![US_Ayrshire_Breeders_Association[1]](https://www.thebullvine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/US_Ayrshire_Breeders_Association1.jpg)
The Bullvine received the following letter from US Ayrshire President, Steve McDonald, in regard to the discussion on one of our Polls on Facebook in regards to the need for the non-milking senior yearling class at the major shows (Check out the full discussion here).
Some facts that I feel need to be heard concerning the decision to eliminate the senior yearling class at the four National Ayrshire shows. The process. The US Ayrshire Association has a show committee comprised of people that show at National shows – they put forth a proposal to drop the open senior yearling class at National Shows (4). Proposal then goes to the board, majority of them show, who approved this proposal unanimously in December of 2011 to take effect in 2013. May I add this was done with a great deal of discussion. I’m not a big facebooker, but I religiously check the dairy sites, and have become a big fan of the Bullvine for its provacative side, educational and historical information.
Senior yearling – controversial yes! I’ve read 75% and 85% against board decisions, but at our National meeting in June a vote was asked for and the result was 71% in favor of dropping the Senior yearling class. This is a documented fact.
The board made this decision for several reasons. In a small breed genetic information needs to be received quicker to enable us to make the best breeding decisions, as has been pointed out of course. There is also the economic side. We have been asked by the membership to capture the commercial market – we believe this is a big step in doing so. The commercial dairy farmer attends dairy events to see what’s new in equipment that can make him more efficient, he looks at the cattle the same way. We must have a product that appeals to him.
The commercial dairy farmer is easily the largest market and becoming larger everyday. The foreign market is important also, they ask when attending our big shows why these big heifers aren’t milking. The Association is trying to be progressive and do what is best for the breed.
Progress comes with obstacles. The Association took one class away and added one, the 100,000 lb class. I agree with a comment that we should have set this class higherbut it’s a step in the right direction.
The board decisions are based on what is best for the breed and it’s progress. Finances are always a great concern with a small breed, and the board believes this decision can help the Ayrshire breed progress in the future.
Steve McDonald
US Ayrshire President
To read more about this check out: 10 Reasons Why or Why Not To Get Rid of the Sr. /Fall Yearling Class Once and For All
