Charolais, Aberdeen Angus and Shorthorn

3 Bedroom House, central heating available.

For further information please contact Graeme Massie

Tel: 07753 748023

Interbreed Champion

Supreme Champion Barnsford Ferny from Boden & Davies Ltd

Female Line up

Re-elected breed society chairman, Alasdair Houston

Alasdair Houston Society Chairman

Charolais breeders are providing sires leaving premiums for commercial producers worth over £130 a head over other breeds. Momentum is gathering, as modern British Charolais genetics are being recognised for higher performance combined with greatly improved calving ease, according to the breed society’s Alasdair Houston.

“Charolais has been consistently leaving commercial cattle with superior weight for age since their introduction more than 50 years ago, an advantage that has been most recently confirmed by large scale data from McIntosh Donald,” Mr Houston told the breed society’s annual meeting where he was re-elected chairman.

“The processor’s recent data accounting for almost one million head across all breeds, recorded Charolais crosses finishing at an average 22 days earlier and 14kg heavier than the remainder. Those Charolais performance benefits are estimated to be worth more than £130 a head based on the current 410p/kg average market price (R4L) and 350p/day costs. At 40 calves a year per bull, that adds up.

“And remember that Charolais is not only delivering performance but also top quality taste and tenderness,” he said. “Steaks from Charolais cross cattle took the top four places at the Royal Highland Show’s Tesco/McIntosh Donald best Scotch Steak competition. No breed has the monopoly on eating quality.”

Mr Houston who owns the 70 cow Gretnahouse herd at Gretna Green as part of his 1,200 acre mixed farming operation reported that Charolais breeders were continuing to work hard to respond to commercial farmers’ demands by improving ease of calving whilst simultaneously maintaining the breed’s first place in the terminal sire performance league table.

“Modern British Charolais genetic trends over recent years have been making year on year improvements in eye muscle area and growth EBVs, confirmed by Breedplan data. Very importantly, the calving ease direct EBV is also making real progress, a trend that breeders are determined to continue in future.”

Ralph Needham has been elected society president. A former chairman who joined the British Charolais Cattle Society in 1968 farms a mixed farming enterprise of 1,400 acres with his son Alistair near Louth, East Lincolnshire which carry their closed herd of 200 pedigree poll Charolais.

Ralph Needham Charolais President

“Since starting to breed Charolais cattle I have witnessed how breeders have developed British Charolais to its present position as the UK’s highest performance beef breed. The superior qualities of weight and conformation, confirmed by Breedplan data, make the breed an irresistible choice for commercial beef producers,” he said adding: “During my year of office, I hope to meet society members in all parts of the UK and do my very best to promote the breed to those commercial producers who still might not be fully aware of the Charolais weight for age advantage.”

The society’s newly elected council of management members are James Kimber, Chippenham (representing Southern England); Sean McGovern, Clogher (NI); Roy Milne, Elgin (Scotland); Gareth Roberts, Welshpool (Wales).

Fifty two finalists from nine UK regions battled it out at the British Charolais Young Breeders’ Stock Judging Competition sponsored by Weatherbys, hosted as part of the inaugural National Charolais Show at the Livestock Event, NEC, Birmingham, on Thursday 4 July.

Winning the senior 19 to 26 year old section and the prize of an international trip was Gerard McShane, Strabane, County Tyrone, with 148 points out of 150. Twenty two year old Gerard, whose plans for the future are to carry on working with the family’s 10 cow pedigree Altnaderog Charolais herd with an additional 40 commercial cows, said: “I competed in stock judging for the first time at the finals last year so I’m really pleased with this result and look forward to helping my family breed even better show cattle in the future.”

Winner of the special 18 to 21 year old class, requiring the top six competitors to give their reasons to master judge Alasdair Houston in the hope of winning the prize of a trip to the Agribition Show in Canada, was 20 year old Karyn McArthur, Balfron Station, Glasgow. She has just completed her final exams to become a veterinary nurse and helps out on the family farm where Charolais bulls are used over the 80 cow suckler herd. Karyn, who has won a previous stock judging title with Young Farmers as a junior, commented: “I feel very lucky to have won such an amazing prize and I can’t wait for my trip to Canada in November!”

In the intermediate 15 to18 year old section, the top spot was secured with 148 points by 15 year old Stephen Taylor, Bannockburn, Stirling, who has tasted victory at national stock judging events previously. Stephen, who helps his father working for the Falleninch herd, said: “It’s great to win for the Scottish region. I’ve got a year left at school before I go on to agricultural college and would like to work with cattle in the future, so this win has given me a great boost.” Stephen also made up half of the highest place pair, winning the historic Fairway Trophy with Andrew Morton, Carronbridge, Denny.

George Hollinshead, Crewe, Cheshire, sealed first place in the junior 8 to 14 year old section with 143 points. The 14 year old was delighted with his win: “Apart from a go locally earlier this year, this is the first time I’ve done something like this, so I’m really surprised. We have six pedigree Charolais and 50 commercial cows at home and I’m definitely hoping to go on to college then work on the family farm in the future.”

Master judge Alasdair Houston said: “It was great to see so many stock judging youngsters and future breeders in the ring and to hear the fantastic reasons that many of them gave for their placings.”

Katreen Millar, National Charolais Youth coordinator, was thrilled with the turnout: “I really want to congratulate everyone that took part, it was a fantastic finale to the first year of the National Charolais Youth programme and we’re looking forward to planning the next few events for our young breeders.” 

British Charolais Young Breeders’ Stock Judging Competition results

Fairway Trophy winners from Scotland, Andrew Morton & Stephen Taylor with Alasdair Houston, John Flynn & Rebecca from sponsors Weatherbys and Society President Ralph Needham

Winner of the trip to Agribition Show in Canada is Karyn McArthur

The Senior Section 19 -26 winner from Northern Ireland Gerard McShane

Intermediate Section 15 -18 winner Stephen Taylor from Scotland

Winner of the 8 -14 Junior section – George Hollinshead from the Midlands

2014 ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION

At the recent BCCS AGM held on Wednesday 3 July 2013 at the NEC, the following proposal was agreed unanimously:

“Ordinary Resolution proposed by the Council of Management:

That the annual subscription is raised to £50 plus VAT per member paying by direct debit and £55 plus VAT per member for those paying by standing order or cheque to take effect from 1 January 2014”.

Members not yet on direct debit will receive a form in the post shortly for completion if required.

One of the early founding breed society member Ralph Needham has been elected president of the British Charolais Cattle Society.

A former British Charolais Cattle society chairman and one of the early members of the society, Ralph Needham, along with his son Alistair, farms almost 1,400 mixed acres near Louth in East Lincolnshire and carries their closed Cockerington herd of 200 pedigree poll Charolais.

“I feel deeply honoured that the British Charolais Cattle Society, in its 51st year, should elect me as president. Over the past half century I have witnessed the way that breeders have developed British Charolais to its present pre-eminent position as the UK’s most successful beef breed. The superior qualities of weight and conformation, confirmed by Breedplan data, make the breed an irresistible choice for commercial beef producers.

“During my year of office, I hope to meet society members in all parts of the UK and do my very best to promote the breed to those commercial breeders who still might not be fully aware of the Charolais weight for age advantage”.

Mr Needham continued: “Since introducing Charolais to the Cockerington herd of Lincoln Reds in 1967, those very qualities of size and fleshing that the breed had to offer were immediately apparent to me.” Building on years of experience in pedigree breeding, Mr Needham said: “Coming from the eastern counties and its history of requiring cattle that were low maintenance, it was obvious that I should focus on easy calving coupled with excellent temperament and size.”

After more than 40 years of selective breeding the Cockerington herd is entering the final phase of its programme by using two Swedish poll bulls that go back to some of the very best Swedish and North American poll lines. Av Nyas Carlson was purchased from Anders Wiklert in 2009, with 16 of his daughters calving effortlessly this spring to Askome Famous, a homozygous poll bull, purchased last year from the International Charolais President’s herd of Lennart and Frederick Nilson.

Cockerington Charolais cattle are in demand across the United Kingdom and further afield, including substantial sales over the past six months to County Wexford, County Armagh and south Devon, where new herds were formed from Cockerington bred cattle. “The demand for both poll bulls and heifers is so great that orders are already being placed for next year for progeny from Famous out of Carlson daughters”.

Inaugural National Charolais Show a great success

The first National Charolais Show attracted an attendance of 63 head of cattle at the Livestock Event at the NEC, Birmingham, with Rumsden Gamble TI +41, SRI +42, taking the overall supreme champion title. The show, principally sponsored by Weatherbys and Melton Mowbray Market, included classes exclusively for Breedplan recorded bulls and females born between 1 January 2011 and 31 October 2012.

Two year old heifer Rumsden Gamble, sired by Coley Hamish and out of Rumsden Dice, was tapped out as female and overall supreme champion by judge David Murray, Forfar, Angus, who commented: “This heifer was truly outstanding with great length, stretch and power. She also carried herself really well in the ring and is very feminine – a real cow-maker.”

Gamble, exhibited by Rob Tremayne and Michelle Hanson, Helston, Cornwall, and bred by Rupert Taylor Ltd, Saxstead, Suffolk, had previously taken reserve female breed champion at Devon County Show and female breed champion at Royal Cornwall Show. Rob said: “We were always hopeful for success here but this was never expected. It’s a fantastic day for us and we’re looking forward to the future ahead, both at the local shows later this summer and to the cow that we hope she will become.”

Standing reserve overall to Gamble was male champion Culford Hector TI +27, SRI +31, from Darren and Donna Knox, March, Cambridgeshire. Sired by Holstead Cracker and out of Culford Cherry, this 14 month old was bought as a calf at foot having been bred by C N Flack, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Judge David Murray said: “He’s a great young bull with an exceptional future ahead – a real good example of the modern British Charolais with great locomotion, topline and clean throughout.”

Darren and Donna were delighted with their win: “We’re over the moon having come here with absolutely no expectations; Hector has done well at shows locally – taking junior male interbreed, reserve breed, and junior continental champion titles at Royal Norfolk Show last week – so to be placed at an event with such a high quality turnout of cattle would have been enough.”

British Charolais Cattle Society chairman Alasdair Houston said: “We’ve had a fantastic day at the inaugural National Charolais Show at the NEC, with entries from throughout England and Wales putting on a fine display of young cattle. The event can and will go from strength to strength and we hope to attract even more entries next year.”

Female and overall-supreme champion Rumsden Gamble from R Tremayne and M Hanson

Male & Reserve Overall Champion Culford Hector from D & D Knox

Class 9 winner Charbron Harvest from Barons Cross Charolais

Reserve Female Champion Balbithan Gipsophila from Mr & Mrs A White

Class 2 winner Mortimers Genie from Mortimers Farms

Winner of class 3 Balbithan Hersieys from Mr & Mrs A White

Shamleys Honey, won class 4 for BM Robinson jnr

Class 5 winner Marne Gucci from R Tremayne & M Hanson

Mr & Mrs A White Balbithan Hanibal won class 6

Reserve Male Champion and class 8 winner Charbron Heredity from Barons Cross Charolais

Class sponsors

• Galloway & Macleod
• Harrison & Hetherington
• James Green Farm Machinery
• Kivells
• Natural Stockcare
• Rugby Farmers Market
• United Auctions Ltd
• Welshpool Livestock Sales

Exhibitors

• Balbithan, Mr & Mrs A White, Compact Farm, Worth Matravers, Dorset BH19 3LE
• Beanhill, R J & N E Kimber, Beanhill Farm, Christian Malford, Chippenham, Wilts SB15 4BS
• Cargriff, G G Morris, Mwche Farm, Llanstephan, Nr Carmethen, SA33 5HH
• Charbron, Barons Cross Charolais, (Mr & Mrs Brown), Netherlye Farm, Aymestrey, Herefordshire HR6 9TA
• Cliftonpark, JM Robinson (Mrs), Rochford Park, Nr Tenbury Wells, Worcs WR15 8SP
• Coningsby, R L Archer, Coningsby Farm, Fifield, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 2PF
• Dawson, RE Dawson, Charolais Barn, School Lane, Newton Burgoland, Leics LE67 2SL
• Dingle, R E & IR Taylor, Veryan Dingle, Colestock Corner, Cowden, Kent TN8 7EA
• Dooley, D Thornley, 30a Main Street, Hartshorne, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 7ES
• Drumshane, D H Knox, West Fen Bungalow, Whitemoor Road, March, Cambs PE15 0AF
• Marne, R Tremayne, Higher Marne Farm, Gweek, Helson, Cornwall TR12 7AF
• Montgomery, Roberts & Jones, Parc, Llangadfan, Welshpool, Powys SY21 0PJ
• Mortimers, Mortimers Farm, Mortimers Lane, Fair Oak, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 7EA
• Oakchurch, J & A Price, Oakchurch Farm, Staunton on Wye, Herefordshire HR4 7NE
• Romer, E Lee, Craigllwyn Craigllwyn, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 9BH
• Roundshill, J C Bostock & Son, Roundshill Farm, Rouncil Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1NN
• Sackville, BA & PT Heath, Culvers Farm Bungalow, Culvers Farm, Hartfield, E Sussex TN7 4DH
• Seawell, PM & SM Donger, Seawell Grounds, Foxley, Towcester, Northants NN12 8HW
• Shamleys,BM Robinson Jnr, Rochford Park, Nr Tenbury Wells, Worcs WR15 8SP
• Silver, DA Harman, Grove Farm, Grove Lane, Chesham, Bucks HP5 3QN
• Temeside, P Burgess, 2 Lodge Farm Cottages, Upper Rochford, Tenbury Wells, Worcs WR15 8SP
• Twomacs, McMillan & McInnes, Beech Farm, Setch Road, Black Broughend, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE32 1SL
• Waldencourt, D H Hinds, Walden Court, Pool Hill, Newent, GLos GL18 1LL
• Wissington, J Rix, Wissington Grove Farm, Nayland, Colchester, Essex CO6 4NF
• Woodline, HR Wood, Anchorage, Aldbrough, Hull, E Yorks HU11 4RZ

Classes:

Supreme Champion – Rumsden Gamble

The Champion Presentation

Male Champion - Culford Hectar
Reserve Male Champion – Charbron Heredity

The Male Presentation

Female Champion – Rumsden Gamble
Reserve Female Champion – Balbithan Gipsophilia

The Female Presentation

Best Pair – Mortimers
Reserve Best Pair – Barons Cross Charolais

The Pairs Presentation

Class 1: Female born on or between 1 Jan 2011 and 1 May 2011
1st Rumsden Gamble – Mr R Tremayne
2nd Balbithan Gipsophila – Mr & Mrs A White
3rd Wissington Geranium – Mrs J Rix
4th Mortimers Gorgeous – Messrs Mortimers Farm

Class 1 – Rumsden Gamble

Class 2:  Female born on or between 5 May 2011 and 18 Jan 2012
1st Mortimers Genie – Messrs Mortimers Farm
2nd Twomacs Grace – McMillan & McInnes
3rd Mortimers Gracious – Messrs Mortimers Farms
4th Romer Glory – Miss E Lee

Class 2 Mortimers Genie

Class 3: Female born on or between 2 Feb 2012 and 27 May 2012
1st Balbithan Hersieys – Mr & Mrs A White
2nd Wissington Happy – Mrs J Rix
3rd Charbron Honour – Barons Cross Charolais
4th Shamleys Hera – BM Robinson Jr

Class 3 Balbithan Hersieys

Class 4: Female born on or between 2 Jul 2012 and 19 Sep 2012
1st Shamleys Honey – BM Robinson Jnr
2nd Cargriff Harmony – Mr G G Morris
3rd Roundshill Hormer ET JS Bostock & Son
4th Cargriff Holly – Mr G G Morris

Class 4 Shamleys Honey

Class 5: Bull born on or between 1 Jan 2011 and 31 Dec 2011
Marne Gucci – Mr R Tremayne

Class 5

Class 6: Bull born on or between 14 Jan 2012 and 6 Mar 2012
1st Balbithan Hanibal – Mr & Mrs A White
2nd Drumshane Hugoboss – Mr D H Knox
3rd Woodline Humber – Mr H R Wood
4th Balmyle Harlequin – Roberts & Jones

Class 6 Balbithan Hanibal

Class 7: Bull born on or between 10 Mar 2012 and 7 Apr 2012
1st Culford Hector – Mr D H Knox
2nd Silver Hadrian – Mr D A Harman
3rd Seawell Harvey – PM & S M Donger
4th Waldencourt Huntsman – DH Hinds & Son

Class 7 Culford Hector

Class 8: Bull born on or between 8 Apr 2012 and 7 Jun 2012
1st Charbron Heredity – Barons Cross Charolais
2nd Sacvkille Hercules - BA & P T Heath
3rd Temeside Heros – Mr P Burgess
4th Seawell Holmes – PM & SM Donger

Class 8 Charbron Heredity

Class 9: Bull born on or between 4 Jul 2012 and 24 Oct 2012
1st Charbron Harvest – Barons Cross Charolais Stud
2nd Twomacs Hitman – McMillan & McInnes
3rd Roundshill Hexcellent ET – JC Bostock & Son
4th Coningsby Hancock – Mrs R L Archer

Class 9 Charbron Harvest

 General pictures from the show

Iain focuses on maximizing output from a low input extensive system on his 2,700 acre upland estate. Iain uses Beef Shorthorn cross Highlanders as his suckler cows and a Charolais terminal sire. This visit is being organized jointly with the Charolais and Highland cattle societies. The event is being kindly sponsored by SAC and Ian Pritchard and Gavin Hill from SAC will be in attendance to answer any questions about profitable beef production from the suckler herd or the importance of high health status in the suckler herd. Barbara Webster of Pedigree Cattle Services will also be in attendance to explain the importance of using EBVs in bull selection. There will be a judging competition with two pens of cattle to judge and the afternoon will conclude with BBQ refreshments.

Please book your free attendance and BBQ with the office on 02476696549 or by email to

rachel@shorthorn.co.uk

Young person required to work with a pedigree herd that specialises in preparing bulls for the bull sales.  Position available from October, accommodation available, please phone 07941 361333 for further details.

Mr HP Whittaker, Stickle Heaton Farm, Cornhill on Tweed, Northumberland

Northern Ireland Commercial Cattle Exhibitor’s did what they do best at their 9^th Annual “Summer Spectacular” Show held at Balmoral, Belfast – where they pulled out all the stops and put on one of their best events to date. Over 100 cattle and calves represented show men and women from all six counties, with the quality of the very highest standard throughout.

James Alexander proved to be unstoppable with his Jalex team of 8 home bred commercials securing both the Supreme and Reserve Supreme Championships. His winner on the day was the much admired Charolais steer “Ted” who tipped the scales at 667 kilos on show morning. It felt like this April 2012 born entry couldn’t put a foot wrong all day collecting top honours in the heavy weight class and securing the Charolais and Male Championships. There was a cheer from the ringside when Judge Martin Ryan tapped him out as Overall Supreme Champion of the show, and went on to describe him as “A worthy Champion that simply oozed style and quality from every angle”. “Ted” is sired by the CF52 son “Lowerffrydd Benhurr”, and out of a Limousin x Blue cow. “Ted” was also awarded the Best Exhibitor Bred prize which is a new addition to the 2013 show.

Dermot Small had a strong team of cattle at the Spectacular, also winning the Reserve Female Championship with the Billingly Siralex daughter “Prada Candy”. This 435 kilo heifer is once again bred from a former show winner. Her dam “Bambi” was very well known and was flushed successfully.The same exhibitor also brought out the Reserve Calf Champion. “Juicy Couture” is out of the former show heifer Cleopatra and sired by Crossmolina Euro. 

For a full round up log onto www.commercialcattleni.co.uk

Supreme Champion

“Ted” was the Supreme Champion exhibited at the NI Commercial Club Summer Spectacular Show. He was owned and bred by James Alexander, Randalstown. At the halter is Richard Fleming while Mandy Smith-Jackson is pictured representing the sponsor Ballymena Meats.

Reserve Calf

Dermot Small enjoyed a highly successful day at the NICCEC Summer Spectacular Show beginning with the Reserve Calf Championship. “Juicy Couture” is shown here by Alan Burleigh while sponsor Paul Rainey, AI Services watches on.

Charolais Champion

Pat Hacket, NI Charolais Club and Raymond Bready, Thompsons are pictured with “Ted” who was placed Charolais Champion and winner of the heavy weight steer class at the Summer Spectacular event held at Balmoral, Belfast. Weighing in at 667 kilos on show morning, this winner was bred and exhibited by James Alexander, Randalstown.

Report by Libby Clarke

Photos Alfie Shaw

An opportunity has arisen for a Senior Stockman to take over the day to day management of our well established herd of 300 Pedigree Suckler Cows in Northamptonshire. The position requires knowledge of calving cows, producing bulls for Sales, record keeping and being able to work as an individual and as part of a team. The position comes with a good sized house and a competitive salary.

Please apply to Peter Donger telephone 01327 860226/ 07817 854254 or email seawell.charolais@btinternet.com

Charolais + Beef Shorthorn cross to maximise output

What does it take for a sustainable future for a suckler cow enterprise? According to SAC beef specialist Ian Pritchard, the answer lies in maximising output per unit of her body weight. That means accurately matching cow type to environmental conditions before selecting the correct terminal sire to drive profits with minimal inputs.

“Suckler keepers need to evaluate the cow type they keep and check that they are ‘pulling their weight’; there is no room for passengers,” he said.

Mr Pritchard judged the Morrisons Beef Shorthorn Suckler Herd of the Year Award 2012 and found among his finalists Iain and Sarah Malcolm, who he says were farming an exemplary herd by maximising output from their own resources complemented by huge attention to detail.

The Malcolm’s Callander, Perthshire based Beef Shorthorn cross herd achieved a minimum rearing percentage of 91%, a tight bulling period of eight weeks with 100% calving outdoors on target and 74% within the first three weeks. In addition, calves were reared to a profitable sale weight with a daily liveweight gain of 1.2kg per day from milk and grass alone, creep was introduced in the last fortnight before weaning at six months. “In a difficult year like 2012, performance had to be good – this farm, as usual, had to sell all of the calves shortly after weaning.” Steers averaged 275kg and £620, and heifers, 265kg and £580, and were within the top 10% through Stirling and Oban markets.

Mr Malcolm together with his wife Sarah and sons, Angus and Jack, runs the 2,700 acre hill unit at Cromlix and Coilechat, incorporating a 170 cow commercial herd, the majority of which Beef Shorthorn cross Highland, with over 50% put to the Charolais terminal sire. Mr Malcolm explained: “Historically we have retained homebred Beef Shorthorn cross heifers, but recently changed policy to buying in replacements in order to introduce the best of the breed’s maternal traits that maximise margins on the less favoured grazing. We certainly don’t keep them for fun, they have to be commercial and pay their way.”

The ability to efficiently convert grass thereby minimising concentrates input is crucial to a successful suckler strategy, explained Mr Pritchard: “Cows need to forage well, utilising variable quality forage, and putting condition on in the summer months to take them through the winter.” The Malcolm’s unit is exemplary. Mr Malcolm said: “The sucklers form a grazing rotation alongside our complementary flock of 1,000 ewes to make the most of the poorer grassland, staying on the in-by from calving until weaning in mid-September. Come November, they go back up to the hill ground. We don’t grow any forage crops or feed hay, with cows outwintering on hill grazing supplemented with an average 490kg per head of bought in concentrate rolls. They come down on to in-by to calve from mid-March.”

The herd’s all year round foraging ability has also brought massive savings to the Malcolm’s fixed costs. Machinery and equipment and subsequent depreciation costs have been minimised to one 80hp tractor, grass topper, lime spreader, direct drill, post driver and three quad bikes. Outwintering the herd means no investment in accommodation has been required.

As well as selecting Beef Shorthorn cross heifers for key maternal traits, Mr Malcolm maintains that using estimated breeding values (EBVs) to choose high performing continental terminal sires is essential to seeing returns. “We select Charolais bulls for calving ease first and foremost, coupled with the visuals of length, height and a rangey frame to produce larger framed, shapely calves out of our compact cows that are fast growing and with unbeatable weight for age.”

Maintaining herd health also features in the strategy. Outwintering helps to improve overall status and the herd is currently tested BVD and is Johne’s free. Cows average eight crops of calves before they are moved on. “I’m confident that we could keep them for longer if this wasn’t such an extensive unit.”

• The Malcolm family is hosting an open day on 13 September organised by the Beef Shorthorn Society, British Charolais Cattle Society, Highland Cattle Society, NFUS and SRUC.

Beef Shorthorn cross Highland suckler cows with
Charolais cross calves at Cromlix.

Experienced commercial/pedigree stockman available. Will consider any location. Has experience of feeding cattle, clipping and preparation for show and sales, full livestock management skill set.

Full driving licence, HGV Class I.

Please contact David Cormack 07890 525413

Dispersal Sale at Welshpool 7th November 2013

Whole herd including:

Trefonnen Veronica

Dam of Trefonnen Crouch
Sold to Brampton Herd where he bred Fugitive who was Intermediate Champion at Stirling selling at 14,000gns

Trefonnen Violet and heifer calf (not shown)

Dam of Trefonnen Foynavon
Reserve Champion Welshpool 2011
Full sister to Trefonnen Evasion and Bollinger bull calf

Trefonnen Utopia

Dam of Royal Welsh Female Champion
Two daughters of Utopia also selling -
Trefonnen Gigi by Doonally New
Trefonnen Imogen by Maerdy Rock

Gaenor and Roy Hughes

Ty Canol, Trefonnen, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 9EB Tel: 01691 652 370

The herd can be visited at any time prior to the sale
Catalogues from Welshpool Livestock Auctions (when available) 01938 553 438

Charolais sold to a top of 5,000gns in Sedgemoor on Thursday 12 September when the Conley family, Martin, Susan and Christopher dispersed their pedigree Saxon herd.

Sale leader at 5,000gns was Saxon Etigny, the herd’s four year old stock bull by the homebred Saxon Travel who goes back to PtiPrince. The buyer was J Courtier, Whiddon Down, Okehampton.

Heading the female trade at 2,800gns was the French bred Saxon Cocarde, a six year old Uranus daughter offered with her five month old bull Saxon Indre, by Etigny. The pair was knocked down sold to M Vooght, Northview, Okehampton.

Next at 2,750gns was Saxon Colleen, a six year old Diabolo daughter offered with her eight month old bull, Saxon Indurain, by Indurain. The pair went home with Martin Donaghy, Dungannon, along with three other cow and calf lots. They included at 2,200gns the seven year old Balbithan Bonbon by Farleycopse Telemarque with her eight month old bull Saxon Igny, by Indurain.

Mr Donaghy also went to 2,000gns for Saxon Faune, a three year old Saxon Admiral daughter sold with her seven month old bull, Saxon Indigo by Saxon Travel.

A bid of 2,100gns secured the six year old Saxon Amiral daughter, Saxon Crème for MJ Clifford and Son, Moretonhampstead. She was accompanied by Saxon Icecream, her nine month old heifer by Saxon Asterix.

The day’s second 2,000gns call came from DP and B Smith and Son, Dingestow, Monmouth for Saxon Bijou, a seven year old MMB Apollon daughter sold with her five month old heifer calf, Saxon Isis by Saxon Etigny.

Auctioneers: Greenslade Taylor Hunt

The Milne family, Robbie, Barbara and their son, James are among the hundreds of suppliers to one of Scotland’s major processors who are reaping the benefits of finishing Charolais cross cattle within the specification and to target weight faster than any other Continental cross cattle while measuring and monitoring their performance against the company’s monitoring programme.

“Our Charolais cross Salers bulls and heifers are finishing at average heavier weights and faster than processor, McIntosh Donald’s kill of all other crosses,” says Robbie. “For example, our bulls have that performance edge killing out 24 days earlier and 37kg heavier and the heifers followed a similar trend, while 70% of the bulls graded U 2,3L or better and the rest in the R specification. Furthermore, we believe our cattle have the genetic potential for even better performance. There is always room for improvement.”

The Milnes farm at North Bethelnie, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie, a 500 acre mixed LFA unit with additional rented ground. The farm carries a 320 cow split spring calving Salers herd and a complementary 250 ewe flock. “We run a low input unit, yet we are focused on maximising output and subsequent value per unit of body weight from our cows, all of which are put to the Charolais. We also have that critical mass which enables us to spread costs across the herd.

“Apart from heifers retained for replacement purposes, the remainder are finished to 340kg target weight, whilst all our steers have been traditionally sold in Thainstone consistently arrive within the day’s top 10% of store prices. However in an attempt to retain more margin per cow for ourselves, we started to finish the bulls from the early spring calving herd. The exercise proved to be a success and we have sufficient accommodation, so for the first time this season we are finishing the entire crop of male calves as bulls on a mix including homegrown cereals and forage and forward bought peas and potatoes.”

All North Bethelnie finished cattle are sold to McIntosh Donald which offers support with its Qboxanalysis. The monitoring programme provides producers with comparative information on the on-farm performance of their own individual animals against the rest of the company’s kill, and ultimately enables them to make better on-farm management decisions.

The Milne’s Charolais cross bulls are currently finishing at an average 385kg at 420 days, while same way bred heifers are reaching 340kg target weight at 17 months, performance reflecting similar performance, if not better than those same way crosses incorporated in to the Qboxanalysis.

Charolais crosses make up almost 25% of McIntosh Donald’s total kill. These cattle finished at an average 352kgs within 682 days, 22 days earlier and 14kg heavier than the remainder – a mix of Continental cross and native breeds. Those performance benefits are estimated to leave an additional income of more than £132 a head over the remainder, when taking in the current 396p/kg average market price (R4L) and 350p/day costs. See table 1.

Table 1: Finished cattle performance comparison, Charolais crosses v all others

Source: McIntosh Donald Qboxanalysis

* Grading matrix takes in any figure below 4 as better than R4L

McIntosh Donald’s Murray Gibb explains: “The Qboxanalysis system is providing our suppliers with a quick, easy to access and highly accurate analysis of each animal’s classification for benchmarking purposes, both within their herd and as a performance guide against others. The system encourages farmers to weigh their animals at a younger age, and thereafter more frequently, batch them according to weights rather than age and select more carefully those ready for slaughter. Suckler producers may need to select more carefully their terminal sires while finishers need to review their feeding diets to achieve better weight gain and earlier finishing.”

At North Belnethie, the Qboxanalysis data is examined after each kill. “We manually record every single beast so that we can check their performance, primarily for weight gain, and monitor the trends. While our Charolais bull selection is initially visual – he has to look the part, Breedplan data is essential for us to make a judgement, primarily on 400 day weight and we’ve found that the higher the figures the better the progeny’s performance. In fact the Qboxanalysis has convinced us to invest in bulls within the breed’s top 10% on performance. Any bull or female leaving progeny that underperform is down the road.”

The new finishing regime has also promoted the Milnes to rethink their systems. “Introducing EID and updating our handling system with weigh scales is on the cards and will enable us to monitor individual performance more carefully and fine tune where necessary, and overall further exploit our Charolais crosses genetic potential.”

Large crowds gathered around the ring for one of the most successful National Charolais shows in years; the charolais club worked hard to bring together the 15th annual show in the Ecclesville Equestrian Centre in the secluded village of Fintona in County Tyrone. Who would ever dream of such a show specular of 100 Charolais cattle been shown in the large arena on a quiet Saturday afternoon. Judges Sharon Rothwell Wicklow and Ian Bell Cumbria were extremely impressed with the lineup of cattle presented to them for judging. Sharon Rothwell had the task of judging the Animax Young Handler Competition. It took a new format this year with preparation of the animal and knowledge of the breed being part of the criteria as well as handling skills in the showring, split into three sections it allowed many of our young people the opportunity to try their hand at handling.

Showing is a serious business and from early morning exhibitors were preparing their animals to ensure that they looked their very best. The competition was stiff as it is the last big opportunity to showcase their stock before winter. The event allows breeders to present their pedigree and commercial Charolais cattle to the wider agricultural community and the agri food industry.

The judging began with Sharon Rothwell in the show ring for the Senior Intermediate & Junior Animax Young Handler Competition; it was a tough competition amongst the most experienced handlers with Alan Burleigh & Philip Johnston through to the championship, in Intermediate we had seven entrants and again the young people were doing extremely well in the showring, Eimear McGovern & Mark Breen went through to the championship, these four put on a good show and Alan Burleigh was declared the champion with Eimear McGovern in Reserve place. The junior competition followed and it was lovely to see our 8yrs to 12 yrs leading their cattle proudly around the ring whilst focusing on the judge, the winner in this section was Jack Ritchie with brother Sam Ritchie taking reserve place.

Neil Acheson Animax was on hand to present the Animax cup to a very pleased Alan Burleigh.

Mr Ian Bell is from the well-known Hallbankgate Farm in Cumbria needs no introduction in the world of pedigree charolais; he entered the ring to judge thirteen pedigree classes with very good entries and spectators commented on the quality of the animals on show. After the pedigree championships everyone agreed the judging was completed expeditiously.

This was followed by the Commercial section with four classes for commercial stock judged by Sharon Rothwell; the Commercial Championships were sponsored this year by Linden Foods Ltd who were not disappointed with the result; S & K Williamson’s herd took the championship with a superb animal Goldilux being presented with the McAllister Trophy, and James Alexander Jalex herd took reserve place with Ted; both animals were a prime example of the very best commercials in the province.

The highlight was the British Charolais Cattle Society championships; Junior Intermediate and Senior Female Championships were hotly contested with spectators waiting to see which animals would take the Supreme Female in show. The overall Female title went to an exceptional heifer Coolnaslee Gracious an animal that has been showing herself well this past year; sired by Sportsman Columbo and out of a homebred dam Coolnaslee Delux. Owned by G J Crawford and winning the coveted Desmond Anderson Cup. The reserve champion went to Coolnaslee Gillian sired by Sportsman Columbo and also owned by GJ Crawford Maghera.

This was followed by the Junior Intermediate and Senior Male Championships, drawing out the best of the classes to compete for the coveted title of overall Supreme Male Champion which went to Derryharney Happy Harry sired by the well-known Shanleive Titus with a homebred dam Derryharney Evarose owned by HC Stubbs & AA Burleigh who were presented with the Robert Scott Shield by Sean McGovern council representative and judge Ian Bell. The Reserve Male champion in show was taken by Coolnaslee Hussar sired by Goldies Carnival dam Loganbar Bounty and owned by GJ Crawford Maghera.

The commentator for the event was Mr Edwin Morrison who had a busy stint on the microphone, with assistance from stewards and officials. Edwin also introduced and thanked the many sponsors who attended the show to present the winning rosettes and trophies. He thanked to all who had worked so hard to make the show such a success especially all the exhibitors for presenting their animals so professionally.

Show Sponsors:

In the pedigree section we are indebted to; Natural Nutrition, A N Irwin & Sons, Teemore Engineering, Dungannon Farmers Mart, Donnelly Quarries, Parkview Veterinary Clinic, Dovea Genetics, ob construction, Western Farm Enterprises, Gortin & Lisahally Livestock Marts, Genus ABS, Woolsey, AJS Promotions, British Charolais Cattle Society.

In the commercial section we are indebted to S & M Engineering, Bothwell Farm Supplies McGirr Haulage & McClelland’s Livestock Mart for financial support in the four main commercial classes and Linden Foods Ltd for sponsoring the Commercial Championships.

The show catalogue was sponsored by Bank of Ireland. The charolais club wishes to thank the management of the Ecclesville Centre for their assistance and also Omagh District Council for their support.

Coolnaslee Hussar Intermediate Bull Champion owned by Mr G J Crawford and exhibitied by Stuart Wilson

Derryharney Happyharry Male Champion owned by Mr H C Stubbs & Mr A A Burleigh with judge Ian Bell

Coolnaslee Gracious Supreme Female in Show owned by GJ Crawford and exhibitied by Andy Patterson with Ian Bell Judge

Killadeas Ivan Junior Bull Champion owned by S & D Bothwell

Coolnaslee Helga Intermediate Champion & class winner owned by Gilbert Crawford

Coolnaslee Honey Junior Female Champion exhibited by Sam Milliken & Ann Orr secretary

Class winner male calf class owned by Clive Hoey with Geoffrey Farlow Bothwells Farm Supplies sponsor

Best Cow & calf Coolnaslee Diane shown by Sam Milliken sponsored by Donnelly Quarry represented by Eimear McGovern

RESULTS 2013

Pedigree Male Classes: 

Class 1 – Bulls born on or between 1st January 2012 and 30th April 2012
1st MR H C STUBBS & MR A A BURLEIGH – DERRYHARNEY HAPPYHARRY. MBM0054609. (UK948371303074). b. 08/04/2012. s.SHANLEIVE TITUS. d.DERRYHARNEY EVAROSE.
2nd L A RICHARDSON & SONS – HILLVIEWFARM HANDSOME. MBM0053970. (UK948383013546). b.11/04/2012. s.MOWBRAYPARK ORLANDO. d.HILLVIEWFARM DAWN.
3rd S&A BELLEW – KILTYBANE HIGHFLYER. MBM0053195. (UK924222615692). b. 31/01/2012. s.TULLYGARLEY ALIBABA. d.KILTYBANE DOT

Class 2 – Bulls born on or between 1st May 2012 and 30th June 2012
1st S & D BOTHWELL – KILLADEAS HULK. MBM0054476. (UK945253959205). b. 05/05/2012. s.BLACKFORD DYNAMITE. d.KILLADEAS ELEGANT.
2nd S&A BELLEW – KILTYBANE HARVEY. MBM0057204. (UK924222615876). b. 21/06/2012. s.DEELEVIEW EVAN. d.KILTYBANE COLLEEN.
3rd MR S HEENAN – PARKVIEW HUSTLER. MBM0054735. (UK937317607204). b. 20/05/2012. s.SPORTSMANS COLUMBO. d.PARKVIEW CHERRY.

Class 3 – Bulls born on or between 1ST July 2012 and 31st August 2012
1st MR G J CRAWFORD – COOLNASLEE HUSSAR. MBM0056526. (UK95635815281). b. 04/07/2012. s.GOLDIES CARNIVAL. d.LOGANBAR BOUNTY.
2nd MRS V MCDONALD – GLENCOE HULK. MBM0055419. (UK924401002185). b. 23/07/2012. s.CLYTH DIPLOMAT. d.GLENCOE VICKY.
3rd MR H C STUBBS & MR A A BURLEIGH – DERRYHARNEY HARRISON. MBM0055643. (UK948371303133). b. 02/08/2012. s.THRUNTON BONJOVI. d.DERRYHARNEY VIOLA.

Class 4 – Bulls born on or between 1st September 2012 and 31st December 2012
1st L A RICHARDSON & SONS – HILLVIEWFARM HALO. MBM0055840. (UK948383013621). b. 03/09/2013. s.ALLANFAULD VAGABOND. d.ELGIN ELISHA.
2nd MR S MCKENNA – LISCORRAN HARDY. MBM0056195. (UK958214700381). b. 10/10/2012. s.BURRADON TALISMAN. d.KILLADEAS BELLE.
3rd MR S MCGOVERN – RATOARY HONKYDORY ET. MBM0057115. (UK958185508152). b.23/11/2012. s. OLDSTONE EGBERT. d.DEERFIN TINA.

Class 5 – Bulls born on or after 1st January 2013
1st S & D BOTHWELL – KILLADEAS IVAN. MBM0058178. (UK945253959953). b. 05/04/2013. s.BLACKFORD DYNAMITE. d.KILLADEAS VASE.
2nd MR R MCWILLIAMS –STRANAGONE ILIKEYOU. MBM0059325. (UK956085025653). b. 05/05/2013. s.DERESKIT FERNANDO. d.FALLENHINCH FANNA.
3rd DEVINE BROTHERS – BROWNHILL ISAAC. MBM0058079. (UK965185807527). b. 21/04/2013. s.SHAEN TOPPER. d.MOORLOUGH CLEO.

Pedigree Female Classes:

Class 6 – Cow in calf or milk any age
1st MR G J CRAWFORD – COOLNASLEE DIANE. MBF0038174. (UK95635813656). b. 13/01/2008. s.ALLANFAULD SUPERSCOT. d.COOLNASLEE PEARL.
2nd E JOHNSTON & SONS – ROSSMORE EVE. MBF0043897. (UK956361701751). b.27/04/2009. Bred by W D BELL (A) s.ALLANFAULD SUPERSCOT. d. ROSSMORE SARAH

Class 7 – Heifers born on or between 1st January 2011 and 30th June 2011
1st MR G J CRAWFORD – COOLNASLEE GRACIOUS. MBF0054074. (UK95635814732). b. 26/02/2011. s.SPORTSMANS COLUMBO. d.COOLNASLEE DELUX.
2nd MR G J CRAWFORD – COOLNASLEE GILLIAN. MBF00540769 (UK95635814802). b. 27/04/2011. s.SPORTSMANS COLUMBO. d.COOLNASLEE CARMEN.

Class 8 -Heifers born on or between 1st July 2011 and 31st December 2011
1st MR G J CRAWFORD – COOLNASLEE GLAMEROUS. MBF0054072. (UK95635815034). b.08/08/2011. s.SPORTSMANS COLUMBO. d.COOLNASLEE CARMEL.
2nd L & M BREEN – KILBRIDEFARM GAIL. MBF0054426. (UK906234428401). b. 06/08/2011. Bred by W H ROBSON & SONS. s.DOONALLY VIEW. d.KILBRIDEFARM ELLEN.

Class 9 – Heifers born on or between 1st January 2012 and 30th April 2012
1st MR G J CRAWFORD – COOLNASLEE HELGA. MBF0059432. (UK95635815211). b.01/03/2012. s.SPORTSMANS COLUMBO. d.COOLNASLEE DAYDREAM.
2nd S & D BOTHWELL – KILLADEAS HAZEL. MBF0056537. (UK95635815211). b. 18/03/2012. s.BLACKFORD DYNAMITE. d.KILLADEAS ERIE.
3rd MR R T V HEWITT – SILVERBRIDGE HOLLY. MBF0055773. (UK963162403546). b.20/01/2012. Bred by MR W J J BROWN. s.THRUNTON BONJOVI. d.SILVERBRIDGE EMILY ET.

Class 10 – Heifers born on or between 1st May 2012 and 31st August 2012
1st MR C WALSH – GLENCOE HARMONY. MBF0060408. (UK924401002222). b. 30/08/2012. Bred by MRS V MCDONALD. s.DARTONHALL BRANDY. d.BROWNSPRIDE VALENTINO.
2nd MR M CONNOLLY – PALACE HELENA. MBF0058636. (UK958132419012). b. 20/08/2012. s.DOON ULTIMATE. d.PALACE DEIRDRE.

Class 11 – Heifers born on or between 1st September 2012 and 31 December 2012
1st MR G J CRAWFORD – COOLONASLEE HONEY. MBF0059438. (UK95635815336).b. 02/09/2012. s.GOLDIES CARNIVAL. d.COOLNASLEE VALE.
2nd MR R H SINNAMON – AUGHAFAD HANNAH ET. MBF0059655. (UK959020413666).b. 26/10/2012. s.THRUNTON VOLDEMORT. d.BLAKESTOWN DELROMEY.
3rd MR G J CRAWFORD – BLELACK HARMONY. MBF0059033. (UK521115303054). b. 03/10/2012. Bred by MR N F MASSIE, OBE. s.BALMYLE DINGLE. d.BLELACK BABE.

Class 12 – Heifers born on or after 1st January 2013
1st MR S MCKENNA – LISCORRAN IGNITE. MBF0061366. (UK958214700403). b. 04/04.2013. s.NEWHOUSE BIGAL. d.THRUNTON DANCER.
2nd MR H C STUBBS & MR A A BURLEIGH – DERRYHARNEY ISOBEL. MBF0059741. (UK948371303181). b. 08/01/2013. s.HILLVIEWFARM PERFECT. d.DERRYHARNEY GLORIA.
3rd DEVINE BROTHERS – BROWNHILL INDIGO. MBF0059749. (UK965185807516). b. 20/1/2013. s.GOLDIES UNBEATABLE ET. d.BROWNHILL FOXY.

Class 13 – Pairs
1st MR G J CRAWFORD
2nd MR H C STUBBS & MR A A BURLEIGH
3rd S & D BOTHWELL

Pedigree Championships:
Females:
Senior Champion COOLNASLEE GRACIOUS owned by MR G J CRAWFORD
Senior Reserve COOLNASLEE GILLIAN owned by MR G J CRAWFORD
Intermediate Champion COOLNASLEE HELGA owned by MR G J CRAWFORD
Intermediate Reserve GLENCOE HARMONY owned by MR C WALSH
Junior Champion COOLNASLEE HONEY owned by MR G J CRAWFORD
Junior Reserve AUGHAFAD HANNAH ET owned by MR R H SINNAMON
Supreme Female Champion in Show COOLNASLEE GRACIOUS owned by MR G J CRAWFORD
Reserve Female Champion in Show COOLNASLEE GILLIAN owned by MR G J CRAWFORD

Males:
Senior Champion DERRYHARNEY HAPPYHARRY owned by MR H C STUBBS & MR A A BURLEIGH
Senior Reserve KILLADEAS HULK owned by S & D BOTHWELL
Intermediate Champion COOLNASLEE HUSSAR owned by MR G J CRAWFORD
Intermediate Reserve GLENCOE HULK owned by MRS VALERIE MCDONALD
Junior Champion KILLADEAS IVAN owned by S & D BOTHWELL
Junior Reserve STRANAGONE ILIKEYOU owned by MR R MCWILLIAMS
Supreme Male Champion in Show DERRYHARNEY HAPPYHARRY owned by MR H C STUBBS & MR A A BURLEIGH
Reserve Male Champion in Show COOLNASLEE HUSSAR owned by MR G J CRAWFORD

Commercial Section
Class 14 –Junior commercial steer showing no hard teeth
1st TED OWNED BY JAMES ALEXANDER
2nd SUNSHINE OWNED BY DAVID SPIERS
3rd JUNIOR OWNED BY CRAWFORD & BEATTIE

Class 15– Junior commercial female showing no hard teeth
1st GOLDILUX OWNED BY S&K WILLIAMSON
2nd OWNED BY D&A MCCREA
3rd LEXIE OWNED BY ALAN HEMPTON

Class 16 – Suckled calf, male, born after 30th September 2012
1st OWNED BY CLIVE HOEY
2nd HAMMY OWNED BY O’KANE BROS
3rd TOUSAR OWNED BY DECLAN MCKENNA

Class 17 – Suckled calf, female, born after 30th September 2012
1st GOLDEN WONDER OWNED BY DECLAN MCKENNA
2nd OWNED BY KENNETH VEITCH
3rd MISS DYNAMITE OWNED BY O’KANE BROS

Supreme Commercial Champion at National Charolais Show owned by S & K Willaimson with judge Sharon Rothwell & Sponsor Keith

Reserve Commercail Champion Ted owned by James Alexander Jalex Herd at National Charolais Show

Commercial Championship:
Supreme Commercial Champion GOLDILUX owned by S&K WILLIAMSON
Reserve Commercial Champion TED owned by MR JAMES ALEXANDER

Champion Young Handler Alan Burleigh with sponsor Neil Acheson ANIMAX at National Charolais Show in Fintona

Eimear McGovern Reserve Champion Young Handler at the Show

Young Handler Classes:
Junior Class (Under 12’s)
1st JACK RITCHIE
2nd SAM RITCHIE
3rd EMMA WHYTE

Intermediate Class (12-18)
1st EIMEAR MCGOVERN
2nd MARK BREEN
3rd CAOIMHE MCGOVERN
4th SARAH JOHNSTON

Senior Class (18-26)
1st ALAN BURLEIGH
2nd PHILIP JOHNSTON
3rd PAUL KINGHAM
4th CRAIG HEWITT

Championship:
Overall Champion Young Handler and the Animax Cup –ALAN BURLEIGH
Reserve Overall Champion Young Handler – EIMEAR MCGOVERN

Supreme champion and British Charolais Cattle Society winner was a six-month-old 304kg Charolais cross steer sired by Craigland Danial and out of a British Blue cross Limousin dam from Andrew Anderson, Smallburn Farms, Elgin. Sold for £3,800 to an undisclosed English buyer.

Reserve British Charolais Cattle Society winner was Michael Durno, Auchorachan, Glenlivet with the junior reserve heifer champion, a seven-month-old 342kg Charolais x Simmental cross sired by the 10,000gn Castellmawr Danial. It sold for £1,450 to show judge Andrew Ewing, Dumbretton Farm, Annan.

The supreme champion from Andrew Anderson.

The awards for animals by a Charolais sire were presented by Roy Milne to Andrew Anderson (left) and Michael Durno

Stirling Charolais peak at 22,000gns; 92 bulls average £6,578

Charolais lead multi-breed week: highest number of bulls sold + highest average price

British Charolais met a strong commercial demand from a packed ringside in Stirling on Wednesday 23 October where prices peaked at 22,000gns and 92 entries sold through the ring to average £6,578 at the breed society’s autumn sale. Charolais once again remained dominant during the week’s multi-beef breed fixtures, by recording the highest number of bulls sold and highest average price.

“Bulls with length, quality conformation and good EBV data met a ready trade throughout with a further 14 lots booked through the final auctioneer’s sale sheet bringing the total clearance to 75% with 106 lots sold, a significant increase on the year,” commented the society’s chairman, Alasdair Houston. “Despite a further year on year reduction in suckler cow numbers, this week’s trend provides further evidence of the momentum swing back to Charolais as the top terminal beef sire. More producers are recognising the higher values and faster growth of Charolais cross cattle than any other breed, combined with modern British Charolais improved calving genetics. Look at this autumn’s sales of store and suckled calves and see the premium.”

Balmyle Headline at 22,000gns

Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary, Richard Lochhead with Balmyle stockman, Bruce Groat and Bill Bruce with their 22,000gns sale leader, Balmyle Headline

Sale leader at 22,000gns was the much admired Balmyle Headline TI +56, SRI +53, an 18 month old by the 9,500gns Maerdy Egret and out of Balmyle Uptowngirl, who goes back to renowned lines on both sides – the 28,000gns Perth champion Brampton Nacador and to Dingle Hofmeister. Bred and exhibited by Perthshire based Bill Bruce, Balmyle, Meigle, he went to join Swalesmoor Charolais’ 40 cow herd, Eaglesfield, Lockerbie. “He was the sole bull in the catalogue for us – we liked his style, shape, size and breeding,” commented herd manager, Iain Campbell.

Another entry from the same breeder, this time the 18 month old Balmyle Hamish TI +58, SRI +53 by the Royal Highland champion, Balmyle Eclipse and going back to Dingle Hofmeister, made 8,000gns to W Duncan, Insch, Aberdeen.

Elrick Highlander at 17,000gns

Next at 17,000gns was the 18 month old Elrick Highlander TI +49, SRI +41 from Michael Massie, Auchnagatt, Ellon to John Wight and Sons, Crawford, Biggar to run with the family’s Midlock pedigree herd. Sired by the 11,000gns Maerdy Dublin, he was out of a homebred dam by Blelack Roger.

Mowbraypark Hercules at 15,000gns

Three lots shared a 15,000gns price tag. First to go was Mowbraypark Hercules TI +41, SRI +36, a 19 month old Klibreck Ecosse son and out of a Bassingbourn bred cow that goes back to Mowbraypark Paramount and the highly celebrated Gigi. Bred and exhibited by Mike and Margaret Atkinson, Kirkby Malzeard, Ripon, the buyer was JAC Campbell, Scrabster, Thurso.

Gretnahouse Heman at 15,000gns

Next at 15,000gns was Gretnahouse Heman, a 19 month old among the breed’s top Breedplan values and the highest in the catalogue at TI +86, SRI +77. Bred by Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green, he was by Blelack Digger, out of Gretnahouse Beauty, a member of his 70 cow herd and going back to the noted Balmyle Paradise. He went to join Hamish Goldie’s 70 cow herd at Ruthwell, Dumfries. “We’ve bought him on the strength of his dam and grand damlines which we are aware have proved to be consistent high performers,” said Mr Goldie.

Gretnahouse Hasty at 8,000gns

Gretnahouse Hero at 9,500gns

Another 19 month old Blelack Digger son from Alasdair Houston, this time Gretnahouse Hasty TI +65, SRI +60 made 8,000gns to Courance Farms, Lockebie whilst minutes before, the same purchaser invested 9,000gns in Gretnahouse Hero TI +71, SRI +66, a 19 month old within the breed’s top 1% by Balthayock Adonis and out of a Moncur General sired homebred dam.

Goldies Hotspur at 14,000gns

Goldies Hardy sold for 8,000gns

Hamish Goldie recouped his entire 15,000gns spend within two hours when the first class prize winner, the 17 month old Goldies Hotspur TI +66, SRI +64 was knocked down sold to Russell, Mary and William Mill, who run 40 pedigree cows and 200 sucklers at Westfield , Thurso. “We liked his shape, length and accompanying good Breedplan data in particular eye muscle area which at +6.9 is within the breed’s top 1%,” said Mr Mill whose weaned calves consistently arrive within the day’s top 10% of prices at Quoybrae sales. A Goldies Elation son, and out of a homebred dam going back to Goldies Vicechancellor, 24 hours earlier he had been awarded the junior championship.

Later in the day Mr Goldie offered the 16 month old Goldies Hardy TI +60, SRI +60 for 8,000gns to Ross Farms, Gorebridge. Sired by the 8,000gns Blelack Blackberet, he was out of a homebred damline going back to the 14,000gns Goldies Banker.

The Intermediate and Supreme Champion Culford Hector at 14,000gns

Two lots were bid to 14,000gns. First was the intermediate and overall supreme champion, the 18 month old Culford Hector TI +26, SRI +31, a Holstead Cracker son and out of Culford Cherry. He went to join David Renwick’s 130 cow suckler herd, Dundonnell, Ross-shire. “This bull stood out as soon as he came in to the ring, he was very correct,” he said. Event judge, John Jeffrey, Kersknowe was of a similar opinion when the previous day he gave Hector the intermediate title, before going on to award him the supreme championship. “He is very correct, very long and well fleshed throughout, and he first caught my eye when he came in to his class. Hector was a clear winner in the intermediate section and without doubt, carried that through to the top.”

For his exhibitors, Darren and Donna Knox, winning the Stirling silverware came as a surprise despite Hector’s success on this season’s show ring including winning the Royal Norfolk and National Charolais Show at The NEC. “A big thanks to all those who encouraged us to make this our first ever 700 mile round trip to Stirling, however we never expected he would take the supreme title. We’re thoroughly delighted,” explained Darren, farm manager to a mixed arable beef finisher unit at March, Cambridge who established the couple’s six cow Drumshane herd five years ago with a heifer from Donna as a 30th birthday present. Culford Cherry was introduced to the herd last year when she and the two week old Hector were secured as a cow and calf pair in Newark for 2,300gns from Stephen Flack, Suffolk.

Elgin Highlander at 14,000gns

Elgin Hallmark sold for 9,000gns

The day’s second 14,000gns bid was made by J Hepburn, Hawick for Elgin Highlander TI +44, SRI +42 bred and exhibited by the Milne family, James, Matthew and Sam, and parents Roy and Kirsty, Llanbryde, Elgin. Sired by the 10,000gns Thrunton Alpha, he was out of a homebred dam going back to Harestone Tyrol and half-sister to Elgin Catherine, this year’s Royal Highland champion.

Earlier on, the Milnes offered their 21 month old Elgin Hallmark TI +39, SRI +42 for 9,000gns to B Teasdale, Copley, Bishop Auckland. Sired by the 30,000gns Balmyle Bollinger, he was out of a homebred dam by Harestone Tyrol.

Charbron Heredity at 12,000gns

Mike Brown, Barons Cross Charolais Stud, Aymestrey, Worcester was enjoying his best ever day at Stirling in 40 years of breeding Charolais. His sale leader at 12,000gns was Charbron Heredity TI +39, SRI +39, a 19 month old by the 25,000gns Goldies Unbeatable and out of a homebred dam going back to Burradon Talisman. With four top awards from the show season to his name, he was knocked down sold to B Buchan, New Aberdour, Fraserburgh.

Charbron Honourable the reserve junior champion sold for 9,500gns

Next from Barons Cross’s 16 cow herd at 9,000gns to E Corfield and Son, Bishops Castle was the reserve junior champion, Charbron Honourable TI +36, SRI +39. A 16 month old Balthayock Matthew son, he was out of a homebred dam by Barnsley Piquet and he claimed the reserve supreme championship at Burwarton Show on his only other trip out.

Mr Brown’s final entry at 7,500gns was the 15 month old Charbron Harvest TI +42, SRI +44, another Balthayock Matthew son, out of a Burradon Talisman sired dam and accompanied by a string of tickets. The buyer was P and M Davies, Sennybridge.

Dunesk Hero the first prize winner sold for 11,000gns

Father and son team, Graeme and Graeme Mather, Fern, Brechin went to 11,000gns for the first in class, Dunesk Hero TI +59, SRI +56, a Blelack Digger sired 18 month old and out of a homebred dam by Moyness Statesman from neighbours, Jimmy and Margaret McMillan, Farnell, Brechin.

Cretlevane Hurricane at 11,000gns

The day’s second 11,000gns call came from HR Dalrymple, Ballantrae, Girvan for Cretlevane Hurricane, a 17 month old by the 7,000gns Thrunton Einstein and out of a homebred dam by Billingley Siralex from A McArthur, Balfron Station, Glasgow.

Carscreugh Hernando sold for 10,500gns

Another Goldies Banker son in the money at 10,500gns was Carscreugh Hernando TI +46, SRI +50, a 19 month old with a string of this show season’s titles to his name. Bred and exhibited by AK Brooke, Glenluce, Newton Stewart, the buyer was Easter Tulloch Ltd, Laurencekirk.

Blelack Highlander at 10,000gns

A bid of 10,000gns secured Blelack Highlander TI +66, SRI +60, for Alex Bayne and Son, Auchterader, Perth. Bred and exhibited father and son team, Neil and Graeme Massie, Aboyne, this 18 month old was by the 15,000gns Goldie Dynamite and out of a homebred dam by the 25,000gns Perth supremo, Thrunton Socrates.

The 9,500gns Maerdy Harrypotter

Flintshire vet, Esmor Evans, Mold offered his highest entry Maerdy Harrypotter TI +55, SRI +50 at 9,500gns to K Mallarkey, Ythan Bank, Ellon. A 15 month old Kelton Trident son, he was out of a homebred dam going back to Royal Welsh interbreed champion, Maerdy Beauty. Harrypotter together with two of his stable mates by Trident won the champion group of three.

Thrunton Hawkwind sold for 9,000gns

Next at 9,000gns was the 18 month old Thrunton Hawkwind TI +62, SRI +57, a son of the 26,000gns Balmyle Dickler and out of a Mortimers Politician sired homebred dam. Bred and exhibited by the Campbell family, Colin and sons Ian and John, Thrunton, Alnwick, he was knocked down sold to Balbirnie Home Farm, Freuchie, Fife.

Balthayock Homer TI +49, SRI +55, an 18 month old from David Walter, Balthayock, Perth changed hands for 7,500gns to A Miller and Sons, Thurso. Sired by the 8,000gns Ugie Echo, he was out of a homebred dam by the 26,000gns Balbithan Vespasian.

Major Walter secured a second 7,500gns bid in a split call from G D Pate and Sons, Humbie, and Aikeyside Farming, Haddington, East Lothian. Balthayock Horace TI +32, SRI +38 was another Echo son and out of a homebred dam going back to Balmyle Thunderbird.

Four entries shared a 7,000gns bid. First to go was the 19 month old Bonnykelly Herdsman TI +48, SRI +51 from Graeme Leggat, New Pitsligo, Fraserburgh. A Newhouse Challenger son, he was out of a dam by Ravensworth Osbert and returned to Aberdeenshire with George Wordie, Glass, Huntly.

Derryharney Happyharry sold for 7,000gns

Next at 7,000gns was Derryharney Happyharry TI +40, SRI +35, an 18 month old Shanlieve Rudie son and out of a homebred dam by the 10,000gns Perth supremo Thrunton Bonjovi. Bred and exhibited by Harold Stubbs and A Burleigh, Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh, Happyharry was knocked down sold to J Leiper and Sons, Ponteland, Newcastle.

A bid of 7,000gns secured John Jeffrey’s Kersknowe Hallmark TI +52, SRI +40, an 18 month old Sackville Dynamite son for near neighbours, J Morton and Son, Melrose.

Cuanview Hero, the senior champion sold for 5,500gns

Maerdy Huntly the reserve intermediate champion passed the ring unsold

Vexour Galina, the Female Champion at 7,000gns

Female Section

Last but not least at 7,000gns was the supreme female champion, Vexour Galina TI +64, SRI +66, a two year old from Jan Boomaars, Woldingham. A Dingle Hofmeister daughter and out of a homebred dam going back to the 120 cow herd’s foundation animal, she went to join John Erskine’s Dartonhall herd, Killylea, County Armargh.

“The much improved trade for Charolais females came after a day’s trading for bulls which gave all the signs they would prove to be excellent investments for breeders either establishing new herds or further developing their established pedigree enterprises,” commented the society’s chief executive, David Benson.

Next at 4,800gns was Newhouse Gigi TI +40, SRI +33, a rising two year old Silver Joss daughter and out of a homebred dam by the 32,000gns Perth Junior champion Solitude Attaboy. She sold to S Middleton, Creevagh, County Derry.

A draft from D and M Campbell’s Caithness herd was led at 4,200gns by Caithness Georgie TI +27, SRI +30, two and a half year old heifer by Harviestoun Casino and out of a homebred dam by Moncur General. She went to Orkney with D Taylor, South Ronaldsay.

Two Casino sired heifers shared a 4,000gns bid. First was Caithness Fifi TI +40, SRI +38 sold in calf to Caithness Garth. The buyer was Clive Richardson, Portadown, County Armagh. Minutes later, Caithness Gipsy commanded a 4,000gns bid from P and H Bainbridge, Caldwell, Richmond.

Averages: 92 bulls £6,578; 9 females £4,142

Auctioneers: United Auctions

Prize Winner Line ups

The Supreme and Reserve Supreme Champions l to r BCCS President Ralph Needham, Simon Brown CKD Galbraith (sponsor) Donna Knox, Darren Knox with Culford Hector, Martin Sivill with Maerdy Huntly and the judge John Jeffrey

The Senior Champion Alan Burleigh with Cuanview Hero and Graeme Leggat with Bonnykelly Herdsman

The Junior Champions, l t r Ralph Needham, Simon Brown, Hamish Goldie with Goldies Hotspur, Ewan McRobert with Charbron Honourable and John Jeffrey

The Intermediate Champions. l to r Ralph Needham, CKD Galbraith Simon Brown, Darren Knox with Culford Hector, Martin Sivill with Maerdy Huntly and the judge John Jeffrey

The Maerdy team sired by Maerdy Blackout won the Burnton Trophy for the best group of three bulls by the same sire owned and bred by the exhibitor

The Female Champion Vexour Galina with Ray Firminger, CKD Galbraith’s Gordon McConachie, BCCS President Ralph Needham and the judge, John Jeffrey

Leading sires with a minimum of 3 bulls sold to qualify

Top 10 leading herds with a minimum of 3 bulls sold to qualify

Breakdown of bulls sold according to their terminal index

Number sold          Range (gns)                     Average price  (£)
Top 25%                  71                              2,400-22,000                 6,455
Mid range               22                              2,800-12,000                 5,708
Bottom 25%           5                                2,500-14000                   6,520

Breakdown of bulls sold according to their calving ease direct

Number sold          Range (gns)                     Average price  (£)
Top 25%                  26                             2,600-15,000                 5,911
Mid range               53                             2,400-22,000                 5,948
Bottom 25%           21                              2,500-14000                   6,230

The tick tack boys Murray Hardie and Ross Fotheringham relay the bids to the auctioneers

Welshpool Charolais peak at 9,800gns

New centre record ave £4,080 for 77 bulls sold; £0.54m grossed 

British Charolais bulls met a flying trade from a packed ringside in Welshpool on Thursday 7 November at the breed society’s autumn sale where prices peaked at 9,800gns and 77 entries sold through the ring to achieve a new beef breed centre record average of £4,080 with 79% clearance. The seven hour sale which grossed £0.54 million included three herd drafts and the Trefonnen dispersal.

“An electric atmosphere prevailed throughout as bull after bull went through the ring sold to commercial men who were aware of the rewards for Charolais cross store and suckled calves at the autumn sales and it clearly reflected the momentum towards returning to modern Charolais as the herd’s terminal sire,” commented the society’s David Benson.

Sale leader, Caylers Hugo at 9,800gns

Sale leader at 9,800gns was Caylers Hugo TI +45, SRI +45, a 20 month old Thrunton Alpha son and out of a Balthayock Marius sired homebred dam from David and Louise Barker’s 30 cow herd based at Nuthampstead, Royston. Hugo went to join Allan Currie’s 180 suckler cow herd based near Ayr. Mr Currie is a repeat bull buyer from the Caylers herd and said Hugo is a genuine, very well balanced with length, strength and good locomotion.”

Caylers Hawthorn at 6,000gns

The Barkers were enjoying their best ever day in four years of trading at Welshpool and making the eight hour return journey with their three entries. Earlier in the day, they secured 6,000gns for Caylers Hawthorn TI +40, SRI +28, a 21 month old by their former stock bull, the 10,000gns Thrunton Dominator and out of a homebred heifer by Maerdy Uniroyal. The buyer was Messrs Heard, Okehampton, Devon. The Barkers final entry at 4,800gns was Caylers Hectors TI +54, SRI +48, a 19 month old first prize winner by Dominator selling to P Weston, Ashbourne.

Intermediate Champion, Maerdy Hughos at 9,000gns

The day’s second highest 9,000gns call went to the reserve junior champion, Maerdy Hughos TI +45, SRI +43, a 17 month old by the 13,000gns Kelton Trident and out of a homebred dam by Maerdy Padirac. Sold to B Walters, Dryslwyn, Carmarthen, he was one of 12 entries to come under the hammer sold from Flintshire vet, Esmor Evans, Mold.

Intermediate Champion, Maerdy Holster at 8,000gns

Mr Evans was again in the prizes when his 18 month old Maerdy Holster TI +53, SRI +46, secured the intermediate championship before selling for 8,000gns to EI Lewis and Sons, Forge, Machynlleth. Another Trident son, he was out of a homebred dam by Maerdy Alcazar.

Esgob Hari at 8,000gns

Two more entries shared an 8,000gns bid. First to go was Esgob Hari TI +35, SRI +35, an 18 month old Anside Excalibur son and out of a Thrunton Virginian sired homebred dam. Bred and exhibited by Gareth Jones, Cwmtirmynach, Bala, he went home with DT Richards, Llangynwyd, Maesteg. Another Excalibur son from the same stable, this time the 19 month old Esgob Huw TI +36, SRI +30 commanded a 5,200gns price tag from A Williams, LLanefydd, Denbigh.

Pedr Hermit at 8,000gns

The final 8,000gns call was made by GR Davies, Cwmtirmynach, Bala for Pedr Hermit TI +41, SRI +44, a 16 month old by the 12,000gns Thrunton Classic and out of a homebred dam by Derryharney Outstanding from father and son team, John and Peter Howells, Llanwenog, Llanybyther.

Gwenog Hogan at 6,800gns

At 6,800gns the Howells offered their junior champion Gwenog Hogan TI +47, SRI +46 another 16 month old Classic son and out of a homebred dam by Blelack Tycoon. The buyer was EM Gittins, Menai Bridge, Anglesey.

Overall Champion, Trefaldwyn Hilton at 6,000gns

Overall Reserve Champion, Seawell Harvey at 4,000gns

Three more entries commanded a 6,000gns price tag. First in the ring was Trefaldwyn Hilton TI +36, SRI +32, a 21 month old Brampton Nacodar son and out of a homebred dam by the 25,000gns Perth supremo, Mowbraypark Orlando. Secured by JT Davies, Llangedwyn, Oswestry, and bred and exhibited by Arwel Owen, Foel , Welshpool, 24 hours earlier Hilton was awarded the senior and overall male championship by judge, Graham Robinson who described him as an ‘exemplary modern British Charolais’. “Hilton was very correct, he had length, a good top line and excellent locomotion. He caught my eye as soon as he came in the ring, he followed all the way through and had the edge in the final line up,” he said.

Trefaldwyn Hublo at 6,000gns

Towards the end of the day, Arwel Owen secured another 6,000gns call this time for Trefaldwyn Hublot TI +60, SRI +57, a 17 month old Blelack Digger son and out of a homebred dam. The buyer was R Williams, Llangwnnadl, Pwellhi.

Montgomery Huw at 6,000gns

The final 6,000gns bid went to Montgomery Huw TI +70, SRI +60, a 16 month old Blelack Digger son and out of a Tullygarley Attaboy sired homebred dam. Bred and exhibited by Gareth Roberts, Llangadfan, Welshpool, the buyer was R Richards, Adfa, Newtown.

Montgomery Hublot at 5,800gns

Digger sons were in demand throughout with the 10 forward selling to average £4,505. They included Gareth Roberts reserve intermediate champion, Montgomery Hublot TI +77, SRI +65, the highest performance recorded entry in the catalogue. An 18 month old, he went home with DW Jones, Heasley Mill, South Molton.

Jarka Robinson, Tenbury Wells sold her highest entry at 5,000gns to GH Williams and Son, Penegoes, Machynlleth. Her 17 month old Cliftonpark Headboy was by the 10,000gns Thrunton Bravado and out of a homebred dam going back to Moyness Topnotch.

Females

The collective female trade was led at 4,400gns for a cow and calf pair from ML Impey, Ledbury to Ann Orr-Ewing, Purton, Swindon. Hamilton Avalon TI +39, SRI +30 was an eight year old Turney bred Mortimer Josh daughter sold in calf to Alwent Goldbar, whilst her seven month old heifer, Congress Inchantress was by Burradon Talisman.

Next at 4,000gns was the two year old Maerdy Grandgirl, a Blelack Digger daughter from Esmor Evans to B Walters, Dryslwyn, Carmarthen.

Trefonnen dispersal

Trefonnen Fergie and her bull calf Trefonnen Ivanhoe at 7,400gns

Bidding peaked at 7,400gns for a split cow and calf pair when Gaenor and Roy Hughes dispersed their Trefonnen herd. Trefonnen Fergie TI +32, SRI +29, a three year old Okapibb daughter and out of a homebred dam by Ptiprince, she was sold in calf to Goldies Eddy for 4,200gns to Irish Charolais Cattle Society president Michael McGuirk, Ballinamore, County Leitrim, Ireland. Fergie’s 10 month old son, Trefonnen Ivanhoe TI +40, SRI +34, sired by Cottage Devon went to T and A Tudor, Llanerfyl, Welshpool.

Trefonnen Evasion with her heifer calf Trefonnen Ivory at 6,000gns

Next at 6,000gns was Trefonnen Evasion TI +46, SRI +35, a four year old by Doonally New and out of a Dynod bred dam by Coolnaslee Monarch. She was offered with Trefonnen Ivory, her four month old bull by the 30,000gns Balmyle Bollinger. The pair sold to Kevin Thomas, Capel Iwan, Llanstephan.

Trefonnen Veronica at 5,000gns

Three lots were each bid to 5,000gns. First was Trefonnen Veronica TI +39, SRI +38, a seven year old by Doonally Nicefor, out of a homebred dam by Moyness Maharajah and sold in calf to Blelack Digger. The buyer was Neil Barclay, Harestone, Crathes, Banchory.

Trefonnen Fabrujais TI +12, SRI +11, a three year old by Suzeringie and offered with her two month old heifer, Trefonnen Isabelle, an Okapibb made 5,000gns to Michael and Betty Graham, Ireby, Wigton.

The final 5,000gns call was made by B Walters, Dryslwyn, Carmarthen for Trefonnen Galaxy TI +31, SRI +29, a Thrunton Voldemort daughter and sold in calf to Blelack Digger.

Next at 4,800gns was Trefonnen Gigi TI +47, SRI +31, a two year old Doonally New sired heifer, in calf to Blelack Digger, and sold to G Jones and Sons, Bala. Another Doonally New daughter, this time the nine year old Trefonnen Violet TI +48, SRI +36 offered with her month old heifer, Trefonnen Iris by Clyth Diplomat made 4,600gns to RA Elias, Garn Dolbenmaen, Gwynedd.

Trefonnen Harriette TI +34, SRI +32, a 13 month heifer by Thrunton Voldemort secured a 3,600gns bid from MA Swistun, Llanforlais, Gower. Trefonnen Vanity TI +38, SRI +37, a seven year old Loganbar Herdsman daughter sold in calf to Maerdy Rock and accompanied by Trefonnen Icarus, her four month old bull by Clyth Diplomat made 3,500gns to A Platt, Weston, Shrewsbury.

Trefonnen Isostar TI +36, SRI +29, a 10 month old Maerdy Rock son and out of a Moyness Maharajah sired homebred dam made 3,100gns to G Williams, Pont Robert, Meiford.

Cargriff draft

Leading Griff Morris’s draft at 4,000gns was Cargriff Glitzy TI +66, SRI +60, a two year old Blelack Digger daughter and out of a homebred dam by Mowbraypark Paramount. She went over the water with John McGrath, Drumore, Tyrone.

Next at 3,000gns was cow and calf pair Cargriff Flower TI +25, SRI +25, a three year old Goldies Champion daughter going back to Paramount, and her seven month old heifer, Cargriff Iris, by Digger. They sold to HG Evans, Gawsworth, Macclesfield.

Newroddige Charolais reduction

Newroddige Caprice with her heifer calf Newroddige Iceberg at 5,400gns

The draft from Danny Wyllie and Pete Mallaber’s Newroddige Charolais herd was led at 5,400gns by a cow and calf pair. Newroddige Caprice TI +28, SRI +24, a six year old by the homebred Newroddige Accentor and out of a Maerdy bred cow was offered with Newroddige Iceberg, her five month old bull calf by Gretnahouse Archangel. The buyer was RA Elias.

Irish breeder, W Foster, Ballyconnell, Cavan invested 4,200gns in the seven year old Newroddige Brittany TI +23, SRI +23, a Joyau Del daughter offered with her seven month old heifer, Newroddige Imagine by the 10,000gns Esgob Ferrari.

A bid of 3,400gns secured a cow and calf pair for MIE Hughes, Caergybi, Ynys Mon. The eight year old Newroddige Athene TI +31, SRI +19 was by Simpsons Gregg and out of an Alwent bred dam, whilst her five month old bull calf, Newroddige Ivanhoe was by the 30,000gns Balmyle Bollinger.

Two lots commanded a 3,000gns call. First was the cow and calf pair Newroddige Dove, a five year old Suzeringie daughter sold with her five month old bull calf, Newroddige Invader by Esgob Ferrari. The buyer was DW Morris, Llanllechid, Bangor. Newroddige Gail TI +38, SRI +41, a two year old Maerdy Estyn daughter sold in calf to Alwent Goldbar made 3,000gns to D Morgan, Talybont.

Gwenog and Pedr reduction

Prices peaked at 5,000gns for the Howells family, John, Anne, Peter and Helen when they reduced a portion of their Gwenog and Pedr herds. Their sale leader was Gwenog Ellann TI +33, SRI +33, a four year old Blelack Tycoon daughter and out of a homebred dam by Derryharney Outstanding. She was offered with her Thrunton Classic sired five month old calf, Gwenog Ilena. The buyer was RA Elias.

Next at 3,800gns was Pedr Amethys TI +34, SRI +31, an eight year old Mowbraypark Paramount daughter offered with Pedr Indigo, her 10 month old heifer by Classic. The buyer was VAS Corbett, Felindre, Knighton. A bid of 3,100gns secured Pedr Geronimo TI +32, SRI +33, an April 2011 born Classic son for SJ Smith, Castle Caereinion, Welshpool.

Averages: 77 bulls £4,080

Collectives: 3 cows and calves £3,010; 11 heifers £2,453

Trefonnen: 6 cows and calves £5,512

Cargriff draft: 5 females £2,688; 3 in calf heifers £4,305; 6 maiden heifers £2,555; 1 bull calf £3255

Newroddige: 11 cows and calves £3,040; 5 heifers £2,457

Gwenog and Pedr: 9 cows and calves £2,567; 7 heifers £1,560; 1 bull £3,255; 2 bull calves £1,680

Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales