CRACKING SPECTACLE OF SMITHFIELD RIBS & SADDLES AT 2019 ENGLISH WINTER FAIR

CRACKING SPECTACLE OF SMITHFIELD RIBS & SADDLES AT 2019 ENGLISH WINTER FAIR 

Jones Bros secure Beef Ribs Championship

Perrys of Eccleshall takes the Saddle of Lamb Trophy

Messrs LA Jones take Reserve Rib award

Reserve Saddle to M & A Hadfield & Sons

L-R Stephen Hill (Perrys of Eccleshall), Phil Henshaw (RSC), Dave Bennett (Kepak), Toby & Brian Lawton (producer).

 The Royal Smithfield Club Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions, sponsored by Kepak St Merryn, were held at the Staffordshire County Showground 16th-17th November 2019, and Judge Mr Lee Machin, was extremely impressed with the high standard from all the entrants from a very strong field of more than 30 entries.

Champion Rib, Jones Bros

The champion Beef Rib came from Jones Bros of Hendrefor, Menai Bridge, with their August 2018-born Limousin-cross heifer entry with a carcase weight of 333kg grading R4L. The Reserve Beef Ribs from LA Jones, Tygwyn Farm Ltd, Ferwig, Cardigan was a 29-month-old British Blue-cross heifer grading R4H. Third Place went to Belcher Farms, Nelsons Lane, Hurst, Berkshire, with their 28-month O+4H Aberdeen Angus-cross heifer. All three winning ribs came from Kepak producers. 

L-R Richard Saunders (RSC), Dave Bennett (Kepak), Phil Henshaw (RSC)

The Perpetual Lamb Saddle Trophy was awarded to Perrys of Eccleshall, Staffordshire, for their entry by a Texel-Beltex ram and out of a Texel-cross ewe from producer B Lawton & Son, New House Farm, Newport, Shrops – the first time this farm had entered the competition where father-and-son Brian & Toby run 900 commercial ewes crossed with Charollais and Texel-Beltex rams. Reserve went to M & A Hadfield & Sons, Derbys with third place awarded to Michael Wynne/EW Coates Butchers, with their Blue Texel cross ewe.

 The Royal Smithfield Club extends its thanks to Leighton Jones & Dave Bennett of Kepak St Merryn, Judge Lee Machin, Club Steward Phil Henshaw, to all exhibitors, and all the hard-working team from the Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society.

COUNTDOWN TO ENGLISH WINTER FAIR 16-17 NOVEMBER

The countdown to this year’s English Winter Fair is on! All roads lead to the Staffordshire Showground 16-17 November. Reminder that entries for the Kepak-sponsored Smithfield Ribs of Beef & Saddle of Lamb competitions close Weds 13th November - please click HERE to enter. The EWF also marks the return of the Club’s famous Duke of Norfolk trophy and will be up for grabs for the first time at the event when pedigree Teams of Three compete on behalf of their breed for the coveted award.

ENGLISH WINTER FAIR WELCOMES DUKE OF NORFOLK TROPHY

ENGLISH WINTER FAIR WELCOMES DUKE OF NORFOLK TROPHY

2015 Duke of Norfolk Winners (Hereford Breed):- Rempstone 1 Foxwood V341 from MJ Ludgate, Thame; Coley 1 Nova 351 from Heather Whitaker, Halifax; and RTC 1 Midwest Tradition from Ryan Coates, Leics.

The Royal Smithfield Club’s Duke of Norfolk Perpetual Trophy will make a welcome return to the 2019 winter fair circuit when it is presented for the first time at the English Winter Fair, Stafford, 16-17 November 2019. Regarded as one of the country’s most prestigious primestock trophies, it is awarded for the best group of three purebred beef animals.

The competition is open to pure bred bulls/steers and heifers that are entered in either the English Winter Fair pedigree classes or the National Pedigree Calf Show. Each Breed Society is invited to select a group, consisting of three males or females or a mixture of both sexes, to represent their breed. The competition will be judged on Sunday 17 November by Mr J Courts, Yorkshire, and Mr S Clatworthy, Somerset.

RASC CONFERENCE NORFOLK UK 30 JUNE - 11 JULY 2020

2020 RASC Conference – Norfolk, UK

Since 1963, the Commonwealth Agriculture Conference has been held biennially in Commonwealth nations across the world and is designed to give delegates a taste of the agriculture industry in that region of the host country.

The 29th Commonwealth Agriculture Conference title is “Circling the World” focusing on improving the interaction of circular economies and agriculture in sustainably overcoming the challenges that food production currently poses.

The 2020 RASC Conference will be held in Norwich, Norfolk, UK from 30 June to 11 July 2020.

The RASC was launched in Norfolk in 1957 and the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association is delighted to be hosting the 2020 conference. Plans are advancing including:

• Sandringham Estate tour

• Royal Norfolk Show visit

• Holkham Estate visit

• Trips in to the city of Norwich and further afield into Suffolk.

Delegates will have the choice of accommodation at Dunston Hall, a 4* hotel to the south of Norwich, or at the University of East Anglia where the conference is being held. The theme of the conference will be based around the challenges affecting the Commonwealth as a whole, and how these relate to agriculture.

For more details on the conference please click on the conference website button below.

2020 CONFERENCE WEBSITE

LIVESCOT 23 NOVEMBER - SMITHFIELD ENTRY FORMS

The schedule and entry forms for the Royal Smithfield Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions at this year’s LiveScot are available by clicking HERE. LiveScot, run by the Scottish National Fatstock Club, is being held at Lanark on 23rd November. The Smithfield competitions are once again sponsored by Kepak McIntosh Donald. Closing date for entries is 1st November. Good luck!

ENGLISH WINTER FAIR ENTRY FORMS NOW AVAILABLE

For the schedule and entry form for the Royal Smithfield Club Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions being held at the English Winter Fair Stafford, on 16-17 November please click HERE. These competitions are kindly sponsored by Kepak St Merryn. Closing date 13 November.

DUKE OF NORFOLK TROPHY COMES TO ENGLISH WINTER FAIR

The Royal Smithfield Club Duke of Norfolk Perpetual Trophy will be presented for the first time at the English Winter Fair, Stafford, 16-17 November 2019. Regarded as one of the country’s most prestigious primestock trophies, it is awarded for the best group of three purebred beef animals and was presented by His Grace the 16th Duke of Norfolk (1917-1975).

2011 Duke of Norfolk Winners (Limousin) Powerhouse Frigate (Elfed Williams), Wilodge Flawless (Christine Williams & Paul Tippetts) & Hightown Fantasy (Andrew Richardson & Jennifer Hyslop) pictured with Angus Stovold Vice President of the Royal Smithfield Club

 The competition is open to pure bred bulls/steers and heifers that are entered in either the English Winter Fair pedigree classes or the National Pedigree Calf Show. Each Breed Society will be invited to select a group, to consist of three males or females or a mixture of both sexes, to represent their breed. The competition will be judged on Sunday 17 November by Mr J Courts, Yorkshire, and Mr S Clatworthy, Somerset.

“We are delighted to include this prestigious new class from the Royal Smithfield Club in the English Winter Fair and expect the quality of entries to be extremely high,” said Richard Williams, CEO of the Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society which organises the event.

The English Winter Fair also hosts the Royal Smithfield Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) Single Butchers Lamb competition in addition to its popular Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb contests supported by Kepak St Merryn. Schedule and entry forms will follow shortly.

KEPAK CONTINUES ITS SUPPORT OF ROYAL SMITHFIELD CLUB

KEPAK CONTINUES ITS SUPPORT OF ROYAL SMITHFIELD CLUB

 Confirming its role as a major sponsor of the Royal Smithfield Club, Kepak will again sponsor its three Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions being held within this coming winter’s series of primestock shows, namely Agrifest South West 6th November, English Winter Fair 16th-17th November and LiveScot 23rd November.

2018 English Winter Fair Smithfield Beef Ribs winner. Producer Michael Wynne & his son Max pictured with Kepak’s Chris Staines & Butcher Nick Coates

Following on from the successful events held in 2018, the Club is running a series of demonstrations and competitions at the main primestock showpieces to educate and inform the public as well as promote best practice in the industry through the whole supply chain. In 2019, these are Agrifest South West at Exeter, English Winter Fair at Stafford and LiveScot at Lanark.

LiveScot Heavy Lamb winner. L-R Alan McNaughton (Kepak McIntosh Donald), Robert Struthers (producer), Neil Ewing (Judge), Ian Struthers (producer) & Hugh Black (Steward)

 Kepak, the Irish-based meat company, operates from four key production sites in the UK: McIntosh Donald, Portlethen, Scotland; and three St Merryn sites: Merthyr, Glamorgan, Wales, and Bodmin and Victoria in Cornwall, England.

Saddle of Lamb Championship at Agrifest South West

 Entry forms and schedules for the Smithfield Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb contests will be made available in due course through www.royalsmithfieldclub.co.uk.

THREE-IN-A-ROW FOR JESS AT NATIONAL YOUNG STARS

THREE-IN-A-ROW FOR JESS AT NATIONAL YOUNG STARS

• Jess Pugh Takes Third Consecutive Butchery Title at National Young Stars

• Luke Stuart, Runner-up

• Overall Points Winners Backstreet Blues

L-R Martin Eccles (Judge, AHDB), Richard Saunders (Secretary, RSC), Luke Stuart, Jess Pugh & Phil Henshaw (Vice President, RSC)

The National Young Stars Competition held at Three Counties Showground, Malvern 20-21 August 2019 saw a third straight win for Jess Pugh, 26, of Ludlow Farm Shop in the Butchery Challenge under judge Martin Eccles of AHDB. Richard Saunders & Phil Henshaw were on hand to present the Royal Smithfield Club perpetual trophy to the delighted winner.

Jess Pugh, Ludlow Farm Shop

Runner-up was first-time entrant Luke Stuart of DT Waller & Son, Ledbury. Each competitor was tasked with creating a promotional display of cuts from two rough cuts of primals and undertook an interview with the judge to promote their industry.

Luke Stuart, DT Waller & Son

There was a great turnout of teams in the pig, sheep and cattle competitions with entrants expected to demonstrate a variety of skills during the two-day competition including stockjudging, breed knowledge and promotion, dressing, showing alongside interviews with the judging panel.

The Deja Moo Angus Team of Robyn Westcott & Kian Frain won the cattle section

Taking home the RSC perpetual trophy as overall points winner in the three sections combined was the Blue Texel Backstreet Blues team of Jack Bodily, Ted Lloyd & Harvey Heath.

Overall Points Winners Backstreet Blues L-R Jack Bodily, Harvey Heath & Ted Lloyd

Qualifying to represent the UK at the 4H Stockjudging at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, Ontario, Canada in November 2019 were Robyn Westcott, Hannah Baldwin & Rachel Armour

Hampshire Down Traditionally Trending Team

Team Results

PIGS: 1. Massey Divas; 2. Sizzling Saddlebacks; 3. Black Ops Trio

SHEEP UNTRIMMED: 1. Rocking Romneys; 2. Badger Beauties; 3. Team Jacobs

SHEEP TRIMMED: 1. Backstreet Blues; 2. Kerry Hill Young Breeders; 3. Hampshire Down Traditionally Trending

CATTLE DUAL PURPOSE: 1. Irish Moilies; 2. Dexters

CATTLE: 1. Deja Moo (Angus); 2. Canadian Cowgirls (Angus); 3. Wot Wots (Speckle Park)

The Wot Wots Team of Speckle Parks with Hannah & Ollie

RECIPE COMPETITION AT NATIONAL YOUNG STARS

A new feature of the National Young Stars event at Malvern 20-21 August will be a Recipe Competition to celebrate British Meat and supported by the Royal Smithfield Club & QSM (Quality Standard Mark) for Beef & Lamb. Open to children aged from 11 and up to 18, all you have to do is create a recipe for a family of four which uses the best of British beef, lamb or pork with the winning dish cooked by a professional chef live at the National Young Stars event, Three Counties Show, Malvern, on 21st August. The winner will also receive a £25 Amazon voucher. So, to celebrate British Meat, learn about where food comes from, the importance of local produce and to have fun along the way, please click the entry form HERE.

NATIONAL YOUNG STARS - Butchery Challenge

The National Young Stars will take place at the Royal Three Counties, Malvern 20-21 August and will again feature the Butchery Challenge supported by the Smithfield Club alongside its other competitions. Open to ages 18-28, it takes place on Weds 21st August with young butchers presenting a display of meat, creating a new cut or presentation, and taking part in a short interview about the industry. For full information including schedule and entry form please click HERE or visit the National Young Stars website. Entries close 5 August. This is a great event showcasing the industry’s future talent. Please support it!

BICENTENARY TROPHY - CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Following the presentation in March this year of the Royal Smithfield Club's Bicentenary Trophy by HRH The Countess of Wessex to Heather Jenkins, we look to the UK’s meat and livestock industry to create a stimulating list of nominations for the award for 2019-20.

The aim of our Bicentenary Trophy award is to highlight the success of an individual or organisation who has made a significant contribution to the British meat and livestock industry for the benefit of the whole sector. Nominations close on 13th August 2019 with the independent selection panel meeting on 25th September to review all the nominations received from across the industry, from education and research through to producers, processors and retailers.

Please nominate a person or company who you feel has made a real difference on a national scale to our industry. Full details including a nomination form are available by clicking HERE.

HRH COUNTESS OF WESSEX ATTENDS ROYAL SMITHFIELD MEMBERS COUNTRY MEETING

HRH COUNTESS OF WESSEX ATTENDS ROYAL SMITHFIELD MEMBERS COUNTRY MEETING

HRH The Countess of Wessex tours the Earl of Plymouth Estate accompanied by Archer de Haan, Estate Manager

 Royal Smithfield Club Members were delighted to welcome their President, HRH The Countess of Wessex, to the opening day of the charity’s Members Country Meeting held 26-29 June in and around Ludlow, Shropshire, and the Earl of Plymouth Estate.

The Club’s President HRH The Countess of Wessex is met by the Hon David Windsor-Clive & Jon Edwards, MD at Ludlow Farmshop

During the Annual Meeting of Club Members, Chairman William Bedell thanked The Countess for her support of Club. Recent initiatives have included the Smithfield Forum which was launched at the beginning of the year to provide a united and independent voice for all stakeholders in the red meat supply chain.

Members & Guests pictured at Fishmore Hall

His presentation on the Club’s activity over the past year also focused on the success of the Smithfield Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions as well as the Club’s support of the National Young Stars event, and its Next Generation delegate to the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) conference.

HRH The Countess of Wessex with the Hon David Windsor-Clive (L) & Jon Edwards (R)

 True to its theme of ‘Field to Plate’, the first day focused on a behind-the-scenes tour of the impressive and award-winning Ludlow Farmshop - part of the Earl of Plymouth Estate - which prides itself on the fact that 80% of its produce comes from Shropshire and its surrounding counties. The estate extends to 8,000 acres with the 60-strong party of guests able to take sight of the 300-cow suckler herd and 320-head dairy herd which sit alongside a 2,200 head sheep flock.

Estate Manager Archer de Haan welcomes Members & Guests

All of the beef, lamb, pork and milk sold in the shop, café, hotel and restaurant comes off the farm with over half of the products in the Farmshop made in its own artisan production units that surround the shop floor.

Club Chairman William Bedell with Lord Digby Jones

A further highlight was the after-dinner speech given by Lord Digby Jones, former Director-General of the CBI and Minister of State for UK Trade & Investment.

HRH The Countess of Wessex receives a Ludlow Farmshop hamper from Lord & Lady Plymouth

 Day Two saw a visit to ABP Beef (UK)’s flagship facility at Ellesmere, Shropshire – described by their host, Managing Director Tom Kirwan, as a ‘world-leading facility’ in terms of its advanced, efficient and energy sustainable beef processing operation. The plant employs over 800 people and receives cattle from more than 2,000 farmers - mainly from Shropshire and Cheshire in England - and from Powys in Wales.

Giving a talk after dinner that evening was Harry Huddart, 25, Assistant Farm Manager of Beeswax Dyson Farming, Nocton, Lincs. Harry was the Club’s Next Generation delegate to the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) conference in Edmonton, Canada, last autumn.

2019 MEMBERS COUNTRY MEETING - BOOKINGS CLOSE 31 MAY

There are still a few places left if you would like to join the Club’s annual Members Country Meeting this year being held 26-29 June in and around Ludlow - either as a day guest or staying overnight. Highlights include: tour of the Earl of Plymouth Estate with its beef, sheep and dairy enterprises; a behind-the-scenes visit to Ludlow Farm Shop; Members Annual Meeting with our President in attendance; gala dinner and after-dinner speaker Lord Digby Jones; visit to ABP Ellesmere or Stokesay Court. Bookings close 31st May. Please click HERE for an overview of the programme and HERE for the booking form. We look forward to seeing you in June. All welcome!

SMITHFIELD FORUM STRATEGY GROUP UPDATE

SUMMARY OF THE MEETING OF THE STRATEGY GROUP OF THE SMITHFIELD FORUM HELD AT CHURCH HOUSE, WESTMINSTER, 20 MARCH 2019

 OVERVIEW

Following the launch of the Smithfield Forum at the House of Lords in January, it was agreed to hold quarterly follow-up meetings of a Strategy Group to identify four key issues that the Forum should focus on. With this in mind, four speakers were invited to give a summary of their organisation’s current activity and an overview of the issues and challenges they see facing the industry. The speakers were: Douglas Bell, Director of Strategic Engagement, QMS; Dr Owen Roberts, Communications Director, HCC/Meat Promotion Wales; James Wilde, Head of Media & PR, AHDB; and Jim Moseley, Chief Executive, Red Tractor. We were fortunate to have Stuart Roberts, Vice President, NFU to then give comments.

 FORWARD ACTIONS

After lengthy discussion, four key areas of activity were identified and agreed for future action:

·         A more joined-up approach from the entire industry in promoting the British Red Meat brand, creating a point of difference for the UK

·         To encourage the publishing of scientific work demonstrating the carbon/environmental footprint of red meat production as opposed to the global figures currently used

·         To request that the levy boards carry out a piece of desk-top research to identify what work, if any, has been completed to support the economic benefit of grazing livestock for environmental enhancement

·         To encourage wider and more efficient promotion of red meat to the consumer focusing on the UK’s leading position in animal welfare, production standards, healthy eating, environment, sustainability and eating quality

 HRH COUNTESS OF WESSEX PRESENTS BICENTENARY TROPHY

Joining us at the summary stage and contributing to the discussion was the Club’s President HRH The Countess of Wessex who went on to present the Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy to Heather Jenkins, former Director of Waitrose, for her outstanding contribution to the British livestock industry over thirty years.

 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next Smithfield Forum Strategy Group Meeting is due to be held within the Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh, 20th June 2019.

ROYAL SMITHFIELD CLUB MEMBERSHIP

ROYAL SMITHFIELD CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Members Country Meeting/President’s Weekend 2018

The Trustees have given considerable thought to restructuring Club Membership to achieve greater benefit.  A membership fee structure is being introduced to allow the Club to not only continue its valued charitable work for the farming community but to also play a central role in helping the sector tackle the many difficult challenges it faces. The Club intends to do this through its recently established Smithfield Forum initiative where it will act as the catalyst for the livestock and meat production sectors through targeted lobbying, and through more effective communication. We believe this upscaled activity will bring enormous benefits to our industry but will also bring some additional costs, hence the need now for a membership fee structure.

 With this in mind, we are establishing different tiers of Membership with varied benefits and subscription levels. Membership of the Royal Smithfield Club is open to anyone who wishes to support the Club and its charitable aims: Full (£50pa), Life (£975), Corporate (£750pa), Independent (£95pa), Youth (£30pa).

Membership will run from 1st April in line with the Club’s financial year

 MEMBERSHIP TIERS

-       Full Member. £50pa. Benefits include: attendance and voting at the Annual Members' Meeting; right to stand for election to Board of Trustees; attendance at Members Country Meeting; quarterly newsletter; reduced entry fee for Club competitions and other activities.

-       Life Member. £975. Membership for the lifetime of the named individual. Benefits as per Full Member: attendance and voting at the Annual Members' Meeting; right to stand for election to Board of Trustees; attendance at Members Country Meeting; quarterly newsletter; reduced entry fee for Club competitions and other activities.

-       Corporate Member. £750pa. Corporate stakeholder organisations are invited to apply for Membership nominating an individual staff or Board member to be part of the Smithfield Forum - a united voice for the British red meat supply chain. Further benefits are: attendance and voting at Annual Members' Meeting; attendance at Members Country Meeting; quarterly Newsletter.

-       Independent Member. £95pa. As above (Corporate Member) but aimed at individuals within the red meat industry who wish to be involved in the Smithfield Forum. Or for Corporate Members who wish an additional member/s of staff to join the Forum. 

-       Youth Member. £30pa. Up to and including 28 years of age. Benefits include: attendance and voting at the Annual Members' Meeting; right to stand for election to Board of Trustees; attendance at Members Country Meeting; quarterly newsletter; reduced entry fee for Club competitions and other activities. 

How To Join

You will find a Membership form to complete online in the MEMBERSHIP section of the Club’s website. Once completed, please press SUBMIT and your application will be sent to the office who will raise an invoice for your subscription in due course. Alternatively, please email office@royalsmithfieldclub.co.uk. Alternatively, click HERE for a Membership Application form. 

Please note, those who already hold Honorary/Life Membership of the Club will continue to do so. However, they may consider joining as an Independent Member in order to help with furthering the aims of the Club.

 The Trustees very much hope you will lend your support in this way to help the Club further its objectives in the coming years. Thank you.

HRH THE COUNTESS OF WESSEX PRESENTS BICENTENARY TROPHY TO FORMER WAITROSE DIRECTOR HEATHER JENKINS

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex presenting the Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy to the 2018/19 winner Mrs Heather Jenkins in recognition of her major contribution to the British livestock industry over the past thirty years. Pictured (far left) is David Gunner, Joint Chief Executive Dovecote Park Ltd and (far right) William Bedell, Chairman Royal Smithfield Club

The Royal Smithfield Club’s President HRH The Countess of Wessex has presented former Waitrose & Partners Director Heather Jenkins with the Club’s annual Bicentenary Trophy in recognition of 30 years of outstanding service to the agriculture and meat sectors.

 The Countess thanked Mrs Jenkins for her dedication and commitment to UK farming as the Award was presented to her following an industry strategy group meeting of the Smithfield Forum at Convocation Hall, Westminster, London.

 As Waitrose & Partners Director for Meat, Poultry, Fish, Frozen Food and Dairy, and Director of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Strategy, Heather Jenkins pioneered many industry-leading initiatives during her career as well as working extensively to positively influence Government food and farming policies.

L-R Geoff Burgess Deputy President RSC, John Dracup Industry Strategy Director RSC, David Gunner Joint Chief Executive Dovecote Park, Heather Jenkins, HRH The Countess of Wessex, William Bedell Chairman RSC & Richard Saunders Secretary RSC

Announcing the Award, Club Chairman William Bedell said Mrs Jenkins’s influence on UK farming and livestock production had been both positive and wide ranging. “Her role in the success of Waitrose & Partners support for UK agriculture and the success of the wider business cannot be overstated and neither can her support for and love of farming.”

Mrs Jenkins supported a policy that ensured Waitrose & Partners pioneered short supply chains, close links with its farmers and the sale of mostly British produced meat. She also insisted on award-winning animal welfare standards across its supply chain including in the production of its Continental meats. All positions it continues to maintain.

 Her wider support of British farming has led to many claimed UK industry firsts including male dairy calves into the beef and veal supply chain, and a Farming Partnership scheme to help farmers manage costs, drive innovation and research, and reduce their dependence on imported soya beans for animal feed. She also positioned Waitrose to become the first supermarket buyer to sell only free-range eggs.  

“From lairage design to butchery standards, factory design, improved animal welfare and industry-leading relationships with farmers, fishermen, and other suppliers Heather has been involved,” Mr Bedell said.

NOTES

1.    The Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy celebrates the bicentenary of the founding of the Smithfield Club in 1798. The trophy is awarded each year to a person or organisation deemed to have made a significant contribution to the UK meat industry.  Recipients can be from any part of the industry - from livestock producers through education, research, processing to retailing.

2.    Heather Jenkins is the 19th recipient of the annual Award which includes presentation of the Club’s Armada Shield.

3.    Past winners are:

                                                2000 Sir Donald T.Y. Curry, CBE
                                                2001 Frederick J. Mallion, MBE
                                                2002 John Thorley, OBE
                                                2003 The Late Jack Woodhead
                                                2004 Norman Bagley
                                                2005 David Raine
                                                2006 J. Alan H. Stevenson, OBE
                                                2007 Ian Galloway, CBE, ARAgS
                                                2008 Dr Basil G. Lowman, MBE
                                                2009 Richard M. Cracknell
                                                2010 Professor Geoff Simm
                                                2011 J. Rees Roberts, OBE, BSc (Hons), FRAgS
                                                2012 H.R.H. The Prince of Wales
                                                2013 The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust
                                                2014 David B Gunner
                                                2015 John Cross
                                                2016 Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, OBE
                                                2017 Robert Forster, FRAgS

MEMBERS COUNTRY MEETING SET FOR 26-29 JUNE

2019 MEMBERS COUNTRY MEETING 26-29 JUNE 2019

Ludlow Farm Shop

 The 2019 Royal Smithfield Club Members Country Meeting is to be held 26-29 June in and around Ludlow and the Earl of Plymouth Estate with its impressive and award-winning Ludlow Farm Shop. To book please fill in the form below and return by 12th April. Our theme this year is ‘Field to Plate’ and there is no better place to see this in action. Ludlow Farm Shop is passionate about local produce, with 80% of the food sold coming from Shropshire and its surrounding counties. Uniquely, over half of products are made in its own production units that surround the shop floor and we will have an exclusive tour of the artisan producers making much of the food you will eat during your three days in Shropshire!

 The Earl of Plymouth Estate extends to approximately 8,000 acres with all of the beef, lamb and Gloucester Old Spot pork coming off the farm along with the milk used to make its cheese and dairy products. The livestock enterprise includes 300 head of dairy, 2,000 ewes comprising Welsh Mules and purebred Lleyns as well as a dairy-bred suckler herd – all AI’d to Limousin bulls.

 This year’s Members Country Meeting will be a three-night stay with Members arriving on the afternoon of the Wednesday (26th) and departing after breakfast on the Saturday (29th). The Club has block-booked two hotels (Fishmore Hall & The Cliffe at Dinham) however Members may wish to make alternative accommodation arrangements or, for those living locally, join us as day guests – costs are published below. Please note that the Club will be introducing new Membership tiers and fees from 1st April so Members are respectfully asked to join the Royal Smithfield Club and pay the appropriate subscription (see ROYAL SMITHFIELD CLUB MEMBERSHIP section on the website).  

On the Friday, a visit is planned to ABP’s flagship facility at Ellesmere, Shropshire which underwent a £30 million investment programme in 2015. The new unit is one of Europe’s most advanced, efficient and energy sustainable beef processing operations. The plant employs over 700 people and receives cattle from more than 2,000 farmers - mainly from Shropshire and Cheshire in England, and from Powys in Wales. It includes the very highest in international animal welfare standards including a Temple Grandin-designed lairage alongside many innovative features in order to reduce animal stress. Video Imaging Analysis (VIA) has also been introduced for improved carcase grading which sees a 3D image of every carcase taken and stored – providing valuable feedback to farmers, which will ultimately help them to improve the yield of future cattle. ABP Ellesmere is also the first beef processing facility in Europe to be certified a carbon neutral building by the Carbon Neutral Company. Helping achieve this certification has been the installation of a new Combined Heat & Power (CHP) unit.

 An alternative to ABP Ellesmere is a visit to the nearby Stokesay Court which includes a guided tour of this magnificent late-Victorian Grade II-listed mansion imposingly set within extensive landscaped grounds and awe-inspiring gardens, with far ranging views towards Ludlow. It includes a behind-the-scenes insight into the filming of the critically-acclaimed ‘Atonement,’ starring Keira Knightley & James McAvoy followed by a two-course lunch. Additional displays tell the fascinating story of Stokesay's role as an auxiliary military hospital during WWI. 

With a full and varied programme on offer, we very much hope as many Members as possible will be able to attend for what promises to be a fantastic gathering!

 Members Country Meeting - Provisional Timetable

Weds 26 June – Arrival Day

Check-in from 3pm

4pm Trustees meeting

Informal dinner at leisure – either at own hotel or any number of excellent restaurants in Ludlow - at own cost

Thurs 27 June - Full day on the Earl of Plymouth Estate including tour of Ludlow Farm Shop, Estate & Members Annual Meeting

Breakfast 7.30-9.30

10am Welcome & Introduction to Estate

10.30am – 12pm Morning programme (split into two groups)

• Either Farm, hydro-electric turbines, granary, calf unit

• Or Farm shop ‘behind the scenes’, Ludlow Kitchen, shopping

12.30pm Members Annual Meeting at the nearby Ludlow Racecourse

1.15pm Light buffet lunch (all)

2-3.30pm Afternoon programme (split into two groups as above)

3.30-4.30pm Tea with Lord & Lady Plymouth at Oakly Park

7pm Drinks reception Fishmore Hall (all)

8pm Gala dinner Fishmore Hall (all)

9.30pm After-dinner speaker Lord Digby Jones

Fri 28 June

Breakfast 7.30-9.30

10am depart on coaches to visit either ABP Ellesmere or Stokesay Court

5pm approx. arrive hotels

7.30pm Drinks reception Cliffe At Dinham (all)

8pm Informal dinner at Cliffe at Dinham (all) including presentation by RASC Next Generation delegate Harry Huddart

Sat 29 June

Breakfast 8-9.30am

Check-out by 11am

Costs

Resident at Fishmore Hall (www.fishmorehall.co.uk)  

Per couple £715. Per single £575

What’s included….

Three nights’ B&B accommodation (Weds, Thurs, Fri)

Thursday drinks reception and gala dinner including wine on table at Fishmore Hall

Friday pre-dinner drink, and dinner with wine on table at Cliffe at Dinham

Dog friendly (allowed in bistro not restaurant)

Use of spa

What’s not included….

Wednesday dinner

Spa treatments (these may be booked in advance)

Supplement £40pp for optional Stokesay Court visit Friday (includes two-course lunch)

Additional drinks etc charged to your room

Prices inclusive of VAT

 Resident at the Cliffe at Dinham (www.thecliffeatdinham.co.uk) 

Per couple £685. Per single £545

What’s included….

Three nights’ B&B accommodation (Weds, Thurs, Fri)

Thursday drinks reception and gala dinner including wine on table at Fishmore Hall

Friday pre-dinner drink, and dinner with wine on table at Cliffe at Dinham

What’s not included….

Wednesday dinner

Supplement £40pp for optional Stokesay Court visit Friday (includes two-course lunch)

Dogs allowed (but not in restaurant) £10 per dog per night

Additional drinks etc charged to your room

Prices inclusive of VA

Members making their own accommodation arrangements or joining us as day guests

-       Thursday only (includes bus, lunch, drinks, dinner) £100 per person incl VAT

-       Friday only (includes bus, lunch, drinks, dinner) £80 per person incl VAT

-       Thursday AND Friday (includes bus, lunch, drinks, dinner) £170 per person incl VAT

Note, supplement £40 per person for Stokesay Court (includes two-course lunch)

 How To Book

Please click HERE for a booking form and return by Friday 12th April 2019. Bookings are on a ‘first come-first served’ basis as room numbers are limited with a maximum of 60 people forseen. We will endeavour to allocate you to your chosen hotel but this cannot be guaranteed. You are most welcome to circulate details of the Members Country Meeting to other prospective Members who may like to be involved with the Smithfield Club.

COUNTESS OF WESSEX IS NEW SMITHFIELD PRESIDENT. HOUSE OF LORDS FORUM PLOTS WAY FORWARD FOR RED MEAT SECTOR

HRH The Countess of Wessex is new President of The Royal Smithfield Club

House of Lords Forum plots way forward for livestock and red meat sector

 Club announces a range of initiatives for the coming year

HRH The Countess of Wessex (centre) pictured with (L-R) John Dracup Industry Strategy Director Royal Smithfield Club, Andrew Laughton Chief Executive National Beef Association, Prys Morgan Procurement Director Kepak-St Merryn, Tom Kirwan Chief Executive ABP, Robbie Galloway CEO Scotbeef, David Gunner Chief Executive Dovecote Park, Mark Allan Dawn/Dunbia, William Bedell Chairman Royal Smithfield Club

HRH The Countess of Wessex has become the new President of The Royal Smithfield Club. The Countess has become increasingly involved with the agricultural world in recent years and supports a number of farming organisations. Club Chairman William Bedell said: “We are honoured that Her Royal Highness has agreed to be our President and we look forward to working with her in what will be a year of important developments for the Club.”

In her first engagement as President of The Royal Smithfield Club, Her Royal Highness attended a red meat industry supply chain forum at the House of Lords, London, hosted by Baroness Byford and organised by the Club.

Speakers at the Smithfield Forum were (L-R) John Dracup Industry Strategy Director Royal Smithfield Club, Nick Allen Director British Meat Processors Association, David Gunner Chief Executive Dovecote Park, David Hall North West Regional Director NFU, Donald Biggar Club Trustee, Neil Gourlay Club Trustee

 The Forum, held to discuss key industry issues and how to address them, was attended by more than 70 representatives of the livestock and red meat sectors including key lobbying organisations, levy boards, Red Tractor and Farm Assurance schemes, processors, manufacturers, breed societies, genetics companies, and show societies.

Baroness Byford opens the Smithfield Forum pictured alongside William Bedell Club Chairman

 The event was the first of a series of initiatives by the Club that heralds a new era in which it will take on a more active and overarching sector role, and one which will go hand-in-hand with the Club’s core focus on promoting best practice in the production of quality livestock for the British meat industry.

Rt Hon Neil Parish MP

 West Country farmer John Dracup was introduced in his new role of Industry Strategy Director for the Club. Setting the scene at the Forum he said: “Our main aim is to unite the red meat supply chain to ensure a consistent message reaches our customers.

“In order to achieve this, we will be challenging and engaging with our industry, which will have to evolve considerably during the coming months and years.”

Smithfield Club Industry Strategy Director John Dracup

 Recognising that the industry is going through unprecedented change, combined with substantial challenges that need to be addressed, he said a stronger voice is needed.

“The industry already has a number of professional, proficient organisations operating well within their sector,” he said. “As an independent, credible voice the Royal Smithfield Club will provide a platform which brings everyone together, giving them the opportunity to freely discuss an industry position on key issues, specifically focusing on red meat.”

The Smithfield Forum held on 5th February at the House of Lords was attended by over 70 representatives of the British red meat supply chain

High among the issues discussed at the Forum was the impact of Brexit on UK livestock and meat industry business including the availability of non-UK labour, certification and control procedures for meat, and support payments to farmers. The range of issues and challenges faced by the UK red meat sector were addressed at the Forum by four keynote speakers: Nick Allen, Director British Meat Processors Association; David Gunner Chief Executive Dovecote Park; David Hall North West Regional Director NFU and Donald Biggar, Club Trustee followed by a summing- up from Neil Parish MP, Chairman of the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Select Committee.

 Mr Dracup said: “Underlying all these issues are the continued pressures the industry faces on health, welfare and meat consumption, as well as concern that the messages around emissions are being misinterpreted and used for other agendas.

“The UK is producing to some of the highest animal welfare and meat production standards in the world, and we need to communicate this.”

 Mr Dracup’s new role will see him working with Richard Saunders who was appointed Secretary of the Club in succession to Geoffrey Burgess last summer. Mr Burgess has now taken on the role of Club Deputy President.

 Over the coming year the Club will be working to:

•    provide a credible commentary on the changes that are needed to ensure the red meat supply chain remains high quality and efficient

•    challenge regulations, laws and developments that are considered detrimental to the future development and direction of the sector

•    work with industry organisations, research bodies, scientists and universities both in the UK and around the world to raise awareness of new developments, initiatives and opportunities for the sector

NEW SMITHFIELD COMPETITIONS ENJOY STRONG SHOWING AT LIVESCOT

NEW SMITHFIELD COMPETITIONS ENJOY STRONG SHOWING AT LIVESCOT

 M & HD Currie Champion Beef Rib

James Frame takes Saddle of Lamb Championship

Heavyweight Lamb title to R & M Struthers

Kepak McIntosh Donald Sponsor Event

 With the support of Kepak-McIntosh Donald, the Royal Smithfield Club Beef Ribs & Saddle of Lamb competitions, held for the first time within LiveScot, the Scottish National Fatstock Club’s winter primestock event at Lanark on Saturday 24 November 2018, saw a strong entry of 12 ribs and 14 saddles forward.

L-R Alan McNaughton Kepak McIntosh Donald, Judge Neil Ewing, winner Matthew Currie, Smithfield President Neil Gourlay, Smithfield Secretary Richard Saunders

 Taking home the Beef Rib championship and with it the Royal Smithfield Club Perpetual Trophy were Matthew & Heather Currie of Skewbridge, Mouswald, Dumfries with their purebred Aberdeen Angus entry, a heifer weighing in at 345.8kg deadweight and grading U4L. Judge Neil Ewing, a wholesaler butcher trading at J Finlay & Co, Wishaw described the winning entry as having “very good conformation, fat cover and eye muscle.” The Curries run a 40-cow pedigree herd of Aberdeen- Angus. Standing reserve was another Angus entry, this time in the shape of a 315kg crossbred grading R4L from B & L Grubb, Mount Pleasant, Ardallie. In third spot were John Spence & Sons, Roberthill, Lockerbie with Blue-cross heifer at 338.2kg U+3.

L-R Alan McNaughton Kepak McIntosh Donald, winner James Frame, judge Neil Ewing, RSC President Neil Gourlay

 James Frame, Blairston Mains Farm, Riverside Lodge, Alloway, Ayr won the Saddle of Lamb competition together with the Royal Smithfield Club Perpetual Challenge Cup for his Beltex-sired lamb out of a Texel-cross ewe weighing 21.3kg deadweight. Commenting, the Judge said: “This is exactly what a butcher is looking for in terms of a good retail saddle with good conformation and eye muscle.” In second place was Robert Laird, Cambwell Farm, Biggar with third going to Andrew Dunlop, Corstane Farm, Broughton.

L-R Alan McNaughton Kepak McIntosh Donald, winners Robert & Ian Struthers either side of Judge Neil Ewing, Club Steward Hugh Black

In the heavy lamb class for carcases over 23kg, it was a one-two for R & M Struthers, Collielaw Farm, Carluke with two Texel-Beltex sired lambs with a liveweight of 45 & 44kg which killed out respectively at an excellent 25 and 24.6kgs. Third spot went to J & H Clark, North Garnour Farm, Lesmahagow.

R&M Struthers’ pre-competition heavyweight lamb carcases which killed out at over 55%

Judge Neil Ewing of J Finlay & Co with Royal Smithfield Club Steward Hugh Black of Hugh Black Butchers

 The Club is grateful to Alan McNaughton, Site Director at Kepak-McIntosh Donald and to Club President Neil Gourlay for presenting the prizes. Thank you also to all the exhibitors for putting entries forward, to Margaret Gray and all the team at LiveScot, to Royal Smithfield Club Steward Hugh Black of Hugh Black & Sons Butchers and to Judge Neil Ewing for all their hard work in making the event such a success.

Hugh Black setting up the Smithfield display prior to the competition