The British Limousin Cattle Society (BLCS) is delighted to announce new appointments following its most recent AGM this week.
- Honorary President – Aled Edwards
- Chairman – Dyfan James
- Vice Chairman – Keith Redpath
- Honorary Treasurer – Guy Green
- New Council Members – Margaret Penny, Mark Phillips, Trevor Shields
Aled Edwards Appointed President of the British Limousin Cattle Society
It is with much pleasure the Council of Management announces the appointment of Aled Edwards as its new President for a two-year term to 2026. Aled, a well-respected Limousin breeder, brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to the role, having played a pivotal part in the development of the breed in the UK and internationally.
Along with his parents Dai and Joan, Aled established the renowned Dyfri herd in 1984. Their journey began with the acquisition of cattle from the Derri herd of Howard Patrick, followed by significant purchases from the Tanhill dispersal in 1988, including Tanhill Toujours and the Bourbon-bred Vagabonde. With an additional purchase from the Oakley herd, the Dyfri herd was set on a successful path.
A major milestone came in 1997 with the import of the stock bull, Jockey, which elevated the herd’s reputation through several high-profile sales, including a top price of 16,000gns for Dyfri Tanner at Carlisle market.
Aled has a long-standing relationship with the BLCS, having served on the Council in the early 2000s, and as Chairman of the Council from 2005 to 2008. His contributions to the breed have been recognised globally, including his election as World Limousin President in 2008, following his tenure as European President. Notably, in 2004, he was awarded the prestigious Chevalier Dans L’Ordre du Mérite Agricole by the French government, honouring his outstanding contributions to the Limousin breed’s development in the UK.
As a passionate advocate for the Limousin breed, Aled has demonstrated a vision and leadership that has not only shaped British Limousin but has also impacted the breed’s promotion across Wales, the UK, and the world.
In accepting the role at the Society’s AGM on Wednesday 18th September, Aled expressed his gratitude and deep sense of honour:
“I am incredibly humbled to have been considered for this role by the Council. While I have held several honours in my career, this is the most significant. I hope to carry the role with the same dignity and success as my predecessor, Margaret Penny. I am deeply conscious of the lineage of past presidents, such as Jack Bedell and Yvonne King Forster, who instilled in me a passion for the breed, and the late Douglas Crighton, with whom I had the pleasure of working during my time as Chairman. During my term I will be committed to supporting the Society and ensuring the integrity of the breed is maintained, while also helping position it to lead the industry”
Aled emphasised the importance of strengthening relationships with European partners:
“I believe there is much we can gain from re-engaging with our European neighbours, particularly France and Ireland, where valuable data can help further the breed’s progress. The opportunities are significant, and I am eager to ensure we take full advantage of them. My wife Eleri and I look forward to engaging with Limousin breeders across the country and working closely with members to further advance this fantastic breed”
New Council Appointments
Following the AGM, new office bearers were appointed by the Council of Management. Dyfan James of the Cowin Herd has been appointed Chairman. Keith Redpath of the Redpaths herd is Vice Chairman and Guy Green of the Greensons herd is Honorary Treasurer. These are three-year terms, re-appointed annually.
Re-taking the post as Chairman, already held for a short time since Jonathan Watson stood down in June 2024, Dyfan James commented “Thank you to Council for this appointment and to Keith and Guy for the support they offer. Council is a team and whilst many challenges lie ahead of us, there are huge opportunities we are working towards. We are creating robust data sets that are verified, accurate and provide industry proof points of performance. The new Taurus platform is coming online very soon and that will be followed by the introduction of new genomic breeding values for Feed Intake. Limousin continues to be at the forefront of technical development in pedigree beef and it is our job to continue that on members’ behalf”
In taking up the reins, Dyfan welcomed new Council Members; Margaret Penny (Shannas herd and past Hon. President), Mark Phillips (Maps herd) and Trevor Shields (Glenmarshall herd). He thanked retiring Council members Martin Irvine, Matthew Jordon and Karl Suddes who stood down from Council at this AGM. Final thanks was to Margaret Penny who has served two years as the Society’s Honorary President and now takes up a Council role “Margaret has been a pillar for this Council and members throughout the last two years. I am sincerely grateful for all her time and input and delighted she is on Council to continue with this work”
A full list and contact details for the Council of Management is here: https://limousin.co.uk/the-society/present-officials/
