The British Limousin Cattle Society (BLCS) has announced the appointment of Caroline Stephens as the Young Limousin Breeders’ Club (YLBC) Co-ordinator. This newly created part-time position will see Caroline work out of the Society’s Stoneleigh-based offices to manage and help develop the activities of the YLBC.
With a focus on modernising and growing the YLBC as a dynamic young person’s organisation, the new Co-ordinator will organise events on a national and regional basis which are fun, educational, inclusive and Limousin based. As well as events, a targeted membership drive, increased use of social media, regular website updates and newsletters are all planned to increase the profile of the YLBC and to enhance communications and awareness.
Commenting, the BLCS Chief Executive Iain Kerr said: “This new appointment is in recognition of the importance of maintaining young people’s interest in Limousin cattle, livestock and farming in general. Being the largest beef breed in theUK, there are so many young people that are already actively involved in the Limousin breed. This position aims to harness that interest and passion for the future.”
Along with her husband, Robert, Caroline runs the family farm at Wolston, Warwickshire which includes a small suckler herd as well as a few pedigree Limousins in the establishing Fosseway herd. With a wealth of experience in Young Farmers, having been a member of Kenilworth YFC for a number of years, Caroline currently helps with stewarding events at Brandon & Wolston YFC and assists her daughter, Helen, who is County Activities Chairman.
“I am delighted to be taking on this new position and look forward to working with all the Young Limousin Breeders across the UK. There is such an interest in the Limousin breed at every level and I am excited by the challenge of developing and growing the YLBC,” says Caroline.
Caroline will have her first opportunity to meet, and get to know, the Young Limousin Breeders when she attends the YLBC’s 2012 National Stockjudging Competition which is being held this year at the Devon County Show in May.
As the newly-appointed Co-ordinator, Caroline will work closely with YLBC office holders and YLBC members to put together a programme of planned activity and to forge closer links with the senior regional Limousin clubs. Current YLBC Chairman, Willie McElroy, said: “Creating this position is a statement by the Society of its continued recognition of the importance of young breeders and its intent to invest in the Club’s development. The Young Breeders warmly welcome Caroline’s appointment and look forward to working with her to bring Limousin enthusiasts together from throughout the UK and to further encourage young people to get involved in what is a great Club.”
Young Limousin breeders are active in all regions of the United Kingdom, with events organised at both national and local level with the assistance of the British Limousin Cattle Society and its nine associated regional clubs. Varied events and activities held in the year include: National Young Breeders’ Stockjudging, the Anglo Irish Stockjudging Competition, Calf Shows, and social events. In addition, courses in preparing, halter training, clipping, showing cattle, and general stock knowledge, are also held. Events on the horizon include the Annual YLBC Stockjudging at Devon County Show on 19th May as well as the Young Show Stars Challenge within Beef Expo, Malvern, on 24th May.
