Charolais – Judge – Mr John Campbell           

SENIOR FEMALE CHAMPION Falleninch Lottie

Falleninch Lottie

RESERVE FEMALE Falleninch Lucy

Falleninch Lucy

SENIOR MALE CHAMPION Carwood Leo

Carwood Leo

RESERVE MALE Teiglum Legend

Teiglum Legend

SENIOR CHAMPION Falleninch Lottie

RESERVE CHAMPION Falleninch Lucy

JUNIOR FEMALE CHAMPION Hallbankgate Marmony

Hallbankgate Marmony

RESERVE FEMALE Formakin Mimosa                               

JUNIOR MALE CHAMPION Lourie Marvelous

RESERVE MALE Ricnick Monsoon    

Ricnick Monsoon

JUNIOR CHAMPION Lourie Marvellous

Lourie Marvellous

RESERVE JUNIOR  Hallbankate Marmony

YOUNG HANDLERS  1st Adam Macallan 2nd John Wight

PAIRS     A Hornall    Charolais A Hornall  Charolais

CLASS 52 – BULLS BORN 4th JULY TO 22nd AUGUST 2015                        

1st C Wight  Carwood Leo        born 05/08/15     Sire: Ugie Goldcup Dam: Carwood Dot

2nd C Wight  Carwood Lachlan Born 04/07/15     Sire: Ugie Goldcup Dam: Carwood Holly

3rd C Stuart  Lettoch Logan       Born 16/08/15     Sire: Killadeas Owane Dam: Ugie Giselda

4th R & C Rettie    Retties Lorenzo    Born 22/08/15     Sire: Aberdona Ignite Dam: Retties Gypsy

CLASS 53 – BULLS BORN 20th SEPTEMBER TO 26TH DECEMBER 2015                                      

1st Clark Farms  Teiglum Legend    Born 20/09/15     Sire: Ugie Goldnuget Dam: Teiglum Angelina

2nd J Cant Panmure Logan    Born 07/10/15     Sire: Thrunton Firecracker  Dam: Panmure Fifi

3rd A Houston Gretnahouse Longbow Born 20/09/15 Sire: Wesley Equinox Dam: Gretnahouse Hugesse

4th J Cant  Panmure Leota     Born 07/11/15     Sire: Thrunton Firecracker  Dam: Panmure Hilda

CLASS 54 – HEIFERS BORN 1ST JULY TO 2OTH SEPTEMBER 2015               

1st A Hornall         Falleninch Lottie  Born 29/07/15     Sire: Dereskit Fernando Dam: Falleninch Etuile            

2nd M Lyle            Loganbar Lisa        Born 01/07/15     Sire: Wesley Fixture Dam: Loganbar Gaiety

3rd M Lyle             Loganbar Loulou  Born 21/08/15     Sire: Loganbar Impair Dam: Loganbar Champagne

CLASS 55 – HEIFERS BORN 29th OCTOBER TO 23rd DECEMBER 2015

1st A Hornall  Falleninch Lucy Born 23/12/15  Sire: Falleninch Imperator Dam: Falleninch Diva          

2nd A Hornall  Fallenich Lori  Born 15/12/15   Sire: Falleninch Imperator Dam: Falleninch Empress  

3rd J Irvine & Son Inverlochy Lulu    Born 29/10/15  Sire: Blelack Giggsey Dam: Inverlochy Flutter

CLASS 56 – BULLS BORN 5th JANUARY 15th FEBRUARY 2016  

1st R Aitken Lourie Marvellous Born 09/02/16   Sire: Lowerffrydd Benhurr   Dam: Lourie Ideal                               

2nd R McCornick Ricnick Monsoon Born 05/01/16     Sire: Goldstar Echo  Dam: Ashby Bella

3rd A Hornall Falleninch Murray Born 10/01/16   Sire: Dereskit Fernando  Dam: Falleninch Fenetia

4th I Bell  Hallbankgate MarvellousMarvin Born 20/01/16 Sire: Westcarse Friar Dam: Hallbankgate Isabel

CLASS 57 – BULLS BORN 5th MARCH TO 23rd MAY 2016                                          

1st J & M McMillan Dunesk Magic    Born 05/03/16     Sire: Balthayock Hamish Dam: Dunesk Glory

Dunesk Magic

2nd C & E McCombie Auchincrieve Maximus  Born 26/03/16     Sire: Olrig Highwayman Dam: Blelack Thelma

3rd A A & Wright Lagavaich Monty  Born 04/04/16     Sire: Thrunton Gabriel Dam: Hindstones Gypsy

4th I Irvine & Son Ballindalloch Major Born 23/05/16  Sire: Blelack Giggsey Dam: Ballindalloch Enamour

CLASS 58 – HEIFERS BORN 1ST JANUARY TO 22ND JANUARY 2016

1st I Bell Hallbankgate Marmony  Born 03/01/16     Sire: Edenhurst Hero Dam: Border Havana                   

2nd J Irvine & Son Ballindalloch Madonna Born 02/01/16     Sire: Blelack Giggsey Dam: Ballindalloch Cherie

3rd I Bell Hallbankgate Micicle  Born 22/01/16     Sire: Westcarse Friar Dam: Hallbankgate Icicle

CLASS 59 – HEIFERS BORN 11th MARCH TO 23rd MAY 2016                                     

1st McMurrich  Formakin Mimosa Born 01/04/16  Sire: Lochend Apache Dam: Formakin Finch

2nd McMurrich Formakin Mermaid Born 04/04/16  Sire: Hercule Dam: Formakin Hoop

3rd C & E McCombie Auchincrieve Millie Born 26/03/16 Sire: Olrig Highwayman  Dam: Elrick Fay

4th C & E McCombie Auchincrieve Matilda Born 11/03/16 Sire: Olrig Highwayman Dam: Auchincrieve Anna

Charolais bulls sold to a top of 6,000gns in Borderway Mart, Carlisle on Friday 18 November at the breed society’s sale.

Leader at 6,000gns was the reserve male champion, Vexour Lennon, a 19 month old by Thrunton Glencoe and out of a Vexour bred dam. Bred and exhibited by Jan Boormaars, Woldingham, Surrey, he sold to DG and JD Walker, Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire.

Vexour Lennon top price at 6,000gns

Next at 4,800gns was first prize class winner, Charbron Lordlier, a 21 month old by the 70,000gns Barnsford Ferny, from Barons Cross Charlolais Stud, Aymstrey, Leominster. The buyer was PL Heard, Okehampton, Devon who secured three more male entries including at 4,000gns Shankfoot Leader an 18 month old by the 31,000gns Whitecliffe Highlight from JRG and RM Johnson, Hexham, Northumberland.

Charbron Lordlier

Whitecliffe Limelight, another Highlight son, this time offered by his breeders, M and J Hayhurst, Malton, North Yorkshire commanded a 4,500gns bid from A Hall and Son, Hexham, Northumberland.

Whitecliffe Limelight

A bid of 4,000gns secured the 15 month old Crookdake Lightning for P Smith and Son, Biggar, Lanarkshire. Sired by Balthayock Hamish, Lightning was bred and exhibited by DA and SM Miller, Wigton, Cumbria.

Crookdake Lightning

Females

Heading the Christmas Cracker females at 2,900gns was the female champion, Swalesmoor Jersey, a two-year-old in calf heifer by the 17,000gns Balthayock Gunner. Bred and exhibited by Kedzlie Farm, Lauderdale, Galashiels, she sold to G McClanachan and Sons, Torthorwald, Dumfriesshire. Next at 2,600gns was Sevenoaks Larissa, a 22 month old maiden by Balthayock Aesop from GG and HE Sevenoaks, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire to S and M Wardlaw and Son, Balerno, Midlothian

Swalesmoor Jersey

DG and JD Walker, Sanquhar were in the money again when they secured the highest price unhaltered heifer at 2,800gns. Gretnahouse Lallesse was a 17 month old by the 12,000gns Wesley Equinox from Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green, Dumfriesshire.

Logan Dulcie, an eight-year-old by Logan Amazon attracted a 4,800gns bid from DT Daniel, Launceston, Cornwall and led a major reduction from WL Hyslop and Sons, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire. Dulcie was sold with Logan Millie and Logan Maisie, her seven month old, Blelack Digger sired twin heifers.

Next at 3,200gns was five-year-old Logan Glitter to AW McArthur, Balfron, Stirling. Sired by the 25,000gns Goldies Unbeatable, she was offered with her six-month old bull calf, Logan Maximus by Logan Independent.

The seven-year-old Logan Amazon daughter, Logan Eclipse sold with her six-month old bull, Logan Megane by Blelack Digger made 2,900gns to B Hough, Pontefract, West Yorkshire

A draft from T Nesbitt and Son, Darlington, County Durham was headed at 3,300gns by Alwent Custom, a nine-year-old by Alwent Vougeot and sold with her six-month old heifer, Alwent Madonna by Simontorp Impala. The buyer was Glyn Owen, Llandrindod Wells, Powys.

Next at 2,200gns was the Jumper sired six-year-old Alwent Faberge and her seven-month old bull, Alwent Meissen by Unico. The pair went home with DT Daniel, Launceston, Cornwall.

Another Jumper daughter and second calver, Alwent Gaga together with her heifer calf, Alwent Minerva attracted a 2,100gns bid from TJ Ball, Darlington, County Durham who went on to secure five more entries.

Charbron Luxuriant, a 19-month old heifer by Goldies Unbeatable made 2,300gns to JR Germany, Coltishall, Norfolk and headed the Charbron reduction sale for Barons Cross Charolais Stud.

Averages: 18 bulls £3,456.19; 5 Christmas Cracker females £2,268.00; 4 unhaltered females £1,863.75. Logan:11 females £2,539.09; Charbron: 4 females £2,100.00; Alwent: 10 females £1,769.25.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington Ltd.

Cracker females Cracker Champion Swalesmoor Jersey – Kedzlie Farm Limited

Reserve Champion Swalesmoor Lexie – Kedzlie Farm Limited

Class 6 Served heifer 1^st Swalesmoor Jersey – Kedzlie Farm Limited

Class 7 Maiden heifer 1^st Swalesmoor Lexie – Kedzlie Farm Limited 2^nd Sevenoaks Larissa ET – GG & HE Sevenoaks 3^rd Ellerton Lavender – Andrew Brown

Bulls

Overall male champion Harestone Lait – Neil R Barclay

Reserve overall male champion Vexour Lennon – Jan Boomaars

Class 1 Bull born on or between 17/12/2014 and 13/2/2015 1^st Charbron Lordlier ET – Barons Cross Charolais Stud 2^nd Whitecliffe Leonard – M & J Hayhurst Ltd 3^rd Charbron Legend – Barons Cross Charolais Stud

Class 2 Bull born on or between 14/2/2015 and 17/3/15 1^st Harestone Lait – Neil R Barclay 2^nd Charbron Lordly ET – Barons Cross Charolais Stud 3^rd Drumshane Logan – Darren Knox

Class 3 Bull born on or between 18/3/2015 and 24/4/2015 1^st Ravensworth Leonardo – Ouston Farms Ltd 2^nd Wissington Lagonda – Wissington Charolais 3^rd Thrunton Lachlan – JHC Campbell & Sons

Class 4 Bull born on or between 25/4/2015 and 17/5/2015 1^st Vexour Lennon – Jan Boomaars 2^nd Marwood Lucky – RA & J Blyth 3^rd Thrunton Luigi – JHC Campbell & Sons

Class 5 Bull born on or between 18/5/2015 and 1/8/2015 1^st Marwood Leonard – RA & J Blyth 2^nd Rogans Lotus – JB Wainwright 3^rd Rogans Lexus – JB Wainwright

CHAROLAIS                                          

Senior Champion G J Crawford COOLNASLEE LUCYBELLA sired by Goldstar Hugo

Reserve Senior Champion S & D Bothwell KILLADEAS LARA sired by Goldies Usher

Junior Champion WD & JA Connolly BRIGADOON MARVERICK sired by Goldies Icon

Reserve Junior Champion G J Crawford COOLNASLEE MASTER sired by Newhouse Bigal

Senior champion Coolnaslee Lucybella

Reserve senior champion Killadeas Lara

Junior champion Brigadoon Maverick

Reserve junior champion Coolnaslee Master

CHAROLAIS  

CLASS 31 – BULL BORN ON OR AFTER 01/09/15 & ON OR BEFORE 31/12/15  

1 John & Sandra Middleton HOLLYWELL LEWIS Sired by Elgin Davine 1

2 V McDonald GLENCOE LENNON Sired by Clyth Diplomat

3 G J Crawford COOLNASLEE LUDICRIS Sired by Goldstar Hugo

CLASS 32 – HEIFER  BORN ON OR AFTER 01/09/15 & ON OR BEFORE 31/12/15  

1 G J Crawford COOLNASLEE LUCYBELLA Sired by Goldstar Hugo

2 S & D Bothwell KILLADEAS LARA Sired by Goldies Usher

CLASS 33 – BULL BORN BETWEEN 01/01/16 & 31/03/16  

1 G J Crawford COOLNASLEE MASTER Sired by Newhouse Bigal

2 Mr & Mrs JA Watson & Son CORNASCRIEBE MAX Sired by Thrunton Flying Scotsman

3 V McDonald GLENCOE MAXIMUS Sired by Clyth Diplomat

CLASS 34 – HEIFER BORN BETWEEN 01/01/16 & 31/03/16  

1 HC Stubbs & AA Burleigh DERRYHARNEY MISSY Sired by Vexour Freddy

2 WD & JA Connolly BRIGADOON MARIGOLD Sired by Goldies Icon

3 O Kerrigan & J Conn ALTNACREE MOLLY Sired by Alwent Goldbar

CLASS 35 – BULL CALF BORN AFTER 01/04/16  

1 WD & JA Connolly BRIGADOON MARVERICK Sired by Goldies Icon

2 HC Stubbs & AA Burleigh DERRYHARNEY MYBOY Sired by Hillviewfarm Perfect

3 W Short WOODPARK MARCUS Sired by Deeside Gulliver ET

CLASS 36 – HEIFER CALF BORN AFTER 01/04/16  

1 WD & JA Connolly BRIGADOON MILAN Sired by Goldies Icon

2 HC Stubbs & AA Burleigh DERRYHARNEY MYGIRL Sired by Blelack Blackberet

3 J S Smyth BESSIEBELL MOLLY ET Sired by Newhouse Bigal

The Sponsors

1st Senior bull Hollywell Lewis

1st Junior champion Brigadoon Milan

1st Intermediate heifer Brigadoon Milan

Pedigree Calf Show

CHAROLAIS

Judge: Mr D Wyllie, Edingale, Tamworth, Staffordshire

The following classes are kindly sponsored by Rumenco Ltd & Nettex

Class 85/86   Bull Calf born between 1st August 2015 and 30th June 2016

1st   DR & B Stacey    Cornwall              Polgoda Maverick Ch. UK387859100083. M. b. 11.2.16. Bred by exhibitor. S. Balbithan Elra. D. Pentorgord Clover.

2nd DR & B Stacey    Cornwall              Polgoda Macknizie Ch UK387859200084. M. b. 26.02.16. Bred by exhibitor. S. Balbithan Elra. D. Pentorgord Becky,

3rd  DR & B Stacey    Cornwall              Polgoda Legend Ch UK387859400079. M. b. 23.12.15. Bred by exhibitor. S Balbitha Elra. D. Polgoda Glamarass.

Class 88       Junior Heifer Calf born between 1st January 2016 and 30th June 2016

1st   A Wylde   Somerset            Martland Mood UK349012400281. B. 2.02.16. Bred by J Wylde. S. Skysea Fearless. D. Tolland Brood. NFS.

2nd  Nicholas & Heath Ches      Hockenhull Millionaire Maisie UK160874700650. F. b.11.03.16. Bred by exhibitor. S. Thrunton Fairfax. D. Ugle Flair. NFS

Sp.17 a. For the champion bull calf sired by a Pedigree Charolais bull £75 offered by The British Charolais Cattle Society

371  DR & B Stacey    Cornwall              Polgoda Maverick Ch. UK387859100083. M. b. 11.2.16. Bred by exhibitor. S. Balbithan Elra. D. Pentorgord Clover.

b. For the reserve Champion bull calf sired by a Pedigree Charolais bull £50 offered by The British Charolais Cattle Society

DR & B Stacey    Cornwall              Polgoda Macknizie Ch UK387859200084. M. b. 26.02.16. Bred by exhibitor. S. Balbithan Elra. D. Pentorgord Becky,

Sp.18 a. For the champion heifer calf sired by a Pedigree Charolais bull £75 offered by The British Charolais Cattle Society

A Wylde               Somerset            Martland Mood UK349012400281. B. 2.02.16. Bred by J Wylde. S. Skysea Fearless. D. Tolland Brood. NFS.

b. For the reserve Champion heifer calf sired by a Pedigree Charolais  bull £50 offered by The British Charolais Cattle Society

Nicholas & Heath             Ches      Hockenhull Millionaire Maisie UK160874700650. F. b.11.03.16. Bred by exhibitor. S. Thrunton Fairfax. D. Ugle Flair. NFS

Sp.19 a. For the Overall calf sired by a Pedigree Charolais Bull £100 offered by The British Charolais Cattle Society

DR & B Stacey    Cornwall              Polgoda Maverick Ch. UK387859100083. M. b. 11.2.16. Bred by exhibitor. S. Balbithan Elra. D. Pentorgord Clover.
b. For the Reserve Overall calf sired by a Pedigree Charolais bull £50  offered by The British Charolais Cattle Society
A Wylde               Somerset            Martland Mood UK349012400281. B. 2.02.16. Bred by J Wylde. S. Skysea Fearless. D. Tolland Brood. NFS.

SECTION 2 – NON PEDIGREE CATTLE

Judge: Mr D Plested, Chinnor, Oxon

The following two classes kindly sponsored by the British Charolais Cattle Society Ltd

Class 28 – 29           Crossbred Steer, sired by a Charolais

1^st JL White & Son  E Yorks  Wombat CHx UK105893301221. M. b. 17.08.15. Bred by GC & KJ White.

2^nd M Everatt E Yorks  Minto CHx UK106000703763. M. b. 30.05.15. Bred by JW Dent & Sons.

3^rd N Leighton    Cumb    Steady Eddie CH UK720074501204. M. b. 6.05.15. Bred by JAO & PM Mills & Son. NFS

4^th A Wylde   Somerset  Henry CHx UK349012500268. M. b.25.07.15. Bred by J Wylde. S. Skysea Fearless. D. Primrose. NFS.

Class 30 – 31           Crossbred Heifer, sired by a Charolais

Please refer to Special Prize 54

1^st R Kingston     Somerset   Baby Bell CH UK386157400133. F. b. 10.06.15. Bred by Ross Withers.

2^nd J & S Wareham  E Sussex  Cinderella CHx UK340416100243. F. b. 11.04.15. Bred by ML & DJ Crabb. NFS

3^rd P Price  Powys   Golden Girl CHx UK700735301899. F. b. 29.11.15. Bred by Bowen & Bowen. S. Denallwd Henry. NFS

4^th A Orr-Ewing  Wilts  Foxacre Lundi Pascal.CH UK323302100245. F. b. 6.04.15. Bred by exhibitor. s. Kesley Forceful. D. Foxacre Urgence.

Overall Champion at Livescot 2016 was Honey Dime from Wilson Peters who went on to sell for £4900 to B & T Kitson, North Yorkshire.

Overall Champion at Livescot is Honey Dime from Wilson Peters

Winner of Class 5 – Steer sired by a Charolais (531 kg and upwards) was Mr & Mrs A Cormack with Brexit and Class 10 – Heifer sired by a Charolais (531 kg and upwards) placed as follows:
1st Wilson A Peters with Honey Dime (74)
2nd S & L Bett with Rio (68)
3rd Ben Radley with Blonde Ambition (75) …
The Best Pure Bred Charolais was No 70 from I & D Goldie

Dafydd & Alan Williams

Taking a strategic approach to nutrition and management

 The Williams family has focused on exploiting Charolais cross efficiency for over 40 years. Taking a strategic approach to nutrition and management to beef cattle rearing and finishing is becoming increasingly important in order to achieve adequate finish and meet with processors’ 400kg to 420kg specification.

Gwythrian fact file

• Alan and Catrin Williams farming with sons Wiliam, Dafydd and Ieuan
• 780 acres including 80 acres spring barley, LFA
• 80 Continental cross cow spring calving suckler herd, put to Charolais, all progeny finished
• 420 stores bought in annually for finishing, predominantly Charolais cross heifers
• 1,300 ewes, 180% lambs reared

The Williams run a high input high output beef enterprise in order to maximise returns, not only for themselves but also to ensure their sons’ farming future – two are back on the farm and one still at college. That goes not only for the beef enterprise which they say has a firm future at Gwythrian, but also the sheep – 90% of the February born lamb crop is away finished to target weight by June.

Attention to detail is apparent as they focus on making incremental gains across all aspects of the system – from weighing a sample of cattle on a monthly basis to ensure they are achieving target gain to analysing each specifically formulated diet on a monthly basis to check for silage quality and if necessary, modify the diet.

The Williams have also implemented a grass reseeding programme; current mixes include high sugar varieties and chicory. Performance from grazed grass has improved and grass silage has become more consistent.

Alan discusses the beef system’s key features.

Suckler herd
We run a spring calving herd; 75% calve within the first two cycles and the remainder within 12 weeks; we are achieving an average 95% reared, a figure we’d like to push further. Replacement heifers are sufficiently grown to calve at two years and to an AI sire.

Maintaining a high health herd is critical; we inject for Lepto and BVD.

Charolais bulls are carefully selected within the breed’s top 10% for ease of calving and 400 day weight EBVs, however they also have to look the part. Bulls that are good on the eye and have the best Breedplan data tend to be 2,000gns above the average, however we believe they are a very good investment. With VIA already in operation at one of our processors, selecting sires for loin depth will become increasingly important.

Male calves are kept entire. Bulls and heifers are weaned at six months and housed.

Homebred bulls
On housing, the bulls are gradually introduced over a 10-day period to a high starch TMR.

We prefer to finish bulls rather than steers – we’re aware from experience they are far more efficient in terms of feed conversion, they’re easier to finish and to get the right cover and they’re all away by 13 months which frees up space for more cattle and our time for other things. For those various reasons, it’s a shame that the majority of processors are no longer interested in bulls.

Homebred heifers
We target 1.1kg DLWG from weaning to May turn out and that’s what they are achieving on Wynnstay’s diet specifically formulated for heifers. After their second grazing season they are introduced to a second diet, specifically formulated for finishing heifers – see table 2.

Purchased stores
We purchase mainly Charolais cross heifers at an average 17 months of age and 530kg at a handful of local store markets – we are very selective. We have over the years developed a relationship with various suckler men, we provide them with feedback on their cattle and encourage them to invest in Charolais bulls with the same high EBVs that we are looking for.

Housed cattle are introduced to the same finishing diet as the homebred heifers. We target 1.5kg DLG and that’s what the cattle are achieving.

50% finish off grass. They are supplemented with a mix of homegrown barley fed at 5kg a head per day and molasses for the final two months. To achieve the correct target weight and cover, we find them easier to finish off grass.

Table 1: Gwythrian beef unit performance 2015/16

Source: Gwythrian

Gwythrian nutrition: key features
Diets are all home mixed using the same basic ingredients – homegrown silage, homegrown barley and barley straw plus by-products. The diets are formulated according to age, weight and gender by Gwythrian’s nutritionist, Iwan Vaughan, of Wynnstay who offers the following pointers.

Working closely with the Williams, we have adapted diets over the years to achieve higher DLWG per kg DMI. This has meant moving away from cheaper starch based by-products to utilising more home grown barley and adding ground maize into the diet, which offers a slower fermenting starch source that reduces acid load and increases the utilisation and efficiency of the other feedstuffs.

Regularly weighing cattle along with recording feed intakes through the Keenan’s Pace software system provides valuable data and information to enable management decisions. Although the cost per kg DM of feed may be higher, the feed cost per kg of gain is far less.

Weighing cattle is key to Gwythrian’s success. The time spent doing this is nothing compared to the financial gains that can be achieved from analysing the data.

Creep feeding calves
Calves are offered concentrates as a creep feed in August to take advantage of the superior feed efficiency of a young ruminant and to restrict the check at weaning. The creep comprises 50% of a 20% protein rearer nut, and 50% oats giving us a 15% overall mix. This mix gives us higher digestible fibre from the nuts and oats which is ideally suited to be fed alongside grass. The starch within the diet is kept at a moderate level to ensure the calves are growing lean and bone at an early age and not laying down fat.

Young Bulls
After weaning the bulls are slowly introduced to a finishing diet. Starch is increased through the finishing period whilst the protein content is reduced. The target diet parameters are as follows

• MJ/kg DM-12MJ
• Crude Protein
• Starch
• Sugar

The acid load and rumen health are taken into account and faeces monitored. The diet adjusted if required.

Young Heifers
On housing after weaning they are introduced to a forage diet based on silage and supplemented with oats and a custom blend to increase energy and protein to the target levels. Starch levels are kept low through this period to encourage frame growth instead of fat deposition.

Finishing Heifers
As the finishing heifers are housed they are introduced to a grass silage diet supplemented with high levels of starch. The target parameters are as follows.

• MJ/kg DM-12MJ
• Crude Protein
• Starch
• Sugar

The target is to get as much out of the home grown silage as possible and supplement with high quality raw materials with a range of starches that degrade in the rumen over different periods of time in order to manage rumen acid loading. Faeces are monitored and diets adjusted as required.

Gwythrian diets

Source:  Wynnstay

Nutritionist – Iwan Vaughan

A series of free practical workshops to assist beef producers to select the most efficient and profitable breeding lines are being held across Scotland presented by SAC through Farm Advisory Service funding.

With the annual spring bull sales fast approaching the open events are aimed at assisting producers to choose the ideal bull for their herd. These workshops are popular and are proven to be very effective in helping buyers of bulls interpret both EBV’S (Estimated Breeding Value) cards along with  Health Cards (interpreting Johne’s, BVD, TB and IBR status) that are presented in the catalogues and bull pens at the sales.

SAC Consulting Beef Specialist Gavin Hill, who will be facilitating at the meetings, said that the additional financial challenges facing farmers this year mean it is vital producers ensure they buy the right bull for their herds.

“With tighter abattoir specification becoming more widespread, it is especially important for farmers to select bulls that complement their cows in order to ensure they produce cattle to suit their chosen market,” said Mr Hill.

“Some producers are also moving towards more maternal cow types in order to have a cow suited to her farm environment. They are combining this with looking to achieve increased fat cover, good fertility and good longevity and it is important to bear this in mind when selecting a bull.”

However, Mr Hill warns care must be taken with this strategy to achieve the correct balance since many abattoirs report heifers being slaughtered with too much fat cover resulting in penalties to the finisher.

“The EBV for fat cover has become more important,” he said. Previously, recorded breeding bulls have been rewarded for leanness. However, this has led to cattle reaching very heavy weights with little fat cover being laid down.  This is no longer in such demand by finishers following the cap on finished weight being demanded by processors.

“However, producers cannot suddenly change overnight and breeding decisions made now will not generate results for some time. With this in mind, specifications such as weight limits must be consistent to allow producers to make informed decisions when purchasing bulls.”

Mr Hill believes that EBVs are another tool to use when purchasing bulls alongside visual assessment. Comparing the use of EBVs with buying a car, he says: “EBVs will not tell you how a bull was reared or how it has been fed, but using them does give you an idea of what is going on under the bonnet.”

He advocates that first a visual assessment should be carried out for character, shape, conformation, legs and feet – all of which EBVs cannot convey.

An EBV is a value which expresses the difference (plus or minus) between an individual animal and the breed benchmark to which the animal is being compared. However, herd management also has an important role to play here as with EBVs such as calving ease. Mr Hill added: “Remember at calving time, how easily the cow will calve is 75% down to management and 25% genetics!”

Part of the workshop will also include an explanation of the Health Cards by Ian Pritchard, covering Johne’s and BVD (Bovine Virus Diarrhoea) available at the bull sales. It is increasingly important that the bulls purchased for the farm have the desired health status and the purchaser is fully aware of it. .

The EBV workshops will be held from 11am to 3pm at:

Northern Hotel, 2 Clerk Street, Brechin, DD9 6AE on Tuesday 24^th January 2017 event1brechinjanuaryian2017

United Auctions, Stirling, FK9 4RN on Thursday 26^th January 2017 event2stirlingian2017

Dingwall Market, Humberston, Dingwall, IV15 9TP on Thursday 2^nd February 2017 event3dingwallian2017

Free lunch provided.

Peter Phythian has been appointed chief executive of the British Charolais Cattle Society from 14 March. He succeeds David Benson who is retiring at the end of March after 29 years.

Peter brings 35 years of experience of working throughout the food chain – from grass roots to retail. He moves to the post from Eurofins where, as business manager he worked with the global company’s feed analysis, genomics, food legal advice and BRC audit divisions.

He began his career on the family’s Lancashire farm managing both pedigree Charolais and commercial cattle. After graduating with a diploma in agriculture, Peter worked with the Meat and Livestock Commission and the European Food Safety Inspection Services before being appointed MLC Commercial Services’ chief executive. He is a member of the Meat Innovation Group and in his spare time likes to watch Wigan Warriors Rugby League.

Peter commented, “I am delighted and honoured to be joining the British Charolais Cattle Society and I’m very much looking forward to meeting members and working with all members up and down the beef chain – breeders, commercial farmers, auction marts, processors and retailers, and to subsequently making a positive difference.”

BCCS chairman, Andrew Hornall commented: “David Benson has constantly demonstrated his unwavering commitment to professional excellence and to development of the Society over a period spanning almost three decades. It’s that solid foundation which David’s vision has forged combined with Peter’s leadership skills which I am confident will take the Society on to the next chapter. Peter has experience and expertise that will enable us to meet the industry’s ever evolving challenges and embark upon a very exciting new phase of our journey of growth and increasing brand awareness.”

Stewart Whiteford, Wester Rarichie Farm, Tain
Stewart Whiteford with his cattle at Wester Rarichie.
Pic – Phil Downie

The suckler system at Wester Rarichie featuring Stabilisers and Charolais was recently highlighted when hosting a workshop entitled ‘Profitable Breeding for the Future’ by SRUC.

The event was held at Wester Rarichie, Fearn, Ross-shire in the Scottish Highlands where Stewart Whiteford of JM Whiteford & Co played host to over 80 interested farmers.

He admitted that getting cows to be profitable without BPS is hard work but he is heading in the right direction. The key to this he says is herd health, genetics and quality of feed.

His simplified system uses three breeds, Stabilisers and Aberdeen Angus, criss-crossed to produce replacement cows and the Charolais as terminal sire.

With the aim of making the herd more easily managed, more cost-efficient and to utilise land that was not suitable for cropping, Mr Whiteford decided to ‘downsize’ from predominantly Belgian Blue cows 10 years ago and move to Stabilisers, which he considers to be the ideal suckler cow.

“The Stabiliser has proven dam lines, are not too heavy weight and you can get bigger calves out of these smaller cows.” he says. “The cows are very consistent and produce calves that are like peas in a pod, up to pens of 14.”

For his terminal sire, Mr Whiteford has been using Charolais for nearly 40 years which in his words is ‘the king of terminal sires’. He was firstly attracted by their fantastic length and has been buying his Charolais bulls from the same breeder since the early 1980’s, looking for bulls which are easily fleshed.

He has bought privately for quite a number of years now, preferring to see them naturally grown and ‘field ready’, not over pampered. Bulls are the only animals brought into the herd which is accredited for BVD.

The herd of 190 cows calve in the summer starting on June 1^st and in this last calving, assistance was given to just six cows. Heifers are calved at two years of age. Cows are kept for 10 calvings with their first, second and last to the Stabiliser and Angus bulls to produce replacements which are now hefted to the farm.

After their second calving, they run with the Charolais for 12 weeks, being fed 1kg cobs/head/day over the bulling period from August until early October, followed by draff fed on the field for the following six weeks.

These cows in the herd which have run with Charolais bulls are out wintered on a hard standing area with a building for shelter, having come off grass in November according to weather conditions. They are fed on ad lib silage and have access to straw from the bedding in the shed.

The first and second calvers and the oldest cows are housed throughout the winter period.   The herd aims for a moderate size cow (under 700kg) and rearing percentage in 2015 was 95% which was helped by several sets of twins.

From a health point of view, Mr Whiteford prefers that stock is outdoor on grass wherever possible, rather than housed which also adds to the simplicity interwoven in his system.

“It’s a very simple system to run, taking one person 50 minutes to feed the cattle, dropping one round bale to every 20 cows.”

In September, calves are introduced to a creep ration of dark grains, barley and a mineral/vitamin supplement. They are weaned in March and sold through the live ring at Dingwall at 12 months of age, with 120 steers and heifers averaging 420kg and £1000 over the last two years.

He states that the high health status of the herd underpins its performance. He puts his money where his mouth is, giving his weaned calves a pre-sale treatment of respiratory vaccines and wormers plus an information package of sire, EBVs and feeding regimes.

Mr Whiteford works closely with his local vet on the herd health plan and says that the money he spends on vaccines is worth it. Stock is weighed, primarily for the purpose of ensuring correct dosage of vaccines. “My eye and the health programme is my guide to performance.”

In 2015, 44 Charolais x bullocks averaged £1148.75 (276p/kg), 38 Charolais x heifers averaged £959.86 (254p/kg), 21 Aberdeen Angus x bullocks averaged £1045.71 (254p/kg) and 14 Stabiliser x bullocks averaged £1045.71 (250p/kg).

Prices were down 20p/kg across the board in 2016 but with a tighter calving and better performance, weights were up an average of 20kg per head, a 5% increase.

Most of the calves are repeat purchases, with the majority of them finding homes in Aberdeenshire. “I don’t push the calves so it gives the finisher plenty of scope to finish them as they wish, fast or slow, feed intensively or graze them. The frame is there for them to work on.”

“You can see why the Charolais x heifer is becoming even more popular, with the ability to finish it at 400kg yet a good finisher will still be able to meet the weight targets with Charolais x bullocks.”

Cattle let loose on fresh grass.
Pic – Phil Downie

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the Charolais Bull Requirements Survey and we are pleased to announce that the draw winner’s Charolais jacket is on it’s way.

The survey has brought up some interesting feedback and it was great to see all of the positive feedback and in cases where the feedback was not so good we are looking at ways in which we can address your comments.

Lots of people are under the impression that Charolais bulls = calving problems but we know that there are lots of easy calving Charolais bulls out there. Just check out http://www.charolais.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/January-calving-ease-direct.pdf to see the latest list of easy calving bulls.

If you would like a chance to win we will be posting more questions in the coming weeks so you will have an opportunity to take part.

Please click the link to the right to view the results from the survey. Results from the Charolais Bull Requirements Survey

Alan Meston, Chapelton, Stonehaven

Spinning plates comes to mind when you visit at the finishing operation run by Alan Meston at Chapelton Farm, Stonehaven just south of Aberdeen where last year, he finished 2600 bullocks and 200 heifers including 1400 head of Charolais.

Despite the volumes that go through the farm, Alan has the figures at his fingertips, quoting the 2016 averages as 224 kg weight gain in 168 days, with an average of 70 days grazing (allowing 1kg gain/day on grass).  The aim is for cattle to gain 160kgs in 100 days on his finishing ration.

“Five to six years ago, it was all short term finishing  and I would have had 8-900 cattle on the farm at any one  time, kept for  around 100 days to put on 140kgs.” says Mr Meston.

“With the change in system and now keeping a mix of growing and finishing cattle, the most I have put through in a 12 month period is 2800, keeping around 1200-1400 on the farm at any one time.

I graze 700-800, mainly Charolais because I think they do best at grass. You can get Charolais finishing at 16-20 months – this is where the breed has the big advantage. You want weight for age, nothing will beat them.”

Mr Meston purchased the farm from his late father back in 2002 and has pushed numbers since then, at one stage  taking them from 500 up to 1400 over a two year period. A new steading with two sheds was built in 2009 and since then a further shed added and some have been extended. Two additional buildings are rented at a neighbouring farm.

Chapelton itself has 310 acres with a further 115 acres of rented seasonal grazing rented. A total of 260 acres of grass isare grazed and Alan realises the significant feeding value of grass, keeping it up to four years then reseeding.

“Buying growing cattle lets me spread my risk. It lets me better utilise the grass and make the best use of my intensive finishing.” he says.

Cattle are purchased from January to October with an average of 1200 on the farm at any one time, peaking at 1450. Alan purchases at Stirling, Thainstone, Huntly and on farm, particularly Charolais in larger batches. He also buys younger animals around 10-12 months,   to grow them on grass then finish inside in July-August.

He rarely buys into November or December because of the  increased risk from disease, particularly  pneumonia which coupled with poor weather can have a great impact on performance.

He starts buying for grass in March, looking for leaner cattle and those which will give the highest feed conversion – and that will make money.

“I’m not buying the top cattle at the ringside, I’m buying the second part, good commercial cattle.

The Charolais has great potential – some  breeders take them too far, perhaps to get a bit  more  money for  them  but  it leaves  little for  the  finisher  to gain. It’s better to sell them in leaner condition.”

“You also have to look at what it costs the breeder to get them heavier, if they are too well fed, they don’t  do so well. They lose condition when they go to grass, they just melt.” he added

“I’m trying to be on top of the market and have a good idea of what happens and there is a cycle of around six months. I’m seeing gradual changes in the suckler market, seeing cattle being sold at lighter weights – the finisher needs to get their chance to do their bit.”

Cattle are regularly weighed on and off grass, on and off finishing rations and then prior to slaughter allowing Mr Meston to monitor growth alongside recording feed intakes.

Younger cattle up to a 15 month limit are put to grass, with the biggest animals on grass for six to eight weeks. They are rotated on the grass fields, with them moving closer to the finishing sheds as they get closer to weight.

All cattle are weighed on arrival and treated routinely for IBR, Blackleg, worms and fluke.

“The regime at Chapelton depends upon the age and size – it’s a very flexible system which works around the market.” he says Alan.

Cattle might only be on grass for a few weeks, moving to the starter ration for two weeks. Nutritional advice and inputs are provided by Harbro and David Mackenzie, Harbro is a regular visitor to Chapelton to advise on diet and performance.

Cattle will be grown at grass supplemented  with Energyze Cattle or inside on a silage/wholecrop/draff mix before moving on to the finishing ration, transitioning over a 14 day period.

With the reduced weight limits, Mr Meston doesn’t want them going over 700kg and incurring penalties so at 500kg, they go on to the finishing ration.

The finishing ration includes barley, biscuit meal, draff, potle ale syrup, dark grains and potatoes and is supplemented with Harbro Grampian Finisher mineral with Yea-Sacc and Rumitech.

Alan says the Rumitech helps with weight gain, “It helps keep them leaner and in the better grades.”

Such is the volume of feed consumed that two loads of washed potatoes are used every week. Cattle always have fresh feed in front of them every day with any remaining feed from the previous day removed.

“We let the troughs go empty for an hour every day, it keeps the edge on their appetite and, it maximises intakes and weight gain

Charolais bullocks spent an average 168 days on farm. “I buy to get as much weight on as possible in as short a time.”

“You need to grow them to a certain level, and you need the frame on them to finish. They cost a bit more to buy but you will get them to the better end of the prices more quickly.”

All of the kill from Chapelton achieves R or U grades – over the year, 50-60% were  U grades with 10p premium on a –U and 20p on a +U which was achieved by 5%.

Cattle are kept in straw-bedded pens of 90-100 head drawn over a three week period with 40 away for slaughter every week but in November, they dispatched had 120 per week for three weeks, nearly all Charolais at 16-20 months for the Christmas market.

“The weight limit at McIntosh Donald is  capped at 420kgs for bullocks, with severe penalties for  cattle over the limit   so I keep them within specification

Charolais bullocks averaged 385kg for the year with heifers coming in at 345 kg average, I have very few which are overweight.”

Following in the footsteps of his father also a finisher, Mr Meston bought his first cattle at the age of 13 at Thainstone’s forerunners, Kittybrewster and Belmont marts in Aberdeen. He is helped at home by wife Lesley who looks after the accounts, son Stewart, aged 19 along with a part-time man who works two days a week.

Stewart is now learning the ropes. He has been buying cattle for the last 15 months, some for his father and some for himself.

There’s an air of calm at Chapelton, cattle are quiet and contented. It’s an efficient operation too, where the 1200-1400 head of cattle can be fed in two hours, leaving plenty time for cattle to be sorted.

“If they are poorer performers, I am pretty ruthless so they’ll go for kill: we are looking at them being on the finishing ration for 100 days but when they have been on it for 120 days, it is time for them to go.

Now  that I am adding more growing cattle  and buying them  younger, I’m producing more  kgs  of beef on farm and, keeping the  weight gain up for  a longer period. Over the last four years, the average annual weight gain has increased 0.05kg/day year on year from 1.2 up to 1.4kg/day.

Mr Meston points out that “You can get a 20p premium with native breeds (Aberdeen Angus) but, you can get the same premium with good continental grades.

We are docked 5p/kg for 4H fat cover. Charolais definitely gives the weight, getting up close to maximum weight at the 4L stage which is what the slaughterhouse wants.

In essence, the Charolais gives the weight we want with the conformation that we want in the shortest time.”

52 finalists from throughout the UK came to the Livestock Event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on Wednesday 6 July to compete in the Charolais Youth Stock Judging Final as part of the annual National Charolais Show.

Northern Ireland Region from left to right Back Row Kevin, Bartley, Eimear, Gary & Matthew Front Row Adam, Sarah, Jill, Erin & James

The Northern Ireland region came out on top when they secured first place in each of the age groups as well as claiming the Fairway Trophy for the highest scoring team. They started with the senior 19 to 26 year old section where Kevin Reavey was the winner of the Gretnahouse Pepetual Trophy. Then along with his team-mate Eimear McGovern, they claimed the Fairway Perpetual Trophy for winning the pair’s competition with a total of 272 points. This is the second time that 20 year old Eimear has lifted the trophy having previous shared the honour with her sister in 2014.

A delighted Kevin who is currently studying for his property degree to qualify as a chartered surveyor also works at Hilltown Auctioneers two days a week as his goal is to become a livestock auctioneer. In addition he works on the family farm where his dad established their Charolais herd in 2010. He will be travelling to Moulins, France in November for the French National Final of the Charolais Show as part of his prize along with fellow competitor Edward Robinson, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire who was a close second him with 140 points.

Taking top spot in the intermediate 15 to 18 year old section and winning the Alwent Perpetual Trophy was the 18 year old Bartley Finnegan, Dungannon, Co Tyrone who had the top score of the day with 148 points. Runner up on 139 points was Andrew Adam from Scotland followed by George Hollinshead from the North Midlands who scored 138.

The junior eight to 14 year old section winner and taking home the Cockerington Perpetual trophy was 13 year old Erin Quigley, Macken, Co. Fermanagh with 137 points. Oliver Robinson, Towcester, Northamptonshire came a close second with a score of 134 and last year’s winner Hannah Knox from Colchester, Essex stood third with 132.

Master judge Arwel Owen said: “The competitors are a credit to their regions and I was impressed to see such a fantastic turnout. Charolais Youth has gone from strength to strength in the past few years as the Society invests more time and energy into the future of their young stock people and it is very pleasing to see such keen competitors coming from far and wide”.

Fairway Trophy Winners Kevin Reavey & Eimear McGovern

Intermediate Section from left 2nd Andrew Adam, Winner Bratley Finnegan & 3rd George Hollishead

Senior Section from left 3rd James Causey, Winner Kevin Reavey & 2nd Edward Robinson

Junior Section from left 2nd Oliver Robinson, Winner Erin Quigley & 3rd Ellie Knox

Charolais bulls met a strong commercial demand at Welshpool on Thursday 9 February, topping at 5,500gns with 18 bulls selling at an average of £3675 – up £225 on the year.

Topping the lots and securing a price of 5,500gns from Mr HT Jones, Cardigan, Ceredigion, was the 16-month-old Trefaldwyn Laird who was the first of four of the top lots to be sired by the renowned easy calving and short gestation bull Blelack Digger. Laird who is out of the home-bred dam Trefaldwyn Brilliant going back to the 25,000gns Perth supreme champion Mowbraypark Orlando, was bred and exhibited by Arwel Owen, Welshpool, Powys.

Trefaldwyn Laird

Earlier in the day Mr Owen sold the 17-month-old Trefaldwyn Leader, another Digger son this time out of the 10,000gns Trefaldwyn Usk daughter Trefaldwyn Dream. He was knocked down at 4,200gns to DLG Price and Co, Llandiloes, Powys.

Trefaldwyn Leader

The second highest price of the day of 5,400gns was secured by Messrs Boden and Davies, Mellor Cheshire for their blue ticket winner and February-2015-born Sportsmans Luthur, a son of the 70,000gns Royal Welsh supreme champion Barnsford Ferny and a homebred dam going back to the 55,000gns Perth intermediate champion Thrunton Voldemort, who took the fancy of Carl Thomas, Montgomery, Powys.

Sportsman Luthur

Flintshire vet Esmor Evans was also in the money with bulls making 5,000gns and 4,400gns respectively. His highest priced was purchased by DG and E Williams, Welshpool, Powys was the 15-month-old Digger son Maerdy Lofty, who was tapped out first in his class earlier in the day. Then moments later Maerdy Lleuad sired by the Royal Welsh supreme champion Maerdy Ulm was snapped up by RI and G Davies, Wells, Powys.

Maerdy Lleuad

Commanding a 4,200gns bid from TW Jones and Son, Knighton, Powys was Caylers Lennox, another sired by Digger. This November-2015-born lad was bred and exhibited by Caylers Charolais, Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire.

Caylers Lennox

The Caylers team went on to sell Caylers Longbow, a 15-month-old son of the 10,000gns Thrunton Goldeneye and Caylers Ballerina, a daughter of Doonally New. KR Williams, Camborne, Cornwall liked the look of Longbow and purchased him for 3,800gns.

Caylers Longbow

Next at 4,000gns was the 21-month-old Moelfre Liam who was placed second in his class at the Royal Welsh Show last year. Kevin Thomas, Castlenewydd Emlyn, Carmarthenshire was the breeder of this Goldies Eddy son who goes on to work at Welshpool, Powys for Tirnewydd Farms.

Moelfre Liam

Making 3,200gns was a lot exhibited by Wyn Rees, Llandiloes, Powys. The May-2015-born Hendy Logic sired by Sandelford Gucci went home with GW Roberts, Criccieth, Gwynedd.

Another to bring 3,200gns when chapped down to RH Phillips and Co, Claines, Worcestershire, was Killerton Lawyer. The 20-month-old Lawyer was crowned 2016 Beef South West young continental bull of the year for breeder and exhibitor Patrick Greed, Exeter, Devon and is sired by Alwent Goldbar.

Just behind at 3,000gns was Wissington Lemonade consigned by John and Jenny Rix, Nayland, Essex. The man behind the money on this September-2015 born, Thrunton Hammerstein son was BM Robinson Jnr, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire.

Averages: 18 bulls £3675, 1 Female £1,050

Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales

Show Results
Thursday 9 February 2017
Judge: Mr Steve Hookway, Newent, Gloucestershire

Class One – Bulls born on or between 17/02/2015 – 05/04/2015
1^st – JD Leavesley – Newroddige Laird – s. Esgob Ferrari
2^nd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Luthur – s. Barnsford Ferny
3^rd – William Owen – Deunawd Lotus – s. Kiltybane Highflyer
4^th – Esmor Evans – Maerdy Lester – s. Falleninch Bodelavie

Class Two – Bulls born on or between 25/04/2015 – 10/07/2015
1^st – Highfields Park Farm – Chameran Logan – s. Thrunton Fairfax
2^nd – Patrick Greed – Killerton Lawyer – s. Alwent Goldbar
3^rd – JAW Rees – Hendy Logic – s. Sandelford Gucci
4^th – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Lezard – s. Barnsford Ferny

Class Three – Bulls born on or between 20/07/2015 – 28/08/2015
1^st – Esmor Evans – Maerdy Larpy – s. Maerdy Dynamite
2^nd – William Owen – Deunawd Luis – s. Kiltybane Highflyer
3^rd – Jenny and John Rix – Wissington Logan – s. Wissington Highflyer
4^th – Arwel Owen – Trefaldwyn Leader – s. Blelack Digger

Class Four – Bulls born on or after 04/09/2015
1^st – Esmor Evans – Maerdy Lofty – s. Blelack Digger
2^nd – Caylers Charolais – Caylers Longbow – s. Thrunton Goldeneye
3^rd – Jenny and John Rix – Wissington Lemonade – s. Thrunton Hammerstein
4^th – Caylers Charolais – Caylers Lennox – s. Blelack Digger

Class Five – Females
1^st – Esmor Evans – Maerdy Jasmine – s. Maerdy Dynamite
2^nd – Kevin Thomas – Moelfre Liana – s. Anside Foreman
3^rd – Esmor Evans – Maerdy Joyance – s. Maerdy Dynamite

Champion
JD Leavesley – Newroddige Laird – s. Esgob Ferrari
Reserve Champion
Highfields Park Farm – Chameran Logan – s. Thrunton Fairfax

Charolais bulls met a solid commercial trade in Stirling on Tuesday 21 February at the breed’s official spring sale. Bidding peaked at 25,000gns, nine lots traded at five figure sums and 111 lots sold to an average of £6121 – £161 up on the year with a 13% increase in the clearance rate to 82%.

Society Chairman Andrew Hornall commented, There was no shortage of commercial traders in the market for a Charolais bull today and no wonder with Charolais sired suckler calves topping the markets on weight for age. Everyone has tightened their budgets this year and want a breed that will deliver the weights that the supermarkets demand in the shortest time”.

The 111 lots were topped at 25,000gns by the reserve supreme and reserve senior champion Gretnahouse Lord, bred and exhibited by Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green, Dumfries-shire. Lord, a 21-month-old son of the 17,000gns Balthayock Gladiator, heads over the water to Eire to work in Co Sligo for Brendan and Greg Feeney, Bostonia Herd.

Reserve Supreme & Reserve Senior Champion Gretnahouse Lord – 25,000gns

Following on at 22,000gns was the 18-month-old Newhouse Lonestar. This son of the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister and the home-bred dam Newhouse Flora going back to the 18,000gns Sackville Claudius, was bred and exhibited by R M Adam and Son, Forfar, Angus and took the fancy of David, Marjorie and Paul Stobart, Scotby, Cumbria.

Newhouse Lonestar – 22,000gns

Two bulls were knocked down at 16,000gns a piece, the first coming from David and Nick Walter, Balthayock, Perthshire with their July-2015 born yellow ticket winner Balthayock Lineup. Purchased by the Blyth family, Hartlepool, Cleveland, the breeding here includes sire Ugie Echo and dam Highland Show class winner Balthayock Fortune, sired by the 26,000gns Balbithan Vespasian.

Balthayock Lineup – 16,000gns

Matching the 16,000gns price tag and snapped up by Jan Boomaars, Woldingham, Surrey, was Woodpark Longbow, one of the youngest lots of the sale at just 15-months. Longbow is sired by Deeside Gulliver and out of a home-bred dam going back to the 19,000gns Corrie Alan and was bred and exhibited by Will Short, Omagh, Co Tyrone.

Woodpark Longbow – 16,000gns

Next and the first of two red-ticket winners to sell at 12,000gns was Inverlochy Landmark from John Irvine and Son, Ballindalloch, Banffshire. W and CS Robb, Mauchline, Ayrshire were the last bidders standing on this 20-month-old son of Inverlochy Hercules and Inverlochy Heiress, a daughter of the Black Isle Show champion Lochend Apache.

Inverlochy Landmark – 12,000gns

Another class winner to bring 12,000gns when chapped down to J and W Kellas, Keith, Aberdeenshire, was the Stars of the Future senior male champion Carwood Leo. The 14,000gns Ugie Goldcup son and August-2015-born Leo was consigned by Colin and Fiona Wight, Biggar, Lanarkshire.

Carwood Leo – 12,000gns

The supreme and senior champion was the next to sell for a five-figure sum. 11,000gns was the price that secured the 21-month-old Edenhurst Leader from exhibitor’s A and JJ Forrest, Biggar, Lanarkshire, who had purchased him at Peter and Vanessa Vasey’s Charolais dispersal sale in October 2015. Leader is a son of the 17,000gns Cumberland Show champion of champions Sandelford Harrison ET and is no stranger to the show ring himself, previously being awarded reserve championships at the Peebles, Moffat and Biggar Shows. Jenny and John Rix, Colchester Essex were the purchasers and Judge Chris Curry commented that his choice for champion, “Is the sort of bull that ticks all the boxes for the modern beef market. A good all-rounder with smooth shoulders for easy calving, good length and very correct in his locomotion. He is easy fleshing and will breed progeny that can be finished at any stage”.

Edenhurst Leader

Another to secure a price tag of 11,000gns was Bartley Finnegan’s intermediate champion Battleford Laser ET who caught the eye of fellow Northern Ireland breeder’s Stuart and David Bothwell of Ballinamallard, Co Fermanagh. This July-2015-born bull is a son of Lochend Apache and the 25,000gns Perth supreme champion Thrunton Socrates daughter, Blelack Usp.

Intermediate Champion Battleford Laser – 11,000gns

Selling at 10,000gns was an entry from Harold Stubbs and his grandson Alan Burleigh, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh. Derryharney Lionheart who was crowned Minsups intermediate bull champion last year is sired by the proven high performing short gestation and easy calving Blelack Digger and out of Derryharney Ace who goes back to the 12,000gns Hillviewfarm Perfect. The 18-month-old Lionheart goes on to work in Abergavenny, Gwent for OTW Chandler and Co.

Derryharney Lionheart – 10,000gns

Three bulls then achieved 9,000gns apiece; the first was an entry from the MacGregor family of Allanfauld, Kilsyth, Glasgow. Allanfauld Lord a 20-month-old 11,000gns Woodpark Elgin son was purchased by A Paton and Co, Maybole, Ayrshire.

Allanfauld Lord – 9,000gns

Next, W Dunlop and Sons, Dunbar, East Lothian bid the same price for the September-2015 born Teiglum Legend. Legend who was awarded reserve senior male champion at last year’s Stars of the Future show, is sired by the 12,000gns Ugie Goldnuget and was consigned by Clark Farms, Carluke, Lanarkshire.

Teiglum Legend 9000gns

The final lot to bring 9,000gns was the first of two bulls to sell for Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfries-shire. Goldies Leslie, a 15-month-old son of home-bred pair Goldies Formidable and the 14,000gns Goldies Banker sired Goldies Dew was knocked down to TA Jones and Son, Dryslwyn, Carmarthenshire.

Earlier in the day Mr Goldie exhibited the August-2015-born Goldies Lancelot sired by the 15,000gns Gretnahouse Heman who was purchased by R Donnan, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire, for 7,000gns.

David and Nick Walter were in the money again with an entry selling for 8,500gns also sired by Ugie Echo. This time selling to Bruce MacKie and Son, Huntly, Aberdeenshire, was the 21-month-old blue-ticket winner Balthayock Lookout.

Balthayock Lookout – 8,500gns

The reserve intermediate champion from RA Milne and sons, Elgin, Morayshire, matched the 8,500gns selling price. Elgin Lampard who is a full brother to the 2015 reserve senior Stirling champion and is sired by the 12,000gns Caylers Gladiator found a new home with Ian Bell, Brampton, Cumbria.

Reserve Intermediate Champion Elgin Lampard – 8,500gns

Later in the sale the Milne family offered the 16-month-old Elgin Lightning. AJ Maclean, Heylipol, Isle of Tiree, liked the look of this one sired by the 14,000gns Westcarse Houdini and out of Elgin Floella who goes back to the 30,000gns Balmyle Bollinger and snapped him up for 8,000gns.

Elgin Lightning – 8000gns

J and R Mitchell, Auchterarder, Perthshire were the next to purchase an entry from WK and P Drysdale, Blairgowrie, Perthshire. 7,500gns was the price paid for the July-2015-born Glenericht Luckygirls, a son of Dingle Hofmeister and the 55,000gns Thrunton Voldemort daughter, Maerdy Eula.

Glenericht Luckygirls – 7,500gns

Four more entries secured 7,000gns and Alasdair Houston was the first to benefit when his 19-month-old 12,000gns Wesley Equinox son, Gretnahouse Lucas was snapped up by GR and DM Thorp, Bakewell, Derbyshire.

Newhouse Legend was the next to sell for the same price, this time to W Young and Sons, Ochiltree, Ayrshire. R M Adam and Son were the exhibitors of this July-2015-born blue-ticket winner, sired by Oakchurch Icarus.

Newhouse Legend – 7,000gns

Shortly after JM Anderson, Banff, Aberdeenshire purchased the first of two to secure 7,000gns for Neil R Barclay, Insch, Aberdeenshire – Harestone Lagan an 18-month-old by Harestone Hercules.

Also in the money for Mr Barclay was the September-2015-born Harestone Legend, who twenty-four hours earlier had been tapped out first in his class. This son of the 25,000gns Stirling intermediate champion Inverlochy Ferdie caught the eye of Greystoke Castle Farms, Penrith, Cumbria.

Harestone Legend – 7000gns

FEMALE SECTION

Leading the bids for the females at 6,800gns was the first of four top priced heifers offered by Hamish Goldie. The 20-month-old Goldies Leona sired by the 12,000gns Goldies Elation and out of the 16,000gns Maerdy Naser daughter Goldies Veil, was purchased by H and H Heron, Newtownards, Co Down, who liked Mr Goldies heifers so much they went on to purchase two more.

Top Price Female Goldies Leona – 6,800gns

Added to their tally were the female and reserve female champions Goldies Lena and Goldies Lassie, who are both June-2015-born Blelack Digger daughters and were secured for 4,000gns and 3,000gns respectively.

Female Champion Goldies Lena

Reserve Female Champion Goldies Lassie

Also in the money for Mr Goldie was the 19-month-old Goldies Leah. Bred from the 15,000gns Gretnahouse Heman and Ugie Goldengirl, a daughter of the 14,000gns Goldies Banker She found a new home with N and S Caul, Kirkton of Auchterhouse, Angus.

Averages: 111 bulls £6,121; 12 heifers £3,220.

Auctioneers: United Auctions
Sponsored by HSBC

Show Results
Monday 20 February 2017
Judge: Mr Chris Curry, Thropton, Morpeth

Class One – Bulls born on or between 06/03/2015 – 09/04/2015
1^st – D Muirhead – Firhills Leroy – s. Maerdy Grenadier
2^nd – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Limerick – s. Marwood Grandslam
3^rd – Mervyn McKeown – Royaldowns Lightning – s. Barnsford Ferny
4^th – James Jeffrey – Kersknowe Lord – s. Harestone Glenlivet
5^th – David and Nick Walter – Balthayock Leander – s. Dingle Hofmeister

Class Two – Bulls born on or between 10/04/2015 – 30/04/2015
1^st – NF Massie & Sons – Blelack Lincoln – s. Caylers Hustler
2^nd – M & L Massie – Elrick Lucas – s. Thrunton Fearless
3^rd – NF Massie & Sons – Blelack Landlord – s. Caylers Hustler
4^th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Lancaster – s. Thrunton Doubletop
5^th – W P Bruce Ltd – Balmyle Leopold – s. Maerdy Hearthrob

Class Three – Bulls born on or between 01/05/2015 – 06/05/2015
1^st – Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Lord – s. Balthayock Gladiator
2^nd – I & D Goldie – Solwayfirth Landlord – s. Solwayfirth Hannibal
3^rd – Adrian Richardson – Aghinure Les – s. Hillviewfarm Handsome
4^th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Lambert – s. Thrunton Gladiator
5^th – Mrs J M Gilchrist – Dundas Lyle – s. Elgin Emperor

Class Four – Bulls born on or between 07/05/2015 – 20/05/2015
1^st – A & JJ Forrest – Edenhurst Leader – s. Sandelford Harrison ET
2^nd – David and Nick Walter – Balthayock Lookout – s. Ugie Echo
3^rd – Neil R Barclay – Harestone Leeds – s. Allanfauld Gambler
4^th – A MacGregor (Allanfauld) Ltd – Allanfauld Lochness – s. Woodpark Elgin
5^th – David and Nick Walter – Balthayock Langsyne – s. Blelack Forester

Class Five – Bulls born on or between 21/05/2015 – 31/05/2015
1^st – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Larry – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
2^nd – Mr and Mrs Colin and Fiona Wight – Carwood Lucky – s. Ugie Goldcup
3^rd – A MacGregor (Allanfauld) Ltd – Allanfauld Lord – s. Woodpark Elgin
4^th – David and Nick Walter – Balthayock Lance – s. Maerdy Grenadier
5^th – A MacGregor (Allanfauld) Ltd – Allanfauld Lochnagar – s. Woodpark Elgin

Class Six – Bulls born on or between 01/06/2015 – 06/06/2015
1^st – John Irvine and Son – Inverlochy Landmark – s. Inverlochy Hercules
2^nd – A MacGregor (Allanfauld) Ltd – Allanfauld Lightning – s. Woodpark Elgin
3^rd – W P Bruce Ltd – Balmyle Lancelot ET – s. Balthayock Diplomat
4^th – Brian Redhead and Jonathan Watson – Tweeddale Lawless – s. Blelack Blackberet
5^th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lenny – s. Blelack Digger

Class Seven – Bulls born on or between 07/06/2015 – 14/06/2015
1^st – R and H McNee – Benhar Levi – s. Goldies Escort
2^nd – S & D Bothwell – Kiiladeas Lion – s. Gwenog Braveheart
3^rd – Alan Lawson and Son – Alsnow Lezard – s. Puntabrava Federico
4^th – Brian Redhead and Jonathan Watson – Tweeddale Lester – s. Blelack Blackberet
5^th – WR Baillie & Co – Baillieston Lincoln – s. Burradon Galaxy

Class Eight – Bulls born on or between 15/06/2015 – 25/06/2015
1^st – RA Milne and Sons – Elgin Lampard – s. Caylers Gladiator
2^nd – Alan Lawson and Son – Alsnow Loto – s. Puntabrava Federico
3^rd – Jack Nicoll Farms Limited – Mornity Lewis – s. Maerdy Hwre
4^th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Laser – s. Goldies Formidable
5^th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Lancelot – s. Maerdy Hearthrob

Class Nine – Bulls born on or between 26/06/2015 – 05/07/2015
1^st – David and Tracey Nicoll – Dounreay Legend – s. Goldies Escort
2^nd – Mr and Mrs Colin and Fiona Wight – Carwood Lochness – s. Elgin Emperor
3^rd – WK & P Drysdale – Glenericht Luckygirls – s. Dingle Hofmeister
4^th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Lex – s. Burradon Garibaldi
5^th – Neil R Barclay – Harestone Leon – s. Inverlochy Ferdie

Class Ten – Bulls born on or between 06/07/2015 – 23/07/2015
1^st – Bartley Finnegan – Battleford Laser ET – s. Lochend Apache
2^nd – Will Short – Woodpark Legend – s. Corrie Alan ET
3^rd – David and Nick Walter – Balthayock Lineup – s. Ugie Echo
4^th – David and Nick Walter – Balthayock Lightning – s. Balthayock Dante
5^th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Liberator – s. Maerdy Hearthrob

Class Eleven – Bulls born on or between 24/07/2015 – 09/08/2015
1^st – Mr and Mrs Colin and Fiona Wight – Carwood Leo – s. Ugie Goldcup
2^nd – R M Adam and Son – Newhouse Legend – s. Oakchurch Icarus
3^rd – John Irvine and Son – Inverlochy Landward – s. Blelack Giggsey
4^th – Alan Lawson and Son – Alsnow Location – s. Puntabrava Federico
5^th – David and Nick Walter – Balthayock Lanyard – s. Ugie Echo

Class Twelve – Bulls born on or between 10/08/2015 – 01/09/2015
1^st – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Lofty – s. Maerdy Fiend
2^nd – Harold Stubbs & Alan Burleigh – Derryharney Lionheart – s. Blelack Digger
3^rd – Neil R Barclay – Harestone Lagan – s. Harestone Hercules
4^th – Neil R Barclay – Harestone Lava – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
5^th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lancelot – s. Gretnahouse Heman

Class Thirteen – Bulls born on or between 02/09/2015 – 19/09/2015
1^st – A and M Williams – Castellmawr Llew – s. Goldstar Gentleman
2^nd – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Lighthouse – s. Burradon Goldenballs
3^rd – John and Jenny Rix – Wissington Lawrence – s. Wissington Highflyer
4^th – Valerie & Paddy McDonald – Glencoe Lennon – s. Clyth Diplomat
5^th – Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Leapfrog – s. Blelack Digger

Class Fourteen – Bulls born on or between 20/09/2015 – 18/10/2015
1^st – Neil R Barclay – Harestone Legend – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
2^nd – Clark Farms – Teiglum Legend – s. Ugie Goldnuget
3^rd – Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Longbow – s. Wesley Equinox
4^th – RA Milne and Sons – Elgin Lightning – s. Westcarse Houdini
5^th – RA Milne and Sons – Elgin Lochness – s. Westcarse Houdini

Class Fifteen – Bulls born on or after 19/10/2015
1^st – Esmor Evans – Maerdy Llanwern – s. Hambourg R
2^nd – Esmor Evans – Maerdy Loretto – s. Maerdy Ulm
3^rd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Leslie – s. Goldies Formidable
4^th – Will Short – Woodpark Longbow – s. Deeside Gulliver ET
5^th – W and A Oag – Shebster Lord – s. Goldies Eddy

Class Sixteen – Heifers born on between 01/01/2015 – 01/06/2015
1^st – D Sawrij – Swalesmoor Leigh – s. Balmyle Headline
2^nd – D Sawrij – Swalesmoor Layla – s. Balmyle Headline
3^rd – D Smith and Sons – Lawersbridge Liz – s. Lawersbridge Ferocious

Class Seventeen – Heifers born on after 02/06/2015
1^st – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lena – s. Blelack Digger
2^nd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lassie – s. Blelack Digger
3^rd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Leah – s. Gretnahouse Heman

Senior Male Champion
A & JJ Forrest – Edenhurst Leader – s. Sandelford Harrison ET
Reserve Senior Male Champion
Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Lord – s. Balthayock Gladiator

Intermediate Male Champion
Bartley Finnegan – Battleford Laser ET – s. Lochend Apache
Reserve Intermediate Male Champion
RA Milne and Sons – Elgin Lampard – s. Caylers Gladiator

Junior Male Champion
Esmor Evans – Maerdy Llanwern – s. Hambourg R
Reserve Junior Male Champion
Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Lofty – s. Maerdy Fiend

Female Champion
Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lena – s. Blelack Digger
Reserve Female Champion
Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lassie – s. Blelack Digger

Supreme Champion
A & JJ Forrest – Edenhurst Leader – s. Sandelford Harrison ET
Reserve Supreme Champion
Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Lord – s. Balthayock Gladiator

The Swedish Mila exhibition was held on 16-18 February. This exhibition is a small local farm exhibition including national shows for both dairy and beef cattle. Around 60 heifers and bulls participated in the beef cattle show with entries from the Angus, Blonde d’Aquitaine, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin and Simmental breeds.

The male champion, supreme champion and Interbreed best male was the two-year-old 2944 Lee of Simontorp. Lee is a son of the Norweigan bull Grieg of Dillerud with grandsire the British bred Cockerington Urchin. Lee got the impressive show weight of 1304 kg at only 25.5 months of age! The judges pointed out the excellent performance, muscularity but also that he had managed to keep a functional body after this impressive growth.

Swedish Charolais commented, “Their market leadership showed that functional traits and performance can be combined to a produce the complete beef cattle package. You can see this for yourself at the Charolais world congress in July 2018 in Sweden.”

Thomas McKelvey

Behind the busy farm supplies operation in Ballynahinch,  McKelvey Bros runs one of the top finishing units in County Down.  Finishing 1000 bullocks and 300 heifers including 1000 head of Charolais last year. The cycle never stops says Thomas McKelvey.

“We graze 400-500, mainly Charolais because they do best at grass.  You can get Charolais finishing at 16-20 months, this is where the breed has the big advantage and passes other continental breeds.  We want weight for age, nothing will beat them”.

The new beef unit was built in 2012, the farm itself has 500 acres.  A total of 260 acres of grass is grazed and McKelvey Bros knows the significant feeding value of grass. The remainder is for cereals and grass silage.

“Buying growing cattle lets us spread the risk.  It lets us utilise the grass better and gives the best use of our intensive finishing”.

McKelvey Bros purchases cattle all year round predominately from  Clogher, Markethill, Saintfield and Hilltown They particularly purchase Charolais in larger batches around the 8-12 months to grow them on grass and have them finished between December and March.

Cattle for grass are purchased in February/ March time, looking for leaner cattle and those which will give the highest feed conversion rate to maximise profit.

“We buy the top cattle at the ringside, within a price range for good commercial cattle. Similar continental cattle can be bought but they do not deliver the same growth and profit as a Charolais”.

“The Charolais has growth, some breeders take them too far, maybe to get a bit more money for them but this leaves the finisher little to gain.  It’s better to sell them in a leaner condition”.

“You have to look at what it costs the breeder to get them heavier, if they are too well fed they don’t do so well.  They lose condition when they go out to grass and they just melt”.

McKelvey Bros tries to keep on top of the market and have a good idea of what happens.  We see gradual changes in the suckler market, cattle being sold at lighter weight – the finisher needs to get their chance to do their bit”.

All cattle at McKelvey’s farm are weighed on arrival and treated for IBR, Blackleg, worms and fluke.  Marker tags are put in all cattle for easier identification and herd management.

The ration remains the same wheat, barley, sugar beet pellets and maize meal mixed in the diet feeder with silage,straw and vegetables.  This mix would be fed at 4.5kg per head up to 7.5kg at finishing time.  Cattle are fed twice a day, morning and a fresh run at lunch time bringing the cattle forward.

With the new reduced weight limits,  McKelveys don’t want the cattle  going over 700kg and incurring a penalty. So at 500kg they are put  on the finishing ration.

Thomas says good minerals help with weight gain.  “It helps  to keep them leaner and in the better grades”.

Two loads of washed vegetables are used every week. The cattle always have fresh feed in front of them and it maximises their intake and weight gain.

“The cattle have to grow  to a certain level and they need the frame on them to finish.  They cost a bit more to buy but you get them to a better end price more quickly”. McKelveys aim to have in-spec cattle to achieve mainly top grades.

McKelvey Bros cattle are kept mainly on slatted floors fitted with rubber slat mats, with some kept on straw bedding. There are pens of 40 in the new building and pens of 25 in the original sheds.  Finished cattle are drawn from the December to March period with 50 going for slaughter each week.

The new purpose built shed would be wanted by any beef farmer, holding over 400 head with open ends and side ventilation. Cattle are very comfortable here, hence maximising growth rates.

“The weight limit is capped at 420 kg for bullocks, with severe penalties for cattle over this limit that is why we try to keep them within the specification”.

“Charolais bullocks averaged about 385 kg for the year with heifers coming in at 345 kg average, we have very few which are overweight”.

The business operation concentrates on bullocks as they leave a better return and finish heavier.  Heifers finish quicker but the better weight gain is in the bullocks.

Most of McKelvey Bros cattle go to ABP Lurgan a mere 25 miles away again ensuring cattle remain calm and stress free as possible.

There is an air of calm at McKelveys, cattle are quiet and contented. It is a very efficient operation where the cattle can be fed in two hours, leaving plenty of time for other jobs to be done.

Thomas points out that “you can get a premium with native breeds (Aberdeen Angus) but, you can get the same premium with good continental grades. In essence the Charolais gives the weight we want with the conformation that we want in the shortest time.”

Star of Future Surpreme Champion

A Charolais heifer from the Veitch Family Lisbellaw County Fermanagh, took top honours at the Northern Ireland Star of the Future Commercial Show in Dungannon and went on to secure the top price of the day.

The heifer born in April 2016 weighing 440kg, first won the Charolais championship and is sired by Ashleigh Admiral out of a Lim x BB cow. The heifer is a full sister to the commercial Charolais show champion in Fintona 2014.

Blair Dufton from Aberdeen was the master judge and when picking his supreme champion, commented “I wanted an animal which was well fleshed, well balanced, and walking properly with lots of potential for summer shows and Christmas. This was a real top of a heifer”.

Mr Dufton went on to purchase the mighty stylish calf to take home to Aberdeen for a top price of £3,400. Brigadoon Charolais sponsored the Charolais section and were delighted to see the Charolais sired heifer winning the supreme champion and selling for the top price.

Sponsor Brigadoon Charolias with Surpreme Champion exhibited by Alan Veitch

Charolais topped the bull sales at the Royal Northern Agricultural Society Spring Show on Wednesday 1 March 2017. Where 21 Charolais bulls sold to a top price of 8,000gns and averaged £4,170 with a clearance rate of 84% – a massive increase on last year’s 60%.

Topping the Charolais lots at 8,000gns and securing the top price of the day across all breeds, was the reserve breed champion and March 2015-born Kinclune Laurent. D Blair and Son, Balmerino, Fife, liked the look of this son of the 20,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Beechtree George who has sold sons here before to 8,500gns for breeders John Wilson and Sons, Kinclune, Alford, and who in turn is sired by the Royal Show male champion Gretnahouse Archangel.

The Wilson’s, who sold a total of six to average £4217.50 had another Beechtree George son in the money, this time out of a home-bred 20,000gns Perth supreme champion Thrunton Crownprince daughter. Kinclune Legend, a 21-month-old who had been tapped out first in his class earlier in the day, attracted a 4,200gns bid from Messrs Steel, Banchory, Aberdeenshire.

Two bulls were knocked down at 6,000gns a piece with the first being the red-ticket winner and June 2015-born Doon Lancelot consigned by Neil Barclay, Insch, Aberdeenshire. The 16,000gns Royal Welsh Show reserve male champion Anside Foreman is the sire of this Irish-born lad who caught the eye of E Innes and Son, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. With another two bulls going on to new owners the Harestone herd averaged £4,655 for the trio.

The second call of 6,000gns was paid by DM McCallum, Dingwall, Ross-shire, for the 18-month-old Lettoch Logan. Logan is the first son to sell by herd-sire Killadeas Dwane and is out of Ugie Giselda who goes back to the 14,000gns Goldies Banker for breeders and exhibitors Colin Stuart, Braes of Glenlivet, Banffshire.

The Interbreed and Charolais champion was the next to sell for Kevin Mallarkey, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, who earlier in the day had been honoured to receive their award in a presentation by HRH The Princess Royal. Champion Strathys Lionheart is a 22-month-old first of son of herd-sire Maerdy Harrypotter while the dam is the 30,000gns Maerdy Andes-sired Airdlin Fuzz. E and J Mackie were the last bidders standing and paid 5,500gns to take him home to Fyvie, Turriff.

Two bulls then achieved 4,500gns apiece with the first finding a new home with C Addison and C Chapelpark, Ellon, Aberdeenshire. The June-2015-born Bonnykelly Landlord who stood second in his class at the pre-sale show and whose full brother sold at the same time last year for 5,000gns for Graeme Leggat, New Pitsligo, Fraserburgh, is sired by the 9,000gns New Deer Show Champion Newhouse Challanger and is out of the 10,000gns Maerdy Rumbull daughter Bonnykelly Erin.

Local breeder and first time Charolais seller Neil Wattie, Alford, Aberdeenshire, matched the 4,500gns price tag with Tonley Lavezzie, who has been shown successfully previously attaining reserve breed champion at the Banchory Show and first prizes at the Turriff and Keith shows. The outfit behind the money on this 12,000gns Caylers Hustler son, who at 16-months-old was the youngest Charolais of the sale were TE and M Walker, Banff, Aberdeenshire.

Show Results
Judge: Tracey Nicol, Balthayock, Perth

Supreme Champion Strathys Lionheart

Class One – Bulls born on or between 23/03/2015 – 02/05/2015
1st – K & J Mallarkey – Strathys Lionheart – s. Maerdy Harrypotter
2^nd – John Wilson and Sons – Kinclune Laurent – s. Beechtree George
3^rd – Michael Massie – Elrick Leonardo – s. Thrunton Fearless

Class Two – Bulls born on or between 03/05/2015 – 07/06/2015
1st – John Wilson and Sons – Kinclune Legend – s. Beechtree George
2^nd – M Bruce and Partners – Logiestate Lairdoellon – s. Goldies Golddust ET
3^rd – Michael Massie – Elrick Lincoln – s. Thrunton Fearless

Class Three – Bulls born on or after 08/06/2015
1st – Neil Barclay – Doon Lancelot – s. Anside Foreman
2^nd – Robert Leggat – Bonnykelly Landlord – s. Newhouse Challanger
3^rd – John Wilson and Sons – Kinclune Luckylad – s. Kinclune Herbert

Champion
K & J Mallarkey – Strathys Lionheart – s. Maerdy Harrypotter

Reserve Champion
John Wilson and Sons – Kinclune Laurent – s. Beechtree George

Show Results
Judge: Duncan MacGregor

Class One – Bulls born on or between 10/04/2015 – 11/06/2015
1^st – Kenneth Veitch – Drumlone Landmark – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
2^nd – George Henderson – Sandleford Lawson – s. Conval Frank
3^rd – Caldwell McAskie – Rushfield Levi – s. Rushfield Fernando
4^th – James McBride – Moorlough Lennon – s. Thrunton Voldemort

Class Two – Bulls born on or between 21/06/2015 – 14/08/2015
1^st – Brian Quinn – Hillview Limitededition – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
2^nd – Clive Hoey – Rawbrooke Lambo – s. Maerdy Dublin
3^rd – Liam Johnston – Mountain Landmark – s. Aghinure General
4^th – Gilbert Crawford – Edenhurst Laureate – s. Ratoary Ferguson

Class Three – Bulls born on or between 01/09/2015 – 28/10/2015
1^st – Harold Stubbs and Alan Burleigh – Derryharney Lumberjack – s. Newhouse Bigal
2^nd – Harold Stubbs and Alan Burleigh – Derryharney Landrover – s. Goldies Eddy
3^rd – Harold Stubbs and Alan Burleigh – Derryharney Lanzac – s. Goldies Eddy
4^th – Trevor Phair – Brogher Leader – s. Goldies Eddy

Class Four – Bulls born on or between 02/11/2015 – 29/12/2015
1^st – Kenneth Veitch, Lisbellaw – Drumlone Luckylad – s. Blelack Digger
2^nd – Brian McAllister and Son – Burnside Lordalmighty – s. Clyth Diplomat
3^rd – Caldwell McAskie – Mountjoy Limerick – s. Montgomery Ianto
4^th – Thomas O’Neill – Glenramble Lucky – s. Blelack Digger

Class Five – Bulls born on or after 03/01/2016
1^st – James Watson and Son – Cornascriebe Max – s. Thrunton Flyingscotsman
2^nd – Cameron and Katherine Marshall – Crosskeys Monarch – s. Hideal
3^rd – James McBride – Moorlough Max – s. Liscally ETI ET
4^th – Graham Davison – Ballygargan Major – s. Thrunton Fairfax

Class Six – Females born on or between 07/08/2014 – 01/06/2015
1^st – John Erskine – Dartonhall Julie – s. Corrie Alan ET
2^nd – Bartley Finnegan – Battleford Lady – s. Barnsford Ferny
3^rd – Brian and William McAllister – Burnside Lappy – s. Conval Frank
4^th – William Whyte – Innisrush Jemma ET – s. Doonally New

Class Seven – Females born on or between 10/07/2015 – 26/12/2015
1^st – Kenneth Veitch – Drumlone Loopyloo – s. Lochend Apache
2^nd – Stuart and David Bothwell – Killadeas Lois – s. Conval Frank
3^rd – Stuart and David Bothwell – Killadeas Lola – s. Blackford Dynamite
4^th – Stuart and David Bothwell – Killadeas Lorna – s. Goldies Usher

Junior Male Champion
Harold Stubbs and Alan Burleigh – Derryharney Lumberjack – s. Newhouse Bigal
Reserve Junior Male Champion
James Watson and Son – Cornascriebe Max – s. Thrunton Flyingscotsman

Senior Male Champion
Kenneth Veitch – Drumlone Landmark – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
Reserve Senior Male Champion
Brian Quinn – Hillview Limitededition – s. Inverlochy Ferdie

Supreme & Male Champion
Harold Stubbs and Alan Burleigh – Derryharney Lumberjack – s. Newhouse Bigal
Reserve Supreme & Reserve Male Champion
Kenneth Veitch – Drumlone Landmark – s. Inverlochy Ferdie

Female Champion
John Erskine – Dartonhall Julie – s. Corrie Alan ET
Reserve Female Champion
Kenneth Veitch – Drumlone Loopyloo – s. Lochend Apache

6 March 2017

Future beef farmers = Charolais

Future beef farmers are using EBVs and focusing on easy calving Charolais bulls, according to one leading university’s students.

Charolais was the first choice of sire for almost 50% of Harper Adams University final year Foundation Degree students completing an assignment which required a detailed plan for a new suckler herd.

The Charolais bulls they selected had one thing in common, they were all within the breed’s top 20% for calving ease, according to Simon Marsh, Principal Lecturer and Beef Cattle Specialist.

The breed’s popularity has also surged in the last 12 months, he says. In 2016, 39.3% of students responding to a similar exercise chose Charolais.

“This year’s assignment confirmed that the beef farmers of the future are using EBVs and focusing on Charolais bulls with good calving ease,” says Mr Marsh.

HAU student choice of terminal sire 2017

Source: HAU

The Harper Adams (4,000 word) assignment briefed students they had just accepted a job as farm manager on a lowland farm and the owner has instructed him/her to establish a suckler herd. They had to write a detailed plan for the herd including choice of breed of cow and bull, calving season, replacement policy, management of reproduction, feeding, grazing management, rearing system of the weaned calves and health plan.

Issued by Liz Snaith Agricultural Communications on 07974 678833