RED POLL CATTLE SOCIETY

The Society operates through a Council which is responsible for the promotion of the Red Poll breed in general and in particular to maintain the beef and milking qualities of the breed thus adding value to the membership.

Council has defined its role by passing the following resolution:

The Council of the Red Poll Cattle Society recognizes that there are a variety of valid herd objectives amongst its members and a number of strategies to meet those objectives. Council confirms it is not its role to promote any one objective or strategy but to support all its members with such assistance as they may require. Council further recognizes that it should encourage the use of Red Poll cattle and the resulting product so as to expand the overall market.

The Council does this in the following ways:

ADMINISTRATION
The Secretary, Ray Bowler, is responsible for the administration of the Society as to membership, registrations, transfers, semen & stock sales and stock required.  He will also co-ordinate the Regional Field Officer system.  Ray is happy to answer any queries that members or potential members may have and can be contacted on 01245 600032 or secretary@redpoll.co.uk.

FINANCE
Terina Booker has been appointed Treasurer and will carry out the day-to-day financial work from 52 Border Cot Lane, Wickham Market, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 0EZ (01728 746959  terina.booker@btinternet.com).  All payments should be sent to Terina with immediate effect.  Invoices will now carry the new address and information for BACS payments if members wish to use that system.

REGIONAL FIELD OFFICERS
The Society has appointed Regional Field Officers and Ray Bowler, the Secretary, will co-ordinate the system.  RFOs are happy to visit members, if requested, to hellp with advice on their herds but in those circumstances travelling expenses will be members' responsibility.  If the RFOs visit members as part of their duties no travelling expenses will be payable by members.

CATTLE FOR SALE OR WANTED
If you wish to buy or sell cattle, please contact Ray Bowler, the Secretary, on 01245 600032 secretary@redpoll.co.uk, who will then pass the details to the relevant RFO and to Terina Booker, Secretary to Council, if you wish the details to be placed on the website. 
The commission payable by vendors to the Society for cattle sales via the website or Regional Field Officers is reduced to 2.5% with immediate effect.  Purchasers can request inspection of cattle on their behalf by their Regional Field Officer, at the cost of the RFO's travelling expenses. 

REGISTRATIONS
Registrations of calves cannot be done via the website at the moment.  Contact Ray Bowler, the Secretary, on 01245 600032 secretary@redpoll.co.uk for information.

WEBSITE
The Secretary to Council, Terina Booker, manages the website.  She can be contacted on 01728 746959 terina.booker@btinternet.com

HERD BOOK
The Society maintains and publishes a Herd Book annually which is sent free of charge to registering members.

MAGAZINE
A magazine, The Red Poll News, is published regularly and can be sent by email to members.

WORKSHOPS
The Society runs an annual Field Day and several workshops on various technical matters. Recently workshops have been held on finishing cattle, assessing bulls and cows, and fertility issues.

EVENTS
An Annual Dinner is held in the Autumn and various regional events are held such as farm walks, herd competitions and social events.

NEW YOUNG MEMBERS
The Society is keen to attract young members and holds handling and judging competitions for student and junior members.

OUR STRATEGY AND MISSION STATEMENT
The Council measures and details its plans in the STRATEGY DOCUMENT.

SIGNET SUBSIDY
To encourage the collection of Breed Data, the Society offers an annual subsidy of £125 to members who join the Signet Beef Recording Scheme. The subsidy is paid on production of a paid Signet invoice. For further details, please contact the Secretary.

MILK RECORDING SUBSIDY
To encourage the collection of Breed Data, the Society offers an annual subsidy of £125 to members who undertake milk recording with NMR. For further details, please contact the Secretary.