After 47 years of fostering SA's beef industry and bringing together cattle stud breeders from across the state, the SA Beef Cattle Breeders' Association has wound to a close, citing constant changes to the beef industry and a subsequent drop in membership numbers as the reason for ceasing operations.
Former SABCBA president Jean Evans said the organisation was initially started by a group of Poll Hereford breeders from the South East, but as more breeds increased in prominence across the state, there was a gradual shift in interest towards specific breeders and studs rather than the SABCBA as a whole.
"The many and varied breeds changed the emphasis on the number of people interested in being involved in the organisation," she said.
Ms Evans, who was SABCBA president from 2008-2017 and a committee member from 2003-2018, said membership exceeded 80 members during her time as president, and dwindled to about 20 members in the final years of the association.
Founded in 1971, the organisation was formed with the primary intention of increasing the exposure of breeders, by holding an annual field day showcasing studs.
"The committee thought it would be a good idea to have one day a year where people could gather a list of the stud breeders, and then organise to visit them," Ms Evans said.
As well as displaying bulls, the association placed an emphasis on showcasing heifers on the field day.
"Instead of just going and buying a bull, people could actually see what the different studs or properties were breeding along their female line," she said.
There was never anyone that used their committee position to push a certain breed.
- JEAN EVANS
Through the years, SABCBA was involved in events including the Royal Adelaide Show, in particular the led steer competition, and the Junior Heifer Show.
More recently, the organisation has run a number of biosecurity workshops, as well as a rural youth teacher education workshop for agricultural science teachers, held at Mount Pleasant.
Ms Evans was proud that the focus of the association permanently remained on promoting beef cattle as a whole.
"In my time (on the committee) there was never anyone that used their committee position to push a certain breed," she said.
SABCBA dissolved late last year, and the official deregistering process wrapped up in April.
The remaining proceeds, totalling $3844, have been donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a charity Ms Evans said provided an "exceptional balance of service".
Related reading: RFDS 'enters jet age' with long-haul aircraft
"(Donating to RFDS) was a decision of the committee, because the RFDS is there for everyone in the country and the city, and visitors from other countries," she said.
RFDS Community Fundraising Coordinator Kristen Newlyn said the donated funds were much appreciated, and a great support from a great organisation.
"RFDS replies on the support of the community in terms of fundraising, donations and bequests to continue running," she said.
She said all received funds go towards the RFDS Capital Equipment Program, funding the purchase and fitting out of aircrafts.
"It's about maintaining the fleet and keeping the flying doctor flying," Ms Newyln said.
- Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Click here to sign up to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.
