Less than a month after Jonathan Watson, the former chairman of the British Limousin Cattle Society (BLCS) resigned from his position after votes of no confidence, Alice Swift, the breed’s chief executive has also stepped down.

During her two-year position, Ms Swift was focused on improving the society’s finances while also sourcing new income streams and raising the profile of the breed. She also assisted in the establishment of ‘Green Genes’ or F94L myostatin which is found naturally in the breed and is stated to reduce emissions by up to 30% in the finishing period.

Highlighting that the introduction of some of those changes had not been easy, she said that transformation needs time and acceptance to bed in across the membership.

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“Having chartered the course for a profitable and trusted Society, now is the time for me to step down as CEO of the Limousin Society.

"As I do, I would like to share my thanks to the many Limousin members who put their trust in my leadership, supported my direction and embraced the change agenda I have driven.

“It is my hope for the organisation that it continues to promote change in the sector. Change that is so needed in agriculture if we are to succeed in reforming the industry. Change that is essential to increase profitability for farmers by delivering to the needs of today’s retailers and consumers.”

Following Jonathan Watson’s resignation as chairman and Ms Swift’s resignation, Dyfan James, the former vice chairman of BLCS said: “I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Alice, for her significant contribution to the Society and I wish her all the best for the next stage of her career.”

While it has been a tumultuous time for the society and its membership, voting forms have been sent out for the society’s agm which takes place in the third week of September, when eight council seats are up for re-election.

“We have the opportunity to see a number of new people on council who will hopefully be able to help decide on how best to take the breed and the membership forward to ensure increased demand for pedigree and commercial Limousin cattle,” said national area representative, Keith Redpath.

“There are huge opportunities for the Limousin cattle breed – we just need council members with foresight, vision and enthusiasm to take the breed forward to where it should rightfully be.”