As I read you this report, people in Christchurch are still trying to achieve some normality in their lives, after the last devastating earthquake that has caused so much distress and anguish.  Those people are in our thoughts and prayers.  I know that the September earthquake has still got many problems not yet corrected and now probably worse.
 
2010 started with a severe drought, affecting Northland and a large part of the North Island.  Cattle were sent away for slaughter much earlier than usual to allow some feed for those still on the farm.  Feed particularly winter supplies were used and quickly ran out, necessitating feed being bought north from further south.  This was another major cost.  This drought severely affected water storage levels and we did not get any reasonable growth over the winter/spring until late November.  Over the summer we have had life saving rain of over 300ml ensuring a plentiful grass growth and surplus feed which has filled winter storage barns .However this also caused some major land movements with water getting into cracked ground causing slumps and slips. 
 
Severe flooding in Australia late in 2010 has had some spin off for us with an increase in commodity prices.  Overall Charolais Bull Sales in 2010 were generally softer.  This I feel was due to a large decrease in beef cow numbers and the liquidity of the farming enterprises.  The Angus breed, being the exception.
 
Within the society everyone is carrying on as they do.  I must mention the work that Alistair Holland has done in canvassing members from both societies with a view to reconciliation. Thank you for your efforts here Alistair. There will be a discussion about this later in the meeting.
 
There was no attendance by members of our society at the USA World Congress in May 2010, in some part due to the timing of the event and the economic woes and drought needing careful monitoring of cattle and their water requirements over that time.
 
I would like to thank Drew, Carolyn and their committee for the work they have done in organising this year’s AGM and you, for attending.
 
Finally I would like to thank the Councillors for their work in keeping members in their areas informed of the work we have been trying to do within the society.   Liz and Annette, thank you for your continuing support and for the manner in which you have dealt with the Charolais work-load over the year.
 
I would now like to ask Geraldine Hassall to come forward and receive a presentation from the Society.  Geraldine is standing down from Council after 18 years of service and her input has been invaluable.  No doubt Geraldine will still be taking close interest in the progress of members and will only be a phone call away for assistance and advice for our administration team.
 
I wish everyone a safe, peaceful and profitable year with a steady demand for your bulls with fair prices.
 
Thank you
 
 
Wayne Semenoff
7 March 2011