Charolais met a solid demand with the top 6,100gns bid going to a heifer while bulls peaked at 4,700gns in Dungannon on Friday 1 November at the breed’s NI Club show and sale.

“The day’s trends echo the fact that Charolais remains the top terminal beef sire in NI, as commercial men continue to witness the higher values and faster growth of Charolais cross cattle than any other breed, combined with modern British Charolais improved calving genetics. Premiums achieved at this autumn’s sales of store and suckled calves reflect just that,” commented the society’s David Benson.

Sale leader and supreme champion Corrick Honey at 6,100gns

Sale leader at 6,100gns was Corrick Honey TI +26, SRI +25, a 19 month old heifer by the 55,000gns Thrunton Voldemort and out of a Coolnaslee bred dam. Bred and exhibited by Cecil McIlwaine, Newtownstewart, Tyrone, she was awarded the overall supreme and champion female titles before selling to Robin and Agnes Todd, Banbridge, Co Down.

Junior male champion, Parkview Hustler at 4,700gns

Heading the bulls at 4,700gns was the junior male champion, Parkview Hustler from Stephen Heenan, Downpatrick, Down to an auctioneers client. An 18 month old by the 55,000gns Sportsmans Columbo, he was out of a homebred dam going back to Doonally New.

Reserve Male Champion, Coolnaslee Harper at 4,300gns

Next at 4,300gns was the reserve male champion, Coolnaslee Harper from Gilbert Crawford, Maghera, Co Down to M Armstrong, Coleraine, Derry. A 21 month old Sportsmans Columbo son, and out of an Allanfauld Superscot sired homebred dam, he was full brother to the Royal Welsh female champion, Coolnaslee Gigi.

A bid of 4,000gns secured the 19 month old Bushmills Harley for Eric Lindsay, Strabane, Tyrone. Bred and exhibited by Victor Chestnutt, Bushmills, Antrim, he was by Lissadoair Eden, out of a homebred dam and earlier in the day was awarded the male championship. The same vendor offered Bushmills Houdini, another 19 month old Eden son and out of a homebred dam for 3,400gns to WE Burrows, Ballynahinch.

Altnaveigh Hawkring at 3,800gns

Three entries shared a 3,800gns bid. First to go was Altnaveigh Hawkwing, a 19 month old from S and R Thompson, Newry, County Down to John McBride, Plumbridge, Tyrone. Sired by Thrunton Voldemort, he was out of a homebred dam by the 25,000gns Maerdy Impeccable. Another 19 month old from the Thompsons, this time Altnaveigh Harbour by Bova Sylvain made 2,900gns to J Kelly, Downpatrick,Co Down.

Rossavalley Hill at 3,800gns

Rossavalley Hill, the next entry in the ring sold for 3,800gns to Owen McDevitt, Limavady, Derry. Bred and exhibited by P Quigley, Enniskillen, Fermanagh, the first prize Hill was an 18 month old by Sportsmans Columbo and out of a Devenish bred dam.

Ballyoak Hercules at 3,800gns

The final 3,8000gns call was made by Edward Martin, Downpatrick, Co Down for Ballyoak Hercules TI +24, SRI +29, a first prize 15 month old Burradon Talisman son, and out of a Killadeas dam from S and A McKenna, Clogher, Tyrone.

John Erskine, Killylea, Armagh offered his highest entry at 3,500gns to Noel Rutherford, Hillsborough, Co Down. The 18 month old Dartonhall Harvey was by Corrie Alan and out of a homebred dam by the 25,000gns Goldies Unbeatable.

The day’s second 3,500gns call was made by Cyril Brown, Newtownbutler, Fermanagh for Corcreevy Hamlet, a 16 month old by the 30,000gns Balmyle Bollinger and out of a Balmyle bred dam from Desmond Orr, Fivemiletown, Tyrone.

A bid of 3,200gns secured Innisrush Harry from J Whyte and Sons, Portglenone, Antrim to James MacArthur, Limavady. A 21 month old, he was by the 22,000gns Balthayock Diplomat and out of a Balmyle bred dam going back to Dingle Hofmeister.

Kilgort Hercules, a 16 month old by Tonaghmore Augusto and out of a Toberlane bred dam from A O’Kane, Ballykelly, Derry made 3,200gns to Adrian Richardson, Lisnaskea, Fermanagh.

Two lots shared a 3000gns bid. The 18 month old Kilbridefarm Stuart sired Ramrad Henry from RDA Morrow, Coleraine, Derry sold to O Cairns, Ballygawley, Tyrone. The second 3,000gns bid came from Will Gordon, Portglenone for Fymore Hercules, a 17 month old by Goldies Champion and out of a homebred dam from Sean McCaughey, Augher, Tyrone.

Kenny Veitch, Lisbellaw, Fermanagh offered the 19 month old Oldstone Egbert sired Drumlone Highflyer TI +21, SRI +26 at 2,900gns to David Clarke, Maguiresbridge, Fermanagh.

FEMALE SECTION

Drumlone Helga at 3,300gns

In the female section, Mr Veitch’s 20 month old heifer, Drumlone Helga TI +31, SRI +29 attracted the second highest call of 3,300gns from C and V Boyd, Drumquin, Tyrone. An Anneskeagh Sandman daughter and out of a Thrunton bred dam, earlier in the day she secured the reserve female title.

Last in the catalogue but not least was Palace Helena, a 15 month old maiden from Malachy Connolly, Ballynahinch, Down at 3,200gns to FG McGarrigle, Belleek, Fermanagh. A Doon Ultimate daughter, she was out of a homebred dam by Fury Action.

Two year old twin heifers by Sportsmans Columbo and out of a homebred Moorlough dam going back to Derryharney Outstanding were in the money for James McBride, Strabane, Tyrone. First to go was Moorlough Grace TI +25, SRI +27 at 2,700gns to Niall Daly, Omagh, Tyrone followed by Moorlough Gorgie TI +29, SRI +32 at 2,500gns to Owen Kerrigan, Donemana, Tyrone.

A second 2,500gns call was made by Andrew Hillan, Broughshane, Antrim for Lisnadill Hettie, a 17 month old Thrunton Unstopable daughter and out of a homebred dam from George King, Lisnadill, Armagh.

Averages: 30 bulls £3,143; 10 females £2,851

Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart

Welsh Charolais enthusiast, Arwel Owen is to judge a line up of 44 bulls plus 23 females in Carlisle on Friday 22 November at the breed society’s official sale before they come under the hammer sold.

“I’ll be looking for bulls for the commercial man, ones with shape, breed character and physical correctness,” he says. “My top females will have to demonstrate size, plenty of growth and all the attributes of the breed.”

Arwel who established Trefaldwyn, one of Wales’ most noted herds almost two decades ago at Foel, Welshpool, will be fresh from judging Stars of the Future in Stirling last weekend, as well as achieving championship success with his own homebred entry in Welshpool earlier this month.

He explains: “Our five foundation cows selected carefully for their maternal lines – milkiness and calving ease. Since then it has since grown to 40 cows and is very focused on breeding cattle for the commercial producer that will offer performance including very good growth rates together with calving ease

“In the last three years we have used ABRI Breedplan data with high reliability to bring a clearer focus to our selection criteria and accelerate its genetic progress, and we subsequently received the Harman Charolais Genetic Improvement Award 2012 for Wales having made the greatest genetic progress in the country during the previous year.”

Leading priced bulls at auction include Trefaldwyn Usk in Perth at 10,000gns who was in the breed’s top 1% of the performance recorded herdbook and the highest in the day’s catalogue of 317 bulls. Trefaldwyn Valiant took the championship in Carlisle in 2005 and made 8,000gns.

Charolais reigned supreme at Stars of the Future in Stirling on 16 November by taking the top two Continental interbreed slots; Glenericht Hilary secured the supreme senior award and Falleninch Isabella the junior title.

Interbreed judge Arwel Owen, Welshpool described the pair as ‘a testament of good genetics’. “Despite being a Charolais breeder, I could not get past the correctness of these two heifers,” he said. Hilary has a tremendous powerful front end and had her sire’s presence and character, while Isabella was the most correct and sweetest heifer I have seen for a very, very long time. She had width combined with true breed character. I am sure we will see these animals again in future.”

The 15 month old Glenericht Hilary was bred and exhibited by Allen and Peter Drysdale, Blairgowrie, Perth. Sired by the 16,000gns Clyth Diplomat and out of Mornity Bonnie going back to Balnuith Universe, she was no newcomer to the ring having stood in reserve slot at Perth and Kirriemuir earlier this season. On Saturday after heading her class she took the senior Charolais breed title before going all the way to the top of the Continental senior section.

Standing below Hilary in reserve senior female place was Glenlivet Hooray, a 15 month old heifer from Mike Durno, Ballindalloch, Banffshire. Sired by the 12,000gns Thrunton Explosive, she was out of Kelton Bonnie, an Ugie Upperhand daughter.

The senior Charolais male title went to Inverlochy Hamish from father and son team, John and Raymond Irvine, Tomintoul, Ballindalloch. A 13 month old by Maerdy Eryr, he was out of a homebred dam going back to their Inverlochy Resolve. Beaten in to reserve senior male place was Retties Haribo from Richard and Carol Rettie, Forestmill, Alloa. A 15 month old, he was by the 10,000gns, Chunal Dougie and out of Redheughs Anthem.

Falleninch Isabella, took the junior Charolais breed championship before leading the interbreed Continental junior section. Bred and exhibited by Andrew Hornall, Stirling, this 10 month old was by Dereskit Fernando and out of the homebred Falleninch Daniella, a Gower Armani daughter.

Standing below Isabella in overall reserve breed place was Loganbar Improver, the junior male champion from Murray Lyle, Midcambushinnie, Dunblane. A nine month old, he was by Harviestoun Festival and out of Harviestoun Foxylady by Ravensworth Unwin.

Murray Lyle also took the reserve junior Charolais female title with Loganbar Isacc, an eight month old Wesley Fixture daughter and out of Loganbar Elysee. The reserve junior Charolais male award went to the six month old Stranagone Ilikeyou from Robert McWilliams, Maghera, Derry. A Dereskit Fernando son, he was out of Falleninch Fanna by Prime Colombo.

Glenericht Hilary Senior Interbreed Champion

Falleninch Isabella, Junior Interbreed Champion

Class 46: Bulls born 3rd August to 28th August 2012

1, Richard and Carol Rettie’s Retties Haribro, by Chunal Dougie

2, C Wight’s Carwood Hotspur, by Kelton Trident

3, R McAskie’s Strathisla Harley, by Goldies Banker

Class 47: Heifers born 19th July to 30th August 2012

1, Allen and Peter Drysdale’s Glenericht Hilary, by Clyth Diplomat

2, Michael Durno’s Glenlivet Hooray, by Thrunton Explosive

3, J Wight’s Midlock Hope, by Kelton Trident

Class 48: Bulls born 12th September to 24th November 2012

1, John and Raymond Irvine’s Inverlochy Hamish, by Maerdy Eryr

2, John and Raymond Irvine’s Ballindalloch Hagar, by Maerdy Eryr

3, Allen and Peter Drysdale’s Glenericht Hollywood, by Balnuith Valour

Class 49: Heifers born 28th September to 19th November 2012

1, John and Raymond Irvine’s Ballindalloch Hilda, by Lochend Apache

2, John and Raymond Irvine’s Ballindalloch Hester, by Balmyle Bollinger

3, Michael Durno’s Glenlivet Hopeful, by Thrunton Explosive

Class 50: Bulls born 3rd February to 5th May 2013

1, Murray Lyle’s Loganbar Improver, by Harviestoun Festival

2, R McWilliam’s Stranagone Ilikeyou, by Dereskit Fernando

3, Ballathie Estate’s Ballathie Iniesta, by Balthayock Empire

Class 51: Heifers born 14th January to 10th March 2013

1, Andrew Hornall’s Falleninch Isbella by Dereskit Fernando

2, Murray Lyle’s Loganbar Isacc, by Wesley Fixture

3, Ballathie Estate’s Ballathie Imogen, by Balthayock Empire

Class 52: Heifers born 24th March to 15th May

1, Richard and Carol Rettie’s Retties Image, by Chunal Dougie

2, C Wight’s Dundas Indigo, by Elgin Davinci

3, Strathisla Farms’ Cardean Innocent, by Blelack Colonel

Inverlochy Hamish

Loganbar Improver

Stranagone Ilikeyou

Loganbar Isaac

Sean McGovern Charolais club committee member visited the farm of Paul McConnell & family situated on an elevated site overlooking the Clogher Valley, the uplands provide good grazing in summer for dry cows and heifers; they have an intensive farming system taking four cuts of silage this season. The McConnell farm is over 200 acres, carrying between 250 – 300 Limousin x cows. Paul is joined by his son Ryan who left school to work in the family business; Ryan has a great interest and is very enthusiastic about the future of the industry with world demand for beef increasing. All calves are reared to 9 – 10 months old and sold locally as weanlings, they use Charolais primarily because at point of sale the Charolais calf weighs and pays that extra. They usually keeps 6-7 bulls with the herd having bought another Charolais bull at a club sale in Dungannon recently; using Limousin bulls on heifers and Charolais bulls on cows. Why Charolais? They use the Charolais breed on 90% of the herd for early growth and power.

The cows calve all year round and are wintered in an extensive range of up to date slatted houses with bedded areas for calves with creep access. Nutrition is monitored and a high energy creep feed offered to enhance growth. This combination of good sized Limousin cross cows with a Charolais bull is providing the McConnell’s with good growth and conformation, well-muscled calves that the customer is eager to purchase.

When asked about how he buys a Charolais bull, Paul said, ‘He will look for a bull with width depth and good shape’ to produce well balanced and growthy calves. It is also important to have strong cows to produce calves with good birth weights and to have as many unassisted births as possible to help reduce the herd management. When they go to the sales the Charolais cross weanlings gives much better returns so they recommend that commercial breeders should seriously consider using Charolais bulls that produce calves with good growth & maximum weight gain. At the end of the day, processors reap the benefits when finishing Charolais cross cattle as they finish up to three weeks earlier than other continental crosses.

Annual Sales:

Export Charolais Show & Sale Dungannon Farmers Mart Friday 7th March 2014

Charolais Show & Sale Ballymena Livestock Mart Friday 25th April 2014

Charolais Show & Sale Dungannon Farmers Mart Monday 26th May 2014

Charolais Show & Sale Dungannon Farmers Mart Monday 7th November 2014

Charolais secured the supreme championship and picked up a fistful of red tickets at Premier Meat Exhibition’s carcase awards staged at Scotbeef on Saturday 23 November and organised by the Scottish National Fat Stock Club.

Champion carcase, Wilson Peters

The winning carcase was a Charolais cross heifer from Wilson Peters, Crieff. She weighed in at 384kg, graded U +4L and killed out at 63.5%.

The popular Young Livestock Producers (YLP) classes were cleaned up by Charolais cross entries. The overall champion was a Charolais cross steer from Isla King, Crossrigg, Hutton with an entry kiling out at 415.8kg, U +3 and 65.2%.

The YLP entry awarded the Premio Speciale Italiani prize for the carcase best suited to the Italian market went to James Young, Girvan Mains with his Charolais cross heifer killing out at 360.9kg, U +3 and 63.8%

Heading one of the heifer classes was a Charolais cross killing out at 402kg, –U 4L and 62.1 KO% from James Hunter, Luckenburn.

Earlier in the week the cattle had been judged in the ring at Caledonian Marts, Stirling. John Thompson, Smallburn, Longhorsley headed a heifer class with a Charolais cross which went on to kill out at 389.2kg, U+3 and 65.1%, whilst the best beef bred prime cow award went to a Charolais cross from Emslie Partners, Little Barras, Laurencekirk. She killed out at 531kg, E3 and 62.8%.

Well over 1,000 attended the recent Fatstock show in the Kings Hall Complex Balmoral Belfast. This multi breed extravaganza or Christmas Special is the highlight in the calendar for all the breeders who want to see stock displayed at their very best. Offering 27 classes for beef breeds and a prize fund of £9,000 along with twelve silver cups for the breed champions and the coveted Allams cup for the Supreme Champion in Show. Animals are prepared for months in order to have them reach their potential just in time for the show. The judges this year were John Currie Kilmarnock Scotland and the Housewife’s Choice competition was judged by butcher and beef farmer well known Tom McMaster.

For Northern Ireland charolais we had success with Alan Veitch Drumlone Lisbellaw exhibiting in the Calf Spectacular sponsored by Norbrooke; winning his class and going on to take the Calf Spectacular Championship across all the breeds with a calf that has been out on the local show circuit this summer. Sired by a charolais and bred from a BB x Lim cow this seven month calf is a very classy young animal with lots of potential selling at £2,300

Beating off very stiff opposition was Declan & Fergal McKenna Clogher who won the Reserve Supreme Championship with a Baby Charolais Calf called Pip who had taken the Charolais Championship earlier in the day. Pip is sired by Fury Action out of a Limousin dam weighing 600 kgs and selling to Omagh meats for £2,300 Alan Farlow Garvagh won the reserve Championship in the Charolais section with a 690 kgs animal which sold to McKee’s Maghera for £2,150

Next highlight in NI Charolais Calendar is the Export show & sale in Dungannon on Friday 7th March

Overall Reserve Supreme Champion owned by Declan & Fergal McKenna, Clogher with Cormac McKervey Ulster Bank main sponsor of event

Alan Farlow won the Reserve Charolais Championship

Alan Veitch with his Champion in the Calf Spectacular at Allams

Bang Tidy, an 18 month old Charolais cross heifer scooped the supreme Smithfield championship in Peterborough, on Thursday 5 December. Exhibited by Drew Hyslop and his partner, Katie Davidson of Haugh of Urr, Castle Douglas, Bang Tidy was ‘as close to perfect as you’re ever going to get in a show ring’ according to judge, Archie MacGregor.

“This heifer has everything – a great carcass, length, loin, a lot of breed character and outstanding presence all on a fantastic set of legs. She was presented to the highest standard and is every inch a true Smithfield champion,” he said

Bang Tidy was knocked down sold the following day for £8,000gns to Robert and William Woodward, Bowood Yorkshire Lamb, on behalf of Harrods.

Sired by Glenrock Eiger and tipping the scales at 602kg, she was purchased in a private deal earlier this year from Hugh and Lynne Dunlop, Ochiltree, Ayrshire who had already bred three supreme Smithfield winners. Bang Tidy was no stranger to the ring having stood second place in the Charolais sired class at Agri-Expo, and at the Scottish Winter Fair she headed the heavy weight heifer class.

Mischievous, another Dunlop bred Charolais cross heifer by Glenrock Eiger was among the winnings heading the light weight Charolais heifer class before going all the way to the overall junior championship. Exhibited by Katreen Millar and Craig Malone, Port of Menteith, Stirling, she was secured for £2,800 in Cally Marts and on Thursday weighed in at 568kg.

HAU student placement study

Drew Patrick

Charolais sired steers reached 400kgs target deadweight one month earlier than other Continental crosses on a specialist finishing unit and thereby achieved a £54 a head profit margin over all others, according to findings from a large scale study. Furthermore, the trends persisted among the Charolais cross heifers which consistently finished to 365kg target deadweight 12 days faster than the remainder.

Those findings concluded a 12 month placement report by Harper Adams University BSc Hons Ag student, Drew Patrick on James Burnett’s Newark based finishing unit with 6,500 head annual turnover. Of that total, approximately 40% were Charolais crosses.

The study which was designed to investigate how the unit could improve its efficiency, took in 1,000 Continental cattle bought in the store ring throughout England and Wales at an average 450kg liveweight and introduced to a TMR diet including vegetable waste, brewer’s grains, pot ale syrup, forage maize and straw. Average time to finishing was 110 days.

Drew explains: “The Charolais cross steers were ready for slaughter at an average 395kg deadweight, 27 days sooner than any of the other cattle in the shed, demonstrating that they have greater genetic potential to grow faster on the same finishing diet and within the same system, and thereby reduce the number of days to slaughter.

“The one month differential has the potential for huge impact on a large unit like the Burnett’s. In fact, if this unit swapped all its Continental cattle for Charolais crosses, then it could improve profits by over £150,000 per annum, a figure that confirms faster growth rates and accompanying feed efficiency can reduce both variable and fixed costs. In addition, finishing Charolais crosses provides the opportunity to increase cattle turnover and subsequent cash turnover.”

Focus on Eye Muscle Area and Retail Beef Yield EBV selection 

David Aglen

VIA (Video Image Analysis) is an automated method of objectively assessing visual carcase conformation and fat classes to comply with EU regulations on carcase classification. The new technology removes the subjectivity which allegedly accompanies the current manual grading system, between lines and between slaughter houses. What’s more VIA is able to improve the precision and accuracy of saleable meat yield, even for specific carcase joints.  

VIA has already been officially introduced to slaughter houses in Ireland, both the north and south.  The mechanism has also been installed for trial purposes in Scottish plants. It’s a question of time when VIA will be introduced on a commercial basis throughout Great Britain, and whether or not an accompanying new pricing system will be introduced.

Commercial producers are already starting to gear up for VIA to replace manual grading in Scotland. Balbirnie Home Farm’s David Aglen says: “By the time the new technology is officially introduced, I want a shed of animals ready finished that will be able to exploit the system. VIA is a definitive measurement of the higher value muscle, so we’re already changing our selection procedure and sifting out Charolais bulls we introduce to our suckler herd which are specifically within the breed’s top 10% for Eye Muscle Area and Retail Beef Yield EBVs.

“Processors have already indicated that they’re looking for carcases with more eye muscle and overall retail meat yield which in turn have a higher retail value, consequently we trust that they will eventually be prepared to pay dividends for these higher quality animals. Going forward, I believe that all of us beef producers will have to consider changing our selection criteria. I like to think that the days of going for big showy bulls are numbered.”

David is farms manager to Balbirnie’s 3,000 acre in hand mixed unit based at Freuchie, Fife. The unit carries a 230 cow suckler herd with all progeny taken through to finishing. Since taking up the position three years ago, David says he’s been turning the enterprise in to profit by maximising output per cow. “Together with cattleman David Douglas, I’ve introduced a new management strategy within a sustainable system. We’re attempting to produce better quality cattle at lower cost. That strategy includes developing a closed herd with sires selected for carcase quality as well as maternal traits.”

One element which remains is Charolais as the herd’s terminal sire, “The breed has already been tried and tested here for more than 20 years, and I personally believe that nothing can match Charolais cross cattle in terms of weight for age. Steers are finishing at an average 340kg deadweight in 14 months with similar trends being achieved among the unit’s same age heifers at 325kg deadweight. Furthermore, whilst David says he is dependent on the herd’s terminal sire to introduce better carcase traits, already 85% of Balbirnie’s Charolais sired calves are finishing to R4L target specification.

“While that performance is satisfactory, we’re bringing a new focus to Charolais. Our previous selection criteria was based on a bull within the breed’s top 35% for performance traits combined with Calving Ease Direct EBVs and that has achieved our targetted level of performance. Nowadays, bulls within the breed’s top 10% for Eye Muscle Area and Retail Beef Yield EBVs are top of our catalogue pick list, followed by calving ease and growth. When we arrive at a sale we go for visual appraisal and locomotion.

“So far progeny from one of these high genetic merit bulls are delivering: 14 month old steers are finishing at 355kg deadweight and 15 month old heifers 336kg with both grading within the –U, 3, 4L bracket.”

To the future, and David is currently expanding the suckler herd to 300 cows. “The plan will fit with labour and land availability, and quite simply, our cattle make money. Balbirnie is all about making more from our own available resources, efficiently.”

Charolais met a strong demand from the commercial sector peaking at 6,200gns and averaging £4,052 at the breed society’s inaugural February sale in Welshpool on Thursday 6 February.

“Trade was fuelled by buyers who had sold their Charolais cross stores or suckled calves during the last year and enjoyed big premiums over other breeds,” said society chairman, Alasdair Houston. “These producers were doing the numbers and reinvesting what was in fact a small proportion of that return in to their next Charolais herd sire.”

From left to right: Tom Boden with the Champion bull Sportsmans Harrypotter, the judge Stuart Barclay and Jimmy McMillan and Richard MacInnes with the reserve champion Twomacs Hitman

Sale leader at 6,200gns was Sportsmans Harrypotter TI +38, SRI +38, a 20 month old Thrunton Voldemort son and out of a homebred dam from Charlie Boden’s 80 cow herd based at Mellor, Stockport. Earlier on, he had been awarded the supreme championship, the first ever at the centre for Mr Boden.

Harrypotter sold to R Napper, Didcot, Oxford who minutes earlier paid 5,000gns for Dorcas Hyperion, a 22 month old by Dorcas Duke, bred by the Morris family and consigned by John Evans, Caersws, Powys. The 19 month old Dorcas Hussar, another Dorcas bred bull from Mr Evans and this time by Dorcas Express made 5,000gns to RE Griffiths, Criccieth, Gwynedd.

The day’s second highest bid of 6,000gns was made in a joint purchase by CN Flack, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk and Goodwin Farms, Repps, Great Yarmouth for Maerdy Hoelbren, a 17 month old by Vald’Or-Ra from Flintshire vet, Esmor Evans, Mold who sold a string of 12 entries in total to average £3,928.

Two Maerdy bulls shared a 5,000gns bid. First to go was Maerdy Huntly TI +34, SRI +36, a 22 month old Maerdy Blackout son selling to the Nicholas and Heath partnership, Tarfin, Chester, whilst Maerdy Huwcyn TI +51, SRI +45, a 19 month old by Maerdy Dynamite went to GR Saunders, Bonvilson, South Glamorgan.

Another Dynamite son, the 17 month old Maerdy Herc was secured for 4,200gns by JHJ Medland, Tavistock, Devon, whilst Maerdy Heglo, an 18 month old Esperanto son sold for 4,800gns to ED and HJ Roberts, Newtown, Powys.

Earlier in the day three Maerdy entries were each bid to 4,000gns. Maerdy Hunter TI +32, SRI +22, a 20 month old by D’Angely R went home with KW and GM Hammond and Sons, Builth Wells, Powys, whilst the 19 month old Maerdy Hartford TI +44, SRI +37, another  D’Angely R son made 4,000gns to S Pennington and Son, Church Stretton, Shropshire. The 26 month old Maerdy Heath TI +48, SRI +42 by Vald’Or-Ra was secured for the third 4,000gns call by J Bufton and Sons, Whitney on Wye, Herefordshire.

The final 5,000gns bid was made for Montgomery Hampton, a 21 month old Blelack Digger son from the Roberts and Jones partnership, Welshpool. The buyers were AW and AR Gale, Newton Abbott, Devon.

Last catalogued entry but not least at 4,700gns was Hendy Hubert, a 14 month old youngster from Wyn and Diane Rees, Llanidloes, Powys, to near neighbours, VT and S Hamer, Llanidloes. Other entries in the money included Trefaldwyn Hornblower TI +61, SRI +60, an 18 month old Blelack Digger son at 4,200gns. The buyer was the Herrick Partnership, Kirkby Mallory, Leicestershire.

Averages: 29 bulls £4,051.55

Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales

The Champion Sportsmans Harrypotter at 6,200gns

Dorcas Hussar at 5,000gns

Dorcas Hyperion at 5,000gns

Maerdy Hoelbren at 6,000gns

Maerdy Huntly at 5,000gns

Maerdy Huwcyn at 5,000gns

Montgomery Hampton at 5,000gns

Hendy Hubert at 4,700gns

Achieving an average £200 a head premium for Charolais cross stores over all others in the marketplace combined with underlying confidence in demand for quality Scotch beef is enabling the Mill family to feel more strongly placed to manage the impact of CAP Reform on their livestock business.

From left, Pauline and William, Mary and Russell Mill with Owen, Amy and Abby

They also have the critical mass, their 1,800 acre Caithness unit carries 200 suckler cows, 1,100 ewes, 250 ewe hogs, plus a 40 cow added value pedigree Charolais herd. However their future success will also be dependent on maximising the potential of all the tools in the box, says William. “Be it genetics, nutrition or husbandry, there’s always potential for improvement, the real challenge is how to best exploit. As far as the suckler enterprise is concerned, then it’s going to be about increasing the number of kilos produced per cow and upping the quality of each calf.”

In fact it’s about progressing the strategy already in place, he explains. “Continued selection for milkiness among our closed Simmental cross herd combined with the use of higher quality Charolais bulls – the best we can afford, has enabled us to increase the average weight of our 11 month old stores marketed in the last three years. We’re also proud to turn out quality, shapely cattle which invariably are among the day’s top 10% of average prices at Quoybrae and selling to repeat buyers, and last year they achieved an average£200 a head premium over all others. We believe that level of performance is scheduled to continue to improve with our next crop of calves having purchased in 2013 a Charolais bull within the breed’s top 5% for performance, and in particular top 1% for eye muscle area EBV. He also had shape and length – the total package.”

William farms Forsie, Westfield, Thurso in partnership with his father, Russell and mother, Mary. The LFA unit has been farmed by the Mill family for more than a century and gradually expanded to its current scale. Recent investments include new slatted accommodation to provide more cow space and accompanying slurry storage, together with various labour saving devices.

“For example, for the past three years we’ve been EID recording all the calves which makes for ease of management. We like to keep an eye on them all to see if they’re performing and weigh each individually at weaning and then again up to three times before sale.”

Forsie’s Charolais cross calves are currently achieving the unit’s target 1.2kg daily liveweight gain from birth to sale at 11 months. They’re offered creep prior to weaning to maximise growth rates whilst feed conversion efficiency is at its greatest. “Last year was exceptional, we had such a flush of grass so creeping wasn’t necessary.” On housing in October / November they’re introduced to a grass silage homegrown cereal mix, weaned at nine months at an average 300kg, and continued on the same diet until point of sale in April when 80% of the crop are reaching just under 400kg at 11 months of age.

It was that exceptional growth rate which attracted Russell Mill to initially invest in Charolais over 40 years ago. “We were witnessing Charolais leaving significant growth and a subsequent price differential over all native breeds in the marketplace and we decided to introduce a bull to our suckler herd. We saw an immediate benefit,” he explains.

Anticipating strong demand for Charolais bulls within the region, shortly afterwards the Mills purchased foundation bloodlines to establish and develop a pedigree herd producing bulls to meet a new, growing demand from the region’s commercial sector. “Over the years our selection criteria has been market led, we’ve focused on long, clean, stylish animals with good feet. We’ve always chosen new bulls bred from consistent well-bred damlines. Things have changed in the last few years since we’ve had Breedplan data to back up our decision making,” says Russell.

“In fact half of our bull buyers are now balancing their decisions made on eye with Breedplan data – 200 day, 400 day, eye muscle area and ease of calving EBVs – they’re a useful tool and nowadays we are focused on breeding higher genetic merit bulls to meet that demand. We use these homebred sires across our own herd – we would never sell a bull that we wouldn’t use ourselves.”

Improving the number of calves reared per year, combined with reaping the rewards of establishing and developing a Farm Health Plan during the last five years are set to help the Mill family to continue to improve overall output per cow.

“One of our biggest dreams here is for three more staff,” says Will. “However it’s simply not going to happen. We feel we’ve reached stocking capacity with the current labour units – myself, Dad who is stepping back from the day to day routine, and one employed person. It’s not going to be just a question of sustainability under the new CAP Reform regime, it’s how much is physically possible and at the same time achieving a balance family life. However one aspect which we are confident will help bolster the unit is the premiums for our Charolais cross cattle reflecting the industry’s continuing quest for quality and efficiency.”

Wintering cattle at Forsie

Alasdair Houston’s Gretna Green, Dumfriesshire based Gretnahouse Charolais herd has been recognised with the Harman Charolais Genetic Improvement Award 2014 for making the greatest genetic progress both in Scotland and within the entire British Charolais Herdbook during the last 12 months.

Herd progress was measured by the highest improvement in the Self Replacing Index (SRI) for the calves born in 2012, and recorded over the 2012/2013 recording years. During that period, the 60 cow Gretnahouse herd SRI increased by +16.2 to an average SRI +54.2.

“I’m delighted to receive this award,” Alastair comments. “We have all seen a lot of debate over recent months on the subject of EBVs. My position is simple, relying blindly on EBVs would be as daft as relying blindly on the satnav whilst driving off a cliff – it doesn’t always get it right. We select using a combination of eye and knowledge of pedigrees. However, science does have a valuable role to play in modern beef breeding, it always has, and in my herd I find that EBVs are a useful tool; we would be nuts not to use them. Wesley Equinox who is within the breed’s top 5% for both Calving Ease Direct and Gestation Length EBVs, is our main herd sire, he is doing a fantastic job at Gretnahouse and is responsible for a large part of the improvement in our herd’s figures. Equinox’s progeny reflect his EBV data in that they are proving to be very easy calving with short gestation and good growth performance. That’s what modern British Charolais is all about.”

The winning members in England are Rachael Dawson, Newton Burgoland, Leicestershire (Dawson) and James Kimber, Chippenham, Wiltshire (Beanhill) each with a 12 month SRI improvement of +15.8 to +48.6 and +56.5 respectively; Wales: Arwel Owen, Welshpool, Powys (Trefaldwyn) +13.7 to +49.5; and Northern Ireland: Trevor Phair, Enniskillen, Fermanagh (Brogher) +11.0 to +41.7.

Ben Harman commented: “The winners of this year’s awards have once again embraced the demand from our customers – suckled calf producers, for cattle that the Breedplan tool kit enables us to identify. They are breeding bulls which deliver progeny that are easier to calve combined with unbeatable growth potential – the breed’s hallmark trait sought after by the finishers who are receiving their just rewards for Charolais cross cattle. Steers for example, are currently averaging £125 a head over all other breeds according to recent analysis.”

26,000gns top; £6,538 average; 12 lots at 10,000gns and over; 73% clearance

Charolais bulls met a solid demand driven throughout by the commercial sector in Stirling on Tuesday 18 February at the breed’s official spring sale. Bidding peaked at 26,000gns, 12 lots traded at five figure sums and 140 lots sold to average £6,538, a figure representing 73% clearance leaving Charolais to once again take the lead at the spring multi-beef breed sales and grossing just short of £1 million in total. A further nine lots were later sold via the auctioneers outside the ring bringing the total clearance to 78%.

“More Charolais bulls were sold at a higher average than any other sale this spring reflecting the momentum swing back to modern British Charolais,” commented society chairman, Alasdair Houston after the five hour stint. “The bulls traded today are great value when considering the premiums paid for Charolais cross suckled calves and store cattle are at £150 a head premium over other breeds; it all adds up.”

Maerdy Hearthrob, 26,000gns

Sale leader at 26,000gns was Maerdy Hearthrob TI +56, SRI +50, a 19 month old from Flintshire vet, Esmor Evans, Mold. Sired by Maerdy Dynamite, he was out of Maerdy Beauty who secured the Royal female championship and Royal Welsh interbreed titles as an 18 month old. Hearthrob sold in a three way split to Drew and Bob Adam, Glamis, Forfar; Bill Bruce, Balmyle, Meigle and the Campbell family, Thrunton, Alnwick. “He’s a top bull by a great sire I’d seen as a calf and out of a fantastic show cow – a combination which doesn’t happen very often,” commented Bill Bruce.

“My confidence in this bull is reflected in the fact I’ve retained several hundred straws,” said Mr Evans, whose success didn’t stop there. In fact the day went on to be one of the best ever in over 30 years of trading at Perth and Stirling. He sold a string of seven bulls to average £13,155, whilst 24 hours earlier he had secured the champion group of three with Darkvador sons, a title he’d won 12 months earlier with sons by Darkvador’s sire, Maerdy Blackout. This week he also won both the junior and intermediate titles. The latter was awarded to Maerdy Hasse TI +48, SRI +50 who went on to receive the overall supreme championship which for Mr Evans was the eighth occasion and earned him the record holder title.

Maerdy Hasse, 25,000gns

The 19 month old Hasse happened to be the next lot in the ring selling for the day’s second top 25,000gns price to join Ronnie Baillie’s 60 cow pedigree herd and 250 commercial cows at Deerness, Orkney. “This bull has the looks and the figures to match – he’s a very nice all-rounder,” he said.

Sired by Darkvador and out of Maerdy Dredge, a Vald’Or-Ra daughter, he was described by the judge, Roy Milne after his five hour stint as ‘near to perfect as you’ll ever get’. “Hasse stood out as soon as he came in to the ring. He has tremendous presence, great character in the head and is very balanced; he has a smooth shoulder, length, width across the top, an adequate hind end and great locomotion.”

Maerdy Hwre,15,000gns

Next at 15,000gns was the junior champion, the 17 month old Maerdy Hwre TI +48, SRI +41, another Dynamite son and out of a homebred dam by Maerdy Ulm. The buyer was Mornity Farms, Alyth, Blairgowrie.

Lochend Hickory, 22,000gns

A bid of 22,000gns secured the reserve senior champion, Lochend Hickory TI +55, SRI +38 for Strathisla Farms, Ruthven, Blairgowrie. Sired by the 10,000gns Mortimers Echo, his homebred maternal granddam remains one of the best breeding females with her 18^th calf at foot within the Millar family’s 30 cow Lochend herd based at Port of Menteith, Stirling. For Iain, Rhona, John and Teen, it was their most successful day in 19 years of breeding pedigree Charolais, whilst for Strathisla Farms’ Adrian Ivory, Hickory was the only entry marked in the catalogue to join his 40 cow pedigree herd. “He’s a cracking bull and he looks the part. He has length and width and very sound figures,” he said.

Sandelford Harrison, 17,000gns

Next at 17,000gns was the class winner, Sandelford Harrison TI +45, SRI +45, an 18 month old by the 14,000gns Goldies Usher and out of a Drummeer Major sired homebred dam. Harrison was bred and exhibited by the Henderson family, George, his son Gary and grandson Gareth, Bushmills, Antrim, who realised their highest price at auction in 37 years since establishing their herd which amounts to 10 cows.

Harrison went to join Peter Vasey’s 50 cow pedigree herd based at Wetheral, Carlisle. “This bull has unbelievable conformation, power, a good pedigree and figures to match,” he said. Mr Vasey was investing some of the earnings from his string of seven bulls, each by the 10,000gns Carlisle champion, Ratoary Ferguson, and which sold to average £6,030.

Edenhurst Heritage, 10,000gns

His leader at 10,000gns was the 19 month old Edenhurst Heritage TI +57, SRI +57 to CG Greig (Farms), Gateside, Fife.

Ballindalloch Hero, 13,000gns

Ballindalloch Hero TI +42, SRI +42 lived up to his name for father and son team John and Raymond Irvine, Tomintoul, Ballindalloch and ensured they maintained their winning streak in Stirling for the third consecutive year. After securing the reserve intermediate championship, Hero was pulled in to overall reserve supreme place before going on to command a 13,000gns bid from Corskellie Farm, Rothiemay, Huntly. This 20 month old was sired by Lochend Hero and out of a homebred dam from their 45 cow herd.

Ballindalloch Hagar, 8,500gns

Later in the day the Irvines offered Ballindalloch Hagar TI +54, SRI +52, a Maerdy Eryr son for 8,500gns to GR Davies, Cwmtirmynach, Bala.

Allanfauld Hustler, 13,000gns

The day’s second 13,000gns call went to Allanfauld Hustler TI +31, SRI +30, a 21 month old first class winner from father and son team, Archie and John MacGregor, Kilsyth, Glasgow. Sired by Elgin Davinci he went home with D Morrow, Coleraine, Antrim.

Allanfauld Highlight, 12,000gns

The MacGregors next entry at 12,000gns was Allanfauld Highlight TI +44, SRI +44, a 21 month old Woodpark Elgin son and out of a Harestone Tyrol sired homebred dam. The buyers were John and Peter Howells, Llanwennog, Llanybydder.

Sackville Hercules, 11,000gns

Peter Heath, Hartfield, made yet another successful 1,000 mile round annual trip this time with Sackville Hercules TI +33, SRI +31, a 22 month old by the 30,000gns Balmyle Bollinger and out of a Maerdy Vamp sired homebred dam from his 20 cow herd. Hercules secured the senior championship, the first ever major Stirling award for Mr Heath before selling for 11,000gns to CG McGillivray, Chapeltown, Ballindalloch.

Martland Heavyweight, 11,000gns

A second 11,000gns call was made this time by A and D Renwick, Dundonnell, Rossshire for Martland Heavyweight TI +38, SRI +36, a 20 month old class winner by Beanhill Echo from J and C Wylde, Woolavington, Bridgwater.

Balthayock Haakon, 10,000gns

Balthayock Haakon, the highest entry in the catalogue with a TI +78 and SRI +71, was secured for 10,000gns by Milne family, Robbie, Barbara and their son, James to run with their 320 cow herd at Oldmeldrum, Aberdeen. Bred by David and Nick Walter, Balthayock, Perth, the 16 month old Haakon was by the 8,000gns Swalesmoor Cracker, the current highest recorded bull for performance traits in the breed herdbook and out of a Balmyle Thunderbird sired homebred dam from their 80 cow herd.

Next from the Walters at 8,500gns was Balthayock Herald TI +46, SRI +55, a 29 month old Balthayock Dante son. The buyer was Messrs Bindloss and Sons, Shap, Penrith.

Blelack Highflier, 9,500gns

Neil and Graeme Massie, Dinnet, Aboyne offered their top lot, at 9,500gns to E Innes and Sons, Glenlivet. Blelack Highflyer TI +58, SRI +55 was a 21 month old class winner by Ugie Dynamo.

Thrunton Highlight, 9500gns

Thrunton Highlight TI +52, SRI +48, a 21 month old by the 26,000gns Balmyle Dickler attracted a 9,000gns bid from Lewis Forster, Hexham for the Campbell family, Ian, John and their father Colin, Thrunton, Alnwick.

Thrunton Highflyer, 8,500gns

Another Dickler son, the19 month old Thrunton Highflyer TI +50, SRI +44 made 8,500gns and also returned to Northumberland this time with P Charleton, Kirkwhelpington.

Four more entries sold to 8,500gns. First to go was Gretnahouse Hugo TI +58, SRI +61, a 21 month old by the 12,000gns Wesley Equinox and out of a Mortimers Roselier sired dam from Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green to John Preece and Sons, Hardwicke, Cheltenham.

Baillieston Hector, 8,500gns

Next at 8,500gns was Baillieston Hector TI +48, SRI +50 to D Peebles, Pittenweem, Fife. A 20 month old Maerdy Deiniol son, he was the highest of a handful of entries from Ronnie Baillie and contributed to recouping his spend earlier in the day.

Ugie Henry TI +57, SRI +51, the Wilson bred 18 month old by the 12,000gns Goldies Elation was offered by the Milne family – Roy, Kirsty, Matthew, James and Sam, Llanbryde, Elgin for 8,500gns to T Smith and Son, Alford, Aberdeen.

Elrick Historian, 8,500gns

The last 8,500gns call was made by Murray Lyle, Mid Cambushinne, Dunblane for Elrick Historian TI +58, SRI +51, a 17 month old by the 16,000gns Thrunton Fearless from Michael Massie, Auchnagatt, Ellon.

 Six lots were bid to 8,000gns. First in the ring was Culnagechan Hercules TI +33, SRI +33, a 21 month old by Sandelford Bergkamp from Derek Hume, Randalstown, Antrim to RJ Shennan and Sons, Turnberry, Ayr.

Next came a trio of 20 month old entries at 8,000gns each from Colin Wight, Biggar. First were twins by Kelton Trident: Carwood Harris TI +45, SRI +37 went to Terry Coghill, Birsay, Orkney, whilst Carwood Haggis TI +31, SRI +29 sold to Messrs Walker, Granthouse, Duns. Carwood Harry TI +34, SRI +41, an Elgin Emperor son changed hands with JM Nisbet, Mauchline, Ayr.

Coolnaslee Hussar, 8,000gns

Coolnaslee Hussar TI +30, SRI +31, a 19 month old class winner and NI National Charolais Show junior champion made 8,000gns to AJ Beaton, Struan, Isle of Skye. Sired by the 9,000gns Goldies Carnival he was offered by Gilbert Crawford, Magherra, Derry.

Westcarse Highlight, 8,000gns

The final 8,000gns call was made by Peter Watson, Durris, Banchory for the class winner, Westcarse Highlight TI +52, SRI +45, a Mortimers Echo son from John Christie, Stirling.

FEMALES

Esmor Evans rounded off the day by heading the female section at 5,000gns with Maerdy Gunhieda, a rising two year old served heifer by Vald’Or-Ra to JA Morris, Thurso. Maerdy Gwenllian, another same age served heifer by Dynamite made 4,000gns to T Smith and Son, Alford.

A draft from John Christie’s herd was headed at 4,000gns by Westcarse Caroline TI +30, SRI +33, a seven year old Roselier daughter sold with her five month old heifer, Westcarse Imogen by Mortimers Echo. The buyer was EF Mutch and Son, Forglen, Banff.

Other leading female entries included Midlock Holly TI +45, SRI +39, a 19 month old Kelton Trident daughter at 4,500gns from John Wight, Midlock, Biggar to Reece Millichap, Tonwyesail, Mid Glamorgan.

Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfries offered Goldies Grandgirl TI +29, SRI +25, a two year old heifer by the 25,000gns Thrunton Camelot at 4,000gns to G Dalgarno, Brechin, Angus.

Twenty four hours earlier, the female line up was leaded by two heifers by the 12,000gns Thrunton Explosive from Michael Durno, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. Supreme honours went to Glenlivet Hooray TI +35, SRI +36, an 18 month old twin out of Kelton Bonnie. She made 3,400gns to AK Brooke, Glenluce, Newton Stewart. Darren and Donna Knox, March, Cambridge paid 3,400gns for the reserve champion, Glenlivet Hopeful TI +34, SRI +36, a 17 month old out of a homebred dam.

Glenlivet Hooray, 3,400gns

Glenlivet Hopeful, 3,400gns

Averages: 140 bulls £6,538; 14 females £3,353

Auctioneers: United Auctions

Charolais bulls led the trade at 6,900gns and achieved the day’s highest £5,043 average at the Royal Northern Spring Show, at Aberdeen and Northern Marts’ Thainstone Centre, Inverurie on Wednesday 26 February.

Overall Champion, Kinclune Hogan

Kinclune Hayday, Sale leader at 6,900gns

The day’s top entry at 6,900gns was Kinclune Hayday, a 22 month old month old from John Wilson, Glenkindie, Alford. A Thrunton Crownprince son and out of a Caylers Solomon sired dam, he was knocked down sold to WLR Keir, Glenkindie, Alford.

The 20 month old Kinclune Haemon, another Crownprince son from the same vendor made 5,900gns to G and K Gauld, Pitcaple, Inverurie.

Elrick Hallmark at 6,000gns

Elrick Hallmark TI +30, SRI +16, a 22 month old Maerdy Dublin son from Mike Massie, Auchnagatt, Ellon secured the reserve championship before making 6,000gns to Blackmoor Trading, Keith.

Earlier in the day the same buyer invested 5,000gns in Elgin Highroller TI +52, SRI +45, a 25 month old by Elgin Davinci and out of a homebred dam by Harestone Safran from the Milne family, Llanbryde, Elgin.

Averages: 7 bulls £5,043

Auctioneers: Aberdeen and Northern Marts

Kivells dispersed the entire pedigree Charolais herd on behalf of Messrs SDF Molineux & Partners of Silverton at Exeter Livestock Centre. The small dispersal attracted huge demand and a packed salering saw several breeders travel from as far as Monmouthshire and all parts of the Westcountry to secure these quality cattle. The cows were all due in April/May and were bred by local breeder and Vet Duncan Findlay from his Culmvale herd, the cows topped at £2400 for 2009 born “Culmvale Elisa” sired by Doonally New, she sold to Mark & Rita Dunn of Totnes. The same buyers paid £2000 for 2006 born “Culmvale Beauty” a daughter of Mowbraypark Paramount. The two yearling heifers were the stars of the sale and it was a the April born Brampton Diamant daughter out of a Doonally New cow that created spirited bidding with the hammer falling at £1800 to Messrs DP & B Smith of Monmouthshire, Wales. The same buyers secured the other yearling heifer by Blelack digger at £1500. The bulls sold to £2300 for a Gretnahouse Ultimate son.

Kivells

Exeter Livestock Centre

Charolais sold to a top of 6,200gns in Dungannon on Friday 7 March at the breed’s NI Club export show and sale.

The leading 6,200gns bid came toward the end of the day for Burnside Haf, a 17 month old maiden heifer by Clyth Diplomat and out of a homebred dam from father and son team, Brian and William McAllister, Kells, Ballymena to J Nesbitt, Sorn Mains, Sorn, Ayr. Burnside Hadam, another same way bred maiden secured the female championship and made 3,800gns to Peter Gilmore, Kilrea, Derry.

Two entries shared the leading 5,000gns bull price. First to go was Dartonhall Hollywood, a 15 month old by Corrie Alan and out of a homebred dam by Ashleigh Victor. Bred and exhibited by John Erskine, Killylea, Armagh, he was knocked down sold to Eric Forster, Armagh.

Mountain Ideal, a 14 month old class winner from Liam Johnston, Enniskillen, Fermanagh attracted the second 5,000gns price tag from Vivien Magee, Dungannon, Tyrone. Ideal was a Lisbawn Valour son and out of a Derrygiff bred dam.

Next at 4,400gns was Hillviewfarm Halo TI +36, SRI +29, an 18 month old by Allanfauld Vagabond and out of an Elgin bred dam. Bred by LA Richardson and Sons, Maguiresbridge, Fermanagh he was secured by Roland Graham, Enniskillen, Fermanagh.

Drumlone Hunter, a 16 month old Kelton Trident son from Kenny Veitch, Lisbellaw, Fermanagh, was awarded the senior and overall supreme championship title before selling for 4,000gns to R and W Kennedy, Killaloo, Derry.

A bid of 3,800gns secured the 19 month old class winner, Carnview Henry for Eric Lyndsay, Strabane, Tyrone. Bred by JJ McGuigan and offered by Gilbert Crawford, Maghera, Derry, Henry was by the 55,000gns Sportsmans Columbo and out of a Coolnaslee dam.

Solitude Harvey TI +38, SRI +37, a 17 month old class winner and Lisnagre Elite son from J and W McMordie, Newtownards, Co Down made 3,600gns to Thomas Ovens, Enniskillen. Minutes earlier, Solitude Highroller TI +41, SRI +39, a 17 month old Pirate son from the same breeders made 3,400gns to TJ Truesdale, Castlewellan, Co Down.

Next at 3,500gns was another class winner, this time Cappagh Herman TI +44 SRI +42 by the 14,000gns Goldies Usher from RS and A Todd, Banbridge, Co Down to Sean McBride, Ballycastle, Antrim. Cappagh Huron TI +44, SRI +42, a 17 month old Pirate son from the Todds made 3,100gns to Arthur Birt, Portaferry.

Two more entries were bid to 3,400gns each. First to go was Altnaveigh Hurricanefly, a 19 month old Edenhurst Cognac son from S and R Thompson, Newry, Co Down to Mervyn McCombe, Strabane, Tyrone. The final 3,400gns bid secured Corryglass Henry TI +36, SRI +28, a 16 month old Pirate son from Brian Phair, Eniskillen to Pat McKenna, Magherafelt, Derry.

Three entries shared a 3,200gns call. Father and son team, Stuart and David Bothwell, Ballinamallard, Fermanagh offered two entries by the 16,000gns Stirling supremo Blackford Dynamite. First in the ring was Killadeas Harvey TI +39, SRI +36, a 21 month old selling to William Muir, Stenness, Orkney whilst John Todd, Portadown, Amargh secured the 20 month old Killadeas Hustler TI +22, SRI +23 for 3,200gns.

The third 3,200gns bid went to Brogher Herdsman TI +35, SRI +34, a 19 month old Burradon Talisman son from Trevor Phair, Enniskillen to G Bradley, Maghera.

Averages: 34 bulls £3,150; 10 females £2,978

Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers’ Mart

Andrew & Kirsty Morton collect the Championship silverware

Charolais crosses swept the board at Clyde and Central Young Farmers Club calf rally at Caledonian Marts, Stirling. The Young Farmers supreme championship went to Goldie Locks, a 10 month old Charolais cross heifer tipping the scales at 430kg from brother and sister team, Andrew and Kirsty Morton, Lochend, Denny. Sired by Bonvilston Ulysses and out of a dam from their father, Andrew’s 50 cow suckler herd, she sold for £3,600 to A Ritchie, Tamala, Burnside, Aberdeen.

The Mortons, who were enjoying their first ever success in the beef ring, secured the best opposite sex title with Dennis the Mennis, an 11 month old 485kg Charolais cross steer. Bred by Messrs Campbell, Glenrath, he later sold for £1,400 to Ian S Sinclair, Caithness. Andrew and Kirsty also headed the 14 month old steer class with Dipstick, a 13 month old, 630kg Charolais cross.

The overall reserve champion went to Duncan Mclaren, Gargunnock with Sylvia, a Charolais cross heifer weighing in at 460kgs. She made £1,650 to A Ritchie, Tamala, Burnside.

Supreme Champion, Goldilocks from the Mortons

Duncan McLaren’s Reserve Champion, Sylvia

• Milking Grass for profit and farmwalk – The Earl & Countess of Unchcape Wednesday 26th March
• Milking Grass for profit and farmwalk – The Richards Family Thursday 10th April
• RABDF Youngstock Walk – Steven Kirk and Family Wednesday 23rd April
• RABDF Youngstock Walk – John & Sally Banks Wednesday 20th April