The National Charolais Show attracted 100 entries to its Fintona venue on Saturday 13 September where after a four hour judging stint, Scottish livestock enthusiast, Michael Durno, Glenlivet found his respective male and female champions in Coolnaslee Ivanhoe and Bessiebell Incredible.

Bessiebell Incredible, Supreme Female Champion owned by J Smyth, pictured with David Benson, Chief Executive British Charolais and judge Michael Durno

Coolnaslee Ivanhoe, Supreme Male Champion with judge, Michael Durno, owner GJ Crawford and Chief Executive David Benson of British Charolais

Ivanhoe, an 18 month old by the 12,000gns Maerdy Fiend was bred and exhibited by Gilbert Crawford, Maghera, County Down. He was no stranger to the ring having been placed first in his class and a member of the winning group of three at the Balmoral.

Bessiebell Incredible added another championship to her success this season by being awarded the female title. Bred and exhibited by Jack Smyth, Newtown Stewart, County Tyrone, this 16 month old was by the 25,000gns Goldies Unbeatable and out of an Aghyoule bred dam.

A line up of eight entries in the pairs section was led by a couple of upcoming heifers from Harold Stubbs and his grandson, Alan Burleigh, Liznaskea, Fermanagh. Derryharney Jazzypants was a seven month old Blelack Digger daughter whilst team mate, Derryharney Jaffa was a five month old by Derryharney Outstanding.

Standing below them in reserve place was Killadeas Inverness and Killadeas Ireland from father and son team, Stuart and David Bothwell, Ballina Mallard, Fermanagh.

Killadeas Inverness, Intermediate Male Champion owned by S & D Bothwell

Ballyoak Jackson Junior Male Champion exhibited by Sean McKenna of S & A McKenna

Senior Female Champion Coolnaslee Harmony owned and exhibited by Mr G J Crawford

Mr Stephen McKenna and his daughters showing the Junior Female Champion Liscorran Impressive

Overall champions

Sup male: Coolnaslee Ivanhoe

Sup female: Bessiebell Incredible

Junior heifer: sup, S and A McKenna’s Liscorran Impressive, sire Moybraypark Paramount ET, dam Liscorran Gold

Intermediate heifer: Jack Smyth’s Bessiebell Incredible, sire Goldies Unbeatable, dam Aghyoule Finoula

Senior heifer: Gilbert Crawford’s Coolnaslee Harmony, sire Goldies Carnival, dam Coolnaslee Ulricka

Junior bull: sup, S and A McKenna’s Ballyoak Jack, sire Burradon Talisman, dam Thrunton Delightful

Intermediate bull: Stuart and David Bothwell’s Killadeas Inverness, sire Blackford Dynamite, dam Killadeas Teresa

Senior bull: Gilbert Crawford’s Coolnaslee Ivanhoe, sire Maerdy Fiend, dam Coolnaslee Valerie

Champion pairs

Alan Burleigh and Harold Stubbs with their winning pair of Charolais

The Charolais Pairs on display

Sup: Harold Stubbs and Alan Burleigh; Derryharney Jazzypants and Derryharney Jaffa

Res sup: S and D Bothwell; Killadeas Inverness and Killadeas Ireland

Commercial

The Supreme Commercial Champion owned by Mr A Veitch with Mr P Fay of Linden Foods Ltd

Sup, Alan Veitch, Shadow; res sup, Michael Gallagher, Faye.

Animax Young Handler

Sup: Philip Johnston, res sup: David Rea.

Junior: 1, Oisin Quigley; 2, James Morrison; 3, Clarke Balfour. Intermediate: 1, David Rea; 2, Tara O’Brien; 3, Sarah Johnson. Senior: 1, Philip Johnston; 2, Gerard McShane.

Philip Johnston ANIMAX Champion Young Handler with judge Alison Connolly, Neil Acheson Animax sponsor

Junior Young Handler Oisin Quigley with judge Alison Connolly and Neil Acheson Animal sponsor

1. Members wishing to register their calves by email or telephone are issued with cattle log books free of charge and must be approved and set up for direct debit payments. Members registering on paper birth forms will only be acceptable to the Society when accompanied by the appropriate payment inclusive of VAT.

2. Additional costs incurred to authenticate the Birth, i.e DNA, Inspections, etc are however chargeable to the member.

3. The Registration of Birth MUST BE RECEIVED by the Society within 27 days from the date of birth.

4. NATURAL SERVICE letter, if applicable, must be forwarded to the BCCS office at the time of registration.

5. All Semen Royalty Fees should be sent in along with the registration fee for each calf being registered (if not paying by direct debit)

6. Some form of identification must be applied to each calf within 7 days of birth.

7. All live calves MUST BE named with the relevant year letter.

8. If for any reason you are unable to complete the standard registration formalities with the statutory 27 days following the birth i.e awaiting DNA typing results, etc you must notify the office IN WRITING confirming the details of the Sire, Dam, date of birth, sex of calf and any other relevant details that may restrict normal registration. Failure to comply within 27 days from date of birth could render your calves unacceptable for registration or incur late registration fees.

NB. To maintain your dam breeding records, you must register the birth of a calf (live or dead) for information only.

No fee is charged for this service. To ensure that the information recorded on calf registration forms is 100% accurate, it has been decided by Council that:

CALF INSPECTIONS

The Society reserves the right to inspect calves or cattle registered or birth notified in the Herd Book without stating the reason for doing so. Breeders of calves selected in this way will be contacted by the Society office. The Society will appoint an inspector to contact the member to arrange a suitable time to visit the farm, inspect and weigh the calf and its dam, take DNA samples and if necessary inspect other calves, check Herd Book identity and examine Herd Book records on the farm.

If any calf has a weight which places it outside the maximum allowable weight gain parameters as determined by the BCCS Council of Management then the calf /calves will not be acceptable for registration and further herd checks will be carried out.

Repeated irregularities will lead to the member being referred to the BCCS Complaints and Disciplinary Investigation Committee.

Inspectors when carrying out a herd or a calf inspection have the right to insist that the member insert the Ministry double tags or allow the inspector to insert the Ministry double tags at the time of inspection. Any member refusing to insert the Ministry double tags or allowing them to be inserted will have the registration cancelled from the Herd Book.

During routine herd inspections it remains the full responsibility of the member at all times to control, prepare and present the animals for inspection. Any accident or injury incurred by members, livestock or personnel remains the sole responsibility of the member unless the loss or injury is due solely to the negligence of the BCCS representative.

If there are any general discrepancies, further herd visits will follow at the Breeder’s expense.

ALL SERVICE SIRES MUST BE DNA TYPED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. HAIR SAMPLING BAGS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE OFFICE

Charolais females were in demand selling to a top of 4,200gns when the Shraden herd was dispersed on behalf of the executors of WRJ Everall in Welshpool on Thursday 9 October.

Leading the trade at 4,200gns was Shraden Ursula, an 11 year old Balthayock Matthew daughter sold with her seven month old heifer, Shraden Jessica, by the 16,000gns Anside Foreman. The pair went to Charlie Boden, Mellor, Stockport.

Ursula’s progeny were in demand with Shraden Imperial, a 19 month old son by Shraden Osram commanding the highest bull price of 4,100gns to R Thomas Bryndraenog, Knighton.

Three entries shared a 4,000gns bid. First to go was the 11 year old Shraden Ugenie, by Balthayock Matthew and sold with Shraden Jinny, a six month old heifer by Thrunton Fairfax. The buyer was Charlie Boden who minutes later made another 4,000gns bid for the Shraden Talisman sired Shraden Cyan, a seven year old with her five month old bull, Shraden Jupiter by Foreman. His final cow and calf pair at 3,500gns was the six year old Shraden Design by Mowbraypark Paramount and offered with Shraden Just Dazzling, a four month old heifer by Foreman.

The final 4,000gns call was made by E and H Chapman, Oakley Park, Llanidloes for Shraden Immortal, an 18 month old bull by Shraden Calypso and out of a homebred dam by Balthayock Matthew.

Another Calypso son, the three year old Shraden Georgio was in the money at 3,800gns to HJ Patrick, Portfieldgate, Haverfordwest. Shraden Icicle, a 17 month old Shraden Osram son was secured for 3,600gns by JC Heard, Okehampton.

At 3,400gns, B and P Elston, St Petrock, Torrington took home Shraden Christmascarol, an eight year old by Balthayock Matthew sold with Shraden Janitor, her five month old bull by Thrunton Fairfax.

Another entry by Matthew, this time Shraden Damson, a six year old sold in calf to Balthayock Hamish made 2,900gns to HB Allman and Sons, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. Shraden Eloise, a rising six year old by Talisman and in calf to Shraden Georgio made 2,500gn to J Wale, Clunderwen, Pembroke.

Next among the bulls were two 14 month old Calypso sons. First at 2,800gns was Shraden Inferno to JT Corbett, Penrhos, Llanymynech, whilst Shraden Ingot made 2,700gns to JW Hopkins, Newtown, Powys.

Averages: 30 cows with calves £2,040; 8 in calf cows £1,631; 12 in calf heifers £1,497; 9 maiden heifers £1,170; 11 bulls £2,931.

Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales

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

British Charolais met a strong commercial demand from a packed ringside in Stirling on Wednesday 22 October where prices peaked at 22,000gns at the breed society’s autumn sale. Charolais once again remained dominant during the week’s multi-beef breed fixtures, by recording the highest number of bulls sold and highest average price with 84 entries through the ring to average £6,654; furthermore, 10 lots made five figures and 55 lots commanded 5,000gns or more.

“Bulls met a very level trade throughout, a trend underpinned by the commercial sector, and it was those quality entries with good EBV data for calving ease which were particularly sought after. A further 11 lots were booked through the final auctioneer’s sale sheet bringing the total clearance to 88%,” commented society chairman, Steve Nesbitt.

Sale leader Maerdy Ignition at 22,000gns

Sale leader at 22,000gns was Maerdy Ignition TI +66, SRI +61, a 19 month old by the 10,000gns Blelack Fabulous and maternal brother to the 45,000gns Stirling junior champion, Mardy Express. Bred and exhibited by Flintshire vet, Esmor Evans, Mold he was knocked down sold in a three way split to Wallace Brown, Kilmarnock, Archie MacGregor, Allanfauld, Kilsyth and Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell Dumfries.

Maerdy Innes at 8,000gns

Mr Evans traded four more entries including at 8,000gns the junior and reserve supreme champion, Maerdy Innes TI +30, SRI +19. Sired by Maerdy Dynamite, this 14 month old was described by judge, Grif Morris as ‘a very young bull with everything in balance and all the potential for growth’.

The senior and overall supreme champion Marne Impeccable at 10,000gns

Innes was knocked down sold to WJ Fraser and Son, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch who earlier in the day paid 10,000gns for the senior and overall supreme championship, Marne Impeccable TI +24, SRI +20, a 21 month old by Rumsden Fawkes and out of a Graywood dam. Bred and exhibited by Robert and Michelle Tremayne, the couple were making a highly successful 1,125 mile round trip from Helston, Cornwall on what was their debut trip to Stirling.

Impeccable was no newcomer to travelling or stranger to the ring having secured reserve male title at the National Charolais Show at The NEC, and junior interbreed male at the Devon County.

Mr Morris commented: “Impeccable was an easy champion and stood out as soon as he came in the ring. He had every attribute sought after in a pedigree or crossing bull – size, good top line, clean through the middle and meat in all the right places, combined with good locomotion.”

Gretnahouse Indian at 18,000gns

The day’s second highest bid of 18,000gns was made by Peter Foulger, Loxwood, Billingshurst for Gretnahouse Indian TI +54, SRI +49, an 18 month old Lochend Apache son from Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green. Indian secured the male championship at the National Charolais Show, and on Tuesday was awarded reserve intermediate title. Mr Houston’s next best at 7,500gns was Gretnahouse Intermilan TI +64, SRI +62, a 16 month old Wesley Equinox son to WH Porter, Carnoustie.

Balmyle Impression at 12,500gns

Balmyle Inevitable at 10,000gns

Next at 12,500gns was Balmyle Impression TI +58, SRI +51, an18 month old by the 9,500gns Maerdy Egret and out of a homebred dam going back to Brampton Nacodar. Bred and exhibited by Bill Bruce, Meigle, Perth, he travelled to Wales with Kevin Thomas, Capel Iwan, Newcastle Emlyn. Mr Bruce continued his success at 10,000gns with Balmyle Inevitable TI +52, SRI +44, another 18 month old this time by the 22,000gns Blelack Forester. He went to join Balbirnie Home Farms’ suckler herd based at Freuchie, Fife.

The intermediate champion Elrick Iceman at 12,000gns

A bid of 12,000gns secured the intermediate champion, Elrick Iceman TI +55, SRI +41 for J and W Kellas, Dufftown, Keith. Bred and exhibited my Michael Massie, Auchnagatt, the 18 month old Ellon, Iceman was by 11,000gns Maerdy Dublin and out of a homebred dam by the 12,000 Coolnaslee Adversary.

Kersknowe Iron at 10,500gns

Next up at 10,500gns was Kersknowe Iron TI +62, SRI +60, an 18 month old Lagavaich Fernando son, from James and John Jeffrey, Kersknowe, Kelso to Ross Farms, Gorebridge, Midlothian. Minutes before the father and son team offered Kersknowe Immense TI +53, SRI +52, a 19 month old by the 20,000gns Stirling champion, Inverlochy Fencer at 8,500gns to T Pottinger, Westray, Orkney.

Coolnaslee Ivanhoe at 10,000gns

Three more entries sold for 10,000gns each. First up was the NI National Charolais Show champion, Coolnaslee Ivanhoe TI +26, SRI +22 from Gilbert Crawford, Maghera, County Down. Sired by the 12,000gns Maerdy Fiend, this 19 month old was knocked down sold to Peter and Sheilagh Donger, Foxley, Towcester.

Ellerton Independent at 10,000gns

A bid of 10,000gns secured Ellerton Independent TI +41, SRI +35 for Victor Chestnut Bushmills, County Antrim. Bred and exhibited by Andrew Brown, Foggathorpe, Selby, Independent was a 17 month old was by Lowerffrydd Benhurr.

Swalesmoor Immortal at 10,000gns

Swalesmoor Imperial at 8,000gns

The final 10,000gns call was made minutes later by Jim Warnock, Broughton, Biggar for Swalesmoor Immortal TI +69, SRI +67 from Danny Sawrij, Blainsie, Galashiels. A 17 month old, Immortal was by the 12,000gns Perth champion, Swalesmoor Cupid who also sired another same age entry from Mr Sawrij, Swalesmoor Imperial TI +61, SRI +56 selling for 8,000gns to Gary More, Kippen, Stirling.

Balthayock Ivo at 9,500gns

Balthayock Ivo TI 62, SRI +58 led the trade at 9,500gns for father and son team, David and Nicholas Walter, Balthayock, Perth. An 18 month old Barbican Lancer son, he went home with JR and DB Rendall Papa Westray, Orkney.

Goldies Inferno at 9,500gns

Westcarse Imperial at 9,000gns

Goldies Inferno TI +49, SRI +50, a 16 month old Goldies Banker son from Hamish Goldie changed hands for 9,500gns to JJM Sutherland, Caithness who also went to 9,000gns for Westcarse Imperial TI +40, SRI +39, a 17 month old by the 16,000 Perth junior champion, Clyth Diplomat from John Christie, Stirling.

Bonnybrae Invincibull at 9,000gns

The day’s second 9,000gns call went to the reserve senior champion, Bonnybrae Invincibull TI +58, SRI +54, a 19 month old Blelack Digger son from HP Whittaker, Cornhill on Tweed, to HR and C Dalrymple, Ballantrae, Girvan.

Reserve junior champion Edenhurst Imperator at 8,500gns

Edenhurst Imperator TI +45, SRI +42 took the reserve junior championship for Peter Vasey, Wetheral, Carlisle. A 17 month old by the 55,000gns Sportsmans Columbo, he was knocked down sold for 8,500gns to W Ramsay and Son, Dalry, Castle Douglas.

Females

Female champion Goldies Hilary at 5,800gns

The female trade was led at 5,800gns by the champion, Goldies Hilary TI +35, SRI +34, a two year old by the 12,000gns Blelack Edition and sold in calf to Blelack Digger. Bred and exhibited by Hamish Goldie she sold to Charlie Boden, Mellor, Stockport.

Next at 4,600gns was Caithness Hannah TI +47, SRI +42 from D and M Campbell, Occumster, Lybster to G Russell, Denny, Stirling. Sired by the 10,000gns Harviestoun Casino, this two year old was sold in calf to Blelack Digger.

Vexour Herd at 4,000gns

A bid of 4,500gns secured Elrick Herbal TI +39, SRI + 45, a maiden heifer by Thrunton Fearless from Mike Massie to AK Brooke, Glenluce, Newtown Stewart. The reserve female title went to Vexour Herd TI +54, SRI +52, a two year old by Newhouse Emperor from Jan Boomaars, Woldingham to HP Whittaker for 4,000gns.

Heifers from Murray Lyle’s production sale and sold in calf to the 8,500gns Elrick Historian went to a top of 3,000gns twice. First to go was Loganbar Harmonieux TI +25, SRI +15, a two year old Major daughter to T Leslie, Shapinsay, Orkney. Loganbar Horoscope TI +33, SRI +28, a Loganbar Distraction daughter was secured for 3,000gns by Graeme Easton, Letham, Angus.

Averages: 84 bulls £6,654; collective females, seven heifers £3,720; Caithness draft, three heifers £3,482; Loganbar draft, six heifers £2,520.

Auctioneers: United Auctions

Class 1 Bulls born on or between 5 November 2012 & 3 February 2013

1st – Marne Impeccable – Mr R Tremayne
2nd – Blelack Horizon – Mr NF Massie
3rd – Craigieford Invincible – M Bruce & Partners
4th – Silver Icarus – Mr DA Harman
5th – Mornity Ivan – Mornity Farms

Class 2 Bulls born on or between 4 & 28 February 2013

1st – Burradon Ironman – Messrs Curry
2nd – Caithness Indy – D & M Campbell
3rd – Aultmore Invader – W Patterson & Son
4th – Blackford Inca – Anne MacPherson
5th – Thrunton Iconic – JHC Campbell & Sons

Class 3 Bulls born on or between 1 & 20 March 2013

1st – Bonnybrae Invincibull – Mr HP Whittaker
2nd – Coolnaslee Ivanhoe – Mr GJ Crawford
3rd – Elgin Ivory – Mr RA Milne
4th – Charbron Influential – Barons Cross Charolais Stud
5th – Cardean Isis – Mr A Ivory

Class 4 Bulls born on or between 21 & 31 March 2013

1st – Kersknowe Immense – Mr J Jeffrey
2nd – Bleaklow Imax – Mr & Mrs CJ Wight
3rd – Maerdy Ignition – Mr DE Evans
4th – Mornity Indiana – Mornity Farms
5th – Kersknowe Ivory – Mr J Jeffrey

Class 5 Bulls born on or between 1 & 12 April 2013

1st – Elrick Iceman – Mr MJ Massie
2nd – Kersknowe Iron – Mr J Jeffrey
3rd – Glenlivet Ideal – Mr MS Durno
4th – Foxacre Ithaca – Mrs A Orr-Ewing
5th – Elrick Iconic – Mr MJ Massie

Class 6 Bulls born on or between 13 & 18 April 2013

1st – Gretnahouse Indian – Mr AG Houston
2nd – Balmyle Inevitable – WP Bruce Ltd
3rd – Fotherongham Indiana – Mr G McWilliam
4th – Marwood Initial – RA & J Blyth
5th – Thrunton Ignition – JHC Campbell & Sons

Class 7 Bulls born on or between 19 & 23 April 2013

1st – Balmyle Impression – WP Bruce Ltd
2nd – Woodpark Invincible ET – Mr W Short
3rd – Balthayock Ivo – Major DFWH & NR Walter
4th – Thrunton Indurain – JHC Campbell & Sons
5th – Tweeddale Immense – Redhead & Watson

Class 8 Bulls born on or between 24 April & 3 May 2013

1st – Westcarse Imperial – Mr JH Christie
2nd – Ellerton Independent – Mr A Brown
3rd – Swalesmoor Immortal – Mr D Sawrij
4th – Coolnaslee Idaho – Mr GJ Crawford
5th – Balthayock Indus – Major DFWH & NR Walter

Class 9 Bulls born on or between 4 & 18 May 2013

1st – Elrick Invictus – Mr MJ Massie
2nd – Jerrettspass Ivan – Mr B Reavey
3rd – Clola Interpol ET – Mr JT Wilson
4th – Allanfauld Ibrahim – A MacGregor (Allanfauld) Ltd
5th – Royaldowns Icebreaker – M McKeown Esq

Class 10 Bulls born on or between 19 May & 5 June 2013

1st – Edenhurst Imperator – Mr PW Vasey
2nd – Goldies Inferno – Mr H Goldie
3rd – Liscorran Impeccable ET – Mr S McKenna
4th – Maerdy Internet – Mr DE Evans
5th – Goldies Illustre – Mr H Goldie

Class 11 Bulls born on or between 6 & 20 June 2013

1st – Goldies Inmate – Mr H Goldie
2nd – Heatherden Indonesia – Mr DH Knox
3rd – Elrick Influence – Mr MJ Massie
4th – Gretnahouse Intermilan – Mr AG Houston
5th – Goldies Image – Mr H Goldie

Class 12 Bulls born on or after 21 June 2013

1st – Maerdy Innes – Mr DE Evans
2nd – Caithness Inspire – D & M Campbell
3rd – Baillieston Immaculate – Mr WR Baillie
4th – Jerrettspass Inglebert – Mr B Reavey
5th – Drumshane Illiminator – Mr DH Knox

Class 13 Heifers born on or after 29 April 2012

1st – Goldies Hilary – Mr H Goldie
2nd – Vexour Herd – Mr J Boomaars
3rd – Elrick Herbal – Mr MJ Massie
4th – Lourie Isla – Mr R Aitken
5th – Goldies Hollyhock – Mr H Goldie

Senior Male Champion – Marne Impeccable – Mr R Tremayne
Reserve Male Champion – Bonnybrae Invincibull – Mr HP Whittaker

Intermediate Male Champion – Elrick Iceman – Mr MJ Massie
Reserve Intermediate Male Champion – Gretnahouse Indian – Mr AG Houston

Junior Male Champion – Maerdy Innes – Mr DE Evans
Reserve Male Champion – Edenhurst Imperator – Mr PW Vasey

Female Champion – Goldies Hilary – Mr H Goldie
Reserve Female Champion – Vexour Herd – Mr J Boomaars

Supreme Champion – Marne Impeccable – Mr R Tremayne
Reserve Supreme Champion – Maerdy Innes – Mr DE Evans

Group of Three Champion – Mr J Jeffrey – Kersknowe Iceman, Kersknowe Isaac & Kersknowe Immense

Thank you to all who attended Borderway Agri Expo. The combined weight of the three heifers was 2091 kgs – the winner being Ken Pears of Fellside House Farm, Caldbeck, Wigton who guessed 2088 kgs.

1st Prize Steer

1st Prize Heifer

Charolais bulls met a brisk demand selling to a top of 6,500gns in Welshpool on Thursday 6 November at the breed society’s official sale.

Trefaldwyn Ivanhoe, Reserve Champion and sale leader at 6,500gns

Topping the trade at 6,500gns was the reserve champion, Trefaldwyn Ivanhoe TI +57, SRI +58 bred and exhibited by Arwel Owen, Foel, Welshpool to E Jones, Llandeiniolen, Caernarfon. Ivanhoe was an 18 month old, by Goldies Eddy and out of Mr Owen’s National Welsh junior female champion Trefaldwyn Emerald, a member of his 35 cow herd. Earlier in the day he tapped out as overall reserve championship by judge, Roger Green, who commended Ivanhoe as being a ‘modern type of British Charolais combining locomotion with great fleshing’.

Earlier in the day Arwel Owen offered Trefaldwyn Iceman TI +46, SRI +42, a 19 month old Dingle Hofmeister son and full brother to the Royal Welsh female champion, Trefaldwyn Fancygirl. Iceman was knocked down sold for 4,700gns to R Hammond, Huntingdon, Kington.

Davally Invincible at 6,000gns

Last in the ring but not least was the day’s second leader at 6,000gns, Davally Invincible TI +51, SRI +49, a 14 month old by Balthayock Longbow and out of a Wesley dam. Bred and exhibited by DJ Thornely and AJ Smith, Swadlincote, Derby, he went home with BJ and MY Davies, St Harmon, Rhayader.

Montgomery Ianto at 5,200gns

Montgomery Ianto TI +57, SRI +53, a 22 month old Dingle Hofmeister son from Gareth Jones, Llangadfan, Welshpool was awarded the reserve senior championship and made 5,200gns to W McAskie, Mount Joy, Omagh, County Down. Later Mr Jones offered the 19 month old Blelack Digger sired Montgomery Isfryn, TI +51, SRI +49 at 4,000gns to HJ Middleton, Chapel Lawn, Bucknell.

Two entries attracted a 5,000gns bid. First to go was Deunawd Ian TI +43, SRI +37, a 21 month old by the 5,000gns Brynffanigl Elvis from Will Owen, Criccieth to B Bayliss, Whitney-on-Wye, Hereford. Deunawd Ifor TI +34, SRI +29, another Elvis son from the same breeder was secured for 4,000gns by D Evans, Marton, Welshpool.

Deunawd Ian at 5,000gns

The second 5,000gns price tag went to the 20 month old Caylers Imperial TI +49, SRI +35, a Thrunton Dominator son and our of a homebred dam from the Barker family’s 30 cow herd based at Nuthampsted, Royston. He went home with JP and CM Jones, Penegoes, Machynlleth.

Caylers Imperial at 5,000gns

Champion, Newroddige Imp at 4,800gns

Next at 4,900gns was Gower Inferno TI +51, SRI +39, a 22 month old Skysea Bolero son from Richard and Alison Tucker, Horton, Swansea to AT Williams and Son, Newcastle, Monmouth. The following lot in the ring, Newroddige Imp made 4,800gns to Peter Howells, Llanwenog, Llanybyther. Bred and exhibited by Newroddige Charolais, Edingale, Tamworth, Imp was a 21 month old by the 30,000gns Balmyle Bollinger. Earlier in the day he had been awarded the supreme championship by Roger Green saying: “Imp was the complete bull; he was very well balanced, well fleshed and had great locomotion.”

Two more entries were bid to 4,000gns. First in the ring was Allostock Imense TI +54, SRI +58, a 22 month old by Blelack Digger from I Hollinshead, Goostrey, Crewe to MJ and DL Price, Hundred House, Llandrindod Wells. A 4,000gns call was made for Foxacre Initiative TI +39, SRI +49, a 20 month old by the 10,000gns Wesley Forceful from Anne Orr-Ewing, Purton, Swindon to WJ and EA Lewis, Bryncoch, Neath. The final 4,000gns bid went to the 18 month old Esgob Iori TI +38, SRI +37, an Anside Excalibur son from Gareth Jones, Cwmtirmynach, Bala to WP Jones, Llanystumdwy, Criccieth.

Female champion Escob Honeysuckle at 5,200gns

Mr Jones enjoyed a successful day taking the female championship with Esgob Honeysuckle TI +34, SRI +36, a two and a half year old Excalibur daughter, sold in calf to Blelack Digger. She made 5,200gns to JM Clapp, Post Hill, Tiverton who returned home with three more entries.

The female section was topped at 6,500gns for a cow and calf pair from Kevin Thomas, Capel Iwan, Newcastle Emlyn to DH Jones, Bow Street, Ceredigion. Moelfre Gala TI + 36, SRI +27 was a three year old heifer by Allanfauld Norseman offered with her 10 month old heifer, Moelfre Janquile by Maerdy Dynamite.

Moelfre Gala and her heifer Moelfre Janquile at 6,500gns

Next at 5,100gns from Mr Thomas’ draft was Moelfre Greta TI +48, SRI +39, another three year heifer this time by Blelack Jaguar making 1,500gns to VAS and SM Corbett, Felindre, Knighton, whilst her nine month old bull, Moelfre Jack by the 11,000gns Blelack Digger commanded 3,600gns from JR Webb, Billesdon, Leicester.

The two cow and calf leading entries from Newroddige Charolais’ draft both travelled to Devon with JM Clapp. Newroddige Gerry TI +34, SRI +35, a three year old Maerdy Estyn sired daughter sold with her seven month old bull Newroddige Jaguar by Alwent Goldbar made 4,000gns.

Minutes before, Mr Clapp bid 3,000gns for the six year old Newroddige Dafny TI +39, SRI +38, a Gretnahouse Archangel daughter with her three week old heifer, Newroddige Jeanette by the 10,000gns Welshpool champion, Esgob Ferrari.

Averages: 37 bulls £3,822.57. Females: 5 collective heifers £2,230; Newroddige, 8 cows and calves £2,481, 3 heifers £1,680; Moelfre, 8 cows and calves £3,150, 5 heifers £1,110; Trannon, 3 heifers £1,732.

Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales

Show results

Class One – Bulls born before 6th November 2012

1st – MAERDY HWYL – Mr DE Evans

Class Two – Bulls born on or between 6th November 2012 and 11th January 2013

1st – MONTGOMERY IANTO – Roberts & Jones
2nd – RUSHFIELD ICARUS – Mr JR & Mrs VA Webb
3rd – NEWRODDIGE HIGHLIGHT – Newroddige Charolais
4th – CHESHAM HORATIO – Mr B Harman
5th – ALLOSTOCK ISAAC – Mr IN Hollishead

Class Three – Bulls born on or between 12th January and 8th March 2013

1st – NEWRODDIGE IMP – Newroddige Charolais
2nd – DEUNAWD IAN – Mr W Owen
3rd – DOOLEY IMAGE – Mr D Thornley
4th – DEUNAWD IFOR – Mr W Owen
5th – GOWER INFERNO – Mr RJB & Mrs AM Tucker

Class Four – Bulls born on or between 9th March and 3rd April 2013

1st – ESGOB IWAN – Mr GM Jones
2nd – ESGOB IAN – Mr GM Jones
3rd – FOXACRE INITIATIVE – Mrs A Orr-Ewing
4th – BRYNFFANIGL IDRIS – Mr RT Roberts
5th – FOXACRE ITHACA – Mrs A Orr-Ewing

Class Five – Bulls born on or between 4th April and 25th April 2013

1st – NEWRODDIGE ICON – Newroddge Charolais
2nd – WRINKLEWOOD ICARUS – Mrs JC Clayton
3rd – TREFALDWYN ICEMAN ET – Mr RA Owen
4th – MORTIMERS IILIAD – Messrs Mortimers Farm
5th – FINNWEST ICEMAN – Mr PC Weston

Class Six – Bulls born on or between 26th April and 18th May 2013

1st – TREFALDWYN IVANHOE – Mr RA Owen
2nd – MAERDY IDNAL – Mr DE Evans
3rd – LINDFORD INCREDABULL – Mr A Platt
4th – TRANNON INVINCIBLE – Mr JA Williams
5th – BALNUITH INSTRUMENTAL – Mr D Thornley

Class Seven – Bulls born on or between 19th May and 3rd June 2013

1st – CARRIGBEG IFOR – Mr RJ Butler
2nd – MOELFRE INSIGNIA – Mr KJ Thomas
3rd – TREFALDWYN IMENSE – Mr RA Owen
4th – SACKVILLE IVAN – BA & PT Heath
5th – SACKVILLE IMPECABLE – BA & PT Heath

Class Eight – Bulls born on or between 4th June and 7th July 2013

1st – NEWRODDIGE INVERNESS – Newroddige Charolais
2nd – MAERDY IMPEY – Mr DE Evans
3rd – MAERDY ISMAEL – Mr DE Evans
4th – TRANNON INSTANT – Mr JA Williams
5th – CARRIGBEG IRISHMAN – Mr RJ Butler

Class Nine – Bulls born on or after 8th July 2013

1st – SARKLEY ISOBAR – EH Pennie & Son
2nd – DAVALLY INVINCIBLE ET – DJ Thornley & AJ Smith
3rd – TREFONNEN IVORY – Mr KJ Thomas
4th – PEDR ICON – Mr PL Howells
5th – SOLO IRELAND – C & R Currell

Class Ten – Heifers Born before 31st December 2012

1st – ESGOB HONEYSUCKLE – GM Jones
2nd – MAERDY HOP – Mr DE Evans
3rd – MAERDY GWINLLAN – Mr DE Evans
4th – MAERDY HEN – Mr DE Evans

Class Eleven – Heifers born after 1st January 2013

1st – TRANNON IVORY – JA Williams
2nd – TRANNON IMP – JA Williams
3rd – RUSHFIELD INGRID – Mr JR & Mrs VA Webb
4th – RUSHFIELD INDIGO – Mr JR & Mrs VA Webb

Champions

Senior Male Champion – NEWRODDIGE IMP – Newroddige Charolais
Reserve Senior Male Champion – MONTGOMERY IANTO – Roberts & Jones

Junior Male Champion – TREFALDWYN IVANHOE – Mr RA Owen
Reserve Junior Male Champion – NEWRODDIGE INVERNESS – Newroddige Charolais

Female Champion – ESGOB HONEYSUCKLE – Mr GM Jones

Supreme Champion – NEWRODDIGE IMP – Newroddige Charolais
Reserve Supreme Champion – TREFALDWYN IVANHOE – Mr RA Owen

Charolais bulls met a solid commercial demand selling to a top of 5,000gns at the breed’s Northern Ireland club sale in Dungannon on Friday 7 November.

Brownhill Isaac – 5,000gns – with Richard Devine, Danny Tommy Devine, Judge Phillip Johnston and Sponsor Stephen Berry

Sale leader at 5,000gns was the reserve senior champion, Brownhill Isaac, a 19 month old Shaen Topper son from the Devine Bros, Strabane, Tyrone to Frank Reid, Ballinahinch, County Down.

Next at 4,700gns was the 17 month old Glenramble Ironman TI +43, SRI +35, a Pirate son from T O’Neil, Claudy, County Derry. The buyer was A Douglas, Ballycastle, Antrim.

Killadeas Inverness – Reserve Junior Champion, 4,700gns – with David Bothwell, and sponsor Stephen Berry of Excel Roofing

A bid of 4,700gns secured the reserve junior champion, Killadeas Inverness TI +34, SRI +27, a 17 month old by the 16,000gns Blackford Dynamite from father and son team, Stuart and David Bothwell, Ballinamallard, Fermanagh. He travelled over the water with Gordon Mackie, Forfar.

Minutes earlier Fymore Impressive TI +36, SRI +39 was bid to 3,500gns by F West, Carrickmore, Omagh. Bred by S McCaughey, Augher, Tyrone, Impressive was a 16 month old by the 30,000gns Balmyle Bollinger.

Derryharney Icyroads TI +26, SRI +24, a 19 month old Liscally Eti from Harold Stubbs and his grandson, Alan Burleigh, Lisnaskea, Fermanagh commended a 3,100gns bid from John Gault, Ballyclare, Antrim. The team’s next entry at 3,000gns was the 18 month old Derryharney Iceman TI +33, SRI +29, a Thrunton Bonjovi son to PJ McCaffrey, Newry.

Derryharney Icyroads with Alan Burleigh – 3,100gns

Two more entries were bid to 3,000gns each. First to go was the 17 month old Ardmachree Isaac TI +40, SRI +45, a Bollinger son from A and O Quigley, Macken, Fermanagh to Liz Conroy, Armagh. The final 3,000gns price tag went to Killycolp Ivanhoe, a 15 month old by Gwenog Braveheart from John McGucken, Cookstown, Tyrone to Raymond Bowden, Stewartstown, Tyrone. Later in the day the same vendor offered Mountain Elizabeth, a five year old cow by Lisbawn Valour at 2,700gns to Messrs Ferguson, Aughnacloy, Tyrone.

At 2,900gns, Tullygarley Icon TI +23, SRI +24, an 18 month old Hannibal son from Richard Currie, Ballymena, Antrim sold to Seamus O’Connor, Castlewellan, County Down.

Spinglane Iceberg, a 19 month old by Thrunton Voldemort from Nigel and Sandra Cochrane, Portadown, Amargh secured the supreme championship and later sold for 2,800gns to A Stevenson, Ballymoney, County Antrim.

Springlane Iceberg – Supreme Champion, 2,800gns – exhibited by Ben Sinnamon with Sandra Cochrane and Judge Phillip Johnston

The female trade was led at 3,000gns by Ballinlare Ivy, a 20 month old heifer by the 9,000gns Goldies Carnival from JH Wilson and Sons, Newry, County Down to John Mairs, Craigavon, Armagh. Minutes earlier the same buyer went to 2,600gns for another 20 month heifer from the same herd, this time the reserve female champion, Ballinlare Ivory, by Dingle Hofmeister.

A second 2,600gns call went to Moorlough Ida, a 20 month heifer by Cloverfield Excellent from John McBride, Strabane, Tyrone to James Balfour, Irvinestown.

Ballinlare Hottottie – Female Champion – JH Wilson & Sons

Averages: 22 bulls £2,992; 7 heifers £2,249; 1 cow £2,835; 1 cow and calf £1,942

Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart

Coolnaslee Ivan – Junior Male Champion with Stuart Wilson, Phillip Johnston and Stephen Berry

Judge phillip Johnston at work in the ring

Show Results

Senior Male Champion – Springlane Iceberg ET – Mr N & Mrs S Cochrane
Res Senior Male Champion – Brownhill Isaac – Devine Bros

Junior Male Champion – Coolnaslee Ivan – G.J. Crawford
Res Junior Male Champion – Killadeas Inverness – S & D Bothwell

Supreme Male Champion – Springlane Iceberg ET – Mr N & Mrs S Cochrane
Res. Male Champion – Coolnaslee Ivan – G J Crawford

Female Champion – Ballinlare Hottottie – J H Wilson & Sons
Res. Female Champion Ballinlare Ivory – J H Wilson & Sons

Supreme Champion – Springlane Iceberg ET – Mr N & Mrs S Cochrane
Res. Supreme Champion - Ballinlare Hottottie – J H Wilson & Sons

The 5th Stars of the Future Calf Show was held at United Auctions, Stirling on Saturday 15th November 2014 and attracted more than 400 young beef cattle to the event.

The Charolais breed celebrated a strong entry of cattle with further success in the interbreed championships under judge and freelance stockman Brian Wills.

Elgin Isaac – Senior Continental & Breed Champion

Securing the reserve senior Continental championship was R Milne and Sons with Elgin Isaac. By the 12,000gns Caylers Gladiator, he is out of Elgin Electra, who is full sister to the 20,000gns Elgin Davinci. This one has been unbeaten in his class to date and was reserve champion at Nairn Show. He’ll now be forward for sale in Stirling in February.

Inverlochy Julianne – Breed Junior Champion & Reserve Continental Junior Champion

Then securing the reserve junior Continental championship was John and Raymond Irvine’s Inverlochy Julianne. This April 2014-born heifer is by Blelack Giggsey and out of Redheughs Fanfare.

Coolnaslee Ivette – Reserve Senior Champion

Taking the reserve senior championship behind the Elgin bull was Coolnaslee Ivette from Gilbert Crawford, this October 2013-born Maerdy Fiend son is out of Tullylagan Estella.

Lochend Jura – Reserve Junior Champion

Standing reserve overall in the juniors was the junior male champion Lochend Jura from Iain Millar. Born January 2014 he is by Gretnahouse Archangel and out of Lochend Evette.

In the young handlers class 16 year-old Stephen Taylor won the senior class and went on to be interbreed senior young handler on the halter of Dunesk Jack. At Beef Expo Stephen was part of the winning Future Show Stars team and has only just returned from competing at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. In the breed class for young handlers, second went to Laura White and Edward Scott stood third.

Class results:
Charolais bulls born 4th July to 21st September 2013
1, J Hodge’s Hodges Infinity, by Lowerffrydd Benhurr
2, M Lyle’s Loganbar Icegold, by Wesley Fixture
3, J and M McMillan’s Dunesk Icon, by Blelack Digger
4, C Richardson’s Blelack Immaculate, by Blelack Digger
5, Brailes Livestock’s Brailes Icecube ET, by Corrie Alan

Charolais bulls born 22nd October to 20th December 2013
1, R Milne’s Elgin Isaac, by Caylers Gladiator
2, Andrew Hornall’s Falleninch Imperator, by Falleninch Bodelavie
3, John and Alison Clark’s Glengyre Imagine, by Rumsden Fawkes
4, P Janoch’s Leckaway Ivanhoe, by Maerdy Dublin

Charolais heifer born 1st September to 9th November 2013
1, Gilbert Crawford’s Coolnaslee Ivette, by Maerdy Fiend
2, Clark Farms Teiglum Iona ET, by Goldies Eddie
3, Redhead and Watson’s Tweeddale Icemaiden, by Blelack Digger
4, Clarke Farms Teiglum Imogen ET by Goldies Eddy
5, D Smith’s Lawersbridge Inferno by Smithston Elite

Charolais bulls born 1st January to 5th February
1, I Millar’s Lochend Jura, by Gretnahouse Archangel
2, Gilbert Crawford’s Coolnaslee Jenson, by Maerdy Fiend
3, R Milne’s Elgin Josh, by Caylers Gladiator
4, J Irvine’s Inverlochy Jupiter by Maerdy Eryr
5, J & M McMillan’s Dunesk Jack by Balthayock Empire

Charolais bulls born 3rd March to 10th May
1, J Wight and Sons’ Midlock Josh, by Kelton Trident
2, Andrew Hornall’s Falleninch Johnston, by Dereskit Fernando
3, J Irvine’s Ballindalloch Jackson, by Alwent Goldbar
4, G Crawford’s Coolnalee Jimbob by Maerdy Fiend

Charolais heifers born 10th January to 7th April
1, J Irvine’s Inverlochy Julianne, by Blelack Giggsey
2, Adrian Ivory’s Cardean Jealous, by Elgin Flagship
3, J Irvine’s Ballindalloch Jade, by Blelack Giggsey
4, Redhead & Watson’s Tweeddale Jemdeholly by Blelack Blackberet
5, Adrian Ivory’s Cardean Joules by Oldstone Egbert

Senior female champion: Gilbert Crawford’s Coolnaslee Ivette, by Maerdy Fiend

Teiglum Iona – Reserve Female Senior Champion

Reserve senior female: Clark Farms Teiglum Iona ET, by Goldies Eddie

Senior male champion: R Milne’s Elgin Isaac, by Caylers Gladiator
Reserve senior male: J Hodge’s Hodges Infinity, by Lowerffrydd Benhurr

Overall senior champion: R Milne’s Elgin Isaac, by Caylers Gladiator
Reserve overall champion: Gilbert Crawford’s Coolnaslee Ivette, by Maerdy Fiend

Junior female champion: J Irvine’s Inverlochy Julianne, by Blelack Giggsey
Reserve junior female: Adrian Ivory’s Cardean Jealous, by Elgin Flagship

Junior male champion: I Millar’s Lochend Jura, by Gretnahouse Archangel
Reserve junior male: J Wight and Sons’ Midlock Josh, by Kelton Trident

Overall junior champion: J Irvine’s Inverlochy Julianne, by Blelack Giggsey
Reserve overall junior: I Millar’s Lochend Jura, by Gretnahouse Archangel

Show Results
Judge: Mr R A Rees, Caeceinach, Pennal, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9LE

Overall Calf sired by a Charolais Bull – G Jones’ senior heifer Graiggoch Imogen

Senior Bull Calf born between 1st August 2013 and 31st December 2013
1st – Sportsmans Influence – Boden & Davies Ltd
2nd – Martland Isourman – J Wylde
3rd – Daually Icemanet ET – D Thornley & A Smith
4th – Newroddige Innovation – D & J Wyllie
5th – Daually Invader ET – D Thornley & A Smith

Junior Bull Calf born between 1st January 2014 and 30th June 2014
1st – Heatherden Jeeves – D Knox
2nd – Martland Jammy – J Wylde
3rd – Hockenhull Jimbeam – Nicholas & Heath
4th – Heatherden Jensen – D Knox

The following classes kindly sponsored by Norbrook Laboratories
Senior Heifer Calf born between 1st August 2013 and 31st December 2013
1st – Graiggoch Imogen – G Jones
2nd – Midas Iris – R Coppinger
3rd – Sportsmans Insatiable – Boden & Davies Ltd
4th – Shraden Ironlady – JM & SM Rowlands
5th – Hockenhull Izzy – Nicholas & Heath

Junior Heifer Calf born between 1st January 2014 and 30th June 2014
1st – Moulais Jasmine – AJ Mould
2nd – Drumshane Jadore – D Knox
3rd – Moulais Jamelia – AJ Mould

Champion bull calf sired by a Pedigree Charolais – Sportsmans Influence – Boden & Davies Ltd
Reserve Champion bull calf sired by a Pedigree Charolais – Martland Isourman – J Wylde

Champion heifer calf sired by a Pedigree Charolais bull – Graiggoch Imogen – G Jones
Reserve Champion heifer calf sired by a Pedigree Charolais bull – Midas Iris – R Coppinger

Overall calf sired by a Pedigree Charolais Bull – Graiggoch Imogen – G Jones
Reserve Overall calf sired by a Pedigree Charolais Bull – Sportsmans Influence – Boden & Davies Ltd

Reserve Overall Calf sired by a Charolais Bull – Boden & Davies Ltd’s Senior bull Sportsmans Influence

Alwyn Rees judging a line-up of Charolais bulls at the National Primestock Show

Chanpion Bull Bassett Icon

Jean Atkinson of the Bassett herd completes a hattrick of wins at the November Carlisle Charolais sales, bringing home the championship for three years running. This year’s champion Bassett Icon who achieved a respectable 6,000gns, like the former champions – Bassett Hallmark (5,200gns) and Bassett Genie (6,000gns) – is sired by Harestone Domino who was purchased by Mrs Atkinson from NR Barclay in 2009 for 10,000gns. Domino has proved very productive with over 100 progeny born on Mrs Atkinson’s holding.

Next in price was Harestone Imperator from R & N Barclay comes in a 5,200gns sired by Balthayock Aesop then S & R Thompson with Altnaveigh Istabraq a Cottage Devon son who sold to 4,900gns.

Ouston Farms had a good sale with Thrunton Florida sons Ravensworth Important and Ravensworth Indiana achieving 4,800gns and 4,700gns respectively.

Judith Hunter also acheived 4,700gns for Millbridge Iceman sired by the popular bull Thrunton Voldemort.

The un-haltered heifers sold well with Thrunton Hacienda from JHC Campbell and Sons topping the prices with 3,300gns. This Ugie Euros daughter is scanned in calf to Burradon Garibaldi.

18 bulls to an average of £4013. Top of 6000gns for the Champion Bassett Icon.

Full report to follow.

Show Results

Class One – Bulls on or born before 13/02/2013
1st – WHITECLIFFE HADRIAN – M & J Hayhurst
2nd – THRUNTON IVAN – JHC Campbell & Sons
3rd – LAVEROCK INKSPOT – W Richardson & Sons

Class Two – Bulls born on or between 03/03/2013 and 02/04/2013
1st – BASSETT ICON – Jean Atkinson
2nd – ARGLAM IVAN – PM & PM Rhodes
3rd – ARGLAM INDEPENDENT – PM & PM Rhodes

Class Three – Bulls born on or between 13/04/2013 and 24/04/2013
1st – WHITECLIFFE INCREDIBULL – M & J Hayhurst
2nd – GRETNAHOUSE IPAD – Gretna House Farms
3rd – BASSETT ILLUSION – Jean Atkinson

Class Four – Bulls born on or between 28/04/2013 and 22/05/2013
1st – RAMRAD IVAN – Douglas Morrow
2nd – EDENHURST ITHACUS – Peter W Vasey
3rd – LINDFORD INSPIRED – Alan Platt
4th – GRETNAHOUSE INTERVAL – Gretnahouse Farms
5th – RETTIES IRRESISTIBULL – R & C Rettie

Class Five – Bulls born on or after 26/05/2013
1st – MILLBRIDGE ICEMAN – Judith Hunter
2nd – RAVENSWORTH IMPORTANT – Ouston Farms Ltd
3rd – MARWOOD INVESTMENT – RA & J Blyth
4th – RAVENSWORTH INDIANA – Ouston Farms Ltd
5th – HARESTONE IMPERATOR – R & N Barclay

Class Six – Females
1st – CROOKDAKE ISABELLA – DA & SM Miller

Male Champion – BASSETT ICON – Jean Atkinson
Reserve Male Champion – RAMRAD IVAN – Douglas Morrow

Female Champion – CROOKDAKE ISABELLA – DA & SM Miller

Supreme Champion Candy Floss

Charolais sired cattle dominated the winning lines and secured the silverware at LiveScot, the Scottish National Fat Stock Club’s new winter event staged at Lawrie and Symington’s Lanark Agricultural Centre on Saturday November 29 2014.

The champion of champions title went to the supreme heifer, Candy Floss, a 12 month old Charolais cross by Billingley Siralex and tipping the scales at 604kg. She later went on to lead the trade at £3,000 to Chris Pennie, Llandyssil, Montgomery.

Candy Floss was bred and exhibited by Dermot and Gareth Small, Kilkeel, County Down who for 20 years have been making the trip over the water to Scottish club’s annual event before finally securing the silverware on Saturday. “Dreams have come true; we’re on cloud nine,” said Dermot.

Reserve Supreme Champion – Golden Charm

The reserve overall and steer championships went to Golden Charm, a year old Carradale Neptune son and weighing in at 626kg. Bred by David Henderson, Auchenrivoch, Banton, Charm was bought by Sheena Kennedy, Overton, Ayr in Caledonian Marts in September and turned out by son, Sean. Charm later sold for £1,900, to butcher H Cairns, Uddingston, Glasgow.

Show Results

Class 5 – Steer sired by a Charolais
1st – Golden Charm – Sean Kennedy
2nd – Mibbes Aye Mibbes Naw – R & R Reid & Ferguson
3rd – “Bo” Duke – Iain Lammie

Class 8a – Heifer sired by a Charolais
1st – Emerald Angel – S & L Bett & McKay
2nd – Penny Arcade – MacPherson & Currie
3rd – Silver Duchess – J & J Graham

Class 8b – Heifer sired by a Charolais
1st – Candy Floss – Dermot Small
2nd – Cotton Candy – Dermot Small
3rd – Golden Promise – Hyslop & Richardson

Overall Cattle Awards

C1 – Supreme Championship
Champion – Candy Floss – Dermot Small
Reserve Champion – Golden Charm – Sean Kennedy

C5 – Champion Heifer
Champion – Candy Floss – Dermot Small

C6 – Champion Steer
Champion – Golden Charm – Sean Kennedy

Commercial Calf Competition

Class 16B – Heifer born on or after 1st January 2014
3rd – Thistle Dhu (Charolais X) D.O.B. 02/04/2014 – R Marshall (Bred by WD Stephen)

Class 17B – Steer born on or after 1st January 2014
3rd – Krakatoa (Charolais X) D.O.B. 03/04/2014 – James Orr (Bred by RC Woodburn & Son)

Show Results

Charolais Heifer Section

1st – Mr BE Williams – April – 656kg
2nd -SI & LJ Evans – Little Chicken – 700kg
3rd – Mr John R Owen – Rhiana – 604kg

Charolais Steer Section

1st  – Mr Berwyn Hughes & Mr Geriant Jones – Goldenballs – 656kg
2nd – SI & LJ Evans – Noddy – 640kg
3rd – R & L Roberts – Top Notch – 650kg

Ashleigh Marshall with her Overall Rising Star Champion

Anna Robertson, Lower Inchcorsie, Rothiemay secured the overall Pedigree Bull Championship with her 21-month Charolais Inchcorsie Iceman which sold for the top price of 7,000gns to Leys Estate, Leys Castle, Inverness, it was sired by Barbican Lancer. The top price out-with champions was claimed by 22-month Charolais Craigieford Invincible from M. Bruce & Partners Ltd, Mains of Logie, Ellon which sold for 5,000gns to C. Addison & Sons of Chapelpark, Methlick.

In the Rising Star competition Ashleigh Marshall secured the Overall Rising Star Champion with her Charolais cross Heifer. The heifer was bred by W. D Stephen of Meikle Geddes, Nairn and purchased at the September Spectacular event at Thainstone and sired by Oldstone Egbert. The Young Farmers’ Champion was Mark Robertson of Easter Fodderletter, Tomintoul with a Charolais cross bred heifer bred by Ian Stewart, Reisgill, Lybster, Caithness.

Report and Picture courtesy of Aberdeen & Northern Marts.

Farming on a large scale in the North-east of Scotland, Philip Simmers has found that using Charolais bulls across his suckler herd, suits his grass-based system perfectly.

Philip Simmers with his sons Andrew and Reece

In partnership with his brother Simon, the Simmers – engineers by trade – run an extensive farming business across Aberdeenshire and Morayshire. Backmuir Trading Ltd comprises 2500 acres of cereals and a large suckler herd, with the beef operation based at Backmuir Farm, Keith.

Having tried various beef breeds over the years, they now predominately use Charolais bulls – of which they need 50 at any one time.

“With the Charolais calves, you get weight at a young age, and on the silage-based diet that we are feeding, there’s no way we would get the same return with any other breed,” explained Philip, who first began investing in land in the 1980s.

The Backmuir team now consists of two tractor men, five stockmen, plus Philip and his family and Simon and his family.

The beef system includes Sim-Luings, pure Luings, Limousins and Simmentals, plus the cross cows – all of which are run separately, for management purposes. The whole herd calves in the spring, with the Charolais calves all brought back to be wintered at Backmuir, from where they’re then sold as stores at between nine and 13-months-old through Thainstone Mart.

“We keep the calves in batches, so we know which calves are off of which bulls, and all of our cattle are electronically tagged, so that we can keep track of them at any time. The calves are all born between March and April and weaned by the beginning of November. They don’t receive any creep feed, just grass and milk from their mothers, then they go on to a silage-based diet with home-grown cereals,” said Philip.

In 2014, the bullock calves (weighing an average 448kg) levelled out at £1180, while the heifers, with an average weight of 418kg, made £1060.

“The Charolais calves are doing so well, that we’re currently making plans to finish them ourselves. We think we would only need to keep them for a few more months, and be finishing them at 16-17-months,” explained Philip.

Another change underway is the gradual switch to an entire Sim-Luing suckler herd. With the demand increasing for this hardy female, the Backmuir team are now running pure Luings with Simmental bulls, to breed their own replacements.

“We hope to eventually have all Sim-Luing cows, on a grass based system and going to the Charolais bull. They are big, strong cows, which calve really easily and keep their condition well, and put to the Charolais, they produce a very consistent, strong batch of calves.”

Philip is also particular about his choice of bulls, and because he needs so many at a time, if he sees one that suits him, he generally buys it.

“What I look for in a bull is the same as what I want to see in the calves – shape, length and good on their feet. I never buy on figures because I can see what I want just by looking at the bull, and if you buy the right type, you don’t get calving problems. I often buy breeders’ type bulls to put on the suckler herd, because I’ve found that it’s worth paying extra to get the right type of bull. That’s a really important part of our beef system, and it makes a huge difference to the calves,” he added.

Having now used Charolais bulls for around 30 years, Philip is confident that the breed has continued to improve, and finds he’s never short of choice at bull sales. However, he is wary of bulls being over-fed. “The worst thing is bulls that have been pushed so hard before a sale, that are then no use when you get them home. They need to be good on their feet, and that is less likely if they’ve been over-pushed. Our calves are doing 1.6-2kg per day on a silage-based diet – that is what Charolais are capable of, so there shouldn’t be any need for them to be over-fed.”

Smithfield Winter Festival Results

Commercial Classes

Heifer Sired by a Purebred Charolais Bull

1^st – S Betts & L McKay – Emerald Angel – 586kg 2^nd – MacPherson & Currie – Penny Arcade – 592kg 3^rd – Dermot Small – Cotton Candy – 618kg

Steer Sired by a Purebred Charolais Bull

1^st – Afron & Jones – Pepperello – 686kg 2^nd – Iain Lammie – Bo Duke – 562kg

Charolais Pedigree Classes

Class 96 – Bull calf born on or between 1^st September and 31^st December 2013

1^st – D & J Wyllie – Newroddige Innovation – Esgob Ferrari 2^nd – Brailes Livestock – Brailes Icecube ET – Corrie Alan 3^rd – R & C Rettie – Retties Itunes – Blelack Digger

Class 97 – Bull Calf born on or between 1^st January and 31^st March 2014

1^st – E Harrison & Son – Lakenheath Jason – Lakenheath Delboy 2^nd – E Harrison & Sons – Lakenheath Jake – Lakenheath Delboy 3^rd – J Rix – Wissington Jeeves – Thrunton Galaxy

Class 98 – Bull Calf born on or after 1^st April 2014

1^st – Darren Knox – Heatherden Jeeves – Rumsden Fawkes 2^nd – J Rix – Wissington Jasper – Thrunton Galaxy 3^rd – Darren Knox – Heatherden Jensen – Goldstar Echo

Class 99 – Heifer Calf born on or between 1^st September and 31^st December 2013

1^st – Hackleton Farms Ltd – Hackleton Indira ET – Elgin Davinci 2^nd – Brailes Livestock – Brailes Iceberg – Corrie Alan

Class 100 – Heifer Calf born on or between 1^st January and 31^st March 2014

1^st – J Rix – Wissington Jessica – Goldies Eddy 2^nd – Darren Knox – Drumshane Jadore – Culford Hector 3^rd – D & J Wyllie – Newroddige Jody – Balmyle Bollinger

Class 101 – Heifer Calf born on or after 1^st April 2014

1^st – J Rix – Wissington Julia – Thrunton Galaxy

Class 102 – Pair of Calves, owned and bred by exhibitor

1^st – J Rix Wissington Charolais

Charolais Calf Championship

Champion – D & J Wyllie – Newroddige Innovation – Esgob Ferrari Reserve Champion – Hackleton Farms Ltd – Hackleton Indira ET – Elgin Davinci

Junior Championship (calves born in 2014)

Champion – J Rix – Wissington Jessica – Goldies Eddy Reserve Champion – Darren Knox – Drumshane Jadore – Culford Hector

Interbreed Classes

Pedigree Calf Interbreed Championship

Champion – D & J Wyllie – Newroddige Innovation

Genetic improvement continues for calving ease and performance

British Charolais breeders are continuing to respond to commercial producers’ demands to deliver bulls that leave not only efficient high performance progeny but ones that are easier to calve, according to the herdbook’s annual Breedplan report published January 2015.

Charolais calving ease direct EBV has increased by 1.0% since 2007 when the breed society introduced the Breedplan genetic evaluation system, whilst the closely correlated gestation length EBV has reduced over the same period by 0.2 days. Furthermore, there has been a continual improvement for each performance trait. For example, 200 day and 400 day growth rates have increased by 3.7kg and 8.0kg respectively, eye muscle area by 0.5 cm²   and retail beef yield by 0.3%. See table 1.

Table 1: Charolais Breedplan trends 2007/14

Source: Breedplan

“Since the society implemented Breedplan, the system has enabledbreeders not only to continue to improve growth rate and carcase characteristics but also to tackle head on improving calving ease which was the flip side to some of the breed’s highest performing bulls,” says British Charolais Cattle Society chairman, Steve Nesbitt.

“The current genetic trends are a meaningful step forward towards fulfilling the society’s objective to supply the market with genetics that strike a balance between these key traits that are destined to make a significant contribution towards efficient profitable beef enterprises. We are confident that these trends will continue to gain momentum as more progeny come in to the system.”

Mr Nesbitt reports commercial producers are taking advantage of that accelerated genetic progress in their selection making decisions and rewarding breeders for their efforts. For example, at the breed society’s official sales in Stirling in February 2014, 81 bulls with a Terminal Index within the breed’s top 25% sold to average £7,188, while those in the bottom 25% levelled at £4,662. In addition, 31 bulls with a Calving Ease Direct EBV within the breed’s top 25% averaged £6,583 compared to those in the bottom 25% levelling at £5,640.”

He adds: “Look out for each bull’s accompanying Breedplan data – on line, in sale catalogues and on pen cards. We recommend this information is taken in to account along with its accuracy and a visual assessment of the animal before making a selection decision.”

The judge David Bothwell and the BCCS President Mervyn Parker congratulated Llyr Jones (right) with the champion bull Graiggoch Iceman and Arwel Owen with the reserve supreme champion bull Trefaldwyn Imense

There was a brisk trade for Charolais bulls at Welshpool on the 5^th February when 24 bulls sold to an average of £3618 and a top price of 6,800gns.

The sale topper was Davally Ivanhoe TI +50 SRI +51 from D Thornley and AJ Smith of Swadlingcote, Derbyshire, purchased for 6,800gns by GR Saunders, Bonvilson, South Glamorgan. This 17 month old Balthayock Longbow son is a full brother to both Davally Invincible who was also the top priced bull at the last Welshpool sale in November at 6,000gns and the 12,000gns Wesley Equinox.

Next, selling to MJ & DG Owen from Wells, Powys for 5,500gns came the supreme champion the 17 month old Major son Graiggoch Iceman exhibited by G Jones of Llanrwst, Conway. The judge David Bothwell from Co Fermanagh said “I selected him for his size and power. He is a structurally sound bull with the particular Charolais traits of growth and good conformation”.

Davally Ivanhoe sold for the top price of 6,800gns

The champion bull Graiggoch Iceman sold for 5,500gns

From the same vendor was the first prize winner Graiggoch Impressive sired by Maerdy Grimaldi, who was purchased for 5,000gns by M Hughes and GT Jones of Machynlleth, Powys.

Graiggoch Impressive sold for 5,000gns

Trefaldwyn Invictus TI +55 SRI +47 sold for 4,600gns to J Jenkins of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. This 18 month old Blelack Digger son came from RA Owen of Welshpool, Powys who additionally sold a Goldies Eddy son Trefaldwyn Icarus TI +40 SRI +36 for 4,000gns to BTR & R Gittins also from Welshpool.

The 4,600gns Trefaldwyn Invictus

Three bulls were purchased for 4,200gns. Mortimers Farms of Eastleigh, Hampshire was the first with Mortimers Illiad TI +41 SRI +35. This 22 month old Mortimers Vanquish son went to JE Williams and Sons, Craven Arms, Shropshire. Then the 12,000gns Goldies Elation son, 21 month old Wilesa Ivan TI +48 SRI +47 from W Owen and T Wilson sold to GL Williams of Brecon, Powys. Finally BS Jones of Brecon, Powys sold his class winner the 21 month old son of Elgin Fergal Bailea Ikeadotcom to DN Cook of Lutterworth, Leicestershire.

Mortimers Iiliad sold for 4,200gns

Also selling for 4,200gns was Wilesa Ivan

Another bull selling for 4,200gns was Bailea Ikeadotcom

Female Section

Charolais females sold as far afield as Northern Ireland and Cornwall. The 18 month old champion Midas Iris TI +37 SRI +43 sold for the top price of 5,000gns to T O’Neil of Claudy, Co Londonderry. Iris won the reserve female championship at the English National calf show last year for RH Coppinger of Wem, Shropshire and is sired by the 30,000gns Balmyle Bollinger.

Also selling well for AJ Mould of Penkridge, Staffordshire was his four and a half year old cow Wesley Fettle TI +56 SRI +54 and her calf at foot. The lot was split with the 10,000gns Balmyle Dingle daughter Fettle selling for 1,800gns to RJ Gregory & Son of Truro, Cornwall, while her 9 month old bull calf Moulais Judas, sired by the 25,000gns supreme Stirling champion Goldies Unbeatable was purchased by JA Williams of Caersws, Powys for 1,200gns.

Averages: 24 bulls £3,618.

Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales

Welsh Regional Chairman Wil Owen presented a cheque for £361 raised in a raffle at the Welsh Winter Fair to Llyn Hughes of the Welsh Air Ambulance

Show Results

Male & Supreme Champion
G Jones – Graiggoch Iceman ET

BCCS President Mervyn Parker congratulated Kevin Thomas on winning the Harman Award for the largest increase in the average self replacing index for his Moelfre Charolais herd in the Welsh Region

Reserve Male & Reserve Supreme Champion
RA Owen – Trefaldwyn Imense

Female Champion
RH Coppinger – Midas Iris ET

Reserve Female Champion
RH Coppinger – Midas Imogen

Class One – Bulls Born on or Between 16th February 2013 and 4th May 2013
1st – RT Roberts – Brynffanigl Ioan
2nd – Mortimers Farm – Mortimers Illiad
3rd – W Owen – Deunawd Ioan
4th – W Owen – Deunawd Iago
5th – B Harman – Chesham Ikuchi

Class Two – Bulls Born on or Between 5th May 2013 and 31st May 2013
1st – BS Jones – Bailea Ikeadotcom
2nd – W Owen & T Wilson – Wilesa Ivan
3rd – DE Evans – Maerdy Idnal
4th – WH Robinson & Son – Stockhill Imp
5th – BS Jones – Bailea Iceman

Class Three – Bulls Born on or Between 1st June 2013 and 1st July 2013
1st – RA Owen – Trefaldwyn Imense
2nd – DE Evans – Maerdy Income
3rd – C & R Currell – Solo Isaac
4th – DE Evans – Maerdy Ismael

Class Four – Bulls Born on or Between 2nd July 2013 and 26th August 2013
1st – EH Pennie & Son – Sarkley Isobar
2nd – KJ Thomas – Trefonnen Ivory
3rd – WF Palmer & Son – Trenestrall Inferno
4th – C & R Currell – Solo Ireland
5th – RE Dawson – Dawson Ivor

Class Five – Bulls Born on or Between 27th August 2013 and 19th September 2015
1st – G Jones – Graiggoch Iceman ET
2nd – D Thornley & AJ Smith – Davally Ivanhoe ET
3rd – RA Owen – Trefaldwyn Invictus
4th – JAW Rees – Hendy Inferno
5th – JS Howells – Gwenog Istabraq

Class Six – Bulls Born on or after 20th September 2013
1st – G Jones – Graiggoch Impressive ET
2nd – DE Evans – Maerdy Impasse
3rd – DE Evans – Maerdy Inspector
4th – BL Williams – Gwastod Investment

Class Seven – Females
1st – RH Coppinger – Midas Iris ET
2nd – RH Coppinger – Midas Imogen
3rd – RH Coppinger – Midas Influence ET
4th – AJ Mould – Moulais Jasmine

Stirling Charolais meet solid commercial demand

18,000gns top; £6,821 average; 15 lots at 10,000gns and over; 81% clearance

Charolais bulls met a flying trade driven throughout by the commercial sector in Stirling on Tuesday 17 February at the breed’s official spring sale. Bidding peaked at 18,000gns, 15 lots traded at five figure sums and 136 lots sold to average £6,821 and gross just over £1 million leaving Charolais to once again take the lead at the UK’s spring multi-beef breed sales. A further 10 bulls sold outside the ring later bringing the day’s clearance to 81%.

“Market demand has retained modern British Charolais’ position as the terminal sire of choice for the suckler sector,” commented society chairman, Steve Nesbitt, after the five hour stint. “Whilst our Council is encouraging breeders to select for ease of calving without sacrificing growth, producers are aware of their decisions to breed bulls that fit their unit’s strategy; they are leaving Charolais cross suckled calves which are consistently commanding premiums that will contribute towards bridging the income gap in the new CAP Reform era.

“Furthermore, Charolais is the only breed offering fully performance recorded bulls at both October and February Stirling sales whilst the society is carrying out herd checks to authenticate Breedplan data – in 2014 it made 134 visits. Both actions are subsequently providing that extra confidence to bull buyers.”

Sale leader at 18,000gns was Clyth Indestructable TI +51, SRI +52, an 18 month old by Goldies Eddy and out of a homebred heifer going back to Dingle Hofmeister. Bred and exhibited by Ron Mackay, Lybster, Caithness, this first class prize winner was knocked down sold to join Billy Turner’s Brampton herd at Skelton-on-Ure, Ripon.

Clyth Indestructable Sale Leader at 18,000gns

Two lots shared a 16,000gns bid. First to go was the 20 month old Burradon Insomniac TI +51, SRI +52, by 12,000gns Gwenog Banjo from Chris Curry, Thropton, Morpeth to John and James Jeffrey, Kersknowe, Kelso. Minutes later, the same breeder offered Burradon Impresario TI +68, SRI +68, a 20 month old Puntabrava Frederico son for 8,000gns to J and M MacDonald, Dunbeath, Caithness.

Burradon Insomniac at 16,000gns

Mr Curry invested a portion of his takings when he teamed up later with fellow Northumberland breeders, the Campbell family, Thrunton, Alnwick and paid 14,000gns in a two way split for the junior champion, Blelack Imperialist TI +46 SRI +49, a 17 month old by the homebred Blelack Forbes from father and son team, Neil and Graeme Massie, Dinnet, Aboyne. The Massies continued their success with Blelack Digger sons; Blelack Impressive TI +89, SRI +78, a 17 month old made 10,000gns to JS Fraser, Tore, Muir of Ord whilst the same age class winner, Blelack Investment TI +75, SRI +74 was knocked down sold for 9,500gns to James Robertson, Freuchie, Cupar.

Blelack Imperialist at 14,000gns

Blelack Impressive at 10,000gns

Blelack Investment sold for 9,500gns

The day’s second 16,000gns call was made by D and R Durno and Sons, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch for Burnside Indian TI +32, SRI +33, a 19 month old by the 18,000gns Clyth Diplomat from father and son team, Brian and William McAllister, Kells, Ballymena.

Burnside Indian at 16,000gns

Two entries went to 12,000gns each. Alsnow Imperial TI +39, SRI +45, a 21 month old Puntabrava Federico son from Alan Lawson and Son, Hallington, Newcastle changed hands with RB Millar, Tealing, Dundee.

Alsnow Imperial at 12,000gns

The second 12,000gns bid was made by Jock Wilson and Sons, Glenkindie, Alford for Goldies Ivan TI +49, SRI +50 from Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfries. A 19 month old by the 12,000gns Blelack Edition, he was out of a homebred dam going back to Dingle Hofmeister. Twenty four hours earlier, Ivan had been tapped out by judge, Michael Massie as the intermediate and overall supreme champion. “He was a big, long stylish bull with a lot of breed character,” he said.

Goldies Ivan the Supreme Champion at 12,000gns

Goldies Idole at 9,000gns

Goldies Icon at 10,000gns

Mr Goldie’s success didn’t stop there. He sold his entire string of nine bulls to average £8,400 and it was Goldies Uppermost sons that were in demand. They included at 10,000gns the reserve junior champion, Goldies Icon TI +47, SRI +44, an 18 month old to JA Connolly, Ballynahinch, County Down. Two more Uppermost sons made 9,000gns each. First to go was the 18 month old Goldies Idole TI +74, SRI +66 to GW Woolhouse and Son, Ravensfield, Rotherham. A second 9,000gns bid was made by A Sharp and Sons, Tough, Alford for 16 month old Goldies Impress TI +72, SRI +66, whilst the same age Goldies Iconic TI +53, SRI +54 made 8,000gns to A and R Paton, Avonbridge, Falkirk.

Balthayock Imperial the Senior Champion at 11,000gns

Senior champion, the 21 month old Balthayock Imperial TI +64, SRI +56 commanded an 11,000gns bid from George Wordie, Glass, Huntly from father and son team, David and Nick Walter, Balthayock, Perth. Sired by the 22,000gns Blelack Forester, himself a senior champion, he was out of a homebred dam going back to Balthayock Adonis.

Balthayock Ignatius at 10,000gns

Balthayock Impulse at 9,000gns

The Walters sold their five entries for an average nudging on £9,000. Next best were two bulls by the 8,000gns Ugie Echo. At 10,000gns the 21 month old Balthayock Ignatius TI +54, SRI +58 went to David and Louise Barker, Nuthampstead, Royston. Minutes later Balthayock Impulse TI +60, SRI +60, a 20 month old made 9,000gns to B Keir and Son, Alford, Aberdeen.

Gretnahouse Ivor at 11,000gns

Gretnahouse Intouch at 9,500gns

A bid of 11,000gns secured the first class prize winner, Gretnahouse Ivor TI +52, SRI +67 for H MacDonald, Advie, Morayshire. Bred and exhibited by Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green, this 21 month old was by the 12,000gns Wesley Equinox. The same breeder offered the catalogue’s highest recorded entry, Gretnahouse Intouch TI +92, SRI +78, a 20 month old Balthayock Adonis son at 9,500gns to RC Woodburn and Son, Galashiels, Selkirk.

Harestone Ingot at 11,000gns

Harestone Inverness at 10,000gns

Harestone Imran Reserve Champion at 8,200gns

Neil Barclay, Crathes, Banchory was another breeder selling to average close on £9,000 for six lots to come under the hammer and it was sons of the 25,000gns Stirling overall reserve champion, Inverlochy Ferdi who were in demand. Leader at 11,000gns was Harestone Ingot TI+45 SRI +48, a 20 month old selling to Jim Warnock, Broughton, Biggar. Minutes later, the same age Harestone Inverness TI +26, SRI +25 was knocked down sold for 10,000gns to JA Cruickshank, Longmorn, Elgin, whilst the next lot in the ring, Harestone Imran TI +59, SRI +43, another 20 month old by Ferdie commanded an 8,200gns bid from J and D Young, Girvan, Ayr. The previous day, Imran took the reserve intermediate championship and went on to be placed in overall reserve supreme position. “Imran has a fantastic carcase, he is full of muscle and power,” said judge, Michael Massie.

Elgin Isaac at 11,000gns

The day’s final five figure call of 11,000gns went to Elgin Isaac TI +38, SRI +37, a 16 month old class winner from the Milne family, Lhanbryde, Elgin. Sired by the 30,000gns Balmyle Bollinger, he went home with CA Smith, Tarland, Aboyne.

Allanfauld Iceberg at 10,500gns

Next at 10,500gns was the class winner, Allanfauld Iceberg TI +53, SRI +51, a 19 month old Woodpark Eglin son from Archie MacGregor, Kilsyth, Glasgow to T and H MacKellar, Dallas, Forres.

Dundas Ivor at 9,000gns

A bid of 9,000gns secured Westcarse Iceberg TI +54, SRI +52 for Mitchell Farms, Douglas, Lanark. This 17 month old bred and exhibited by John Christie was by the 10,000gns Mortimers Echo. Another 9,000gns price tag went to Dundas Ivor TI +58, SRI +48, a 21 month old by the 8,000gns Elgin Emperor from Jessie Gilchrist, Crawford, Biggar to James Herdman, Edlingham, Alnwick.

Thrunton Invader at 9,000gns

Thrunton Illustrious at 9,000gns

Two entries by the 26,000gns Balmyle Dickler from the Campbell family, Alnwick were sold for 9,000gns each. First to go was the 20 month old Thrunton Invader TI +59, SRI +53 to T Howden and Sons, Balerno, Midlothian whilst Thrunton Illustrious TI +49, SRI +38 went home with H Wilson, Turnberry, Girvan. The Campbell’s next best at 8,500gns was Thrunton Irelander TI +61, SRI +47, a 17 month old by Dickler to WJ Lewis and Son, Merthyr Cynog, Brecon.

Females

Goldies Happy the Female Champion at 4,000gns

Females met a strong demand selling to 4,000gns for the champion, Goldies Happy TI +42, SRI +42, a 15 month old Blelack Edition daughter from Hamish Goldie. The buyer was O Kerrigan and J Conn, Northern Ireland. Hamish Goldie mirrored his success of earlier in the day with his string of six entries leading the female trade to average £3,570. Next at 3,800gns was the reserve female champion, Goldies Havanna TI +22, SRI +19, a 17 month old Edition daughter to A Wright, Girvan, Ayr, whilst two entries were bid to 3,000gns each. First to go was Goldies Haie TI +29, SRI +35, a 16 month old Blelack Blackberet daughter to RL Riddle and Son, Bellingham, Hexham whilst Goldies Isla TI +26, SRI +27, an in calf two year old by Edition went home with Ritch Gordon Street.

John Christie, Stirling offered his two year old Mortimers Echo sired Westcarse Iola TI +38, SRI +39 for 3,500gns to Cornish breeders, David and Bernadette Stacy, St Austell whilst heading a draft at 3,800gns from Jack Nicoll Farms, Alyth, Blairgowrie was the last entry in the ring, Mornity Ibetha TI +37, SRI +24, a rising two year old Blelack Challenger daughter to Messrs Taylor, Orkney.

Averages: 136 bulls £6,821; 10 females £3,118.50. Mornity: five females £2,362.50.

Auctioneers: United Auctions

Group of Three

Show Results

Supreme Male Champion
H Goldie – Goldies Ivan
Reserve Supreme Male Champion
NR Barclay – Harestone Imran

Senior Male Champion
DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Imperial
Reserve Senior Male Champion
RA Milne & Son – Elgin Ivanhoe

Intermediate Male Champion
H Goldie – Goldies Ivan
Reserve Intermediate Male Champion
NR Barclay – Harestone Imran

Junior Male Champion
NF Massie – Blelack Imperalist
Reserve Male Champion
H Goldie – Goldies Icon

Female Champion
H Goldie – Goldies Happy
Reserve Female Champion
H Goldie – Goldies Havanna

Group of Three
1st – NR Barclay – Harestone – all sired by Inverlochy Ferdie
2nd – H Goldie – Goldies – all sired by Blelack Edition

Intermediate Champions

Senior Champions

A Great Line up of Heifers

SENIOR BULL CLASSES

Class One – Bulls born on or between 4 March and 13 April 2013
1st – RA Milne & Son – Elgin Ivanhoe
2nd – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Income
3rd – NR Barclay – Harestone Iceman
4th – NR Barclay – Harestone Islander
5th – Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Inflential

Class Two – Bulls born on or between 14 & 16 April 2013
1st – R Irvine & FG Lawson – Ballindalloch Index
2nd – RA Milne & Son – Elgin Icarus
3rd – WK & P Drysdale – Glenericht Iggy
4th – DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Igor
5th – J Jeffrey – Kersknowe Ideal

Class Three – Bulls born on or between 27 April & 6 May 2013
1st – DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Intrepid
2nd – RDA Morrow – Ramrad Ivan
3rd – I & D Goldie – Solwayfirth Ironman
4th – CJ Wight – Carwood Islander
5th – CJ Wight – Carwood Ideal

Class Four – Bulls born on or between 7 & 14 May 2013
1st – DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Imperial
2nd – NF Massie – Blelack Ingram
3rd – S & D Bothwell – Killadeas Ivor
4th – Messrs Curry – Burradon Impulsive
5th – I & D Goldie – Solwayfirth Isacc

Class Five – Bulls born on or between 15 & 20 May 2013
1st – AG Houston – Gretnahouse Ivor
2nd – NR Barclay – Harestone Impresario
3rd – JT Wilson – Clola Introduction ET
4th – AR Lawson & Son – Alsnow Imperial
5th – JT Wilson – Clola Interpol ET

Class Six – Bulls born on or between 21 May & 1 June 2013
1st – NF Massie – Blelack Iceberg
2nd – NF Massie – Blelack Imperial
3rd – DM Lyle – Loganbar Iceman
4th – DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Ignatius
5th – JM Gilchrist – Dundas Ivor

INTERMEDIATE BULL CLASSES

Class Seven – Bulls born on or between 2 & 13 June 2013
1st – PW Vasey – Edenhurst Illinois
2nd – A Ivory – Cardean Iceman
3rd – Jack Nicoll Farms Ltd – Mornity Inspire
4th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Invergary
5th – Mortimers Farm Ltd – Mortimers Ikram

Class Eight – Bulls born on or between 14 & 21 June 2013
1st – NR Barclay – Harestone Ingot
2nd – Messrs Curry – Burradon Insomniac
3rd – AG Houston – Gretnahouse Intouch ET
4th – Messrs Curry – Burradon Impresario
5th – WR Baillie – Baillieston Immortal

Class Nine – Bulls born on or between 22 & 25 June 2013
1st – NR Barclay – Harestone Imran
2nd – AG Houston – Gretnahouse Italian ET
3rd – Newroddige Charolais – Newroddige Inverness
4th – DE Evans – Maerdy Iean
5th – DE Evans – Maerdy Islander

Class Ten – Bulls born on or between 26 June & 9 July 2013
1st – H Goldie – Goldies Ivan
2nd – B McAllister & Son – Burnside Indian
3rd – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Invader
4th – T Phair – Brogher Input
5th – JA & MF McMillan – Dunesk Icon

Class Eleven – Bulls born on or between 10 & 31 July 2013
1st – MacGregor (Allanfauld) Ltd – Allanfauld Iceberg
2nd – H Goldie – Goldies Ivor
3rd – AR Lawson & Son – Alsnow Invincible
4th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Illustrious
5th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Inverness

Class Twelve – Bulls born on or between 1 & 15 August 2013
1st – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton International
2nd – DM Lyle – Loganbar Icecold
3rd – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Innes
4th – H Goldie – Goldies Ian
5th – Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Inspired

JUNIOR BULLS

Class Thirteen – Bulls born on or between 16 & 25 August 2013
1st – H Goldie – Goldies Icon
2nd – S & D Bothwell – Killadeas Ireland
3rd – H Goldie – Goldies Idole
4th – JH Wilson & Son – Ballinlare Indepence
5th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Impressario

Class Fourteen – Bulls born on or between 26 August & 4 September 2013
1st – R MacKay – Clyth Indestructable
2nd – RA Milne & Son – Glenlivet Independent
3rd – NF Massie – Blelack Impressive
4th – RS McAskie – Strathisla Icon
5th – DE Evans – Maerdy Isacson

Class Fifteen – Bulls born on or between 5 & 13 September 2013
1st – KC Veitch – Drumlone Inspector
2nd – NF Massie – Blelack Invader
3rd – JH Christie & Son – Westcarse Iceman
4th – J Jeffrey – Kersknowe Institute
5th – Brailes Livestock – Brailes Icecube ET

Class Sixteen – Bulls born on or between 17 & 22 September 2013
1st – NF Massie – Blelack Investment
2nd – DE Evans – Maerdy Import
3rd – JH Christie & Son – Westcarse Iceberg
4th – PW Vasey – Edenhurst Idealist
5th – C Smeaton & Sons – Bombax Inverarity

Class Seventeen – Bulls born on or between 23 September & 20 October 2013
1st – NF Massie – Blelack Imperialist
2nd – GJ Crawford – Coolnaslee Invincible
3rd – M McGahan – Chunal Impeccable
4th – B Finnegan – Battleford Indiana
5th – J Wylde – Martland Isourman

Class Eighteen – Bulls born on or after 21 October 2013
1st – RA Milne & Son – Elgin Isaac
2nd – O’Kane Bros – Ovill Instant ET
3rd – H Goldie – Goldies Iconic
4th – H Goldie – Goldies Inglebert
5th – H Goldie – Goldies Impress ET

FEMALES

Class Nineteen – Heifers born on or between 14 May 2012 & 16 January 2013
1st – H Goldie – Goldies Happy
2nd – H Goldie – Goldies Havanna
3rd – H Goldie – Goldies Haie

Class Twenty – Heifers born on or after 17 January 2013
1st – B Finnegan – Battleford Inspiration
2nd – JH Christie – Westcarse Iola
3rd – H Goldie – Goldies Isla
4th – J & E Wight – Midshield Indigo ET

Caldwell and Desmond McAskie’s County Tyrone based Mountjoy Charolais herd has been recognised with the Harman Charolais Genetic Improvement Award 2015 for making the greatest genetic progress 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 2013, and recorded over the 2013/2014 recording years. During that period, the 12 cow Mountjoy herd SRI increased by +21.1 to an average SRI +48.5.

The winning members in England are David and Bernadette Stacey, St Austell, Cornwall (Polgoda) with a 12 month SRI improvement of +18.6 to +42.6; Scotland: W and P Drysdale, Blairgowrie, Perthshire (Glenericht) +11.8 to +45.7; Wales: Kevin Thomas, Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire (Moelfre) +11.1 to +34.8.

Ben Harman commented: “The winners of this year’s awards have embraced the demand from our customers – suckled calf producers, for cattle that the Breedplan tool kit enables us to identify. These fully recorded members are breeding bulls which deliver progeny that are easier to calve yet retain unbeatable growth potential – the breed’s hallmark trait sought after by the finishers who are receiving their just rewards for Charolais cross cattle.”

“Our herd was commended for making the greatest genetic progress in Northern Ireland a couple of years ago which kick started us in to bringing a bigger focus to using Breedplan data as an additional selection tool. It coincided with commercial suckler men starting to pay attention to figures when buying a bull, particularly for ease of calving. 

“We went for Blelack Digger, who is in the breed’s top 1% EBVs for both calving ease and growth. We used him right across the herd and also for some ET work. And the result – he’s definitely passed these traits on to his progeny. We’ve got some quality sons, they’ve got shape and scan well, while we’ve a great batch of Digger daughters coming in to the herd which have both growth and shape, and the potential to calve easily. That’s what modern British Charolais is all about.”

Desmond McAskie, Mountjoy herd pictured with Ben Harman and Mervyn Parker

“I believe that if we breed quality females, then the bulls will follow. Consequently we select our sires very carefully to match specific females. First and foremost they have to come from strong female lines by using a mix of older and newer sires. Then we use EBVs as a backup tool, in particular for the muscle area and growth rate traits; the combination of both criteria is enabling us to start to reap the benefits both in the show and sale ring. In fact we were one of only a couple of herds in Scotland to achieve a maximum five star rating with Completeness of Performance, the new rating system which reflects how much data has been submitted by the herd to Breedplan. While the herd is relatively young, it has made a lot of progress in a short space of time and we hope this will continue.”

Allen Drysdale, Glenericht herd  pictured with Ben Harman and Mervyn Parker

“We’ve noted that commercial suckler producers are looking for bulls that not only have the looks but also high Estimated Breeding Values. Consequently, nowadays we’re not just using our eyes and going for size and correctness when we select a new herd sire, but we’re also using Breedplan data. Our current herd sire Balbithan Eria, who is within the breed’s top 5%, is doing a great job leaving progeny that are easy calving and with good growth rates. Receiving this award makes our hard work seem really worthwhile.”

Bernadette Stacey, Polgoda herd pictured with Ben Harman and Mervyn Parker

Kevin Thomas winner of the Welsh Region pictured with Mervyn Parker and Ben Harman

Show Results

Supreme Champion
Mr RS McAskie – Strathisla Icon

Reserve Supreme Champion
Mr NF Massie, OBE – Blelack Immortal

Class One – Bulls born after 10th March and before the 17 May 2013

1st – Mr NF Massie, OBE – Blelack Immortal
2nd – Mr J McIrvine – Ravensworth Istar
3rd – Mr RA Milne – Elgin Iggy

Class Two – Bulls born on or after 17 May and before 9 June 2013

1st – JA Wilson & Sons – Kinclune Irwin
2nd – Mr MJ Massie – Elrick Independant
3rd – JA Wilson & Sons – Kinclune Idol

Class Three – Bulls born on or after 9 June 2013

1st – Mr RS McAskie – Strathisla Icon
2nd – Mr MJ Massie – Elrick Illation
3rd – JA Wilson & Sons – Kinclune Ivanhoe