There was a brisk trade for Charolais bulls at Dungannon on the 6 November when 22 bulls sold to an average of £2928 and a top price of 5,200gns.

Prices peaked at 5,200gns for T O’Neill, Claudy, Co Derry and his class winner Glenramble Jonah TI +51 SRI +48. This 17 month old son of Alwent Goldbar was purchased by James McCracken, Bellarena, Co Derry.

Glenramble Jonah at 5,200gns

Mr McCracken’s other purchase at 4,300gns was another Goldbar son, the 15 month old reserve male champion Mullanary Jethro, out of a homebred dam going back to Celtic Bigboy and exhibited by Richard and Paula Hill, Dungannon, Co Tyrone.

Mullinary Jethro the reserve male champion at 4,300gns

Next, selling to John Butler, Ballycastle, Co Antrim for 4,000gns came Brigadoon Jupiter, sired by Royal Capitan and exhibited by WD and JA Connolly, Ballynahinch, Co Down.

Brigadoon Jupiter at 4,000gns

The supreme champion from Gilbert Crawford, Maghera, Co Derry also secured 4,000gns. Coolnaslee Jackal TI +39 SRI +36, a 14 month old son of the 12,000gns Maerdy Fiend went home with John McBride, Plumbridge, Co Tyrone.

Coolnaslee Jackal the supreme champion at 4,000gns

Mr Crawford also sold the 18 month old Coolnaslee Jefferson sired by the 13,000gns Conval Frank. He was purchased by Malcom Donnelly, Cookstown, Co Tyrone for 2,600gns.

Next at 3,800gns knocked down to Malcolm Fleming, Magherfelt, Co Derry was the 17 month old Admachree Jim TI +66 SRI +59, sired by Blelack Digger and exhibited by Aaron Quigley, Macken, Co Fermanagh.

Ardmachree Jim at 3,800gns

Bushmills Jose sired by Lissadoair Eden from Victor Chestnutt, Bushmills, Co Antrim was next selling at 3,000gns to Charles Kennedy, Ballyclare, Co Antrim.

A bid of 2,700gns was paid for the first prize winning Drumilly Jackthelad from Jeremy Paynter, Hockley, Co Armagh. This 18 month old sired by the 16,000gns Clyth Diplomat went home with Timothy Wray, Ballymena, Co Antrim.

Drumilly Jackthelad at 2,500gns

Three bulls were purchased for 2,500gns. The first, exhibited by S & A Bellew, Newry, Co Down was Kiltybane Jonathon, a son of the 10,000gns supreme Perth champion Thrunton Bonjovi. He sold to Joseph McDonnell, Fvemiletown, Co Tyrone. Next came an Alwent Goldbar son, Altnacree Jonas TI +46 SRI +45 from O Kerrigan and J Conn, Strabane, Co Tyrone who was purchased by James McArthur, Limavady, Co Derry. A final bid of 2,500gns was paid by Shane McCulloch, Crumlin, Co Antrim for Burnside Jagermeister, another son of Clyth Diplomat from Brian McAllister and Son, Ballymena, Co Antrim.

Female Section

Leading the bids for the females at 3,200gns was the female and reserve supreme champion from LA Richardson and son, Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh. Hillviewfarm Jolene, a 19 month old daughter of the 19,000gns Corrie Alan caught the eye of John McGrath, Omagh, Co Tyrone

Hillviewfarm Jolene female champion at 3,200gns

Just behind on 3,100gns and purchased Mr Caraher, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh was Solitude Imogen TI +48 SRI +42. This class winner is sired by the home-bred 32,000gns supreme Perth champion Solitude Attaboy and was exhibited by John McMordie, Newtownards, Co Down.

Averages: 22 bulls £2,928, five females £2404.50

Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart

Solitude Imogen at 3,100gns

Show Results Dungannon Friday 6 November 2015

Supreme Champion GJ Crawford – Coolnaslee Jackal – s. Maerdy Fiend
Reserve Supreme Champion LA Richardson & Sons – Hillviewfarm Jolene – s. Corrie Alan ET

Male Champion GJ Crawford – Coolnaslee Jackal – s. Maerdy Fiend
Reserve Male Champion R & P Hill – Mullanary Jethro – s. Alwent Goldbar ET

Female Champion LA Richardson & Sons – Hillviewfarm Jolene – s. Corrie Alan ET
Reserve Female Champion KC Veitch – Drumlone Jade – s. Kelton Trident

Class One – Bulls Born on or between 31/01/2014 & 16/04/2014 1^st – GJ Crawford – Coolnaslee Jungle – s. Ballindalloch Ufo 2^nd – GJ Crawford – Coolnaslee Jefferson – s. Conval Frank 3^rd – WG & JJ Connolly – Brigadoon Jupiter – s. Royal Capitan Class Two – Bulls Born on or between 19/04/2014 & 11/05/2014 1^st – JR Paynter – Drumilly Jackthelad – s. Clyth Diplomat 2^nd – S & R Thompson – Altnaveigh Jack – s. Moncur General 3^rd – L Johnston – Mountain Jimbob – s. Lisbawn Valour Class Three – Bulls Born on or between 22/05/2014 & 09/06/2014 1^st – T O’Neill – Glenramble Jonah – s. Alwent Goldbar ET 2^nd – Victor Chestnutt – Bushmills Jose – s. Lissadoair Eden ET 3^rd – O Kerrigan & J Conn – Altnacree Jonas – s. Alwent Goldbar ET Class Four – Bulls Born on or between 14/06/2014 & 18/07/2014 1^st – R & P Hill – Mullanary Jethro – s. Alwent Goldbar ET 2^nd – B McAllister & Son – Burnside Jumper – s. Conval Frank 3^rd – R McWilliams – Stranagone James – s. Elgin Davinci Class Five – Bulls Born on or between 26/07/2014 & 25/10/2014 1^st – GJ Crawford – Coolnaslee Jackal – s. Maerdy Fiend 2^nd – B McAllister & Son – Burnside Jagermeister – s. Clyth Diplomat 3^rd – S McCaughey – Fymore Jazzy – s. Gower Blingbling

Class Six – Females born on or between 15/10/2013 & 25/12/2013 1^st – J & W McMordie – Solitude Imogen – s. Solitude Attaboy 2^nd – JA Erskine – Dartonhall Ivonne – s. Prime Roberto Class Seven – Females born on or between 26/01/2014 & 15/04/2014 1^st – LA Richardson & Sons – Hillviewfarm Jolene – s. Corrie Alan ET 2^nd – KC Veitch – Drumlone Jade – s. Kelton Trident 3^rd – J McBride – Moorlough Jenna – s. Clyth Diplomat Class Eight – Females born on or between 05/06/2014 & 08/08/2014 1^st – J McBride – Moorlough Jessie – s. Vexour Freddy

Charolais senior honours went to the senior female champion, Tweeddale Jazzylady from Redhead and Watson, with this being a Blelack Digger daughter. Reserve senior was Andrew Hornall’s Falleninch Jeroboam, the senior bull champion by Deteskit Fernando. Taking reserve senior female honours was Formakin Juniper, a Major daughter from Messrs McMurrich. Then in reserve in the senior males was Carwood Jagerbomb, a Glenrock Eiger son from the Wights.

Tweeddale Jazzylady

Leading the way in the Charolais junior championship was Auchincrieve Lavender, an Olrig Highwayman heifer from C and E McCombie, with Andrew Hornall’s bull Falleninch Landslide taking the junior male and reserve junior titles. He’s by Deteskit Fernando. The reserve junior female was Dunesk Lulu from Jimmy and Margaret McMillan, with this being by Brampton Albert. Then in reserve spot in the junior males was Panmure Lincoln from J Cant and sired by Thrunton Firecracker.

Also congratulations to Stephen Taylor who won the young handlers competition.

Report courtesy of United Auctions

Auchencrieve Lavender

Charolais Class Results:
Bulls, born on or between 03/07/2014 & 04/09/2014
1st – A Hornall – Falleninch Jeroboam – s. Dereskit Fernando
2nd – C Wight – Carwood Jagerbomb – s. Glenrock Eiger
3rd – R Milne – Elgin Jaguar – s. Caylers Gladiator

Bulls, born on or between 23/09/2014 & 05/12/2014
1st – J Cant – Panmure Jaguar – s. Thrunton Firecracker
2nd – R Milne – Elgin Jagger – s. Blelack Blackberet
3rd – J Sawrij – Swalesmoor Jura – s. Balmyle Headline

Heifers, born on or between 01/08/2014 & 20/09/2014
1st – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jazzylady – s. Blelack Digger
2nd – McMurrich Partnership – Formakin Juniper – s. Major
3rd – D Muirhead – Firhills Jessica – s. Maerd Grenadier

Heifers, born on or between 01/10/2014 & 08/12/2014
1st – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jadore – s. Blelack Blackberet
2nd – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jaquleine – s. Blelack Blackberet
3rd – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jalien – s. Blelack Blackberet

Bulls, born on or between 02/01/2015 & 22/01/2015
1st – A Hornall – Falleninch Landslide – s. Dereskit Fernando
2nd – J Cant – Panmure Lincoln – s. Thrunton Firecracker
3rd – McMurrich Partnership – Formakin Lasvagas – s. Dingle Hofmeister

Bulls, born on or between 02/03/2015 & 09/06/2015
1st – J Cant – Panmure Lionel – s. Thrunton Firecracker
2nd – A MacPherson – Blackford Leonardo – s. Elgin Davinci
3rd – A Hornall – Falleninch Lyle – s. Dereskit Fernando

Heifers, born on or between 01/01/2015 & 23/01/2015
1st – McMurrich Partnership – Formakin Licorice – s. Balthayock Matthew
2nd – A Hornall – Falleninch Libby – s. Dereskit Fernando
3rd – A Hornall – Falleninch Leona – s. Dereskit Fernando

Heifers, born on or between 02/02/2015 & 04/03/2015
1st – J & M McMillan – Dunesk Lulu – s. Brampton Albert
2nd – J & M McMillan – Dunesk Lady – s. Balthayock Hamish
3rd – J Morris – Olrig Lexie – s. Blelack Digger

Heifers, born on or between 12/03/2015 & 06/04/2015
1st – A Ivory – Cardean Lily – s. Goldies Eddy
2nd – J & E Wight – Midshield Lassy – s. Alwent Goldbar
3rd – J Wight & Sons – Midlock Linda – s. Elrick Highlander

Heifers, born on or between 10/04/2015 & 27/04/2015
1st – C & E McCombie – Auchincrieve Lavender – s. Olrig Highwayman
2nd – J Irvine – Inverlochy Lily – s. Maerdy Eryr
3rd – C & E McCombie – Auchincrieve Louise – s. Olrig Highwayman

Semnior Champion Coolnaslee Julie

Senior Champion Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Julie – s. Barnsford Ferny Reserve Senior Champion Sean McGovern – Ratoary Justrite ET – s. Lochend Apache

Junior Champion Brigadoon Lolly

Junior Champion WF & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Lolly – s. Brigadoon Himself Reserve Junior Champion Pat Hackett – Fury Leader – s. Crossmolina Euro

Bull, born on between 01/09/2014 and 31/12/2014 1^st – Sean McGovern – Ratoary Justrite ET – s. Lochend Apache 2^nd – Sean McGovern – Ratoary Jackwillis ET – s. Lochend Apache 3^rd – John & Sandra Middleton – Hollywell Jura – s. Elgin Davinci

Heifer, born on or between 01/09/2014 & 31/12/2014 1^st – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Julie – s. Barnsford Ferny 2^nd – Kenneth Veitch – Drumlone Jodie ET – s. Goldstar Echo 3^rd – S & D Bothwell – Killadeas Jade – s. Gwenog Braveheart

Bull, born between 01/01/2015 & 31/03/2015 1^st – Pat Hackett – Fury Leader – s. Crossmolina Euro 2^nd – JS Smyth – Bessiebell Luigi – s. Alwent Goldbar 3^rd – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Larry – s. Goldstar Hugo

Heifer, born on or between 01/01/2015 & 31/03/2015 1^st – S & D Bothwell – Killadeas Lily – s. Blackford Dynamite 2^nd – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Lady – s. Brigadoon Himself 3^rd – S & D Bothwell – Killadeas Lady – s. Blackford Dynamite

Bull calf, born on or after 01/04/2015 1^st – Niall Quinn – Hillviewfarm Limitededition – s. Inverlochy Ferdie 2^nd – S & D Bothwell – Killadeas Louis – s. Gwenog Braveheart 3^rd – Sean McGovern – Ratoary Logan – s. Ratoary Honkydory

Heifer calf, born on or after 01/04/2015 1^st – WF & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Lolly – s. Brigadoon Himself 2^nd – Will Short – Woodpark Louise – s. Corrie Alan 3^rd – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Louise – s. Brigadoon Himself

Recent changes to abattoir grading systems, and reduced upper weight limits for carcasses, have the potential to have a significant impact on beef production systems and the choice of genetics used within the suckler herd. The success of breeding programmes and indices focussed on lean meat output and eye-muscle size has resulted in continental-sired cattle easily achieving lean carcasses at heavy weights (over 450kg deadweight). This has been readily adopted by beef producers to maximise output for both the suckler breeder and finisher, but has created growing problems in the meat industry as muscle size, particularly for high value steaks, has led to serious issues with pack size and portion cost. In response to these challenges a growing number of abattoirs have responded by implementing upper weight limits on carcasses (many of these limits had been in place previously but never rigorously applied) in an attempt to pull down the number of carcasses causing significant problems. This has seen upper limits reduced from 450 to 420 and even 400kg deadweight. There are discussions ongoing which suggest this limit may be reduced even further by certain abattoirs.

This creates a bit of a problem for breeders of continental sires. The very success of maximising lean gain may well create a scenario which generates greater uptake of smaller, native breeds.

The maximum weight issue is big enough without the additional concerns being raised by the increasing use of VIA grading in abattoirs and the apparent increase in the number of very lean (fat grades 1 and 2) carcasses, particularly for young bulls. We are now in the scenario where the top continental-sired barley bulls, which cannot be sold before 12 months as beef,  have a carcass weight in the penalty band but yet have not achieved sufficient fat cover to be sold. You could argue that continental breeders have been too successful in achieving their goals!

So, what is the future for the continental sire?

The table below highlights the crux of the issue – that continental sires are associated with improved output of the steer and heifer; the issue is one of how to manage the progeny to fit market specifications.

Arguably, one of the greatest inefficiencies within the UK beef industry is our sub-optimal output from heifers; any move away from continental sires threatens to exacerbate this. Whilst there is no doubt that the abattoirs need to control the specification of their input we are in the fortunate position where there is scope for the industry to compensate for the potential loss of output arising from lighter steer carcasses by focussing on improving the output from heifers. The same issue of lean carcasses which must be addressed for steers creates a huge advantage in producing greater levels of lean output from the heifer.

So, what can be done?

The following graph shows the variation in output from Scottish finishers producing Charolais cross steers. You can see the spread being presented to the abattoir (and possibly why they are imposing restrictions!) but you can also see that there are a number of producers using the Charolais breed to produce average steer carcass weights within specification and at the same time utilising the excellent rapid growth associated with the breed.

In particular I have highlighted the producers targeting steer carcasses between 380 and 420kg, but also achieving below average days to slaughter. If the strength of the breed is to be demonstrated by fast, efficient growth, these producers provide a potential blueprint for the management strategies required in future.

One such breeder & finisher is Pete Watson, Darnford, Aberdeenshire. Pete, with great input from an enthusiastic family, utilises the Charolais to great effect to maximise output from both steers and heifers. The Watsons have a planned management and nutrition strategy to achieve adequately finished, average 380kg carcasses below 600 days of age.

A key to the success at Darnford is the separation of males and females for feeding and management. This allows a tailored programme to be created taking into account the very different requirements of heifers and steers. The diets are all home mixed, giving flexibility to vary starch and protein levels at key stages of development. 

Key features in the Darnford system:-
o    Calves: calves are fed a low-starch creep feed to avoid early fat deposition.
o    Yearlings: a reasonably high protein diet (15-17% CP), again with limited starch, is fed to encourage lean growth and frame development.
o    Cattle are turned out for a limited grazing season followed by full finishing rations after cattle reach 500kg lwt.
o    Steers are fed a low protein, high starch finisher.
o    Heifers are fed a higher protein, lower starch finisher

All animals are allowed to grow to achieve adequate frame size before being intensively finished.

Another feature of the herd which aids management is the tight calving pattern maintained on the farm. This helps simplify management with even groups of cattle to work with.

The results at Darnford demonstrate the ability of the Charolais to produce excellent carcass weights in both steers and heifers. The combination of rapid growth and high average slaughter weight maximises output from the cow and ensures maximum production efficiency. Whilst there is no doubt that the current changes in maximum slaughter weights will lead to a potential reduction in the output of the beef herd, producers must not lose sight of the importance of output from both the steer and heifer. Continental sires, and in particular the Charolais, have an important role to play in efficient beef production – now is not the time to be reducing output.

Above Left: Willie Thomson
Harbro Technical Director                   

Above right: David MacKenzie
Harbro Sales Manager 
 
Willie Thomson
Technical Director | Harbro Limited | +44 (0) 1888 545204 | +44 (0) 7836 570190 | Willie.Thomson@harbro.co.uk
Markethill | Turriff | AB53 4PA | t: +44 (0) 1888 545200 | f: +44 (0) 1888 563939 | www.harbro.co.uk 

Paul Stobart from the Border Charolais club accepted the award for the best breed Society stand in the beef and sheep section at Border Agri-Expo. Pictured right.

Show Results

Champion
Hackleton Farms Ltd – Hackleton Idris ET – s. Elgin Davinci
Reserve Champion
Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Jimbob – s. Maerdy Fiend

Female Champion
Jenny Rix – Wissington Jessica – s. Goldies Eddy
Reserve Female Champion
Jenny Rix – Wissington Juniper – Gretnahouse Ferdinand

Class One – Bull born on or between 20/05/2013 & 25/03/2014
1st – Hackleton Farms Ltd – Hackleton Idris ET – s. Elgin Davinci
2nd – PM & PM Rhodes – Arglam Judge – s. Marwood Davinci
3rd – Kevin Thomas – Moelfre Jamil – s. Anside Foreman
4th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jimbo – Blelack Digger
5th – S & A Bellew – Kiltybane Jason ET – Corrie Alan

Class Two – Bull born on or between 26/03/2014 & 20/04/2014
1st – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jetset ET – Killadeas Legend
2nd – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Jetsetter – Newhouse Bigal
3rd – E Smith & Son – Southwillow Jimson – Gretnahouse Dallagio
4th – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Joules – Marwood Grandslam
5th – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Jollyroger – Burradon Goldenballs

Class Three – Bull born on or between 21/04/2014 & 19/05/2014
1st – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Jimbob – s. Maerdy Fiend
2nd – Kevin Thomas – Moelfre James – s. Anside Foreman
3rd – A Brown – Ellerton Jaguar – s. Elgin Davinci
4th – M & J Hayhurst – Whitecliffe Jago – s. Blelack Digger
5th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jason – s. Alwent Goldbar

Class Four – Bull born on or between 20/05/2014 & 10/06/2014
1st – Kevin Thomas – Moelfre Jenson – s. Anside Foreman
2nd – J Wainwright – Rogans Joules – s. Corrie Alan
3rd – P Stobart – Scalehouses Jaffa – s. Huntershield Eddison
4th – Kevin Thomas – Moelfre Jason – s. Anside Foreman
5th – MJ & JE Graham – Ellendale Jackpot – s. Alwent Goldbar

Class Five – Bull born on or between 11/06/2014 & 15/08/2014
1st – S & A Bellew – Kiltybane Jumper – s. Plexus
2nd – S & R Thompson – Altnaveigh Jaapsam – s. Alwent Goldbar
3rd – Jean Atkinson – Bassett John – s. Harestone Domino
4th – H & J Patrick – s. Easthook Jizzum – s. Thrunton Baron
5th – H & J Patrick – s. Easthook Jagerbomb – s. Thrunton Baron

Class Six – Senior Heifer
1st – Jenny Rix – Wissington Jessica – s. Goldies Eddy
2nd – Jenny Rix – Wissington Juniper – Gretnahouse Ferdinand
3rd – Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Joyofjoys – s. Vexour Freddy
4th – Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Julianna – s. Vexour Freddy

Class Seven – Junior Heifer
1st – Jenny Rix – Delarey Juanita – s. Thrunton Galaxy
2nd – Jenny Rix – Wissington Julia – Thrunton Galaxy

Congratulations to the Watson family on winning the Scotch Beef Farm of the Year.

Peter Watson and his sons, Adam and David who farm 1,350 acres at Darnford, Banchory use Charolais as the terminal sire over their 426 cow Salers cross suckler herd and steers and heifers finish to an average 380kg within 20 months.

Iain Malcolm, Wester Coilechat, Callander was one of the two runners up. Farming 2,700 upland acres, the cattle enterprise includes 190 spring calving Shorthorn cross cows with the majority put to the Charolais. The enterprise is underpinned by a deferred grazing system whereby cattle are wintered on the high hill.

Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary, Richard Lochhead who presented the award at Agriscot said: “Family farms like Darnford are the backbone of our livestock industry. This year’s winner and the other finalists should be commended for their commitment to building sustainable and viable farming businesses which auger well for the future of the beef industry in Scotland.”   Peter Watson commented: “We are very much a family-run business and it is great that a commercial enterprise like ours has been recognised in this way. The farm is very much a team effort with the family, sons David and Adam and their wives, Aynsley and Lynne as well as neighbouring farmers, Linda Stewart, Allan Melvin and Grant Milne who are all involved. We have been steadily increasing our herd numbers in recent years and we are confident about the future of our enterprise and in beef production in Scotland and plan to continue to increase our herd size.”

The Agriscot QMS organised award aims to showcase excellence in the production of cattle in Scotland and raise the profile of the dedication and stock management skills behind the production of Scotch Beef. The judges, Robert Neill and Douglas Bell based their decisions on evidence of a high standard of technical and financial performance, uptake of new ideas to improve efficiency and profitability, a high level of health and welfare and a keen eye on the market for the end product. They also looked to gauge the passion and enthusiasm of the farmer, and family and staff where relevant, to efficiently produce high quality animals.

Bulls finish one month earlier, £45/head feed cost savings

Heifers finish almost three months earlier, £120/head feed costs savings 

Tom Davies and stockman, Phil Price

 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.

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.

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 1: Upper Court Farm herd diets

Source: David Hendy, independent beef and sheep nutritionist

Figure 2: Upper Court Farm Feed costs based on current feed prices:

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.”

Processors’ failure to notify producers in advance of the changes to their new 400kg to 420kg upper weight limit has left finishers in a quandary, particularly those who have bought in heavy stores. However, they have huge scope to avoid the penalties and to compensate for the potential output loss arising from lighter steer carcasses by adopting new management and feed strategies and focussing on improving the heifer output, says Harbro’s David MacKenzie.

The Watson Family

Continental sires, and in particular Charolais noted for its weight for age, have an important role to play in efficient beef production; they are able to finish to heavier weights in a shorter period of time and thereby demonstrate improved efficiency. Consequently, now is the time to be increasing output if farmers wish to maintain a profitable and sustainable system.

Data from 96,000 cattle slaughtered in 2014 highlights the crux of the current issue – that Continental sires are associated with improved output, both from steers and heifers. See table 1. Finishers’ immediate challenge is to manage these Continental cross progeny to fit market specifications.

Table 1: Comparison of finished Continental v native sired steers and heifers

Source: Harbro Q Box

To successfully meet the challenge, finishers should consider the following blueprint strategy focused on

1, Management: rethink your current strategy to achieve the new specification – plan from birth

2, Nutrition: split steers and heifers from the creep stage and feed specific gender formulated diets through to finishing. Work closely with your nutritionist.

3, Measure and monitor: weigh the total group of animals at regular intervals; benchmark both within and outwith the herd.

4, Health: introduce a herd health management plan.

5, Assess individual animal health by monitoring slaughter house health reports.

Continental cross steers: reduce the store / growing stage. Higher energy diets introduced earlier will reduce the frame size whilst a balanced diet will provide adequate fat cover at optimal weight. Benchmark target weights per age and stage towards the end goal.

Target: 390kgs deadweight, 705kgs liveweight by 610 days; aim for 1.1kgs DLG or better from birth.

Continental cross heifers: one of the greatest inefficiencies within the UK beef industry is our sub-optimal output from heifers, and any move away from Continental sires threatens to exacerbate this trend. There are real opportunities here for producers to improve heifer output by using Charolais genetics.

Quality protein is key through the first year of life starting at 18% CP and keeping that CP level at an average 2% higher than the steers throughout the finisher period; do not introduce the same high energy and starch levels formulated for feeding to the steers. Your aim is to encourage heifer frame size without laying down excess fat.

Target: 360kgs deadweight 650kgs liveweight by 550 days; aim for 1.1kgs DLG or better from birth.

…………………………………………..

14 Month old Charolais cross Salers Steers

14 month old Charolais cross Salers heifers

Case study

The Watson family of Darnford, Durris, Banchory have proved that introducing fast finishing Charolais cross steers and heifers in to a planned management and nutrition strategy is resulting in adequate finish and an average 380kg deadweight within 20 months. Their success contributed towards them last month being awarded the Scotch Beef Farm of the Year 2015.

Factfile

Peter Watson farming with sons, David and Adam and daughters-in-law, Aynsley and Lynne

426 cow Salers closed suckler herd, split calving

274 spring calving cows put to Charolais, all progeny finished

152 autumn calving cows bred pure for replacement purposes

1,350 acre tenanted unit, including 700 acres spring barley

Majority of unit within SDA

“Achieving an average 380kg deadweight is not new for us,” says Peter Watson. “Our objective has always been to maximise the number of kilos produced per cow and to realise that weight gain as early as possible. The quicker these beasts finish, the quicker they’re off the farm.

“Darnford is an extensive unit providing for three families, the complementary arable and livestock enterprises are run as separate, efficient businesses and as far as the herd is concerned, then each suckler cow has to justify her existence. Everything has to work and make money. We produce high quality finished cattle sold deadweight whilst we trade the pick of the crop through the Thainstone store ring and they invariably end up within the day’s top 10% of prices.

“We have in the herd the genetics to achieve that fast weight gain, and Charolais is the breed to do the job, however from our experience, we are aware that it’s the nutrition and management that really makes the difference. In fact, fast weight gain is essential whatever the system and it can be adjusted to suit the new grid.”

Table 2. Darnford herd performance 2014/15

Source: Darnford

The Darnford system: key features

Genetics

Charolais has been the preferred terminal sire for 25 years. Bulls are selected initially on visual appraisal for feet and mobility, and then from the breed’s top 10% and in particular for weight EBVs.

A Continental cross herd has recently been replaced by Salers. Heifer replacements are selected for size, feet, temperament and maternal qualities.

Management

A 12 week calving period is maintained in the spring calving herd, and over nine weeks in autumn, to help simplify management.

Steers and heifers are separated at eight month weaning enabling a tailored nutrition programme which takes in to account their very different requirements.

All animals are allowed to grow to achieve adequate frame size before being intensively finished.

David Mackenzie

Nutrition

Diets are all home mixed using the same basic ingredients – homegrown forage and cereals combined with cost effective bought in by-products. The key is formulating diets specific to age, weight and gender, consequently they offer flexibility to vary starch and protein levels at key stages of development. See Table 3. The unit’s nutritionist, Harbro’s David MacKenzie offers the following pointers.

Calves: low-starch creep feed to avoid early fat deposition.
Yearlings: reasonably high protein diet, 15% to 17% CP, with limited starch, to encourage lean growth and frame development.
Cattle are turned out for a limited three month grazing period and set stocked, followed by housing in early August. They are introduced to full finishing rations after they reach 500kg liveweight.
Steers: low protein, high starch finisher.
Heifers: higher protein, lower starch finisher
Both steer and heifer diets are formulated with limited forage and balanced with cereal and dark grains in order to achieve the correct fat cover and meat yield.
Table 3: Darnford herd diets

Source:  Darnford/Harbro

Measuring and monitoring

All cattle are weighed and benchmarked – at birth, at eight month weaning and thereafter at six weekly intervals until reaching target finishing weight. “If you don’t measure, you can’t monitor and if necessary, fix an issue,” says Peter.

“We have a new handling system within the main accommodation and an accompanying hand held EID reader enabling us to weigh an average 80 beasts per hour. It’s a job that’s frequently linked to something else, for example vaccination.

“We rate weighing a great management tool and time well spent. Whilst good stockmen have a fair idea of how the beasts are performing, sometimes you get a surprise. For example last autumn we found a batch were failing to meet our target 1.6kg/day liveweight so we wormed them and tweaked the diet. We reckon we caught the issue two months earlier than we would have visually done.”

Health

The closed herd is a member of the SRUC Premium Cattle Health Scheme and its own herd health plan is reviewed annually with the farm vet.

Peter Watson adds: “We believe we have a successful blueprint – we have a finely tuned system in which Charolais is demonstrating its ability to produce excellent carcass weights within specification in both steers and heifers, however there’s always room for further progress. We are considering introducing creep from day one in order to optimise FCE, whilst we can certainly improve our grassland management.”

The Charolais Bulls

Charolais’ ease of calving and superior growth rates are enabling Edward Hull’s 750 cow suckler beef enterprise to minimise both fixed and variable inputs, whilst maximising kilogram output per acre. Indeed, he has found the Charolais performance so dependable that his five year plan features expanding the herd to 1,000 cows, and all put to poll Charolais.

Edward Hull

Edward and his wife Ann, who farm in partnership with his parents in rural Essex, are third generation farmers and have expanded the farm to 6,000 acres and using poll Charolais for eight years after buying one with a batch of cows and being impressed by his progeny. He said: “Performance is measured by realising maximum output per acre from minimal inputs, which is essential on such an extensive system. The market pay cheque from repeat buyers at Rugby and Thame markets, who know our Charolais cross calves respond to low input practices and perform very well on all systems, is one of the most important indicators of our profitability.”

The herd is averaging 95% calves reared from birth with the 2015 crop of six to eight month old Charolais cross steers delivering an average of £800 – consistently within the top 5% of the day’s trade, whilst the majority of heifers have been kept to finish next year. “We are fortunate that on such an extensive system we have the grassland to be able to keep stock until the price is right, and that includes finishing some of the heifers. In 2015 heifers were slaughtered at 14 to 19 months weighing 300kg to 360kg, with 92% grading R and U and returning £1,000 to £1,200 per head.

“Every part of the enterprise has to pay its own way; we don’t rely on the arable side to support the beef, or the sheep, or vice versa, and each part of the business is regularly checked for cost of production vs profitability. That’s why Charolais genetics of exceptional growth for age and ease of calving are so important to us. The latest crop of calves saw the steers DLWG to weaning 1.48kg and 1.35kg to slaughter on the heifers.” All arable crops are sold and do not subsidise the beef or sheep enterprises, whilst 1,000 acres of straw is evenly split between export to Holland and used in the cattle enterprise.

“We can’t afford to have poor performance, at birth the poll Charolais always deliver sensibly sized calves that more often than not we find up and suckling with no intervention at birth; it’s one aspect that enables us to keep labour inputs low at three full time men at calving. All cows are freeze marked so that we can quickly identify cows for easy management, enabling us to keep up to date computer records, particularly at calving. Any underperforming cows are easily identified and finished and slaughtered locally.

“The entire herd of cows and heifers, predominantly Hereford cross, is calved at the main farm and turned away to grazing as soon as possible, normally stocking at one cow/ha. Furthermore, we’re in a very dry part of the country with 19 inches of rain a year, with the easy calving traits of the Charolais we are able to take advantage of this with up to 75% of cows calving out at grass, which is great for minimising inputs as well as being healthier for the cattle.

“Very little of the grassland receives fertilizer as we like to keep inputs to a minimum but this also has the added benefit of the increased growth of naturally occurring legumes which in turn benefit the cattle and sheep performance.”

Hull Farms relies upon the careful selection of poll Charolais bulls for its profitability. Edward explained: “When it comes to replacing one of our 26 bulls we look to EBVs as an essential guide to future performance, selecting bulls within the top 10% for 200 and 400 day weights, as well as all important calving ease. However, I still have to like the look of a bull.” He continued: “As well as the Hereford cross cows which we find to be very docile, we also favour Charolais bulls for their temperament. With our numbers we can’t afford for any animal to so much as look at me the wrong way.” Each bull is fertility tested every spring.

Dam condition and health is recognised as an equally important part of the low input, maximum output system. “We target condition score 3 to 3.5 at bulling and 2.5 by calving.” Spring 2016 will see 75% of the spring calving block due to calve within the first four weeks of the 10 week period. Edward continued: “We split the herd into sub-groups of 60 or 90 cows with calves at foot, with one bull per 30 cows to maximise fertility.” A further 100 cows calve in an eight week autumn calving period.

Heifers are bulled at 18 to 24 months and then wintered outside on hay and straw, as we have so many cows on the farm we currently have a policy of culling cows over 10 years old. Cows are housed in open roofed corrals, bedded on woodchip and chopped straw, and fed 15kg/day/head of chopped straw, citrus pulp, molasses and meal. Approximately 200 replacement Hereford cross heifers are sourced each year and reared as bucket calves. “We pay particular attention to health and vaccinate them against pneumonia and keeping them in small batches so we can isolate and treat any health issues effectively.”

Weaned Charolais cross suckled calves are marketed through markets in the midlands, and transported weekly in batches of 75 throughout September and October in the farm’s own lorry. “It makes sense for us to take our cattle to the Midlands, where the buyers are, and transporting them ourselves means we can manage travel costs and also reduce stress.”

To further reduce stress and maximise growth at weaning Edward also feeds 2kg/day of a blended mix creep feed, 13ME kg/DM and 17% crude protein, in the last six weeks before sale.

Confidence in Charolais genetics and the future of the beef sector are integral to the enterprise’s growth, Edward explains: “We would love to have a farm business that our sons and daughter could be involved in 15 years’ time, if they wanted to, and we are not scared of change or challenges, embracing new ideas and technology including EID in the near future.

“In the meantime, our grazing land enables us to farm competitively and keep costs low, and as conservation grazing becomes increasingly available we can step up our acreage and further expand cow numbers by up to 33%, solely put to Charolais sires. This will mean we can offer a higher volume of uniform calves and achieve greater economies of scale without excessive labour or feed requirements due to the Charolais sires’ ease of calving and fast growing traits.”

Winter houses cows

Some of the bull team

Welshpool Charolais peak at 5,000gns

Top Price – Beanhill Jamaica – 5,000gns

Charolais bulls met a strong demand at Welshpool on Thursday 4 February topping at 5,000gns with 21 bulls selling at a clearance rate of 75% and an average of £3450.

Society Chief Executive David Benson commented, “Considering that the single farm payment has not yet been received by the majority of farmers, there was a ready demand for Charolais bulls with commercial beef producers once again putting their faith in the breed which is the most efficient terminal sire at meeting the optimum carcase specification. Cross-bred Charolais heifers can match and even outperform the steers of some breeds”.

Leading the bids was Beanhill Jamaica TI +58 SRI +57 from James and Belinda Kimber of Chippenham, Wiltshire. This 18 month old Blelack Digger son was purchased for 5,000gns by BA Williams, Anglesey, Gwynedd.

Reserve Champion Beanhill Jack – 4,800gns

The Kimber’s also exhibited the reserve champion Beanhill Jack, who last year took the junior championship at the Three Counties Show. The June-2014 born Jack is sired by Alwent Goldbar and was bought for 4,800gns by Messrs Harding, Caersws, Powys.

From the same vendor was another Goldbar son, the 18 month old Beanhill Jupiter who was previously crowned reserve junior champion at the Three Counties Show and was purchased by Messrs Sargent and Waight, Pewsey, Wiltshire for 3,400gns.

Moelfre Jace – 4,000gns

Next selling for 4,000gns to JP Breeze and Son, Knighton, Powys was Moelfre Jace, a 17 month old son of the 16,000gns Royal Welsh reserve male champion Anside Foreman. He was exhibited by Kevin Thomas, Castlenewydd Emlyn, Carmarthenshire.

From the same vendor was the second prize winner Moelfre Jamil by Anside Foreman, who was purchased for 3,400gns by JL Jones and Partners, Knighton, Powys.

Dawson Jack – 3,800gns

Knocked down at 3,800gns was the September-2014 born Dawson Jack TI +62 SRI +59 sired by Goldies Eddy and offered by Rachel Dawson, Newton Burgoland, Leicestershire who returned to Leicestershire with DN Cook.

The 14 month old Lindford Jacko TI +70 SRI +66 also took the eye of Mr Cook who purchased this Blelack Digger son for 3,000gns from Alan Platt, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Four bulls were sold for 3,500gns. The first was the 20 month old class winner Lindford Jamie by Cottage Devon and selling to JE and SI Morgan, Wells, Powys. Richard and Alison Tucker offered the next, Gower Juggler. This May-2014 born Alwent Goldbar son was snapped up by CJ Jones, Rhayader, Powys. Then the 19 month old Maerdy Julep by Maerdy Dynamite was purchased by A & B Lewis, Machynlleth, Powys from Esmor Evans, Mold, Flintshire.

Gareth Jones, Bala, Gwynedd exhibited the September-2014 born Blelack Digger son Esgob Jake TI +63 SRI +63 who was the last bull to sell for 3,500gns to A & JA Hopkins, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion.

Champion Wissington Jason – 3,200gns

Next selling for 3,200gns to the Thomas brothers, Llanfylin, Powys, came the supreme champion the 16 month old Wissington Highflyer son Wissington Jason exhibited by John and Jenny Rix, Colchester, Essex.

Finally selling at 3,000gns was Fronheulog Jacob a 16 month old from Huw and Janice Evans and Rhian Varga, Macclesfield, Cheshire. The man behind the money on this Blelack Digger son was AE Gough, Knighton, Powys.

Averages: 21 bulls £3450.
Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales

Show Results
Judge: Medwyn Williams, Pistyll, Pwllheli

Class One – Bulls born on or between 28/02/2014 & 31/05/2014
1st – A Platt – Lindford Jamie – s. Cottage Devon
2nd – KJ Thomas – Moelfre Jamil – s. Anside Foreman
3rd – RJB & Am Tucker – Gower Juggler – s. Alwent Goldbar
4th – A Orr-Ewing – Foxacre Jude – s. Wesley Forceful

Class Two – Bulls born on or between 01/06/2014 & 18/07/2014
1st – RJ & BE Kimber – Beanhill Jack ET – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
2nd – DE Evans – Maerdy Julep – s. Maerdy Dynamite
3rd – RJ & BE Kimber – Beanhill Jupiter ET – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
4th – WJ Lewis & Son – Brestbaily Jackpot – s. Midas Furious
5th – KJ Thomas – Moelfre Jager – s. Anside Foreman

Class Three – Bulls born on or between 25/07/2014 & 02/09/2014
1st – W Owen – Deunawd Jabba – s. Kiltybane Highflyer
2nd – RJ & BE Kimber – Beanhill Jamaica – s. Blelack Digger
3rd – KJ Thomas – Moelfre Jace – s. Anside Foreman
4th – DE Evans – Maerdy Jerseydyder – s. Maerdy Grenadier

Class Four – Bulls born on or after 03/09/2014
1st – J Rix – Wissington Jason – s. Wissington Highflyer
2nd – RJ Butler – Carrigbeg Junior – s. Doonally Nicefor
3rd – Miss RE Dawson – Dawson Jack – s. Goldies Eddy
4th – HG & J Evans – Fronheulog Jacob – s. Blelack Digger
5th – GM Jones – Esgob Jake – s. Blelack Digger

Champion – J Rix – Wissington Jason – s. Wissington Highflyer
Reserve Champion – RJ & BE Kimber – Beanhill Jack ET – s. Alwent Goldbar ET

East of England Smithfield Festival – 26 & 27 November
Judge: Mr V Atkinson, Ripon
Class 100 – Bull Calf born on or between 01/09/2014 & 31/12/2014
1st – J Rix – Wissington Jason – s. Wissington Highflyer
Class 101 – Bull Calf born on or between 01/01/2015 & 31/03/2015
1st – J Rix – Wissington Lucas – s. Thrunton Hammerstein
2nd – E Harrison & Son – Lakenheath Luckyboy – s. Lakenheath Delboy
3rd – J Rix – Wissington Liberal – s. Thrunton Hammerstein
Class 103 – Heifer Calf born on or between 01/09/2014 & 31/12/2014
1st – J Rix – Wissington Joyful – s. Wissington Glenlivet
Class 104 – Heifer Calf born on or between 01/01/2015 & 31/03/2015
1st – WH Robinson & Sons – Stockhill Lahdida – s. Balthayock Hamish
2nd – E Harrison & Son – Lakenheath Lucyanna – s. Lakenheath Delboy
3rd – J Rix – Wissington Lilac – s. Thrunton Hammerstein
Class 105 – Heifer Calf born on or after 01/04/2015
1st – J Rix – Wissington Luscious – s. Thrunton Hammerstein
2nd – WH Robinson & Sons – Stockhill Lavender – s. Bassingborn Cruise
Champion
J Rix – Wissington Jason – s. Wissington Highflyer
Reserve Champion
J Rix – Wissington Lucas – s. Thrunton Hammerstein

English Winter Fair – 21 & 22 November 2015
Judge: Mr S Barclay, West Roosburn Lane farm, Stirling.
Kindly sponsored by: Rumenco Ltd & Nettex
Class 77 – Senior Bull Calf born between 1st August 2014 and 31st December 2014
1st – RJ & BE Kimber – Beanhill Justin – s. Alwent Goldbar
2nd – J Wylde – Martland James – s. Liscally Eti
3rd – Bowen & Bowen – Penthryn Jukebox – s. Deunand Henry
Class 78 – Junior Bull Calf born between 1st January 2015 and 30th June 2015
1st – VAS & TVS Corbett – Teme Lunar – s. Anside Foreman
2nd – Nicholas & Heath – Hockenhull Lionheart – s. Maerdy Huntly
Class 79 – Senior Heifer Calf born between 1st August 2014 and 31st December 2014
1st – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jazzylady – s. Blelack Digger
2nd – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jadore – s. Blelack Blackberet
3rd – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jalien – s. Blelack Blackberet
Class 80 – Junior Heifer Calf born between 1st January 2015 and 30th June 2015
1st – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Lady – s. Blelack Blackberet
2nd – J Wylde – Martland Lily – s. Esperanto
Champion Bull
RJ & BE Kimber – Beanhill Justin – s. Alwent Goldbar
Reserve Champion Bull
VAS & TVS Corbett – Teme Lunar – s. Anside Foreman
Champion Heifer
Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jazzylady – s. Blelack Digger
Reserve Champion Heifer
Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jadore – s. Blelack Blackberet
Supreme Champion
Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jazzylady – s. Blelack Digger
Reserve Supreme Champion
RJ & BE Kimber – Beanhill Justin – s. Alwent Goldbar

Northern Ireland Beef Expo Pedigree Calf Fair – 14 November 2015
Senior Champion
Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Julie – s. Barnsford Ferny
Reserve Senior Champion
Sean McGovern – Ratoary Justrite ET – s. Lochend Apache
Junior Champion
WF & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Lolly – s. Brigadoon Himself
Reserve Junior Champion
Pat Hackett – Fury Leader – s. Crossmolina Euro
Bull, born on between 01/09/2014 and 31/12/2014
1st – Sean McGovern – Ratoary Justrite ET – s. Lochend Apache
2nd – Sean McGovern – Ratoary Jackwillis ET – s. Lochend Apache
3rd – John & Sandra Middleton – Hollywell Jura – s. Elgin Davinci
Heifer, born on or between 01/09/2014 & 31/12/2014
1st – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Julie – s. Barnsford Ferny
2nd – Kenneth Veitch – Drumlone Jodie ET – s. Goldstar Echo
3rd – S & D Bothwell – Killadeas Jade – s. Gwenog Braveheart
Bull, born between 01/01/2015 & 31/03/2015
1st – Pat Hackett – Fury Leader – s. Crossmolina Euro
2nd – JS Smyth – Bessiebell Luigi – s. Alwent Goldbar
3rd – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Larry – s. Goldstar Hugo
Heifer, born on or between 01/01/2015 & 31/03/2015
1st – S & D Bothwell – Killadeas Lily – s. Blackford Dynamite
2nd – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Lady – s. Brigadoon Himself
3rd – S & D Bothwell – Killadeas Lady – s. Blackford Dynamite
Bull calf, born on or after 01/04/2015
1st – Niall Quinn – Hillviewfarm Limitededition – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
2nd – S & D Bothwell – Killadeas Louis – s. Gwenog Braveheart
3rd – Sean McGovern – Ratoary Logan – s. Ratoary Honkydory
Heifer calf, born on or after 01/04/2015
1st – WF & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Lolly – s. Brigadoon Himself
2nd – Will Short – Woodpark Louise – s. Corrie Alan
3rd – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Louise – s. Brigadoon Himself

Stars of the Future Show – 14 November 2015
Bulls, born on or between 03/07/2014 & 04/09/2014
1st – A Hornall – Falleninch Jeroboam – s. Dereskit Fernando
2nd – C Wight – Carwood Jagerbomb – s. Glenrock Eiger
3rd – R Milne – Elgin Jaguar – s. Caylers Gladiator
Bulls, born on or between 23/09/2014 & 05/12/2014
1st – J Cant – Panmure Jaguar – s. Thrunton Firecracker
2nd – R Milne – Elgin Jagger – s. Blelack Blackberet
3rd – J Sawrij – Swalesmoor Jura – s. Balmyle Headline
Heifers, born on or between 01/08/2014 & 20/09/2014
1st – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jazzylady – s. Blelack Digger
2nd – McMurrich Partnership – Formakin Juniper – s. Major
3rd – D Muirhead – Firhills Jessica – s. Maerd Grenadier
Heifers, born on or between 01/10/2014 & 08/12/2014
1st – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jadore – s. Blelack Blackberet
2nd – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jaquleine – s. Blelack Blackberet
3rd – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jalien – s. Blelack Blackberet
Bulls, born on or between 02/01/2015 & 22/01/2015
1st – A Hornall – Falleninch Landslide – s. Dereskit Fernando
2nd – J Cant – Panmure Lincoln – s. Thrunton Firecracker
3rd – McMurrich Partnership – Formakin Lasvagas – s. Dingle Hofmeister
Bulls, born on or between 02/03/2015 & 09/06/2015
1st – J Cant – Panmure Lionel – s. Thrunton Firecracker
2nd – A MacPherson – Blackford Leonardo – s. Elgin Davinci
3rd – A Hornall – Falleninch Lyle – s. Dereskit Fernando
Heifers, born on or between 01/01/2015 & 23/01/2015
1st – McMurrich Partnership – Formakin Licorice – s. Balthayock Matthew
2nd – A Hornall – Falleninch Libby – s. Dereskit Fernando
3rd – A Hornall – Falleninch Leona – s. Dereskit Fernando
Heifers, born on or between 02/02/2015 & 04/03/2015
1st – J & M McMillan – Dunesk Lulu – s. Brampton Albert
2nd – J & M McMillan – Dunesk Lady – s. Balthayock Hamish
3rd – J Morris – Olrig Lexie – s. Blelack Digger
Heifers, born on or between 12/03/2015 & 06/04/2015
1st – A Ivory – Cardean Lily – s. Goldies Eddy
2nd – J & E Wight – Midshield Lassy – s. Alwent Goldbar
3rd – J Wight & Sons – Midlock Linda – s. Elrick Highlander
Heifers, born on or between 10/04/2015 & 27/04/2015
1st – C & E McCombie – Auchincrieve Lavender – s. Olrig Highwayman
2nd – J Irvine – Inverlochy Lily – s. Maerdy Eryr
3rd – C & E McCombie – Auchincrieve Louise – s. Olrig Highwayman
Senior Champion
Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jazzylady – s. Blelack Digger
Reserve Senior Champion
A Hornall – Falleninch Jeroboam – s. Dereskit Fernando
Senior Heifer Champion
Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jazzylady – s. Blelack Digger
Reserve Senior Heifer Champion
McMurrich Partnership – Formakin Juniper – s. Major
Senior Bull Champion
A Hornall – Falleninch Jeroboam – s. Dereskit Fernando
Reserve Senior Bull Champion
C Wight – Carwood Jagerbomb – s. Glenrock Eiger
Junior Champion
C & E McCombie – Auchincrieve Lavender – s. Olrig Highwayman
Reserve Junior Champion
A Hornall – Falleninch Landslide – s. Dereskit Fernando
Junior Female Champion
C & E McCombie – Auchincrieve Lavender – s. Olrig Highwayman
Reserve Junior Female Champion
J & M McMillan – Dunesk Lulu – s. Brampton Albert
Junior Male Champion
A Hornall – Falleninch Landslide – s. Dereskit Fernando
Reserve Junior Male Champion
J Cant – Panmure Lincoln – s. Thrunton Firecracker

Borderway Agri Expo – 30 October 2015
Class 10 – Best Charolais Sired Steer
1st – D McBeath & S Jessop – Proper Job
2nd – JL White & Son – Wombat
3rd – Turnbull Family – Hired Gun

Countryside Live – 17 & 18 October 2015
Class 2 – Steer, sired by a British Charolais
1st – Mr AJ White – Wombat
2nd – Turnbull Family – Hired Gun
3rd – Mr BG Price – Murphy Jones
Class 8 – Heifer, sired by a British Charolais
1st – P & S Sellers – Eyecatcher
2nd – Mr BG Price – Lucky’s Girl
3rd – E & H Williams – Goldie

Royal Berkshire Show – 19 & 20 September 2015
Cow in calf or with calf at foot born on or before 31/12/2011
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Faith – s. Newhouse Benson
Heifer, born in 2012
1st – Andrew Bostock – Roundshill Harma ET – s. Maerdy Impeccable
2nd – Andrew Bostock – Roundshill Hurma ET – s. Maerdy Impeccable
3rd – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Hope – s. Chunal Dougie
Heifer, born on or between 01/01/2013 & 30/06/2013
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie
2nd – Mrs A Orr-Ewing – Foxacre Ianthe – s. Wesley Forceful
3rd – BA & PT Heath – Sackville Isabelle – s. De Crespigny Regent
Heifer, born on or between 01/07/2013 & 31/12/2013
1st – Hackleton Farms – Hackleton Indira ET – s. Elgin Davinci
Heifer, born on or between 01/01/2014 & 31/12/2014
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jilly – s. Wesley Furnish
Bull, born on or before 28/02/2014
1st – Hackleton Farms – Hackleton Idris ET – s. Elgin Davinci
2nd – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Inklerberry – s. Wesly Furnish
3rd – BA & PT Heath – Sackville Julius – s. Blelack Digger
Bull, born or between 01/03/2014 & 30/06/2014
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jackfrost – s. Loganbar Goran
2nd – Mrs A Orr-Ewing – Foxacre Juniper –s. Wesley Forceful
3rd – Mr R Kimber – Beanhill Jack ET – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
Bull, born on or between 01/07/2014 & 31/12/2014
1st – Mr R Kimber – Beanhill Justin – s. Blelack Digger
2nd – Mr R Kimber – Beanhill Jupiter – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
Calf, born on or after 01/01/2015
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Legend – s. Goldies Eddy
Best Pair of Charolais
1st – Mr Andrew Bostock
2nd – Mrs A Orr-Ewing
3rd – Mr R Kimber
Breed Champion
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie
Reserve Breed Champion
Hackleton Farms – Hackleton Idris ET – s. Elgin Davinci
Junior Champion
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jackfrost – s. Loganbar Goran
Reserve Junior Champion
Mr R Kimber – Beanhill Justin – s. Blelack Digger
Junior Male Champion
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jackfrost – s. Loganbar Goran
Junior Female Champion
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jilly – s. Wesley Furnish
Male Champion
Hackleton Farms – Hackleton Idris ET – s. Elgin Davinci
Female Champion
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie

Frome Show – 12 September 2015
Judge: Miss Jane Haw, Worth Matravers, Dorset
Class 649 – Calf 6-12 months on Show Day
1st – J & C Wylde – Martland James – s. Liscalli Eti
Class 652 – Bull under 24 months on show day
1st – J & C Wylde – Martland Justabout – s. Skysea Fearless
Class 654 – Pair of animals from the above classes
1st – J & C Wylde
Breed Champion
J & C Wylde – Martland Justabout – s. Skysea Fearless
Reserve Breed Champion
J & C Wylde – Martland James – s. Liscalli Eti

Denbigh & Flint Show – 20 August 2015
Champion
R & D Roberts – Brynffanigl John – s. Goldies Hero

Okehampton Show – 13 August 2015
Judge: Mr R Davis
Class 120 – Bull born before January 2014
1st – W F Palmer – Trenestrall Isobar – s. Westcarse Beefy
Class 121 – Bull born on or after 1st January 2014
1st – B R Nancekivell & Son – Lovistone Joey – s. Woodpark Fearless ET
2nd – B Stacey – Polgoda Jimmy – s. Balbithan Eira
Class 122 – Cow of Heifer in calf or with calf at foot
1st – C Clapp – Balbithan Haiti – s. Chunal Dougie
Class 123 – Heifer born in 2013
1st – B Stacey – Westcarse Iola – s. Mortimers Echo
2nd – B R Nancekivell & Sons – Lovistone Irishmist – s. Blelack Digger
3rd – W F Palmer – Trenestrall Infinite – s. Mortimers Cosmo
Class 124 – Heifer born on or after 1st January 2014
1st – L James
Class 125 – Breed Pair owned by the exhibitor
1st – W F Palmer
2nd – B R Nancekivell & Sons
Breed Champion
W F Palmer – Trenestrall Isobar – s. Westcarse Beefy
Reserve Breed Champion
C Clapp – Balbithan Haiti – s. Chunal Dougie
Champion Male
W F Palmer – Trenestrall Isobar – s. Westcarse Beefy
Champion Female
C Clapp – Balbithan Haiti – s. Chunal Dougie

Keith Show – 8 & 9 August 2015
Class 125 – Bull, born on or between 01/08/2013 & 31/07/2014
1st – John Irvine & Son
2nd – RA Milne & Sons
3rd – B Duffton & R Stuart
Class 127 – Heifer, born on or between 01/08/2012 & 31/07/2013
1st – John Irvine & Son
2nd – W & G Wright
Class 131 – Bull or Heifer Calf, born on or after 01/01/2015
1st – RA Milne & Sons
Champion
John Irvine & Son
Reserve Champion
John Irvine & Son

Dalston Show – 8 August 2015
Judge: Mr R Green, Bashall Eaves
Class 66 – Bull, 18 months and under
1st – D A & S M Miller
2nd – Mr Paul Stobart
Class 68 – Unserved Heifer
1st – Judith Hunter
2nd – D A & S M Miller
3rd – Judith Hunter
Class 69 – Heifer, in calf or with calf at foot
1st – Judith Hunter
Champion
D A & S M Miller
Reserve Champion
Judith Hunter

Orkney Show – 8 August 2015
Bull, calved on or after 01/09/2013
1st – WR Baillie & Co
Cow, in milk
1st – WR Baillie & Co
Three year old cow, calved on or after 01/09/2013
1st – WR Baillie & Co
In-calf Heifer, calved on or after 01/09/2012
1st – Messrs Spence – Lourie Isla – s. Lowerffrydd Benhurr
2nd – Callum Taylor – Dounray Izzy – s. Goldies Banker
Heifer, calved on or after 01/09/2013
1st – WR Baillie & Co
2nd – Messrs Spence – Dounby Jody – s. Dingle Hofmesiter
Heifer Calf, calved on or after 01/12/2014
1st – WR Baillie & Co
Best Pure-Bred Charolais Calf
WR Baillie & Co
Best Pure-Bred Charolais
WR Baillie & Co

Black Isle Show – 5 & 6 August 2015
Bull, born on or after 01/08/2013
1st – John Irvine & Son
2nd – Billy & Gary Wright – Lagavaich Jerome – s. Corrie Director
Heifer, born on or after 01/08/2012
1st – John Irvine & Son
2nd – Billy & Gary Wright – Lagavaich Isla – s. Clyth Diplomat
Calf, bull born on or after 01/08/2014
1st – John Morris – Olrig Jitterbug – s. Blelack Digger
Calf, Heifer born on or after 01/08/2014
1st – John Morris – Olrig Jadore – s. Dingle Hofmeister
Supreme Champion
John Irvine & Son
Reserve Supreme Champion
John Irvine & Son
Female Champion
John Irvine & Son
Reserve Female Champion
Billy & Gary Wright – Lagavaich Isla – s. Clyth Diplomat
Male Champion
John Irvine & Son
Reserve Male Champion
Billy & Gary Wright – Lagavaich Jerome – s. Corrie Director

North Devon Show – 5 August 2015
Class 86 – Bull, born in 2014
1st – Mr BR Nancekivell & Son – Lovistone Joey – s. Woodpark Fearless ET
2nd – Mr BR Nancekivell & Son – Lovistone Jackson – s. Woodpark Fearless ET
Class 88 – Heifer, born on 2013
1st – Mr BR Nancekivell & Son – Lovistone Icelass – s. Woodpark Fearless ET
2nd – AJ & JM Cottle – Kentisbury Ivy – s. Ravensworth Edwin
3rd – Mr BR Nancekivell & Son – Lovistone Icelass – s. Blelack Digger
Class 89 – Heifer, born in 2014
1st – Miss Lucy James – Wyvern Janice – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
Best Group of Three
Mr BR Nancekivell
Champion
Mr BR Nancekivell & Son – Lovistone Joey – s. Woodpark Fearless ET
Reserve Champion
Mr BR Nancekivell & Son – Lovistone Icelass – s. Woodpark Fearless ET

Turrif Show – 2 – 3 August 2015
Class 28 – Bull, two years and over
1st – Michael Massie – Thrunton Fearless – s. Burradon Talisman
Class 29 – Bull, one year old
1st – John Irvine and Son – Kilbline 1 Instigator ET – s. Oscar
2nd – Blair M Duffton – Ravensworth Jack – s. Thrunton Florida
3rd – EA Mutch – Forglen Jet – Moyness Vivacious
Class 31 – Cow, born on or before 1st January 2012
1st – EA Mutch – Maerdy Gwenda – s. Begonia
Class 32 – Cow or Heifer in calf, born in 2012
1st – Billy & Gary Wight – Lagavaich Hermine – s. Lochend Apache
Class 33 – Heifer, born on or between 1st January 2013 and 31st August 2013
1st – John Irvine & Son – Inverlochy Ingris – s. Maerdy Eryr
2nd – Billy & Gary Wright – Lagavaich Isla – s. Clyth Diplomat
3rd – EA Mutch – Forglen Isadora – s. Rumsden Fawkes
Class 34 – Heifer, born between 1st September 2013 and 31st July 2014
1st – R Leggat – Bonnykelly Jennifer – s. Kersknowe Clansman
2nd – EA Mutch – Forglen Jodie – s. Gretnahouse Archangel ET
3rd – R Leggat – Bonnykelly Jody – s. Kersknowe Clansman
Class 35 – Heifer Calf, under one year old on the day of the Show
1st – EA Mutch – Forglen Jazz – s. Rumsden Fawkes
2nd – Bill & Gary Wight – Lagavaich Lola – s. Blelack Digger
Female Champion
John Irvine & Son – Inverlochy Ingris – s. Maerdy Eryr
Reserve Female Champion
R Leggat – Bonnykelly Jennifer – s. Kersknowe Clansman
Male Champion
John Irvine and Son – Kilbline 1 Instigator ET – s. Oscar
Reserve Male Champion
Michael Massie – Thrunton Fearless – s. Burradon Talisman
Best Exhibitor Bred Animal
John Irvine & Son – Inverlochy Ingris – s. Maerdy Eryr
Group of Three
1st – EA Mutch
Reserve Junior Interbreed Beef Bull
John Irvine and Son – Kilbline 1 Instigator ET – s. Oscar
Champion
John Irvine & Son – Inverlochy Ingris – s. Maerdy Eryr
Reserve Champion
R Leggat – Bonnykelly Jennifer – s. Kersknowe Clansman

Oswestry Show – 1 August 2015
Judge: Mr W Owen
Class 148 – Cow, in milk or calf, born before 1 January 2012
1st – DH Jones – Trefaldwyn Fanfare – s. Goldies Champion
Class 150 – Heifer, born on or after 1 January 2013
1st – SM Corbett & Daughters – Pedr Indigo – s. Thrunton Classic
2nd – N & B Pritchard & Griffiths – Foxacre Ida – s. Wesley Forceful
Class 151 – Heifer, born after 1 January 2014
1st – Mr A Platt – Lindford Juliet – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
Breed Champion
SM Corbett & Daughters – Pedr Indigo – s. Thrunton Classic

Dumfries Show – 1 August 2015
Judge: Mr I Millar, Lochend Farm, Port of Monteith
Champion
Jim & Patricia Goldie – Monaduffhouse Ingotgold – s. Doonally New
Reserve Champion
A K Brooke – Elrick Herbal – s. Thrunton Fearless
Male Champion
I & D Goldie – Solwayfirth Joker – s. Solwayfirth Banker
Class 99 – Bull
1st – D Smith & Sons – Lawersbridge Iceberg – Glenrock Eiger
2nd – A Clark & Son – Glengyre Imagine – Rumsden Fawkes
Class 100 – Bull
1st – I & D Goldie – Solwayfirth Joker – s. Solwayfirth Banker
2nd – Richard McCornick – Ricnick Joop – s. Alwent Goldbar ET
Class 101 – Cow
1st – A Clark & Son – Logan Dubacilla – s. Logan Amazon
Class 102 – Cow or Heifer
1st – Jim & Patricia Goldie – Monaduffhouse Ingotgold – s. Doonally New
2nd – A K Brooke – Elrick Herbal – s. Thrunton Fearless
Class 103 – Heifer
1st – A K Brooke – Carscreugh Jacklyn – s. Brampton Fugitive
2nd – Richard McCornick – Ricnick Jazmin – s. Saxon Alcapone
3rd – D Smith & Sons – Lawersbridge Jade – s. Lawersbridge Ferocious

Nairn Show – 1 August 2015
Bull, under 2 years
1st – John Irvine and Son – Kilbline 1 Instigator ET – s. Oscar
2nd – R A Milne & Sons – Elgin Jaguar – s. Caylers Gladiator
3rd – Ann Mcpherson – Blackford Juniper – s. Corrie Alan
In-calf Heifer
1st – Billy & Gary Wright – Lagavaich Isla – s. Clyth Diplomat
Maiden Heifer
1st – John Irvine & Son – Inverlochy Ingris – s. Maerdy Eryr
2nd – R A Milne and Sons – Elgin Jane – s. Caylers Galdiator
Bull Calf, calved on or after 1 August 2014
1st – R.A Milne and Sons – Elgin Lionking – s. Elgin Davinci
Best Male
John Irvine and Son – Kilbline 1 Instigator ET – s. Oscar
Reserve Male
R A Milne & Sons – Elgin Jaguar – s. Caylers Gladiator
Best Female
John Irvine and Son – Inverlochy Ingris – s. Maerdy Eryr
Reserve Female
Billy & Gary Wright – Lagavaich Isla – s. Clyth Diplomat
Champion
John Irvine and Son – Kilbline 1 Instigator ET – s. Oscar
Reserve Champion
John Irvine and Son – Inverlochy Ingris – s. Maerdy Eryr

Banchory Show – 25 July 2015
Judge: Tracey Nicoll
Breed Champion
JS Youngson – Innes Fancy – s. Balmyle Broadside
Reserve Breed Champion
JS Youngson – Cullerlie Innes – s. Balmyle Bollinger
Border Union Show – 24 – 25 July 2015
Class 166 – Bull, under 2 years old on date of show
1st – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Javelin – s. Thrunton Gladiator
Class 169 – Heifer, born in 2014 or 2015
2nd – Kedzlie Farm Ltd – Swalesmoor Jersey – s. Balthayock Gunner

Royal Welsh Show – 20 – 23 July 2015
Kindly Sponsored by Animax Ltd
Judge: Mr Colin J Wight, Biggar, Lanarkshire
Class 416 – Bull born in 2013
1st – KJ Thomas – Moelfre Iesu – s. Anside Foreman
2nd – D Huw Jones – Gwarcwm Ifan – s. Anside Excalibur
Class 417 – Bull born on or between 1 Jan 2014 and 31 Mar 2014
1st – Mr R T Roberts – Brynffanigl Jude – s. Gwenog Fieldmarshall
2nd – PJ & AC Allman – Greenyards Johndonald – s. Baillieston Donald
3rd – Waldencourt Charolais – Waldencourt Jack – s. Blelack Digger
Class 418 – Bull born on or between 1 Apr 2014 and 31 Jul 2014
1st – Mr A & M Williams – Castellmawr Jacpot – s. Goldstar Gentleman
2nd – Mr W Owen – Deunawd Jeff – s. Allanfauld Cheiftan
3rd – Mr R T Roberts – Brynffanigl John – s. Goldies Hero
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 – Mr KJ Thomas – Gretnahouse Fannabel – s. Thrunton Camelot
Class 423 – Cow or heifer in milk, or in calf born in 2012
1st – Mr BL Williams – Gwastod Halo – s. Newhouse Bigal
2nd – Mr H R Wood – Woodline Holly – s. Blelack Digger
3rd – Mr R O Williams – Minola Hunter ET – s. Major
Class 424 – Heifer born on or between 1 Jan 2013 and 31 Mar 2013
1st – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Infanta ET – s. Barnsford Ferny
2nd – Mrs SM Corbett & Daughters – Pedr Indigo – s. Thrunton Classic
3rd – Mr KJ Thomas – Moelfre Isobella – s. Balmyle Bollinger
Class 425 – Heifer born on or between 1 Apr 2013 and 31 Dec 2013
1st – Mr A Mould – Goldies Issadora – s. Goldies Formidable
2nd – Boden & Davies – Sportsmans Insatiable – s. Barnsford Ferny
3rd – Mr A & M Williams – Castellmawr Jade – s. Riri
Class 426 – Heifer born on or between 1 Jan 2014 and 31 Mar 2014
1st – Mr A Mould – Moulais Jamelia – s. Lochend Apache
2nd – Mr G G Morris – Cargriff Jolly – s. Elgin Davinci
3rd – Mr K J Thomas – Moelfre Jenny – s. Anside Foreman
Class 427 – Heifer born on or between 1 Apr 2014 and 31 Jul 2014
1st – Mrs S M Corbett & Daughters – Teme Jello – s. Thrunton Classic
2nd – Mr J Wainwright – Rogans Jojo – s. Corrie Alan
3rd – Mr KJ Thomas – Moelfre Jess – s. Anside Foreman
Junior Female Champion
Mr A Mould – Moulais Jamelia – s. Lochend Apache
Reserve Junior Female Champion
Mrs S M Corbett & Daughters – Teme Jello – s. Thrunton Classic
Female Champion
Mr KJ Thomas – Gretnahouse Fannabel – s. Thrunton Camelot
Reserve Female Champion
Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Infanta ET – s. Barnsford Ferny
Junior Male Champion
Mr A & M Williams – Castellmawr Jacpot – s. Goldstar Gentleman
Reserve Junior Male Champion
Mr W Owen – Deunawd Jeff – s. Allanfauld Cheiftan
Male Champion
Mr A & M Williams – Castellmawr Jacpot – s. Goldstar Gentleman
Reserve Male Champion
Mr W Owen – Deunawd Jeff – s. Allanfauld Cheiftan
Supreme Champion
Mr KJ Thomas – Gretnahouse Fannabel – s. Thrunton Camelot
Reserve Supreme Champion
Mr A & M Williams – Castellmawr Jacpot – s. Goldstar Gentleman
Group of Three
1st – Moelfre – Mr KJ Thomas
2nd – Ffynnon – Mr V Griffiths

New Deer Show – 18 & 19 July 2015
Class 9 – Bull, 1 year old and over
1st – MJ Massie
2nd – R Leggat – Bonnykelly Jasper – Newhouse Challenger
Class 12 – Heifer, 1 year old
1st – R Leggat – Bonnykelly Jennifer – Kersknowe Clansman
2nd – J Wilson – Clola Jazmin – Goldies Banker
3rd – R Leggat – Bonnykelly Jody – Kersknowe Clansman
Champion
R Leggat – Bonnykelly Jennifer – Kersknowe Clansman
Group of Three
1st – R Leggat
Female Champion
R Leggat – Bonnykelly Jennifer – Kersknowe Clansman
Champion Male
MJ Massie

Kirriemuir Show – 18 July 2015
Class 62 – Bull, born on or after 01.06.2013 and before 01.06.2014
1st – Major DFWH Walter
2nd – Major DFWH Walter
Class 63 – Cow, born before 01.06.2012
1st – WK & P Drysdale
2nd – JA & MF McMillan
Class 65 – Heifer, born on or after 01.06.2013 and before 01.06.2014
1st – Major DFWH Walter
Class 66 – Heifer or Bull Calf, born on or after 01.06.2014
1st – JA & MF McMillan
2nd – WK & P Drysdale
3rd – E Scott
Supreme Champion
WK & P Drysdale
Reserve Supreme Champion
Major DFWH Walter

Caithness Show – 17 – 18 July 2015
Class 103 – Heifer, born on or after 1 June 2013
1st – J Morris
Class 104 – Heifer calf, born between 1 June 2014 and 31 December 2014
1st – J Morris
Class 105 – Bull calf, born between 1 June 2014 and 31 December 2014
1st – R MacKay
2nd – R MacKay
Champion
R MacKay
Reserve Champion
J Morris

Great Yorkshire Show – 14 – 16 July 2015
Sponsored by Yorkshire Dales Ice cream
Judge – Mr A Smith, Newark, Nottinghamshire
Class 76 – BULL, born before 1 January 2014
1st – Mr G W Turner – Brampton Iggypop – Goldies Eddy
Class 77 – BULL, born on or after 1 January 2014
1st – Mr N A Blyth – Marwood Journal – Burradon Goldenballs
2nd – M V & M E Atkinson – Mowbraypark Jenson – Mowbraypark Paramount
3rd – Mr N A Blyth – Marwood Joblot – Burradon Goldenballs
Class 78 – FEMALE, born in 2014
1st – Andrews F J & E C – Holtstead Jocelyn – Newhouse Bigal
2nd – Mr D Sawrij – Swalesmoor Jersey – Balthayock Gunner
3rd – Mr J B Wainwright – Rogans Jojo – Corrie Alan
Class 79 – FEMALE, born in 2013
1st – Andrews F J & E C – Holstead Imagine – Newhouse Bigal
2nd – Mr G W Turner – Brampton Image – Prime Roberto
3rd – M V & M E Atkinson – Mowbraypark Icepop – Klibreck Ecosse
Class 80 – FEMALE, born on or before 31 December 2012
1st – Mr H R Wood – Woodline Holly – Blelack Digger
Class 82 – PAIR OF ANIMALS BY THE SAME SIRE, the property of the same exhibitor but not necessarily bred by the exhibitor. Open to animals already entered and SHOWN in this breed section.
1st – Andrews F J & E C
2nd – Mr N A Blyth
3rd – Mr D Sawrij
Junior Champion
Mr N A Blyth – Marwood Journal – Burradon Goldenballs
Reserve Junior Champion
Andrews F J & E C – Holtstead Jocelyn – Newhouse Bigal
Junior Male Champion
Mr N A Blyth – Marwood Journal – Burradon Goldenballs
Reserve Junior Male Champion
Mr G W Turner – Brampton Image – Prime Roberto
Junior Female Champion
Andrews F J & E C – Holtstead Jocelyn – Newhouse Bigal
Reserve Junior Female Champion
Mr D Sawrij – Swalesmoor Jersey – Balthayock Gunner
Male Champion
Mr N A Blyth – Marwood Journal – Burradon Goldenballs
Reserve Male Champion
Mr G W Turner – Brampton Iggypop – Goldies Eddy
Female Champion
Andrews F J & E C – Holtstead Jocelyn – Newhouse Bigal
Reserve Female Champion
Mr D Sawrij – Swalesmoor Jersey – Balthayock Gunner
Supreme Champion
Mr N A Blyth – Marwood Journal – Burradon Goldenballs
Reserve Supreme Champion
Andrews F J & E C – Holtstead Jocelyn – Newhouse Bigal

Ashby Show – 12 July 2015
Judge – Mr P Burgess, Worcs
Class 660 – BULL, born on or after 1st January 2014
1st – Mr D Thornley – Dooley Jade – s. Guthrie Fernando
2nd – Mr J R Webb – Moelfre Jack – s. Blelack Digger
Class 661 – BULL, born before 1st January 2014
1st – Mr J R Webb – Rushfield Icarus – s. Rushfield Fernando
2nd – Mr J Squires – Rushfield Ironman – s. Newroddige Bruno
Class 662 – COW, in calf or with calf at foot, born before 1st January 2012
1st – Mr JR Webb – Rushfield Flirt – s. Newroddige Bruno
Class 664 – Heifer, Born on or after 1st January 2012
1st – Mr J R Webb – Rushfield Icingsugar – s. Rushfield Fernando
Class 665 – MAIDEN HEIFER, born on or after 1st January 2014
1st – Mr J R Webb – Rushfield Jessie – s. Elgin Fergal
Class 666 – PAIR OF ANIMALS
1st – Mr JR Webb

Junior Champion
Mr D Thornley – Dooley Jade – s. Guthrie Fernando
Reserve Junior Champion
Mr J R Webb – Rushfield Jessie – s. Elgin Fergal
Champion
Mr J R Webb – Rushfield Icarus – s. Rushfield Fernando
Reserve Champion
Mr D Thornley – Dooley Jade – s. Guthrie Fernando
Junior Supreme Beef Cattle Champion
Mr D Thornley – Dooley Jade – s. Guthrie Fernando
Reserve Supreme Beef Cattle Champion
Mr D Thornley – Dooley Jade – s. Guthrie Fernando
Newport Show – 11 July 2015
Judge: Mr S Nesbitt, Co. Durham
Class 136 – Continental Heifer born in 2014
1st – A Mould – Moulais Jamelia – s. Lochend Apache
2nd – A Platt – Lindford Juliet – s. Alwent Goldbar
Class 137 – Continental Heifer born in 2013
1st – A Mould – Goldies Issadora – s. Goldies Formidable
2nd – SM Corbett & Daughters – Pedr Indigo – s. Thrunton Classic
Class 141 – A Pair of Any Two Animals, entered in the above classes, property of the same Exhibitor
1st – A Mould
Continental Champion
A Mould – Goldies Issadora – s. Goldies Formidable
Reserve Continental Champion
SM Corbett & Daughters – Pedr Indigo – s. Thrunton Classic

National Charolais Show – 8 & 9 July 2015
Judge – Mr Brian McAlliser, Ballymena, Co Antrim
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

Doune & Dunblane Show – 4 July 2015
Judge – Mr R Irvine, Tomintoul
Class 28 – Bull, born on or between 1 August 2013 and 31 July 2014
1st – Murray Lyle
2nd – George Russell
3rd – George Russell
Class 31 – Heifer, two years old
1st – R & C Rettie
Breed Champion
R & C Rettie
Reserve Breed Champion
Murray Lyle

Norfolk Show – 1 & 2 July 2015
Kindly Sponsored by Yorkshire Dales Farmhouse Ice Cream
Judge: Miss Jane Haw, Dorset
Class 359 – British Charolais – Heifer, born on or after 1st January 2014
1st – Mr D Knox – Drumshane Jadore – s.Culford Hector
2nd – J Rix – Wissington Jemma – s. Thrunton Galaxy
3rd – J Rix – Wissington Jessica – s. Goldies Eddy
Class 360 – British Charolais – Heifer, born on or between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2013
1st – Goodwin Farms – Bastwick Icicle – s. Blelack Digger
2nd – E Harrison & Sons – Lakenheath Ida – s. Balmyle Bollinger
3rd – E Harrison & Sons – Lakenheath Illia – s. Lakenheath Delboy
4th – Goodwin Farms – Bastwick Impulse – s. Holtstead Cracker
Class 361 – British Charolais – Cow, in milk, in calf or with calf at foot born before 1st January 2013.
1st – R & D Harper – Moathall Gina – s. Brampton Temperature
2nd – J Rix – Wissington Duchess – s. Allanfauld Superscot
3rd – Mr D Knox – Drumshane Freesia – s. Suzeringie
Class 362 – British Charolais – Bull, born on or after 1st January 2014
1st – E Harrison & Sons – Lakenheath James – s. Lakenheath Delboy
2nd – J Rix – Wissington Jeeves – s. Thrunton Galaxy
Champion Female
R & D Harper – Moathall Gina – s. Brampton Temperature
Reserve Female Champion
Mr D Knox – Drumshane Jadore – s.Culford Hector
Champion Male
E Harrison & Sons – Lakenheath James – s. Lakenheath Delboy
Reserve Male Champion
J Rix – Wissington Jeeves – s. Thrunton Galaxy
Breed Champion
R & D Harper – Moathall Gina – s. Brampton Temperature
Reserve Breed Champion
Mr D Knox – Drumshane Jadore – s.Culford Hector
Group of Three
1st – J Rix
2nd – E Harrison & Sons

Cheshire Show – 23 & 24 June 2015
Class 327 – Heifer
1st – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Jessie – s. Elgin Fergal
2nd – Messrs Nicholas & Heath – Hockenhull Jewels – s. Blelack Digger
3rd – Mr IN & Mrs A Hollinshead – Allostock Jazz – s. Vexour Freddy
Class 328 – Bull
1st – Mr IN & Mrs A Hollinshead – Allostock Jacob – s. Goldies Eddy
2nd – JR & VA Webb – Moelfre Jack – s. Blelack Digger
Class 239 – Heifer
1st – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Icingsugar – s. Rushfield Fernando
2nd – Mr IN & Mrs A Hollinshead – Allostock Iris – s. Blelack Digger
Class 330 – Heifer, with first calf at foot
1st – Mr IN & Mrs A Hollinshead – Shraden Honey – s. Shraden Calypso
Class 331 – Cow, in calf or with calf at foot
1st – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Flirt – s. Newroddige Bruno
2nd – Messrs Nicolas & Heath – Ugie Flair – s. Goldies Banker
Class 332 – Bull
1st – Messrs Nicholas & Heath – Maerdy Huntly – s. Maerdy Blackout
2nd – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Icarus – s. Rushfield Fernando
Pair of Animals
1st – JR & VA Webb
2nd – Mr IN & Mrs A Hollinshead
Junior Champion
JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Jessie – s. Elgin Fergal
Reserve Junior Champion
Mr IN & Mrs A Hollinshead – Allostock Jacob – s. Goldies Eddy
Exhibitor Bred Breed Champion
JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Icarus – s. Rushfield Fernando
Exhibitor Bred Reserve Breed Champion
JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Jessie – s. Elgin Fergal
Beef Interbreed Reserve Best Beef Animal from a Cheshire Exhibitor
Messrs Nicholas & Heath – Maerdy Huntly – s. Maerdy Blackout
Beef Interbreed Reserve Best Mother and Daughter
JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Flirt – s. Newroddige Bruno

Highland Show – 18 June 2015
Judge: Mr Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green
Supreme Champion
Major DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Imp – s. Blelack Forester
Reserve Supreme Champion
Messrs WK & P Drysdale – Glenericht Hester – s. Moyness Saltire
Junior Champion
Major DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Imp – s. Blelack Forester
Reserve Junior Champion
M Irvine – Anside Jagermeister – s. Elgin Davinci
Male Champion
Major DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Imp – s. Blelack Forester
Reserve Male Champion
M Irvine – Anside Jagermeister – s. Elgin Davinci
Junior Male Champion
Major DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Imp – s. Blelack Forester
Reserve Junior Male Champion
M Irvine – Anside Jagermeister – s. Elgin Davinci
Female Champion
Messrs WK & P Drysdale – Glenericht Hester – s. Moyness Saltire
Reserve Female Champion
Mr R Aitken – Lourie Ideal – s. Clyth Diplomat
Junior Female Champion
Mr R A Milne & Sons – Elgin Jane – s. Caylers Gladiator
Reserve Junior Female Champion
A Ivory – Cardean Jealous – s. Elgin Flagship
Best Pair, owned and bred by exhibitor
1st – Mr J Irvine & Son
2nd – Mr R McConrick
Class 245 Female born on or between 1st April and 31st July 2014
1st A Ivory – Cardean Jealous – s. Elgin Flagship
2nd – Major DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Jemima – s. Elgin Glenlivet
3rd – Mr J Irvine & Son – Inverlochy Julianne – s. Blelack Giggsey
4th – D Sawrij – Swalesmoor Jersey – s. Balthayock Gunner
5th – Mr A K Brooke – Carscreugh Jacklyn – s. Brampton Fugitive
Class 246 Female born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2014
1st – Mr R A Milne & Sons – Elgin Jane – s. Caylers Gladiator
2nd – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jemdeholly – s. Blelack Blackberet
3rd – Irvine & Lawson – Ballindalloch Jade – s. Blelack Giggsey
4th – T & S Gatherer – Barnsford Jonquil – s. Dingle Hofmeister
5th – D & T Nicoll – Dounreay Jessiej – s. Dingle Hofmeister
Class 247 Female born on or between 24th June and 31st December 2013
1st – Mr R A Milne & Sons – Elgin Ingrid – s. Elgin Davinici
2nd – Robert & Hazel McNee – Benhar Isla – s. Goldies Escort
3rd – Brailes Iceberg – Brailes Iceberg – s. Corrie Alan ET
4th – Mr J Morris – Olrig Imp – s. Sandelford Duggan ET
Class 248 Female born on or between 1st January and 23rd June 2013
1st – Mr R Aitken – Lourie Ideal – s. Clyth Diplomat
2nd – Mr & Mrs J & P Goldie – Monaduffhouse Ingotgold – s. Doonally New
3rd – Mr J Irvine & Son – Inverlochy Ingris – s. Maerdy Eryr
4th – A & A Wright – Lagavaich Isla – s. Clyth Diplomat
5th – Mr & Mrs C Wight – Dundas Indigo – s. Elgin Davinci
Class 249 Female born on or between 1st January and 31st December 2012
1st – Messrs WK & P Drysdale – Glenericht Hester – s. Moyness Saltire
2nd – Mr J Morris – Olrig Holly – s. Sandelford Duggan ET
3rd – Mr A K Brooke – Elrick Herbal – s. Thrunton Fearless
Class 250 Female in milk or in calf, born on or before 31st December 2011
1st – Mr & Mrs JA & MF McMillan – Dunesk Diana – s. Burradon Talisman
Class 251 Bull born on or between 1st April and 30th June 2014
1st – Mr AB Hornall – Falleninch Johnston – s. Dereskit Fernando
2nd – Redhead & Watson – Tillside Jailbird – s. Thrunton Goliath
3rd – JM Cant & Partners – Panmure Jack – s. Thrunton Firecracker
4th – Mr G Russell – Lesliepark Jasper – s. Mandella Dillon ET
5th – Messrs M Bruce & Partners Ltd – Logiestate James – s. Goldies Golddust ET
Class 252 Bull born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2014
1st – M Irvine – Anside Jagermeister – s. Elgin Davinci
2nd – John Wight & Sons – Midlock John ET – s. Kelton Trident
3rd – JM Cant & Partners – Panmure Jefferson – s. Thrunton Firecracker
4th – Mr G Russell – Lesliepark Jacob – s. Mandella Dillon1 ET
5th – J & E Wight – Midshield Jay – s. Blelack Digger
Class 254 Bull born on or between 24th June and 31st December 2013
1st – Major DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Imp – s. Blelack Forrester
2nd – Mr J Irvine & Son – Kilbline1 Instigator ET – s. Oscar
Class 255 Born on or before 31st December 2012
1st – Mr & Mrs C Wight – Ugie Goldcup – s. Goldies Banker
2nd – Messrs M Bruce & Partners Ltd – Goldies Golddust ET – s. Goldies Uppermost ET

Three Counties Show – 12 – 14 June 2015
Judge: Mr W Palmer, Cornwall
Class 35 – Cow born on or before 31 December 2011, in calf or with her own calf at foot, having had one birth notified calf
1st – Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Formal – s. Goldies Unbeatable
2nd – Mr RJ Butler – Carrigbeg Esmerelda – s. Goldies Unbeatable
Class 36 – Heifer born in 2012 in calf or with her own calf at foot
1st – Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Honour – s. Goldies Unbeatable
2nd – J C Bostock & Son – Roundshill Hurma – s. Maerdy Impeccable
3rd – Mr RJ Butler – Carrigbeg Honeysuckle – s. Sportsmans Columbo
Class 37 – Heifer in calf born on or after 1 January 2013 and on or before 31 May 2013
1st – Mrs A Orr-Ewing – Foxacre Ianthe – s. Wesley Forceful
Class 38 – Heifer served or unserved born on or after 1 June 2013 and on or before 31 December 2013
1st – Hackleton Farms – Hackleton Indira – s. Elgin Davinci
2nd – Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Inspirational – s. Goldies Unbeatable
Class 40 – Heifer served or unserved born on or after 1 April and on or before 30 June 2014
1st – Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Jubilee – s. Goldies Unbeatable
2nd – DH Hinds & Son – Waldencourt Jessie – s. Blelack Digger
3rd – PJ Maher – Roscrea Jayne – s. Farleycopse Turbo
4th – PJ Maher – Roscrea Jemima – s. Balthayock Adonis
Class 41 – Heifer born on or after 1 July 2014
1st – J C Bostock & Son – Roundshill June – s. Wroxall Groundwork
2nd – Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Joyful – s. Balthayock Matthew
3rd – DH Hinds & Son – Waldencourt Joy – s. Derryharney Outstanding
Class 42 – Bull born on or before 31 December 2013
1st – Hackleton Farms – Hackleton Idris – s. Elgin Davinci
Class 43 – Bull born on or after 1 January 2014 and before 31 March 2014
1st – DH Hinds & Son – Waldencourt Jack – s. Blelack Digger
2nd – P J & A C Allman – Greenyards Johndonald – s. Baillieston Donald
3rd – Mrs A Orr-Ewing – Foxacre Juniper – s. Wesley Forceful
Class 44 – Bull born on or after 1 April 2014 and before 30 June 2014
1st – RJ & BE Kimber – Beanhill Jack – s. Alwent Goldbar
2nd – PJ Maher – Roscrea Jonah – s. Farleycopse Turbo
3rd – Mrs A Orr-Ewing – Foxacre Journeyman – s. Wesley Forceful
Class 45 – Bull born on or after 1 July 2014
1st – RJ & BE Kimber – Beanhill Jupiter – s. Alwent Goldbar
2nd – Mr RJ Butler – Carrigbeg Junior – s. Doonally Nicefor
Pair of animals owned and bred by the exhibitor, either 2 of the same sex or 1 male and 1 female
1st – Hackleton Farms
2nd – RJ & BE Kimber
3rd – Barons Cross Charolais Stud
For the highest placed male or female in each of the above classes bred and exhibited by a fully paid-up member of the South Midland Charolais region
Mrs A Orr-Ewing – Foxacre Ianthe – s. Wesley Forceful
Junior Female Champion
Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Jubilee – s. Goldies Unbeatable
Reserve Junior Female Champion
DH Hinds & Son – Waldencourt Jessie – s. Blelack Digger
Junior Male Champion
RJ & BE Kimber – Beanhill Jack – s. Alwent Goldbar
Reserve Junior Male Champion
RJ & BE Kimber – Beanhill Jupiter – s. Alwent Goldbar
Junior Champion
Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Jubilee – s. Goldies Unbeatable
Reserve Junior Champion
DH Hinds & Son – Waldencourt Jessie – s. Blelack Digger
Female Champion
Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Honour – s. Goldies Unbeatable
Reserve Female Champion
Mrs A Orr-Ewing – Foxacre Ianthe – s. Wesley Forceful
Male Champion
Hackleton Farms – Hackleton Idris – s. Elgin Davinci
Reserve Male Champion
RJ & BE Kimber – Beanhill Jack – s. Alwent Goldbar
Breed Champion
Hackleton Farms – Hackleton Idris – s. Elgin Davinci
Reserve Breed Champion
Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Honour – s. Goldies Unbeatable

South of England Show – 11 – 12 June 2015
Judge: Mr S Nesbitt, Co Durham
Class 35 – Cow, in calf having had two or more calves, or with calf at foot having had a full term calf during the previous twelve months
1st – J Rix – Wissington Duchess – s. Allanfauld Superscot
Class 37 – Heifer, born between 1st January and 31st July 2013
1st – BA & PT Heath – Sackville Isabelle – De Crespigny Regent
Class 38 – Heifer, born between 1st August 2013 and 28th February 2014
1st – Mortimers Farm Ltd – Mortimers Innocence – s. Seawell Offshore
2nd – J Rix – Wissington Jessica – s. Goldies Eddy
3rd – J Rix – Wissington Jemma – s. Thrunton Galaxy
4th – BA & PT Heath – Sackville Josephine – s. Major
Class 39 – Heifer, born between on or after 1st March 2014
1st – Mortimers Farms Ltd – Mortimers Jadore – s. Mortimers Grifter
2nd – BA & PT Heath – Sackville Joiedevie ET – s. Major
3rd – Mortimers Farms Ltd – Mortimers Jojo – s. Mortimers Hurricane
Class 40 – Bull, born on or before 28th February 2014
1st – BA & PT Heath – Sackville Joey – s. Blelack Digger
2nd – J Rix – Wissington Jeeves – s. Thrunton Galaxy
Class 41 – Bull, born on or after 1st March 2014
1st – MJ Dickins – Drumshane Jenson – s. Anside Foreman
Group of three, owned and bred by the same exhibitor
1st – J Rix
2nd – BA & PT Heath
Charolais Champion
J Rix – Wissington Duchess – s. Allanfauld Superscot
Reserve Charolais Champion
Mortimers Farm Ltd – Mortimers Innocence – s. Seawell Offshore
Best Exhibit of opposite sex to the Champion
BA & PT Heath – Sackville Joey – s. Blelack Digger
Charolais Junior Champion
J Rix – Wissington Jessica – s. Goldies Eddy
Reserve Charolais Junior Champion
Mortimers Farms Ltd – Mortimers Jadore – s. Mortimers Grifter

Cumberland Show – 6 June 2015
Class 192 – Bull, born on or before 01/01/2014
1st – Mr & Mrs P Vasey – Sandelford Harrison – s. Goldies Usher
Class 193 – Bull, born on or after 01/01/2014
1st – I & D Goldie – Solwayfirth Joker – s. Solwayfirth Banker
2nd – Mr P Stobart – Scalehouses Jaffa – s. Huntershield Edison
3rd – Mr R McCornick – Ricnick Joop – s. Alwent Goldbar
Class 195 – Heifer, born in 2013
1st – Mrs J Hunter – Millbridge Insense – s. Blelack Digger
2nd – Mrs J Hunter – Millbridge Invest – s. Corrie Alan
3rd – Mr P Stobart – Alsnow Imaculate – s. Puntabrava Federico
Class 196 – Heifer, born in 2013
1st – Mr R McCornick – Ricnick Jazmin – s. Saxon Alcapone
Best Pair
1st – Mrs J Hunter
2nd – Mr R McCornick
Breed Champion
Mr & Mrs P Vasey – Sandelford Harrison – s. Goldies Usher
Reserve Breed Champion
Mrs J Hunter – Millbridge Insense – s. Blelack Digger
Beef Interbreed Champion
Mr & Mrs P Vasey – Sandelford Harrison – s. Goldies Usher
Cumberland Show Champion of Champions
Mr & Mrs P Vasey – Sandelford Harrison – s. Goldies Usher

Royal Cornwall Show – 4 – 6 June 2015
Judge: Mr B Harman, Chesham, Buckinghamshire
Class 229 – Bull born before 1st January 2014
1st – Mr P Greed – Maerdy Eurocrat – s. Vald’Or-Ra
2nd – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Inklerberry – s. Wesley Furnish
3rd – Mr W F Palmer & Son – Trenestral Isobar – s. Westcarse Beefy
Class 230 – Bull born on or after 1 January 2014 and before 30 April 2014
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jackfrost – s. Loganbar Goran
2nd – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jarvis – s. Loganbar Goran
3rd – Mr P Greed – Louis Jarrow – s. Thrunton Fitzroy
4th – Mr D R & Mrs B Stacey – Polgoda Jeremy – s. Balbithan Eira
Class 231 – Cow born on or before 31 December 2012, to be in calf or with calf at foot having calved within 15 months of the Show date
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Faith s. Newhouse Benson
2nd – Mrs C Clapp – Balbithan Hooch – s. Chunal Dougie
3rd – Mr R H Richards – Trefaldwyn Garnet – s. Trefaldyn Cain
Class 234 – Heifer, born on or after 1 January 2012, in calf or with calf at foot
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Haiti – s. Chunal Dougie
Class 233 – Heifer, born on or after 1 January 2013
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie
2nd – Mr R Tremayne & Miss M Hanson – Marne Insignia – s. Rumsden Fawkes
3rd – Mr D R & Mrs B Stacey – Westcarse Iola – s. Mortimer Echo
4th – Mr W F Palmer & Son – Trenestral Infinite – s. Mortimers Cosmo
Class 234 – Heifer, born on or after 1 January 2014 and before 30 April 2014
1st – Mr R Tremayne & Miss M Hanson – Marne Jojo – s. Lochend Apache
2nd – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jilly – s. Wesley Furnish
3rd – Miss L James – Wyvern Janice – s. Alwent Goldbar
Class 235 – Bull or Heifer born on or after 1 May 2014
1st – Messrs R & J Gregory & Miss A Lugg – Kerling Jake – s. Trefawl Hercules
2nd – Mrs C Clapp – Newroddige Jackie – s. Alwent Goldbar
3rd – Mr W F Palmer & Son – Trenestral Jiggy – s. Springfarm Eldon
4th – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Legend – s. Goldies Eddy
Class 236 – Pair of Animals, male, female or male & female
1st – Mr & Mrs A White
2nd – Mr W F Palmer & Son
3rd – Mr R Tremayne & Miss M Hanson
4th – Mrs C Clapp
Champion British Charolais Male
Mr P Greed – Maerdy Eurocrat – s. Vald’Or-Ra
Reserve Champion British Charolais Male
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jackfrost – s. Loganbar Goran
Best Charolais Male bred & exhibited by a South West Member
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jackfrost – s. Loganbar Goran
2nd – Messrs R & J Gregory & Miss A Lugg – Kerling Jake – s. Trefawl Hercules
Champion British Charolais Female
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Faith s. Newhouse Benson
Reserve Champion British Charolais Female
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie
Best Charolais Female bred & exhibited by a South West Member & £40 for the Reserve
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Faith s. Newhouse Benson
2nd – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie
Champion British Charolais
Mr P Greed – Maerdy Eurocrat – s. Vald’Or-Ra
Reserve Champion British Charolais
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Faith s. Newhouse Benson
Best Exhibitor Bred British Charolais
1st – Mr & Mrs A White
2nd – Mr & Mrs A White
Best British Charolais exhibit bred and owned by an exhibitor resident in Cornwall
1st – Mr W F Palmer & Son – Trenestral Isobar – s. Westcarse Beefy
2nd – Mr R Tremayne & Miss M Hanson – Marne Insignia – s. Rumsden Fawkes

Rutland County Show – 5 June 2015
Judge: Mr H Wood
Class 5 – Bull any age
1st – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Icarus – s. Rushfield Fernando
2nd – Mr J Squires – Rushfield Ironman – s. Newroddige Bruno
Class 6 – Cow or Heifer in calf or with calf at foot born before 01/01/2013
1st – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Georgia – s. Newroddige Bruno
Class 7 – Heifer born on or after 01/01/2013 and before 01/01/2014
1st – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Icingsugar – s. Rushfield Fernando
2nd – Mrs S Sheelllaker-Webb – Ravenhead Iona – s. Rushfield Fernando
Class 8 – Heifer born on or after 01.01.2014
1st – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Jessie – s. Elgin Fergal
2nd – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Juliette – s. Rushfield Fernando
Champion
JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Icarus – s. Rushfield Fernando
Reserve Champion
JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Jessie – s. Elgin Fergal
Junior Champion
JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Jessie – s. Elgin Fergal
Reserve Junior Champion
JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Juliette – s. Rushfield Fernando
Bath & West Show – 27 – 30 May 2015
Judge: Mr I Bell
Class C33 – Bull, born before 2014
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Inklerberry – s. Wesley Furnish
Class C34 – Bull, born in 2014
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jarvis – s. Loganbar Goran
Class C35 – Cow or Heifer, born on or before 31 December 2012, in-calf or with calf at foot, having calved within 15 months of the show
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Faith – s. Newhouse Benson
Class C36 – Heifer, born in 2013
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie
2nd – Mr J Wylde – Martland Izzy – s. Skysea Fearless
3rd – Mr J Wylde – Martland Ivy – s. Blelack Digger
Class C37 – Heifer, born in 2014
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jilly – s. Wesley Furnish
2nd – Miss L Darch – Cadbury Jellytot – s. Meldon Gregory
3rd – Mr J Wylde – Martland Jazmine – s. Skysea Fearless
Class C38 – Calf, born after 1 September 2014
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Legend – s. Goldies Eddy
2nd – Mr J Wylde – Martland James – s. Liscally ETI
Group of Three
1st – Mr & Mrs A White
2nd – Miss L Darch
Pair
1st – Mr & Mrs A White
2nd – Mr J Wylde
3rd – Miss L Darch
British Charolais Champion Male
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Inklerberry – s. Wesley Furnish
British Charolais Reserve Champion Male
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jarvis – s. Loganbar Goran
British Charolais Champion Female
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Faith – s. Newhouse Benson
British Charolais Reserve Champion Female
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie
British Charolais Supreme Champion
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Inklerberry – s. Wesley Furnish
British Charolais Reserve Supreme Champion
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Faith – s. Newhouse Benson
Beef Calf Champion
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jarvis – s. Loganbar Goran
Reserve Junior Continental Beef Bull Champion
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jarvis – s. Loganbar Goran

Staffordshire County Show – 27 & 28 May 2015
Kindly Sponsored by Bagshaws Ltd, Auctioneers, of Uttoxeter
Judge: Mr J Hoskins, Cirencester, Glos
Stewards: Mr P Bowen, Mr T Collier
Class 153 – Bull, born on or after 1/1/ 2014 registered with the British Charolais Cattle Society.
1st – HR Wood – Woodline Jimmymac – s. Woodline Humer
2nd – JR & VA Webb – Moelfre Jack – s. Blelack Digger
3rd – IN & A Hollinshead – Allostock Jacob – s. Goldies Eddy
Class 154 – Bull, born on or before 31/12/2013 registered with the British Charolais Cattle Society.
1st – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Icarus – s. Rushfield Fernando
2nd – AO & HA Taylor – Brinsley Highwayman – s. Newroddige Bruno
Class 155 – Cow in Calf or with Calf at foot, born before 31/12/2011
1st – D Knox – Drumshane Freesia – s. Suzeringie
2nd – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Georgia – s. Newroddige Bruno
Class 156 – Heifer in Calf or with Calf at foot, born in 2012
1st – JC Bostock & Son – Roundshill Hurma – s. Maerdy Impeccable
2nd – HR Wood – Woodline Holly – s. Blelack Digger
3rd – AO & HA Taylor – Brinsley Helena – s.Newroddige Bruno
Class 157 – Heifer, born in 2013
1st – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Icingsugar – s. Rushfield Fernando
2nd – A Mould – Goldies Issadora – s. Goldies Formidable
3rd – IN & A Hollinshead – Allostock Iris – s. Blelack Digger
Class 158 – Heifer, born in 2014
1st – A Mould – Moulais Jamelia – s. Lochend Apache.
2nd – D Knox – Drumshane Jadore – s. Culford Hector
3rd – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Jessie – s. Elgin Fergal
4th – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Juliette – s. Rushfield Fernando
Class 159 – A Pair of Any Two Animals, entered in the above classes.
1st – JR & VA Webb
2nd – A Mould
3rd – HR Wood
British Charolais Female Champion
D Knox – Drumshane Freesia – s. Suzeringie
British Charolais Reserve Female Champion
JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Icingsugar – s. Rushfield Fernando
British Charolais Male Champion
JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Icarus – s. Rushfield Fernando
British Charolais Reserve Male Champion
HR Wood – Woodline Jimmymac – s. Woodline Humer
British Charolais Champion
D Knox – Drumshane Freesia – s. Suzeringie
British Charolais Reserve Champion
JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Icarus – s. Rushfield Fernando

Suffolk Show – 27 & 28 May 2015
506 – Other Beef Breed – Bull any age
2nd – J & J Rix – Wissington Jeeves – s. Thrunton Galaxy
Other Beef Breed Reserve Champion Bull
J & J Rix – Wissington Jeeves – s. Thrunton Galaxy
509 – Other Beef Breed – Heifer born in 2014
1st – J & J Rix – Wissington Jemma – s. Thrunton Galaxy
2nd – J & J Rix – Wissington Jessica – s. Goldies Eddy
512 – Other Beef Breed – Cow in milk or calf
1st – J & J Rix – Wissington Duchess – s. Allanfauld Superscot
2nd – R & DL Harper – Moathall Gina – Brampton Temperature
Other Beef Breed Female Champion
J & J Rix – Wissington Duchess – s. Allanfauld Superscot
Other Beef Breed Overall Champion
J & J Rix – Wissington Duchess – s. Allanfauld Superscot
Best Charolais Exhibit
1st – J & J Rix – Wissington Duchess – s. Allanfauld Superscot
2nd – R & DL Harper – Moathall Gina – Brampton Temperature
Best Group of Three
1st – J & J Rix – Wissington Jemma, Wissington Jessica & Wissington Jeeves
Beef Cattle Supreme Champion
J & J Rix – Wissington Duchess – s. Allanfauld Superscot

Northumberland Show – 25 May 2015
Judge: Mr J Weightman, Peterlee, Co Durham
Class 36 – Any Other Continental Breed Maiden Heifer, under two years old on 31/05/2015
1st – Brailes Livestock – Brailes Iceberg – s. Corrie Alan
Female Champion
Brailes Livestock – Brailes Iceberg – s. Corrie Alan
Supreme Champion
Brailes Livestock – Brailes Iceberg – s. Corrie Alan

Fife Show – 23 May 2015
Judge: Mrs D Moffat, Innerwick Farm, Dunbar
Steward: Mrs M McDougall, Millhouse, Blairadam, Kelty
Class 20 – Any Other Continental Breed Bull, any age
1st – R Aitken – Lourie Jethro – s. Goldies Eddy
Class 23 – Any Other Continental Breed Heifer, any age
1st – R & C Rettie – Retties Image – s. Chunal Dougie
2nd – R Aitken – Lourie Ideal – s. Clyth Diplomat
Class 25 – Pair
1st – R Aitken

Shropshire Show – 23 May 2015
Champion
SM Corbett & Daughters – Pedr Indigo – s. Thrunton Classic
Reserve Champion
Mr AJ Mould – Goldies Issadora – s. Goldies Formidable
Female Champion
Mr AJ Mould – Goldies Issadora – s. Goldies Formidable
Male Champion
Mr A Platt – Lindford Jasper – s. Doonally Nicefor
Pair of Animals
1st SM Corbett & Daughers

Devon County Show – 21 – 23 May 2015
Judge: Mr J Hoskins, Cirencester, Glos
Class 23 – Bull, born before 1st January 2014
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Inklerberry – s. Wesley Furnish
2nd – P Greed – Maerdy Eurocrat – s. Vald’Or-Ra
Class 24 – Bull, born on or after 1st January 2014
1st – DR & B Stacey – Polgoda Jeremy – s. Balbithan Eria
2nd – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jarvis – s. Loganbar Goran
Class 25 – Calf, born on or after 1st May 2014. (Not to be have been entered in any other breed class)
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Jock – s. Wesley Furnish
2nd – DR & B Stacey – Polgoda Jimmy – s. Balbithan Eria
Class 26 – Cow or Heifer, born on or before 31st December 2013 with calf at foot or in-Calf, having calved within 15 months of the Show date or Heifer in-calf for the first time born on or after 1st January 2013 and before 31st December 2013
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Faith – s. Newhouse Benson
2nd – Mrs C Clapp – Balbithan Haiti – s. Chunal Dougie
Class 27 – Heifer, born on or after 1st January 2013 and before 31st December 2013
1st – Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie
2nd – Mr R Tremayne & Miss M Hanson – Marne Insignia – s. Rumsden Fawkes
3rd – Miss L Darch – Marne Icicle – s. Goldstar Echo
Class 28 – Heifer, born on or after 1st January 2014
1st – Mr R Tremayne & Miss M Hanson – Marne Jojo – s. Lochend Apache
2nd – Miss L Darch – Cadbury Jellytot – s. Meldon Gregory
3rd – Miss L Darch – Cadbury Jeannie – s. Meldon Gregory
Champion Male
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Inklerberry – s. Wesley Furnish
Reserve Champion Male
DR & B Stacey – Polgoda Jeremy – s. Balbithan Eria
Champion Female
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie
Reserve Female Champion
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Faith – s. Newhouse Benson
Best Group of Three Cattle, at least one of the opposite sex, owned by one exhibitor
1st – Mr & Mrs A White
Champion Pair
1st – Mr & Mrs A White
2nd – Mr R Tremayne & Miss M Hanson
Breed Champion
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Iona – s. Chunal Dougie
Reserve Breed Champion
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Inklerberry – s. Wesley Furnish
Best Exhibit of the Opposite Sex to the Champion
Mr & Mrs A White – Balbithan Inklerberry – s. Wesley Furnish

Nottingham Show – 9 – 10 May 2015
Class 743 – Bull
1st – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Icarus – s. Rushfield Fernando
2nd – JR & VA Webb – Moelfre Jack – s. Blelack Digger
3rd – Mr D Norton – Ashby Josh – s. Goldies Eddy
Class 746 – Maiden Heifer
1st – Mr D Knox – Drumshane Jadore – s. Culford Hector
2nd – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Juliette – s. Rushfield Fernando
3rd – Mr D Noton – Ashby Jameelia – Burradon Talisman
4th – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Jessie – s. Elgin Fergal
Class 747 – Heifer
1st – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Icingsugar – s. Rushfield Fernando
2nd – JR & VA Webb – Rushfield Ioha – s. Elgin Columbo
Class 748 – Cow
1st – Mr D Knox – Drumshane Freesia – s. Suzeringie
Champion Female
Mr D Knox – Drumshane Jadore – s. Culford Hector
Reserve Champion Female
Mr D Knox – Drumshane Freesia – s. Suzeringie
Group
1st – JR & VA Webb
Junior Champion Registered Pure-Bred Beef Heifer
Mr D Knox – Drumshane Jadore – s. Culford Hector
Junior Pure-Bred Beef Supreme Champion
Mr D Knox – Drumshane Jadore – s. Culford Hector
Reserve Supreme Champion Registered Pure-Bred Beef Animal
Mr D Knox – Drumshane Jadore – s. Culford Hector

North Somerset Show – 4 May 2015
Any Other Pure Imported Beef Breed Heifer, born on or after 1 January 2013
1st – Mr J & Mrs C Wylde – Martland Izzy – s. Skysea Fearless
2nd – Mr J & Mrs C Wylde – Martland Ivy – s. Blelack Digger
Any Other Pure Imported Beef Breed Bull, born on or after 1 January 2014
1st – Mr J & Mrs C Wylde – Martland Jupiter – s. Skysea Fearless
Champion
Mr J & Mrs C Wylde – Martland Izzy – s. Skysea Fearless
Reserve Champion
Mr J & Mrs C Wylde – Martland Ivy – s. Blelack Digger

Adopting new nutrition and management strategies + focusing on improving heifer output  

The Watson Family, Adam, Peter and David

Processors’ failure to notify producers in advance of the changes to their new 400kg to 420kg upper weight limit has left finishers not only in a quandary but also losing significant money, particularly those who have bought in heavy stores. However, they have huge scope to avoid future penalties and to compensate for the potential output loss arising from lighter steer carcasses by adopting new management and feed strategies and focussing on improving the heifer output, says Harbro’s David MacKenzie. 

Continental sires have an important role to play in efficient beef production; they are able to finish to heavier weights in a shorter period of time and thereby demonstrate improved efficiency. Consequently, now is the time to be increasing output if farmers wish to maintain a profitable and sustainable system.

Data from 96,000 cattle slaughtered in 2014 highlights the crux of the current issue – that Continental sires are associated with improved output, both from steers and heifers. See table 1. These finishers are currently suffering penalties of up to £200 a head simply because they find their target weights and grades no longer apply. Processors’ actions are having a similar knock on effect in the store ring. For example, at one regional mart’s significant store sale last month, steers and heifers were averaging a respective £180 and £120 a head down on the year. 

Table 1: Comparison of finished Continental v native sired steers and heifers

Source: Harbro Q Box

Finishers’ immediate challenge is to manage these Continental cross progeny to fit market specifications by considering the following blueprint strategy focused on

1, Management: rethink your current strategy to achieve the new specification – plan from birth

2, Nutrition: split steers and heifers from the creep stage and feed specific gender formulated diets through to finishing. Work closely with your nutritionist.

3, Measure and monitor: weigh the total group of animals at regular intervals; benchmark both within and outwith the herd.

4, Health: introduce a herd health management plan.

5, Assess individual animal health by monitoring slaughter house health reports.

Continental cross steers: reduce the store / growing stage. Higher energy diets introduced earlier will reduce the frame size whilst a balanced diet will provide adequate fat cover at optimal weight. Benchmark target weights per age and stage towards the end goal.

Target: 390kgs deadweight, 705kgs liveweight by 610 days; aim for 1.1kgs DLG or better from birth.

Continental cross heifers: one of the greatest inefficiencies within the UK beef industry is our sub-optimal output from heifers, and any move away from Continental sires threatens to exacerbate this trend. There are real opportunities here for producers to improve heifer output.

Quality protein is key through the first year of life starting at 18% CP and keeping that CP level at an average 2% higher than the steers throughout the finisher period; do not introduce the same high energy and starch levels formulated for feeding to the steers. Your aim is to encourage heifer frame size without laying down excess fat.

Target: 360kgs deadweight 650kgs liveweight by 550 days; aim for 1.1kgs DLG or better from birth.

………………………………………….. 

Case study

The Watson family of Darnford, Durris, Banchory have proved that introducing fast finishing Charolais cross steers and heifers in to a planned management and nutrition strategy is resulting in adequate finish and an average 380kg deadweight within 20 months. Their success contributed towards them last month being awarded the Scotch Beef Farm of the Year 2015.

Factfile

Peter Watson farming with sons, David and Adam and daughters-in-law, Aynsley and Lynne

426 cow Salers closed suckler herd, split calving

274 spring calving cows put to Charolais, all progeny finished

152 autumn calving cows bred pure for replacement purposes

1,350 acre tenanted unit, including 700 acres spring barley

Majority of unit within SDA

“Achieving an average 380kg deadweight is not new for us,” says Peter Watson. “Our objective has always been to maximise the number of kilos produced per cow and to realise that weight gain as early as possible. The quicker these beasts finish, the quicker they’re off the farm.

“Darnford is an extensive unit providing for three families, the complementary arable and livestock enterprises are run as separate, efficient businesses and as far as the herd is concerned, then each suckler cow has to justify her existence. Everything has to work and make money. We produce high quality finished cattle sold deadweight whilst we trade the pick of the crop through the Thainstone store ring and they invariably end up within the day’s top 10% of prices.

“We have in the herd the genetics to achieve that fast weight gain, and Charolais is the breed to do the job, however from our experience, we are aware that it’s the nutrition and management that really makes the difference. In fact, fast weight gain is essential whatever the system and it can be adjusted to suit the new grid.”

Table 2: Darnford herd performance 2014/15

Source: Darnford

The Darnford system: key features 

Genetics

Charolais has been the preferred terminal sire for 25 years. Bulls are selected initially on visual appraisal for feet and mobility, and then from the breed’s top 10% and in particular for weight EBVs.

A Continental cross herd has recently been replaced by Salers. Heifer replacements are selected for size, feet, temperament and maternal qualities.
Management

A 12 week calving period is maintained in the spring calving herd, and over nine weeks in autumn, to help simplify management.

Steers and heifers are separated at eight month weaning enabling a tailored nutrition programme which takes in to account their very different requirements.

All animals are allowed to grow to achieve adequate frame size before being intensively finished.

Nutrition

Diets are all home mixed using the same basic ingredients – homegrown forage and cereals combined with cost effective bought in by-products. The key is formulating diets specific to age, weight and gender, consequently they offer flexibility to vary starch and protein levels at key stages of development. See Table 3. The unit’s nutritionist, Harbro’s David MacKenzie offers the following pointers.

• Calves: low-starch creep feed to avoid early fat deposition.
• Yearlings: reasonably high protein diet, 15% to 17% CP, with limited starch, to encourage lean growth and frame development.
• Cattle are turned out for a limited three month grazing period and set stocked, followed by housing in early August. They are introduced to full finishing rations after they reach 500kg liveweight.
• Steers: low protein, high starch finisher.
• Heifers: higher protein, lower starch finisher
• Both steer and heifer diets are formulated with limited forage and balanced with cereal and dark grains in order to achieve the correct fat cover and meat yield.

Table 3: Darnford herd diets

Source: Darnford/Harbro

Measuring and monitoring

All cattle are weighed and benchmarked – at birth, at eight month weaning and thereafter at six weekly intervals until reaching target finishing weight. “If you don’t measure, you can’t monitor and if necessary, fix an issue,” says Peter.

“We have a new handling system within the main accommodation and an accompanying hand held EID reader enabling us to weigh an average 80 beasts per hour. It’s a job that’s frequently linked to something else, for example vaccination.

“We rate weighing a great management tool and time well spent. Whilst good stockmen have a fair idea of how the beasts are performing, sometimes you get a surprise. For example last autumn we found a batch were failing to meet our target 1.6kg/day liveweight so we wormed them and tweaked the diet. We reckon we caught the issue two months earlier than we would have visually done.”

Health

The closed herd is a member of the SRUC Premium Cattle Health Scheme and its own herd health plan is reviewed annually with the farm vet.

Peter Watson adds: “We believe we have a successful blueprint however there’s always room for further progress. We are considering introducing creep from day one in order to optimise FCE, whilst we can certainly improve our grassland management.”

David MacKenzie

The Darnford bulls

Genetics + nutrition + management to maximise the number of kilos per cow as quickly and efficiently as possible 

Callum Keir

Factfile

Callum Keir, Cairncoullie, Kildrummy, Alford

500 acres including 150 acres spring barley

120 Simmental cross breeding females put to Charolais, split calving herd, all progeny finished

200 stores purchased annually and finished

200 ewes, all progeny finished

One part time employee, 

Charolais has been the terminal sire at Cairncoullie for over 30 years, and without question will continue that role in future regardless of processors’ new weight limits. “We run a high input, high output unit, and our priority is to maximise the number of kilos per cow as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Callum Keir explains.

“Charolais with its unbeatable weight for age is vital to doing that job together with detailed management and accompanying nutrition which is resulting in our cattle already arriving within processors new specification.

Cairncoullie herd performance 2014/15

“All Charolais cross steers and a portion of the heifers are sold deadweight, some butcher type heifers are traded liveweight at Thainstone mart where they frequently are found within the day’s top prices.”

Keys to Cairncoullie success

Genetics: “The selection process is initially based on kill sheet observations,” Callum explains. “For example, if a portion of same sired calves were failing to grade within the grid specification, then we would look for a new bull with in a bigger muscle area. We also go for longer type Charolais bulls and they must be reared on forage and fibre based diets. The latest additions were sourced from the Thurso herd.”

Nutrition: “Diets are all home mixed using the same basic ingredients – home-grown forage and cereals combined with cost effective bought in blends. The key is formulating diets specific to age, weight and gender, consequently they are easier to manage in groups and offer flexibility to vary starch and protein levels at key stages of development,” says Callum. “Harbro’s David MacKenzie manages the diets and calls in on a regular basis to monitor the farm’s data.” The diets feature the following

• Calves: low-starch creep feed to avoid early fat deposition.
• Yearlings: reasonably high protein diet, 15% to 17% CP, with limited starch, to encourage lean growth and frame development.
• Cattle are turned out for a limited three month grazing period and set stocked, followed by housing in late July and introduced to full finishing rations after they reach 500kg liveweight.
• Steers: low protein, high starch finisher.
• Heifers: higher protein, lower starch finisher.
• Both steer and heifer diets are formulated with limited forage and balanced with cereal and dark grains in order to achieve the correct fat cover and meat yield.

Cairncoullie herd diets

Source: Cairncoullie/Harbro

Management: “We try to pay attention to detail at every turn and manage the herd by a health plan, testing and vaccinating for infections, ensuring cows energy requirements are met and by knowing their mineral status . They calve down fit not fat and are literally able to calve themselves which is really important since I’m totally responsible for all the stock work. We give the heifers the best chance possible by running them in a separate group until second calving.

“Grampian Super Suckler Minerals have been used for a number of years which have been balanced to make up for shortfalls in local trace element deficiencies which ensure we have productive cows and healthy new born calves that are able to reach their potential. We also feed Omega 25 at 150g per head which is a high fish oil product to ensure cows come into heat quicker.

“We target a tight calving pattern: the spring calving herd is achieving between 75% to 85% within the first six weeks and the entire portion within 11 weeks. Similarly, 80% of the autumn calving herd calve within the first six weeks.”

Callum is also focused on young bull management. “Charolais bulls are purchased at 14 to 16 months; in their first working year we introduce them to the same number of cows as age in months, for example 20 cows at 20 months of age. We find this regime helps to extend their working life to eight to nine years.”

He adds: “We’re continually looking at ways to improve herd efficiency. For example, shortening the grazing season and introducing the steers to ad lib barley three months earlier not only helped us to achieve target deadweight sooner, but resulted in freeing up more quality grass for lamb finishing and reducing fertiliser requirements.”

Aberdeenshire cattle breeders, Neil and Stuart Barclay, Harestone, have scooped the top accolades in the Scottish and Northern Charolais Cattle Breeders’ Club annual herd awards. Their 100 cow pedigree Harestone herd headed the large herds section and also led the cow with heifer calf at foot class, whilst stockman, Sean O’Brien won best stockman.

Stuart and Neil Barclay with stockman, Sean O’Brien

Judge, David Grant, commented: “I knew what type of cattle I’d be looking for – an even herd of good working cows with character and with calves at foot. These cows needed to be even fleshed, not too extreme and be well presented, and that’s exactly what I found at Harestone. This herd ticked all the boxes for me; it’s a herd for the future.”

Stuart Barclay commented: “We are delighted to win these awards which are testament to our stockman Sean O’Brien who also duly received an accolade for his professionalism. We established the herd 30 years ago having started to use Charolais over our commercial suckler herd which now totals 500 cows; since then it has continued to grow to meet demand, essentially for the commercial market place. We select for cattle that are long and clean, have good growth rates and good legs and subsequently we keep only the best cow families; we cull very hard. Herd sires which have left their mark include Ronsar, Harestone Tyrol, Inverlochy Ferdi and Thrunton Fearless. 

He adds: “We are continuing to demonstrate what Charolais can actually achieve within our own suckler herd and deliver to market requirements. Until recently we have sold all our Charolais cross calves as 10 month olds in the store ring – steers averaging 475kg and heifers 445kgs, and they invariably found themselves in the day’s top 5% of prices. Recently we’ve taken the decision to start finishing them ourselves; we’re splitting the steers and heifers and starting to feed them harder from weaning at seven months. The first pens of steers and heifers are on target to finish within the target 400kgs deadweight and by 15 months.”

Charolais bulls met a solid demand in Stirling on Tuesday 16 February at the breed’s official spring sale. Bidding peaked at 26,000gns, 14 lots traded at five figure sums and 114 lots sold to average £6,006.

Trade topper at 26,000gns was Goldies Formidable TI +65 SRI +61, an 18 month old by the homebred Goldies Formidable and out of a heifer going back to Blelack Blackberet. Bred and exhibited by Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfriesshire, he was purchased by Messrs Boden and Davies, Mellor Cheshire.

Carrying on his success Mr Goldie sold a string of 12 bulls to average over £9000, and the next was the reserve intermediate champion Goldies Japer TI +60 SRI +58, this 19 month old is also sired by Formidable and went home to Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland with J Watson who paid 23,000gns.

The August-2014 born Blelack Digger son Goldies Judge TI +76 SRI +71 was next from the same vendor at 9,000gns, this time selling to Ouston Farms, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.

Mr Goldie sold two more top priced lots both at an 8,000gns price tag. First to purchase was Colin Davidson, Sandwick, Orkney who took home the May-2014 born class winner Goldies Jet TI +56 SRI +53 sired by the 12,000gns Goldies Elation. Then the 20 month old Goldies Gladiator son Goldies Jubilation TI +57 SRI +54 was purchased by T Leslie, Shapinsay, Orkney for the same price.

The class winner Elgin Jagger a 16 month old by Blelack Blackberet caught the eye of W Milne, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire who paid 17,000gns to exhibitors RA Milne and Sons, Elgin, Morayshire.
The Milne’s went on to secure 13,500gns for the July-2014 born Elgin Jaguar a son of the 12,000gns Caylers Gladiator, this time purchased by JD Lindsay, By Kirriemuir, Angus.
Junior Champion Newhouse Jupitur was next to sell at 16,000gns. Bred and exhibited by RM Adam and Son, the 19 month old Jupitur who is sired by the 30,000gns Silver Joss was purchased by Gilbert Crawford, Maghera, Co Londonderry.

Two lots shared a 14,000gns bid. The first was the supreme champion Barnsford Jubilant and the judge Ben Harman backed his decision by taking him home to Chesham, Buckinghamshire. This 20 month old from T & S Gatherer, Inchinnan, Renfrewshire is sired by the homebred Barnsford Gorse, a full brother to the 70,000gns Barnsford Ferny.

The day’s second 14,000gns call was made by J Wight and Sons, Crawford, Lanarkshire for Blelack Jerrylee, a 19 month old by the 15,000gns Goldies Dynamite from Neil Massie and Sons, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire who went on to sell a further three bulls to an overall average of £7481.

At 13,500gns was the class winning Balthayock Jackpot TI +48 SRI +62. J and M MacDonald, and Dunbeath Farms Limited both of Dunbeath, Caithness shared the purchase of this August-2014 born bull sired by the Highland Show class winner Ugie Echo and exhibited by David and Nick Walter, Balthayock, Perthshire.

The Walters sold all of their 13 entries for an average of nearly £6000. Next best was another Echo son at 13,000gns, the 19 month old Balthayock Jonathan TI +62 SRI +68 was purchased by Peter and Shelia Donger, Towcester, Northants.

Two entries went to 12,000gns each. Elrick Jester, sired by the 16,000gns Stirling supreme champion Thrunton Fearless was the first. The May-2014 born Jester was jointly purchased by Jim Muirhead and JM cant and Partners both from Arbroath, Angus from exhibitor Michael Massie, Ellon, Aberdeenshire who sold a total of three lots averaging over £8000.

The reserve junior champion also secured 12,000gns. The 17 month old Harestone Jackson is sired by the 25,000gns Inverlochy Ferdie and his gsire was Highland show supreme champion and breed champion at the Royal show. Jackson caught the eye of JH Wilson, Newry, Co Down and was bred and exhibited by Neil Barclay, Insch, Aberdeenshire.

Mr Barclay went on to sell six more bulls at an average of £7650 including another Ferdie son, the 15 month old Harestone Jackass who was snapped up at 10,000gns by WJ Fraser and Sons, Ballindalloch, Banffshire.

A bid of 11,000gns secured the class winner Thrunton Jetstream for JH Anderson, Fortrose, Ross-shire. This June-2014 born Thrunton Gladiator son was bred and exhibited by JHC Campbell and Sons, Alnwick, Northumberland, who also had a good day averaging nearly £6,000 a piece for six bulls.

The day’s final five figure bid went to LA Richardson and Sons, Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh for their senior and reserve supreme champion Hillviewfarm Judge. J and G Smith, Stromness, Orkney secured this 21 month old son of the 25,000gns Perth supreme champion Mowbraypark Orlando for 10,000gns.

Next at 8,500gns was the class winner, Clyth Jackthelad TI +63 SRI +60, a 16 month old Blelack Digger son from R Mackay, Lybster, Caithness selling to PM and PM Rhodes, Holme on Spalding Moor, Yorkshire.

A final call of 8,000gns was paid for the May-2014 born Dundas Jackpot who was knocked down to CG Craig Farms Limited, Gateside, Fife. This son of the 14,000gns Highland show class winner was exhibited by Mrs JM Gilchrist, Biggar, Lanarkshire.

Female Section

Females met a strong demand with 100% clearance and selling to 11,000gns for a mother and daughter pair from JA and MF McMillan, Brechin Angus. The Blelack Digger daughter Dunesk Glory TI +53 SRI +52, who has previously been crowned female champion at Alyth show and breed champion at both the Angus and Fettercairn shows and her 11 month old daughter Dunesk Lady by Balthayock Hamish were purchased by GM Farms.

Coming from the same home were another female pair, this time purchased by E Hamilton and Partners, Strathaven, Lanarkshire. Sired by the 15,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Burradon Talisman, Dunesk Diana a class winner at the Highland show and breed champion at Angus, was sold with her 12 month old daughter Dunesk Lulu. Lulu was last year’s Stars of the Future reserve junior champion and is sired by the 12,000gns Highland show senior beef breeder champion Brampton Albert.

Two heifers sold for 4,000gns. The first was the class winning August-2014 born 18,000gns Derryharney Outstanding daughter Derryharney Jane who was purchased from HC and AA Stubbs, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh by C Smeaton and Son, Kirkbuddo, Angus.

Then Hamish Goldie continued his success and secured the same amount for the 19 month old Goldies Jetty TI +71 SRI +68 by Goldies Formidable who was purchased by WG Johnson and Sons, Ripon, North Yorkshire.

Rounding off the sale at 3,600gns was the reserve female champion also exhibited by Mr Goldie. This time going across the water to Clones, Co Monagahan, Eire with Harte Peat Limited. The April-2014 born Goldies Joy TI +63 SRI +52 is a daughter of the 14,000gns Perth intermediate champion Killadeas Legend.

Averages: 114 bulls £6,006; 12 females £3,460.63
Auctioneers: United Auctions

Show Results 15 February
Judge: Ben Harman, Chesham, Buckinghamshire

Supreme Champion
T & S Gatherer – Barnsford Jubilant – s. Barnsford Gorse
Reserve Supreme Champion
LA Richardson & Sons – Hillviewfarm Judge – s. Mowbraypark Orlando

Senior Male Champion
LA Richardson & Sons – Hillviewfarm Judge – s. Mowbraypark Orlando
Reserve Senior Male Champion
DE Evans – Maerdy Jogger – s. Maerdy Dynamite

Intermediate Male Champion
T & S Gatherer – Barnsford Jubilant – s. Barnsford Gorse
Reserve Intermediate Male Champion
Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jasper – s. Goldies Formidable

Junior Male Champion
RM Adam & Son – Newhouse Jupitur – s. Silver Joss
Reserve Junior Male Champion
Neil R Barclay – Harestone Jackson – s. Inverlochy Ferdie

Female Champion
JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Inspire – s. Ugie Euros
Reserve Female Champion
Hamish Goldie – Goldies Joy – s. Killadeas Legend

Class One – Bulls born on or between 22 February & 5 April 2014
1st – A MacGregor[Allanfauld]Ltd – Allanfauld Johnboy – s. Woodpark Elgin
2nd – Adrian Ivory – Cardean Jupiter – s. Elgin Flagship
3rd – Robert Aitken – Lourie Jethro – s. Goldies Eddy
4th – James Jeffrey – Kersknowe Jock – s. Inverlochy Fencer
5th – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Jetsetter – s. Newhouse Bigal

Class Two – Bulls born on or between 6 & 17 April 2014
1st – James Jeffrey – Kersknowe Jester – s. Lagavaich Fernando
2nd – Will Short – Woodpark Jake – s. Corrie Alan
3rd – RA Milne – Elgin Jackman – s. Westcarse Houdini
4th – Alan R Lawson & Son – Alsnow Jason – s. Puntabrava Federico
5th – D Smith & Sons – Lawersbridge Jake – s. Lawersbridge Ferocious

Class Three – Bulls born on or between 18 & 30 April 2014
1st – John Wight & Sons – Midlock Jagger – s. Maerdy Domino
2nd – WS Oates – Ravensworth Jeronimo – s. Thrunton Florida
3rd – MJ Massie – Elrick Jupiter – s. Thrunton Fearless
4th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Jasper – s. Thrunton Gladiator
5th – John Wylde – Martland Justabout – s. Skysea Fearless

Class Four – Bulls born on or between 1 & 8 May 2014
1st – LA Richardson & Sons – Hillviewfarm Judge – s. Mowbraypark Orlando
2nd – DE Evans – Maerdy Jogger – s. Maerdy Dynamite
3rd – A MacGregor[Allanfauld]Ltd – Allanfauld Jeronimo – s. Elgin Davinci
4th – John Irvine & Son – Inverlochy Jura – s. Maerdy Eryr

Class Five – Bulls born on or between 9 & 15 May 2014
1st – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jet – s. Goldies Elation ET
2nd – James Jeffrey – Kersknowe Jubilee – s. Inverlochy Fencer
3rd – Messrs Curry – Burradon Jackass – s. Puntabrava Federico
4th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Jerry – s. Ugie Euros
5th – DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Jet – s. Ugie Echo

Class Six – Bulls born on or between 16 & 23 May 2014
1st – Neil R Barclay – Harestone Jackpot – s. Allanfauld Gambler
2nd – G McWilliam – Fotheringham Jaffa – s. Elgin Highroller
3rd – James Jeffrey – Kersknowe Jambo – s. Inverlochy Fencer
4th – Messrs Curry – Burradon Joker – s. Brampton Helium
5th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jupiter – s. Goldies Unbeatable

Class Seven – Bulls born on or between 24 & 31 May 2014
1st – T & S Gatherer – Barnsford Jubilant – s. Barnsford Gorse
2nd – MJ Massie – Elrick Jester – s. Thrunton Fearless
3rd – NF Massie – Blelack Jethro – s. Goldies Dynamite
4th – R Irvine & FG Lawson – Ballindalloch Jasper – s. Maerdy Eryr
5th – MJ Massie – Elrick Jack – s. Thrunton Fearless

Class Eight – Bulls born on or between 1 & 7 June 2014
1st – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Jetstream – s. Thrunton Gladiator
2nd – Alan R Lawson & Son – Alsnow Jetstream – s. Puntabrava Federico
3rd – Jack Nicoll Farms Limited – Mornity Julius – s. Balthayock Upright
4th – NF Massie – Blelack Julius – s. Goldies Dynamite
5th – DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Jubilee – s. Swalesmoor Cracker

Class Nine – Bulls born on or between 8 & 17 June 2014
1st – Will Short – Woodpark Jasper – s. Deeside Gulliver
2nd – DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Joker – s. Maerdy Grenadier
3rd – John Irvine & Son – Inverlochy Jerome – s. Maerdy Eryr
4th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jubilation – s. Goldies Gladiator
5th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jackpot – s. Goldies Gladiator

Class Ten – Bulls born on or between 18 & 21 June 2014
1st – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Jester – s. Ugie Euros
2nd – WR Baillie & Co – Baillieston Justice – s. Burradon Galaxy
3rd – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Jockey – s. Allanfauld Vagabond
4th – JHC Campbell & Son – Thrunton Jefferson – s. Balmyle Dickler
5th – P & V McDonald – Glencoe Jacob – s. Clyth Diplomat

Class Eleven – Bulls born on or between 22 June & 3 July 2014
1st – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jasper – s. Goldies Formidable
2nd – RA Milne & Sons – Elgin Jaguar – s. Caylers Gladiator
3rd – NF Massie & Sons – Blelack Jerrylee – s. Goldies Dynamite
4th – DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Jonathan – s. Ugie Echo
5th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jaguar – s. Goldies Gladiator

Class Twelve – Bulls born on or between 4 & 12 July 2014
1st – DE Evans – Maerdy Justthejob – s. Gamay
2nd – Jack Nicoll Farms Limited – Mornity Jubilee – s. Westcarse Houdini
3rd – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Jetstream – s. Woodpark Elgin
4th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jagger – s. Goldies Banker
5th – DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Joel – s. Ugie Echo

Class Thirteen – Bulls born on or between 13 July & 3 August 2014
1st – RM Adam & Son – Newhouse Jupitur – s. Silver Joss
2nd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jerry – Goldies Formidable
3rd – RM Adam & Son – Newhouse Jagerbomb – s. Balthayock Dante
4th – Mr & Mrs CJ Wight – Carwood Jagerbomb – s. Glenrock Eiger
5th – Alan R Lawson & Son – Alsnow Jervaulx – s. Puntabrava Ferderico

Class Fourteen – Bulls born on or between 5 & 15 August 2014
1st – DFWH & NR Walter – Balthayock Jackpot – s. Ugie Echo
2nd – RM Adam & Son – Newhouse Jimbob – s. Brampton Nacodar
3rd – Alan R Lawson & Son – Newhouse Jimbob ET – s. Puntabrava Federico
4th – Andrew Hornall – Falleninch Julius – s. Dereskit Fernando
5th – DM Lyle – s. Loganbar Jimmyjames – s. Wesley Fixture

Class Fifteen – Bulls born on or between 16 & 31 August 2014
1st – DE Evans – Maerdy Jumbuck – s. Maerdy Gouverneur
2nd – Neil R Barclay – Harestone Jasper – s. Thrunton Fearless
3rd – NF Massie & Sons – Blelack Jubilee – s. Glencoe Hagrid
4th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Judge – s. Blelack Digger
5th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Jackaroo – s. Burradon Garibaldi

Class Sixteen– Bulls born on or between 1 & 16 September 2014
1st – Neil R Barclay – Harestone Jackson – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
2nd – Neil R Barclay – Harestone Joe – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
3rd – Clive Hoey – Rawbrooke Judge – s. Thrunton Socrates
4th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jogger – s. Gretnahouse Heman
5th – Jack Nicoll Farms Limited – Mornity Jumper – s. Westcarse Houdini

Class Seventeen – Bulls born on or between 17 September & 6 October 2014
1st – RA Milne & Sons – Elgin Jagger – s. Blelack Blackberet
2nd – Will Short – Woodpark Johnboy – s. Rumsden Fawkes
3rd – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Jedburgh – s. Thrunton Gladiator
4th – DE Evans – Maerdy Jocker – s. Maerdy Dynamite
5th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jockey – s. Goldies Banker

Class Eighteen – Bulls born on or after 7 October 2014
1st – R MacKay – Clyth Jackthelad – s. Blelack Digger
2nd – Neil R Barclay – Harestone Jackass – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
3rd – Kenneth Veitch – Drumlone Jumbo – s. Hillviewfarm Perfect
4th – JD Leavesley – Newroddige Jetstream – s. Esgob Ferrari
5th – Sean McGovern – Ratoary Justrite – s. Lochend Apache

Class Nineteen – Heifers born on or between 13 June 2013 & 16 July 2014
1st – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Inspire – s. Ugie Euros
2nd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Joy – s. Killadeas Legend
3rd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Julia – s. Blelack Digger
4th – D Smith & Sons – Lawersbridge Irene – s. Smithston Elite

Class Twenty – Heifers born on or after 17 July 2014
1st – HC & AA Stubbs & Burleigh – Derryharney Jane – s. Derryharney Outstanding
2nd – JA & MF McMillan – Dunesk Lady – s. Balthayock Hamish
3rd – JA & MF McMillan – Dunesk Lulu – s. Brampton Albert
4th – HC & AA Stubbs & Burleigh – Derryharney Jewels – s. Grove Enterprise

Sale Topper Maerdy Immaculate 6200gns

Charolais cattle sold to a top price of 5,500gns for bulls and 6,200gns for heifers at the British Charolais Cattle Society’s final sale fixture of the year held in Borderway mart, Carlisle on Friday 20th November.

Commenting on the sale the BCCS chairman Steven Nesbitt said, “The trade for Charolais was satisfactory when considering the financial pressures currently imposed not only on beef enterprises but across all sectors in agriculture”.

Moelfre James 5500gns

Topping the Bulls at 5,500gns was Moelfre James TI +39 SRI +41 exhibited by Kevin Thomas. James who is sired by the 16,000gns Anside Forman and out of the Royal Welsh female champion Moelfre Derwenna went home to Cumnock, Ayrshire with Mr Mair.

Goldies Jimbo 4800gns

Just behind on 4,800gns and purchased by PS Jones, Holyhead, Gwynedd was an entry from Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfries-shire. Goldies Jimbo TI +68 SRI +63 is a son of Blelack Digger and out of a homebred dam going back to Blelack Blackberet.

Ellerton Jaguar 4800gns

Matching the 4,800gns price tag was Ellerton Jaguar sired by Elgin Davinci and out of a homebred Simpsons Gregg daughter. Jaguar was offered by A Brown, Selby, Yorkshire and he caught the eye of W Hird, Wigton, Cumbria.

Champion Hackleton Idris 4500gns

The Champion Hackleton Idris was also a son of Elgin Davinci. Exhibited by Hackleton Farms, Hackleton, Northamptonshire and purchased by J Wardlaw and Son, Balerno, Mid Lothian he has previous been awarded the championship accolade at the Three Counties Show.

Reserve Champion Coolnaslee Jimbob 3200gns

Three bulls then achieved 3,200gns apiece. The first to go was the Reserve Champion from Gilbert Crawford, Maghera, Co Derry. Coolnaslee Jimbob TI +50 SRI +42 a son of the 12,000gns Maerdy Fiend went home to Preston, Lancashire with W Holloway.

Next to purchase was G & G Law, New Milns, Aryshire who bought Rogans Joules TI +46 SRI +50, sired by the 19,000gns Corrie Alan and shown by J Wainwright, Bishop Wilton, East Yorkshire.

Also selling at the same price was Bassett John from Jean Atkinson, Malton, North Yorkshire. This 16 month old, sired by the 10,000gns Harestone Domino was knocked down to DT and G Young, Wigton, Cumbria.

M and J Hayhurst, Malton, North Yorkshire then received 3,000gns for their Blelack Digger son Whitecliffe Jago TI +55 SRI +54 from W and JA Longlands, Hexham, Northumberland.

Also selling to the same price was Scalehouses Jaffa, sired by Huntershield Eddison and exhibited by P Stobart, Carlisle, Cumbria, staying local when snapped up by W and N Donald and Son, Penrith.

Female Champion Wissington Jessica 4,200gns

In a small collective female section the Wissington herd owned by John and Jenny Rix dominated the show and sale. Their champion heifer Wissington Jessica TI +44 SRI +45 a January 2014-born daughter of Goldies Eddy sold for the top price of 4,200gns to the judge Jack Wight, Biggar, Lanarkshire.

The same vendor’s reserve female champion went on to sell for 3,000gns to TA Jones and son, Carmarthen, Dyfed. The 21 month old Wissington Juniper TI +53 SRI +52 is sired by Gretnahouse Ferdinand and out of a homebred dam going back to Goldies Cassanova.

At 3,300gns was a cow and calf outfit from Mrs VJ Edgar, Grange over Sands, Cumbria. Fairway Canadianhigh sired by Fairway Trumpeter was purchased by GW and L Marsay, Billingham Co Durham, whilst her nine month old bull calf, sired by Alwent Goldbar went home with J and W Bracewell, Bacup, Lancashire.

An added feature was the production sale from Esmor Evans of the Maerdy herd from Mold, Flint. Mr Evans offered his complete crop of two and three year old heifers which sold to the highest price of the day at 6,200gns. The star of the section was Maerdy Immaculate (pictured top), a 26 month old sired by the home-bred Maerdy Dynamite and a dam going back to the French sire Maerdy Padirac, she was purchased by Boden and Davies Ltd, Mellor, Cheshire.

Next to go and knocked down at 5,300gns to W and CS Robb, Mauchline, Ayrshire was the Maerdy Blackout daughter Maerdy Iboo. The same buyer also purchased Maerdy Hideout sired by Maerdy Grimaldi for 3,400gns.

Maerdy Isotope 4200gns

Another Dynamite daughter sold for 4,200gns, Maerdy Isotope was purchased by Mr CO McAskie Omagh, Co Tyrone.

Going home with TA Jones and Son, to Carmarthen, Dyfed at 4,000gns was the Sept 2013-born Maerdy Isopod sired by Maerdy Gouverneur.

At 3,900gns was a daughter of the 16,000gns supreme Perth champion Maerdy Naser. Maerdy Inula caught the eye of B and M Frost, Bakewell, Derbyshire.

Maerdy Implant 3,800gns

The final bidders were M and C Millar, Coleraine, Co Londonderry, who purchased Maerdy Implant who is sired by the Ireland National Show champion Baladin.

Averages: 18 Bulls £3360, 36 Maerdy Heifers, £2681, 4 Cracker Females £2940, 2 Unhaltered Females £2861.25.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington Ltd.

Show Results

Champion
Hackleton Farms Ltd – Hackleton Idris ET – s. Elgin Davinci
Reserve Champion
Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Jimbob – s. Maerdy Fiend

Female Champion
Jenny Rix – Wissington Jessica – s. Goldies Eddy
Reserve Female Champion
Jenny Rix – Wissington Juniper – Gretnahouse Ferdinand

Class One – Bull born on or between 20/05/2013 & 25/03/2014
1st – Hackleton Farms Ltd – Hackleton Idris ET – s. Elgin Davinci
2nd – PM & PM Rhodes – Arglam Judge – s. Marwood Davinci
3rd – Kevin Thomas – Moelfre Jamil – s. Anside Foreman
4th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jimbo – Blelack Digger
5th – S & A Bellew – Kiltybane Jason ET – Corrie Alan

Class Two – Bull born on or between 26/03/2014 & 20/04/2014
1st – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jetset ET – Killadeas Legend
2nd – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Jetsetter – Newhouse Bigal
3rd – E Smith & Son – Southwillow Jimson – Gretnahouse Dallagio
4th – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Joules – Marwood Grandslam
5th – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Jollyroger – Burradon Goldenballs

Class Three – Bull born on or between 21/04/2014 & 19/05/2014
1st – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Jimbob – s. Maerdy Fiend
2nd – Kevin Thomas – Moelfre James – s. Anside Foreman
3rd – A Brown – Ellerton Jaguar – s. Elgin Davinci
4th – M & J Hayhurst – Whitecliffe Jago – s. Blelack Digger
5th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jason – s. Alwent Goldbar

Class Four – Bull born on or between 20/05/2014 & 10/06/2014
1st – Kevin Thomas – Moelfre Jenson – s. Anside Foreman
2nd – J Wainwright – Rogans Joules – s. Corrie Alan
3rd – P Stobart – Scalehouses Jaffa – s. Huntershield Eddison
4th – Kevin Thomas – Moelfre Jason – s. Anside Foreman
5th – MJ & JE Graham – Ellendale Jackpot – s. Alwent Goldbar

Class Five – Bull born on or between 11/06/2014 & 15/08/2014
1st – S & A Bellew – Kiltybane Jumper – s. Plexus
2nd – S & R Thompson – Altnaveigh Jaapsam – s. Alwent Goldbar
3rd – Jean Atkinson – Bassett John – s. Harestone Domino
4th – H & J Patrick – s. Easthook Jizzum – s. Thrunton Baron
5th – H & J Patrick – s. Easthook Jagerbomb – s. Thrunton Baron

Class Six – Senior Heifer
1st – Jenny Rix – Wissington Jessica – s. Goldies Eddy
2nd – Jenny Rix – Wissington Juniper – Gretnahouse Ferdinand
3rd – Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Joyofjoys – s. Vexour Freddy
4th – Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Julianna – s. Vexour Freddy

Class Seven – Junior Heifer
1st – Jenny Rix – Delarey Juanita – s. Thrunton Galaxy
2nd – Jenny Rix – Wissington Julia – Thrunton Galaxy

Charolais took the top price, made the highest average and sold the most bulls at the Aberdeen and Northern Marts Thainstone Spectacular on Wednesday 24^th February 2016.

Prices peaked at 6,500gns for the 16 month old red ticket winner Bonnykelly Jackpot, sired by Kersknowe Clansman and out of a homebred dam going back to Haymount Ulysses. He caught the eye of P and M Watson, Darnford, Duris, Kincardineshire and was bred and exhibited by Graeme Leggat, New Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire.

Top Price Class Winner Bonnykelly Jackpot 6,500gns

David Benson with Judge Lee Coghill, Mike Massie and Champion Justice, Alex Stephen with Reserve Jagger and Steward Roy Milne

Mr Leggat’s success came off the back of another top priced sale earlier on in the day in the form of Bonnykelly Jaguar. G and K Beverly purchased this 21 month old son of the 9,000gns New Deer show champion Newhouse Challanger for 5,000gns.

The most bids of the day went the way of the Aberdeenshire breeders John Wilson and sons who sold a cracking string of eight bulls averaging £4843 backed up by top prices of 6,000gns and 5,800gns. Six of the eight were sired by the 20,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Beechtree George and their grandsire Gretnahouse Archangel was the Royal show senior male champion.

The top priced bull at 6,000gns was the May 2014-born Kinclune Jackass who stayed local when he was snapped up by G Wilson and Sons of Fichlie. Close behind at 5,800gns and purchased by H and AG Laing, Lochhills, Morayshire was the 22 month old Kinclune Jackpot.

Kinclune Jackass 6,000gns

Kinclune Joker 5,000gns

Next from the same vendor was another 22 month old, Kinclune Jagger who this time went home to Banchory, Kincardineshire with Kincraigie Farms for 5,200gns.

TE and M Walker, Banff, Aberdeenshire were next to purchase one of the Wilson’s lots. The May 2014-born Kinclune Joker was knocked down at 5,000gns.

Two more Beechtree George sons were sold by the Wilson’s at 3,800gns and 3,600gns respectively. The April 2014-born Kinclune Jollyman was purchased by M and I Steel, Banchory, Kincardineshire and JS Youngson, Cullerlie, Aberdeenshire took home the 19 month old Kinclune Jensen.

Mr Wilson sold his last pair, both 21 months old and this time sired by the 20,000gns Perth supreme champion Thrunton Crownprince. Kinclune Jake was the first at 4,000gns who caught the eye of Peter Ferries, Lumphanan, Kincardineshire and JD Oliphant, Keiss, Caithness, purchased Kinclune Jericho at 3,500gns.

Auchnagatt breeder Michael Massie, also came up with the goods securing both the breed and Interbreed and championships with his 21 month old Elrick Justice. Sired by the 16,000gns Stirling supreme champion Thrunton Fearless and out of the homebred Elrick Gertrude going back to the 11,000gns Maerdy Dublin. The man behind the money on this one at 5,000gns was JJ Gordon, Wellheads, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

Breed & Interbreed Champion Elrick Justice – 5,000gns

Reserve Champion Elrick Jagger – 4,800gns

Mr Massie continued his winning streak with Elrick Jagger who was crowned reserve champion. This time selling to H and J Riach, Crathes, Kincardineshire who paid 4,800gns for this April 2014-born bull also sired by Fearless.

Making 4,000gns was the March 2014-born class winner Auchincrieve Jelavic, a son of Alwent Goldbar and Auchincrieve Genevieve whose 2015 born calf was crowned Junior Champion of the Stars of the Future Show. Jelavic went home to Castletown, Caithness with AA Younger and was bred and exhibited by Charles McCombie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

Finally another of Mr McCombies’s lots sold for 3,500gns. C and C Adam, Alford, Aberdeenshire bought the 21 month old Auchincrieve Jayzee who was also sired by Alwent Goldbar.

Averages: 18 bulls £4,358

Auctioneers: Aberdeen and Northern Marts

Elrick Scoop the Charolais Championship at the Royal Northern Spring Show at Thainstone

Breed Champion
MJ Massie – Elrick Justice – s. Thrunton Fearless
Reserve Breed Champion
MJ Massie – Elrick Jagger – s. Thrunton Fearless

Class One – Bulls born after 08/03/2014 and before 09/04/2014
1st – CM McCombie – Auchincrieve Jelvic – s. Alwent Goldbar
2nd – J Irvine & Son – Inverlochy Job – s. Blelack Giggsey
3rd – JA Wilson & Sons – Kinclune Jollyman – s. Beechtree George
4th – EA Mutch – Forglen Jester – s. Moyness Vivacious

Class Two – Bulls born on or after 09/04/2014 and before 06/05/2014
1st – MJ Massie – Elrick Jagger – s. Thrunton Fearless
2nd – JA Wilson & Sons – Kinclune Jackass – s. Beechtree George
3rd – JA Wilson & Sons – Kinclune Jagger – s. Beechtree George
4th – JA Wilson & Sons – Kinclune Jackpot – s. Beechtree George

Class Three – Bulls born on or after 06/05/2014 and before 18/05/2014
1st – MJ Massie – Elrick Justice – s. Thrunton Fearless
2nd – JA Wilson & Sons – Kinclune Joker – s. Beechtree George
3rd – R Leggat – Bonnykelly Jaguar – s. Newhouse Challanger
4th – M Bruce & Partners – Logiestate Justootaellon – s. Goldies Golddust

Class Four – Bulls born on or after 18/05/2014
1st – R Leggat – Bonnykelly Jackpot – s. Kersknowe Clansman
2nd – JA Wilson & Sons – Kinclune Jensen – s. Beechtree George
3rd – NR Barclay – Harestone Jim – s. Burradon Garibaldi
4th – Robbie Anderson – Arthurhouse Jacksparrow – s. Thrunton Fairfax

Show Results

Senior Male Champion
B McAllister – Burnside Janitor – s. Clyth Diplomat
Reserve Senior Male Champion
Trevor Phair – Brogher Joiner – s. Goldies Eddy

Junior Male Champion
C McIlwaine – Corrick Jupiter – s. Drummeer Donald
Reserve Junior Male Champion
Kenneth Veitch – Drumlone Jackpot – s. Goldstar Echo

Overall Male Champion
C McIlwaine – Corrick Jupiter – s. Drummeer Donald
Overall Reserve Male Champion
Kenneth Veitch – Drumlone Jackpot – s. Goldstar Echo

Female Champion
LA Richardson & Sons – Hillviewfarm Justine – s. Corrie Alan
Reserve Female Champion
Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Janelle – s. Maerdy Fiend

Supreme Champion
C McIlwaine – Corrick Jupiter – s. Drummeer Donald
Reserve Supreme Champion
Kenneth Veitch – Drumlone Jackpot – s. Goldstar Echo

Class One – Bulls born on or between 28/3/2014 & 14/06/2014
1st – B McAllister – Burnside Janitor – s. Clyth Diplomat
2nd – Trevor Phair – Brogher Joiner – s. Goldies Eddy
3rd – JP Pyers – Tullyconnaught Jupiter – s. Blelack Goldenboy
4th – S & A Bellew – Kiltybane Jackpot – s. Kiltybane Highflyer

Class Two – Bulls born on or between 17/06/2014 & 20/07/2014
1st – G Ardis – Shanegish Jaguar – s. Clonoulty Andraemon
2nd – S & A Bellew – Kiltybane Jumper – s. Plexus
3rd – CO McAskie – Mountjoy Jake – s. Alwent Goldbar
4th – Balfour Brothers – Clonatrig Justice – s. Alwent Goldbar

Class Three – Bulls born on or between 02/08/2014 & 29/08/2014
1st – Brian Quinn – Hillview Jock – s. Indurain
2nd – Mr P & Mrs V McDonald – Glencoe Jedi – s. Alwent Goldbar
3rd – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Jerk – s. Maerdy Fiend
4th – Pat Grue – Kilturk Jason – s. Balthazar 85

Class Four – Bulls born on or between 02/09/2014 & 27/09/2014
1st – C McIlwaine – Corrick Jupiter – s. Drummeer Donald
2nd – W Whyte – Innisrush Jayjay – s. Gwenog Banjo
3rd – M McKeown – Royaldowns Jaguar – s. Caithness Foxley
4th – Mr W & Mrs M Nelson – Drumacritten Jacob – s. Corrie Alan

Class Five – Bulls born on or between 29/09/2014 & 28/10/2014
1st – S & A McKenna – Ballyoak Jericho – s. Burradon Talisman
2nd – Will Short – Woodpark Jimbob – s. Deeside Guilliver
3rd – J & W McMordie – Solitude Jackpot – s. Blelack Digger
4th – Will Short – Woodpark Joromino – s. Rumsden Fawkes

Class Six – Bulls born on or between 14/11/2014 & 28/12/2014
1st – Kenneth Veitch – Drumlone Jackpot – s. Goldstar Echo
2nd – LA Richardsons & Sons – Hillviewfarm Jackson – s. Blelack Digger
3rd – J McBride – Moorlough Jak – s. Roundhill Doc
4th – John Erskine – Dartonhall Jethro – s. Kilboy Napoleon

Class Seven – Bulls born on or between 01/01/2015 & 14/02/2015
1st – J & W McMordie – Solitude Leopold – s. Oldstone Egbert
2nd – M Tumelty – Corbally Louie – s. Alwent Goldbar

Class Eight – Females born on or between 17/05/2013 & 25/12/2013
1st – John Erskine – Dartonhall Ivonne – s. Prime Roberto

Class Nine – Females born on or between 10/02/2014 & 07/09/2014
1st – LA Richardson & Sons – Hillviewfarm Justine – s. Corrie Alan
2nd – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Janelle – s. Maerdy Fiend
3rd – J McBride – Moorlough Jenna – s. Clyth Diplomat
4th – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Julie – s. Maerdy Fiend

Class Ten – Females born on or between 09/09/2014 & 17/02/2015
1st – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Jenny – s. Maerdy Fiend
2nd – Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Joy – s. Maerdy Fiend
3rd – LA Richardson & Sons – Hillviewfarm Jody – s. Thrunton Voldemort

Genetic improvement continues for calving ease

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.

The Charolais average calving ease direct EBV has increased by 2.0% since 2011 according to the Breedplan genetic evaluation system.

British Charolais Cattle Society chairman, Steve Nesbitt comments: “The Breedplan system has enabled breeders to respond to commercial demand, they have carefully selected their herd’s genetics and following year on year progress, for the first time have resulted in the calving ease direct EBV moving into positive territory.

“What’s more they have been financially rewarded for their efforts. At the Society’s official sale in Stirling last month, bulls within the top 25% for calving ease direct sold for an average £7,291 whilst those in the bottom 25% averaged £5,901.”

He adds: “We are confident that these genetic trends will continue to gain momentum as more progeny come into the system  by the easier calving bulls.”