We welcomed Peter Phythian on his first day at the Society today and he is “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.”

Peter is pictured here at the recent Stirling Bulls sales with Gemma Forrest and her Champion bull Edenhurst Leader and retiring CEO David Benson.

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.

The Charolais is the breed of choice of the Gammie family and forms the backbone of its respected suckler and finishing business in Laurencekirk, south of Aberdeen.

The Gammie family made the move from Kingswells on the outskirts of Aberdeen down to Fordoun, Laurencekirk in 1971 where father Ronald and his three sons Norman, Douglas and Alastair now farm four units at Hatton Mains, Mains of Gallery, Davo Mains and Easter Tulloch.

Norman, father Ronald, Alastair and Douglas

An acreage of 2450 is farmed, with 1100 owned and 1350 farmed under contract. In addition to the 705 acres of grass, a mix of crops is grown including winter barley for feed and this year, field beans will be grown. Wheat and oil seed rape are both sold along with spring barley destined for the malting market.

Mains of Gallery and Davo Mains were best known as dairy farms until the herds were sold in 2002 and 2006 respectively but the suckler herd had been established and cattle finished for a number of years before that.

“We had always finished cattle and set up the finishing unit at Mains of Gallery when we stopped dairying.” says Norman. In the intervening years, the suckler herd has been built up to 400 cows with 150 at Davo Mains and 250 at Easter Tulloch and approximately 1800 head of cattle are finished annually.

Cows are predominantly Simmental or crosses, using Aberdeen Angus or Simmental bulls on heifers. However, the one constant has been the Charolais breed and the business now runs 14 bulls and 90% of calves produced are to the Charolais.

Bulls have their feet checked and trimmed at the end of the year and then receive Harbro Bull Fertility supplement for four weeks before being put to work. Bulls go in with the cows and calves in the last week of March and are kept inside for three weeks.

“We get a much better conception rate because they are not having to chase them round a field. They’ll cover a lot more cows with an 85-100% conception rate first time round” says Douglas.

Bulls come from a number of different bloodlines but one bull in particular, Carscreugh Hernando is readily praised by Alastair as his attributes have shown through well in his calves.

“He is breeding well and has produced good, lengthy calves. He moves well on his feet and is a real stock getter” says Alastair who runs the suckler herd with Douglas.

“His second crop of calves are coming through now. He’s very active and keeps his condition really well” added Alastair. Advocates of the Charolais breed, they all share the view that you cannot beat the breed for carcase weight and speed of growth.

Prior to calving the cows are fed on a ration of silage, draff and Super Suckler SEC minerals with access to ad lib straw. They get extra protein once they have calved, adding some blend and barley to their ration. Access to the same mineral continues over the summer at grass.

The herd is all spring calving beginning in mid-January and this year, two thirds of the cows were calved by mid-February.

“Cows and calves get turned out at the first flush of grass” says Douglas who is based at Davo Mains. “The cows get a flush of milk and by this stage the calves are big enough to take advantage of the increase in milk and are also big enough to nibble at the grass.”

With them being born early in the year, calves are wormed in mid-August and the brothers have seen a big difference in the health of the calves. “Some are bothered with hoast and lungworm which can lead to pneumonia and this practice has helped to reduce stress in our calves” says Douglas.

Calves are creep fed from an early age and right through the summer. “They don’t eat much but it encourages them and they get used to it.”

They move to a rearer ration of 16% protein Beefstock in June at around 4-5 months of age until weaning around 10^th October. Stots are weaned first and moved to another farm where they are vaccinated and wormed according to the animal health plan. Heifers are clipped, receive their animal health treatments and are left with their mothers for a further five to six days. Cows are then turned out weather permitting.

Up until 2015, all males were kept entire but last year all male calves were castrated. “Our bulls were finishing at heavier weights so castrating them has been beneficial because of the weight restrictions. The market doesn’t want bull beef and you’d struggle to keep them under 400kg at 12 months.” he added.

“We’ve just sorted out the feeding rations for these stots and it will include Maxammon barley, beans, Harbro blend, draff, silage and Harbro Beefmax minerals with Rumitech and Yea-Sacc” says Douglas.

The heifer ration from weaning to 14 months comprises straw, silage, beans, Harbro blend, Beefmax minerals and barley which has a protein level of 17%. From 14-18 months they go onto a 14% protein feeding ration of straw, barley, potatoes, molasses, Beefmax minerals and Harbro blend.

Once the heifer’s frame has been grown, the diet is adjusted, lowering the protein level and increasing the starch to increase the muscle area and the carcase weight.

A great deal of work is put into the diets, tailoring them to suit the genetics and management of the cattle and the family work very closely with David Mackenzie of   Harbro.

Heifers are reaching 680kg at approximately 19 months (580 days), less their birth weight of 40kg, 640kg over 580 days, achieving 1.1kg/day average.

Bulls weigh in at 700kg at approximately 14 months (427 days), less birth weight 40kg, 660kg over 427 days, achieving 1.55kg/day average.

Eldest son Norman runs the finishing unit at Mains of Gallery and he purchases 1300-1400 head of cattle from Thainstone, Inverurie, Quoybrae in Caithness and across the Pentland Firth in Orkney.

Cattle are bought all year round so that there is a constant product with ABP, Perth being their main buyer. “You need to keep going over the summer to be able to get that rise in price” says Norman.

“I’m looking for cattle that have good length and shape with the potential to gain 170kg live weight. I’m buying in at around 500kg, going to 660-720kg in 110 days (looking to put on 1.5kg/day).”

“Of the cattle bought 80-90% are Charolais crosses and 90% are heifers but whether a stot, a bull or a heifer, the Charolais give you the heaviest weight at the youngest ages” says Norman. “It definitely shows in the kill sheets when you put them away.”

David Benson retirement party held at Gretna Green on 25 March 2017

Buyers at this year’s Irish Charolais Cattle Society Premier show and sale in Elphin, on the 25 March were looking to purchase bulls with British linage giving high euro star indexes and good calving figures.

Leading the trade at €7,000 was the October 2015 born bull, Drumcullen Longshot. Exhibited by John Fleury from Killyon, Co. Offaly, this catchy bull is a son of the herd’s former stock bull, Vexour Granville. Imported from the UK from breeder Jan Boomaars, Woldingham, Surrey, in 2012 when he was just a year old, Granville has certainly left his mark on the Drumcullen herd, siring a number of high priced cattle in recent years. A second prize winner in the pre-sale show, Longshot sold with a five-star terminal index of €134 and a calving figure of 7.3% to Michael Phillips from County Sligo.

The pre-sale show was judged by Patsy Mc Cabe from the Blakestown herd in county Louth. He found his senior champion in the form of Sionhill Lazer exhibited by the Carey’s from Killucan, Co. Westmeath.  One of the ringside favourites from the moment he entered the ring, Lazer is a November 2015 born son of British bred Balthayock Hamish from David and Nick Walter, Balthayock, Perthshire. He went under the hammer with a five-star terminal index of €129 and a calving figure of just 6.4%. He was knocked down to James Johnston from Northern Ireland at €5,500.

The reserve senior male champion went to another British sired son this time out of Elgin Davinci bred by Roy Milne, Lhanbryde, Morayshire. Westmeath breeder Aidan Farrell was the exhibitor of Williamstown Lenny, a November 2015 born bull who stood top of the line in a strong second class of bulls, but failed to meet his reserve in the sales ring.

Taking home the junior champion of the show was the winner of the last class of bulls, Drummand Master. Just over 13 months old on sale day, this young bull was bred and exhibited by Michael Quigley from Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan.  A son of the UK sire JHC Campbell and Sons’ 18,000gns Thrunton Fairfax, Master exchanged hands at €4,800 to M and P Connolly from Roslea, Co. Fermanagh.

Getting back to the top sellers again, Michael Kavanagh from Brownshill, Co. Carlow was next in line with their first prize winner, Brownshill 14 Major. A pre-sale favourite having won the junior male champion at last year’s National Charolais Show, this January 2016 born son of the British 70,000gns Royal Welsh Show supreme champion Barnsford Ferny bred by Tom and Sheena Gatherer, won his class before selling for €5,800 to Thomas Whitehead, Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny.

Hitting the €4,800 mark was Carrickbrack 96 Maximus exhibited by Noel Maxwell from Convoy, Co. Donegal. This January 2016 born son of the renowned easy calving UK sire Blelack Digger bred by Neil Massie, was one of the highest index bulls catalogued with a five-star terminal index of €153, a five star replacement index of €132 and a calving figure of just 6.5%. This bull’s pedigree is no stranger to success in the sales ring, with full brothers selling for numerous high prices in Ireland and Scotland. He was snapped up by County Mayo breeder Joe Mc Donnell from Louisburgh.

A small but high-quality offering of Charolais bulls saw a high of 3,500gns at the South West Charolais Association’s annual sale at Holsworthy on Wednesday 12^th April, where bulls averaged £2,934 with three more sold than last year.

Champion and Top Price Polgoda Legend – 3,500gns

Bidding peaked at 3,500gns for the pre-sale show champion Polgoda Legend from David and Bernadette Stacey, St Austell, Cornwall.  The 15-month-old Legend is bred from a good show line being sired by the Royal Cornwall Show breed champion Balbithan Eria and out of homebred Polgoda Glamoupuss, herself a Royal Cornwall show class winner and he stays local in Bugle, Cornwall going home with HJ Trudgian and Partners.

Reserve Champion Balbithan Mustang – 3,200gns

Just behind at 3,200gns was the reserve champion from Mr and Mrs Andrew White, Swanage, Dorset. Balbithan Mustang is another with show success in his pedigree as his homebred dam Balbithan Flora goes back to the 12,000gns Devon County Show champion Newhouse Benson and he is sired by the 11,500gns Loganbar Goran. This January-2016-born lad caught the eye of GHJ Medland, Peter Tavy, Devon.

Mr Medland was in a buying mood and went on to purchase two more including the first of three to sell for a 3,000gns price tag. Lovistone Leicester who stood third in his class at the pre-sale show is a 15-month-old sired by Balthayock Hamish and was bred and exhibited by Brian Nancekivell, Okehampton, Devon.

Another selling for the same price, from the same home and from the same sire was the November-2015-born Lovistone Leonard, this time out of homebred dam Lovistone Illusive going back to the proven easy calving and short gestation Blelack Digger. Leonard was purchased by AJ and DM Finnemore and Son, Advent, Cornwall.

The final bull to sell for 3,000gns was exhibited by Will Palmer and Son, Truro, Cornwall and was knocked down to A Crane, Kedworthy, Devon. The 23-month-old Springfarm Eldon son Trenestrall Lazie who had been tapped out second in his class earlier in the day by judge John Wylde.

There were just two heifers forward both exhibited by Jane Haw on behalf of Dorset breeders Mr and Mrs Andrew White and sired by the 11,500gns Loganbar Goran. First to sell was the 23-month-old Balbithan Lavender which was purchased by DT Daniel, North Petherwin, Cornwall for 1,550gns. Then moments later Mr Daniel snapped up the slighter younger 22-month-old Balbithan Lenor for the same price.

Average: 9 bulls £2,934; 2 Heifers, £1,628
Auctioneers: Kivells

Champion Presentation with Society CEO Peter Phythian, Judge John Wylde and Bernadette and David Stacey

Show Results
Wednesday 12 April 2017
Judge: John Wylde, Bridgewater, Somerset

Class Two – Bull born on or between 06/05/2015 – 26/12/2015
1st – David and Bernadette Stacey – Polgoda Legend – s. Balbithan Eria
2nd – Will Palmer and Son – Trenestrall Lazie – s. Springfarm Eldon
3rd – Brian Nancekivell – Lovistone Leicester – s. Balthayock Hamish

Class Three – Bull born on or between 05/01/2016 – 07/02/2016
1st – Mr and Mrs Andrew White – Balbithan Mustang – s. Loganbar Goran
2nd – Mr and Mrs Andrew White – Balbithan Macbeth – s. Balbithan Inkleberry
3rd – Patrick Greed – Killerton Macduff – s. Maerdy Eurocrat

Class Four – Bull born on or between 11/02/2016 – 25/02/2016
1st – David and Bernadette Stacey – Polgoda Maverick – s. Balbithan Eria
2nd – Mrs C Clapp – Cove Milkyway – s. Thrunton Fairfax
3rd – Brian Nancekivell – Lovistone Magnus – s. Woodpark Fearless ET

Champion
David and Bernadette Stacey – Polgoda Legend – s. Balbithan Eria
Reserve Champion
Mr and Mrs Andrew White – Balbithan Mustang – s. Loganbar Goran

Top Price and Reserve Champion Brynffanigl Math

The ring was packed to the brim for the Charolais sale at Welshpool on Saturday April 29 driven by the Charolais success in the store ring here on Tuesday. Bulls averaged £4417.50, an increase on last year of £288 and clearance rates were also up on the year by 9% to 85% with 11 bulls selling for 5,000gns and above.

Society Chairman Andrew Hornall commented, “The commercial traders were out in force today looking to secure a Charolais bull which reflects the recent trend in the store markets where Charolais sired suckler calves are topping the markets on weight for age”.

The sale leader at 6,400gns was the reserve champion Brynffanigl Math from the delighted Bob and Huw Roberts, Abergele, Clwyd. Math was the youngest lot at the sale at just 13 months old, is sired by the 22,000gns Newhouse Bigal and out of the homebred dam Brynffanigl Fion who goes back to the 17,000gns Alsnow Almighty and whose last calf sold for 4,400gns this time last year. Math stays local as Arthur Williams of DC Evans and Co, takes him back to work at his 120 strong suckler herd in Abergele, Clwyd.

Champion Esgob Lionking

Close behind and the first of two to sell at 6,000gns was the day’s champion. Bred and exhibited by Mr Gareth Jones, Cwmtirmynach, Gwynedd, the December-2015 born Esgob Lionking is sired by the proven high performing short gestation and easy calving Blelack Digger and his home-bred dam is sired by the 26,000gns Carlisle junior champion Anside Excalibur. Purchasers TWA Jenkins, Llandysul, Ceredigion agreed with the show judge Ian Goldie who had selected Lionking as champion and commented that “He is a very correct fleshy bull with good character”.

Also selling for a 6,000gns ticket price was the 21-month-old Maerdy Llawes who was snapped up by DS Tudor, Corwen, Clwyd. The breeding here includes sire the 26,000gns Maerdy Hearthrob and dam Maerdy Happiness, a daughter of the 13,000gns Highland Show junior champion Kelton Trident and Llawes was bred and exhibited by Flintshire Vet Esmor Evans.

Mr Evans had another in the money later in the sale with his February-2016 born class winner Maerdy Mastermind who is sired by the French born Maerdy Gouverneur. JR Jones, Caernarvon, Gwynedd was the man with his hand in the air as the hammer went down at 5,300gns on this one.

Dan Harman, Chesham, Buckinghamshire also had a profitable day selling two of the top priced lots both sired by the 12,000gns Wesley Equinox. The highest priced at 5,600gns was Silver Montecristo, a 14-month-old whose home-bred dam goes back to the 13,000gns Blelack Crusader and was purchased by M Griffiths and Co, Pwllhelli, Gwynedd and minutes earlier M Jones, Lledrod, Aberystwyth paid 5,400gns for the 15-month-old Silver Maximus.

Two bulls sold for the next highest price of 5,200gns. The June-2015 born Trannon Likelylad from John Williams, Caersws, Powys was the first, he had been awarded a yellow ticket in his class at the pre-sale show and DM Jerman and Co, Llanidloes, Powys were the purchasers of this Wesley Evolution son.

Then David and Bernadette Stacey, St Austell, Cornwall also secured 5,200gns from DA Jones and Co, Llanidloes, Powys for their 14-month-old entry. Polgoda Mackenzie who had placed second in his class earlier in the day is sired by the Cornwall Show champion Balbithan Eria.

Three bulls were knocked down at 5,000gns a piece with the first coming from Billy and Sarah Turner, Skelton on Ure, North Yorkshire. Brampton Limelight, a March-2015 born son of the 22,000gns Burradon Goldenballs caught the eye of AK Watkins, Kentchurch, Herefordshire.

The second to sell for 7,000gns, this time going home with Premier Barton Farms to work in Exeter, Devon, was the 23-month-old 10,500gns Midas Furious son Brestbaily Legend from WJ Lewis and Son, Brecon, Powys.

Matching the 5,000gns price tag was Carrigbeg Longjohn from exhibitor Richard Butler, Barbers Bridge, Gloucestershire and JT Davies, Llandrindod, Powys were the purchasers of this November-2015 born 18,000gns Thrunton Fairfax.

Averages: 29 bulls: £4,417.50; one cow and calf: £2,835; one heifer: £1,890
Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales

A combination of pedigree and commercial interest saw a solid trade of Charolais bulls at Stirling on Monday 1 May where 32 bulls sold to a top price of 8,500gns and an average of £4,587, up £312 on the year with clearance rates rocketing by 36% to 89%.

Champion and Top Price Elgin Lochness 8,500gns

The sale leader at 8,500gns was the pre-sale show Champion Elgin Lochness from RA Milne and sons, Elgin, Morayshire. The 18-month old Lochness is sired by the 14,000gns easy calving Westcarse Houdini and out of the home-bred Elgin Heidi who goes back to the 10,000gns Thrunton Alpha and was purchased by Allan Mcarthur, Balfron Station, Glasgow.

Reserve Champion Goldies Lively – 8,000gns

The purchasers seemed to agree with the pre-sale Judge Ellis Mutch as his choice for reserve champion was the next top priced. Bred and exhibited by Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfries-shire, the November-2015 born Goldies Lively whose breeding includes sire the 15,000gns Gretnahouse Heman – who also sired of top priced bull Carlisle May 2016 – and home-bred dam Goldies Isabelle who is sired by the 34,000gns Goldies Uppermost sold in an 8,000gns deal to J and A Dunlop, Maybole, Ayrshire.

John Whiteford & Son, Cupar, Fife were the next to purchase, spending 6,000gns and taking home Inverlochy Lustre, a 22-month old son of the 11,000gns Blelack Giggsey and a home-bred dam going back to the seasoned show winner Inverlochy Resolve. Lustre had himself shone in the showring when he was tapped out top of his class the previous day for exhibitors John Irvine and Son, Ballindalloch, Banffshire.

Matching the 6,000gns price tag was the November-2015 born Linrossfarm Leo from Edward Scott, Glamis, Angus. G Mccormick Snr liked the look of this yellow ticking winning son of the proven high performing short gestation and easy calving Blelack Digger and takes him home to work in Bridgend, Isle Of Islay.

Close behind and the first of two to secure 5,800gns was Thrunton Lachlan who took the fancy of George Russell, Denny, Stirlingshire. This 24-month old entry from JHC Campbell & Sons, Alnwick, Northumberland is sired by Thrunton Gladiator and his maternal grandsire is the 15,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Burradon Talisman.

Hamish Goldie was back in the money also securing 5,800gns for another of his Gretnahouse Heman sons, this time out of Goldies Ingot going back to the 12,000gns Goldies Elation. The November 2015-born Goldies Lionel sold to Colin McMillan, Bowmore, Isle of Islay.

Next at 5,500gns was Gretnahouse Leapfrog for breeder Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green, Dumfries-shire. Another son of the popular Blelack Digger this 19-month old travels on to work in Lumphannan, Aberdeenshire with new owners S and J Urquhart.

David and Nick Walter, Balthayock, Perthshire sold a trio of top priced bulls, the highest priced of which was a yellow ticket winner who secured a bid of 5,200gns from A Mccornick and Co, Lochfoot, Dumfries. The October-2015 born Balthayock Lorenzo is sired by the easy calving champion of the Perth and Braco shows and is out of the 10,000gns Balmyle Churchill daughter Balthayock Favourite whose previous son sold for 8,000gns.

The Walters went on to sell two of their younger lots – aged 15 months – for 4,000gns a piece, both sired by the 20,000gns Royal Welsh supreme and Highland beef breeder continental champion Maerdy Grenadier. Balthayock Marius was purchased by J and A Cooper and Sons, Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire and Balthayock Mark went on to Kirkcolm, Stranraer with RJ Manson and Partners.

Earlier in the day H Adamson and Son, Newport On Tay, Fife purchased the 19-month old Mortimers Highlandfling son Westcarse Lightening from exhibitor’s J H Christie and Son, Stirling, Stirlingshire for 4,800gns.

At 4,500gns Mr and Mrs John Wight, Biggar, Lanarkshire were the next to sell. The August-2015 born Midlock Luck who had placed second in his class the previous day and is sired the 17,000gns Elrick Highlander was snapped up by Aitken Bros, Linlithgow, West Lothian.

The final lot to bring 4,000gns was the 20-month old Baillieston Luke, a son of the 25,000gns Stirling supreme champion Maerdy Hasse from Ronnie Baillie and Co, Deerness, Orkney. Balmirmer Farms were the successful bidders and take him home to work at West Balmirmer, Angus.

Averages: 32 bulls £4,587
Auctioneers: United Auctions

Stirling Show Results
Sunday 30 April 2017
Judge: Ellis Mutch, Forglen, Banff

Class Eight – Bulls born on or between 03/05/2015 – 18/07/2015
1^st – John Irvine and Son – Inverlochy Lustre – s. Blelack Giggsey
2^nd – WK & P Drysdale – Glenericht Locomotion – s. Maerdy Impeccable
3^rd – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Lancelot – s. Maerdy Hearthrob

Class Nine – Bulls born on or between 19/07/2015 – 03/10/2015
1^st – John Irvine and Son – Inverlochy Landward – s. Blelack Giggsey
2^nd – Mr & Mrs John Wight – Midlock Luck – s. Elrick Highlander
3^rd – J H Christie & Son – Westcarse Lightening – s. Mortimers Highlandfling

Class Ten – Bulls born on or between 04/10/2015 – 10/11/2015
1^st – RA Milne and Sons – Elgin Lochness – s. Westcarse Houdini
2^nd – J M Cant & Partners – Panmure Logan – s. Thrunton Firecracker
3^rd – David and Nick Walter – Balthayock Lorenzo – s. Ugie Echo

Class Eleven – Bulls born on or after 11/11/2015
1^st – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lively – s. Gretnahouse Heman
2^nd – J M Cant & Partners – Panmure Lennie – s. Sandelford Harrison ET
3^rd – Edward Scott – Linrossfarm Leo – s. Blelack Digger

Supreme Champion
RA Milne and Sons – Elgin Lochness – s. Westcarse Houdini
Reserve Supreme Champion
Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lively – s. Gretnahouse Heman

Charolais bulls met with a ready trade in Dungannon on Monday 1 May, topping at 5,200gns with a clearance rate of 93%, up 17% on the year for 2 more sold. Following the recent Charolais sales trend averages were also up by £360 to £3,182.

Topping the lots and securing a price of 5,200gns from S Quigg, Garvagh, Co Derry was the pre-sale show reserve male champion, an entry from John McGrath, Dromore, Co Tyrone. The 14-month old Drumconnis Marvel is a son of the 28,000gns Stirling supreme champion Elgin Glenlivet and Scottish born dam Loganbar Hemisphere.

Next in the trade stakes was the November 2015-born Coolnaslee Largolf whose breeding includes the 12,000gns Maerdy Fiend and maternal grandsire the 55,000gns Balmoral interbreed champion Sportsmans Columbo. Largolf who commanded a 4,900gns bid from Norman Johnston, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh had been awarded a yellow ticket earlier in the day for breeder Gilbert Crawford, Maghera, Co Derry.

Mr Crawford went on to secure the reserve supreme and male championships with his 15-month old entry Coolnaslee Master who is no stranger to the show ring having secured the Pedigree Calf Fair reserve junior championship back in November. The 22,000gns Newhouse Bigal is the sire here and the home-bred dam again goes back to Columbo. Stephen McGuinness, Greysteel, Co Derry were the purchasers.

Just a few lots earlier Glenbuck Lawyer had secured a 4,700gns bid from Seamus McMullan, Bellaghy, Co Derry. Lawyer a December-2015 born entry sired by Blelack Digger had been awarded a red rosette in the show for Robin O’Mullan, Rasharkin, Co Antrim.

Another class winner this time from breeder Kenneth Veitch, Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh realised the next highest bid of 4,000gns and the man with his hand in the air as the hammer went down on this one was Eric J Connor, Maghera, Co Derry. The 18-month old Drumlone Lindsman is a son of the French AI sire Plexus and the homebred Drumlone Hilary.

The next top priced at 3,800gns and purchased HP Nugent, Toomebridge, Co Antrim was the 18,000gns Thrunton Fairfax son Royaldowns Legend, a December-2015 born entry from Mervyn McKeown, Downpatrick, Co Down.

Next and selling for a price tag of 3,300gns, J, MN and SP Bradley, Plumbridge, Co Tyrone offered their 15-month old Slievemore Mugsy. The 18,000gns Perth intermediate champion Fury Action sired this lad who was snapped up by Seamus McMullan, Bellaghy, Co Derry.

Just two lots later Harold Stubbs and Alan Burleigh, Crummy, Co Fermanagh sold their Minsups reserve junior bull champion Derryharney Major. The January-2016 born Major who is sired by Allanfauld Vagabond and out of Derryharney Dancer who goes back to the 13,000gns Perth junior champion Simpsons Gregg, caught the eye of Andrew Millar, Antrim, when he was placed second in his class at the pre-sale show.

Another blue ticket winner this time exhibited by Jeremy Paynter, Hockley, Co Armagh, was the first of three to secure a price of 3,100gns. The 16,000gns Royal Welsh Show reserve male champion Anside Foreman son and 16-month old Drumilly Landrover was purchased by R Hylands, Limavady, Co Derry.

Matching the 3,100gns price tag was the February-2016 born Kiltybane Misterlucky sired by Doonally Nicefor and out of the home-bred Kiltybane Icity. Desmond Rafferty, Carrickmore, Co Tyrone bought this one from breeders and exhibitors Seamus & Aiden Bellew, Cullyhanna, Co Down.

The third lot to sell for 3,100gns was a 14-month old entry from William and Margaret Nelson, Rosslea, Co Fermanagh. The 22,000gns Newhouse Bigal sired Drumacritten Mark journeys on to work at Randalstown, Co Antrim with Brian Smyth.

The female lots were topped by an entry from Harold Stubbs and grandson Alan Burleigh of Crummy, Co Fermanagh who earlier in the day were awarded the supreme and female championship for their 15-month old Doonally New daughter Derryharney Moonlight who was snapped up by H and H Heron, Newtownards, Co Down for 3,300gns.

The Heron family were in a buying mood and went on to purchase the reserve female champion Killadeas Lottie, an August-2015 born lass sired by easy calving Blelack Digger from breeders and exhibitors Stuart and David Bothwell, Ballina Mallard, Co Fermagh.

Averages 26 bulls £3,182.31, 4 heifers £2,139.38
Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart

Dungannon Monday 1 May 2017
Show Results
Judge: Aaron Quigley

Class One – Bulls born on or between 09/06/2015 – 11/10/2015
1^st – Kenneth Veitch – Dumlone Lindsman – s. Plexus
2^nd – John Erskine – Dartonhall Lampard – s. Corrie Alan
3^rd – William Causey – Toberlane Lance – s. Alwent Goldbar

Class Two – Bulls born on or between 03/11/2015 – 27/11/2015
1^st – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Lager – s. Sandelford Harrison
2^nd – Sean McCaughey – Fymore Leader – s. Éclair
3^rd – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Largolf – s. Maerdy Fiend

Class Three – Bulls born on or between 03/12/2015 – 29/12/2015
1^st – Robin O’Mullan – Glenbuck Lawyer ET – s. Blelack Digger
2^nd – Jeremy Paynter – Drumilly Landrover ET – s. Anside Foreman
3^rd – Vincent Cunningham – Cunnsallagh Liam – s. Fleetwood

Class Four – Bulls born on or between 04/01/2016 – 07/02/2016
1^st – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Master – s. Newhouse Bigal
2^nd – Harold Stubbs and Alan Burleigh – Derryharney Major – s. Allanfauld Vagabond
3^rd – James McBride – Moorlough Max – s. Liscally Eti ET

Class Five – Bulls born on or after 10/02/2016
1^st – John McGrath – Drumconnis Marvel – s. Elgin Glenlivet
2^nd – Neville Hicks – Riverview Magnum – s. Lisnagre Elite ET
3^rd – Mrs A O’Kane – Kilgort Max – s. Rumsden Fawkes

Class Six – Females born on or between 08/03/2015 – 10/08/2015
1^st – Stuart and David Bothwell – Killadeas Lottie – s. Blelack Digger
2^nd – William Whyte – Innishrush Lollypop – s. Doonally New
3^rd – Owen Kerrigan and Jacqueline Conn – Altnacree Lyla – s. Goldies Formidable

Class Seven – Females born on or between 29/11/2015 – 12/02/2016
1^st – Harold Stubbs and Alan Burleigh – Derryharney Moonlight – s. Doonally New
2^nd – William Causey – Toberlane Margaret – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
3^rd – Michael, Seamus and K Loughran – Utree Missi – s. Allanfauld Aviator

Female & Supreme Champion
Harold Stubbs and Alan Burleigh – Derryharney Moonlight – s. Doonally New
Male & Reserve Supreme Champion
Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Master – s. Newhouse Bigal
Reserve Male Champion
John McGrath – Drumconnis Marvel – s. Elgin Glenlivet
Reserve Female Champion
Stuart and David Bothwell – Killadeas Lottie – s. Blelack Digger

Overall champion Woodpark Lottie and Reserve Gretnahouse Lord

Male champion Gretnahouse Lord and reserve Coolnaslee Marlow

Supreme & Female champion Woodpark Lottie and Reserve Female champion Bessibell Millie

Results

Class 587 – Cow, born before 01/01/2014, in milk or in calf
1^st – S & R Thompson – Altnaveigh Eclipse ET – s. Maerdy Impeccable
2^nd – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Ganet – s. Sportsmans Columbo

Altnaveigh Eclypse

Woodpark Lottie

Class 590 – Heifer, born on or between 01/07/2015 & 31/12/2015
1^st – Will Short – Woodpark Lottie – s. Deeside Gulliver
2^nd – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Lucybella – s. Goldstar Hugo
3^rd – Jon Regan – Liscally Liscally 2 – s. Liscally Eti

Bessiebell-Millie

Class 591 – Heifer, born on or after 01/01/2016
1^st – SJ Smyth – Bessiebell Millie – s. Newhouse Bigal
2^nd – Gilbert Crawford
3^rd – SJ Smyth – Bessiebell Maisie – s. Newhouse Bigal

Gretnahouse Lord

Class 592 – Bull, born on or before 01/01/2016
1^st – Brendan & Grey Feeney – Gretnahouse Lord – s. Balthayock Gladiator
2^nd – O’Kane Brothers – Ovill Lancelot ET – s. Dingle Hofmeister

-Coolnaslee Marlow

Class 594 – bull, born on or after 01/04/2016
1^st – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Marlow – s. Goldstar Hugo
2nd – Damien O’Mullan – Glenbuck Mint – s. Major
2rd – Alan Shiels – Barkhill Magic – s. Davilly Illusion

Supreme & Female Champion
Will Short – Woodpark Lottie – s. Deeside Gulliver
Reserve Supreme & Male Champion
Brendan & Grey Feeney – Gretnahouse Lord – s. Balthayock Gladiator

Reserve Female Champion
SJ Smyth – Bessiebell Millie – s. Newhouse Bigal
Reserve Male Champion
Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Marlow – s. Goldstar Hugo

Junior Champion
SJ Smyth – Bessiebell Millie – s. Newhouse Bigal
Reserve Junior Champion
Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Marlow – s. Goldstar Hugo

Group of 3

Group of 3

For the Morris family who farm near Thame, Oxfordshire, a closed herd of 300 pedigree Charolais cows run along strictly commercial lines is the foundation of a simple and profitable farming business.

The Dorcas Charolais herd was founded in 1992 by purchasing cows at dispersal and reduction sales. There followed a period of rigorous culling and selection which has been key to the herd’s success. Heifers calve at two years of age and only females that calve easily, have good temperament and produce plenty of milk are retained. Dorcas females also demonstrate longevity and good fertility.

George Morris does his own A.I. on the best cows within the herd, resulting in all bulls being homebred.  They are selected for their maternal strengths from herds that John Morris has visited during visits with the World Charolais Congress. Bulls bred in Sweden, America and Canada are currently being used.

Calving ease is of paramount importance. As John says, “Once a Charolais calf gets up, you know that nothing can beat it for growth rates and weight, but if you lose it calving then all that goes out the window.”

Achieving high growth rates is also important and the Dorcas herd demonstrates that it is possible to use easy calving bulls and still achieve the high growth rates that the Charolais breed is noted for. Primestock is sold deadweight through Thame Farmers Auction Mart. The vast majority of the fat bulls grade at U and kill out at 60% or above at 15 months of age. Heifers are finished at around 24 months of age. Some young heifers and bulls are sold privately.

The feeding system is kept very simple. During the winter months, the cows are fed ad-lib straw with a ration being fed every second day. This comprises a mix of rolled barley, crushed beet pulp and Trafford Gold. The same mix is fed to the finishing bulls on an ad-lib basis.

Calving used to occur year-round but this has been altered over the past year to concentrate the calving period between mid-April and August, with plans to shorten it further in the next couple of years. This change has been made to further simplify the management of the herd and to avoid calving when the flock of 1200 Lleyn sheep are lambing. Both the Charolais cattle and the sheep are run on an easy-care system with a very low labour input. In addition to family labour there is just one full-time and one part-time member of staff. The sheep lamb outdoors during March and April and all lambs are finished without concentrates at 40 kilos.

In 2016, the Dorcas herd won the South Eastern Charolais herd competition. The judge John Wylde commented that he was “Very impressed with the consistency of such a large number of females all feeding their calves well. Every group of calves seen were of high quality with good working stock bulls in each group. The weaned bulls and females were again impressive. Some of the bulls in the killing pens would have turned heads in many shows and sales. Altogether making this herd complete.”

The Dorcas herd, in association with the British Charolais Cattle Society, is hosting an open day from 1pm on Saturday 27^th May. This will provide an opportunity to see how the Charolais breed can be used as the foundation of a profitable commercial beef enterprise. There will also be a cattle handling demonstration and a talk by ABP on carcass classification. If you would like to attend please contact Sue Stenner at the British Charolais Cattle Society Tel. 02476 697222 or email sue@charolais.co.uk by 19th May.

Article by Rachel Archer

The Society are pleased to announce our photographic competition.

There are two categories – Summer Charolais and Funny Farm.

For the Summer Charolais section, please submit pictures of your Charolais cattle out enjoying the sunshine and for the Funny Farm section please submit amusing photos at your discretion!

Charolais bulls met a ready trade with strong commercial interest bolstering bull averages to £5158.13, an increase on last year of £151 with five more sold. Bidding peaked at 12,000gns, 28 lots traded at 5,000gns and above, 72 bulls sold with the clearance rate also up on the year by 14% to 82%, at Carlisle on Saturday 13 May.

New Society CEO Peter Phythian commented “This is the fourth consecutive Charolais sale where both the averages and clearance rates have increased, driven by the success of Charolais sired suckler calves who are topping the markets on weight for age”.

McCaldrick Mintoish

The trade topper was the supreme, male and junior champion McCaldrick McIntoish from breeders Sean and Martina O’Kane, Dunloy, Co Antrim. The 15-month-old McIntoish is the very first calf to be bred by the O’Kane family and is sired by the 16,000gns Royal Welsh reserve champion male, Anside Foreman and out of the Irish-born Aghafad Hope. He was purchased for 12,000gns by Highfields Park Farm, Hartfield, East Sussex.

Gretnahouse Lunar

Next and selling for 11,000gns to Perthshire based breeders David and Nick Walter, was the October-2015 born yellow ticket winner Gretnahouse Lunar from Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green, Dumfriesshire, who went on to sell a total of three to an average of £7,700. His sire is the 12,000gns Carlisle reserve senior champion Wesley Equinox and his dam is polled Gretnahouse Hazel who goes back to the Swedish Nynas Viril Av.

Caylers Lincoln

Following on at 10,000gns was another yellow ticket winner, the 18-month-old Caylers Lincoln whose breeding includes sire Balthayock Hamish and homebred dam Caylers Hostess who goes back to Thrunton Dominator. Lincoln was snapped up by RH Thompson and Son, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, from breeders and exhibitors Caylers Charolais, Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire.

Caylers Limerick

Another entry from Caylers Charolais was next in the trade stakes at 9,000gns. Caylers Limerick an October-2015 born lad, also sired by Balthayock Hamish and out of the homebred dam Caylers Iona, a daughter of Goldies Eddy, sold in a two-way split to WK and P Drysdale, Blairgowrie, Perthshire and Michael Massie, Auchnagatt, Aberdeenshire.

Goldies Lawson

Five bulls sold for 8,000gns a-piece and three of them came from the Dumfries-shire home of Hamish Goldie, who sold a total of six averaging £6,877.50. All three were November-2015 born and the first to sell was Goldies Lawson, who had been awarded the intermediate and reserve overall male championships in the previous day’s show. Goldies Formidable is the sire of this one and the dam is Goldies Violin who has bred bulls to 26,000gns and who goes back to Thrunton Trademark. Pre-sale judge Jane Haw showed the courage of her conviction when she purchased Lawson on behalf of breeders Mr and Mrs Andrew White, Worth Matravers, Dorset.

Goldies Limelight

The very next lot matched the 8,000gns price for Mr Goldie, this time selling to Ouston Farms Ltd, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. Goldies Limelight is a son of herd sire and homebred Goldies Formidable, whose previous sons have sold to 26,000gns and 23,000gns and dam Goldies Collette who goes back to Goldies Vicechancellor.

Goldies Landlord

Mr Goldie’s next lot Goldies Landlord by the 15,000gns Grentahouse Heman and out of the 12,000gns Goldies Elation sired Goldies Hazel, also made 8,000gns when he was knocked down to AH Fisher, Stranraer, Wigtownshire.

Elgin London

Another 8,000gns lot was the 18-month-old Elgin London, who had placed second in his class at the pre-sale show. London who was bred and exhibited by Robert Milne, Elgin, Morayshire, is a son of the 14,000gns Westcarse Houdini and Elgin Honey who is sired by the 10,000gns Thrunton Alpha. Rachel Dawson, Newton Burgoland, Leicestershire was the purchaser.

Hendy Messi

The final bull to make 8,000gns was an entry from Wyn and Diane Rees, Llangurig, Powys, and stays local as he caught the eye of GL Davies, Brecon, Powys. The class winning and February-2016 born Hendy Messi, is out of the Tullygarley Rollerball daughter Hendy Chanel and is sired by the 19,000gns Doune and Dunblane Show champion Corrie Alan.

Balbithan Mercedes

Mr and Mrs Andrew White, who had purchased the reserve male champion earlier in the day were the next to make a sale with Balbithan Mercedes, a 15-month-old who has already been shown successfully being awarded male champion of the Royal Berkshire Show and reserve male champion at the Royal Cornwall. He is sired by popular AI bull Goldies Eddy and his dam the 12,000gns Newhouse Benson daughter Balbithan Faith, who is no stranger to the show ring herself boasting Royal Cornwall show reserve supreme and female champion among her many show accolades, was purchased in a 7,500gns deal by G Jones, Llanrwst, Conwy.

Glenrock Lazerus

Four bulls sold for the next highest price of 7,000gns, the first being purchased by John Weir, Stow, Selkirkshire. Glenrock Lazerus, an October-2015 born class winner, sired by the proven high performing short gestation and easy calving Blelack Digger and out of the £15,000 Lowerffrydd Benhurr sired Glenrock Harriett, was bred and exhibited by Stephen Illingworth, Eaglesfield, Dumfries-shire.

Two more sold at 7,000gns and both were from breeders John and Sandra Middleton, Upper Creevagh, Co Derry. The first was Hollywell Lewis, who was a red ticket winner at the Northern Ireland Pedigree Calf Fair last November and who is a full brother to the intermediate champion from last year’s sale here. Gelston Castle Farms, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, liked the look of this 18-month-old son of the Highland Show reserve beef breeder bull Elgin Davinci.

Hollywell Montana

The Middleton family’s next lot and matching the 7,000gns price tag, was the pre-sale show reserve junior champion and one of the youngest lots of the sale at just 13-month-old. Hollywell Montana who is sired by 25,000gns Perth supreme champion Goldies Unbeatable and is out of the Stirlingshire-bred 10,000gns Mortimers Echo daughter Westcarse Honey, heads on to work in Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire for A and T Wilson.

Tweeddale Marcus

Also selling for 7,000gns was Tweeddale Marcus, a January-2016 born blue ticket winner who caught the eye of Stan Abel and Co, Llanidloes, Powys. Marcus is by the well-known AI sire Blelack Blackberet, while the dam is Goldies Gleam, a cow by the 14,000gns Perth reserve senior champion Goldies Banker, and was the first of five to sell for Jonathan Watson and Co, Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland.

Tweeddale Lothario

Mr Watson’s next lot was the yellow ticket winner Tweeddale Lothario, a 17-month-old 11,000gns Woodpark Elgin son, who was purchased by RA Davies, St Asaph, Denbighshire, for 6,500gns.

Caylers Charolais who sold five in total to average £7,455, matched the 6,500gns selling price, this time with Caylers Lysander who had been tapped out first in his class at pre-sale show 24 hours earlier. The December-2015 born Lysander sired by the 10,000gns Thrunton Goldeneye, found a new home in Westray, Orkney with T and M Seatter.

Female Section

There was a strong and steady demand for females with the section peaking at 7,000gns. Seven cows and calves averaged £3,570 and the nine heifers sold cashed in to an average £3,190. John and Sandra Middleton’s reserve supreme and female champion Hollywell Latin lead the female section. Latin who heads back to Ireland with H and H Heron of Newtonards, County Down, is 20-month-old daughter of Thrunton Fairfax and Balmoral Show reserve junior champion Hollywell Harmony.

Just behind at 6,800gns and selling to TP Atkinson, Ulverston, Cumbria, was the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister daughter and October-2014 born Glenrock Jewel, along with her nine-month-old daughter Glenrock Melanie sired by Goldies Eddy. The pair were bred and exhibited by Stephen Illingworth, Eaglesfield, Dumfries-shire.

Just two lots earlier Mr Illingsworth had sold another mother and daughter pair, the May-2012 born Lowerffrydd Benhurr daughter Glenrock Harriet and her five-month-old heifer calf Glenrock Marriet who is also sired by Goldies Eddy, sold in a 4,300gns deal to A and JJ Forrest, Biggar, Lanarkshire.

Mr Illingsworth was in the money again a little later this time with the June-2011 born Glenrock Glamour, who was sold together with her six-month-old daughter Glenrock Mercedes who is sired by Blelack Digger. Glamour who is another daughter of Lowerffrydd Benhurr caught the eye of ER Pigs, Rotherham, Yorkshire, who paid 4,000gns for the pair.

Matching the 4,000gns price tag was reserve female champion Alsnow Louise from Alan Lawson, Hallington, Tyne and Wear. GM Roberts, Gaerwen, Gwynedd, was the last man in on this 22-month-old 10,000gns Puntabrava Federico daughter, whose dam Alsnow Harmony who goes back to Blelack Digger.

An added feature of the sale was a draft from the Thrunton herd of JHC Campbell and Sons of Alnwick, Northumberland, where 21 cows were sold with calves at foot. The top priced at 4,000gns was the first lot of the section, mother and daughter pair Thrunton Goddess and Thrunton Majesty. Goddess is a December-2011 born daughter of the 26,000gns Stirling senior champion Balmyle Dickler and dam Thrunton Adalaide herself sired by the 15,000gns supreme Carlisle champion Burradon Talisman. Her 10-month-old daughter Majesty is sired by the 26,000gns Maerdy Hearthrob and the pair head up to Canonbie, Dumfriesshire with Tom Story.

Next to sell for John and Ed Campbell was a mother and twin calf outfit, this time selling for 3,200gns and travelling back to Northumberland with purchaser J Charlton of Dudley. Thrunton Dewdrop is the July-2008 born dam who is sired by the aforementioned Burradon Talisman and her two ten-month-old daughters Thrunton Missdaisy and Missmarple are sired by the home-bred Thrunton Gladiator.

Selling at the same price of 3,200gns was another Thrunton pair. The February-2010 born, 22,000gns Newhouse Bigal daughter Thrunton Fallon and her seven-month-old heifer calf Thrunton Maradona by Balmyle Dickler were purchased by A and JJ Forrest, Biggar, Lanarkshire.

Averages: 72 Bulls £5158.13; seven cow and calves £3,570; nine heifers £3,190.83; 21 Thrunton cows and calves £2,467; two Thrunton Heifers, £1,811. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington Ltd.

Show Results
Friday 12 May 2017
Judge: Jane Haw, Throop, Dorset

Class One – Bull, born on between 27/02/2015 & 13/05/2015
1^st – Ian & Dorothy Goldie – Solwayfirth Lincoln – s. Clyth Diplomat
2^nd – Mark & Jane Hayhurst – Whitecliffe Locomotion – s. Whitecliffe Highlight
3^rd – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Luigi – s. Balmyle Dickler

Class Two – Bull, born on between 14/05/2015 & 30/06/2015
1^st – J Wardlaw & Son – Haughhead Legacy – s. Anside Foreman
2^nd – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Lex – s. Burradon Garibaldi
3^rd – E Smith & Son – Southwillow Lance – s. Burradon Garibaldi

Class Three – Bull, born on between 01/07/2015 & 05/09/2015
1^st – T Bell & Son – Hallbankgate Larry – s. Moelfre Ambassador
2^nd – David & Carol Noton – Ashby Liam – s. Burradon Talisman
3^rd – J Hepburn & Co – Northhouse Leo – s. Elgin Highlander

Class Four – Bull, born on between 06/09/2015 & 15/10/2015
1^st – Hackleton Farms Ltd – Hackleton Lawman – s. Thrunton Doubletop
2^nd – JD Leavesley – Tutbury Lawyer – s. Alwent Goldbar
3^rd – Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Lunar – s. Wesley Equinox

Class Five – Bull, born on between 16/10/2015 & 31/10/2015
1^st – Mr S Illingworth – Glenrock Lazerus – s. Blelack Digger
2^nd – Roy Milne & Sons – Elgin London – s. Westcarse Houdini
3^rd – T & GW Roberts – Plasbela Lydiate – s. Newhouse Bigal

Class Six – Bull, born on between 01/11/2015 & 13/11/2015
1^st – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lawson – s. Goldies Formidable
2^nd – Roy Milne & Sons – Elgin Lachlan – s. Caylers Gladiator
3^rd – Caylers Charolais – Caylers Lincoln – s. Balthayock Hamish

Class Seven – Bull, born on between 14/11/2015 & 08/12/2015
1^st – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Ludicris – s. Goldstar Hugo2
2^nd – Mr S Illingworth – Glenrock Lorenzo – s. Goldies Eddy
3^rd – Jonathan Watson & Co – Tweeddale Lothario – s. Woodpark Elgin

Class Eight – Bull, born on between 09/12/2015 & 31/12/2015
1^st – Caylers Charolais – Caylers Lysander – s. Thrunton Goldeneye
2^nd – Hamish Goldie – Goldie Legend – s. Gretnahouse Heman
3^rd – A & V Brown & Sons – Ellerton Lotario – s. Barnsford Ferny

Class Nine – Bull, born on between 01/01/2016 & 10/01/2016
1^st – A McCornick & Co – Ricnick Monsoon – s. Goldstar Echo
2^nd – Jonathan Watson & Co – Tweeddale Marcus – s. Blelack Blackberet
3^rd – Messrs Curry – Burradon Medallionman – s. Puntabrava Federico

Class Ten – Bull, born on between 11/01/2016 & 31/01/2016
1^st – PJ O’Kane – Mccaldrick Mcintoish – s. Anside Foreman
2^nd – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Mayfair – s. Burradon Goldenball
3^rd – Jonathan Watson & Co – Tweeddale Mervin – s. Goldies Decider

Class Eleven – Bull, born on between 01/02/2016 & 28/02/2016
1^st – JAW Rees & Son – Hendy Messi – s. Corrie Alan
2^nd – Jonathan Watson & Co – Tweeddale Munster – s. Blelack Blackberet
3^rd – Wissington Charolais – Wissington Major – s. Thrunton Galaxy

Class Twelve – Bull, born on after 01/03/2016
1^st – John & Sandra Middleton – Hollywell Montana – s. Goldies Unbeatable
2^nd – JAW Rees & Son – Hendy Majestic – s. Tullygarley Rollerball
3^rd – Caylers Charolais – Caylers Maguire – s. Rosanna Jupiter

Class Thirteen – Female, served and/or suckling
1^st – D Smith & Sons – Redheughs Florence – s. Glencoe Vision

Class Fourteen – Female, born on or between 24/03/2015 – 31/08/2015
1^st – John & Sandra Middleton – Hollywell Latin – s. Thrunton Fairfax
2^nd – Alan R Lawson & Son – Alsnow Louise – s. Puntabrava Federico
3^rd – Mortimers Farms Ltd – Mortimers Lovely – s. Mortimers Hurricane

Class Fifteen – Female, born on or after 01/09/2015
1^st – Jan Boomaars – Vexour Lapwing – s. Thrunton Glencoe
2^nd – Mortimers Farms Ltd – Mortimers Magical – s. Mortimers Hurricane
3^rd – Jan Boomaars – Vexour Lioness – s. Newhouse Emperor

Supreme, Male & Junior Male Champion
PJ O’Kane – Mccaldrick Mcintoish – s. Anside Foreman
Reserve Supreme & Female Champion
John & Sandra Middleton – Hollywell Latin – s. Thrunton Fairfax

Reserve Female Champion
Alan R Lawson & Son – Alsnow Louise – s. Puntabrava Federico

Reserve Male Champion & Intermediate Male Champion
Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lawson – s. Goldies Formidable
Reserve Intermediate Male Champion
Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Ludicris – s. Goldstar Hugo2

Senior Male Champion
Hackleton Farms Ltd – Hackleton Lawman – s. Thrunton Doubletop
Reserve Senior Male Champion
JD Leavesley – Tutbury Lawyer – s. Alwent Goldbar

Reserve Junior Male Champion
John & Sandra Middleton – Hollywell Montana – s. Goldies Unbeatable

Best Bull from Yorkshire or Lancashire
A & V Brown & Sons – Ellerton Lotario – s. Barnsford Ferny

Wales & North Midlands
Regional qualifiers for the National Stockjudging competition began on the 28th April with the Welsh and North Midland regional qualifier which this year was held at Welshpool Livestock Market on the evening preceding the society sale.

The stockjudging was scheduled for after the inspections and there was a nice turnout with competitors travelling from all over Wales and the Midlands. Regional secretary and youth coordinator Ruth Corbett had arranged for the stockjudging to be held in the show ring and the Welshpool market team were really accommodating staying on late so we could host the event. Steward Arwel Owen organised two lovely bull classes for judging and master judge Gareth Roberts must have made a good job of selecting his order as there were some great scores.

After the judging new Society CEO Peter Phythian gave a talk to crowd and the presentations were made to the winners and runners up in each age category followed by a catch-up in the bar! Congratulations to Emma Morgan-Page, Ross Isaac, Cara Smith, Joe Powell, Thomas Corbett and Grace Corbett who go forward to the National competition to represent the Welsh region.

Northern Ireland
Just two weeks later it was the turn of the Northern Ireland region to host their qualifier. The McWilliams family were the hosts who went to town with the hospitality providing a hearty stew dinner and sandwiches and cakes to boot at their lovely home in Maghera, Co Derry. Robert McWilliams established their Charolais herd in 2003 and is now home to 12 breeding females. The herd has been successful at shows and society sales and his proudest Charolais moments include winning the senior and reserve male championship at Carlisle May 2012 with Stranagone Farren who went on to sell for 9,500gns and being crowned supreme Charolais champion at last year’s Balmoral Show with Stranagone Jones, who was male champion the previous year.

The cattle looked great in the sunshine and three classes were prepared for the competitors to judge. The day also featured presentations on health and safety in partnership with IOSH and the benefit of using EBVs with Gavin Hill of SAC. Congratulations to all the competitors who qualified to go forward to the National competition at Seawell grounds in July: Kevin Reavey, James Causey, Caoimhe McGovern, Eimear McGovern, Pearse McWilliams, Matthew Mitchell, David Rea & James Rea.

Yorkshire & North East
The Yorkshire & North East area was the next to hold their qualifier, which was held at the renowned Brampton herd of Billy and Sarah Turner in Ripon, North Yorkshire. Brampton is one of the longest established Charolais herds in the country being started back in 1972 and has gone from strength to strength with accolades including being awarded the Raymond Ogden Perpetual Trophy on its first outing in 1982, numerous Supreme Championships at the Perth bull sales and the Royal Show and most recently Brampton Legoman was crowned junior champion at last year’s Great Yorkshire Show. The Turners have also exported Charolais cattle all worldwide including consignments to Brazil, South Africa and Eire.

Stockman Antony and Michael had prepared three handsome classes of cattle and the Master Judge Steven Nesbit made his choices before the competitors took their turn. Club secretary Margaret Atkinson arranged the scoring and the presentations were made at Billy and daughter Sarah’s home in the village, where we were treated to a pork batch supper with plenty of cakes for afters. Making their way to the final on behalf of the region were Anthony Howe, Michael Dumbreck, Stuart Brown and Charlie, Sophie and Rebecca Hitchen.

Drymen Show – 27 May 2017
Judge: John Morton, Gretna Green, Dumfries-shire
Reserve Beef Interbreed Champion, Breed Champion & Class Winner
T & S Gatherer – Barnsford Meadow – s. Goldies Eddy
Reserve Breed Champion & Class Winner
George Russell – Lesliepark Lithgow – s. Newhouse Bigal

Lesmahagow Show – 27 May 2017
Judge: Miss J MacKay, Auchenairney, Maybole
Continental Cattle Champion
Mr & Mrs JJ Wight – Midlock Linda – s. Elrick Highlander
Reserve Continental Cattle Champion
A & JJ Forrest – Glenrock Harriet – s. Lowerffrydd Benhurr

Class 245 – Female born on or between 1 April & 31 July 2016
1 – Andrew Stott – Tophill Martette – s. Ratoary Ferguson
2 – John Irvine & Son – Inverlovchy Maddie – s. Blelack Giggsey
3 – Robert Aitken – Lourie Mabel – s. Goldies Eddy

Class 246 – Female born on or between 1 January & 31 March 2016
1 – Darren Knox – Drumshane Mademoiselle – s. Inverlochy Gurkha
2 – Jennifer Rix – Wissington Melody -s. Thrunton Hammerstein
3 – D Muirhead – Firhills Maisie – s. Wesley Equinox

Class 247 – Female born on or between 24 June & 31 December 2015
1 – Andrew Hornall – Falleninch Lottie – s. Dereskit Fernando
2 – John Irvine & Son – Inverlochy Lulu – s. Blelack Giggsey
3 – David & Nick Walter – Balthayock Leonora – s. Ugie Echo

Class 248 – Female born on or between 1 January & 23 June 2015
1 – D Muirhead – Firhills Lady – s. Maerdy Grenadier
2 – David & Nick Walter – Balthayock Lisa – s. Balbithan Vespasian
3 – Andrew Hornall – Falleninch Leona – s. Dereskit Fernando

Class 249 – Female born on or between 1 January & 31 December 2014
1 – Andrew Morris – Olrig Jadore – s. Dingle Hofmeister
2 – David & Nick Walter – Balthayock Jemima – s. Elgin Glenlivet

Class 250 – Female in milk or in calf born on or before 31 December 2013
1 – John Christie & Son – Westcarse Emerald – s. Kersknowe Clansman
2 – John Irvine & Son – Inverlochy Demi – s. Gower Versace

Class 251 – Bull born on or between 1 April & 30 June 2016
1 – Jonathan Watson – Tweeddale Matador – s. Blelack Blackberet
2 – John Irvine & Son – Inverlochy Magic – s. Blelack Giggsey
3 – Roy Milne & Sons – Elgin Master – s. Mortimers Infinity

Class 252 – Bull born on or between 1 January & 31 March 2016
1 – D Muirhead – Firhills Morgan – s. Maerdy Grenadier
2 – Jennifer Rix – Wissington Mercedes – s. Thrunton Hammerstein
3 – Robert Aitken – Lourie Marvellous – s. Lowerffryd Benhur

Class 254 – Bull born on or between 1 January & 23 June 2015
1 – George Russell – Lesliepark Lithgow – s. Newhouse Bigal
2 – John Young – Edenhurst Lyric – s. Sandelford Harrison

Class 255 – Bull born on or before 31 December 2014
1 – J Irvine & Son – Kilbline 1 Instigator ET – s. Oscar

Champion
J Irvine & Son – Kilbline 1 Instigator ET – s. Oscar
Reserve Champion
D Muirhead – Firhills Lady – s. Maerdy Grenadier

Female Champion
D Muirhead – Firhills Lady – s. Maerdy Grenadier
Reserve Female Champion
David & Nick Walter – Balthayock Lisa – s. Balbithan Vespasian

Male Champion
J Irvine & Son – Kilbline 1 Instigator ET – s. Oscar
Reserve Male Champion
Jonathan Watson – Tweeddale Matador – s. Blelack Blackberet

Junior Female Champion
Darren Knox – Drumshane Mademoiselle – s. Inverlochy Gurkha
Reserve Junior Female Champion
Andrew Hornall – Falleninch Lottie – s. Dereskit Fernando

Junior Male Champion
Jonathan Watson – Tweeddale Matador – s. Blelack Blackberet
Reserve Junior Male Champion
D Muirhead – Firhills Morgan – s. Maerdy Grenadier

Junior Champion
Darren Knox – Drumshane Mademoiselle – s. Inverlochy Gurkha
Reserve Junior Champion
Jonathan Watson – Tweeddale Matador – s. Blelack Blackberet

Best Pair
Andrew Hornall – Falleninch Leona & Falleninch Libby

Breeders responding to commercial demand

Charolais breeders are continuing to make strides forward in delivering bulls leaving progeny that are easier to calve, as well as increasingly efficient and high performing, according to the society herdbook’s latest Breedplan report for 2016.

Modern Charolais’ calving ease direct EBV has increased by 0.8% since 2007 when the breed society introduced the Breedplan genetic evaluation system, whilst the closely correlated gestation length EBV has reduced over the same period by 0.2 days. Furthermore, there has been a continued improvement for each performance trait. For example, 200 day and 400 day growth rates have increased by +4.0kg and +8.0kg respectively. See table 1.

Table 1: Charolais Breedplan trends 2007/15

Source: Breedplan

“Our breeders are using the Breedplan system to carefully select animals that will not only continue to improve growth rate and carcase characteristics, but also to tackle head on improving calving ease,” says British Charolais Cattle Society chief executive, Peter Phythian.

“Genetic progress is both permanent and cumulative, and these latest genetic trends are clearly gaining momentum as more and more progeny come in to the system. They represent a meaningful step forward towards fulfilling one of the society’s key objectives.

“Charolais breeders are focused on supplying the market with genetics that strike a balance between those key traits which are destined to make a significant contribution towards efficient profitable beef enterprises. And their selection processes will continue to meet future demand. Breeders are aware that commercial livestock farmers are starting to gear up their enterprises for changes to the current payment system as CAP support comes to an end, Brexit begins and future profit comes under the microscope.

“All commercial producers can attempt to reduce costs and improve output efficiency, whilst influencing the marketplace is usually out of their control. However, investing in a modern Charolais terminal sire with high EBVs for calving ease combined with performance traits will help to minimise labour requirements and accompanying costs, and leave calves that consistently achieve premiums in the marketplace. Those premiums are likely to persist as Charolais cross cattle continue to reach target finishing weight faster and more efficiently than all other crosses.”

Female Champion & Supreme Champion A & A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie

Judge Chris Curry

Results

Drumshane Mademoiselle

Junior Female Champion & Reserve Female Champion Darren & Donna Knox – Drumshane Mademoiselle – s. Inverlochy Gurkha
Reserve Junior Female Champion Mr A Brown – Ellerton Lucy – s. Hendt Fanfare

Ellerton Lucy

Junior Male Champion Mr J Watson – Tweeddale Matador – s. Blelack Blackberet
Reserve Junior Male Champion DA & SM Miller – Crookdake Masterclass – s. Thrunton Bonjovi

Crookdake Masterclass

Tweedale Matador

Junior Champion Tweeddale Matador
Reserve Junior Champion Drumshane Mademoiselle

Sportsmans Linesman

Davally Igolo

Male Champion & Reserve Supreme Champion Mr D Thornley – Davally Igolo – s. Balthayock Longbow
Reserve Male Champion DA & SM Miller – Sportsmans Linesman – s. Barnsford Ferny

Female Champion & Supreme Champion A & A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie

Class 80 – Pairs 1st – RA & J Blyth 2nd – Boden & Davies Ltd

Class 81 – Female, born on or between 1 May & 31 July 2016 1st – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Maisie – s. Barnsford Ferny 2nd – Mr A Brown – Ellerton Marigold – s. Sandelford Harrison

Class 82 – Female, born on or between 1 March & 30 April 2016 1st – Mr D Knox – Drumshane Mademoiselle – s. Inverlochy Gurkha 2nd – Mr D Thornley – Dooley Marriot – s. Davally Igolo ET 3rd – Mr RJ Ashworth – Stoneylane Milana – s. Wesley Equinox

Class 83 – Female, born on or between 1 January & 29 February 2016 1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Mowlem – s. Balthayock Hamish 2nd – F, J & EC Andrews – Holtstead Lottie – s. Balthayock Hamish 3rd – Mrs J Rix – Wissington Melody – s. Thrunton Hammerstein

Class 84 – Female, born on or between 1 July & 31 December 2015 1st – Mr A Brown – Ellerton Lucy – s. Hendy Fanfare 2nd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Lacey – s. Barnsford Ferny 3rd – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Lauren – s. Burradon Goldenballs

Class 85 – Female, born on or after 1 January & 30 June 2015 1st – Boden & Davies – Sportsmans Ladyship – s. Barnsford Ferny 2nd – Mr J Watson – Tweeddale Lady ET – s. Blelack Blackberet 3rd – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Lupin – s. Goldies Eddy

Class 86 – Female, born on or before 31 December 2014 1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougal 2nd – JB Wainwright – Rogan’s Jojo – Corrie Alan 3rd – DR & B Stacey – Westcarse Iola – s. Mortimers Echo

Class 87 – Bull, born on or between 1 May & 31 July 2016 1st – DA & SM Miller – Crookdake Masterclass – s. Thrunton Bonjovi 2nd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Merlin – s. Barnsford Ferny 3rd – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Minister – s. Burradon Goldenballs

Class 88 – Bull, born on or between 1 March & 30 April 2016 1st – J Watson – Tweeddale Matador – s. Blelack Blackberet 2nd – BA & PT Heath – Sackville Midas – s. Wesley Equinox 3rd – DT & M Stobart – Scalehouses Manup – s. Huntershield Edison

Class 89 – Bull, born on or between 1 January & 29 February 2016 1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Mackenzie – s. Loganbar Goran

Class 90 – Bull, born in 2015 1st – DA & SM Miller – Sportsmans Linesman – s. Barnsford Ferny

Class 91 – Bull, born on or before 31 December 2014 1st – Mr D Thornley – Davally Igolo ET – s. Balthayock Longbow 2nd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Goldies Jerry – s. Goldies Formidable

Sportsmans Maisie

Balbithan Mowlem

Sportsmans Ladyship

Balbithan MacKenzie

Supreme Champions
The female and supreme champion Balbithan Iona and the reserve supreme champion Davally Igolo

Male champion and reserve supreme champion Davally Igolo and reserve junior male champion Crookdake Masterpiece

Female champion and supreme champion Balbithan Iona

The junior male champions
Junior male champion Tweeddale Matador and reserve junior champion Crookdake Masterclass

The junior champions
Junior champion Tweeddale Matador and reserve junior champion Drumshane Mademoiselle

Female champions
junior female champion and reserve female champion Drumshane Mademoiselle and reserve female junior champion Ellerton Lucy

Continental Interbreed Beef Pairs Reserve Champions

Charolais Pairs RA & J Blyth

With the demise of the Livestock Event at the NEC this year’s Charolais Youth stock judging national final was hosted the Society President Peter Donger and his family on Saturday 1 July.

Peter and his wife Sheelagh along with their family run the Seawell herd near Towcester, Northamptonshire and have been breeding Charolais for almost 40 years, registering 100 Charolais calves per year as well as using carefully selected Charolais bulls on a portion of their 250 strong Salers suckler herd. The farm covers 1,750 acres apart from the cattle produces wheat, barley, rape, peas and grass.

The Donger family were excellent hosts and not only did they provide a wonderful venue and four top class pens of cattle to be judged, but kept us well fed and watered with a fabulous roast beef dinner and plenty of liquid refreshment! The day also featured a talk by sponsor Harbro’s Christopher Barclay and Joanna Bailey from joint sponsor NSF was there to help present the prizes.

Junior Winners Ross Isaac & Ellie Knox

Master judge and former Society Chairman Andrew Hornall was delighted with the standard of cattle to be judged and as he welcomed the 42 finalists and their families congratulated them on qualifying at the regional competitions which were hosted across the country throughout May and June. “It is fantastic to see such an enthusiastic group of young people from all over the UK and not just from within the Charolais breed. As part of the Charolais Youth programme we welcome anyone aged eight to 26, with an interest in beef farming to come along to our regional qualifiers where you will have the chance not only to qualify for the nationals, but to learn more about stock handling, show preparation, health, nutrition, using EBV’s and how to select the best cattle for profit in today’s competitive beef industry.”

Fairway Trophy Winners Emma Morgan-Page & Ross Isaac with Master Judge Andrew Hornall, Joanna Bailey from sponsors NSF and Christopher Barclay from sponsors Harbro

This year it was the Welsh region that came out on top when they secured the junior and senior titles as well as claiming first and second places in the team competition. For only the second time the Fairway trophy for the pairs championship was lifted by a junior team comprising 14 year olds Emma Morgan-Page from Church Stoke, Powys, and Ross Isaac, Meifod, Powys, who was also awarded the Cockerington Perpetual trophy for the Junior championship. The pair managed a combined score of 367 points from judging the four classes of Charolais cattle. The junior runner-up with a tally of 183, just six points shy of the winning score was the 14 year old Ellie Knox from Anglia. Ellie is no stranger to the competition and in partnership with sister Hannah claimed the Fairway Trophy in 2015 when she was just 12.

Intermediate Winners Matthew Mitchell & Jane Lindsay

Taking top spot in the intermediate 15 to 18 year old section and winning the Alwent Perpetual Trophy with 189 points was the 15 year old Jane Lindsay who had travelled down from Bathgate, Scotland for the event. Matthew Mitchell, a 17 year old from Cookstown, Co Tyrone was the runner up with a score of 181.

Senior Winners Joe Powell & Kirsty Morton

The competitors in the senior 19 to 26 year old section were required to give reasons in addition to judging the cattle which meant 250 points were up for grabs. Coming out on top with a score of 224 and claiming the Gretnahouse Pepetual Trophy was the 22 year old Joe Powell, in addition, Joe placed second in the pairs competition scoring a total of 350 points with his 15 year old team mate Cara Smith who also hails from Powys.

A delighted Joe who is currently spending a month in America has just finished his degree at Harper Adams University and on his return to the UK will be joining Welshpool Livestock Sales as a junior auctioneer. He also breeds his own Pedigree Charollais sheep and helps out on his parent’s dairy farm.

The second placed competitor in the senior section who also scored 224 but just missed out on reasons was another competitor from the Scottish region. Kirsty Morton, a 22 year old from Denny will join Joe on a trip to the Irish Ploughing Match in September as part of their prize.

British Charolais Young Breeders’ Stock Judging Competition results

Chard Judge running with the dairy herd

For more than 30 years Clifthayne Farm at Yarcombe, straddling the counties of Devon and Somerset on the edge of the Blackdown Hills, has been supporting a flying herd of milkers that thrive on the lush grassland that hasn’t seen any artificial fertiliser applied for more than half of that time.

The 430 Holstein Friesian cows graze for as much as the year as possible, with free access to grass or maize silage, and a top-up 20% cake fed to those giving more than 15 litres a day in the parlour. Soya and molasses are added to the mixer wagon before the silage is tipped into double-sided feed troughs in the yard.

But the real financial success of this herd comes from the decision to run 10 pedigree Charolais bulls with the cows – with the natural service resulting in top quality heifer and bull calves that top the sale prices on a regular basis at local Sedgemoor market.

“When my milk price hit rock bottom, at 20ppl, it was the value of the calves that saved me,” says farmer Steve Turner. “It’s probably unusual to use natural service on a herd of this size, but it works perfectly for us.”

Steve and his business partner Diana Turner switched from Simmental to Charolais bulls some years back, and is keen to point out that they’re an ideal cross for the large-framed and lean dairy cows he buys.   “I found the Simmental to have a difficult temperament, so moved to the Charolais, and certainly haven’t been disappointed. They have great temperaments and do a great job, returning me excellent market prices.”

He says he selects a bull with good hind conformation, good feet, a smaller head and smaller shoulder for ease of calving. “The Charolais bull has changed a lot over the past 10 years, and today is a more compact animal, with lighter bone, but one that still retains a great meat to bone ratio. Dairy farmers need to look at them as a way of improving overall farm returns – they grow so fast and efficiently and they’re in big demand at market.”

He admits they still carry a bit of ‘stigma’ for difficult calving’s, but maintains that has never been an issue at Clifthayne Farm, and says they no longer deserve this ‘tag’.   “Last year I had just three caesareans, and none were due to calving difficulties… all three were because of a twisted uterus.”

He says the calves are big, but maintains you need the popular big Holstein Friesian to serve, and adds that correct management of the dry cow is crucial – ensuring she doesn’t get too fat is key.

The calves are kept on their mothers for the first four weeks, to give them the best start, and then go to market. He sells about 300 a year, five or six a week, and regularly tops the market, with his bull calves currently selling for up to £480-£500 a head, and the heifers going to £360-£380.

“A lot of dairy producers just want their calves gone, but if you use a Charolais bull you have a calf worth really good money that can add to your bottom line. Mine is a simple system and works well, and it’s always good to have a second source of income.”

Steve took over the 350-acre all grass farm when his father died, and while cow numbers were as high as 630 at one stage, he has found his current numbers fit his system well. All milk goes to Dairy Crest at Davidstow, for Cathedral City cheese and a baby formula contract.

The cows are milked through a 36:36 side-by-side parlour, and average yields are around 8000 litres/cow. “My yields are gradually increasing, as I buy heifers with better genetics. But it’s a low cost system, with all the cattle, apart from the dry cows, kept in one group and grazed rotationally around 10 large fields that surround the farm.

“I aim to get them out in the spring as early as possible, and keep them out as late as possible into the winter. All-year-round they have an option to come inside at night.”

Grass grows well at Clifthayne Farm, and for 15 years no artificial fertiliser has been added to the fields. Instead he puts his slurry through a separator and uses a contractor to inject it into the soil. The solids left behind are applied on to local land he rents for growing maize, or given to local farmers who grow maize on his behalf.

“There’s a bit of competition now from AD plants, but there’s plenty of maize grown locally and quite a few people around here have gone out of milk production, so that’s taken up the slack.

“Luckily, I have a lot of clamp space here, I’ve only just started on last year’s maize silage, and always aim to have six months feed in stock so I can buy at the most competitive prices. I don’t want to be dependent on price, so having the stock is like having an insurance policy.”

Steve aims to pay between £400 and £450/acre for standing maize, then sends in a contractor to cut, cart and ensile it.

His herd replacement rate is around 20% a year, with heifers again selected by him and bought at Sedgemoor market. He hasn’t got the buildings to rear his own replacements, and pays around £1200 a head for good second-quality heifers. “I can never afford the best!”

Charolais calves provide him with extra income throughout the year, and he says two calves, plus a barren cow, cover the cost of each new heifer he brings into the herd. “I try to keep the age of the milking herd quite young, and weed out for age, mastitis, bad feet or failure to get into calf. But I would never cull a good cow because she was old.”

Key to his natural service is the involvement of a vet who’s able to do good pregnancy testing. Steve’s vet visits the farm every two weeks and checks every cow that has calved in the last four or five months, providing calving dates for his records.

“I source most of my Charolais bulls from the market too,” he says, “occasionally buying one privately.  I think if I worked out the equivalent AI cost I would find natural service a more cost-efficient option.”

This system allows Steve to start at 4am and be finished by 8am, giving him time during the day to enjoy other activities. Son Deane works on the farm, alongside daughter Christina, who milks a couple of times a week, and daughter Rosie who helps with the paperwork. A local girl Kate also helps out with the milking.

“I’m really happy with the way things are going,” he says. “I’m amazed there are not more Charolais bulls being used on dairy cows today – farmers need to look at how the breed has changed. At Sedgemoor there are often only 20 or so Charolais cross calves available, and five or six are mine. They always go for the best prices, and are in big demand.”

Finally, he says that were he to change anything on the farm he would need to employ more labour – perhaps up to two extra staff – and that would have a significant effect on his bottom line.

“You can always make a simple job complicated if you want to…” he adds.

A group of Charolais calves, four weeks old, ready to go to market