Next year marks a milestone date for the Shorthorn breed when it celebrates the 200th anniversary of its first herd book by hosting the world congress in the UK.

Two centuries ago, George Coates saw the benefit of selective breeding in cattle and founded the first herd book in the world, the Coates’ Herd Book and with it, the foundation of the Shorthorn breed.

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The influence of the Shorthorn breed has been substantial over those two centuries and in recent times, its impact has seen a resurgence in the UK and many other parts of the world. With a focus on looking towards the future, a key aspect of the congress will be youth participation and how digital and scientific innovations can aid the breed’s development going forward.

With a generous sponsorship package from main sponsors, retail giant Morrisons – which supports native cattle by offering a premium for the beef it sells in stores – and support from many other companies, the congress committee, headed by the current Shorthorn world breed president, Edward Crank, hope to raise the breed’s profile to a new generation of breeders.

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“What a very exciting time we have ahead,” said Edward, who played an integral part of the 2010 world congress held in the UK. “Hosting the World Congress in 2022, with so many ongoing developments in both the beef and dairy industry, is a challenge which we are looking forward to.

"Young breeders are our future and we hope to raise enough sponsorship to help finance a youth exchange, particularly from all four countries of the UK.”

Delegates from all over the world are expected for the two-week-long tour, which will cover Scotland, England and Wales and include both dairy and beef herd visits, famous tourist attractions and the Great Yorkshire Show.

Following the success of the 2010 World Congress, hosted in the UK, the Shorthorn Society has once again joined forces with Field Farm Tours to organise an extensive itinerary, including the main conference where members and friends from all over the UK will be welcome to join in this landmark occasion.