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Breeders cross horns on composites
30 Jul 2003
A debate has erupted over the introduction of composite led classes at this year's Royal Melbourne Show. It's the first time that any royal show has introduced classes for composite breeds. To purists, the showing of unregistered crossbred cattle is unacceptable, with composites being branded as "mongrels" and unfit for the show ring. They're calling for the led classes to be scrapped and composites restricted to carcass competitions.
However Stud Beef Victoria president Alan Snaith welcomed the show ring debut of composites, saying they've been accepted now, as long as they are from a recognised breed organisation.
Composite Beef Breeders of Australia vice-president Chris Davison said the classes were an opportunity to promote composites. But he said, "What will the showing achieve? It might achieve a big negative for composites. It's a feeding competition and not a breeding competition".
An RASV spokesman said the classes were added purely to create comparison, stimulate discussion and develop industry benchmarks.
Weekly Times, 30/7/03, page 3.
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