Chairman's Message 2011

 

As Chairman of Central West Beef Week Committee I would like to extend a warm welcome to all beef producers in the Central West. This event enables seed stock producers to showcase their stud and commercial cattle in a relaxed and friendly environment.

I strongly believe that the genetics and type of cattle that the beef producer needs is right here in the Central West. There is no need to travel great distances away from the area to source superior seed stock.

It has been a wonderful season and cattle prices have never been stronger and by all predictions will remain so. As a result an investment in sires and females can be made with confidence.

A group of members will again exhibit their cattle at CTLX on Friday 8th April, in conjunction with the monthly store sale. This will be teamed with a number of sponsors displaying their products at the venue. This is a good opportunity not only to view the cattle but also the excellent selling complex CTLX. Blayney and Lyndhurst breeders will have their on-farm inspections on the same day, this will enable beef producers the opportunity to view a large number of studs within a small radius. Participating zones will have their dates advertised in the catalogue (and on this web site).

I take this opportunity to thank the committee and members for their contribution in making this signature event successful, however none of this would have been possible without the support of our sponsors and advertisers. On behalf of the Beef Week Committee, I extend our thanks.

Yours sincerely

Peter Larsen
Central West Beef Week Chairman

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History of Beef Week

From an idea of Mr Rick Pisaturo the concept of Beef Week originated. A committee of stud and commercial cattlemen under the guidance of foundation president Owen Schwilk set about organizing a Beef Week for 1977, following a public meeting held in Orange in 1976. Bruce McKay, Orange Beef Cattle Officer was foundation secretary.

Much discussion was held regarding the timing of Central West Beef Week. Autumn was decided upon and that the event should precede the Sydney Royal Show, so since 1977 Beef Week has been held in late February or March.

The first Beef Week attracted about 100 participants covering an area from east of Lithgow, south to Young, west to Condobolin and north to Dubbo and Dunedoo. This area remained the core for many years, with some areas such as Mudgee, Yass and Coonabarabran coming and going.

Since that time Beef Week has averaged about 50 participants and has been held in various formats ranging from the present three days to five and seven days and even two three-day weeks.

During the early 1980’s a one day symposium was held in the spring and covered topical subjects with many exciting speakers. They were held in Orange and on one occasion in Dubbo. Owen Schwilk was the convenor of these events.

From 1980 the committee had several secretaries, but the need existed for professional help. In 1986 this position was filled by Mrs Carole Drummond. Carole held the position until 1995 when Mrs Kerry Harris took on the job. Carole returned in 1997 for another two year stint. Mrs Peg Bowler took up the position in 1999 and held it until our present secretary Mrs Cheryl Rutherford took over in 2004.

The Beef Week Directory was initially produced by Mulberry Hill Graphics however in 1986 the committee began producing its own. Allan Watts oversaw the publication of the directory from 1986 until 2002. Allan was awarded Life membership in 2003. The years 1983 to 1985 were difficult times for Beef Week - the 1983 event had to be cancelled due to severe drought. It was during this period an advertising agency was employed. It nearly caused the bankruptcy of the committee, however, one outcome, was the present logo.

Sponsorship has played an essential role in the promotion and finances of Beef Week. Early sponsors included Coopers, Elanco and Westpac. Ivomec were major sponsors for 16 years from 1986. Other sponsors have included Wesfarmers Dalgety, Cadia Hill Gold Mine, Olssons Blocks, Town & Country Rural Supplies, The Land Newspaper and Prime TV. Present sponsors are Cydectin, Rabobank, Town & Country Rural Supplies, The Rural Centre, Whites Stock Transport and Landmark.

Publicity for Beef Week has always included a feature in The Land and TV coverage has been included from the mid 1980’s. Local papers have supported the event in their areas and ABC Radio has also been helpful over the years.

In 2003 Beef Week was again cancelled due to severe drought. It was also at this time that The Land newspaper assumed the role of running Beef Week. The following four years were difficult for all concerned. Four more years of mostly drought took its toll and numbers dwindled. Since it was no longer involved in organizing Beef Week the committee investigated other roles to which it could turn it’s attention. One of these was a joint display of cattle at the Australian National Field Days in Orange.

In 2007, just as the committee began proceedings to wind up. The Land announced that it would discontinue the autumn field days in favour of July/August. During its time in limbo, Central West Beef Week had maintained a solid core of membership. Many members believed that mid winter would be an inappropriate, if not impossible time, especially on the tablelands, to display their cattle to visitors. So in August 2007 a new committee was elected and the task began to organize our first field days in six years for 2008. Beef Week is now firmly re-established on the Autumn Beef calendar. In 2009 Beef Week commenced its own website for year round viewing of members’ pages: www.centralwestbeefweek.com.au

It is interesting to note that there are still foundation members participating in Beef Week. Gavin Alston, who has looked after the maps for this directory from day one, was on the foundation committee and has remained there to this day. At the 1996 annual meeting Gavin and Owen Schwilk were honoured with Life Membership. Other long term committee members, Allan Watts and Michael Rutherford were honoured likewise in 2003. Michael has been publicity officer since 1986.

Time has changed some of the format of the field days but the original concept of seeing cattle in the environment in which they are produced, remains the same as it did in 1977.