Shorthorns have had a tremendous year with great results achieved in numerous steer competitions, interbreed success at Royals, females being sought after throughout the country, and terrific bull sales with high clearance rates and averages.  In fact, the recent Beef Central articles on Bull Sales throughout 2021 had Shorthorns recording a 58% increase in price from the previous year second only to Angus.  Without doubt Shorthorns are in the thought process in many commercial producers minds and I have witnessed this myself talking to Bos Indicus breeders in Rockhampton earlier in the year.

The Shorthorn Board has done a great job in working together on numerous challenges that have confronted us which included a new data base, a collaborative registrar service, and a financial situation that I am pleased to say has turned around.  Thanks goes to the hard work and dedication put in by my Board and to the members who have shown faith in this great breed.
I would like also like to pass on my thoughts to the family members who have unfortunately lost loved ones in 2021.  There were some incredible people that will leave their legacy on the breed for years to come and they will never be forgotten.

On a bright note, I wish everyone a very happy festive season and if you get a chance to relax enjoy the moment.  May 2022 be a prosperous and happy one.

Chris Thompson
Shorthorn Beef President