The Annual General Meeting of the above society will be held at Deer Park Hall, Eckington, Pershore, Worcs WR10 3DN on Thursday 18 th June 2009 at 10am. All members are requested to attend. Following the AGM our annual open day will take place at the same farm by kind permission of William Steele, his son Mark and daughter in law Caron. Anyone who has been involved in sheep breeding over a number of years can’t help but be familiar with the reputation of William Steele of Pershore. He has the third oldest flock of Suffolk sheep in the world and it is to his credit that he has changed his allegiance to the ‘Easy Care’. The flock is now approx 1200, some in various stages of grading-up.
 
Manor Farm and Deer Park Hall, which are farmed as one unit by the family partnership, is 1350 acres fully organic in a ring fence running from 50 foot above sea level to over 900 foot. Apart from the sheep there is a herd of pedigree Hereford cattle, a herd of deer and 250 acres of Winter wheat. Mark and Caron have converted the farm buildings into a very attractive venue for conferences and weddings, this in itself is worth a visit. We are very fortunate in being allowed to visit one of the country’s most attractive and well-farmed properties.
 
Open day to start at 11am - welcome and introduction to the farm by William Steele followed by keynote speaker Peter Morris, Chief Executive of the National Sheep Association. Lunch and an inspection of the sheep and a tour of the Farm
 
Be sure to come!
 
The accommodation for the people who are staying over is the Hilton at Tewksbury (only the best!) the name speaks for itself. The facilities are excellent with swimming pool, gym, sauna etc. The special rate we have is also very attractive at £55 per person dinner, bed & breakfast. Those not staying at the Hilton I hope will join us for the dinner on the 18 th at a cost of £25 each (this is included for the ones staying). Rooms at this price are limited so please book direct with the Hotel. Telephone 01684 296200 quoting reference PRO9B1.
 
The Three Counties show at Malvern commences on the 19 th June, the following day to our open day so it gives you a chance to get even more from your visit.
 
Since the last newsletter I had the privilege of representing the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society at the biannual meeting of the Royal Agricultural Societies of the commonwealth at Christchurch, New Zealand. There were 17 countries represented and I was delighted to learn that so many of the delegates were familiar with the ‘Easy Care’ sheep. We have set up a link with two sister societies namely the Wiltipol of Australia and the Nolana of Germany. New Zealand and South Africa are in the process of setting up similar societies but we are the world leaders. The conference lasted three days and focussed mainly on agricultural shows and communication with the public. The New Zealand Royal Show followed for two days and a post conference tour of South Island wound up a memorable and informative experience. I then visited several farms in Australia and was very impressed with the progressive attitude and recording work undertaken. The traditional breed societies seem to be by passed by the composite or hybrids, which offer a faster genetic improvement, and I feel that we too should not be afraid to introduce new blood lines if they have something to offer. I mentioned in my last newsletter that I would like to see the recording work carried on by some of our members coordinated so that we can have some meaningful comparisons and maybe exchange rams. So far I must admit the response has been disappointing however, I shall try next Autumn to arrange a meeting of all those who are recording. Please let me know if you want to participate.
 
Apart from our own big open day on 18 th June, which I have already mentioned, we are going to be very busy over the summer months promoting the breed and if you can join us on our stand at any of the events to lend a hand you’ll be more than welcome.
 
We start with the N.S.A Wales & West open day near Betws y Coed on Tuesday 19 th May then N.S.A sheep north at Chipping near Preston on Wednesday 3 rd June. N.S.A Sheep South West at Oakhampton Devon on Tuesday 9 th June. Our own open day Pershore Thursday 18 th June, The Royal Show Stonleigh 7 th July until 10 th, N I N.S.A 6 th July, Royal Welsh show 20 th July until 23 rd and Campbell Tweed Co Antrim 24 th July.
 
Some members last year organised their own local open day, this is to be encouraged as it creates local interest in the breed and provides an opportunity to sell some of your stock. The important thing to remember is that many people have not seen ‘Easy Cares’ previously and arrive with a critical eye so any animals that are not true to type or not in presentable conditions should not be shown. First impression and presentation is all important. If you are thinking of organizing such an event please contact me so I can supply you with some material and remember to persuade any new breeder to join the society.
 
Our first society sale of rams & ewes will be at Worcester on Saturday 26 th September. Please prepare some good stock ready. Details will follow.
 
The annual membership is due on 1 st June and remains at £20.
 
Finally our gratitude to ‘Rumenco’ for helping us with the printing. See you all at Pershore on 18 th June.

Iolo Owen M.B.E., F.R.Ag.S., N.Sch.

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