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.”

Charolais sold to a top of 4,400gns in Holsworthy on Wednesday 23 April at the South West Charolais Association’s annual spring sale.

Sale leader at 4,400gns was Balbithan Fiji TI +15, SRI +6, a four year old by Newhouse Benson daughter sold with Balbithan Jamaica, her 10 week old bull by Loganbar Goran. Bred by Mr and Mrs Andrew White, Worth Matravers, Dorchester and turned out by herdsperson, Jane Haw, Fiji was no stranger to the ring having secured various successes on the 2013 show circuit, including the interbreed exhibitor bred cow title at the Royal Cornwall. The pair was knocked down sold to Lisa Davey, Launceston.

Leading the bull trade at 3,400gns was Trenestrall Hike, a rising two year old from Will Palmer and Son, Ruan Highlanes, Truro. Sired by Harviestoun Flambeau, he went home with A Lee-Shute, Camworthywater, Launceston.

A bid of 2,900gns from Messrs McInerney, Exeter secured the two year old Bailea Highresolution by Bailea Ulysse from Brian Jones, Heol Senni, Brecon.

Two entries were sold for 2,700gns. First to go was  Mr and Mrs Andrew White’s Balbithan Ivanhoe, a 14 month old by the 10,000gns Chunal Dougie to Rob Tucker, Tavistock. Minutes later, the 13 month old Polgoda Ivor TI +35, SRI +36 by Beanhill Fantastic commanded the second 2,700gns bid. Bred and exhibited by DR and B Stacey, Bugle, St Austell, he was knocked down sold to M and S Littlejohns, Okehampton, Devon.

A bid of 2,500 was made by W G Smythe and Son, Barnstaple for Marne Imperial, a 15 month old Goldstar Echo son from R Tremayne, Gweek, Helston

Beanhill Highlight TI +50, SRI +47, a 19 month old Blelack Digger son from RJ and BE Kimber,Christian Malford, Chippenham made 2,400gns to B and T Baker, Barnstaple, Devon.

Averages: 8 bulls £2,802
Auctioneers: Kivells

Charolais sold to a top of 3,500gns twice at the breed’s Northern Ireland Club sale which featured a small entry of 11 bulls forward in Ballymena on Friday 25 April.

Ballyreagh Hero at 3,500gns

First through the ring at 3,500gns was Ballyreagh Hero, a 22 month old Mogador son bred by S Somerville and offered by Patrick Grue, Lisnaskea, Fermanagh. The buyer was JH Fraser, Glencairn, Belfast.

Next entry in the ring was another 22 month old from Mr Grue, this time the homebred Kilturk Hero, a Cottage Devon son making 3,000gns to John McKeague, Ballymena, Antrim.

Aughafad Harry at 3,500gns

The day’s second leading 3,500gns call was made by David McClurkin, Ligoneil, Belfast for Aughafad Harry, an 18 month old Thrunton Voldemort son from RH Sinnamon, Pomery, Tyrone.

Next at 3,400gns was Coolnaslee Harold, a 17 month old by Corcreevy Dingle from Gilbert Crawford, Magherra, Derry. The buyer was TA Fenton, Ballymena.

Averages: eight bulls £2,756

Auctioneers: Ballymena Livestock Mart

The British Charolais Cattle Society has launched a new system that identifies and rates the quality and quantity of performance information recorded with Breedplan by individual herds on a one to five star basis. Called the Completeness of Performance, the system in turn helps to underpin EBV accuracy.

A herd’s star rating is calculated on the proportion of calves within the herd born in a rolling five year period that have performance recorded for each of Charolais’ 15 EBV traits. Each Breedplan recording herd is subsequently awarded a star rating on a 0 to 5 scale, including half stars, that summarises the relative ‘completeness’ of its performance information.

“Charolais is pleased to be the first Continental breed society in Britain to adopt the new Breedplan star rating system,” comments BCCS chairman, Alasdair Houston. “Completeness of Performance will provide both seedstock and commercial producers with an assessment of how much performance data has been submitted to Breedplan by a herd. The star rating will subsequently improve Breedplan’s EBV accuracy values which provide an indication of the reliability of an individual animal’s EBVs.”

He adds: “We hope that the system will encourage more BCCS members to record their animals, both bulls and heifers which will contribute to improving Breedplan’s EBV accuracy and in turn, will give breeders more information about the genetics within their herds.”

Steven Crabtree is among an increasing number of commercial producers who are returning to Charolais. How come? Quite simply, he is finding that modern British Charolais is able to deliver more kilos per cow and subsequently higher returns to the family’s 120 cow suckler herd.

Steven and Simon Crabtree with some of their latest born Charolais cross calves

Swapping other Continental terminal sire breeds for Charolais is increasing output by an average 70kg per eight month old weaned calf, which will equate to approximately £160.00 per head.

“We are currently in year three of using Charolais. We had been under the illusion that producing high value show calves was the way forward, however the herd was experiencing too many caesareans which had a subsequent impact on cow health, welfare and overall margins, and after five or six years we came to the conclusion it was not a sustainable system,” Mr Crabtree explains.

“We decided to return to a solid commercial strategy featuring high growth rates in order to maximise the number of kilos per cow managed on a forage based diet. We agreed Charolais was the breed to introduce and we selected our first bull on ease of calving and growth rate EBVs.

“At the time, I didn’t have a lot of faith in EBVs, however our son, Simon indicated they were the way forward in helping to select more accurately for specific traits, and I’ve got to admit that I’m now sold on the idea. Our second Charolais bull purchased this year was selected within the breed’s top 1% for key performance traits.

“To establish what levels of performance are being achieved, we’re measuring growth rates at weaning, and at slaughter or despatch from the unit. It’s becoming an essential jobt that fits in to the busy workload.”

The Crabtrees wean the entire crop of calves at eight months;  Charolais cross
bulls are averaging 370kg and taken through to finishing at 12 months to average 350kg deadweight and within the required specification, whilst the heifers are averaging 320kg at weaning. Last season they were retained on the unit for two months before selling privately to a finisher. Eventual plans are to finish the heifers to 340kg target deadweight within 20 months.

“At weaning our Charolais cross calves are consistently averaging an extra 70kgs liveweight per head over our other same age Continental cross calves, which has prompted me to question the key to profitability. I’d previously held on to the fact it was determined by conformation, fat class and so on, however breeding and rearing Charolais cross cattle has prompted me to revise profitability as being heavily influenced by number of days to slaughter. We are also great believers in using as a benchmark, calf weight at weaning which should be 60% of mature cow body weight.

“Our crops of Charolais cross calves are hitting target weights quicker proving they have faster feed conversion rates, and a faster turnover means a better cash flow accompanied by reduced inputs – both fixed and variable,” he says adding “We have tried all manner of breeds in the past, however we now feel much better placed with Charolais than any other breed.”

Modern British Charolais were in demand selling to a top of 6,800gns at the breed society’s official sale in Welshpool on Friday 2 May.

Montgomery Harman at 6,800gns

Sale leader at 6,800gns was Montgomery Harman a 19 month old by Blelack Digger and the highest performance recorded bull in the catalogue with a TI +76, SRI +66. Bred and exhibited by the Roberts and Jones partnership, Llangadfan, Welshpool he sold to join David Jones’ 60 cow suckler herd at Maesmawr, Welshpool. “This was a 50:50 decision made on figures – good calving ease plus growth rate EBVs plus he has the right looks,” said Mr Jones. “Store buyers are looking for Charolais crosses and are prepared to pay a premium; we intend to continue to deliver.”

Montgomery Halifax at 5,800gns

Earlier in the day, the 20 month old Montgomery Halifax TI +66, SRI +57, another Digger son from Roberts and Jones made 5,800gns to R Reynolds, Beguildy, Knighton.

Trefaldwyn Horation at 6,000gns

Next at 6,000gns was the 17 month old Trefaldwyn Horatio TI +64, SRI +59, another Blelack Digger son, this time bred and exhibited by Arwel Owen, Foel, Welshpool. He went to join James and Alec Cowan’s 100 cow suckler herd at Synodd Inn, Llandysul. “We selected Horatio for his combination of ease of calving and eye muscle area EBVs, as well as his good square loin as we start to gear up for the introduction of VIA carcase assessment,” said Mr Cowan.

The day’s Champion, Maerdy Hoelen at 5,000gns

The day’s champion, Maerdy Hoelen TI +25, SRI +17 made 5,000gns to Aled Williams, Llangernyw, Abergele who was returning to Charolais after a decade of using other Continental terminal sires. “We need faster growth and more weight, and by reintroducing Charolais we hope to shave weeks off time to target finishing weight,” he said. Bred and exhibited by Flintshire vet, Esmor Evans, Mold, Hoelen was a 20 month old Maerdy Ulm son.

Maerdy Hidlwr TI +49, SRI +31, another 20 month old from Esmor Evans this time by Maerdy Dynamite made 4,500gns to MR Bound, Tylwch, Llanidloes. Later in the day his Maerdy Huwllwyd TI +41, SRI +42, an 18 month old first class winner by the 10,000gns Blelack Fabulous made 4,000gns to H Davies, Eglwyswrw, Pembrokeshire.

Caylers Isaac at 4,800gns

Two entries were in the money from the Barker family’s Caylers herd, Nuthampstead, Royston. Caylers Isaac TI +40, SRI +32, a 16 month old Thrunton Dominator son and first class winner commanded a 4,800gns bid from BJ Davies, St Harmon, Rhayader. Earlier their 19 month old Caylers Hunter TI +36, SRI +33 by the homebred Caylers Fergus made 4,000gns to RT Richardson and Son, Ilam, Ashbourne.

Trannon Harold at 4,600gns

John Williams, Caersws, offered his 20 month old Trannon Harold, by Wesley Evolution for 4,600gns to WJ Lewis, Pennant, Llanon. Next at 4,400gns was Hendy Isaac, a 16 month old by Pinay from the Rees family, Llangurig, Llanidloes to DI Hughes, Aberhosan, Machynlleth, whilst a bid of 4,200gns was made by R Vaughan-Jones, Tywyn for Cargriff Houston, an 18 month old Blelack Digger son from Griff Morris, Llanstephen, Carmarthen.

Hendy Isaac at 4,400gns

Averages: 37 bulls £3,791.35; 2 heifers £1,575

Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales

Charolais sold to a top of 7,500gns at the spring multi beef breed sale in Stirling on Monday 5 May.

Glenericht Hawick at 7,500gns

Sale topper at 7,500gns was the champion, Glenericht Hawick TI +47, SRI +40, a 19 month old by the 10,000gns Chunal Dougie and out of an Elrick bred heifer from WK and P Drysdale, Blairgowrie, Perth. The buyer was Myreton Farms, Inch, Aberdeen.

Chunal Highlander at 6,800gns

Next at 6,800gns was the reserve champion, the18 month old Chunal Highlander TI +27, SRI +38, by the Royal Highland champion, Balmyle Eclipse, from Mark McGahan, Hadfield, Glossop. The buyer was JA Baxter, Gardenstown, Banff who also paid 4,800gns for Balthayock Hector TI +35, SRI +39, a 17 month old by the 8,000gns Ugie Echo from David and Nick Walter, Balthayock, Perth.

Kersknowe Horatio at 5,800gns

At 5,800gns, the two year old Kersknowe Horatio TI +39, SRI +24 by Sackville Dynamite from James and John Jeffrey, Kersknowe, Kelso was knocked down sold to Messrs Stewart, Sandilands, Lanark.

Goldies Hallmark at 5,000gns

Two lots were bid to 5,000gns. First to go was Goldies Hallmark TI +60, SRI +58, a 21 month old by Goldies Ambassador. Bred and exhibited by Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfries, he went home with S Durno and Son, Tomnavoulin, Ballindalloch.

The day’s second 5,000gns call was made by Southwick Farms, Southwick, Dumfries for Thrunton Hawk TI+30, SRI +33, a 20 month old by the 13,000gns Kelton Trident from the Campbell family, Thrunton, Alnwick.

Blelack Hilton TI +67, SRI 63, a 21 month old by the 15,000gns Goldies Dynamite sold for the day’s second 4,800gns call. Bred and exhibited by father and son team, Neil and Graeme Massie, Aboyne, Aberdeen, he sold to GE Mowat, Halkirk, Caithness.

The two year old Blackford Horatio TI +36, SRI +31, by the 22,000gns Newhouse Bigal from Ann MacPherson, Croy, Invernesshire made 4,500gns to JA Wallace, Whauphill, Newton Stewart. A bid of 4,200gns secured Carwood Hunter TI +46, SRI +51, an 18 month old Eglin Emperor son from Colin Wight, Biggar to the Scottish Government’s bull stud, Inverness.

Minutes later, Mornity Farms, Alyth, Blairgowrie, offered the 18 month old Baggrave Lysander son, Mornity Harvester TI +56, SRI +42 at 4,000gns to K Young, Girvan, Ayr.

Averages: 28 bulls, £4,042.50

Auctioneers: United Auctions

Charolais females sold to a top of 10,000gns and commanded interest from as far afield as Ireland to Orkney when the late David Fattorin’s Fairway herd came under the hammer in Carlisle, on Saturday 10 May.

Sale leader at 10,000gns was much admired Fairway Grandelight TI +47, SRI +34, a three year old by Uranus sold with her four week old bull calf by Blelack Digger. The pair went to join Andrew Hornall’s Falleninch herd, Stirling.

Next at 8,000gns was Fairway Baseline TI +56, SRI +43, an eight year old Fairway Soprano daughter with her six month old bull, Fairway Indonesia by Adonis. They were knocked down sold to Gilbert Crawford, Maghera, Co Derry. Later in the day Mr Crawford went to 7,000gns for Baseline’s daughter, Fairway Geomettress TI +58, SRI +43, a served heifer by Artiste. He also paid 5,500gns for Fairway Fenway TI +46, SRI +39, a Jumper daughter sold with her second calf at foot, Fairway Indianapolis, a six month old heifer by Blelack Digger.

A bid of 4,800gns secured Fairway Expects TI +49, SRI +46 a five year old Fleets Vibrant daughter for Vanessa Vasey, Wetheral, Carlisle. Expects was accompanied with her four month old bull, Fairway Judge, by Adonis. Expect’s daughter, Fairway Horatia TI +47, SRI +40, a two year old served heifer by Maerdy Dynamite made 4,200gns to JR and A Mews, Allendale, Hexham.

R and C Donnan and Sons, New Luce, Newton Stewart paid 4,600gns for Fairway Fulsome TI +49, SRI +33, a four year old Soprano daughter sold with her five month old twin bull calves by Blelack Digger, Fairway Increase and Fairway Investor.

Fairway Ellicenoon TI +43, SRI +34, a three and a half year old Soprano daughter sold with her five month old twin heifers by Blelack Digger, Fairway Islandnoon and Fairway Indigonoon, made 4,600gns to PB Bradley, Maghera, Co Derry.

Two entries were bid to 4,500gns. First to go was Fairway Valonia TI +32, SRI +26, a 10 year old Soprano daughter offered with her five month old bull calves by Digger, Fairway Ilex and Fairway Insignis.The buyer was E Hourston, Swannay, Orkney. Valonia’s four year old Uranus sired daughter, Fairway Freevalonia TI +39, SRI +32 together with her six month old bull, Fairway Ivory by Blelack Digger made 4,000gns to R McKie, Castle Douglas.

The second 4,500gns bid was made by Neil Gourlay, Auchencheyne, Moniaive, Thornhill for the herd’s stock bull, Fairway Hornblower TI +40, SRI +40, a two year old Balmyle Statesman son.

Fairway Bodicea TI +33, SRI +29, an eight year old Soprano daughter with her six month old bull, Fairway Insulane commanded a 4,300gns bid from PK Stephens, Roassanna Ashford, Co Wicklow. Bodicea’s four year old daughter, Fairway Freejuna TI +43, SRI +31 by Fairway Trumpeter together with her month old bull by Blelack Digger made 4,000gns to DG and JD Walker, Sanquhar, Dumfries.

Procter and Waring, Bandrake Head, Ulverston went to 4,200gns for Fairway Dounray TI +34, SRI +27, a six year old Trumpeter daughter with her six month old bull calf, Fairway Inverness, by Blelack Digger. A second 4,200gns call, this time from John McGrath, Dromore, Co Down, secured Fairway Harvestfair TI +73, SRI +58, a Blelack Digger sired maiden heifer.

Fairway Cosmicray TI 34, SRI +29, a seven year old by Soprano together with her twin calves by Blelack Digger, Fairway Iceray and Fairway Ison, made 4,100gns to Clive Richardson, Portadown, Co Armagh.

Averages: 29 cows with calves £3,932; 8 cows in calf  £2,205; 16 in calf heifers £2,704; 16 maiden heifers £1,598.
Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington

Top 11,500gns; new centre record average £5,593; 93% clearance

Charolais bulls met a solid commercial demand selling to a top of 11,500gns and achieving a new breed centre record average of £5,593 for 88 bulls which represented 93% clearance in Carlisle on Saturday 10 May at the breed society’s official sale.

“The day’s trade throughout reflected commercial producers’ demand for modern British Charolais which continues to consistently deliver quality cattle with that unbeatable weight for age commanding premiums in the store ring from profit driven finishers who are also rewarded with a slice of the action,” commented society chief executive, David Benson.

Alsnow Hublot 11,500gns

Sale leader at 11,500gns was Alsnow Hublot TI +45, SRI +40, a two year old class winner by the 25,000gns Goldies Unbeatable. Bred and exhibited by Alan Lawson, Hallington, Newcastle, he was knocked down sold to Backmuir Trading, Keith, Banffshire.

Barnsford Gorse 9,500gns

Backmuir secured a further eight lots including five within the sale’s first 15 minutes starting the bidding at 9,000gns with the first lot in the ring, the 20 month old Barnsford Gorse TI +34, SRI +39 by the 30,000gns Balmyle Bollinger from Tom and Sheena Gatherer, Inchinnan, Renfrew. Gorse is a full brother to the 70,000gns Barnsford Ferny, a previous breed record priced bull

Southwillow Hal at 11,000gns and Senior Champion

Backmuir paid 11,000gns for Southwillow Hal, the 19 month old senior champion by Gretnahouse Dallaglio from David Smith, Staindrop, Darlington.

Thrunton Heritage at 10,000gns

At 10,000gns the same buyer took home Thrunton Heritage TI +49, SRI +44, a two year old by the 26,000gns Balmyle Dickler from the Campbell family, Thrunton Alnwick.

Ravensworth Hercules at 7,500gns. Reserve Senior Champion

A call of 7,500gns secured Backmuir with the reserve senior champion, Ravensworth Hercules TI +41, SRI +26, a 19 month old Rumsden Fawkes son from W S Oates, Lobley Hill, Gateshead.

Ovill Isaac at 9,000gns

Backmuir went to 9,000gns for Ovill Isaac, a 16 month old Clyth Diplomat son from the O’Kane Brothers, Dungiven, Co Derry who also offered Ovill Indigo, a 15 month old Corrie Alan son at 6,200gns to W Hird, Wigton.

Whitecliffe Harold at 10,000gns

Two more entries shared a 10,000gns call. First to go was Whitecliffe Harold TI +81, SRI +79, the highest performance recorded entry from Mark and Jane Hayhurst, Kirby Misperton, Malton. A Blelack Digger son, he sold to LH Wardle, Wildmoor, Bromsgrove.

Whitecliffe Hamilton at 8,000gns

Next lot in the ring was another Digger son from the Hayhursts, Whitecliffe Hamilton TI +65, SRI +63 who was knocked down sold for 8,000gns to R and CM Donnan and Sons, New Luce, Newton Stewart.

Caylers Influence at 10,000gns. Reserve Intermediate Champion

The third 10,000gns bid was made by A Currie, Dunure, Ayr for the reserve intermediate champion, Caylers Influence TI +35, SRI +21, a 16 month old Thrunton Dominator son from David and Louise Barker, Nuthampstead, Royston.

Maerdy Harpix at 9,500gns. Intermediate and Overall Supreme Champion

Next at 9,500gns was the intermediate and overall supreme champion, Maerdy Harpix TI +39, SRI +25, an 18 month old by Maerdy Dynamite from Flintshire vet, Esmor Evans, Mold and purchased by Gus Saunders, Bonvilston, Cardiff. Earlier on Mr Evans offered the 18 month old Maerdy Henffych TI +45, SRI +31, another Dynamite son at 7,500gns to M Bindloss and Son, Shap Abbey, Penrith.
Gretnahouse Harry TI +57, SRI +49, a 23 month old Blelack Digger son from Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green made 9,000gns to D Coghill and Sons, Skinnet Farm, Halkirk, Caithness.  The 20 month old Gretnahouse Hope TI +65, SRI +56, another Digger son from Mr Houston was knocked down sold for 7,500gns to J and CO Dunn, Martnaham Mains, Ayr.

Lakelady Hulk at 9,000gns

The day’s third 9,000gns call was made by AM and P Bowman, Kirkoswald, Penrith for Lakelady Hulk TI +37, SRI +28, a 17 month old by the 6,000gns Kersknowe Clansman from Katreen Millar, Port of Menteith, Stirling.

Thrunton Hanson at 8,000gns

Thrunton Hanson TI +45, SRI +45, a 21 month old by the 10,000gns Ugie Euros from the Campbell family made 8,000gns to G McClanachan and Sons, Torthorwald, Dumfries.  Thrunton Inca, a 16 month old Blelack Digger son from the same exhibiters made 6,200gns to JW Veevers, Waterbeck, Lockerbie.

Jurieshouse Hero at 8,000gns

Another 8,000gns price tag was paid this time by James and John Jeffrey, Kersknowe, Kelso for Jurieshouse Hero TI +67, SRI +66, a 20 month old Blelack Digger son from AH Hunter and Sons, Glanton, Alnwick.  The final 8,000gns bid was made by Will Palmer, Ruan High Lanes, Truro for Edenhurst Idol TI +31, SRI +44, a 15 month old Blelack Roger son from Peter Vasey, Wetheral, Carlisle.

Tweedale Invincible at 7’500gns

The last bull in the sale, Tweedale Invincible TI +58, SRI +59, a 13 month old Blelack Blackberet son from the Redhead and Watson partnership, Bowsden, Berwick upon Tweed commanded a 7,500gns bid from Cameron MacIver, Kinloss, Forres.

Ramrad Hector at 7,000gns

Ramrad Hector TI +57, SRI+54, a 17 month old by the 14,000gns Goldies Usher from RDA Morrow, Coleraine, Co Derry made 7,000gns to EG Morgan, Nantygwreiddyn, Brecon. Also changing hands at 7,000gns was Elgin Icon TI +45, SRI +45, a 16 month old by Balmyle Bollinger to MPB Ashton, Cefn Coch, Welshpool from the Milne family, Lhanbryde, Elgin who reinvested his takings in the 6,500gns Mortimers Infirmity TI +46, SRI +41, a 15 month old Mortimers Vanquish son from Mortimers Farms, Fair Oak, Eastleigh. Mortimers Hardian TI +31, SRI +34, a 17 month old by the 6,000gns Balthayock Aesop made 6,000gns to STC Holdings, West Comptor, Dorchester.

Balmyle Invincible at 6,500gns. junior and Overall Reserve Champion

Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfries offered Goldies Hustler TI +32, SRI +33, an 18 month old by the 12,000gns Blelack Edition for 6,500gns to JC Hobday and Son, Hawick. Also commanding a 6,500gns price tag was the day’s junior and overall reserve champion, Balmyle Invincible TI +41, SRI +43, a 15 month old by Balmyle Eclipse from Bill Bruce, Meigle, Perth to Douganhill Farms, Palmackie, Castle Douglas.

At 6,200gns Millbridge Halo TI +50, SRI +52 was knocked sold to J Mitchell, Greenlaw, Duns. A rising two year old Dingle Hofmeister son, he was bred and exhibited by Judith Hunter, Woodrow, Wigton.

Averages: bulls: 31 senior £6,415.50; 29 intermediate £5,565.00; 28 junior £4,713.33. Females
4 served heifers £2,100.00; 6 maiden heifers £2,117.50.
Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington

Show Results 2014

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Charolais sold to a top of 3,600gns twice in Exeter on Saturday 17 May when George and Vernon Staddon, Plymouth dispersed their Louis herd.

The first lot into the ring, Louis Celandine sold for 3,400 gns at the Louis dispersal sale on behalf of Messrs Staddon

The first 3,600gns bid was made for Louis Daffodil, a six year old Louis Axminster daughter offered with her seven month old bull by Thrunton Fitzroy. The buyer was Brian Lavis, Okehampton. The second 3,600gns call came later in the day from Fred Hayes, South Molton for Louis Henstridge, a two year old bull by Cockerington Brutus.

First lot in the ring, Louis Celandine, a seven year old by Shraden Tophat sold with her nine month old bull calf by Thrunton Fitzroy was secured for 3,400gns by Colin Edwards, Tavistock. Next at 2,600gns was another Tophat daughter, the 10 year old Louis Velvet accompanied by her eight month old heifer to Patrick Greed, Exeter.

The spring calved cows were headed at 2,050gns for Louis Daisy, a Louis Axminster daughter with her three month old heifer to Paul Harris, Kingswear. Leading served heifer at 1,550gns was Louis Gillia, a Cockerington Brutus daughter to Messrs Chandler, Shropshire.

The herd’s stock bull, Thrunton Fitzroy a three and a half year old by Maerdy Cecil made 2,700gns to Messrs Gribble, Launceston, whilst Tolgus Dependabull, a six year old year old Moynton Alexis son attracted a 2,000gns call from Ross Skelley, Plymouth. 

Averages: 22 cows with calves £2,100, 4 in calf heifers £1,470, 11 maiden heifers £1,160, 5 bulls £2,572

Auctioneers: Kivells & Husseys, Exeter Livestock Centre

Dungannon Charolais peak at 8,000gns

A Supreme line up – Sponsors Ian Cummins & Andrew IRWIN FEEDS, Barney O’Kane with Kilgort Henri, George King with Lisnadill Indiana, Elizabeth McAllister with Burnside Iceberg & Judge Stuart Wilson

Charolais led this year’s pedigree bull trade in NI selling to a top of 8,000gns in Dungannon on Monday 26 May at the NI Club’s show and sale.

Burnside Iceberg 8,000gns Supreme Champion

The leading 8,000gns bid came towards the end of the day for male and overall supreme champion, Burnside Iceberg TI +14, SRI +20, a 12 month old by Clyth Diplomat and out of a homebred dam going back to Balmyle Vagabond. Bred and exhibited by father and son team, Brian and William McAllister, Kells, Ballymena, he sold to R Pedlow, Lurgan.

Killadeas Ivan 3,400gns

Next at 3,400gns was Killadeas Ivan, a 13 month old by the 16,000gns Blackford Dynamite from Stuart and David Bothwell, Ballinamallard, Fermanagh. The buyer was Tony Martin, Dunloy, Ballymena.

A bid of 3,200gns secured the reserve senior male champion, Brogher Hamlet TI +23, SRI +22 for Seamus Hughes, Newtownards. A 19 month old by Corrie Alan, he was bred and exhibited by Trevor Phair, Ennislkillen, Fermanagh.

Reserve Senior Male Champion, Brogher Hamlet 3,200gns

Four entries shared a 3,000gns bid. First to go was Toberlane Hustler, an 18 month old Oldstone Egbert son from W Causey, Cookstown, Tyrone to B Blaney, Cushendall, Antrim. Next at 3,000gns was Ballymather Harold, a 17 moth old by Thrunton Bonjovi from I Rea, Crumlin, Antrim to Seamus O’Connor, Castlewellan, County Down.

A bid of 3,000gns secured KiltyBane Hero for JT Robinson, Claudy, Derry. Bred and exhibited by S and A Bellew, Newry, County Down, Hero was a 17 month old by the 9,000gns Tullygarley Alibaba.
Benjamin Henderson, Enniskillen, Fermanagh made the final 3,000gns call for Coolnaslee Ivor, a 16 month old by the 9,000gns Goldies Carnival from Gilbert Crawford, Maghera, Derry.

Coolnaslee Hawthorne 2,600gns

Coolnaslee Hawthorne TI +19, SRI +14, a 20 month old heifer commanded the leading 2,600gns female bid. Sired by the 9,500gns Corcreevy Dingle, she was bred and exhibited by Gilbert Crawford and sold to EDG Johnston, Cookstown, Tyrone. Next at 2,500gns was the female champion, Kilgort Henri, an 18 month old Ashleigh Victor daughter from A O’Kane, Ballykelly, County Derry to F Fields, Moneymore.

Averages: 34 bulls £2,793; 4 females £2,310
Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers’ Mart

Charolais judging 9.00am on Thursday 19th June

Judge: Mr John Irvine

Royal Highland Show Inter-Breed Champions

The Charolais inter-breed champion from left to right: Ian Anderson (Harbro sponsor) James and Andrew Reid with Balmaud Eclipse, Barney O’Kane with Rumsden Fawkes and the judge Dave Murray

Gilbert Crawford’s Goldstar Hugo2 shown by Stuart Wilson was the junior champion Charolais and the inter-breed junior champion

Mornity Farms Maerdy Hwre was the reserve junior Charolais champion and the inter-breed champion in the Marks and Spencer Performance recorded class

Beef Cattle Interbreed Pairs Champions – Rumsden Fawkes & Balmaud Eclipse
Interbreed Junior Beef Champion – Goldstar Hugo2

Marks & Spencer Junior Beef Cattle Interbreed
Champion Maerdy Hwre – Mornity Farms
Reserve Champion – Glenericht Hollywood – Messrs WK &P Drysdale

Male Champion – Rumsden Fawkes
Reserve Male Champion – Goldstar Hugo2

Supreme Champion – Balmaud Eclipse
Reserve Supreme Champion – Rumsden Fawkes

Female Champion – Balmaud Eclipse
Reserve Female Champion – Lagavaich Hermine
Junior Female Champion – Elgin Icicle

Junior Male Champion – Goldstar Hugo2
Reserve Junior Champion – Mornity Hwre

Overall Junior Champion – Goldstar Hugo2

Pairs Champion – Falleninch Isabella & Ireland
Reserve – Lourie Isla & Icon

The supreme champion Charolais and reserve inter-breed champion Balmaud Eclipse

The male champion and reserve supreme champion Charolais was Patrick Gallagher’s Rumsden Fawkes

A & A Wright’s Lagavaich Hermine was awarded the reserve female championship award

R.A Milne & Sons Elgin Icicle was the junior female champion

Burnside Haf exhibited by James Nisbet won the reserve junior female championship

Balthayock Iona a class winner for David Walter

Coolnaslee Idaho exhibited by Gilbert Crawford

Also winning a junior bull class for M Bruce & Partners was Craigieford Invincible

Andrew Hornall won the best pair of Charolais cattle bred by exhibitor, shown by Norman and Steve Taylor

Robert & Avril Aitken were placed in reserve position for the best pair of Charolais cattle bred by exhibitor

245      FEMALE born on or between 1st April and 31st July 2013           (15 Entries)

1st Milne & Sons, Mr R A, Elgin Icicle, UK523358 101714, 09/05/2013, S: Goldies Elation, D: Ugie Flash, Breeder: Exhibitor
2nd Nicoll, D&T, Dounreay Izzy, UK508119 700166, 01/05/2013, S: Goldies Banker, D: Ugie Daffodil, Breeder: A Gunn & Son, Caithness
3rd Wight, Mr & Mrs Colin, Dundas Indigo, UK560509 502093, 15/05/2013, S: Elgin Davinci, D: Dundas Dido, Breeder: Mrs J M Gilchrist

246      FEMALE born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2013  (13 Entries)

1st Walter, Major D F W H & N R, Balthayock Iona, UK542626602728, 15/02/2013, S: Swalesmoor Cracker, D: Balthayock Elsa, Breeder: Exhibitor
2nd Hornall, Mr Andrew B, Falleninch Isabella, UK542935 100121, 14/01/2013, S: Dereskit Fernando, D: Falleninch Daniella, Breeder: Exhibitor
3rd Murray Lyle & Sons, Loganbar Isacc, UK542699 600830, 01/03/2013, S: Wesley Fixture, D: Loganbar Elysee, Breeder: Exhibitor

247      FEMALE born on or between 24th June and 31st December 2012           (14 Entries)

1st Nisbet, James, Burnside HAF, UK906291 645585, 04/10/2012, S: Clyth Diplomat, D: Burnside VAF, Breeder: B Mcalister & Son, Northern Ireland
2nd Drysdale, Messrs W K & P, Glenericht Hilary, UK542325 701007, 30/08/2012, S: Clyth Diplomat, D: Mornity Bonnie, Breeder: Exhibitor
3rd Boomaars, Mr Jan, Vexour Herd, UK268051 400479, 27/09/2012, S: Newhouse Emperor, D: Vexour Diana, Breeder: Exhibitor

248      FEMALE born on or between 1st January and 23rd June 2012    (6 Entries)     

1st Wright,  A & A, Lagavaich Hermine, UK522600 100352, 20/04/2012, S: Lochend Apache, D: Cyglen Shirley, Breeder: Exhibitor
2nd Strathisla Farms, A Ivory Cardean Hannah, UK540373 101955, 11/04/2012, S: Goldies Champion, D: Cardean Crystal, Breeder: Exhibitor
3rd Muirhead, Mr D H, Ugie Heidi, UK520777 500623, 02/04/2012, S: Goldies Banker, D: Ugie Erin, Breeder: Mr J T Wilson, Aberdeenshire

249      FEMALE born on or between 1st January and 31st December 2011        (4 Entries) 

1st McMillan, Mr & Mrs J A & M F, Dunesk Glory, UK544507 500049, 06/04/2011, S: Blelack Digger, D: Dunesk Bianca, Breeder: Exhibitor
2nd Mutch, Mr Eric A, Forglen Gail, UK522255 401002, 25/10/2011, S: Moyness Vivacious, D: Forglen Duchess, Breeder: Exhibitor
3rd Russell, Mr George, Lesliepark Grandeur, UK564518 300008, 02/12/2011, S: Mandela Dillon1 ET, D: Balmaud Vogue ET, Breeder: Exhibitor

250      FEMALE,  in Milk or in Calf, born on or before 31st December 2010      (7 Entries)          

1st Bruce & Partners Ltd, Messrs M., Balmaud Eclipse, UK520519 200727, 05/09/2009, S: Maerdy Amontillado, D: Balmaud Beauty, Breeder: W & G Strachan
2nd Brailes Livestock, Loganbar Espresso, UK542699 400632, 02/04/2009, S: Brax Utopia, D: Loganbar Rigell, Breeder: D.M. Lyle , Dunblane
3rd Swalesmoor Farms D Sawrij, Swalesmoor Cinnamon ET, UK581792 400670, 13/04/2007, S: Goldies Uppermost, D: Logie Romany, Breeder: Exhibitor

251      BULL born on or between 1st April and 30th June 2013   (17 Entries)

1st Crawford, Mr Gilbert J, Coolnaslee Idaho, UK956035 815561, 03/05/2013, S: Maerdy Fiend, D: Coolnaslee Daydream, Breeder: Exhibitor
2nd Hornall, Mr Andrew B, Falleninch Ireland, UK542935 500125, 19/05/2013, S: Dereskit Fernando, D: Falleninch Diva, Breeder: Exhibitor
3rd Aitken, Mr Robert, Lourie Icon, UK544712 300058, 19/04/2013, S: Clyth Diplomat, D: Ballathie Apricot, Breeder: Exhibitor

252      BULL born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2013        (7 Entries)     

1st Bruce & Partners Ltd, Messrs M., Craigieford Invincible, UK521334 201321, 13/01/2013, S: Maerdy Naser, D: Craigieford Firefly, Breeder: Exhibitor
2nd Temple, Mr Robert, Heatherden Interceptor, UK230257 500002, 02/02/2013, S: Rumsden Cruserweight, D: Rumsden Balala (ET), Breeder: Exhibitor
3rd Mornity Farms, Mornity Indiana, UK542189 500712, 31/03/2013, S: Blelack Challenger, D: Mornity Abbey, Breeder: Exhibitor

253      BULL born on or between 1st January and 23rd June 2012          (2 Entries)

1st Swalesmoor Farms D Sawrij, Balmyle Headline, UK542320 601227, 13/05/2012, S: Maerdy Egret, D: Balmyle Uptowngirl, Breeder: W P Bruce, Perthshire

254      BULL born on or between 24th June and 31st December 2012     (3 Entries)  

1st    Crawford, Mr Gilbert J, Goldstar Hugo2 ET, IE33457 490292, 03/09/2012, S: Jumper, D: Goldstar Florence, Breeder: Martin Ryan, Co. Tipperary
2nd Mornity Farms, Maerdy Hwre, UK706352 202520, 20/09/2012, S: Maerdy Dynamite, D: Maerdy Drat, Breeder: Mr D E Evans
^3nd Drysdale, Messrs W K & P, Glenericht Hollywood, UK542325 201030, 04/11/2012, S: Balnuith Valour, D: Glenericht Bliss, Breeder: Exhibitor

255      BULL born on or before 31st December 2011        (1 Entries)     

1st Gallaran Charolais P Gallagher, Rumsden Fawkes, UK262298 100345, 01/05/2010, S: Thrunton Voldermort, D: Rumsden Avalon, Breeder: Exhibitor

The judge John Irvine

The Charolais group of four were placed in third position in the United Auctions inter-breed competition

CHAROLAIS JUDGE - Mr Archie MacGregor, Allanfauld Farm, Kilsyth, Glasgow

Female Champion – Sportsmans Highness

Reserve Female Champion – Balbithan Hersieys

CLASSES

1   Female born on or between 01 Jan 2012 and 08 Apr 2012 

1st MR & MRS A WHITE – BALBITHAN HERSIEYS. MBF0055748. (UK347829101153). b. 18/01/2012.
s.CHUNAL DOUGIE. d.BALBITHAN SHERBET.

2nd W H ROBINSON & SONS – STOCKHILL HONEY. MBF0055510. (UK223073700567). b. 02/01/2012.
s.BASSINGBOURN CRUISE. d.STOCKHILL ERMINTRUDE.

3rd BARONS CROSS CHAROLAIS STUD – CHARBRON HONOUR. MBF0056075. (UK301739300206). b. 21/03/2012. s.GOLDIES UNBEATABLE (ET). d.CHARBRON AMAZING.

2   Female born on or between 01 May 2012 and 30 Sep 2012 

1st BODEN & DAVIES LTD – SPORTSMANS HIGHNESS ET. MBF0059424. (UK183463100301). b. 26/06/2012.
s.MAERDY EXPRESS. d.SPORTSMANS DEBUTANTE.

2nd MR D H KNOX – GLENLIVET HOPEFUL. MBF0058891. (UK522607101759). b. 28/09/2012.
bred by MR M S DURNO. s.THRUNTON EXPLOSIVE. d.GLENLIVET DUFFY.

3rd B A & P T HEATH – SACKVILLE HIGHNESS ET. MBF0058630. (UK262184500177). b. 22/08/2012.
s.DOONALLY SOUVERAIN. d.SACKVILLE SAPPHIRE.

3   Female born on or between 01 Jan 2013 and 15 Mar 2013 

1st BODEN & DAVIES LTD – SPORTSMANS INFANTA ET. MBF0063181. (UK163718700206). b. 15/03/2013.
s.BARNSFORD FERNY. d.SPORTSMANS DEBUTANTE.

2nd MR & MRS A WHITE – BALBITHAN IONA. MBF0064354. (UK347829501297). b. 27/01/2013.
s.CHUNAL DOUGIE. d.BALBITHAN DIXIE.

3rd B M ROBINSON JNR – SHAMLEYS IVORY. MBF0059874. (UK302627600578). b. 27/01/2013.
s.THRUNTON BRAVADO. d.SHAMLEYS BLANCHE.

4   Female born on or between 18 Mar 2013 and 02 May 2013 

1st B M ROBINSON JNR – SHAMLEYS IRIS. MBF0060474. (UK302627100587). b. 03/04/2013.
s.THRUNTON BRAVADO. d.SHAMLEYS BLOSSOM.

2nd NEWRODDIGE CHAROLAIS – NEWRODDIGE INCHANTRESS. MBF0062127. (UK167277700772). b. 17/04/2013. s.ESGOB FERRARI. d.NEWRODDIGE FLISS.

3rdB A & P T HEATH – SACKVILLE ISABELLE. MBF0061482. (UK262184400183). b. 02/05/2013.
s.DE CRESPIGNY REGENT. d.SACKVILLE BRIDGET.

5   Female born on or between 01 Jun 2013 and 21 Sep 2013 

1st BARONS CROSS CHAROLAIS STUD – CHARBRON INVESTMENT. MBF0061418. (UK301739100211).
b. 08/06/2013. s.GOLDIES UNBEATABLE (ET). d.CHARBRON FORTUNE.

2nd R E & I R TAYLOR – DINGLE ISOLABELLA. MBF0062216. (UK260931700039). b. 30/07/2013.
s.GRETNAHOUSE ULTIMATE (ET). d.DINGLE EAUDEVIE.

3rdMR R H COPPINGER – MIDAS IRIS ET. MBF0065371. (UK306083100142). b. 03/08/2013.
s.BALMYLE BOLLINGER. d.MIDAS UPPERCLASS (ET).

6   Male born on or between 08 Nov 2012 and 12 Jan 2013 

1st MR R TREMAYNE – MARNE IMPECCABLE. MBM0058218. (UK386598200152). b. 12/01/2013.
s.RUMSDEN FAWKES. d.GRAYWOOD ERMINTRUDE ET.

2nd ROBERTS & JONES – MONTGOMERY IANTO. MBM0056736. (UK701095700719). b. 05/01/2013.
s.DINGLE HOFMEISTER. d.MONTGOMERY ENID.

3rd P M & S M DONGER – SEAWELL INDIA. MBM0057056. (UK202227102850). b. 04/01/2013.
s.SEAWELL TURBO. d.SEAWELL BARBADOS.

7   Male born on or between 12 Jan 2013 and 14 Mar 2013     

1st NEWRODDIGE CHAROLAIS – NEWRODDIGE IMP. MBM0059152. (UK167277100766). b. 01/02/2013.
s.BALMYLE BOLLINGER. d.NEWRODDIGE EMBER.

2nd MR D A HARMAN – SILVER ICARUS. MBM0056923. (UK280857600466). b. 21/01/2013.
s.THRUNTON FAIRFAX. d.SILVER DANNICA.

3rd W H ROBINSON & SONS – STOCKHILL INCA. MBM0057012. (UK223073300668). b. 24/01/2013.
s.STOCKHILL CLYVE. d.STOCKHILL DANCINGQUEEN.

8   Male born on or between 01 Apr 2013 and 20 Apr 2013 

1st MR A G HOUSTON – GRETNAHOUSE INDIAN. MBM0057605. (UK581747500616). b. 15/04/2013.
s.LOCHEND APACHE. d.GRETNAHOUSE BAYWATCH (ET).

2nd MRS A ORR-EWING – FOXACRE ITHACA. MBM0057746. (UK323302400220). b. 01/04/2013.
s.WESLEY FORCEFUL. d.FOXACRE CALYPSO.

3rd B A & P T HEATH – SACKVILLE INDIANA. MBM0058521. (UK262184300182). b. 18/04/2013.
s.DOONALLY SOUVERAIN. d.SACKVILLE ETOILE.

9   Male born on or between 04 May 2013 and 07 Jul 2013 

1st MR A G HOUSTON – GRETNAHOUSE ITALIAN ET. MBM0059908. (UK581747300649). b. 24/06/2013.
s.ELGIN DAVINCI. d.BALMYLE PARADISE.

2nd MR & MRS A WHITE – BALBITHAN INKLERBERRY. MBM0058729. (UK347829601403). b. 03/06/2013.
s.WESLEY FURNISH. d.BALBITHAN CHERRY.

3rd NEWRODDIGE CHAROLAIS – NEWRODDIGE INVERNESS. MBM0059159. (UK167277100787). b. 22/06/2013. s.BALMYLE BOLLINGER. d.NEWWENT DAMSON ET.

10 Male born on or between 01 Aug 2013 and 06 Oct 2013 

74 BODEN & DAVIES LTD – SPORTSMANS INFLUENCE. MBM0060528. (UK163718400210). b. 01/08/2013.
s.BARNSFORD FERNY. d.SPORTSMANS CROCUS.

75 BARONS CROSS CHAROLAIS STUD – CHARBRON INSPIRED. MBM0059481. (UK301739400214). b. 13/08/2013. s.GOLDIES UNBEATABLE (ET). d.CHARBRON VERACIOUS.

76 NEWRODDIGE CHAROLAIS – NEWRODDIGE IMPECCABLE. MBM0061089. (UK167277700800). b. 19/08/2013. s.ESGOB FERRARI. d.NEWRODDIGE BOOBOO (ET).

77 MR & MRS A WHITE – BALBITHAN IMPECCABLE. MBM0059758. (UK347829501416). b. 02/09/2013.
s.WESLEY FURNISH. d.BALBITHAN TILLY.

78 MR P STOBART – CONGRESS INVINCIBLE ET. MBM0060793. (UK314091200010). b. 08/09/2013.
bred by MR M L IMPEY. s.TURBO. d.ROUGEOLE.

79 BRAILES LIVESTOCK – BRAILES ICECUBE ET. MBM0060790. (UK564298300135). b. 10/09/2013.
s.CORRIE ALAN (ET). d.LOGANBAR ESPRESSO.

80 BRAILES LIVESTOCK – BRAILES ICEMAN ET. MBM0060792. (UK563833500516). b. 21/09/2013.
s.CORRIE ALAN (ET). d.LOGANBAR ESPRESSO.

81 J & C WYLDE – MARTLAND ISOURMAN. MBM0059941. (UK349012100215). b. 06/10/2013.
s.BURRADON TALISMAN. d.RIDDLECOMBE VICTORIA.

At the Annual General Meeting and the subsequent Council of Management meeting the following office holders were elected:

President; Mervyn Parker
Chairman: Steven Nesbitt
Vice – Chairman Andrew Hornall
Treasurer: Graham Robinson

Caption From left to right Steven Nesbitt, Graham Robinson amd Mervyn Parker. Inset Andrew Hornall

Royal Welsh Show 2014

SPONSORED BY ZOETIS UK LTD

Judge: Mr Wm McAllister, 92 Parkgate Road, Kells, Ballymena, Co Antrim BT42 3PG

Surpreme & Female Champion – Sportsmans Highness ET – Boden & Davies Ltd
Reserve Supreme & Reserve Female Champion – Moelfre Halo – Mr K J Thomas

Male Champion – Gwenog Icarus – JS Howells
Reserve Male Champion – Montgomery Ianto – Roberts & Jones

Best Group of Three – Balbithan Mr & Mrs A White
Reserve Group of Three – Foxacre Mrs A Orr-Ewing 

Junior Champion – Gwenog Icarus
Reserve Junior Champion – Montgomery Ianto – Roberts & Jones

Junior Female Champion - Sportsmans Infanta ET – Boden & Davies Ltd
Reserve Junior Female – Teme Iris – Mrs S M Corbett & Daughters

Best Opposite Sex to the Champion – Gwenog Icarus JS Howells

Class 410 – Bull born on or between 1st January 2013 and 31st March 2013
1st Montgomery Ianto – Roberts & Jones
2nd Gower Itchy – RJB & AM Tucker
3rd Gower Inferno – RJB & AM Tucker
4th Brynffanigl Idris – RT & DM Roberts
5th Foxacre Initative – A Orr-Ewing

Class 411 – Bull born on or between 1st April 2013 and 30th June 2013
1st Gwenog Icarus – JS Howells
2nd Foxacre Ithaca – A Orr-Ewing
3rd Easthook Ivanhoe – H & J Patrick
4th Trannon Invincible – Mr J Williams
5th Lindford Incredabull – Mr A Platt

Class 415 – Cow in milk or in calf, born on or before 31st December 2010, must have progeny registered in the British Charolais Cattle Society Herd Book
1st Balbithan Faith – Mr & Mrs A White

Class 416 – Cow or Heifer in milk or in calf born in 2011
1st Charbron Goddess – Barons Cross Charolais Stud
2nd Twomacs Grace – JA & R James & R McMilland & McInnes
3rd Balbithan Gilly – Mr & Mrs A White

Class 417 – Heifer born on or between 1st January 2012 and 31st March 2012
1st Balbithan Hersieys – Mr & Mrs A White
2nd Charbron Honour – Barons Cross Charolais Stud
3rd Gower Horlicks – RJB & AM Tucker
4th Easthook Harper – H & J Patrick

Class 418 – Heifer born on or between 1st April 2012 and 31st December 2012
1st Sportsmans Highness ET – Boden & Davies LTd
2nd Moelfre Halo – Mr K J Thomas
3rd Skysea Harmony – Mrs C J Tucker
4th Minola Hunter ET – Mr RO Williams
5th Lindford Harriet – Mr A Platt

Class 419 – Heifer born on or between 1st January 2013 and 31st March 2013
1st Sportsmans Infanta ET – Boden & Davies Ltd
2nd Pedr Indigo – Mrs S M Corbett & Daughters
3rd Balbithan Iona – Mrs & Mrs A White
4th Foxacre Ianthe – Mr sA Orr-Ewing
5th Moelfre Ivy – Mr K J Thomas

Class 420 – Heifer born on or between 1st April 2013 and 30th June 2013
1st
2nd
3rd

North east cattle enthusiast, Steven Nesbitt, of Winston, Darlington has been elected chairman of the British Charolais Cattle Society’s Council of Management. He succeeds Alasdair Houston, of Gretna Green who stepping down after completing his two year term of office commented: “Commercial demand for modern British Charolais bulls leaving progeny with fast growth combined with ease of calving and accompanying premiums has undoubtedly continued to gain momentum.

Steve Nesbitt, Graham Robinson & Mervyn Parker

“Determined to build on that momentum, the Society’s Council of Management has during the year brought in a range of measures that means that buyers of Charolais bulls can have even more confidence that they are buying the most robustly validated beef breed in the UK,” he said adding: “I believe we have achieved a lot in the last two years and have a clear vision and determination which will continue to take the breed forward.”

Steven Nesbitt has had an involvement breeding pedigree Charolais cattle on his family’s 200 acre mixed unit after establishing his Alwent herd 35 years ago. Since then it has consolidated to 20 breeding cows with an increasing poll influence, and it has produced a number of successful sires including Alwent Goldbar, Alwent Hercules, and the homozygous poll Alwent Hitman, all of which have been sold to global AI studs in the last 18 months. Earlier this year Alwent Hulk made 7,800gns in Stirling, the highest priced poll bull to be sold through the centre.

He said: “British Charolais has evolved over the past five decades to become the UK’s leading beef terminal sire and it’s a real honour to be elected to chair such a prominent society. Succeeding our outgoing chairman will be a hard act to follow however I am determined to keep the breed at the forefront by promoting its performance and subsequent financial benefits, far and wide throughout the cattle sector. Charolais is the best terminal sire suckler men could possibly use and my goal is to see an increase in market share in terms of crossbred calves born annually.

“Equally, I believe that breeders must continue the Charolais quest to select carefully using Breedplan data to improve calving ease and also milk, growth will then follow naturally. I would like society members to remain open minded and to look further afield for new genetics.”

He adds: “I am also keen to drive forward Charolais Youth, the society’s new club for under 26 year olds, they’re our future and our life blood. Membership has grown within its first year which was rounded off fittingly by securing the Young Show Stars Challenge at Beef Expo.”

Mervyn Parker has been elected society President after stepping down as society treasurer for 12 years. Together with his Chris, he established the Bassingbourn herd in 1977 on their 2,500 acre Cambridgeshire unit. The herd went on to achieve numerous successes both in the showring including at Perth, The Royal Show and Smithfield, as well as heading the league table for making the most genetic progress.

“We have enjoyed breeding pedigree Charolais cattle for more than 30 years and turning out cattle which have headed their lines and gone on to secure the silverware,” said Mervyn. “Charolais leaves progeny which produce target weight carcases in a shorter time than any other breed, consequently I firmly believe that these calves therefore will continue to remain in keen demand. I look forward to the breed’s continued success with careful selection of stock bulls.”

The society’s newly elected vice chairman is Andrew Hornall who runs the Falleninch herd based near Stirling; Graham Robinson of the Stockhill herd, Peterborough is the new treasurer and Chris Curry and Andrew Sellick have been elected to the Council of Management to represent Northern England.

The Northern Ireland Charolais Club was delighted with the large entry of Charolais cattle entered in the MINSUPS Charolais Grand Final at Clogher Valley Show. The cattle entered came from across the whole of the province with several new breeders exhibiting for the first time in the championship. Qualifiers were picked up across the summer shows in a bid to increase numbers for the Grand Final.

Judging got off to a good start the judge for the championship was Murray Lyle of Loganbar Charolais Dunblane Perthshire Scotland; Murray is a well-known Charolais breeder and judge at sales and shows across the UK.

Our MINSUPS sponsor was represented at all qualifying shows; by local representatives as well as Apryl Biddle (managing director) and Andrew Smith (sales manager) who attended the launch at Balmoral Show.

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MINSUPS Charolais Championship NI Results: 

Bulls born from 1 April 2013 to 31 July 2013

Jerrettspass Inglebert senior male champion owned by Brendan Reavey and exhibited by Gerard Reavey with Tommy McKenna the sponsor

Champion Senior Bull: “Jetterspass Inglebert”, bred by Brendan Reavey, Newry Down

This 13 month old was sired by Corrie Alan dam Bellisle Francescia.

Jerrettspass Ivan senior reserve champion owned by Brendan Reavey exhibited by Gerard Reavey with Tommy McKenna sponsor

Reserve Champion Senior Bull: “Jetterspass Ivan ”, bred by Brendan Reavey, Newry Down  a 14 month old bull sired by Corrie Alan dam Goldhill Ellie.

Bulls born from 1 August 2013 to 31 December 2013

Champion intermediate bull Ratoary Icebreaker ET bred by Sean McGovern exhibited by Caoimhe McGovern

Champion Intermediate Bull: “Ratoary Icebreaker ET”, bred by Sean McGovern, Clogher, County Tyrone. This 10 month old was sired by the Oldstone Egbert , dam Deerfin Tina .

Reserve champion intermediate bull Ratoary Irishman ET bred by Sean McGovern exhibited by Eimear McGovern

Reserve Champion Intermediate Bull: “Ratoary Irishman ET”, bred by Sean McGovern, Clogher, County Tyrone. This 11month old is sired by Conval Frank,  dam Deerfin Tina

Bulls born on or after 1st January 2014

Ballyoak Jackson junior male champion owned by S & A McKenna

Champion Junior Bull: “Ballyoaks Jackson” bred by S & A McKenna Clogher Tyrone. This 4.5 months old bull calf is sired by Burradon Talisman dam Thrunton Delight

Coolnaslee Jenson reserve champion bull owned by G J Crawford

Reserve Champion Junior Male: “Coolnaslee Jenson” 6 month old bull calf bred by G J Crawford Maghera County Londonderry and sired by Meardy Fiend dam is Aghinure Unice.

Heifers born 1 January 2013 to 30 June 2013

Champion senior heifer Coolnaslee Invisable owned by G J Crawford and exhibited by Stuart Wilson

Champion Senior Heifer: “Coolnaslee Invisible”, bred by G J Crawford, Maghera, County Londonderry. Sired by Meardy Fiend out of a homebred dam Coolnaslee Dreamer.

Bessibell Incredible reserve champion senior heifer

Reserve Champion Senior Heifer: “Bessiebell Incredible “bred by Jack Smyth, Newtownstewart, County Tyrone, This 14 month old heifer is sired by Goldies Unbeatable ET  dam Aghyoule Finoula ET

Heifers born 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2013

Champion intermediate Charolais heifer Derryharney Icedancer bred by HC Stubbs and A A Burleigh

Champion Intermediate Heifer: “Derryharney Icedancer”, bred by HC Stubbs & AA Burleigh,  Lisnaskea County Fermanagh. This year old is sired by Liscalley ETI is out of a homebred dam Derryharney Evarose.

Reserve Champion Intermediate Heifer: “Killadeas Imelda”, bred by S & D Bothwell, County Fermanagh. This 8 month old is by Blelack Wigger, is out of a homebred dam Killadeas Fathma.

Heifers born on or after 1 January 2014

Champion junior Charolais heifer Derryharney Jinglebells owned by HC Stubbs and A A Burleigh

Champion Junior Heifer: “Derryharney Jinglebells”, bred by H C Stubbs & A A Burleigh, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh. This five month old heifer is by Goldies Carnival and out of a homebred dam Derryharney Emma.

Reserve junior Charolais heifer Cappagh Jude owned by Mr & Mrs Todd

Reserve Champion Junior Female: “Cappagh Jude ”, bred by Robin S & Mrs A Todd, Banbridge County Down. A six month old heifer sired by Thrunton Fairfax, out of a homebred dam Cappagh Esther ET

A Champion and a Reserve Champion was chosen from each of the qualifying classes resulting in a final line up of six top quality Charolais Champions & six Reserve Champions.

The MINSUPS Grand Final is a fine way to bring to an end the summer showing season for the NI Charolais Club. It has been another important year in the Charolais calendar; a year in which the club continues to focus on youth and what can be done to create interest and encourage young charolais members. Young charolais judges had great success at the UK Finals at NEC bringing back two cups Caoimhe McGovern took first place in the intermediate section and Gerard McShane took third place in Senior 19 yrs to 26 yrs

In the Pairs Fairway Competition the ladies team of Eimear & Caoimhe McGovern took silver with an outstanding mark of 277 points following in third place Alan Burleigh & Ryan Murray. There were nine regions competing with a total of 53 competitors so the Northern Ireland region can be very proud of the success of their charolais youth.

DIARY of EVENTS:

Charolais Club BBQ Charity Auction & Games Night in Lisburn Rugby Club Saturday 16th August

Ulster Bank Suckled Calf Shows will be held in Armoy, Ballymena, Dungannon, Draperstown, Enniskillen, Hilltown, Lisahally, Markethill, Plumbridge & Swatragh.

Saturday 13th September – NI National Charolais Show Ecclesville Centre Fintona

Friday 7th November – Autumn Show and Sale in Dungannon

Saturday 15th November – Club Dinner & Awards Ceremony Valley Hotel Fivemiletown at 8pm

The club want to thank our sponsor MINSUPS for their financial support and attendance at all qualifying shows & the Grand Final; to the British Charolais Society for their match funding of the championship. Thanks to the management of Clogher Valley Show for hosting the final and for all their assistance throughout the championship, to all show co ordinaters; qualifying shows and the press for coverage of the MINSUPS qualifiers and the Grand Final.

Johnathan Watson with the Tweeddale Herd

The Tweeddale herd, owned by Brian Redhead and Jonathan Watson, of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, has been recognised by EBLEX as the Most Improved Herd of Charolais cattle in England for 2014.

The award is presented by the EBLEX Beef Better Returns Programme (BRP) to the performance-recorded herd that shows the greatest genetic gain for commercial characteristics over a 12-month period. There is a separate award for each of 10 UK breeds.

Bowsden Moor, on the doorstep of the Northumberland National Park and the Scottish border, is a 600-acre livestock farm. It is home to two pedigree flocks and three pedigree herds, with a total of 300 sheep and 160 cows respectively. They provide their own winter forage and 35 acres of winter barley is grown for home use.

Third-generation farmer Jonathan Watson runs Bowsden Moor in partnership with his uncle Brian Redhead. Their focus is on producing quality pedigree livestock to suit the commercial needs of today’s modern farmer, with animals that are born easily with good growth rates to promote efficient production systems.
Entering the pedigree market thirty years ago with the needs of the commercial buyer in mind, they have developed well-established pedigree flocks of Brijon Suffolks and Brijon Texels, providing around 80 shearling rams sold through Kelso each year.

The 100-strong Tweeddale Limousins herd was established in 1998 and their herd of 40 Tweeddale British Blue cows was founded seven years ago.

Establishing an easy-calving Charolais herd
Around six years ago, Jonathan and Brian started to become aware of the increasing popularity of the Charolais breed, particularly among commercial producers, whose interest was piqued due to the breed’s focus on calving ease.

Their own interest in the breed started to develop and, in 2012, satisfied that they wanted to establish their own pedigree herd, they purchased 12 cows privately; ten with calves at foot, and two in-calf females. They added another four cows later that year from the Rumsden herd, two in-calf heifers from the Holtstead herd and seven heifers from the Barrance herd to form the foundation 25 cows. They concentrated on the visual appearance of the cows, selecting females with correct breed type, a large frame, good locomotion and style.

Being well-acquainted with pedigree herd production and having listened to buyers over the years, they already believed performance recording was a useful tool to develop a herd’s genetic potential. Therefore a keen focus on figures, concentrating on particular traits, was essential when it came to purchasing their bull. Their focus was on cattle with superior Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for calving ease and milk, combined with good 200- and 400-Day Weight EBVs. These traits help to predict a bull’s genetic potential to produce calves born easily which will develop and grow quickly.

In June 2012 they purchased Blelack Blackberet, a proven six-year-old stock bull, owned by the Goldie family, who had already sold around 40 sons from him. Blelack Black Beret shows exceptional EBVs for Direct Calving Ease, being in the top one per cent of the breed, and 200, 400 and 600-Day Weight EBVs all in the top 10 per cent of the breed. At the same time, they purchased a heifer, “Goldies Gleam”, her brother being a top bull on an AI stud.

Jonathan and Brian have a group of 40 recipient cows for use within their extensive flushing programmes involving each of these pedigree herds, around half of which will carry Charolais embryos.

To date they have had two crops of calves from Blackberet and recently sold their first bull sired by him, aged 13 months. Tweeddale Invincible had a Terminal Index and Calving Ease EBV in the top 10 per cent of the breed. As is the case with Blelack Blackberet, the calving ease is coupled with good growth rates, with a 400-Day Weight EBV in the top 1 per cent of the breed. At the Carlisle society sale, Tweeddale Invincible made 7500gns. Their initial intention in establishing the Charolais herd being realised, this young bull was a small, easily-born calf himself, and demonstrated a daily liveweight gain of 2.02kg.
They have done extensive embryo work with Goldies Gleam and Lakenheath Eugenie each having ten calves on the ground, all showing great promise. Two of the Eugenie x Blackberet heifers have since been introduced into the flushing programme

Annual production system
The Tweeddale herd has three main calving blocks, providing a year-round supply of pedigree bulls from their Limousin and Charolais herds. These bulls are aged 14 to 16 months old, with around 60 per cent being sold through the Carlisle and Sterling society sales, and 40 per cent sold directly from the farm.
Their British Blues tend to calve between April and July and are sold through the main society sale in May when they are approaching two years old.

Cows are housed over winter and, for ease of management, all calving is done indoors. Calves are creep fed from four months of age and weaned at around six months old. A month after weaning, they select which animals to retain for their own replacements or to sell for breeding. Heifers are separated from bull calves and reared on a forage diet. They will be 30 months old at first calving.

While building up numbers, they have retained up to 70 per cent of the females produced. Now they can start to be more selective about which females to retain and use estimated breeding values (EBVs) to concentrate on growth traits, milk and calving figures, as well as overall index to ensure the herd is progressive. Combined with performance, females must have a large frame with good locomotion and breed type. Temperament is also important, as they want quiet, steady, unstressed animals.

All male calves remain entire, anything not making the grade will be housed on an intensive ration to finish at 13 months of age, with the aim to provide a 400kg, U or E-grade carcase.

Bull calves are housed for winter on a growing ration. Those destined for October or February sales will be turned out to grass in April and brought back in for a couple of months in advance of sale.
“Blelack Blackberet is working tremendously well and we are really pleased with his progeny to date,” said Jonathan.
“Buying a proven bull with exceptional breeding values for calving and growth traits is boosting overall index figures in our progeny. He has certainly contributed to achieving this early award from EBLEX, but there is still plenty of work to do!
“Blackberet has a good breed character; his calves are born small with no muscle, but they grow like mushrooms and pile on the muscle!”

Bulls selected for artificial insemination or flushing programmes are chosen to compliment Blackberet. They focus on increasing eye muscle in the herd by choosing sires within the top one per cent for the breed, while retaining the easy calving trait. These daughters are to be bred back to Beret.

Marketing their stock
The Tweeddale herd frequently attend the Royal Highland, Great Yorkshire and Royal Welsh shows, as well as the Livestock Event at Birmingham.

“Selling pedigree cattle is the main part of our business and the main reason for showing is to provide a shop window from which to advertise our stock,” said Jonathan.

They aim to sell 20 Charolais bulls a year; the embryo work allows them to concentrate on their top breeding cows to produce as many calves from them as possible each year.

The majority of Tweeddale Charolais are sold to the commercial market, with a great emphasis put on EBVs and index through the sales. The society is fully behind performance recording and all bulls sold through their sales are now presented with their ultrasound scanning information and at least two weights alongside them.

Jonathan and Brian have a good reputation and the Tweeddale, Brijon and Bowsden Moor prefixes are well-known to other pedigree and commercial producers. Together they look forward to taking their Charolais herd forward and watching it develop over the forthcoming years.

Tweeddale Ebony with 5 month old Blackberet heifer calf Tweeddale Justso

Ubecca with 2 month old Blackberet heifer calf Tweeddale Jayde