The regional qualifiers began on Saturday 11th April with a trip to Afflington Manor Farm at Corfe Castle for the South West Region, by kind invitation of Andrew & Beth White and regional co-ordinator Jane Haw and her team. Congratulations to the winners who will go forward to the National Final at the NEC’s Livestock Event on 9th July.
Viv Field Intermediate Runner Up
Tom Mitchell Junior Runner Up
Nikki Stacey Junior Winner
Jake Smith Intermediate Winner
Ben Barbour Senior Winner
Charolais Team Will Tucker, Anwen Jones & Donald Maclean achieve 4th place at the National Young Show Stars Competition
The Charolais team did the Society proud by being placed fourth in the inaugural National Young Show Stars Competition which was held at the Three Counties Showground on 1 and 2 April.
The team comprised Will Tucker of Horton, Swansea, Anwen Jones from Pencader, Carmarthenshire and Donald Maclean of Eastleigh Hampshire.
The competitors and cattle arrived on the Wednesday afternoon and the first order of business was for them to build and arrange the stand with materials that they had prepared in advance, this included a thank you to the sponsors, fun quiz, a beautiful flower display and some delicious cupcakes.
Once the stand was prepared and the cattle settled it was time for the stock judging competition. Anwen and the other reason givers had first opportunity to view the cattle which were to be judged in a slightly different way from conventional competition. There were six cattle and the competitors had to discard two and place only the best four. Will and Donald had a chance to see the cattle close up along with the other competitors whilst Anwen gave her reasons. When all the scores had been handed in and the reasons had been heard the judge Hertfordshire-based Bridget Borlase of the Sacombe Simmental herd explained how and why she had placed the cattle. The teams returned to check their cattle before the evening’s entertainment commenced which included a hog roast and disco.
First thing Thursday morning the Charolais team got to work preparing the two heifers which were kindly supplied by Mortimers Farms Ltd. Their clipping and presentation techniques were judged by Stockport-based Nairn Wyllie, stockman for Boden and Davies Charolais and Limousin Sportsmans herd and Robert Clarke, stock manager for Shadwell Estate’s Aberdeen-Angus herd, Suffolk. The team scored top marks in this section of the competition.
After being allowed four hours to prepare their cattle there was a short break for lunch before they began their final preparations for the show ring. Anwen and Donald led the heifers and Will was interviewed. The Charolais team scored highly for their parading, ring etiquette and oral presentation skills which were also judged by Bridget Borlase.
Four groups were judged in the ring before all twenty teams were called back with their cattle for the final presentation. The Charolais team were placed fourth with a score of 844 out of a possible 1000 which was an impressive result when considering they were only 29 points short of the competition winners.
The Society would like to thank Will, Anwen and Donald for all their efforts and the impeccable way that they represented the Society at the competition, Mortimers Farms Ltd for providing two excellent heifers and Charlie Maclean for accompanying the cattle and supporting the team. We are already planning for next year’s competition.
The Charolais Society is pleased to announce our inaugural Youth Weekend, which will take place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on Friday 7th – Sunday 9th August 2015.
Everyone will be welcome to attend, as it will incorporate demonstrations, workshops and talks on nutrition, showmanship, animal husbandry and more, which will be held alongside the cattle presentation competition, stockjudging competition and social evenings.
Charolais Youth co-ordinator, Sue Stenner commented: “We are pleased to host our first ever Charolais Youth weekend which is open to all young people who would like to know more about best management practice as well as honing their showing skills, and also have a great social time.”
Bookings close on Friday 31st July 2015. Booking Form
Competition Information
Cattle Presentation Competition – Saturday
Open to teams of two, competitors aged between 15 and 26 (born on or between 9/08/1988 and 8/08/2000).
Teams will be allowed three hours to wash, dry, clip and groom an animal ready for showing.
Animals will be inspected by the Judges prior to the preparation and they will observe throughout the preparation time, where they will be assessing team work and preparation skills and may ask questions of the team members. Once the time has elapsed, competitors will parade their animal, demonstrating their show-ring and presentation skills.
Competitors will not be allowed outside assistance other than given by the competition stewards at their discretion.
Competitors will be expected to dress in shirt, tie and white coat when presenting their cattle in the show ring.
All competitors must follow the instructions of the judges and stewards, and their decisions will be final.
Competitors will provide their own animals which must be Charolais steers or heifers under 20 months of age and suitably trained to cope with the public environment and handling. The cattle do not have to be the property of team members, but must be under the sole responsibility of the team for the duration of the competition. They must not be trimmed prior to the event but may arrive in a cleaned-up state.
Competitors must also provide feed and equipment and straw (all electrical equipment should have been inspected for safety prior to the event), a power source will be available.
A maximum of 500 points may be awarded and will be made up of the following:
Cattle preparation 150
Cattle presentation 150
Parading and ring etiquette 100
Stock judging Competition – Sunday
Open to all – Age Categories:
Junior: aged 8 to 14 (born on or between 10/08/2000 and 09/08/2007)
Intermediate: aged 15 to 18 (born on or between 10/08/1996 and 09/08/2000)
Senior: aged 19 to 26 (born on or between 10/08/1988 and 09/08/1996)
Open class: anyone outside the afore mentioned age groups
Each Entrant will be required to judge two or three classes of 4 animals. The classes will probably be as follows: Yearling Bulls, Maiden Heifers and Senior Heifers.
Reasons will be given by all intermediate and senior competitors.
The Master Judge will judge the cattle at the same time as the competitors. Any competitor who approaches them or attempts to compromise his results in any way will be disqualified from the competition.
At the end of the time allowed for judging each class (approx. 10-15 minutes), all competitors must hand in their cards immediately to the organiser.
Competitors are requested to co-operate fully with the organiser who is responsible for the smooth running of the event and to refrain from discussion of the animals at any time during the judging and between classes.
Whilst in the ring, competitors must approach the cattle, full instructions will be given on the day.
External coaching of competitors during the competition will result in the competitor being disqualified from the competition.
No talking between competitors while or between the classes being judged, any competitor doing so will be disqualified from the competition.
Please complete your judging card clearly; making sure that it has your name and age. Use the appropriate card for each class, colour coordinated to the animal identification letters.
No dress code
Competitors will be awarded a maximum of 50 points per class and a maximum of 50 points for reasons.
Costs
The full weekend price includes a camping pitch for up to four people for two nights, all meals & cattle housing.
1 Person Camping £60.00
2 People Camping (sharing a pitch) £85.00
3 People Camping (sharing a pitch) £110.00
4 People Camping (sharing a pitch) £135.00
One night (either Friday or Saturday night), includes camping, cattle housing and camping pitch for up to four people.
1 Person Camping £35.00
2 People Camping (sharing a pitch) £50.00
3 People Camping (sharing a pitch) £65.00
4 People Camping (sharing a pitch) £80.00
Hotel accommodation is also available at the nearby Ramada Hotel
The full weekend price includes a hotel room for two nights (max two per room), all meals (breakfast at the hotel, and other meals at the event) & cattle housing (transport costs to and from the hotel are not included).
1 Person in Hotel £125.00
2 People in Hotel £150.00
3 People in Hotel (2 Rooms) £275.00
4 People in Hotel (2 Rooms) £300.00
One night (either Friday or Saturday night), includes hotel room (max two per room), all meals (breakfast at the hotel, and other meals at the event) & cattle housing (transport costs to and from the hotel are not included).
1 Person in Hotel £65.00
2 People in Hotel £80.00
3 People in Hotel (2 Rooms) £145.00
4 People in Hotel (2 Rooms) £160.00
Alternatively just come for the day (price per person)
Option 1 Saturday (Lunch & Evening Meal) £10.00
Option 2 Saturday Lunch £4.00
Option 3 Saturday Evening Meal £6.00
Option 4 Sunday Only (Lunch Only) £4.00
Getting to and from Stoneleigh Park (travel costs are not included with your booking)
If you are traveling by car the postcode for the sat nav is CV8 2RG.
The nearest airport is Birmingham International (approximate taxi cost each way £40.00).
There are two nearby train stations at Coventry and Leamington (approximate taxi cost each way £20.00).
Approximate Itinerary
Friday
Arrival at Stoneleigh Park (through the main entrance) from 3pm
7pm Evening Meal
Saturday
8am Cattle preparation
9am Breakfast
10am Cattle preparation
12pm Cattle parade
1pm Lunch
2pm Demonstrations and presentations
6:30pm Evening Meal
7:30pm Prize presentations and talks from the Judges
8:30pm Quiz
Sunday
9am Breakfast
10am Stock judging competition
12:30pm Lunch & Presentations
2pm Depart
Rugby Farmers Mart has kindly agreed to the use of the market facilities for animal housing, animal preparation & showing.
Menu
Friday
Evening – Pork Batches with stuffing and apple sauce, Salad, Pasta Salad, Potato Salad, Coleslaw. Gateaux. Drinks.
Saturday
Breakfast – Pastries, Toast, Cereal, Fruit, Yogurt, Tea/Coffee and Fruit Juice.
Lunch – Sandwiches, Crisps, Snacks, Fruit, Cake & Soft Drinks and Tea and Coffee.
Evening BBQ – Sausage & Burger Batches, Salad, Pasta Salad, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Gateaux, Soft Drinks and Tea and Coffee.
Snacks and hot & cold drinks will available throughout the day.
Sunday
Breakfast – Pastries, Toast, Cereal, Fruit, Yogurt, Tea/Coffee and Fruit Juice.
Lunch – Sandwiches, Crisps, Snacks, Fruit, Cake & Soft Drinks and Tea and Coffee.
Snacks and hot & cold drinks will available throughout the day.
Please note that due to licensing laws alcohol cannot be provided by the Society, and there will be a zero tolerance policy regarding underage drinking.
Thank you to all sponsors of the National Charolais Show Main Sponsors – Weatherbys, Melton Mowbray Market Class sponsors – Caltech, Cogent, Farmers Guardian, Field Farm Tours, Galloway & McLeod, Genus, Harrison & Hetherington Ltd, Kivells, Lodders, Rugby Farmers Mart Ltd, Rumenco, United Auctions Ltd, Welshpool Livestock Sales
Male Champion Mr W Owen – Deunawd Jeff – s. Allanfauld Chieftain Reserve Male Champion Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Juggernaut – s. Goldies Eddy
Female Champion Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie Reserve Female Champion Hackleton Farms Ltd – Hackleton Indira ET – s. Elgin Davinci
Supreme Champion Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie Reserve Supreme Champion Mr W Owen – Deunawd Jeff – s. Allanfauld Chieftain
Pairs 1st – Hackleton Farms 2nd – R Tremayne
Left to right: BCCS Chairman Steve Nesbitt, Teresa Wilson, Wil Owen with the champion bull Deunawd Jeff, judge Brian McAllister, Natasha Beech, Jane Haw with the supreme champion Balbithan Iona, Julie Brooks and Melton Mowbray Market Sponsor Tom Greenow
Balbithan Iona the Supreme and Female Champion
Tom Greenow congratulated Jane Haw and her championship success with Balbithan Iona
Hackleton Indira the reserve female champion
Deunawd Jeff the male and reserve supreme champion
Sportsmans Juggernaut the reserve male champion
Tom Wrench from Rugby Farmers Market presented the first prize award for the best pair owned and bred by exhibitor to Hackleton Farms. Neil Brown presented Hackleton Indira and his daughter Jax is at the halter with Hackleton Idris
Female Born on or between 01.01.2013 & 31.03.2013 1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie 2nd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Infanta ET – s. Barnsford Ferny 3rd – Mrs A Orr-Ewing – Foxacre Inathe – s. Wesley Forceful
Class 1 – Scott Donaldson from Harrison & Hetherington Ltd congratulated Jane Haw and Balbithan Iona
Female Born on or between 01.04.2013 & 31.08.2013 1st – Newroddige Charolais – Newroddige Inchantress – s. Esgob Ferarri 2nd – Anthony J Mould – Goldies Issadora – s. Goldies Formidable 3rd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Alsnow Isla – s. Goldies Eddy
Class 2 – Gareth Scott from Cogent sponsored a class won by Newroddige Inchantress shown by Danny Wyllie
Female Born on or between 01.09.2013 & 31.12.2013 1st – Hackleton Farms Ltd – Hackleton Indira ET – s. Elgin Davinci 2nd – Mr R Tremayne – Marne Insignia – s. Rumsden Fawkes 3rd – Mortimers Farm Ltd – Mortimers Innocence – s. Seawell Offshore
Class 3 – Jocelyn Orr from Genus presented the prizes to Neil Brown and Hackleton Indira
Female Born on or between 01.01.2014 & 31.01.2014 1st – Mr R Tremayne – Marne Jojo – s. Lochend Apache 2nd – Mrs J Rix – Wissington Jessica – s. Goldies Eddy 3rd – Anthony J Mould – Moulais Jamelia – s. Lochend Apache
Class 4 – Frankie Baines from Field Farm Tours congratulated Michelle Hanson on her success with Marne Jojo
Female Born on or between 01.02.2014 & 30.04.2014 1st – Newroddige Charolais – Newroddige Jody – s. Balmyle Bollinger 2nd – Mr DH Knox – Drumshane Jadore – s. Culford Hector 3rd – Mrs J Rix – Wissington Jemma – s. Thrunton Galaxy
Class 5 – Kivells auctioneer Mark Davies presented Roma Wyllie with a red ticket on winning a class with Newroddige Jody
Female Born on or between 01.05.2014 & 22.07.2014 1st – BA & PT Heath – Sackville Joiedevie ET – s. Major 2nd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Jessiej – s. Barnsford Ferny 3rd – JC Bostock & Son – Roundhill June – s, Wroxall Groundwork
Class 6 – Chris Parker stood in to represent Caltech in a class won by Peter Heath and Sackville Joiedevie
Female Born on or between 23.07.2014 & 31.10.2014 1st – Mr D Noton – Ashby Jameelia – s. Burradon Talisman 2nd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Blelack Jewel – s. Caylers Hustler 3rd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Joanna – s. Barnsford Ferny
Class 7 – Galloway and Macleod sponsored a class won by David Noton and Ashby Jameelia. Claire Clapp presented the prizes
Male born between 01.06.2013 & 31.12.2013 1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Inklerberry s. Wesley Furnish 2nd – Hackleton Farms Ltd – Hackleton Idris ET – s. Elgin Davinci
Class 8 – Richard Evans from Welshpool Livestock Sales awarded Julie Brooks first prize with Balbithan Inklerberry
Male born between 01.01.2014 & 31.03.2014 1st – BA & PT Heath – Sackville Joey – s. Blelack Digger 2nd – Mrs A Orr-Ewing – Foxacre Juniper – s. Wesley Forceful 3rd – Mr HR Wood – Woodline Jimmymac – s. Woodline Humber
Class 9 – Angela Price represented Lodders and presented Peter Heath with the red card won by Sackville Joey
Male born between 01.04.2014 & 30.04.2014 1st – Mr W Owen – Deunawd Jeff – s. Allanfauld Chieftain 2nd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Juggernaut – s. Goldies Eddy 3rd – Mr PW Greed – Louis Jarrow – s. Thrunton Fitzroy
Class 10 – Wil Owen and Deunward Jeff received their award from David Leggat the United Auctions Chairman
Male born between 01.05.2014 & 31.05.2014 1st – Mr D Thornley – Dooley Jemphasis – s. Guthrie Ferndando 2nd – Mr DR & Mrs B Stacey – Polgoda Jimmy – s. Balbithan Eria 3rd – Mr RJ Butler – Carrigbeg Jp – s. Cliftonpark Newstar
Class 11 – Steve Nesbitt presented Alistair Smith with the Rumenco award won by Dooley Jemphasis
Male born between 01.08.2014 & 31.10.2014 1st – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Jaguar – s. Barnsford Ferny 2nd – Mr AG Houston – Gretnahouse Jacko – s. Wesley Equinox 3rd – Mr RJ Butler – Carribeg Junior – s. Doonally Nicefor
Class 13 – Louise Hartley presented the Farmers Guardian class award to Nairn Wyllie and Sportsmans Jaguar
A record 57 finalists from 10 UK regions battled it out at the British Charolais Young Breeders’ Stock Judging Competition sponsored by Weatherbys, hosted as part of the annual National Charolais Show at the Livestock Event, NEC, Birmingham, on Thursday 9 July.
Joint winners of the Gretnahouse Perpetual Trophy for the senior 19 to 26 year old section and the prize of a trip to the Paris International Agricultural Show were Abbie Anderson, Arbitlot, Angus with 142 points out of 150, and Eimear McGovern, Clogher, Co Tyrone.
Abbie Anderson, Arbitlot, Angus, and Eimear McGovern, Clogher, Co Tyrone were the joint winners of the 19 to 26 year old senior section notching up 142 points out of 150. Both girls won a prize trip to the Paris International Agricultural Show. Faced with a tie breaker for the overall award, it was Abbie who won on verbal reasonings and secured the Gretnahouse Perpetual Trophy.
Twenty year old Abbie, a student at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Science, Edinburgh, with the aim of becoming a large animal vet, said: “I’ve competed in stock judging before, both at the Royal Highland Show with my local young farmers’ team and at the regional qualifier, but this is the first time that I’ve won anything like this. I was very surprised by the win – I’m really looking forward to the Paris trip and furthering my knowledge to continue the development of my mum’s Panmure herd.”
Joint winner, 19 year old Eimear, is no stranger to the competition having won the Fairway Perpetual Trophy with her sister, Caoimhe, last year. A student of Agriculture and Rural Studies at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Co Antrim, with a view to working in the farming sector, Eimear said: “I really enjoy taking part in stock judging competitions, both at home and across the water; I am very interested in the Charolais breed and it’s great to meet like-minded individuals. To win the prize trip to Paris is so exciting and I look forward to further increasing my knowledge of the breed.”
The junior eight to 14 year old section was won by 12 year old Ellie Knox, Nayland, Suffolk, on 146 points, who along with her 11 year old sister Hannah, took the Fairway Perpetual Trophy for the winning pair with a total of 286 points. Ellie said: “Apart from the regional qualifier a few weeks ago, this was the first time that either of us had tried stock judging; we really enjoyed it and were so pleased to win.” The girls’ mother, Donna, said: “Ellie and Hannah definitely want to work in agriculture in the future, so this win is a great confidence boost.”
Taking top spot in the intermediate 15 to18 year old section and winning the Alwent Perpetual Trophy was 18 year old Laura Wight, Biggar, Lanarkshire, with 144 points.
Master judge Danny Wyllie said: “I was very impressed with the turnout of competitors – I expected half the amount and it’s great to see the young ones so keen. It’s a fantastic competition and all credit to the British Charolais Cattle Society for organising it and investing in the development of their future breeders and stock people. There was a tie for top place in the senior section and the reasons given gave me huge confidence in our future breeders.”
Ronan Murphy CEO of Weatherbys and the judge Danny Wyllie presented Ellie Knox and Hannah Knox with the Fairway Trophy for the Fairway Competition and Ellie with the Cockerington Trophy for the junior section
Hannah and Ellie Knox winners of the Fairway Trophy
Ronan Murphy and Danny Wyllie congratulated Abbie Anderson on winning the Gretnahouse Trophy and a trip to Paris Show
Laura Wight (Scotland) won the Alwent Trophy in the intermediate section
Ellie Knox (Anglia) won the Cockerington Trophy in the junior section
British Charolais Young Breeders’ Stock Judging Competition results
| Placing | Region | Name | Points |
| Junior | |||
| 1 | Anglia | Ellie Knox | 146 |
| 2 | Borders | Isla Soutter | 142 |
| 3 | Anglia | Hannah Knox | 140 |
| Intermediate | |||
| 1 | South Scotland | Laura Wight | 144 |
| 2 | Midlands | George Hollinshead | 142 |
| 3 | Northern Ireland | Matthew Mitchell | 140 |
| Senior | |||
| 1 | Scotland North | Abbie Anderson | 142 (1st on reasons) |
| 2 | Northern Ireland | Eimear McGovern | 142 |
| 3 | Anglia | Edward Robinson | 138 |
| Pairs | |||
| 1 | Anglia | Ellie and Hannah Knox | 286 |
| 2 | Scotland North | Ellis Mutch and Abbie Anderson | 276 |
| 3 | Anglia | Edward Robinson and Jenny Davies | 274 |
Judge: Mr Colin J Wight, Carwood Farm, Biggar, Lanarkshire ML12 6LX
Supreme Champion
Gretnahouse Fannabel – Mr KJ Thomas
Reserve Supreme Champion
Castellmawr Jackpot – Mr A & M Williams
Male Champion and Junior Male Champion
Castellmawr Jackpot – Mr A & M Williams
Reserve Male Champion and Reserve Junior Champion
Deunawd Jeff – Mr W Owen
Female Champion
Gretnahouse Fannabel – Mr KJ Thomas
Reserve Female Champion
Sportsmans Infanta ET – Boden & Davies Ltd
Junior Female Champion
Moulais Jemelia – Mr A Mould
Reserve Junior Female Champion
Teme Jello – Mrs S M Corbett & Daughters
Best Group
Moelfre – Mr KJ Thomas
Reserve Group
Ffynnon – Mr V Griffiths
Class 416 Bull born in 2013
1st Moelfre Iesu – KJ Thomas
2nd Gwarcwm Ifan – D Huw Jones
Class 417 Bull born on or between 1 Jan 2014 and 31 Mar 2014
1st Brynffanigl Jude – Mr R T Roberts
2nd Greenyards Johndonald – PJ & AC Allman
3rd Waldencourt Jack – Waldencourt Charolais
Class 418 Bull born on or between 1 Apr 2014 and 31 Jul 2014
1st Castellmawr Jacpot – Mr A & M Williams
2nd Deunawd Jeff – Mr W Owen
Class 422 Cow in milk or in calf, born on or before 31 Dec 2011. Must have progeny registered in the British Charolais Cattle Society Herd Book
1st Gretnahouse Fannabel – Mr KJ Thomas
Class 423 Cow or heifer in milk, or in calf born in 2012
1st Gwastod Halo – Mr BL Williams
2nd Woodline Holly – Mr H R Wood
3rd Minola Hunter ET – Mr R O Williams
Class 424 Heifer born on or between 1 Jan 2013 and 31 Mar 2013
1st Sportsmans Infanta ET – Boden & Davies Ltd
2nd Pedr Indigo – Mrs SM Corbett & Daughters
3rd Moelfre Isobella – Mr KJ Thomas
Class 425 Heifer born on or between 1 Apr 2013 and 31 Dec 2013
1st Goldies Issadora – Mr A Mould
2nd Sportsmans Insatiable – Boden & Davies
3rd Castellmawr Jade – Mr A & M Williams
Class 426 Heifer born on or between 1 Jan 2014 and 31 Mar 2014
1st Moulais Jemelia – Mr A Mould
2nd Cargriff Jolly – Mr G G Morris
3rd Moelfre Jenny – Mr K J Thomas
Class 427 Heifer born on or between 1 Apr 2014 and 31 Jul 2014
1st Teme Jello – Mrs S M Corbett & Daughters
2nd Rogans Jojo – Mr J Wainwright
3rd Moelfre Jess – Mr KJ Thomas
Cyril Millar was elected the British Charolais Cattle Society President at the Annual General Meeting. Adding his congratulations is the BCCS Chairman Steven Nesbitt
David Connolly joined the BCCS Council of Management to represent Northern Ireland
Colin Wight a newly elected Council member for Scotland
President (ex Officio)
Mr C M Millar, Neptune House, Glenleary, Coleraine, Co Londonderry, N Ireland BT51 3QY Tel: 02870 342919
Chairman
Mr S J Nesbitt, Alwent Hall, Winston, Darlington, Co Durham DL2 3QH Tel: 07979 593170 nesbitt@realemail.co.uk
Vice Chairman
Mr A B Hornall, Falleninch Farm, Stirling, Stirlingshire FK8 3AB Tel: 01786 473674/07860 516835 email@ andrew@falleninchcharolais.com
Treasurer
Mr G C Robinson, Stockhill Lodge, Elton, Peterborough, Cambs PE8 6SJ Tel: 07860 765338 gcrobinson1961@gmail.com
Northern England
Mr C Curry, Low Burradon, Thropton, Morpeth, Northumberland NE65 7HG Tel: 01669 630266/07917 731531 chris@ccurry4.wanadoo.co.uk
Mr A Sellick, 17 Rensherds Place, High Legh, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6NG Tel: 07876 306310 andrew_sellick@yahoo.co.uk
Northern Ireland
Mr D Connolly, Brigadoon, 25 Creevyargon Road, Ballynahinch, Co Down, N Ireland BT24 8YG Tel: 07920 599422 brigadoondave@hotmail.com
Mr S McGovern, 59 Fintona Road, Clogher, Co Tyrone, N Ireland BT76 0UT Tel: 028 855 48230/07968 623494
Wales
Mr W G Roberts, Parc, Llangadfan, Welshpool, Powys SY21 0PJ Tel: 01938 820210/07717 571940garethparc@aol.com
Mr KJ Thomas Llechwedd, Capel Iwan, Castlenewydd Emlyn, Carmarthenshire SA38 9NW Tel:01559 371589/07974 653002 email: wendy@kevinthomas.org.uk
Southern England
Mr R J Kimber Beanhill Farm, Christian Malford, Chippenham, Wilts SN15 4BS Tel: 01249 720672/07778 307969 jameskimber80@gmail.com
Mr Wm F Palmer, Trenestral Farm, Ruan Highlanes, Truro, Cornwall TR2 5CX Tel: 01872 501259enquiries@trenestralfarm.co.uk
Mr G C Robinson, Stockhill Lodge, Elton, Peterborough, Cambs PE8 6SJ Tel: 07860 765338 gcrobinson1961@gmail.com
Scotland
Mr A B Hornall, Falleninch Farm, Stirling, Stirlingshire FK8 3AB Tel: 01786 473674/07860 516835 email@ andrew@falleninchcharolais.com
Mr R A Milne, Kennies Hillock, Lhanbryde, Elgin, Morayshire IV30 3LJ Tel: 01343 842655/07974 971242jamesmin@btconnect.com
Mr C J Wight, Carwood Farm, Biggar, Lanarkshire ML12 6LX Tel: 01899 220564 c.wight@carwoodfarm.com
National
Mr J McGrath, Drumconnis, Dromore, Omagh, Co Tyrone, N Ireland BT78 3AE Tel: 028 8289 8692/07771 987669 johnmcgrath2@yahoo.co.uk
Mr J W Millar, Lochend Farm, Port of Menteith, Stirling FK8 3JZ Tel: 01877 385235/07719 524595 email:lochendcharolais@hotmail.com
Mr R A Owen, Tynewydd, Garthbeibio, Foel, Welshpool , Powys SY21 ONR Tel: 01938 820214/07971 118547 email: arwel.owen@genusplc.com
Charolais breeders’ decision to exploit the latest genetic selection and performance recording tools is helping to provide beef producers with added confidence and maintain the breed in the vanguard, according to the society’s chairman Steven Nesbitt.
Cyril Millar was elected the British Charolais Cattle Society President at the Annual General Meeting. Adding his congratulations is the BCCS Chairman Steven Nesbitt
“Charolais breeders are listening to their customers – suckler producers, and are actively using Breedplan performance recording data to carefully select the next generation resulting in Charolais being the sole breed among the other major beef breeds that has bucked the trend and is demonstrating an improvement in both calving ease direct and growth rate,” Mr Nesbitt told the society’s annual meeting.
“Introducing Completeness of Performance has also been welcomed by breeders. The star rating system which identifies and rates the quality and quantity of performance information recorded with Breedplan is in turn helping them to underpin EBV accuracy and reward them for their recording efforts. The system is also encouraging more breeders to record more comprehensively.
“Furthermore, our Council of Management’s decision for the biennial Stirling sales to offer only Breedplan fully recorded entries has been fully vindicated; Charolais consistently trades the highest number of bulls and for the highest average price. Charolais was the sole breed at the 2015 February sales to witness a yearly increase in the average bull price and gross over £1m.
“Added to that is the society’s rigorous data checking procedure to ensure accurate recording. During the last 12 months, 154 herds were checked, whilst calf registration is now compulsory within 27 days of birth, after which stringent penalties are introduced, procedures to give bull buyers more confidence.”
He added: “Genetic progress is both cumulative and permanent. I believe we have achieved a lot in the last 12 months and have a clear vision and determination which will continue to take the breed forward.”
Cyril Millar comments: “I believe Charolais has a very sound future. We now have a beef terminal sire that is suited to both the current marketplace and UK production systems. Charolais leaves progeny which are generally easier calved and with that unbeatable weight for age, values that have led to resurgence in the bull trade in 2014/15.”
Mr Millar, who farms in partnership with his son Martin, established the family’s Glenleary herd based at Coleraine, County Londonderry in 1971 with animals from NI’s second importation; the herd grew to 100 cows, one of the province’s largest with highlights including the interbreed champion at the Royal Show and five consecutive interbreed wins at the RUAS Balmoral. The Glenleary herd was tragically taken out with brucellosis 10 years ago, however since then it has been re-established and is building back to 10 breeding cows carefully selected initially on their Breedplan data as well as confirmation. “We have ambitions for this herd to be very select,” he says.
During the 1980s, Mr Millar was twice elected society chairman spanning a four year period during which he steered the development of its Stoneleigh headquarters. He has also chaired the NI Club on several occasions. “Being elected president is a once in a life time opportunity and I’m looking forward to the next 12 months both representing and promoting the breed throughout the UK and beyond.”
Colin Wight, who manages the 40 pedigree cow Carwood herd together with a 200 cow suckler herd and 1,100 ewes at Biggar, Lanark says: “I’m looking forward to helping promote the Charolais breed and keep it at the forefront. Working at the commercial face, I know from experience what the market wants and how Charolais cross bulls and heifers perform in terms of consistent superior performance over other crosses which in turn is reflected in the enterprise’s profitability.”
Growth rates, return and profitability are the three values which have long established Charolais as the NI beef breed leader, according to David Connolly, owner of the Ballynahinch based 90 strong Brigadoon herd which he runs with his father, Albert. “I’m looking forward to joining Council and bringing to the table new, fresh and upcoming ways of thinking on how we can promote Charolais, using my skills – both to commercial producers and for consumers.”
David Connolly joined the BCCS Council of Management to represent Northern Ireland
Colin Wight a newly elected Council member for Scotland
Minsups Intermediate Champion RATOARY JUSTRITE ET, MR S MCGOVERN
Minsups Reserve Intermediate Champion, RATOARY JOHNDEERE MR S MCGOVERN
Minsups Intermediate Heifer Champion BALLYGREENAN JAGERMISTRESS, MS L BREEN
Minsups Reserve Intermediate Heifer Champion KILLADEAS JADE, S&D BOTHWELL
Minsups Senior Male Champion BRIGADOON JAGUAR, WD & J A CONNOLLY
Minsups Reserve Senior Male ChampionCORNASCRIEBE JOEY, MR & MRS J.A WATSON & SON
Minsups Senior Heifer Champion DEELEVIEW JO, MR G J CRAWFORD
Minsups Reserve Senior Heifer Champion BRIGADOON JEMMA, WD & J A CONNOLLY
Minsups Junior Male Champion COOLNASLEE LARRY,MR G J CRAWFORD
Minsups Reserve Junior ChampionCULNAGECHAN LETHAL, MR D HUME
Minsups Junior Heifer Champion DERRYHARNEY LULU,MR H.C STUBBS & A.A BURLEIGH
Minsups Reserve Junior Heifer Champion BRIGADOON LADY, WD & J A CONNOLLY
The Balmoral Showgrounds in Belfast is set to stage a multi-breed beef calf show and industry forum on Saturday 14th November.
Pictured at the launch of the 2015 Pedigree Calf Fair and Beef NI Expo are, event chairman David Connolly; NI Charolais Club members Sean McGovern and Albert Connolly; with sponsor Ian Graham, MSD Animal Health.
Billed as the first of its kind in Ireland, the one-day show will be known as Pedigree Calf Fair @ Beef NI Expo 2015, and is organised in partnership with the Livestock and Meat Commission and the National Beef Association.
The schedule features classes for ten beef breeds, both native and continental, and also includes showmanship classes for handlers 12 to 25-years-old. Judging will commence at 10.00am, and with two showrings operational throughout the day, and separate judges for each breed, the event will reach a climax with a parade of champions at approximately 4.00pm.
Prize money in each class includes: 1st £100, 2nd £75, 3rd £50, 4th £30, 5th £20, 6th £10.
The event has attracted sponsorship from Tesco, Crystalyx, Isuzu, HVS, and Bovipast RSP, and will give pedigree breeders from throughout the province an opportunity to showcase their high-calibre beef calves.
Throughout the day, a number of seminars will be on offer to consider the way forward for the beef industry. The theme for Beef Expo 2015 is ‘Beef Strategy 2020’, and inputs are expected from all sectors of the industry.
Organisers are encouraging visitors to come along and get involved. This is a chance for farmers to engage and view the latest products and technology within the beef sector.
Commenting on behalf of the 20-strong stakeholder organising committee, chairman David Connolly said:”We are delighted to have this opportunity to bring together the very best that Northern Ireland has to offer, and promote the beef industry. We are delighted with the positive response from sponsors, and have already filled 60% of the trade space available available”.
The Charolais section includes six classes for calves born on or after 1st September 2014, and will be judged by Scotsman Archie MacGregor from the Allanfauld Herd, based at Kilsyth near Glasgow.
Schedules, entry forms and trade exhibitor information is available to download from the website: www.pcf-beef-expo.co.uk . Entry forms are also available from your local breed club secretary.
Entries close on Saturday 17th October. Completed entry forms must be accompanied by the relevant fee, £15 per animal, and sent to event secretary Ann Orr, 47 Cloghtogle Road, Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh BT94 5EJ.
For further information contact chairman David Connolly on 07920 599422 or email: info@pcf-beef-expo.co.uk
Charolais bred cattle are fit for purpose to meet the current deadweight slaughter specifications. They have the ability for efficient growth from birth to slaughter. The suckled calf producer (primary producer) must have a profitable enterprise to survive.
The way forward is to select the type of Charolais bull to suit particular suckler cows and the environment.
Below is an extract from an explanation from ABRI of the use of indexes and estimated breeding values when making selection decisions “Bull buyers need to look beyond the number and consider the underlying information used to create the index and how the Index and EBVs should be used.
Indexes are based on information about the market and production systems as they are perceived at the time. If any of the underlying assumptions change significantly, then the index may need to be re-evaluated. It appears that the market signals have changed from “the heavier the carcase, the more money you received” to better defined live-wt/carcase-wt guidelines. + The BCCS terminal index is aimed at 18-22 months of age finishing for steers and heifers to a nominated carcase wt. The carcase weights used are within current market optimum specifications. So the Indexes are still valid in that respect. We are currently reviewing indexes as the carcase price grids have changed as well as the costs of production. While these changes will make the index values higher, the correlation of the new index to the old index will be very high so animals will probably not re-rank much, if at all.
So the great thing about having the EBVs and Indexes, is that producers have the information to immediately start making changes to meet the new market specifications. The message we need to give producers is that EBVs and Indexes can be used to “optimise” animal production to market specifications – rather than “maximise” EBVs and Indexes. EBVs and Indexes help describe the underlying genetic potential of the animals. On-farm management and market signals will decide how animals will be fed, when they will be sold, etc. High carcase weight animals will get to optimum market specification weight earlier than low carcase weight animals. This is a positive, not a negative when viewed from an on-farm management perspective.
Breeding animals to target market specifications (weight, fat, etc) will enable animals to reach market specs earlier and presumably reduce costs of production, hence increase profit. The realised value of this will probably depend on when animals meet market specs – prior to or after expensive feeding. That is, if you reduce the amount of expensive feeding to get animals to market specs and do it earlier, then profit will improve. This may also allow you to run more animals on the same amount of country.
Because of different production systems, on-farm management, feed quantity and quality, etc, we cannot put a phenotype against an EBV or an Index (ie it is not possible to say a specific Index value gives the optimal carcase). Rather, the Index and EBVs will allow you to breed animals that genetically fit the market. On-farm management is then required to ensure the animals are bred and managed appropriately and then sold at optimum market specs and price. EBVs and Indexes were never meant to replace on-farm management expertise.
These types of considerations allow a re-focus on production systems, animal types and selection decisions. For example, mating times can be optimised to maximise the use of low cost feed to get animals to market specs as cheaply as possible. Conversely, you can look at mating times to market animals when price is usually higher and potentially do it with younger animals (and less feeding).
That is, use the Index and EBVs to maximise profit rather than carcase weight or size of sirloin. Use your on-farm management skills to maximise the profit you can realise from these genetically superior animals”.
The dispersal of the Edenhurst Charolais herd on behalf of Peter Vasey within Borderway Mart, Carlisle grossed in excess of £437,000 including semen sales. There was a packed ringside of Charolais enthusiasts, who had been drawn to the sale to give the Vasey family a fitting send off after almost forty years of breeding Charolais cattle and they took their purchases home to all corners of the United Kingdom and Eire.
The top price of 17,800gns was paid for a four year old cow Edenhurst Georgette TI +52 SRI +54 and her five month old heifer calf Edenhurst Lisette. Georgette sired by the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister and Lisette sired by the 10,000gns former herd sire Ratoary Ferguson went home with AJ Stott, Canobie, Dumfries-shire.
Edenhurst Georgette and her calf Lisette made 17800gns
Next to go for a total of 14,100gns was the six year old cow Edenhurst Emerald and her nine month old twin bull calves. Emerald, a Mowbraypark Paramount daughter was purchased by RDA Morrow, Coleraine, Co Derry, with her twin calves by Ratoary Ferguson going to different homes in Dumfries-shire. Edenhurst Jake with A Brown and Co, Crocketford at 3,300gns and Edenhurst Josh with AV Hamilton and Co, Thornhill at 3,200gns.
Edenhurst Emerald sold for 14,100gns
Edenhurst Emma and her twin daughters Lily and Lulu made 12200gns
Next to purchase was DT and M Stobart, Carlisle, Cumbria who bought a cow and twin heifer calves for their grandson Harry at 12,200gns. The six year old Genus Houblon daughter Edenhurst Emma went with her twin five month old daughters Edenhurst Lily and Lulu sired by the herd sire Sandelford Harrison. The Stobarts also purchased the 17 month old Edenhurst Jemma sired by Dingle Hofmeister for 5,200gns.
The stock bull Sandelford Harrison by the 14,000gns Goldies Usher was next along at 12,000gns going to E Harrison and Sons, Ipswich, Suffolk.
Then a cow and her heifer calf was purchased for a total of 11,100gns. The eight year old cow Edenhurst Casandra by the homebred sire Edenhurst Titus was purchased by Claire Clapp, Tiverton, Devon for 5,700gns and her 11 month old daughter sired by Ratoary Ferguson went home to Hartfield, East Sussex with David Ross of Highfields Park Farm for 5,400gns.
Mr Ross went on to purchase another 22 lots to re-establish a Charolais herd at the previous home of the Cullum herd owned by Shelia McAlpine in the 1960s. His top lot at 6,600gns was a four year old Dingle Hofmeister daughter Edenhurst Grace and her seven month old daughter Edenhurst Lace sired by Ratoary Ferguson. He went on to purchase several other cow and calf units with Ferguson sired calves including Edenhurst Angeline by Edenhurst Titus and her six month old bull calf Edenhurst Lexicon at 5,800gns. Next came the eight year old Baggrave Minstrel daughter Edenhurst Charmer and her five month old son Edenhurst Lionheart. At 5,300gns was a four year old Mowbraypark Paramount daughter Edenhurst Ginnie and her son, the six month old Edenhurst Lancer. Two of his lots were purchased at 5,000gns, firstly the 29 month old first time calver Edenhurst Imogen sired by Blelack Roger and her two month old bull calf Edenhurst Limoges and a six year old Dingle Hofmeister daughter Edenhurst Florence and her heifer calf Edenhurst Laurel sired by Sandleford Harrison. In addition at 5,200gns he bought Edenhurst Jill, a 17 month old heifer by the same sire.
Mr Ross also purchased calves by Ratoary Ferguson from two more of the top priced lots. He bought the 10 month old Edenhurst Jade for 4,200gns and her seven year old mother Edenhurst Diamond by Edenhurst Bourbon went home with JM Cant and Partners, Arbroath, Angus, for 6,000gns. He also secured Edenhurst Jane for 5,200gns and her dam Edenhurst Venus by Oldstone Egbert was purchased by Gilbert Crawford, Maghera, Co Down, for 4,000gns giving a combined total of 9,200gns.
Mr Crawford purchased a total of seven lots including at 8,000gns the three year old Edenhurst HRH by Dingle Hofmeister and her two month old bull calf Edenhurst Lightning sired by Ratoary Ferguson. His other transactions included the 7 year old Edenhurst Titus daughter Edenhurst Deluxe for 4,000gns and her 11 month old bull calf Edenhurst Julius by Ferguson who went home with A and H McColm, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire for 4,400gns giving a gross total for the unit of 8,400gns. Mr Crawford also bought Border Festival, a six year old daughter of the reserve Highland Show champion Edenhurst Cognac for 4,300gns and her Ferguson sired bull calf Border Jamboree sold to Billy Turner, Ripon, North Yorkshire for 3,800gns.
Edenhurst Interlude a 21 month old daughter of Ratoary Ferguson was next to sell for 8,000gns to Claire Ferris, Millisle, Co Down.
Edenhurst Interlude made 8000gns
At the same price was the six year old cow Edenhurst Elegance by Dingle Hofmeister and her two month old daughter Edenhurst Ladyjane going home to Darlington, Co Durham with Robert Jones, who also purchased the five year old Edenhurst Felicity by Edenhurst Cognac and her Ratoary Ferguson sired daughter Edenhurst Jenna for 7,200gns.
Going across the water to Eire and selling at 6,500gns to purchaser Martin Meehan, Invery, County Donegal was Edenhurst Hermajesty, a three year old 55,000gns Sportsmans Columbo daughter and her five month old bull calf Edenhurst Lionking by Ratoary Ferguson.
John Young, Denny, Stirlingshire was next to buy, purchasing a cow and her twin heifer calves for 6,100gns. Edenhurst Diana, a seven year old sired by Dingle Hofmeister and her two seven month old daughters Edenhurst Lucy and Locket by Ratoary Ferguson.
Two lots sold for 6,000gns. The first was a six year old Mowbraypark Paramount daughter Edenhurst Eliza and her two month old bull calf Edenhurst Lincoln by Sandelford Harrison who went home with JJ and E McGuigan to Maghera, Co Derry. Then an 18 month old heifer sired by Dingle Hofmeister, Border Jewel, was purchased by G and G Henderson, Bushmills Co Antrim.
Next to sell was the first calved heifer Edenhurst Imelia and her two month old daughter Edenhurst Leonora who was purchased by Rachel Dawson, Coalville, Leicestershire for 5,200gns.
Two further lots sold for 5,000gns. The first being purchased by JC Thornton and Son, Ravenglass, Cumbria, was Edenhurst Emelia, a six year old daughter of Mowbraypark Paramount and her heifer calf Edenhurst Louisiana by Sandelford Harrison.
The final lot to sell for 5,000gns was Fairway Jazz, a 17 month old bull bred by the late David Fattorini and sired by Alwent Goldbar who was purchased by WF Palmer, Truro, Cornwall.
Averages: 54 cows with calves £5,678, four in-calf cows £2,993, six in-calf heifers £3,395, 15 maiden heifers £4,438, one stock bull £12,600, five yearling Bulls £3,234, two bull calves £1,785 Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington Ltd.
Farm manager Patrick Lambert with stockman Allan MacIntyre (left)
“The Charolais calves are 50kg deadweight heavier than the Simmental calves at the same age and consistently make £200 a head more both in the conventional and organic systems.”
Since purchasing its first Charolais bull in 1988, the cattle enterprise at CG Greig (Farms) Ltd in Cupar, Fife, has expanded and evolved into a system that best suits its surroundings – but throughout that time, the firm’s choice of terminal sire has remained unchanged.
That, according to farm manager of 30 years, Pat Lambert, is down to the Charolais breed’s unrivaled ability to produce the highest weights for age – exactly what is needed in this large-scale beef finishing unit.
“The farm was originally all arable, and when we decided to introduce cattle back in the late 1980s, we started with Limousin and Simmental cross cows and bought the Charolais bull Ploughfield Custer, with the intention of breeding big calves to sell as stores,” explained Pat, adding that the cow herd numbers gradually increased as the business bought up more land.
“Our policy changed when the BSE crisis hit in 1996, at which point we decided to become a self contained unit, breeding our own replacement females and finishing all the calves ourselves. We used an Angus bull on the Simmental cows and kept the heifers to add to the herd. We continued to build the herd up that way, criss-crossing the Angus and Simmentals for the females and always using a Charolais as a terminal sire,” he added.
The business of CG Greig(Farms) now owns 2000 acres and rents further ground on a variety of agreements, with the cow herd numbers sitting at 500 sucklers, and the arable side extending to 1250 acres of cereals, 250 acres of vegetables and 200 acres of seed potatoes. Pat is also in charge of the separate business, Mosszone Ltd, a 400-acre organic unit based at Balcanquhal Farm with 220 suckler cows. Within the cattle enterprise, he oversees a staff of two cattlemen at CG Greig and one at Mosszone.
A typical suckler cow with a high performance Charolais calf
Concerns in recent years that the suckler females were becoming too large and expensive to maintain and losing some of their milk and hardiness, prompted the decision to invest in a herd of pure Luing cows two years ago – 50 spring calvers, and 20 autumn calvers which are crossed with the Simmental. The Sim-Luings will then be crossed with the Angus bull and the heifers from that mix also kept as replacements for the suckler herd.
“The Luings are smaller, hardier and easier kept, with plenty milk, and we like the easy fleshing abilities of the Angus, so this will hopefully be a good mix as a suckler female, and a good cross with the Charolais sire,” said Pat.
Currently, the majority of the herd (325) calves in the spring, with 225 of those calving to the Charolais, while the remaining 175 are autumn calvers. The target is then to wean to spring calves at around 210 days (seven months old), at an average weight of 325kg. Spring born Charolais calves are kept entire, while autumn-born ones are castrated.
Meanwhile, the autumn steers and heifers are weaned at 270 days, weighing up to 400kg. Replacement heifers for the spring herd are mainly taken from the autumn lot, aiming to have their first calf at 30 months and vice versa.
The quality of the Charolais calves speak for themselves
“The spring cows don’t receive any concentrates at all, just silage, wholecrop and straw, and the autumn calvers are supplemented with fodder beet along with higher levels of wholecrop,” said Pat.
Spring-born bulls are finished at 14-15-months-old, with the last batch of 63 selling through McIntosh Donald at 695kg liveweight (402kg d/w), and leveling at £1486 per head (370p per kg). The last lot of spring-born heifers to go were finished at 553 days old (18.4 months), weighing 366.5kg d/w and made an average £1373/head.
“The Charolais calves are 50kg deadweight heavier than the Simmental calves at the same age, and consistently make £200 a head more both in conventional and organic systems. There’s no question of using any other breed as our main terminal sire, but we don’t have the type of ground that will stand big Charolais type cows, so we need to use other breeds for the replacement females,” said Pat.
The cows are all serviced naturally, with the spring calvers running in six groups with Charolais bulls, and the autumn herd in two or three groups. Bulls run with the cows for a strict 63-day period, with the spring calving beginning mid-March and the autumn in mid-September.
The type of Charolais bull required at Greig Farms must have lenght of loin
A further five bulls are needed for the organic Mosszone herd, where the cows are predominantly Angus crosses, and all calve from the beginning of April to the Charolais. Those calves are finished at 18-19-months off grass and hoppers, and go directly to Dovecote Park, where they receive a premium price for their organic status. Last year’s steers were finished at 590 days old, weighing 384kg d/w and sold to average £1736, while the heifers, finished at 556 days and 378kg d/w, levelled at £1707.
Working on this large scale, it is vital that the bulls can be relied upon to perform to their best ability. Some 12 Charolais are needed at any one time and Pat says he now prefers to buy them at 13-15-months old.
“We’re looking for naturally fleshing, long bulls that aren’t extreme, and ideally we buy them younger before they’ve had the chance to be pushed too hard, as that way they tend to last longer.
“There’s no point in increasingly chasing high muscularity, when that’s not actually what the market wants – we should be concentrating on the cattle within the breed that can achieve better performance with fewer inputs.”
Pat pays attention to figures, but doesn’t rely solely on them, instead, a main priority is a clean health status. One bull that has performed particularly well over recent years is Hindstones Cruiser, bought in 2008 without any figures – Pat says he has bred consistently good, big fleshy calves that regularly achieve E grades due to their length and power.
“The Charolais breed has continued to improve over the past 20 years or so, especially with ease of calving, and I think people now understand the importance of a short gestation length. But the cows have to be in the right condition too, and that’s up to us commercial breeders.
Ciaran and Chloe MacIntyre were winners of the Kinross Show Young Handlers Competition with calves from the Greig Farms unit
“I do think that it’s vital to concentrate on easy-fleshing traits though. With abattoirs now putting maximum weight limits on calves, there’s no point in keeping chasing growth – we need cattle that have consistently good tops and loins; able to breed calves with natural vigour that can be finished easier, off less.
‘That’s even more important now, with the changes in the subsidy system – cattle have to be able to stand on their own merits and be able to make a profit. For the beef industry to work for everyone, we need a better dissemination of information down the line, and pedigree breeders need to be a part of that,” added Pat.
Report by Lynsey Clark & Photos by Catherine MacGregor
Tom Davies & Phil Price
Bulls finish one month earlier, £45/head feed cost savings
Heifers finish almost three months earlier, £120/head feed costs savings
Factfile
Will, Carol, Tom and Julie Davies, Upper Court Farm, Clifford, Hay on Wye
Stockman, Phil Price
220 cow split calving suckler herd
1,300 acre mixed unit
Making a simple change of terminal sire and introducing Charolais is making a significant contribution towards improving output from a portion of the Davies family’s suckler herd.
Charolais cross bulls compared with the unit’s other Continental cross bulls finished one month earlier making feed cost savings of £45 a head; they weighing an average 8% heavier consequently their sale value was £110 a head higher. See figure 1.
The Charolais cross heifers achieved target finishing weights 2.76 months earlier than the remainder and subsequently achieved feed cost savings of approximately £120 a head. These heifers also killed out in a higher specification.
Figure 1: Upper Court Farm herd performance 2014/15
Charolais cross bulls ave Weaning 350 – 400kg, Finished Dwt 433kg, Age 14 months, Grade % E,U,R E3
Continental cross bulls ave Weaning 340 – 380kg, Finished Dwt 402kg, Age 15 months, Grade % E,U,R E3
Charolais cross heifers ave Weaning 320 – 360kg, Finished Dwt 368kg, 17.24 months, Grade % E,U,R U+3
Continental cross heifers ave Weaning 300 – 340kg, Finished Dwt 364kg, 20 months, Grade % E,U,R U4
Source: ABP
The bulls were group housed and fed the same diet – see figure 2, similarly the crop of heifers was run as one group.
“Our objective is to maximise output per cow and produce the best possible finished animal in the easiest to manage system,” Phil explains. “We thought we could push the herd a bit more and aware of Charolais and its ability to leave animals with better weight for age, in 2012 we decided to invest in a bull. He was fresh blood and we thought he would suit our Continental cross cows – those we didn’t need for breeding replacements.
“This bull soon proved his worth, so the following year we secured a second Charolais bull. Both were selected for shape, they were not too heavily boned and most importantly they hadn’t been stuffed, they were naturally reared.”
Beef rearing and finishing is complementary to Upper Court’s arable enterprise. “We have a certain amount of land which we cannot use for anything but grazing, we are not fans of sheep, the beef muck is complimentary and we are prepared to take the volatile beef market in our stride,” Tom explains. “We are resigned to living with TB, consequently we run a closed herd and finish the entire crop of calves. We achieve a huge degree of self-sufficiency using home grown cereals, forage and straw.
“We are focused on getting the most out of each animal, and are also keen to implement the latest tools, information and advice along with better genetics, nutrition and management. For example, we are improving our grazing by introducing a reseeding programme with modern varieties in a seven to 10 year rotation.”
The Davies introduced independent nutritionist, David Hendy to formulate new diets which have helped to considerably step up performance – a home mix creep fed to the spring born calves from 16 weeks of age through to housing in early November; a bull finishing diet and a third diet fed in the final 10 to 12 weeks of finishing to the heifers.
Figure 2: Upper Court Farm herd diets
Creep DM % – 85.30, ME/kgDM – 12.50, CP%/kgDM – 16%, FCR – 3.75:1, Main diet components – Rolled barley, whole oats, wheat distillers dark grains
Bull finishing diet DM % – 85.30, ME/kgDM – 12.85, CP%/kgDM – 14%, FCR – 6.5:1, Main diet components – Rolled barley and wheat, biscuit meal, chopped straw, molasses and protein
Heifer finishing diet DM % – 53.7, ME/kgDM – 12.30, CP%/kgDM – 12.5%, FCR – 7.9:1, Main diet components – Maize and grass silage TMR with cereals, biscuit meal and wheat distillers dark grains
Source: David Hendy, independent beef and sheep nutritionist
Figure 3: Upper Court Farm Feed costs based on current feed prices:
Creep Feed DM % – 85.30, Cost/tonne Fresh-weight – £121.4, Cost/tonne Dry Matter – £142.7
Bull finishing diet DM % – 85.30 Cost/tonne Fresh-weight – £124.6 Cost/tonne Dry Matter – £146.5, Cost/head/day – £1.45,
Cost/kg gain – £0.79, L-Wt gain /head/day – 1.85kg
Heifer finishing diet DM % – 53.7, Cost/tonne Fresh-weight – £64.5 Cost/tonne Dry Matter – £119.4, Cost/head/day – £1.43
Cost/kg gain – £0.96, L-Wt gain /head/day – 1.5kg
Source: David Hendy, independent beef and sheep nutritionist
Mr Hendy explains, the critical point with the calf creep and bull beef cereal mixes is to maximise digestible fibre levels whilst capitalizing on performance and intake and therefore feed conversion ratio, (FCR). Optimum daily intake and the very positive FCRs have been ensured by Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) being as close or over 20% and including high fibre feeds such as whole oats in the calf mix and an appropriate balance of barley and wheat in the bull mix, and with up to 5% inclusion of molasses.
Tom says: “We believe in growing the calves as fast as we can pre weaning because that’s when their feed conversion is at its best – it’s the cheapest time to feed them. That’s why the creep diet is really important.
“Following on, we were struggling to get the bulls to target weight and with enough cover within 16 months whilst feeding a traditional forage based TMR, whereas nowadays, since introducing a cereal based diet formulated to specific specification, they are finishing to target weight at 14 months. The new regime is proving to be much more cost effective. We’re also tweaking the diet to ensure the bulls finish within ABP’s maximum 420kg deadweight to avoid penalties.
“The heifers continue to be housed throughout the finishing period; feeding a homegrown forage TMR is proving to be the most cost effective and efficient.”
Tom adds: “We will shortly be introducing a crush with weigh scales which together with EID will provide us with an opportunity to regularly record each animal, identify any slack in the system and fine tune accordingly.”
Stirling Sale Show Results
Supreme Champion
A & M Williams – Castellmawr Jacpot – s. Goldstar Gentleman
Reserve Supreme Champion
Major DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Justice – s. Balthayock Ferdinand ET
Senior Male Champion
W Owen – Deunawd Jeff – s. Allanfauld Chieftan
Reserve Senior Male Champion
Hamish Goldie – Goldies Javelin ET – s. Killadeas Legend
Intermediate Male Champion
A & M Williams – Castellmawr Jacpot – s. Goldstar Gentleman
Reserve Intermediate Male Champion
HC & AA Stubbs – Derryharney Jumbo – s. Thrunton Voldemort
Junior Male Champion
Major DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Justice – s. Balthayock Ferdinand ET
Reserve Junior Male Champion
Anne MacPherson – Blackford Juniper – s. Corrie Alan ET
Female Champion
Hamish Goldie – Goldies Illusion – s. Blelack Digger
Reserve Female Champion
Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jiffy – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
Group of Three
JHC Campbell – Thrunton Jason, Thrunton Javelin & Thrunton Jaguar
Class One – Bulls born on or between 4 November 2013 & 13 February 2014
1st – Robert McWilliams – Stranagone Jones – s. Blelack Digger
2nd – Martin Irvine – Anside Jagermeister – s. Elgin Davinci
3rd – MV & AE Atkinson – Mowbraypark Jenson ET – s. Mowbraypark Paramount ET
4th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Isambard – s. Balmyle Dickler
5th – Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Immense – s. Gretnahouse Ultimate ET
Class Two – Bulls born on or between 14 February 2014 & 12 March 2014
1st – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Javelin – s. Thrunton Gladiator
2nd – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Jason – s. Thrunton Gladiator
3rd – George Russell – Lesliepark Jacob – s. Mandela Dillon1 ET
4th – RA Milne & Sons – Elgin Jerry – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
5th – WP Bruce Ltd – Balmyle Jubilee – s. Elgin Glenlivet
Class Three – Bulls born on or between 13 & 31 March 2014
1st – M Massie – Elrick Jackpot – s. Thrunton Fearless
2nd – WP Bruce Ltd – Balmyle Jupiter – s. Balmyle Eclipse
3rd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jonjo – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
4th – D Burkill – Beechtree Joe – s. Goldies Eddy
5th – Redhead & Watson – Tillside Jackass – s. Blelack Digger
Class Four – Bulls born on or between 1 & 3 April 2014
1st – W Owen – Deunawd Jeff – s. Allanfauld Chieftan
2nd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Javelin ET – s. Killadeas Legend
3rd – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Jaguar – s. Royal Captain
4th – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Jetsetter – s. Newhouse Bigal
5th – William Whyte – Innisrush Jagger – s. Goldies Usher
Class Five – Bulls born on or between 4 & 8 April 2014
1st – A & M Williams – Castellmawr Jacpot – s. Goldstar Gentleman
2nd – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Jaguar – s. Thrunton Gladiator
3rd – Balfour Brothers – Clonatrig Jethro – s. Blelack Digger
4th – MJ Massie – Elrick Jazzman – s. Thrunton Fearless
5th – William Whyte – Innisrush Jimbob – s. Goldies Usher
Class Six – Bulls born on or between 9 & 16 April 2014
1st – Gilbert Crawford – Deeleview Jonathan – s. Blelack Digger
2nd – I & D Goldie – Solwayfirth Jackdaniels – s. Solwayfirth Banker
3rd – D & P Murray – Guthrie Jedburgh – s. Balmyle Eclipse
4th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Jackpot – s. Thrunton Gladiator
5th – George Henderson – Sandelford Jared – s. Conval Frank
Class Seven – Bulls born on or between 17 & 23 April 2014
1st – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Journal – s. Burradon Goldenballs
2nd – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jackpot – s. Blelack Blackberet
3rd – M & J Hayhurst – Whitecliffe Jason – s. Elgin Davinci
4th – NF Massie & Sons – Blelack Justice – s. Caylers Hustler
5th – Mervyn McKeown – Royaldowns Jetstream – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
Class Eight – Bulls born on or between 24 & 30 April 2014
1st – HC & AA Stubbs – Derryharney Jumbo – s. Thrunton Voldemort
2nd – NF Massie & Sons – Blelack Jason – s. Glencoe Hagrid
3rd – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Jimbob – s. Maerdy Fiend
4th – WP Bruce Ltd – Balmyle Johnbull – s. Balmyle Eclipse
5th – I & D Goldie – Solwayfirth Jaguar – s. Solwayfirth Banker
Class Nine – Bulls born on or between 1 & 7 May 2014
1st – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jester – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
2nd – DE Evans – Maerdy Jon – s. Blelack Fabulous
3rd – Major DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Jacobite – s. Elgin Glenlivet
4th – D & P Murray – Guthrie Johnshaven – s. Balmyle Eclipse
5th – Kelsall & Marsden – Bleasdale Jacob – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
Class Ten – Bulls born on or between 8 & 14 May 2014
1st – Anne MacPherson – Blackford Juniper – s. Corrie Alan ET
2nd – MJ Massie – Elrick Juno – s. Thrunton Fearless
3rd – DE Evans – Maerdy Jogger – s. Maerdy Dynamite
4th – Pat Hackett – Fury Junior – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
5th – HC Stubbs & AA Burleigh – Derryharney Jumpingjack – s. Grove Enterprise
Class Eleven – Bulls born on or between 15 & 24 May 2014
1st – Major DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Justice – s. Balthayock Ferdinand ET
2nd – JW Millar – Lochend Jammydodger – s. Mortimers Echo
3rd – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Jago – s. Burradon Goldenballs
4th – PT Heath – Sackville Jackpot – s. Elgin Davinci
5th – James Jeffrey – Kersknowe Jambo – s. Inverlochy Fencer
Class Twelve – Bulls born on or after 25 May 2014
1st – NF Massie & Sons – Blelack Jigsaw – s. Caylers Hustler
2nd – WR Baillie & Co – Baillieston Joseph – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
3rd – DE Evans – Maerdy Jonti – s. Maerdy Grenadier
4th – S & D Bothwell – Killadeas Jack – s. Gwenog Braveheart
5th – Mervyn McKeown – Royaldowns Jupiter – s. Thrunton Voldemort
Class Thirteen – Heifers born on or after 4 June 2013
1st – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Illusion – s. Blelack Digger
2nd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jiffy – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
3rd – Jan Boomaars – Vexour Jade – s. Thrunton Glencoe
4th – Jan Boomaars – Vexour Jasmin – s. Newhouse Emperor
5th – Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Jeigg – s. Wesley Equinox
Midas, one of Shropshire’s leading Charolais herd’s is expected to attract demand from breeders traveling from throughout the UK when it comes under the hammer in Welshpool on Thursday 5 November. The dispersal will add to over 70 bulls also for sale that day.
The Midas herd which comprises 25 cattle owned and bred by father and son team, Roger and Drew Coppinger, of Edstaston, Shropshire will feature strong maternal lines including dams of the 10,500gns Midas Furious TI +45, SRI +49, and the 6,000gns Midas Geronimo TI +45, SRI +45.
Drew explained: “Our policy has always been to offer some of our best females for sale and over the last few years we have been very ruthless; all of the cattle we are selling we would keep to breed from ourselves in a different situation. There will be a few cows and calves and a good selection of maiden heifers – everything is on the market.”
The Coppingers have bred Charolais cattle for over 20 years and have had great success in both the sale and showring. Drew said: “We have always favoured Charolais cattle for their sheer power and size with our biggest achievement being winning the senior championship in Perth in 1996. We have also been lucky enough to win the Carlisle Christmas cracker female championship twice, as well as first prizes at the Royal Welsh and many breed championships locally.”
He continued: “We have always used Welshpool market for our bulls as we have a good following there and we have had plenty of repeat buyers in the past from commercial suckler men looking for bulls to add the weight for age advantage to their cattle.”
Supreme Champion
Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Juggernaut – s. Goldie Eddy
Reserve Supreme Champion
GM Jones – Esgob Jeep – s. Anside Excalibur
Female Champion
JS Howells – Gwenog Icing – s. Thrunton Classic
Reserve Female Champion
A & M Williams – Castellmawr Imogen – s. Lisnagre Elite ET
Class One – Bulls Born on or between 14/12/2013 & 28/02/2014
1st – GM Jones – Esgob Jeep – s. Anside Excalibur
2nd – JAW Rees – Hendy Jeffrey – s. Blelack Digger
3rd – BA & PT Heath – Sackville Julius – s. Blelack Digger
4th – SJ Goddard – Maynestone Ironman ET – s. Derryharney Outstanding
5th – NP Jones – Waterman Jones – s. Farleycopse Gareth
Class Two – Bulls Born on or between 01/03/2014 & 17/04/2014
1st – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Juggernaut – s. Goldie Eddy
2nd – Mrs A Orr-Ewing – Foxacre Juniper – s. Wesley Forceful
3rd – Roberts & Jones – Montgomery Jonathan – s. Elgin Fergal
4th – PC Weston – Finnwest Jezz – s. Brailes Asteroid
5th – IN Hollinshead – Allostock Jacob – s. Goldie Eddy
Class Three – Bulls Born on or between 18/04/2014 & 06/05/2014
1st – GG Morris – Cargriff Jupline – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
2nd – PW Greed – Louis Jarrow – s. Thrunton Fitzroy
3rd – A & M Williams – Castellmawr Jack – s. Goldstar Gentleman
4th – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jackfrost – s. Loganbar Goran
5th – RJB & AM Tucker – Gower Juggler – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
Class Four – Bulls Born on or between 07/05/2014 & 31/05/2014
1st – David Thornley – Dooley Jemphasis – s. Guthrie Fernando
2nd – PJ Maher – Roscrea Jonah – s. Farleycopse Turbo
3rd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Justice – s. Blelack Digger
4th – F, J & EC Andrews – Holtstead Jefferson – s. Blelack Digger
Class Five – Bulls Born on or between 01/06/2014 & 07/07/2014
1st – David Thornley – Dooley Jake – s. Guthrie Fernando
2nd – DE Evans – Maerdy Julep – s. Maerdy Dynamite
3rd – WF Palmer & Son – Trenestrall Jiggy – s. Trenestrall Frank
4th – SM Corbett & Daughters – Teme Jive ET – s. Kilcullen Ted ET
Class Six – Bulls Born on or after 08/07/2014
1st – EH Pennie & Son – Sarkley Jinsky – s. Lisnagre Elite ET
2nd – DE Evans – Maerdy Junior – s. Maerdy Gouverneur
3rd – Roberts & Jones – Montgomery Jeancvd – s. Balmyle Harlequin
4th – IN Hollinshead – Moelfre Jackpot – s. Anside Foreman
5th – IN Hollinshead – Allostock Joey – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
Class Seven – Heifers
1st – JS Howells – Gwenog Icing – s. Thrunton Classic
2nd – A & M Williams – Castellmawr Imogen – s. Lisnagre Elite ET
Charolais cattle sold to a top price of 6,000gns with a bull clearance rate of 70% at the official Society sale at Welshpool on Thursday 5th November.
The Champions from left to right: Tom Cox (judge) Glandan Lewis, Cyril Millar (BCCS President) Tom Boden with the champion Sportsmans Juggernaut, Gareth Jones with the reserve champion Esgob Jeep, Jonathan Guy (sponsor) and Richard Evans
The sale topper at 6,000gns came from the Midas dispersal sale on behalf of Roger, Cath and Drew Coppinger of Edstaston, Shropshire. Midas Cath by the 15,000gns Carlisle Supreme Champion Burradon Talisman and her five month old heifer calf Midas Likenoother by Alwent Goldbar were purchased by WJ Lewis, Brecon, Powys.
Midas Cath
Sarkley Jinsky
The Coppinger’s sold three more cow and calf outfits all with calves sired by Alwent Goldbar. Firstly was the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister daughter Midas Hilda TI +48 SRI +52 and her nine month old bull calf Midas Luke who went home with Andrew Sellick, Knutsford, Cheshire at 3,600gns.
Also at the same price was Midas Fifi TI +42 SRI +43 sired by the 25,000gns Supreme Perth Champion Goldies Unbeatable, being purchased by GR Gould, Minehead, Somerset and her 8 month old daughter Midas Lily who went home with VAS Corbett, Knighton, Powys.
Midas Lily
Midas Likenoother
Another Midas pair sold for a total of 3,500gns. HP Thomas, Brecon, Powys purchased Midas Fantastic TI +55 SRI +45 sired by Mowbraypark Paramount, whilst her nine month old bull calf was bought by HM Griffiths, Felinfach, Lampeter.
The Mortimers Farm, Eastleigh, Hampshire sold cows and calves to a top price 3,200gns for Mortimers Hologram TI +39 SRI +44 by Balthayock Aesop and her 9 month old bull calf Mortimers Lysander sired by the home-bred Mortimers Invincible, purchased by JT and AW Davies, Llangedwyn, Shropshire.
Mortimers’ also sold cows with calves for 3,050gns and 2,800gns respectively. The Seawell Icon daughter Mortimers Gracious and her 11 month old heifer calf Mortimers Juliet by the South East calf show champion Mortimers Hurricane caught the eye of MA Swistun, Gower, Swansea. Then GR Gould, Minehead, Somerset took home Mortimers Feisty by the 12,000gns Cleffany Spitfire and her six month old Mortimers Invincible son Mortimers Lively.
In the female collective section GM Jones, Bala, Gwynedd secured the highest price of 4,000gns from DH Jones, Ceredigion for his in-calf heifer Esgob Ivonne by the 26,000gns Anside Excalibur.
Then Rachel Dawson, Newton Burgoland, Leicestershire purchased the 30,000gns Balmyle Bollinger daughter Cloybank Inlove from RM and G Hughes, Owestry, Shropshire for 3,000gns.
Leading the bids for the bulls at 4,400gns was the 15 month old class winning Sarkley Jinsky TI +47 SRI +37 from EH Pennie and Son, Montgomery, Powys. Jinsky who is sired by Lisnagre Elite ET and out of a homebred dam going back to Doonally New was purchased by JM and BJ Langford and Son, Newtown, Powys.
Four bulls sold for 4,200gns. The first was the 20 month old Blelack Digger son Hendy Jeffrey TI +55 SRI +56 who was purchased from JAW Rees, Lanidloes, Powys by ASL Evans, Aberystwyth, Dyfed.
Next, exhibited by GG Morris, Llanstephan, Carmarthenshire, was Cargriff Jupline TI +48 SRI +45 a son of Alwent Goldbar who had earlier won his class. He went home with R, CW and RW Jones, Llanbedrop, Gwynedd.
The 17 month old Holtstead Jefferson TI +68 SRI +65 sired by Blelack Digger was next to sell at the same price for F, J and EC Andrews, Holmfirth, Yorkshire and was purchased by HE Williams and Son, Craven Arms, Shropshire.
This price was matched by AG and EL Jones, Llangwm, Corwen for another class winner Dooley Jemphasis by Guthrie Fernando from David Thornley, Swadlincote, Derbyshire.
Then Boden and Davies Ltd, Mellor, Cheshire sold their 17 month old Blelack Digger son Sportsmans Justice TI +55 SRI +53 for 4,000gns to WJ and EA Lewis, Bryncoch, Neath.
Selling at 3,700gns to WET and JA Pugh, Rhayader, Powys was the 14 month old Maerdy Junior TI +57 SRI +54 sired by Maerdy Gouverneur and exhibited by DE Evans, Mold, Flintshire.
Two bulls were knocked down for 3,500gns. BA & PT Heath, Hartfield, East Sussex offered the first, Sackville Julius TI +61 SRI +56. This 21 month old Blelack Digger son went to R Reynolds, Knighton, Powys. At the same price tag was the 18 month old Louis Jarrow, sired by Thrunton Fitzroy, sold by PW Greed, Exeter, Devon to with G and H Jeriman, Newtown, Powys.
Averages: 26 bulls £3,436. Females: Seven heifers £2445, Midas Dispersal: five Cows and Calves £3969, seven heifers £1694, Mortimers Draft: three Cows and Calves £3167.50
Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales
Hendy Jeffrey
Cargriff Jupline
Holstead Jefferson
Sportsmans Justice
Dooley Jemphasis
Sarkley Jinsky
Show Results Welshpool Thursday 5 November 2015
The champion Sportsmans Juggernaut made 3,000gns
The reserve champion Esgob Jeep made 3,200gns
Supreme Champion Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Juggernaut – s. Goldie Eddy
Reserve Supreme Champion GM Jones – Esgob Jeep – s. Anside Excalibur
Female Champion JS Howells – Gwenog Icing – s. Thrunton Classic
Reserve Female Champion A & M Williams – Castellmawr Imogen – s. Lisnagre Elite ET
Class One – Bulls Born on or between 14/12/2013 & 28/02/2014
1st – GM Jones – Esgob Jeep – s. Anside Excalibur
2nd – JAW Rees – Hendy Jeffrey – s. Blelack Digger
3rd – BA & PT Heath – Sackville Julius – s. Blelack Digger
4th – SJ Goddard – Maynestone Ironman ET – s. Derryharney Outstanding
5th – NP Jones – Waterman Jones – s. Farleycopse Gareth
Class Two – Bulls Born on or between 01/03/2014 & 17/04/2014
1st – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Juggernaut – s. Goldie Eddy
2nd – Mrs A Orr-Ewing – Foxacre Juniper – s. Wesley Forceful
3rd – Roberts & Jones – Montgomery Jonathan – s. Elgin Fergal
4th – PC Weston – Finnwest Jezz – s. Brailes Asteroid
5th – IN Hollinshead – Allostock Jacob – s. Goldie Eddy
Class Three – Bulls Born on or between 18/04/2014 & 06/05/2014
1st – GG Morris – Cargriff Jupline – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
2nd – PW Greed – Louis Jarrow – s. Thrunton Fitzroy
3rd – A & M Williams – Castellmawr Jack – s. Goldstar Gentleman
4th – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jackfrost – s. Loganbar Goran
5th – RJB & AM Tucker – Gower Juggler – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
Class Four – Bulls Born on or between 07/05/2014 & 31/05/2014
1st – David Thornley – Dooley Jemphasis – s. Guthrie Fernando
2nd – PJ Maher – Roscrea Jonah – s. Farleycopse Turbo
3rd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Justice – s. Blelack Digger
4th – F, J & EC Andrews – Holtstead Jefferson – s. Blelack Digger
Class Five – Bulls Born on or between 01/06/2014 & 07/07/2014
1st – David Thornley – Dooley Jake – s. Guthrie Fernando
2nd – DE Evans – Maerdy Julep – s. Maerdy Dynamite
3rd – WF Palmer & Son – Trenestrall Jiggy – s. Trenestrall Frank
4th – SM Corbett & Daughters – Teme Jive ET – s. Kilcullen Ted ET
Class Six – Bulls Born on or after 08/07/2014
1st – EH Pennie & Son – Sarkley Jinsky – s. Lisnagre Elite ET
2nd – DE Evans – Maerdy Junior – s. Maerdy Gouverneur
3rd – Roberts & Jones – Montgomery Jeancvd – s. Balmyle Harlequin
4th – IN Hollinshead – Moelfre Jackpot – s. Anside Foreman
5th – IN Hollinshead – Allostock Joey – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
Class Seven – Heifers
1st – JS Howells – Gwenog Icing – s. Thrunton Classic
2nd – A & M Williams – Castellmawr Imogen – s. Lisnagre Elite ET
The Midas Team
Around the ringside
Maerdy genetics from one of the principal Welsh Charolais herds are predicted to be in high demand when the entire portion of two/ three year old heifers come under the hammer at Carlisle on Friday 20 November. The production sale will comprise 64 heifers.
Maerdy Jerusalem made 28,000gns at Stirling OCtober 2015
The Maerdy herd, owned and bred by Esmor Evans of Mold, Flintshire, now runs at 160 cows after being established in 1974. Esmor said: “We chose to develop a herd of Charolais as its was and still is the dominant beef breed – offering the best growth rates for age and a carcass to suit commercial purposes.”
The sale offers breeders an unrivalled opportunity to add leading dam lines to their herds, as Esmor explained: “As our main cattleman has left us, we’ve made the decision to reduce the number of breeding females and having a complete and genuine sale of all two to three year old heifers seemed the most honest way to go about it. We have been very selective over the years and would happily breed from any of the heifers on offer. They have not been pushed due to the short notice of the sale but will be all the better for that for the prospective buyers.”
Maerdy is well known across the UK with an outstanding pedigree in both the show and sale rings. “For me the highlight has to be setting a new breed record price of 56,000gns for Maerdy Director in 1989 at Perth bull sales, a record that stood for over 20 years. That was a huge amount of money at the time and I was very proud to maintain that record for so long.” Maerdy genetics continue to be in demand with the 17 month old Maerdy Jerusalem TI+73 SRI +72 realising 28,000gns at last month’s Stirling bull sales. Esmor continued: “In the show ring we’ve been lucky enough to win interbreeds at the Royal Show and Royal Welsh Show, as well as many other breed and interbreed titles nationwide including nine Perth and Stirling champions starting with Maerdy Victorious in 1985.”
