
backbone of the breed — easy calving, easily
fleshed animals, easily maintained and high
meat to bone ratio - need to be at the forefront
of all our buying decisions if we are to continue
to supply what the market demands of us.
I believe that over the
next 50 years and
beyond, the need for
consistency of these core traits
will increase as additional asks
are also made by the market.
Every farmer in the country will be aware of the
race by businesses to reduce emissions. There is
also discussion around the society on the rise of
other breeds in supermarket fridges and how
we can compete. A focus on reducing carbon
emissions is a real opportunity for Limousin
and a chance to focus on the many positives
we can bring to the table in carbon reduction
discussions. We will have to deliberate further
how, as a breed we adapt and evolve to meet
the needs of the changing world around us.
This is however, one of the key reasons I was so
pleased to welcome Alice Swift to the society
at the end of 2022. Alice joined as CEO having
previously held roles as Agriculture Director at
Arla and as a manager for both Sainsburys and
Tesco. Already, Alice has shown me just how
important it is that we, as farmers, deepen our
own understanding of what retailers and the
public want and need if we are to increase the
commercialisation of the breed.
I have every confidence that she will help us
navigate this minefield given her background
in both retail and processing. She has my full
support to take us on the journey of the next
phase of our society and I have been so pleased
to see her given such a warm welcome by
members.
Jonathan Watson,
Chairman
www.limousin.co.uk
ANNUAL JOURNAL 2023 | 5