Demands for a certain type of product has had a dramatic impact on the herd profiles of suckler operations in hill farming areas, according to Fergal Monaghan.

The specialist commonage advisor says that ever since the BSE crisis the demand has been for younger beef, with animals slaughtered at 30 months or younger.

“Those involved in finishing animals have quite naturally responded to this by demanding calves that can be finished by the age demanded by processors and big retail chains.”

All of this, he said, mitigates against traditional breeds and encourages the increasing dominance of continental beef breeds and demands calves be sold before the first winter.

“In the past many of these farmers would have kept animals for two winters, this pattern is a thing of the past. The demand for younger beef and the price penalties put on older stock means that calves are sold before the first winter.”

A knock on effect of this, he said, is that farmers with commonage may find passing the utilisation test difficult if Purple Moor Grass is not kept under control.

“Passing the utilisation test is a particular problem in situations where past management has led to the dominance of a single plant species. In spite of the focus on it during the debate on the future of commonages heather is not the real problem.

“This deciduous grass grows rapidly in early summer but its palatability for stock is limited. Sheep will only eat it if fenced in and deprived of alternatives, cattle and horses will graze on it in early summer but by August it has gone over and is largely avoided by stock if alternatives are present.”

If large bovines are absent in early summer, he said, their introduction to the commonage is too late in the season for Molinia to be utilised.

“When this occurs cattle may concentrate on other parts of the site and largely avoid the wet heaths where Moloinia dominates. This creates a very real risk that such areas could be deemed to ineligible for payments due to the absence of agricultural activity.

“In short they fail the utilisation test. In many cases a finding of ineligibility like this and the ensuing penalties could destabilise the finances of the entire farm.”

http://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/factory-demands-taking-traditional-beef-breeds-off-commonages

The Charismatic Charolais team – Abbie Anderson, Alan Burleigh and Donald Maclean – arrived on Wednesday 23rd March and wasted no time in getting their stand ready and their cattle (kindly supplied by Mortimers farm) settled. Each team was given a standard area in which to house the cattle and in addition a three by one meter display area to be used to promote themselves, their cattle, breed and sponsors using materials that they had prepared in advance.

The Charismatic Charolais Stand

Mortimers Lovely and Ladyluck settled in

After setting up their stalls the competitors were welcomed by the event host Neil Lloyd and announcer Clive Davies. They then began the stockjudging competition which is unique in the fact that there are six cattle in the pen. The three competitors each had to nominate the two that least fit the desired criteria which was potential, then place the remaining four in the traditional way. After the time was up Abbie was called to give reasons on the animals that she had picked, and disregarded and the boys filled out a questionnaire for the Skill-a-thon section. Once the stockjudging task was out of the way the team fed and watered their cattle and had a look round then we headed off to the hotel for the evening.

Donald considers the cattle

Abbie and Alan get in on the stockjudging

We were up bright and early on Thursday morning and arrived at the show ground at half past seven. After checking and feeding the cattle the team fitted in a quick breakfast before getting themselves ready for the main part of the competition – preparing the cattle for the show ring which began at eight thirty and ran until twelve. This is the time that Abbie, Alan and Donald along with all of the other beef teams spent washing and clipping the heifers. At noon there was an hour’s break for lunch and then the teams had one last hour to finish preparing the cattle, they used this for soaping and combing and the finished result was great. During all of this time the judges were moving through the lines and judging the competitors on their clipping and presentation including on how tidy they were, health and safety, their competence in working with the stock and knowledge. The Charolais team excelled in this area being third overall in the section with 268 points from a possible 275.

Alan, Donald and Abbie hard at work preparing the cattle

The ringcraft section came next and the team had to keep their cattle ready during the delay in proceedings and also put on their shirts, ties and white coats. I think you’ll agree that they look very smart!

Alan under heavy questioning from Clive Davies

The two eleven month old heifers – Mortimers Lovely and Ladyluck behaved faultlessly under the teams supervision and their time in the ring was soon over. They took the cattle back to the stall and settled down to watch the other two groups of 6 cattle through the ring.

The team take the cattle around the ring

The judge Fraser Cormack considers the cattle

Our team were placed sixth overall with an impressive total score of 832/1000 and topped both the Scrutineer and Skill-a-thon sections, came second in the Ringcraft section, third on Clipping and Presentation and fourth in the Interview.

By the time we left we had a bit of an epic journey back to the airport which left Abbie ten minutes to board by the time we got there! Luckily she and Alan made it home on time.

We are extremely proud of Donald, Alan and Abbie who were a credit to the Society. We had lots of lovely comments at the show on their presentation of the cattle and how well they did in the ring as well as admiration for the Mortimers animals and would like to thank Abbie, Alan and Donald; Karen and Charlie Maclean and Ken and Charlie Piper from Mortimers Farm.

Reserve Champion Lovistone Lincoln & Champion Martland Justabout with Judge Alistair Lyle

A small but high-quality offering of Charolais bulls saw a high of 4,400gns at the South West Charolais Association’s annual sale at Holsworthy on Wednesday 13th April, where bulls averaged £3,159 with a clearance rate of 75%.

Leading the bids at 4,400gns was the May 2014-born Trenestrall Jack sired by Springfarm Eldon and out of a homebred dam going back to Mowbraypark Topredo. Jack caught the eye of B Clarke, Doddiscombleigh, Exeter and was bred and exhibited by Will Palmer and Son, Truro, Cornwall.

Mr Palmer took two others which also went home with new owners. First going for 3,200gns was Trenestrall Joode, a 22 month old son of Westcarse Beefy who was purchased by Messrs Hembrow, Braddock, Cornwall.

Minutes earlier Messrs Smallwood, Germansweek, Devon snapped up Mr Palmers’ other entry Trenestrall Jivago, another 22 month old this time sired by Mortimers Cosmo at 2,300gns.

Champion Martland Justabout 4,000gns

Next at 4,000gns was the Champion, an entry from John Wylde, Woolavington, Somerset. The April 2014-born Martland Justabout, a son of Skysea Fearless and out of Champflower Cilla – who will be sold at the Martland herd dispersal sale next month – went home to Lifton, Devon with Messrs Batten.

Marne Jewel 1,550gns

Leading the bids for the females at 1,550gns was the blue ticket winner Marne Jewel, bred and exhibited by Robert Tremayne. Jewel, a 25 month old heifer sired by the Black Isle Show champion Lochend Apache was purchased by DP Daniel, North Pentherwin, Cornwall.

Mr Daniel also took home the class winner Marne Jennica for 1,500gns, an April 2014-born out of the same sire and exhibited by Michelle Hanson, Wendron, Cornwall.

Finally two young heifers sired by Balbithan Eira and shown by David and Bernadette Stacey, St Austell, Cornwall, also found new homes. First at 1,300gns was the 14 month old Polgoda Lily TI +42 SRI +43 stayed local going to Truro with EP Loader and the 13 month old Polgoda Lavendar was snapped up for 1,200gns by EC Haste, Beaworthy, Devon.

Average: 6 bulls £3,159; 5 Females, £1,376
Auctioneers: Kivells

John & Ewan Gordon

The Charolais is still the number one choice for the Aberdeenshire store ring and for over 20 years, John Gordon, Wellheads has been selling Charolais cross yearling stores at a premium. With a reputation for well framed stores, there is a ready market for his stock.

Wellheads, Huntly is one of the best known upland stock farms in the North-east of Scotland. The farm’s reputation for producing quality sheep and cattle made it a key attraction as host of Scotsheep in 2006 and Wellheads regularly hosts visits from farmers from home and abroad.

Calves born in the spring of 2015 were sold on February 19 at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie where a pen of seven steers secured the top price, realising 284p/kg, with steers averaging 440kg and heifers 420kg.

“Our feedback from buyers is the fact that they have been coming back for a number of years to buy our stores. We did have one buyer who didn’t get this year because they were too expensive, a reflection of the demand for this type of cattle.

My market is the store cattle buyer at Thainstone, who is looking for cattle, well grown for their age and carrying a moderate bit of condition ready to move on to more  concentrated cereal feed for the finisher to put flesh on them, taking them to 700kg liveweight or 400kg deadweight.

The Charolais breed is ideally suited as you can get them to a good weight for age at a year old.” says John who for a number of years now has been achieving his target weights of 440kg for steers and 420kg for heifers.

In comparison to some other breeds, the Charolais will maximise its potential at a younger age and heifers at Wellheads have been fed separately from steers for a number of years. Diets are  home-mixed using pit silage, Prograin-treated bruised barley, draff and a mineralised protein concentrate, Rumitech 35 + Yea-Sacc with a 16% protein ration for growing heifers and 14% protein ration for growing steers.

This flexible system, using home-grown materials and draff from local distilleries allows diets to be adjusted easily to suit the gender, age and weight.

David Mackenzie, Harbro who formulates the diets for Wellheads, advocates the use of a low starch creep feed for calves to avoid early deposition of fat and that yearlings should be fed a reasonably high level of protein, to promote frame development and lean growth.

“This higher protein and lower starch level is particularly important for heifers who are predisposed to laying down fat. This facilitates the development of a good, strong frame, ready for fleshing out. ” says David Mackenzie.

Bearing in mind the recent weight restrictions imposed by beef processors, the combination of the Charolais’ growth potential with the Wellheads’ Limousin cross cows, produces an  animal that can easily be finished to the desired weight, with muscle in all the right places and desired correct fat cover.

“These cows are predominantly ¾ Limousin crosses and with the growth of the Charolais, produces an animal which will mature at 700kg. The first Charolais came to Wellheads in 1971 and we have been using them ever since.” says John.

Not producing an excessively large animal is also dependent on cow size with the average cow at Wellheads weighing in at 680kg. These cows are better suited for the job, are nicely shaped, without being too extreme or muscly, and are ‘more easily kept’, i.e. eating less than a 750kg cow.

John is careful where he buys his replacement heifers, purchasing them locally from BVD accredited herds, to maintain his own herd health which is also accredited for BVD.

“There is the perception that using a Charolais bull can lead to difficulties in calving but I believe that it is down to cow management, having them fit, not fat. It is also down to careful bull selection, matching the bull’s growth potential to the cow size. I’m not buying an extreme bull, but selecting one that is well shaped and fleshy.”

John has a number of Charolais bulls including sires from Elrick, Blelack and Kinclune. When selecting new bloodlines, he pays attention to the calving figures stating that he doesn’t mind calving a few cows but he is looking for sensible mid-range figures.

Along with genetics and nutrition, management is equally important to maximise performance.

John’s starting point for managing the herd is at the point of weaning, taking the opportunity to get cow condition right, either to add a bit of condition or to thin them down a bit.

The autumn calvers (120) are weaned on August 1 and moved onto bare pasture with access to straw and Harbro Super Suckler SEC buckets. As they move closer to calving, cows are moved onto a straw diet and taken inside to ease management.

Bulling starts on November 10 by which time, the cows will have been housed for a few days and are fed on a TMR of silage, draff, straw, Prograin treated barley and minerals. From that point, calves have access to Beefstock from a creep feeder.

At the end of bulling which runs for nine weeks, cows and calves are moved from the straw courts to slats until they are turned out to grass in mid-May.

The spring calving herd comprises 130 cows and heifers with a few more cows being kept since John’s son Ewan came home, following completion of his college studies and a six month work experience trip to New Zealand.

The earliest born calves are weaned in mid to late October whilst later born calves (late March – April) are housed with their mothers on slats and weaned in mid-December.

Earlier calving, fitter cows are turned out until the weather turns poor. The outside cows can afford to lose a bit of condition to get them in a better state for calving. Leaner and older cows are kept inside and looked after a bit better to hold their condition.

Weaned calves are split and are fed on a TMR of straw, silage, draff, Prograin treated barley and Rumitech 35 + Yea-Sacc.

In the period up to the end of December, steers are fed 3kg bruised barley per head per day with heifers receiving 2kg per head per day, with the diet being adjusted as the cattle grow.

“Over the last 20 years, we have made no major changes to what we do, more fine-tuning of nutrition, bull selection and cow management because there is always something you can learn; every day is a school day.

We are acutely aware of ‘Eurocracy’ and farm support and the worry it is to every business but we are constantly looking at ways to improve our system.

The Charolais has done us well over the last 20 to 30 years and I’m sure will continue to do so in the future.”

Farm Facts

Wellheads, Huntly, Aberdeenshire

John, wife Fiona and son Ewan farm in partnership

Fourth generation of Gordon family since 1879

Upland farm, 1250 acres, ranging from 600-1230 feet above sea level

250 suckler cows, split calving

860 Scotch Mule ewes & 200 Scotch Mule hoggs

Charolais bulls met with strong demand at Welshpool on Saturday 30th April, with 31 bulls selling to a top price of 9,000gns and an average of £4176 with an overall clearance rate of 76%.

Top Price Maerdy Jogger 9,000gns

Leading the bids at 9,000gns was the red ticket winner Maerdy Jogger, bred and exhibited by Esmor Evans, Mold, Flintshire. This May 2014-born son of Maerdy Dynamite and out of the homebred Maerdy Debbie going back to the 55,000gns Thrunton Voldemort was purchased by John and Jenny Rix, Colchester, Essex.

Dooley Jedith 6,000gns

Following on at 6,000gns came another class winner, this time consigned by David Thornley, Hartshorne, Derbyshire. Dooley Jedith TI +59 SRI +53, an 18 month old sired by the 15,000gns Goldies Dynamite went home to Dileyn, Herefordshire with CM Hanson.

Oakchurch Jaguar 5,800gns

Just behind at 5,800gns and catching the eye of WG Smyth Barnstable, Devon was Oakchurch Jaguar TI +76 SRI +74. Shown by Jeremy Price, Staunton-on-Wye, Herefordshire the 17 month old Jaguar by the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister is out of a homebred dam going back to the popular and renowned easy calver Blelack Digger.

Esgob Lucky 5,600gns

Knocked down to 5,600gns was a blue ticket winner from Gareth Jones, Bala, Gwynedd. Esgob Lucky TI +58 SRI +62, a 15 month old son of Blelack Digger was purchased by DC and M Hughes, Meifod, Powys.

Next were two lots, both being tapped out third in their respective classes earlier in the day by judge Charlie Maclean and consigned by Caylers Charolais, Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire. The first a November 2014-born Ramses son was Caylers Joshua who went home with AT Ruell, Llandrindod Well, Powys for 5,500gns. Then DM Tudor, Trawsfynydd, Gwynedd paid 5,200gns for the 15 month old Caylers Lineker TI +51 SRI +52 sired by Blelack Digger.

Caylers Joshua 5,500gns

Caylers Lineker 5,200gns

Reserve Champion Trefaldwyn Jupiter 5,500gns

Also at 5,500gns was the reserve champion Trefaldwyn Jupiter TI +57 SRI +54 bred and exhibited by Arwel Owen, Foel, Powys. Jupiter is sired by Goldies Eddy while the dam is the Blelack Digger-sired Trefaldwyn Haf, this 17 month old was snapped up by CT and JW Richards, Craswell, Herefordshire.

Moelfre Jay 4,500gns

Earlier in the day Kevin Thomas, Capel Iwan, Carmarthenshire offered Moelfre Jay TI +49 SRI +43, a 19 month old class winner and son the of the 16,000gns Royal Welsh show reserve male champion Anside Foreman. Jay was knocked down sold for 4,500gns to J and HL Hudd, Tredegar, Gwent.

Two lots shared a 4,400gns price tag. Brynffanigl Lin from Bob Roberts Abergele, Clwyd was the first, a 15 month old yellow ticket winner sired by the Balmoral show reserve male champion Thrunton Flyingscotsman, he heads down to Okehampton, Devon to work for Peter Heard.

Matching the 4,400gns price and going to the same home was Cargriff Leo TI +58 SRI +52. This February 2015-born Goldstar Echo son was offered by Griff Morris, Brecon, Powys.

Females

An added feature was the production sale of the Chesham and Silver herds from Buckinghamshire which was a tremendous success with all 10 cow and calf outfits finding new homes. The Chesham herd is the oldest pedigree Charolais herd in the country founded by Tony Harman and now owned by his grandson Ben, with the Silver herd being established by Tony’s son Dan.

The stars of this section were Chesham Emma and her 10 month old bull calf Chesham Leopard. Emma is sired by the French imported Chesham Potemkine and her son is sired by the 18,000gns Thrunton Fairfax. They were purchased together in a 3,300gns deal by Mark Swistun, Gower, Swansea.

Purchaser DJ Barnes liked the look of the Silver animals snapping up four pairs to take back to his home in Newent, Gloucestershire including the three year old Thrunton Fairfax daughter Silver Indus and her 24 day old heifer calf Silver Marikina by Silver Jules at 1,850gns. Then at 1,700gns he bought another pair at the same age and also sired by the same duo – Silver Idun and her month old son Silver Mjolnir.

The female section was rounded off by a consignment of four cracking heifers from John and Jenny Rix, Nayland, Essex. Their top priced was the February 2014-born Wissington Jilly TI +50 SRI +38. Forking out 2,100gns for this 12,000gns Thrunton Galaxy daughter and class winner was JG Rich and Son, Mold, Flintshire.

Averages: 31 bulls £4,176. Four heifers £1,463 Silver and Chesham production 10 cows and calves £1,838
Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales

Charolais bulls met with a ready trade in Dungannon on Monday 2nd May, topping at 4,300gns with 24 bulls selling at a clearance rate of 77% and a bull average of £2687.50.

Top Price Waterview Jupiter 4,300gns

The 24 lots were topped by an entry from M Surphlis, Ballyhullagh, Co Fermanagh. Waterview Jupiter an 18 month old son of the French imported Pirate was purchased by A Stevenson, Ballymoney, Co Antrim.

Supreme Champion Coolnaslee Lincoln 4,000gns

Breeder Gilbert Crawford, Maghera, Co Derry came up with the goods securing the supreme and reserve supreme championships. Firstly, at 4,000gns was his supreme champion the 15 month old 55,000gns Sportsmans Columbo son Coolnaslee Lincoln who caught the eye of Andrew Morrison, Milford, Co Armagh.

Reserve Supreme & Senior Male Champion Coolnaslee Jum 3,700gns

Earlier in the sale Mr Crawford bagged 3,700gns for the reserve supreme and senior male champion Coolnaslee Jim. The November 2014-born Jim sired by the 12,000gns Maerdy Fiend went home with F and A King to Warrenpoint, Co Down.

Riverview Jeronimo 3,300gns

The next top priced at 3,300gns and purchased by John Mullin, Pomeroy, Co Tyrone was the class winner Riverview Jeronimo TI +51 SRI +52 an 18 month old Blelack Digger son from Neville Hicks, Bellanaleck, Co Fermanagh.

Three lots sold for 3,000gns the first was Ardmachree Joker bred and exhibited by Aaron Quigley, Macken, Co Fermanagh. The November 2014-born Goldies Eddy son Joker went home to Carrickmore, Co Tyrone with Pat Slane.

At the same price of 3,000gns Trevor Phair, Bellanaleck, Co Fermanagh was next to sell his yellow ticket winner Brogher Jack TI +48 SRI +51. James McKee, Kilkeel, Co Down was the man behind the money on this 16 month old son of Vexour Freddy.

The third lot to sell for 3,000gns was the reserve senior male championship from Stuart and David Bothwell, Ballina Mallard, Co Fermanagh with the December 2014-born Killadeas Joe. Gwenog Braveheart is the sire of this lad and his homebred dam Killadeas Gail goes back to the 16,000gns Blackford Dynamite, he journeys on to work at Newtownbutler, Co Fermanagh with Cyril Brown.

The first lot of the day was knocked down at 2,900gns to the new owner J Kane, Aghalee, Co Antrim. The April 2014-born Royaldowns Jetstream TI +58 SRI +58 shown by Mervyn McKeown, Crossgar, Co Down is a son of Alwent Goldbar.

Following on at 2,800gns was Kilturk Lucas from Patrick Grue, Kilturk, Co Fermanagh. This Cottage Devon sired lad was the youngest bull at the sale at 12 months and went home to Newtownhamilton, Co Armagh with Melvyn Watt.

Female Champion Killadeas Isla 2,500gns

In the female section Stuart and David Bothwell exhibited the Female Champion which was the first to sell at 2,500gns. Killadeas Isla is a daughter of the 16,000gns Blackford Dynamite while her dam is the Oldstone Egbert-sired Killadeas Alpine. JP McCooey, Keady, Co Armagh was the man behind the money on this November 2013-born in-calf heifer.

Reserve Female Champion Moorlough Jenny 2,100gns

The final bidder at 2,100gns was Ross Baird, Strabane, Co Tyrone who took home the reserve female champion from James McBride, Strabane, Co Tyrone. Moorlough Jenny is a 25 month old daughter of the Highland Show reserve junior bull Elgin Davinci and out of the homebred Moorlough Ellen.

Averages 24 bulls £2687.50, 2 females £2300
Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart

Demand was high for Charolais bulls in Stirling on Monday 2 May. Bidding peaked at 9,000gns and 31 lots sold to an average of £4275.

Top price Balthayock Jetset 9,000gns

Leading the bids at 9,000gns was Balthayock Jetset for breeders David and Nicholas Walter, Balthayock, Perthshire. Jetset a 21 month old son of the 8,000gns Stirling reserve junior champion Ugie Echo travels on to work in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire with new owner JD Leavesley.

The Walters went on to sell another Ugie Echo son, the 16 month old Balthayock James TI +54 SRI +60 who sold in a 4,500gns deal to the Aitken brothers, Linlithgow, West Lothian.

Reserve Champion Lakelady Jelle 7,200gns

The reserve champion Lakelady Jelle was next to sell for Katreen Millar, Port of Menteith, Stirlingshire. The June 2014-born Jelle by the 10,000gns Mortimers Echo and out of the homebred Lakelady Elle who has previously sold sons to 9000gns was snapped up by C Thomson, Midmar, Aberdeenshire for 7,200gns.

Mornity Jungle

Just behind on 7,000gns was a 19 month old blue ticket winner from Jack Nicoll Farms Limited, Alyth, Perthshire. The 14,000gns Westcarse Houdini son Mornity Jungle was purchased by GT and S Coghill, Birsay, Orkney.

Panmure Lincoln 7,000gns

The second to sell at a 7,000gns price tag was the 16 month old Panmure Lincoln TI +50 SRI +50 who won his class in the show and has previously been awarded the Stars of the Future Calf Show reserve junior male. George Russell, Denny, Stirlingshire forked out the cash for this son of the 10,500gns Carlisle intermediate male champion Thrunton Firecracker to breeders and exhibitors JM Cant & Partners, Arbitlot, Angus.

Goldies Jeff 6,200gns

Purchaser W S L Muir, Stromness, Orkney went home with a trio of bulls. The first at 6,200gns was the 19 month old class winner and Blelack Digger sired Goldies Jeff TI +65 SRI +68 from breeders Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfries-shire.

Champion Falleninch Julius 5,000gns

Earlier in the day Mr Muir purchased the Champion Falleninch Julius from Andrew Hornall, Stirling, Stirlingshire for 5,000gns. The August 2014-born Julius is sired by Dereskit Fernando and out of Falleninch Anna going back to Mortimers Tebay.

Mr Muir went on to buy the 22 month old Baillieston Jason, the first of two 10,500gns Burradon Galaxy sons on offer from Ronnie Baillie, Deerness, Orkney, both selling to 4,500gns. Mr Baillie’s second lot the slightly younger Baillieston Julius found a new home with I Macrae in Tighnabruaich, Argyll.

Bleasdale Justice

At 5,200gns Messrs Kelsall and Marsden, Preston, Lancashire were the next to sell. The April 2014-born Bleasdale Justice sired by Vexour Freddy was purchased by Nether Balfour Farms Park, Banchory, Aberdeenshire.

JHC Campbell and Sons, Alnwick, Northumberland was the exhibitor of the next lot Thrunton Jerome sired by the homebred Thrunton Gladiator. KM Fraser, Newburgh, Fife were the puchasers of this 22 month old at 4,800gns.

Another to sell for the Campbell’ was their class winner Thrunton Jordon, a 21 month old son of the 19,000gns Corrie Alan who sold for 4,000gns when clapped down to Woodmill Farms, Auchtermuchty, Fife.

Matching the 4,800gns price tag and purchased by M Roberts, Machynlleth, Powys was Harestone Joking, a September 2014-born son of the 25,000gns Stirling reserve supreme champion Inverlochy Ferdie from Neil Barclay, Insch, Aberdeenshire.

Richard and Carol Rettie, Alloa, Clackmannanshire sold the next two lots both by the popular sire Blelack Digger. Firstly at 4,200gns was the 16 month old Retties Johnniewalker TI +66 SRI +60 who caught the eye of M Dykes, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire and earlier in the day OFJW Leitch, Taynuilt, Argyll purchased the 18 month old Retties Jagerbomb TI +63 SRI +57 from the same vendors at 4,000gns.

The final lot to bring 4,000gns was the March 2014-born Kersknowe Juggler, a son of the 20,000gns Stirling supreme champion and Stars of the Future senior interbreed champion Inverlochy Fencer from James Jeffrey, Kelso, Roxburgshire. The man behind the money on this one was K Spence, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire.

Averages: 31 bulls £4275
Auctioneers: United Auctions

British Charolais Cattle Society chief executive, David Benson has been awarded the Presidency of Charolais International, the breed’s umbrella organisation for 27 member countries. The honour was made in recognition of his 40 year career working with Charolais.

The Charolais International delegates pictured following the Annual General Meeting held in Guadalajara.
The office holders are on the front row from left to right Luis Enrique Guitierrez (Charbray President) David Benson (Charolais International President), Dominique Loulerque (Vice-President), Candace By (Secretary) and Clement Perodin (Treasurer)

“I feel extremely honoured to receive this award in recognition of my commitment to Charolais both in the UK and on the international platform,” he said. “In the next 12 months, prior to my retirement, I look forward to re-engaging with lapsed herdbooks, sharing marketing and promotion strategies and encouraging more herdbook delegates to attend technical briefings at which discussion will be focused on genomically enhanced EBVs taking on a higher profile amongst pedigree Charolais breeding.”

Charolais International’s past president, Helge By, of Saskatchewan, Canada said: “We are pleased David Benson was elected as he has been an outstanding ambassador for Charolais not only for Britain, but also internationally. Apart from heading up Charolais in Britain for almost 30 years, he has been a staunch supporter of our activities and led the organisation of two hugely successful world congresses and a technical congress hosted by the British Charolais Cattle Society and each attended by more than 200 delegates. David is the first breed society official to be awarded the presidency; we believe him to be a worthy recipient.”

Females sold to a top price of 3,700gns and the 24 cow and calf lots averaged £2,254. Bulls reached 3,500gns with 8 lots averaging £2,783 at the 2006 established Martland herd dispersal sale on behalf of John and Caroline Wlyde, Woolavington, Somerset at Exeter Livestock Centre on Friday 6^th May.

Hannah, John, Caroline & Amy Wylde

Topping the prices at 3,700gns was a cow and calf outfit. The 2010-born Martland Flower sired by Moynton Carlton and her three month old heifer calf Martland Mayflower sired by Doonally Olmeto found a new home with DC Crosier, Middlezoy, Bridgewater.

Top Price Martland Flower & Martland Mayflower 3,700gns

Just behind at 3,400gns was a split pair. The four year old Blelack Digger daughter Culmvale Honey TI +55 SRI +55 caught the eye of DP & B Smith, Dingestow, Monmouthshire who later purchased two more lots and her seven month old son Martland Lincoln sired by Blakestown Trustee was purchased by T Gaden, Stow on the Wold, Glocestershire.

Another split lot going on to two separate homes this time for a total of 3,000gns was Champflower Cilla. This daughter of Tolland Universe bred by F Evens, Taunton, Somerset was snapped up by Jane Haw, Dorchester, Dorset and L Darch, Chard, Somerset purchased her July 2015-born heifer calf Martland Legacy sired by Skysea Fearless.

Martland James

The next pair went for 2,750gns and Jane Haw purchased the bull calf Martland Lancaster another by Skysea Fearless at 8 months old. His dam Martland Hippy a September 2014-born twin by the 14,000gns Devon County Show Champion Beanhill Echo caught the eye of MJ & GM Summers, Dulverton, Somerset, who also liked the look of her twin sister Martland Hoppy. Hoppy’s 9 month old bull calf Martland Lavish a son of Esperanto was purchased by CD Bailey, Iddesleigh, Devon and the pair fetched a total of 2,200gns.

Next to purchase were JP and PC Turner, Tintagel, Cornwall who bought the four year old Martland Gabriella and her month old bull calf Martland Magnum sired by Skysea Fearless for 2,450gns. Gabriella who is a full sister to the 11,000gns Martland Heavyweight is a daughter of the homebred Martland Eric.

Minutes earlier the 2010-born Moynton Tyrone daughter Martland Fifi and her two month old bull calf Martland Marmite – another by Fearless – were knocked down sold for 2,400gns to GR Gould, Minehead, Somerset.

Finishing off the females at 2,300gns was another split pair. Littlebovey Cala bred by Mr H and Mrs E Vooght Bovey Tracey, Devon sired by Balthayock Tomahawk went home with JM Stone, Kingsbridge, Devon. Her eight month old Skysea Fearless son Martland Lionheart TI +47 SRI +50 was purchased by RS Robson, Launceston, Cornwall.

The eight young bulls on offer met with a ready trade and leading the bids at 3,500gns was the 14 month old Martland Leon TI +41 SRI +40 sired by Skysea Fearless who goes on to work in Purton, Wiltshire with FR Crew.

Making 3,100gns was the September 2014-born Martland James, the man behind the money on this Liscally Eti ET son was K Tovey, Bishops Sutton, Bristol.

The fourteen month old Skysea Fearless son Martland Lourie TI +48 SRI +45 was the next highest priced at 2,900gns and was purchased by JS and J Down Ltd, Taunton, Somerset.

Following on at 2,550gns was another the same age and by the same sire, Martland Larger TI +43 SRI +40. Forking out the cash for this one was OJ and DJ Nelmes, Warmwell, Dorchester

Two bulls were knocked down at 2,500gns a piece with the first being purchased by KM Clark, Newton Abbot, Devon. The January 2015-born Martland Levi is sired by Doonally Olmeto.

Matching the 2,500gns price tag was Martland Larkin – another fourteen month old by Fearless. The final bidder was JP Williams, Yelverton, Devon.

Average: 8 bulls £2,783; 24 cows with calves £2,254; 10 heifers £1,323 Auctioneers: Kivells

Pictured from left to right: Society President Cyril Millar, David Connolly with the Reserve Supreme Champion Brigadoon Jemma, Robert McWilliams with the Supreme Champion Stranagone Jones and judge Brian McAllister

Results

Class 565 – Cow, born before 1st January 2013, in calf or in milk having had at least one calf
1st – WD & JA Connolly – Wesley Glamorous – s. Balthayock Aesop
2nd – Edgar Johnston & Sons – Castlenure Honey – s. Thrunton Bonjovi

Class 567 – Heifer, born on or between 1 January and 30 June 2014
1st – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Jemma – s. Brampton Petition
2nd – Mr Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Jasmine – s. Maerdy Fiend
3rd – Nigel & Gail Matchett – Tawny Jasmine – s. Doonally New
4th – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Juniper – s. Royal Capitan

Class 568 – Heifer, born on or between 1 July and 31 December 2014
1st – Mr Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Jillie – s. Barnsford Ferny
2nd – Mr Will Short – Woodpark Jessiej – s. Deeside Gulliver
3rd – Mr David Bothwell – Killadeas Jade – s. Gwenog Braveheart
4th – Mr David Bothwell – Brigadoon Jewel – s. Brigadoon Hustler

Class 569 – Heifer, born on or after 1 January 2015
1st – Martin & Cyril Millar – Glenleary Lubeck – s. Conval Frank
2nd – Mr David Bothwell – Killadeas Lily – s. Blackford Dynamite
3rd – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Lolly – s. Brigadoon Himself
4th – Mr Harold McGaffin – Melbreak Lady – s. Liscally Eti

Class 570 – Bull, born on or before 1 January 2015
1st – Mr Robert McWilliams – Stranagone Jones – s. Blelack Digger
2nd – Mr Gilbert Crawford – Newhouse Jupitur – s. Silver Joss
3rd – WD & JA Connolly – Goldies Icon – s. Goldies Uppermost
4th – Mr Richard Beattie – Derryharney Jumbo – s. Thrunton Voldemort

Class 571 – Bull, born on or between 1 January and 31 March 2015
1st – Mr Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Lincoln – s. Sportsmans Columbo
2nd – Mr William Whyte – Innishrush Lancelot – s. Kelton Trident
3rd – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Lincoln – s. Royal Capitan

Class 572 – Bull, born on or after 1 April 2015
1st – Mr Thomas Keelagher – Aghinure Les – s. Hillviewfarm Handsome
2nd – Mr Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Looper – s. Goldstar Hugo
3rd – RH Sinnamon & Sons – Aughafad Louis – s. Thrunton Bonjovi
4th – Mr Brian Quinn – Hillviewfarm Limitededition – s. Inverlochy Ferdie

Junior Heifer Champion
Martin & Cyril Millar – Glenleary Lubeck – s. Conval Frank
Reserve Junior Heifer Champion
Mr David Bothwell – Killadeas Lily – s. Blackford Dynamite

Junior Male Champion
Mr Thomas Keelagher – Aghinure Les – s. Hillviewfarm Handsome
Reserve Junior Male Champion
Mr Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Lincoln – s. Sportsmans Columbo

Junior Champion
Mr Thomas Keelagher – Aghinure Les – s. Hillviewfarm Handsome
Junior Champion
Mr Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Lincoln – s. Sportsmans Columbo

Female Champion
WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Jemma – s. Brampton Petition
Reserve Female Champion
Mr Gilbert Crawford – Coolnaslee Jasmine – s. Maerdy Fiend

Male Champion
Robert McWilliams – Stranagone Jones – s. Blelack Digger
Reserve Male Champion
Mr Thomas Keelagher – Aghinure Les – s. Hillviewfarm Handsome

Supreme Champion
Robert McWilliams – Stranagone Jones – s. Blelack Digger
Reserve Supreme Champion
WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Jemma – s. Brampton Petition

Best Group of Three Animals
Champion – Gilbert Crawford
Reserve – Connolly

Show Results
Judge: Gareth Roberts, Llangadfan, Powys

Class One – Bull born on or between 9 January & 13 May 2014
1st – Barons Cross Charolais Stud – Charbron Joviality – s. Goldies Unbeatable
2nd –RA & J Blyth – Marwood Justin – s. Marwood Grandslam
3rd – W Richardson & Son – Laverock Inkspot – s. Corrie Alan
4th – David & Carol Noton – Ashby Josh – s. Goldies Eddy

Class Two – Bull born on or between 14 May & 30 June 2014
1st – Will Short – Woodpark Jericho – s. Rumsden Fawkes
2nd – A MacGregor (Allanfauld) Ltd – Allanfauld Jaegerbomb – s. Woodpark Elgin
3rd – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Justsogood – s. Blelack Blackberet
4th – WL Hyslop & Son – Logan Jacob – s. Gredington Debonair
5th – Derek Hume – Culnagechan Jaggerbomb – s. Goldies Eddy

Class Three – Bull born on or between 1 July & 20 August 2014
1st – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Jubilee – s. Balmyle Dickler
2nd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jimmy – s. Goldies Banker
3rd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Judge – s. Barnsford Ferny
4th – J Warnock – Dreva Josh – s. Elgin Fergal
5th – Redhead & Watson – Tweeddale Juggernaut – s. Blelack Blackberet

Class Four – Bull born on or between 21 August & 19 September 2014
1st – Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Jugular ET – Blelack Digger
2nd – Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Jupiter – Wesley Equinox
3rd – James Jeffrey – Kersknowe Jimbo – s. Harestone Glenlivet
4th – John W Millar – Lochend Jaguar – s. Mortimers Highlandfling
5th – JH Christie & Son – Westcarse Jeff – s. Mortimers Echo

Class Five – Bull born on or between 20 September & 8 October 2014
1st – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jeep – s. Gretnahouse Heman
2nd – Mark McGahan – Chunal Jaguar ET – Elgin Davinci
3rd – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Jedward – Burradon Talisman
4th – Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Joopla – Wesley Equinox
5th –  I & D Goldie – Solwayfirth Jetstream – s. Solwayfirth Hannibal

Class Six – Bull born on or between 9 & 31 October 2014
1st – Sean McGovern – Ratoary Johndeere – s. Lochend Apache
2nd – Mark McGahan – Chunal Jcb – s. Elgin Davinci
3rd – D Sawrij – Swalesmoor Jelf – s. Balmyle Headline
4th – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Jeeves – s. Burradon Goldenballs
5th – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Jurassicpark – s. Burradon Goldenballs

Class Seven – Bull born on or between 1 & 22 November 2014
1st – John & Sandra Middleton – Hollywell Jura – s. Elgin Davinci
2nd – Esmor Evans – Maerdy Juntaplix – s. Gamay
3rd – JH Christie & Son – Westcarse Jesper – s. Mortimers Echo
4th – Hackleton Farms Ltd – Hackton Juno – s. Gretnahouse Archangel
5th – Roy Milne & Sons – Elgin Johnny – s. Westcarse Houdini

Class Eight – Bull born on or between 23 November & 7 December 2014
1st – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Jazzking – s. Barnsford Ferny
2nd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Joss – s. Gretnahouse Heman
3rd – Douglas Morrow – Ramrad James – s. Balmaud Vincent
4th – Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Jackdaw – s. Blelack Digger
5th – Caylers Charolais – Caylers Judge – s. Thrunton Goldeneye

Class Nine – Bull born on or between 8 & 24 December 2014
1st – Caylers Charolais – Nuthampstead Judas – Thrunton Goldeneye
2nd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Joker – s. Gretnahouse Heman
3rd – Caylers Charolais – Caylers Jackdaw – s. Thrunton Goldeneye
4th – M & J Hayhurst – Whitecliffe Jim – s. Blelack DIgger
5th – Harold Stubbs & Alan Burleigh – Derryharney Jcb – s. Thrunton Bonjovi

Class Ten – Bull born on or between 25 December 2014 & 10 January 2015
1st – M & WHB Cleasby – Cleaden Juggernaut – s. Cardean Guardsman
2nd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Jester – s. Barnsford Ferny
3rd – Pat Hackett – Fury Leader – s. Crossmolina Euro
4th – Esmor Evans – Maerdy Lopez – s. Maerdy Grenadier
5th – JH Christie & Son – Westcarse Lordship – s. Mortimers Echo

Class Eleven – Bull born on or between 11 & 19 January 2015
1st – Hackleton Farms Ltd – Hackleton Lambrusca – s. Alwent Goldbar
2nd – Caylers Charolais – Caylers Legend – s. Thrunton Goldeneye
3rd – John McGrath – Drumconnis Legend – s. Thrunton Fairfax
4th – M & J Hayhurst – Whitecliffe Lightning – s. Whitecliffe Harlequin
5th – Roy Milne & Sons – Elgin Lee – s. Elgin Davinci

Class Twelve – Bull born on or between 20 January & 10 February 2015
1st – RM Adam & Son – Newhouse Longbow – s. Elgin Glenlivet
2nd – PM & PM Rhodes – Arglam Laird – s. Alwent Goldbar
3rd – McMurrich Partners – Formakin Lasvagas – s. Dingle Hofmeister
4th – PM & PM Rhodes – Arglam Legend – s. Alwent Goldbar
5th – PM & PM Rhodes – Arglam Legacy – s. Alwent Goldbar

Class Thirteen – Bull born on or between 11 February & 4 April 2015
1st – Will Short – Woodpark Locksmith – s. Deeside Gulliver
2nd – Esmor Evans – Maerdy Lotto – s. Maerdy Governor
3rd – Messrs Curry – Burradon Loverboy – s. Puntabrava Federico
4th – M & J Hayhurst – Whitecliffe Locomotion – s. Whitecliffe Highlight
5th – M & J Hayhurst – Whitecliffe Leonard – s. Whitecliffe Highlight

Class Fourteen – Best Female
1st – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Julianna – s. Blelack Digger
2nd – Mrs Jenny Rix – Wissington Jemma – s. Thrunton Galaxy
3rd – DA & SM Miller – Crookdake Jewel – s. Elgin Davinci
4th – David & Carol Noton – Ashby Jo – s. Balthayock Adonis
5th – F, J & EC Andrews – Holtstead Jeunesse – s. Newhouse Bigal

Senior Male Champion
Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Jugular ET – Blelack Digger
Reserve Senior Male Champion
JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Jubilee – s. Balmyle Dickler

Intermediate Male Champion
John & Sandra Middleton – Hollywell Jura – s. Elgin Davinci
Reserve Intermediate Male Champion
Sean McGovern – Ratoary Johndeere – s. Lochend Apache

Junior Male Champion
M & WHB Cleasby – Cleaden Juggernaut – s. Cardean Guardsman
Reserve Junior Male Champion
Will Short – Woodpark Locksmith – s. Deeside Gulliver

Male Champion
Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Jugular ET – Blelack Digger
Reserve Male Champion
M & WHB Cleasby – Cleaden Juggernaut – s. Cardean Guardsman

Female Champion
Hamish Goldie – Goldies Julianna – s. Blelack Digger
Reserve Female Champion
Mrs Jenny Rix – Wissington Jemma – s. Thrunton Galaxy

Supreme Champion
Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Jugular ET – Blelack Digger
Reserve Supreme Champion
Hamish Goldie – Goldies Julianna – s. Blelack Digger

Charolais met a strong commercial demand with 67 bulls selling to an average of £5,007 and peaking at 14,000gns at the Carlisle Spring Charolais sale on Saturday 14 May.

Commenting on the sale the BCCS chairman Steven Nesbitt said, “The quality Charolais cattle forward of good conformation and correctness were readily sold. The feedback from the commercial suckled calf producers is that calving ease and efficient growth are of paramount importance and the growth rates and the inherent value of the Charolais bred heifers is being realised as a bonus to increase margins from beef production”.

Leading the bids at 14,000gns was the 17 month old Goldies Joss TI +72 SRI +65. Joss was purchased by William and James Causey, Cookstown, Co Tyrone and was bred and exhibited by Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfries-shire. He is sired by the 15,000gns Gretnahouse Heman and out of the homebred dam Goldies Dignity who goes back to the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister.

Top Price Goldies Joss 14,000gns

Mr Goldie went on to sell another Heman son – Goldies Joker TI +76 SRI +70. This December 2014-born bull was knocked down sold to ER Hollingworth & Son, Middleton, Lancashire for 7,000gns.

Goldies Joker 7,000gns

A trio of bulls sold for the next highest price of 9,000gns. The first, Nuthamsptead Judas TI +51 SRI +45 was a 16 month old class winner sired by the 10,000gns Thrunton Goldeneye and was jointly purchased by John Christie, Stirling and Iain Millar, Port of Menteith, Stirlingshire.

Nuthampstead Judas 9,000gns

Judas was the first of five lots consigned by Caylers Charolais, Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire and their next Caylers Legend TI +62 SRI +52, another son of Goldeneye matched the 9,000gns price tag when he caught the eye of J Nelson, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire.

Caylers Legend 9,000gns

The third bull to sell for 9,000gns was the red ticket winner Newhouse Longbow. He was chapped down to Messrs Evans and Corfield, Ludlow, Shropshire. The 28,000gns Stirling champion Elgin Glenlivet was the sire of this 15 month old who was bred and exhibited by RM Adam and Son, Forfar, Angus.

Newhouse Longbow 9,000gns

A string of bulls from Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green, Dumfriesshire saw five bulls average £7,088, backed up by top prices of 8,200gns and 8,000gns. Gretnahouse Jungle TI +74 SRI +67 was the highest priced and this November 2014-born lad is sired by the 11,000gns Balthayock Adonis and was purchased by A and T Wilson, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire.

Gretnahouse Jungle 8,200gns

The supreme champion Gretnahouse Jugular TI +65 SRI +60 was the next to sell for Mr Houston and the judge Gareth Roberts, Llangadfan, Powys backed his judgement by buying this 20 month old for 8,000gns. The bull was sired by Blelack Digger and his dam Balmyle Paradise has bred bulls to 25,000gns.

Supreme Champion Gretnahouse Jugular 8,000gns

Gretnahouse Jupiter TI +77 SRI +71, another 20 month old sired by the 12,000gns Carlisle reserve senior male champion Wesley Equinox was purchased by WG Johnson & Sons, Mallard Grange, North Yorkshire for 6,500gns.

The reserve male and junior champion was next to sell for local breeders Michael and William Cleasby, Penrith, Cumbria. The 16 month old Cleaden Juggernaut by Cardean Guardsman was knocked down to John Weir, Galashiels, Selkirkshire at 8,000gns.

Junior Champion & Reserve Male Champion Cleaden Juggernaut 8,000gns

Following on at 7,500gns was Kersknowe Jimbo TI +53 SRI +54 consigned by James and John Jeffrey, Kelso, Roxburgshire. Jimbo a son of the 12,000gns Harestone Glenlivet went on to Northallerton, North Yorkshire with A Clark.

Kersknowe Jimbo 7,500gns

Five bulls sold for 7,000gns. Archie MacGregor (Allanfauld) Ltd, Kilsyth, Glasgow was the first to benefit with Allanfauld Jaegerbomb and the outfit behind the money on this June 2014-born Woodpark Elgin son was Dalhanna Farming Co, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire.

Allanfauld Jagerbomb 7,000gns

Also going home to Castle Douglas, this time with Gelston Castle Farms and matching the 7,000gns price tag was the reserve senior male champion Thrunton Jubilee TI +53 SRI +45 sired by the 26,000gns Balmyle Dickler from JHC Campbell & Sons, Alnwick, Northumberland.

Reserve Senior Champion Thrunton Jubilee 7,000gns

The intermediate champion Hollywell Jura bred and exhibited by John & Sandra Middleton, Upper Creevagh, Co Derry was next along at 7,000gns. Forking out the cash for this son of Elgin Davinci was JC Innes and Sons, Dunscroft, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

Intermediate Champion Hollywell Jura 7,000gns

Boden & Davies Ltd, Mellor, Cheshire were the next to offer a 7,000gns bull. The 17 month old Sportsmans Jazzking who had won his class the previous day is sired by the 70,000gns Royal Welsh Show champion Barnsford Ferny and was snapped up by Douganhill Farms, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire.

The last to go for 7,000gns was Fury Leader, a January 2015-born son of Crossmolina Euro offered by Pat Hackett, Clogher, Co Tyrone and goes on to Ardnave, Bridgend, Isle of Islay, with Thomas Epps.

Fury Leader 7,000gns

Earlier in the sale J and D Longlands, Hexham, Northumberland purchased Whitecliffe Jimbob TI +57 SRI +59 sired by the popular and easy calving Blelack Digger from Mark and Jane Hayhurst, Malton, North Yorkshire for 6,000gns.

Female section

An added feature was the draft sale from Messrs Curry’s Burradon herd from Morpeth, Northumberland which peaked at 3,800gns for Burradon Emily and her five month old heifer calf Burradon Leanne. Emily is sired by the 12,000gns Gwenog Banjo who has bred sons to 26,000gns and her daughter Leanne goes back to the 10,000gns Puntabrava Federico and the pair caught the eye of A McCornick and Co, Lochfoot, Dumfriesshire.

Next up for at 3,100gns and this time selling to E Townend, Huddersfield, Yorkshire was Burradon Fallon and her six month old daughter Burradon Loticia.

Just behind at 3,000gns was Burradon Havana TI +50 SRI +46 and her heifer calf the November-2015 born Burradon Lorna who travelled across the water to Cookstown, Co Tyrone with William and James Causey.

The female champion was also selected as the reserve supreme champion and was consigned Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfriesshire. The 20 month old Blelack Digger daughter Goldies Julianna goes back to the 14,000gns Highland Show reserve male champion Goldies Banker. The purchaser was Thomas Epps, Ardnave, Bridgend, Isle of Islay.

Female Champion & Reserve Supreme Champion Goldies Julianna 4,000gns

Finally at 3,000gns and purchased by Preston Farms, Omagh, County Tyrone was the reserve female champion from John and Jenny Rix, Colchester, Essex. Wissington Jemma TI +55 SRI +53. She is a 26 month old daughter of the 12,000gns Thrunton Galaxy.

Reserve Female Champion Wissington Jemma 3,000gns

Averages: 67 Bulls £5007; 5 Burradon Cows and Calves, £3,129; 2 Burradon Heifers, £2,100; 14 Collective heifers £2085. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington Ltd.

Welcome to Charolais

A busy Stand

Charolais

The day’s rain abated and a rainbow marked the beginning of a lovely clear evening at the Northern Ireland stockjudging qualifier and open evening kindly hosted by Will and Eleanor Short at Woodpark Farm, Omagh, Co Tyrone and sponsored by MSD Bovipast RSP. Visitors arrived from all over Northern Ireland and there were over 30 young people competing for a place at the Charolais Youth National Final at the Livestock Event, NEC on the 6th July.

Vet Wendy Korte

While the Charolais Youth competitors got down to the business of judging, Wendy Korte from Strule Veterinary Services kicked off the evening for the other visitors with a talk on fertility and calf health, which she repeated for the youngsters after they had finished judging and a halter making workshop.

Will and Eleanor laid on a lovely Barbeque and then the eagerly awaited competition results were announced. Ten competitors will head over the water to the final. The senior section was won by Adam Johnston with 126 points and in joint second place with scores of 114 were James Causey and Kevin Reavey, also going through with 111 points was Eimear Mc Govern. The Intermediate team will be made up of winners Bartley Finnegan and Gary McCammond who both scored 132, Matthew Mitchell with 129 marks and on 126 points Sarah Johnston. Two juniors will go forward, Erin Quigley won the section with 123 points and Jill Balfour scored 117 marks. The open section was headed by Murray Loughan who had the top score of the day with 141 points. Will had also organised a guess the weight of the cow competition which was won by Mrs Balfour.

Mr Short first established his herd in 1973 and today has just over 130 Charolais cattle calving throughout the year. The Short’s have just returned from their first foray into showing at the Balmoral show where their heifer Woodpark Jessiej was placed a very respectable second in her class. Will has had many bulls go on to make stock bulls, selling from the farm gate and through Society sales. His top priced bulls include Woodpark Flashman who sold for 16,000gns at Stirling in February 2012, Woodpark Bishop at 13,000gns in 2008 and Woodpark Elgin sold for 11,000gns in 2011 and has gone on to produce more than 120 progeny for the Allanfauld and Barrance herds.

The British Charolais Cattle Society would like to thank the Short family for their excellent hospitability and organisation, Clodagh McGovern the Northern Ireland Charolais Youth coordinator for organising the competition, sponsors MSD Animal Health, Vet Wendy Korte and Ben Sinnamon and Alan Morrison for their master judging.

Host Will Short with the Junior Team Erin Quigley & Jill Balfour and David Connolly

Intermediate Teams Bartley Finnegan, Gary McCammond, Matthew Mitchell & Sarah Johnston with Will Short & David Connolly

Senior Teams Adam Johnston, James Causey, Kevin Reavey & Eimear Mc Govern with Will Short and David Connolly

Master Judges Ben & Alan contemplate their scores

The Northern Ireland Team

Magaret McCune & Maggie McQuiston on the scoring

This year’s Central and South Scotland Charolais Youth Qualifier was held on Sunday 22 May at Mid Cambushinnie Farm, Dunblane by kind permission of the Lyle Family.

The Lyle family established their Charolais Loganbar herd in 1988. Murray is a past Society Chairman and has also been awarded the esteemed Presidency of Charolais International. The Loganbar herd were host farmers at the 2012 World congress and have over 100 registered Charolais cattle. Murray and Fiona sell most of their bulls from the farm gate, their most successful AI sire Loganbar Herdsman has gone on to produce over 240 progeny and their highest priced bull Loganbar Goran was knocked down at 11,500gns at the Spring 2013 Stirling bull sales. They can count the Supreme Championships at both the Scottish National Show and Royal Show amongst their many show successes.

Judge Andrew Hornall makes his selection

The judge for the day was Andrew Hornall (Falleninch) who capably placed 4 classes of Charolais cattle and took reasons on the young bull class.

There was a good turnout on the day with many new young competitors. The day started with the judging and then the reasons. As the reasons took place Local Vet Ian Rodgers from Forth Valley Vets, Stirling, gave a presentation exploring lameness in cattle.

Iain Millar gives a cattle presentation demonstration

This was followed by a demonstration on cattle dressing and showmanship by Iain Millar (Lochend). As the talks were ongoing there was a BBQ with the meat kindly donated from Falleninch Farm Butchers.

3 teams go forward to the Charolais Youth National Final at the Livestock Event, Birmingham on the 6th July. James Hamilton won the intermediate section and the runner up was John Graham. In the senior section Euan Orr came top closely followed by John Graham and coming in third and fourth were Andrew Morton and Andrew Miller. Unfortunately Andrew cannot make it to the NEC so next placed Kirsty Morton will come in his stead.

Thanks must go to the Lyle family, Falleninch Farm Butchers, Forth Valley Vets, Andrew Hornall and Iain Millar. Thank you to everyone who came along and made the day a success and to everyone who helped out behind the scenes! We hope to see you all again next year and Good luck to everyone in Birmingham in July!

Report by Karyn McArtur – Charolais Youth Central Scotland Regional Coordinator

How to present your heifer

Bull

John, Sacha & Jenny Rix

Darren Knox with Fiona Temple and Master Judge Bob Temple

We were lucky to have lovely weather for the stockjudging qualifier at Wissington Grove Farm, where John, Jenny and Sacha Rix had kindly agreed to host this year’s regional qualifier. The day began at 11am with refreshments while stockman Darren Knox organised the cattle, some of which had been out at the Hadley show the day before where Wissington Jocasta had secured the supreme beef championship. There was a great turnout with visitors coming from as far away as Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire.

The stockjudging got underway and Darren had organised two smartly turned out classes of heifers and a handsome bull class to be judged. Master judge Bob Temple, Saxtead, Suffolk made his choices and then the competitors were free to judge. Mr Temple must have done a good job as the scores were very high with the Senior Anglia winner Edward Robinson making the full 150 marks and his sister Alice took the runner up spot with 127 points. The senior champion for the South East was Angus Maclean who scored 132, his brother Donald won the area’s intermediate section with 137 points and their younger sister Jenny was runner up in the junior section, second to Milos Taylor who scored 135. Esme Harrison was the Anglia intermediate champion with 123 points but the juniors showed the older competitors how to do it with 12 year old Ellie Knox and 14 year old Annabelle Howell both being awarded an impressive 146 points. In total nine competitors made up from both areas will go forward to the Charolais Youth National stockjudging competition at the Livestock Event, NEC on the 6th July.

When the visitors had filled up on the BBQ and ice-cream and the presentations were concluded we headed out on the trailers for a tour of the cattle. The Wissington herd currently has nearly 170 registered Charolais cattle and they are spread out over the surrounding countryside. With spring and autumn calving seasons we had a chance to view both cows and heifers with young calves and in calf heifers and walk about with these very friendly and quiet cattle. New stock bull Maerdy Jogger who was purchased last month at Welshpool was out with the ladies and has already been hard at work.

The Society would like to thank the Rix family for their excellent hospitability, Darren and Donna Knox who organised the cattle and the day, Karen Maclean the South East coordinator for organising competitors to come up for the day and Bob Temple for being the master judge.

Anglia Senior Winner Edward Robinson

Anglia Senior Runner Up Alice Robinson

Anglia Intermediate winner Esme Harrison

Anglia Junior Winner Ellie Knox

Anglia Junior Runner Up Annabelle Howell

South East Junior Winner Milos Taylor

Senior Winner Angus Maclean, Intermediate Winner Donald Maclean & Junior Runner Up Jenny Maclean all from the South East Area

Maerdy Jogger in his working clothes

It was a cracking day on Saturday 28 May for the South West Charolais Youth qualifier held at Compact Farm, Worth Matravers, Dorset by kind invitation of Andrew and Beth White and hosted by regional co-ordinator Jane Haw.

The Balbithan herd was established in 1988 and has gone from strength to strength with their animals becoming regular fixtures at many shows across the South West. Just last year the herd can boast breed championship awards at the National, Royal Berkshire, Devon County, Rutland County and Bath and West Shows as well as being awarded the female championship at the Royal Cornwall and the Reserve Supreme championship at the Newbury Show. In 2002 Balbithan Nadia was the Interbreed Champion at the Royal Show and their highest priced bull Balbithan Vespasian sold for 26,000gns at Perth in February of the same year and has gone on to produce over 100 progeny in the joint purchasers herds alone. Most of the bulls are sold from the farm gate and the White family has 30 Charolais cows calving in the spring as well as a 150 strong suckler herd from which they finish their Charolais sired store cattle.

The afternoon began with a talk from the master judge Graham Fishlock who explained the type of Charolais he would be looking for and the attributes of one of the Balbithan cow and calf outfits and then the competitors had a chance to look over the three classes and make their choices. While the scoring took place there was a very informative presentation on embryo transplantation by vet Andre Northey from Synergy Farm Health before Jane took us on a tour of the Charolais cattle. We were treated to a lovely feast including homemade cakes before the presentations.

The winners and runners up of each of the three age groups go forward to the Charolais Youth stockjudging final at the Livestock Event, NEC on the 6th July. The highest score of the day came from junior section winner Emily Mitchell with an impressive 142 points and runner up Nikki Stacey was close behind. In the Intermediate section sisters Georgia and Caitlin Dyer scored 137 and 128 points respectively and the senior section was headed up by Amy Wylde on 126 marks and George Nancekivell with a score of 121.

The South West club and the British Charolais Cattle Society would like to thank the White family for their excellent hospitability, regional co-ordinator Jane Haw for organising the day, Vet Andre Northey and master judge Graham Fishlock.

Competitors: Fraser McEwan, James Adam, Mark Ogg, Lois Scott, Abbie Anderson, Eoin Cumming, Andrew Adam & Edward Scott

The Charolais Youth stockjudging qualifier for the North East & Central Region was held on Sunday 29th May at the Balthayock herd, Perth by kind permission of Major David Walter.

The competitors judged four classes of cattle and master judge Robert McNee, Finlarg, Dundee chose his preferred order. The senior winner was Abbie Anderson who was last year’s National winner and the runner up was Eoin Cumming, unfortunately the pair cannot make it to this year’s final so the region’s contingent will be made up from the intermediate section. Heading up the 15 to 18 year olds was Andrew Adam, with Mark Ogg as runner up, Fraser McEwan standing in third and in fourth place Lois Scott. James Adam and Edward Scott complete the team and will head down to the final at the National Charolais Show, NEC, Birmingham on the 6thJuly.

Major Walter’s Balthayock herd was founded in 1969 and has grown to over ninety pedigree Charolais cows and in calf heifers and 150 commercial cross bred suckler cows. Over the years the herd has gained many accolades and the bulls are regularly sold at the renowned Stirling bull sales. At the 2015 October sale the Walter’s were awarded the junior and reserve supreme championship and realised the top price of 50,000gns for the 17 month old Balthayock Justice who is sired by the homebred Balthayock Ferdinand. Justice whose performance figures place him in the top 1% of the breed is typical of the Balthayock cattle who are renowned for their impressive performance figures.

The North East & Central Scotland Charolais club would like to thank the Walter family and their staff for their excellent hospitality. The British Charolais Cattle Society would like to thank Tracey & Davie Nicoll along with regional co-ordinator Carlene Mackay for their hard work in organising the cattle, stockjudging & BBQ for everyone. The society and club would also like to thank the master judge Robert McNee.

It was a beautiful day on Sunday 5th June at Middleton House Farm, Elwick, Hartlepool where the Blyth family kindly hosted the Charolais Youth regional qualifier for the Border, Yorkshire and North East regions.

Betty Graham had organised a coach for travellers from the Border area and when they arrived the master judge Danny Wyllie, Edingale, Staffordshire appraised the four classes of cattle and gave the competitors a brief idea of what he was looking for. Everyone headed down to the cattle where Neil Blyth had organised two handsome young bull classes at thirteen and fourteen months of age and also two elegant heifer classes. There was also a guess the weight competition for the combined weight of nine heifers.

A total of 12 competitors from both regions qualified for the Charolais Youth Final to be held at the National Charolais Show, NEC, Birmingham, on the 6thJuly. From the Border region winner Harry Stobart who scored 123 and runner up Robert Stott on 109 marks make up the junior team. The intermediate section was headed by Abbie Bowe with 154 points – the top score of the day – and with 138 marks Sarah Horsley came second. With a total of 144 points the senior winner was David Miller and runner up Jonathan Hird scored 106. For Yorkshire the National team consists the five highest scoring seniors and ten year old Kate Williams for the juniors who scored 124 points. Michael Dunbrek and Tiffany Wilcox were first and second for the seniors with 151 and 114 points respectively. Sophie Holt was close behind on 112, Anthony Howe scored 106 and on 104 marks was Grant Strickland. The open class was jointly won by B Vickers and R Strickland with 148 points and the guess the weight winners were Keith and Hazel.

While the scores were calculated we enjoyed a barbeque with beef from the Blyth family’s butchers shops. Middleton House farm supplies all of the beef and lamb for their two shops and they need to finish two/three cattle a week from their suckler herd in order to keep up with demand. The Blyth family joined the BCCS in 1994 and Neil has recently started showing with considerable success securing the Great Yorkshire show championship last year with Marwood Journal who went on to sell for 11,500gns at Stirling bulls sales in October and in May 2015 Marwood Intrepid was crowned the Carlisle Supreme Champion and sold for 7,800gns.

The Border club, the Yorkshire & North East club and the British Charolais Cattle Society would like to thank the Blyth family for their fabulous hospitality. The Society would also like to thank club secretary Betty Graham and youth co-ordinator Judith Hunter from the Border region and from the Yorkshire & North East club secretary Margaret Atkinson and youth co-ordinator Steven Nesbitt for all their hard work as well as master judge Danny Wyllie.

Border Senior winner David Miller

Border Intermediate winner Abbie Bowe

Border Intermediate runner up Sarah Horsley

Border Junior Winner Harry Stobart & master judge Danny Wyllie

Border Junior runner up Robert Stott

Yorkshire & NE Senior Winner Michael Dunbrek

Yorkshire & NE Senior runner up Tiffany Wilcox

Yorkshire & NE Junior winner Kate Williams

The Blyth Family; Roy, Kirsty, Matilda, Neil and Jean