newsletter

Charolais NewsCharolais NewsIssue 108

February 2009News & Views from the British Charolais Cattle Society

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CONTENTS

British Charolais Cattle SocietyBritish Charolais Cattle SocietyAvenue M, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2RG

Tel: 02476 697222 Fax: 02476 690270 E-mail: [email protected]: www.charolais.co.uk

2009 - A year to look forward to 3-4

Forthcoming Sale Dates 4

Sale Reports 5-19

Perth 5-11

Brecon 13

Dungannon October 12

Hamilton’s Sale 13

Welshpool 14-15

Dungannon November 16-17

Carlislel 18-19

XXXV World Charolais Congress 20-25

Charolais Cattle and ad Lib feeding achieve

top performance at Culford 26

Why do some cattle perform better than

others ... the answer lies in the genes 27

Charolais down under by Sam Milne 28-29

Palgrove - going for moderation 30

Explanation of Estimated Breeding Values

for cattle selection 31/33

Charolais Bulls are in vogue - fact or fiction?

32-33

Regional Reports 34-62

Northern Ireland 34-38

Scotland 40-47

Wales 48-49

South East 50-51

South West 52-54

East Midlands 55

South Midlands 56-57

Anglia 57

Yorkshire & North East 58-59

Border 60-62

British Charolais group to Sweden 39

Charolais Promotions 63

New Members 64

Election of members 65-66

Pictured on the front page:

Toft left: Robin Roberts lifts the winning trophy with‘Smarty Pants’ at the Royal Highland Winter Fair Page 47

Top Right: Nora Jefferson presentation Page 61

Middle Circle: Stockman Russell Brunton herdingCharolais cows & calves / Charolais down under by SamMilne Pages 30-31

Bottom left: Ben Trim at New Forest Show Page 50Bottom middle: XXXV World Charolais congress delegatesPages 20-25

Bottom right: Start them young Page 40

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2009 - A YEAR TO LOOK FORWARD TOA Happy New Year to all Charolais members.

Despite the credit crunch and the general economic downturn, breeders and feeders of Charolais cattle can look forwardwith some optimism. True, the fertiliser, feed, and other costs of production shot up during 2008, and there has been arecent reduction in some of these inputs, but the price of clean beef is now approaching £3/kilo for U grades on themainland, and some live markets are regularly selling cattle in excess of £2/kilo liveweight.

The Charolais Advantage

There has definitely been a premium price paid for Charolais store cattle at the Autumn sales. In Thainstone, Charolaissteers were selling at approximately £100 per month of age up to 8 month old cattle, i.e. an 8 month old steer calf wasmaking around the £800 mark.

Beef finishers are keen to exploit the fast growth rates and good conformation of the Charolais bred cattle. Thisis particularly relevant now that a maximum carcase weight has been lifted by the majority of abattoirs.

Also, the heavier cow weight and associated higher cull prices are making Charolais cows more attractive.The Charolais business is back in vogue and is resulting in an increase in Charolais registrations and

memberships. Charolais breeders should use their knowledge and the tools available to produce what the market wants,and not necessarily what the breeder wants.

The future for U.K. Beef

The U.K. beef industry is taking on a new shape and there is an opportunity to help mold it. Charolais is in a strong positionto be able to contribute and influence efficient beef breeding systems but, because of a reduced farm work staff, and tightmargins, calving ease is a priority.

When speaking to commercial cattle breeders, the message coming back loud and clear is, they must have aneasy calving bull and the majority are prepared to sacrifice some growth rate in order to have more live calves for sale.

Fortunately, we can identify the easy calving bulls and, as a breed, we can move the calving ease direct e.b.v.forward 2% in two years by selecting bulls with a calving ease direct e.b.v. in the top 70%.

2009 Summer Shows

Once again we are indebted to EPRINEX POUR-ON as co-sponsors with the B.C.C.S. at the 2009 Royal Ulster and RoyalWelsh Shows. There will be a maximum extra prize fund of £5,000 or a maximum of £100 per animal forward at theseShows.

There is also a minimum pot of £2,000 extra funding at the following shows, which are jointly funded by B.C.C.S.and the corresponding region:

ContactRoyal Bath & West (South West) 28-31st May 01749 822200East of England (Anglian) 13-15th June 01733 234451Three Counties (South Midlands) 13-15th June 01684 584900Lincolnshire (East Midlands) 18-19th June 01522 522900Gt. Yorkshire (Yorks & N.East) 8-10th July 01423 541000Perth (Scottish & Northern) 1st Aug 01738 623780Wales (Welsh Region) to be confirmed

To participate at the ROYAL SHOWS the details are as follows:Royal Ulster 13-15th May 02890 665225Royal Highland 25-28th June 0131 335 6212Royal Show 7-10th July 024 7685 8250Royal Welsh 20-23rd July 01982 553683

Charolais Performance Recording Subsidy

The Council of Management have agreed to subsidise the Charolais Breedplan recording herds and scanning visits.The herd fees are £125 + VAT for the first ten active breeding females, and £3 per cow thereafter to a maximum

of £500 + VAT . This compares favourably with a SIGNET recorded herd i.e.

CHAROLAIS SIGNET10 cows £125 £175 (£190 from April)20 cows £155 £240Up to two ultra-sound scanning visits a year will receive £75 + VAT credited to the members account, providing a minimumof five Charolais cattle are scanned per visit.

For members scanning their cattle it is recommended to scan the animals around 400 days.Recording members should also have their new performance data, i.e. weights and ultra-sound scan results

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submitted to the Pedigree Livestock Office before the last Friday of the month. The monthly Charolais BLUP run is thencarried out within the first week of the new month.

The bi-annual herd reports are going to be mailed out to recording herds in January, members will then have onemonth to notify either the Pedigree Cattle Services office or the B.C.C.S. office of any anomalies to the active femalelistings. The members will then be invoiced in March and no further active cow credits will be given. A few bulletpoints for quality performance recording are:

* Check the date of birth and service dates are correct.* Weigh the calf, or use the measuring tape. Do not guess the weight or give a known false weight* Try to batch calve within 60 day window (easier said than done!)* Weigh all calves every 100 days, or at least at weaning and at 400 days* Scan calves at around 365-450 days* Submit raw data either manually or electronically by the last Friday in the month.

For any queries, or members wishing to join the scheme contact Barbara Webster on 01738 622478

Direct Debit Payments and Email

Any members who are not already carrying out their Charolais business by Direct Debit can they phonethe B.C.C.S. office on 024 7669 7222 for the necessary paperwork. There are over 450 Charolaismembers receiving information by email. If anyone would like to register their email address or makeany amendments, can they email the office with their details.

Semen and private Sales Register

Members who have semen, embryos or live cattle to sell, can they send details to the B.C.C.S. office.It is a free service and details are published on the B.C.C.S. web-site for all the world to see!

David Benson

2009 - A YEAR TO LOOK FORWARD TO

FORTHCOMING OFFICIAL SOCIETY SALES - 2009FORTHCOMING OFFICIAL SOCIETY SALES - 2009

PERTH Bulls/Females 16/18 February (Multi-Breed) 4 May 20-21 October (Stirling)United Auctions, Perth Agricultural, Centre, East Huntingtower, Perth PH1 3JJTel: 01738 626183 Fax: 01738 636934 Bulls/Females

ABERDEEN Bulls/Females 25 FebruaryAberdeen & Northern Marts, Thainstone, Centre, Inverurie AB5 9XZ Tel: 01467 623700 Fax: 01467 623777

BALLYMENA Bulls/Females 4 MayBallymena Mart, Woodside Rd Ind Est, Ballymena, Co Antrim, N Ireland BT42 4HX Tel: 028 258 633470

CARLISLE Bulls/Females 8/9 May Bulls/Females 9 OctoberHarrison & Hetherington Ltd, Borderway Mart, Rosehill, Carlisle CA1 2RS Tel: 01228 406230 Fax: 01228 406231

DUNGANNON Bulls/Females 7 March / Females 1 June / Females 5 October / Bulls 6 NovemberDungannon Farmers Mart, 90 Granville Rd, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, N Ireland BT70 1NJ Tel: 028 8772 2727

WELSHPOOL Bulls/Females 16 April Bulls/Females 12 NovemberWelshpool Livestock Sales, The Smithfield, Mill Lane, Welshpool SY21 7BL Tel: 01938 553438 Fax: 01938 554607

BRECON Bulls/Females 23 AprilDai Lewis in conjunction with Messrs McCartney, Brecon Livestock Centre, Brecon Tel: 01559 363401

HOLSWORTHY Bulls/Females 29 AprKivells, Tavistock, Devon Tel: 01409 253275

NEWARK Bulls/Females 11 AprilNewark Livestock & UA Ltd, Perth Agricultural Centre, East Huntingtower, Perth PH1 3JJ Tel: 01738 626183

PETERBORUGH Bulls/Females Autumn 2009As Newark Date to be announced

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SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008Perth - 23 October

Charolais establish new UK record £5,564 average38,000gns top; 108 lots sold

Charolais bulls met a solid trade peaking at 38,000gns inPerth on Thursday 23 October, with a new UK all beefbreeds average of £5,564 established for 108 lots traded.Those figures represented the highest number of bulls ofany breed coming under the hammer sold during theweek’s autumn multi-breed sales.

“Trade was market led throughout by sucklerproducers who were aware that Charolais crosses havenot only consistently commanded premiums this season,but an even bigger price differential over other Continentalcrosses simply because of their fast and efficient growthand ability to finish to heavier weights which no longersuffer a penalty,” commented British Charolais CattleSociety chief executive, David Benson. “These sucklermen were also in no doubt that investing in Charolaiswould help them to beat the credit crunch.”

Sale leader at 38,000gns was the event’s reservejunior champion, Goldies Champion, a 17 month old bullout of the Killadeas Legend sired Kinclune Pipper. Bred byHamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfries, Champion wasknocked down sold in a joint bid to Charolais breeders,Adrian Ivory, Cardean and Bill Bruce, Balmyle, both ofMeigle, Perthshire who between then run 125 pedigreecows. “This bull had the looks, the shape and the growth,he was very good on his legs, and equally important, hehad good figures all the way through, in particular calvingease and growth,” said Mr Ivory. Champion was in thebreed’s top 10% with a Terminal Index (TI) of 33, a SelfReplacing Index (SRI) of 38 and Calving Ease Direct 3.6.

For Hamish Goldie, it was not only his best everday at Perth since taking over the family’s Charolais herd18 months ago, but he was also continuing the family’sreputed ability to turn out strings of consistent qualitybulls; his five lots to come under the hammer sold toaverage £12,600.

They included Goldies Carnival TI 26, SRI 37, asecond class prize winner at 9,000gns to Gilbert

Crawford, Maghera, Co Derry. Another May 2007 bornbull, Carnival was by the 15,000gns Carlisle championBurrradon Talisman, sire of the record 55,000gns PerthHuntingtower leading priced Thrunton Voldemort and outof a homebred cow, again by Killadeas Legend.

At 6,000gns, the 17 month old Goldies Crusader

TI33, SRI38, sold to J and W Kellas, Dufftown, Keith.Another Unbeatable son, he was out of a Kinclune breddam, also by Legend.

Hamish Goldie invested part of his day’s takingearlier on when he made a joint 25,000gns call withAlasdair Houston, Gretna Green for Thrunton Camelot

who 24 hours earlier had collected the overall senior maleaward for the Campbell family, Ian and John, their fatherColin and Ian’s son, Bruce. This 20 month old was out ofa homebred cow going back to Moncur General and bythe Perth supremo, Mowbraypark Orlando who wassecured almost 10 years ago at 25,000gns and has sinceproved a solid investment having bred three Perthchampions to gross 55,000gns.

Camelot, who is in the breed’s top 1% with a TI 37and SRI 47, and destined to run between the combinedherds of 130 cows, offered the ‘complete package’, saidMr Houston. “We admired his scale, power, outstandingpresence, good breed character and locomotioncombined with top end performance figures.”

The Campbells enjoyed one of their bestaverages in Perth in 30 years of making the round tripfrom Thrunton, Alnwick selling six entries to level at£11,602. Their next highest at 15,000gns was the firstclass prize winner, Thrunton Colorado TI 29, SRI 38, an18 month old by the 11,000gns Carlisle champion,Solwayfirth Union son and out of a homebred cow byMaerdy Location. He sold in a split bid to Neil Harvey whomanages a herd of 15 pedigree cows at Duns, andcommercial producer, Fred Murray with 100 suckler cowsat Wooler. “Colorado’s a bull with great width and fleshing

THRUNTON COLORADO was a 15,000gnspurchased by Fred Murray and Neil Harvey

BALMYLE CHURCHILL sold for 10,000gns tojoint members R.M Adam & Son (Newhouse) and

DFWH Walter (Balthayock)

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SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008ability combined with sheer volume and weight gain thatled us to make up our minds to secure him,” said MrMurray.

Another Solwayfirth Union son, this time the 18month old Thrunton Consort TI 29, SRI 37 and out of aMoncur General bred cow made 8,500gns to JI and WN

Stout, Stronsay, Orkney, while Thrunton Carabinier(February 2007), by Union and out of a Blelack Jaguarsired dam sold for 7,500gns to Kincraigie Farms,Lumphanan, Banchory.

The previous day, Colorado and Consort hadteamed up with Thrunton Cheviot to secure theCampbells the supreme champion group of three.Cheviot, an 18 month old Solwayfirth Union son, made6,800gns to HG Leslie, Rhynie, Huntly.

Next at 12,000gns was the intermediate andoverall supreme champion, Swalesmoor Cupid, an 18month old from Danny Sawrij, Eaglesfield, Lockerbie.“Cupid is a tremendous crossing bull, he’s clean, solid allthe way through, he handled the best over the hindquarters and he is fine boned,” commented judge, ColinWight after the four hour judging stint when he found thewinning entry was complemented by top performancedata being within the breed’s top 1% with a TI 38 and SRI45. The following day, Mr Wight backed his judgmentwhen he secured Cupid on behalf of his family, brotherJack and father John to run with their two pedigree herdsMidlock and Carwood totaling 70 cows and a further 330sucklers.

Sired by the 34,000gns Perth supremo, GoldiesUppermost, and out Blelack Una who goes back toBassingbourn lines, Cupid was no stranger to the ringhaving already secured both junior breed and juniorinterbreed titles at the Royal Highland Show. ForSwalesmoor’s Iain Campbell, Cupid was the best he’dturned out since being appointed as the unit’s farmmanager just five years ago and building up the herd to 40cows with a handful of selected families. “I’ve beeninvolved with Charolais virtually all my life, and winningPerth has just got to be the pinnacle achievement,” hesaid.

Minutes before, Cupid’s full brother, the 18 monthold Swalesmoor Cavalier TI 32, SRI 38 commanded a

bid of 7,500gns from HR Dalrymple, Ballantrae, Irvine.Swalesmoor achieved a second 7,500gns price tag, thistime for the April 2007 born Swalesmoor Cannon fromClark Farms, Carluke, Lanark. A Dingle Hofmeister sonand out of a Maerdy Neptune sired Logie cow bred by IainCampbell, he was within the breed’s top 1% with a TI 41and SRI 46 and was another familiar bull in the ring havingclaimed the M&S Elite Beef Breeder championship at theRoyal Highland Show.

Two entries went to 10,000gns. First to go wasthe Caithness Campbell, a 19 month old InverlochyResolve son and out of Cargriff Salsa purchased in aprivate deal as a heifer. Campbell was bred by Daniel andMargaret Campbell, who run a 45 cow herd at Occumster,Lybster and achieved their first five figure bull in more than25 years of breeding pedigree Charolais. He was knockeddown sold to J Innes and Sons, Huntley, Aberdeen.

The day’s second 10,000gns call was made forBill Bruce’s (Meigle, Perth) highest entry, Balmyle

Churchill TI 35, SRI 41, a 17 month old by BalmyleStatesman, a Dingle Hofmeister son and out of ahomebred cow. A first class prizewinner, he sold jointly tofather and son team, Drew and Bob Adam Newhouse ofGlamis, Glamis, Forfar and Major David Walter,Balthayock, Perth.

The leading entry from Northern Ireland at9,000gns was Sandelford Curtis TI 24, SRI 31, a 19month old from George Henderson, who runs a 10 cow

herd at Bushmills, County Antrim. Sired by Goldies Usherand out of a homebred cow by Drumeer Major, he wassecured by George Wordie, to run with his 230 cowsuckler herd based at Glass, Huntley. The previous dayCurtis carried off the reserve senior championship award,adding to his previous accolades – the Royal Ulster juniorinterbreed and reserve breed championships earlier thisseason on his only other trip out. Curtis’s stablemate,Sandelford Chaplin, another same way bred 19 month oldmade 5,200gns to R Sabiston, Finstown, Orkney.

At 9,000gns, John Jeffrey, Kersknowe, Kelsooffered his second class prize winner, Kersknowe Chief

to WJ Jack and Sons, Killearnan, Muir of Ord. This 18month old Burradon Tallisman son was out of a homebredcow going back to Killadeas Jack. The same breeder

Also at 10,000gns mark was CAITHNESSCAMPBELL knocked down to J Innes & Sons

GOLDIES CARNIVAL was a 9,000gnspurchase to Gilbert Crawford, Maghera

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CCHHAAMM PP IIOONN CCHHAARROOLLAAII SS

Left Column 3rd down: Stuart and David Bothwell’s

KILLADEAS CHARADE was the Junior Champion

Charolais and sold for 8,500gns

Bottom right column: The Reserve Junior Champion

and the top priced Charolais bull was Hamish Goldie

GOLDIES CHAMPION

Bottom left column. The Female Champion was

Harold Stubb’s DERRYHARNEY BETHANY selling for

3,800gns to Jenny Rix

The Senior Championship was won by JHC Campbell

& Sons THRUNTON CAMELOT. He was jointly

purchased for 25,000gns by Hamish Goldie

and Alasdair Houston

Gary Henderson’s Reserve Senior Champion -

SANDELFORD CURTIS sold for 9,000gns to

George Wordie of Cairnbarrow

The Intermediate and Supreme Champion was the

12,000gns SWALESMOOR CUPID purchased by

J.J Wight & Sons

The Reserve Intermediate and Reserve Supreme

Champion was Willie Whyte’s HINDESTONES

CRUISER purchased for 7,000gns by Greig Farms

8

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008offered at 7,500gns Kersknowe Cadet, another 18 monthold, this time by Moelfre Viscount and out of a homebreddam. The buyer was IHG Warden, Hawick.

Mr Jeffrey invested some of the takings by bidding8,500gns for Balnuith Carvalho TI 36, SRI 42. This 19month old by Balmyle Victor and out of a BalthayockLombardo sired homebred dam was the sole entry fromNeil and Sandra Caul, Liff, Dundee.

The day’s third and final 9,000gns call wascommanded by Blelack Canasta TI 28, SRI 33, theleading entry from father and son team, Neil and GraemeMassie, Blelack, Aboyne. This 18 month old was by the26,000gns Balbithan Vespasian and out of a homebreddam by Blelack Roger. He was knocked down sold toFrank Walton, Thropton, Morpeth. Another Vespasian son,this time Blelack Commando TI 32, SRI 37, made7,000gns to AH Fisher, Portpatrick, Stranraer and WDAdams and Son, Wigtown.

The much admired junior champion, Killadeas

Charade attracted 8,500gns, one of the day’s final calls,and made jointly by Kincraigie Farms, Lumphanan,Banchory and Nether Balfour Farms, Drumoak, Banchory.This 15 moth old youngster bred and exhibited by fatherand son team, Stuart and David Bothwell was by DunlonUlick and out of Killadeas Novelty, a member of their 35cow herd who is full sister to Killadeas Original, Jack andLegend. Charade was among the Bothwell’s highlysuccessful show team at Fintona where has was placedreserve intermediate champion.

Harestone Count, a June 2007 born first classprize winner by Maerdy Impeccable from Neil Barclay,Crathes, Banchory made 8,000gns to the Barker family,Nuthampstead, Royston.

Tedd Commander commanded the day’s second8,000gns bid from JJ Gordon, Wellheads, Huntly. A 16month old whose homebred dam went back to DoonallyNew, Commander was the sole entry from S Hunter,Irvinestown, County Fermanagh.

Finally bid to 8,000gns was Ann Macpherson’s(Dalcross, Inverness), Blackford Chieftain TI 26, SRI 32,another 18 month old Talisman son sold in a joint splitbetween DS Davies, Gorebridge, Midlothian and MessrsKer, Melrose, St Boswells. The same breeder also sold at

7,500gns Blackford Clansman, an 18 month old firstclass prize winner by Burradon Talisman and out of aThrunton bred cow by Haymount Jetstream. He wenthome with Hamish MacKellar to run with his 90 cowsuckler herd at Dallas, Forres.

A total of eight lots came under the hammer soldfor 7,500gns. First in the ring was Esgob Campbell TI 28,SRI 35, a 17 month old by the 18,000gns ThruntonVirginian, a Burradon Talisman son and out of a homebreddam from Gareth Jones’ 30 cow herd based atCwmtirmynach, Bala. The buyer was Donald Finlay andSons, Stirling. Campbell who was placed second in hisclass 24 hours earlier, was another entry to have alreadystolen the limelight; at the Royal Welsh Show he securedthe junior male, male and overall breed champion, thejunior interbreed championship and he teamed up with hispaternal sister to stand reserve in the pairs championship.

Lislea Con, an 18 month old by Doonally New,bred by Pat Murtagh, and exhibited by G Cutler,Enniskillen, County Fermanagh commanded a 7,500gnsbid from Michael Durno to run with his 160 cow sucklerherd at Glenlivet, Ballindalloch.

Alasdair Houston’s (Gretna Green) highest entryat 7,500gns was Gretnahouse Calypso TI 27, SRI 36, an18 month old by Burradon Talisman and out of ahomebred cow by Oldstone Egbert. The buyers were Aand H Sim and Son, Monymusk, Inverurie.

Elrick Cassius TI 29, SR 34, an 18 month oldBlelack Roger son and out of a Blelack cow by ThruntonDamien made 7,000gns to J Morris and Son, Easington,Aylesbury. A second class prize winner, Cassius was bredand exhibited by Michael Massie, Auchnagatt, Ellon.

The overall reserve supreme and reserveintermediate champion, Hindstones Cruiser, describedby the judge, Colin Wight as being ‘correct all the waythrough’, attracted a 7,000gns price tag from CG Grieg(Farms) Gateside, Fife. Bred and exhibited by WillieWhyte who runs a 16 cow herd at New Aberdour,Fraserburgh, this 18 month old was by the 8,500gnsCarlisle champion, Trefaldwyn Valiant and out of ahomebred cow by the 4,600gns Padeswood Mercedes.

A bid of 7,000gns secured Woodpark Cain for

BLELACK CANASTA was another bull to sellfor 9,000gns to Messrs Walton of Flotterton

Also at 9,000gns KERSKNOWE CHIEF toMessrs Jack, Woodend

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SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008

PP RR EESSEENNTTAATT IIOONN SS

Iain Campbell the Swalesmoor Charolais

manager received the Supreme Championship

accolades won by SWALESMOOR CUPID. From

left to right the judge Colin Wight, the CKD

Galbraith sponsor William Jackson. Holding the

sash are Fiona Wight, the BCCS Chairman Iain

Millar and the BCCS President Peter Vasey

The same team of presenters awarded the Senior

Championship awards to Ian Campbell and

THRUNTON CAMELOT

The Junior Male Championship was won by

David and Stuart Bothwell’s KILLADEAS

CHARADE. Along with Peter Vasey is CKD

Galbraith’s Simon Brown

HINDSTONES CRUISER from Willie Whyte

followed Swalesmoor Cupid throught the

Intermediate section to win the Reserve Supreme

Championship. William Jackson from CKD

Galbraith and Peter Vasey came forward to give

their congratulations

The judge Colin Wight carefully

checks his cattle

Fiona Wight (left foreground)

keeps a close safe eye on her

husband

10


Fawdon Farms, Powburn, Alnwick. Bred and exhibited byWill Short, Omagh, County Tyronne, Cain was byRumsden Tsar, out of a Skidoo sired homebred cow, andhad been placed first in his class.

Mike and Margaret Atkinson, Kirkby Malzeard,Ripon, offered their best, Mowbraypark Cavalier TI 29,SRI 38, at 7,000gns to JD Lindsay, Kirriemuir, Angus. ABurradon Talisman son and out of a homebred cow by thecouple’s renowned Mowbraypark Paramount, Cavalierhad already enjoyed success in the show ring; he was amember of the champion interbreed junior beef group atthe Great Yorkshire. This week he stood second in hisclass.

The female trade on Wednesday 22 October wasled at 12,000gns by Dunesk Unesta, one of a draft fromJimmy and Margaret McMillan, Farnell, Brechin to J Price,Staunton-on-Wye, Hereford. This five year old OldstoneEgbert daughter who is one of Scotland’s most highlycelebrated show cows, was offered in calf to BurradonTalisman. Unesta’s January born bull, Dunesk Dubai byBrampton Albert sold for 2,200gns to A Taylor, Brindsley,Nottingham.

A cow and calf pair from the same vendors made4,600gns to WR and M Mill, Westfield, Thurso. Dunesk

Octavia, was a 10 year old Seawell Icon daughter whileher yearling heifer, Dunesk Cleo was by Shraden

Talisman.Next at 3,800gns was the female champion,

Derryharney Bethany, a two year old heifer byDerryharney Usher and out of a homebred cow byOldstone Egbert. Bred and exhibited by Harold Stubbs,Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, she sold to John Rix,Nayland, Colchester.

Averages: 108 bulls £5,564.00Auctioneers: UA Ltd

BALNUITH CARVALHO was purchased byMessrs Jeffrey (Kerskowe)

Another top selling bull from the Campbellswas the 8,500gns THRUNTON CONSORT to

Messrs Stout of Orkney

From Northern Ireland came the 8,000gnsTedd Commander to John Gordon, Wellheads

Neil Barclay’s top selling bulls was the8,000gns HARESTONE COUNT TO Caylers Charolais

Anne MacPherson’s BLACKFORD CHIEFTAIN whosold for 8,000gns

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LEADING SIRES WITH MINIMUM OF 3 BULLS SOLD TO QUALIFY

Bull Range No.Sold Average

(gns) £

1 Solwayfirth Union 6,800-15,000 4 9,922

2 Balbithan Vespasian 3,300-9,000 4 6,510

3 Burradon Talisman 3,000-9,000 12 6,282

4 Dingle Hofmeister 2,600-7,500 3 5,810

5 Inverlochy Resolve 2,600-10,000 4 5,801

6 Gower Versace 1,900-6,500 3 5,040

7 Pedr Thumper 2,400-6,000 4 4,515

TOP 10 LEADING BREEDERS WITH A MINIMUM OF 4 HOMEBRED BULLS SOLD TO QUALIFY

Breeder Range No.Sold Average

(gns) £

1 H Goldie (Goldies) 3,500-38,000 5 12,600

2 JHC Campbell& Sons (Thrunton) 3,500-25,000 6 11,602

3 Swalesmoor Charolais (Swalesmoor) 2,600-12,000 4 7,770

4 James Jeffrey (Kersknowe) 6,000-9,000 4 7,538

5 S & D Bothwell (Killadeas) 6,000-8,500 3 7,175

6 NF Massie & Sons (Blelack) 3,200-9,000 5 6,279

7 R A Milne (Elgin) 5,000-6,500 3 6,125

8 MJ Massie (Elrick) 4,200-7,000 3 6,020

9 NR Barclay (Harestone) 2,500-8,000 3 5,950

10 W P Bruce (Balmyle) 2,400-10,000 6 5,460

BRECON - 9 OctoberBrecon Charolais peak at 4,000gns

Charolais bulls sold to a top of 4,000gns in Brecon onThursday 9 October at the breed society’s official sale.

Leader at 4,000gns wasthe reserve champion, Gower

Cartier, an 18 month old byMowbraypark Paramount and outof the Royal Welsh femalechampion, Gower Taffeta, dam ofthe £10,000 Royal Welsh juniormale champion, Gower Armarni.Bred and exhibited by Richardand Alison Tucker, Gower,Swansea, the buyer was HMorgan, Brecon.

At 3,000gns thechampion, the 21 month oldWesley Commando was knocked down sold to JP Wyatt,Monmouth. Bred by Wesley Estates, Markfield, Leicester,Commando was a Maerdy Rock son out of aBassingbourn sired homebred cow.

The same buyer, JP Wyatt went to 2,000gns forRoger Everall’s (Shrawardine, Shrewsbury), Shraden

Bruno, a two year old Shraden Osram son and out of a

homebred cow going back to Loganbar Herdsman. A second 2,000gns bid was made, this time by

Messrs Davies, Carmarthen forOakchurch Commandeur from J Price,Stanton-on-Wye, Hereford. Sired byTattenhall Impeccable, he was out of aMowbraypark bred cow by MowbrayparkParamount.Averages: six bulls £2,450Auctioneers: McCartneys

Left: The day’s Champion WesleyCommando sold for 3,000gns

Right: Saleleader at

4,000gns wasthe ReserveChampion,

Gower Cartier

12

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008DUNGANNON - 6 October

NI Charolais females peak at 3,500gnsCharolais females peaked at 3,500gns inDungannon on Monday 6 October at theNorthern Ireland Charolais Club’s show andsale. Sale leader was Sandelford Tasmin,an Oldstone Egbert daughter sold with herseven month old heifer by the 14,000gnsGoldies Usher. Bred by George Henderson,Bushmills the buyer was Vivian McGee,Dungannon.

Another same way bred heifer, thistime Sandelford Caprice from GeorgeHenderson commanded a 1,900gns bid fromMichael Deery, Eglinton.

Heading the heifer trade at 3,200gnswas John Erskine’s (Killylea) reservechampion to Brian Byrne, Banbridge.Dartonhall Bluebell was by the RoyalHighland champion, Ashleigh Victor.

Father and son team, Stuart andDavid Bothwell, Ballinamallard were amongthe leaders with two heifers. First to go at2,500gns was Killadeas Bramble, a DoonallyNew daughter, to Seamus Houston, Strabane.At 2,100gns Killadeas Betty was knockeddown sold to Ian Newell, Portadown. AClonkeefy MacAuley daughter, she was out ofa Brampton Embark sired dam.

Averages: 20 heifers £1,596; 3 cows withcalves at foot £2,029.65.

Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers’ Mart

Judge, Martin Donaghy and David Bothwell with his Supreme Champion, KILLADEAS CATHY

Fergal McKenna and judge, Martin Donaghy with the ReserveChampion and leading 3,200gns heifer, DARTONHALL BLUEBELL

First in her class, SANDELFORD CAPRICE fromGeorge and Gary Henderson’s

herd made 1,900gns

N I Charolais Club Chairman, John McGrath withHarold Stubbs and his 1,600gns class winner,

DERRYHARNEY CYNTHIA

13


HAMILTON’ S REDUCTION SALE - 6 NovemberHamilton females peak at 2,800gns

Firm Charolais demand underpinned by commercial sector

Spirited bidding for Charolais females was driven by thecommercial sector in Ross-on-Wye, on Thursday 6November, where bidding peaked at 2,800gns and a totalclearance was achieved when Messrs Turney staged amajor reduction of their Hamilton herd based at Tibberton,Gloucester.

The day’s leader at 2,800gns was HamiltonVogue, a four year old by Marwood Pedro and out of ahomebred cow by Mowbraypark Napolean. She was nostranger to the ring having secured the interbreed title atthe Three Counties Show earlier this season. Scanned incalf to Mortimers Rob Roy, she was knocked down sold toJames and Vanessa Webb, and joins their Rushfield herd,based at Billesdon, Leicester.

Next at 2,400gns was Hamilton Avalon, a threeyear old sold with her 10 month old bull calf at foot,Hamilton Dynamite. Sired by Mortimers Josh and out of ahomebred cow going back to Ploughfield lines, the pairwent to Mathew Impey, Leominster.

Another cow and calf pair, Hamilton Antoinetteand her January 2008 born bull, Hamilton Dartagnan by

Mowbraypark Napolean, made 2,100gns to SimonBostock, South Littleton, Worcester. The three year oldAntoinette was sold scanned in calf to Mortimers Rob Roy.

The seven year old Guys Sheba, by MortimersJosh commanded a bid of 2,000gns from LJ and ALJones, Painscastle. Builth Wells.

Top maiden heifer at 1,500gns was GuysChelsea, a 21 month old by Burradon Talisman who siredthe 55,000gns Perth supremo, Thrunton Voldemort.Chelsea whose damline went back to Blelack Greylagtravelled home with PJ Thornley, Llandeilo.

The sale’s leading male entry at 2,500gns wasHamilton Culprit, a 16 month old youngster by DoonallyNew and out of a homebred cow going back toMowbraypark Napolean. The buyer was Bell Farming,South Clifton, Newark.

Averages: 11 cows with calves at foot or in calf £1,756.36;five in calf heifers £1,092; seven maiden heifers £909;seven bulls £1,830.Auctioneers: UA and Ross-on-Wye Livestock Market

BCCS MEMBERS OFFICIAL HERD SIGN(Available only to registered breeders)

The Charolais motif is standard. Members names and prefixes will be individual to each sign. Orders may only be placed through the Society office

Delivery will be effected within 8 weeks of order. 24” wide X 21” deep. Vacuum formeddurable signs. Lettering in Navy Blue on White background. The Charolais colour motif. The sign may be mounted on a metal bracket as illustrated. (which is an optional extra)Prices: (Inc. of carriage)SINGLE SIDED SIGN, Plywood backed and framed £100.00 + VAT

DOUBLE SIDED SIGN. Plywood backed and framed £110.00 + VAT

DOUBLE SIDED PLUS BRACKET (as illustrated) £150.00 + VAT

PRIVATE BREEDNG WARRANTIES

All pedigree cattle sold under the auspices of their respective Breed Society at Official Sales are covered by theterms and conditions of the NBA Breeding Warranties that afford protection to buyers and sellers alike. The NBAPrivate Breeding Warranty affords better protection to sellers to use in Private Sales by individual Breed Society. Thecurrent price is just £10 for bulls and £5 for females. (The price is reduced for books of 10)

However, they are not well used, not because they don’t work but because many breeders are unaware oftheir existence. Consequently, the Pedigree Committee of the NBA has been asked to highlight the advantages ofusing them. For example, the purchaser shall have no right to claim damages from the vendor in respect ofcosequential loss (there has been a recent award of £32,000 for consequential loss in respect of a bull sold for only£2,000 which was not covered by an NBA warranty).

For further information contact the NBA at

www.nationalbeefassociation.com or telehone 01684 565442.

14

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008WELSHPOOL - 13 November

Commercial demand drives Welshpool Charolais to 5.400gnsSuckler men fuelled a solid trade for Charolais bulls inWelshpool on Thursday 13 November at the breedsociety’s official autumn show and sale, where biddingpeaked at 5,400gns and 40 lots sold to average £2,626accompanied by a 75% clearance.

“This event was the busiest ever at the centre; theringside was heaving, averages were up £400 a head onthe year and we sold 30% more bulls,” commentedBCCS’s David Benson. “Trade certainly reflected the factthat Charolais sired calves are consistently commandingpremiums this season on a weight for age basis, over allother suckled calves. Furthermore, it was worth notingthat this was the first sale in Welshpool since HCC’s threeyear Welsh Beef Quality Improvement Project and itsaccompanying support package came to an end.”

Sale leader at 5,400gns was Brynffanigl

Cannon, a 19 month old from Bob Roberts, BrynffaniglUchaf, Abergele. A Mowbraypark Urban son and out of adam bred from homebred lines, the buyer was G Jones,Llanrwst, Conwy.

Next at 4,400gns was Esgob Crackerjack, anApril 2007 born entry from Gareth Jones, Cwmtirmynach,Bala to WO Jones, Criccieth. Earlier on in the dayCrackerjack had been awarded the overall reservechampionship by judge, Ben Harman who described himas ‘genuinely classy’. “He is another wonderful bull by the18,000gns Thrunton Virginian who is leaving thatconsistent quality.” Virginian is by Burradon Talisman, sireof the 55,000gns Perth supremo Thrunton Voldemort.

Mr Harman went on to find his supremechampionship in the 19 month old Bailea Crosby whowas bred and exhibited by Brian Jones, Heol Senni,Brecon. “While there was little between the bulls in thefinal line up, Crosby was bang on 12 o’clock for thisevent,” said Mr Harman. “He was full of meat, he hadscale, an outstanding spring of rib, and he was beautifullypresented.” Sired by Suzeringie and out of a homebredcow going back to Gower lines, Crosby sold for 4,000gnsto IW Roberts, Dolgwyddelan, Conwy.

Two more lots were knocked down sold for4,000gns each. First class prize winner, Trefaldwyn

Celtic, a May 2007 born entry by Burradon Talismanmade 4,000gns to local producer, RT Jones, Dolanog,Welshpool.

Kevin Thomas, Newcastle Emlyn offered Moelfre

Chief, the third and final 4,000gns lot. A 19 month oldGretnahouse Vigorous son and out of a dam going backto Dingle Hofmeister, he went home with S and I Williams,Pantydwr, Rhayader. Later in the day, Mr Thomas offeredanother Vigorous son, this time Moelfre Cadet a 17month old out of a homebred dam by Doonally New andhe made 3,200gns to EH Anwyl, Staylittle, Llanbrynmair.

Two lots shared a 3,600gns price tag. First to gowas Hendy Columbo, a 20 month old by TullygarleyRollerball and out of a Moyness sired Nibheath dam. Bredand exhibited by John and Diane Rees, Llangurig,Llanidloes, the buyer was M Price, Upper Chapel, Brecon.

Another Rollerball son from the same stable, this time the22 month old Hendy Count, made 3,200gns to MessrsEdwards, Manafon, Welshpool.

The day’s second 3,600gns call came from IWRoberts, Dolgwyddelan, Conwy for Maerdy Canada, anApril 2007 born entry from Flintshire vet, Esmor Evans,Mold. Canada was by Maerdy Padirac and out of ahomebred cow by Maerdy Grimaldi. Later on the samevendor offered at 3,000gns the June 2007 born MaerdyCrown, bred from homebred bloodlines, to RNI Waters,Clun, Craven Arms.

The female trade was topped at 1,850gns byGaer Ophelia, a 10 year old Maerdy Iceman daughterfrom TE Jones, Welshpool. Ophelia was sold with her Julyborn twin bulls calves at foot, Gaer Diplomat and GaerDuke, by Kilcullen Ted, sire of Doonally New. The buyerwas Peter Darlington, Minshull Vernon, Crewe.

Averages: 40 bulls £2,626.35; 10 females £1,401.75.Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales

Supreme Champion, BAILEA CROSBYmade 4,000gns

Reserve Champion, ESGOB CRACKERJACKat 4,400gns

15


Sale leader, BRYNFFANIGL CANNONat 5,400gns

TREFALDWYN CELTIC sold for 4,000gns

MOELFRE CHIEF at 4,000gns

PRE SALE CHECKSTo avoid the disappointment of having cattle rejectedat the pre-sale inspections, members should carry outthe following checks before consigning Charolaiscattle to the Sales.

1. Check the I.D and documentation is correct

2. Check the dentition is correct and the incisorteeth are biting on the upper pad.

3. In the case of the bulls, check testicles arefirm and even sized and comply with the followingminimum scrotal circumferences:

13-18 months - 34-36cm18-24 months - 36-38cm>24 months - >38cm

4. Check the animals are free from warts (payparticular attention to the sheath and scrotal area)ringworm, mangeand otherinfectious orcontagiousdiseases.

5. Check theanimal’s feet andlegs are soundand the generallocomotion issatisfactory.

6. *All bullsmust be halter-ledand 13 months orover on the day ofthe Sale.

7. Check theanimals are ofgood conformationand in goodcondition andmeet the minimumweight for agestandard as perthe following chart.

Bull Weight

for Age

Guidelines

365 days530 kgs 585 days798 kgs370 537 590 803375 544 595 809380 551 600 814385 558 605 819390 565 610 824395 572 615 829400 579 620 834405 586 625 839410 592 630 844415 599 635 849420 605 640 854425 612 645 859430 618 650 864435 625 655 869440 631 660 874445 638 665 879450 644 670 884455 650 675 889460 656 680 894465 662 685 899470 668 690 904475 674 695 909480 680 700 913485 686 705 918490 692 710 923495 698 715 928500 704 720 933505 710 725 938510 715 730 943515 721 735 948520 726 740 953525 732 745 958530 737 750 963535 743 755 968540 748 760 973545 754 765 978550 759 770 983555 765 775 988560 770 780 993565 776 785 998570 781 790 1003575 787 795 1008580 792 800 1013

16

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008DUNGANNON - 14 November

Dungannon Charolais peak at 4,800gnsCharolais sold to a top of 4,800gns inDungannon on Friday 14 November at theNI Club’s autumn show and sale. Eventleader was Drumconnis Colossus, a 15month old Doonally New son who earlieron had been awarded the JuniorChampionship for John McGrath,Dromore. The buyer was Vivian McGee,Dungannon.

A bid of 3,900gns from HughLennox, Magherafelt secured the SeniorMale and Overall Supreme Championfrom Paterson Stewart, Omagh. AnotherDoonally New son, the 19 month oldCastlenure Cody was out of a homebredcow by Roundhill Rocky.

Next at 3,800gns was theReserve Junior Champion, Tonaghmore

Charles, a 16 monh old Crannon ‘Vincentson and out of a Chanterhill bred dam,from Harold Crawford, Fintona to MartinDonaghy, Dungannon.

William Nelson, Rosslea carried off the ReserveSupreme Championship with yet another Doonally Newson, this time Drumacritten Clementine. A May 2007born entry, out of a homebred dam by Blelack Leopold, hecame under the hammer sold for 3,300gns to AndrewGault, Ballyclare.

Two entries shared a 2,600gns price tag. First togo was the first class prize winner, Corbally Crackerjack

from M Tumelty, Downpatrick to Jonathan Adams,Magherafelt. This March 2007 born entry was byOldstone Egbert, and out of a Moorlough Palo sired dam.

The second 2,600gns bid went to C & K Marshalls(Ahoghill), Crosskeys Cashflow, a 14 month oldyoungster by Doonally New and out of a homebred damby Oldstone Egbert. The buyer was M McNeill,Cushendall.

Moses Irwin exhibits the supreme champion for Patterson Stewart,Omagh, right. Also included are Cormac McKervey from sponsor,

Ulster Bank and David Bothwell, judge

Dunmore Callum, a 20 month old GoldstarVladamir son from Derek Campton, Cookstown secured a2,300gns bid from J McDonnell, Antrim, while later on inthe day a second 2,300gns for Mountjoy Crusader, aJune 2007 born Tullygarley Superman son and out of ahomebred cow by Standsted Gladiator. The buyer was PMullan, Garvagh.

Average: 33 bulls £2,142.00Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart

Cormac McKervey, right, from sponsor, Ulster Bankpresents the reserve champion rosette to William

Nelson, Rosslea. Adding his congratulations isjudge, David Bothwell

The junior champion and top priced animal at theCharolais bull show and sale in Dungannon was

owned by John McGrath, Dromore and exhibited byStephen Brown who receives his rosette from

Cormac McKervey, Ulster Bank

THE CALF REGISTRATION FEE IS

£28.75 INCLUDING VAT

17


Trevor Phair, Enniskillen took the red rosette in theclass for bulls born in June 2007

Michael Tumelty, Downpatrick with his father,Michael and son, Jack won the class for bulls born

between 1 and 14 July 2007

Kyra Crawford, Fintona with her father, Harold arecongratulated by Cormac McKervey, Ulster Bank andJudge, David Bothwell on winning the reserve junior

championship

Charolais Breeders will see the benefit of performance recording their cattle. As from 1st April2007 performance recording was carried out by ABRI. For non-recording members wishing to

performance record their cattle please phone Barbara Webster on 01738 622478

CLARIFICATION FOR TRANSFER

OF OWNERSHIP

1. PRIVATE SALES OR NON-SOCIETY

SALES.

If a member sells registered Charolais cattle toanother BCCS member, or non member, signaturefrom the vendor authorising the sale is required inorder for the office staff to process the transfer ofownership and issue the transfer of ownershippedigree in the new ownership.

(Transfer of ownership forms are available free ofcharge on request from the Society Office)A fee of £20 + VAT is payable by the new owner tocomplete the transfer.

N.B A cow and calf up to 10 months of age isclassified as one unit.

2. TRANFSER OF OWNERSHIP FROM

OFFICIAL SOCIETY SALES

Cattle purchased from Society Sales will betransferred automatically to the new owners, if theyare already members, on receipt of the sale sheetsfrom the BCCS official auctioneers. Non-memberswill be contacted directly from the Society OfficeStaff.

All Cattle sold at Society Sales are transferredfree of charge.

LATE REGISTRATIONSThe registration period for Charolais calves iswithin 60 days of the date of birth of a calf.

The Council of Management has passed a bye-lawthat from 1st January 2004 a late fee of @25 + VATwill be imposed on all calves registered outside the60 day period.

18

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008CARLISLE - 21 November

Solid Trade for Carlisle CharolaisBulls to 4,500gns; Cracker females top at 4,400gns

Charolais bulls led the trade at 4,500gns inCarlisle on Friday 21 November at thebreed society’s autumn show and salewhich also featured the annualconsignment of Cracker females.

Sale topper at 4,500gns was theday’s reserve male champion, Esgob Cai,a 17 month old who was within the breed’stop 15% with a Self Replacing Index of 32.Bred and exhibited by Gareth Jones,Cwmtirmynach, Bala, Cai was by the18,000gns Thrunton Virginian, paternalbrother to Thrunton Voldemort who soldthe same day in Perth for 55,000gns. Caiwas knocked down sold to VS Allgood,Nunwick, Hexham.

Next in the bull section at3,800gns was Moelfre Commando, a 19month old second class prize winner byGretnahouse Vigorous and out of aThrunton bred cow by Mortimers Politician.Bred and exhibited by Kevin Thomas, whowas making a 600 mile round trip fromNewcastle Emlyn, Commando continued to travel northwith his buyers, P and M Watson, Durris, Kincardine,Aberdeenshire.

Two more Vigorous sons from Kevin Thomaswere knocked down sold at 2,500gns each to the samebuyer, Westcott Farms, Brentor, Tavistock. First was theApril 2007 born Moelfre Comet who was out of aMowbraypark bred cow by Mowbraypark Paramount.Later in the day, Westcott Farms secured Moelfre

Colorado, a June 2007 born entry out of a homebredMoelfre cow going back to Allanfauld and Moyness lines.

Vanessa Vasey, Wetheral, Carlisle offered Border

Centurian at 3,500gns to MR McCornick, Kirkcowan,Newton Stewart. Centurian was a 17 month old byEdenhurst Titus, while his homebred dam went back toOldstone Egbert.

Another Welsh bred bull making a successfuljourney from Wales to Carlisle was the second class prizewinner, Hendy Celt, an April 2007 born TullygarleyRollerball son and out of a homebred dam by DoonallyNew. Bred and exhibited by Wyn and Diane Rees,Llangurig, Llanidloes, he was purchased for 3,000gns byHG Graham, Chapelknowe, Canonbie.

A bid of 2,800gns secured Bleasdale Colorado

for JB Paterson, Amisfield, Dumfries. Another 19 month,Colorado was by a Doonally New, and he was offered bythe Kelsall and Marsden partnership, Goosnargh,Preston.

Three more lots were bid to 2,500gns a piece.First to go was the 21 month old Caylers Columbus, afirst class prize winner by the 15,000gns BurradonTalisman, sire of the 55,000gns Thrunton Voldemort and

out of a homebred cow going back to Killadeas Lloyd fromthe Barker family, Nuthampstead, Royston to WJF Vance,Whithorn, Newton Stewart.

Next at 2,500gns was Hackleton Chieftain,another 21 month old this time by Kilcullen Ted and out ofa homebred cow going back to Lendor lines. Bred byHackleton Farms, Hackleton, Northampton, the buyerswere IHW and JE Bothwell, Patna, Ayr.

Shraden Concorde, a May 2007 born entry fromRoger Everall, Shrawardine, Shrewsbury was secured for2,500gns by S and E Mair, Waterbeck, Lockerbie. Sired bythe 10,000gns Inverlochy Topsire, Concorde was out of ahomebred dam going back to Balthayock Matthew.

Heading the Cracker section at 4,400gns was thereserve female champion Mowbraypark Crystal whowas within the breed’s top 15% with a Self ReplacingIndex of 35. Bred and exhibited by Mike and MargaretAtkinson, Kirkby Malzeard, Ripon, this 21 month oldmaiden was by Inverlochy Topsire and out of a homebredcow by Mowbraypark Paramount. The buyer was FEHoad, High Blantyre, Lanark.

At 3,500gns, the Boden and Davies partnership,Mellor, Stockport secured Trefonnen Caroline, a March2007 born Burradon Talisman daughter and out of ahomebred cow from Mr and Mrs Roy Hughes, Trefonen,Oswestry.

The fixture featured a collective sale of femaleswhich was topped by a couple of cow and calf pairs fromTom Cox, Great Longstone, Bakewell. First at 4,500gns toCH and GA McDowell, Billesdon, Leicester was Bleaklow

Solitaire, a seven year old by Baggrave Minstrel sold withone of her March born twin heifers at foot, Bleaklow

ESGOB CAI the Reserve Male Champion from Gareth Jones was the top priced bull sold at 4,500gns

19

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008Dawn by Allanfauld Superscot.

A bid of 3,500gns secured the second outfit fromTom Cox for A and G Wood and Scott, Forest-in-Teesdale,Barnard Castle. Bleaklow Roche was an eight year oldBalthayock Nougat daughter sold with her March born bullcalf, Bleaklow Dambuster, by Superscot.

Andrew Sellick, Williton, Taunton went to3,300gns for Robbie and Kathleen Jackson’s (Seaville,Silloth) Seaville Vanity, a four year old by the 12,000gnsreserve Perth champion Mowbraypark Northend sold withher rising 12 month old bull, Seaville Countess byBurradon Talisman.

Averages: 22 bulls £2,488.98; six Cracker heifers£2,407.08; 26 collective females £2,671.70Shraden draft: eight lots £938.44; Mortimers reduction: 16head £1,109.07; Bilston draft: 10 lots £879.90

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington

MOELFRE COMMANDO from Kevin Thomas sold for3,800gns

MOWBRAYPARK CRYSTAL from Mike and MargaretAtkinson was the Reserve Champion female in the

Cracker section, and sold for 4,400gns

Tom Cox sold 6 lot’s to average £2,677.50 to a topprice of 4,500gns for BLEAKLOW SOLITAIRE and her

heifer calf BLEAKLOW DAWN

High Health Status Herds

For those Charolais members requiring informationon joining a CHeCS approved Cattle HealthScheme, the details for the three available schemesare as follows:

HERD CARETel: 0131 445 6294Fax: 0131 445 6102Email: [email protected] site: www.herdcare.com

HI HEALTH (Scotland only)Tel. & Fax: 01463 811125Email: [email protected] site: hi-health.co.uk

PREMIUM CATTLE HEALTH SCHEMETel: 01835 822456Fax: 01835 823643Email: [email protected] site: www.cattlehealth.co.uk

SEMEN ROYALTY FEES

Please note that Semen Royalty Feesshould now be sent into the office along

with the registration fee for the relevant calf.

A list of Semen Royalty Bulls and their

fees can be found in your

Breeder’s Directory.

If you are on Direct Debit the fees will betaken from your bank account, please do not send a cheque

20

XXXV WORLD CHAROLAIS CONGRESS

A party of 16 British CharolaisCattle Society delegates attendedthe 2008 World CharolaisCongress which was jointly hostedby the Hungarian, Slovakian andCzech Republic CharolaisBreeders Organisation. In total,there were approximately 150overseas delegates from 16countries, which was regularlysupplemented by local breeders atthe various events.

HUNGARY 15 – 21 August

Following pick-ups at Budapestairport, the opening ceremony washeld about two hours drive away inKecskemet. As the BCCSdelegation were delayed inBudapest airport waiting for otherdelegates, there was only time fora quick change and then a shortwalk across a square to a hallwhere the delegates werewelcomed and introduced to theofficials of the three hosting herd books. Following atypical Hungarian supper, entertainment was provided bylocal musicians and dancers in traditional costume.

16 August A 7.30 a.m. start was scheduled to take inthree Charolais herds. The first was at Kunadacs wherea pure-bred Charolais herd grazed, what we would call anarea of SSI, in the Kikunsag National Park. The grazingwas old native grasses and flowers of 230 hectares whichflooded in Winter.

The herd comprised 120 cows and is one of onlyseven “stock herds” of the Hungarian Charolais CattleBreeders which are allowed to sell breeding bulls.

Because the grass is of low quality, the cattle grazeextensively and because the area is not fenced, there is astockman with two German Shepherd dogs supervisingthe herd throughout the day. His role is two fold. Firstly,to herd the cattle within the boundaries of the park, and,secondly, to protect the herd from poaching. At night theherd is contained behind an electric fence.

In another section at Kunadacs was a commercialbeef herd where Charolais was used as a terminal sire on

XXXV World Charolais Congress15 – 27 August 2008

The British Charolais Delegates pictured on farm at Marton Bujdoso’s unit

The cattle keeper with his German Shepherd Dogs

Bill Dunlop and some of the International delegatesholding court at Trojmeji

21


the native Hungarian Grey beef cows. The next visit wasto a similar pure-bred breeding herd at Kunpeszer, whichwas well off the beaten track.

The final herd visit in the afternoon was at thefarm of the then Charolais International president, andChairman of the Congress Organising Committee, MrMarton Bujdoso at Lajosmizse, near Bartal.

The Charolais Ltd herd was founded in 1981 andnow numbers 460 cows and followers to give in excess of1,100 cattle. Marton was the first Hungarian Charolaisbreeder to introduce polled Charolais genetics into hisherd from North America. This Charolais herd has beenthe most successful breeding and showing herd in

Hungary over recent years. To such an extent that semenfrom his polled bull, Zart Szallo, had been introduced intothe Charolais Expansion polled breeding programme inFrance.

The land at Lajosmigne is light and sandy, andapart from the cattle, he grows 20 hectares of paprikatogether with orchards of sour cherry, apricot, Japaneseplum and cherry which are used to make the 41° Palinkaspirit which was served up each morning to prepare thedelegates for the long day ahead. This herd visit, and thehospitality given, was of the highest standard.

Dinner and entertainment in the evening wasprovided at the Tanyacsarda Equestrian Park.

Hungarian Grey X Charolais Cattle at KunadacsCharolais judging underway in Lajosmigne

Hungarian Horseman

Hungarian Grey Cattle in the World Heritage site at Hortobagy

Charolais bulls at Charolais Ltd

Marton Bujdoso, the then World Charolais Presidentaddressed the delgates during his farm visit

22


17th August Coach transfer was from Kecksemit back toLajosmigne where the programme was split between acattle show and the official delegates attending theCharolais International Annual General Meeting, togetherwith receiving several presentations on cattle breeding inthe three countries from distinguished speakers.

At the AGM, Bill Dunlop was elected as theCharolais International President to coincide with Australiaholding the 2009 Charolais Technical Meeting atRockhampton and to coincide with the tri-annual BeefExpo event. Bill is no stranger to Charolais, having been

associated with the breed for almost 40 years. He is stillas enthusiastic about Charolais as he was in those earlydays and will make an excellent ambassador for thebreed.

18th August A 6.30a.m. start with a boxed breakfast onthe coach headed off to Hortobagy National Park which, at82,000 hectares, is the largest continuous grassland areain Europe. To break the journey, a visit was made to anorganic grain drying plant.

There followed a fascinating tour by horsecarriage to a very flat, dry, sandy area of the HungarianPuzta, to view a herd of Hungarian Grey cattle, and also

An oxen drawn cart

The delegates gather round at Homgogd-Dichaza

The Abauji Charolais heifers grazing rolling wold land

A Charolais show was laid on at Abauji

23


to visit examples of wild pigs and water buffalo. Therewas also an exhibition of the traditional Hungarianhorsemen, and a team of six oxen pulling a cart. Theovernight stay was in Lillafured.

19th August The delegates departed for a mostinteresting day to visit two huge farming enterprises. Thefirst was at Homrogd-Dichaza. This 5,000 hectare unitwas on undulating land, similar to wolds. Seventy twopeople were employed there between the large arableenterprise and the Charolais herd which consisted of 320cows and followers, together with a commercial Charolaiscross-bred herd of 220 Charolais sired cows. The

Charolais herd was called Abauji Charolais and wasformerly the state farm Szikszo, which was visited twentyyears ago during the 1988 World Charolais Convention.Initially, a herd of Hereford cows was imported from theUK but was replaced by the more highly productiveCharolais cattle. This farm was the first farm to importcattle into Hungary from France in 1978. A.I. for easycalving is used on heifers, and A.I. is used for two cycleson the cow herd which calves primarily from 1stDecember up to 30th April, with about 10% of the cowscalving in August and September. Following the secondcycle, two bulls are turned out with about 60 cows and theresultant calves are DNA tested for proof of sire.

About 40 bulls are sold for breeding and theresultant bulls and cull heifers, are fattened to 600-700kgs and exported to the Italian and Greek markets.

The second farm visit to Szerencs Agricultural plc,was a huge set-up with various highly efficient enterprises.We were greeted by the managing director, GyorgyOsvay, who was the manager of the company when it wasstate owned. The area of the farm took in fourteenvillages and, apart from the 400 Charolais cow herd, hada milking herd herd of 850 dairy cows. There were 5,300hectares of arable crops, 1,200 sows producing 26k-27kslaughter pigs per annum. A poultry enterprise was

Iain Millar presented Marton Bujdoso and ZoltanDomokos with a gift from the BCCS, during dinneron a Danube cruise to celebrate St Stephen’s day

The square in Bratislava

Charolais bull demonstration at Nitra

left:Gyorgy Osvay manager

of the SzerencsAgricultrual plc

below:Charolais cattle withthe Tokaj hills in the

background


24

producing 100 million eggs per annum, together with achick rearing flock of birds to provide their own egg layers.

The whole enterprise was self contained andprided itself on its conception to consumer traceability.

The Charolais herd grazed 920 hectares of whichsome 534ha was in an SSI for flora and fauna. The herdwas split 50:50 Spring and Autumn calving.

Following the farm visits, dinner – along with winetasting – was taken in the tunnels of the famous Tokajwine producing, volcanic area.

20th August There were two options. The first was a5.30 a.m. start to visit the Flower Carnival in Debrecen,which was most impressive, with beautifully decoratedfloats followed by musicians and dancers. The secondwas a more leisurely start for a free day in Budapest. Allthe delegates joined up in Budapest for an evening boatcruise on the Danube to enjoy a dinner and fireworksdisplay to celebrate St Stephen’s Day. St Stephen wasthe first King of Hungary, and on the 20th August eachyear there is a National Bank Holiday in celebration of theking.

21st August After a morning sightseeing tour ofBudapest (which has Buda in the North and Pest, theflatter area of the South, split by the Danube), thedelegation set off for the Slovak city of Bratislava, againsituated on the River Danube.

Bratislava is an ancient, beautiful city, combiningits heritage with a vibrant modern city which is well wortha visit.

22nd August The Slovakian Charolais breeders, underthe chair of Istvan Pomichal, now led the delegation to awelcome at the Agroinstitute in the city of Nitra. Therefollowed a show of Charolais cattle at the AgrokomplexFairground.

The Showground was a huge area, similar in sizeto the Royal Showground. Local breeds of horses, cattleand sheep were displayed, together with an exhibition ofCharolais and Charolais cross-bred cattle. Following theshow, a memorable evening was enjoyed at the MalantaCastle, where dinner and entertainment, by musicians anddancers in local costume, was provided.

Istvan was thanked for the hospitality shown by theSlovakian Charolais Breeders by Iain Millar, and the

Charolais International President Bill Dunlop

Charolais cattle at Trojmeji

Hotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, the casino setting for‘Casino Royale’

Charolais cattle grazing a reclaimed site followingopen cast coal mining at Sokolovska Uhelna


25

The last evening was held in the square in Prague

23rd August The bags were packed again for a threehour journey into the Czech Republic to a Charolaisexhibition at the Prerov Showground. Charolais cattlewere exhibited both indoors and outdoors in pens.

Following the show, the transfer to the beautifultown of Karlovy Vary took place.

24th August The Czech Republic Charolais breeders’chairman was Milan Strudl, who was responsible for a 330Charolais cow herd at Sokolovska Uhelna. The company,with 4,700 employees, is the largest company in theKarlovy Vary region. Open cast coal mining in a 50sq.km site is the prime business. The mines are thenback filled to produce forestry, grassland and recreationalactivities. It is on 450 hectares of the reclaimed pasturethat the Charolais herd grazes. This herd represents thelargest Charolais herd in the Czech Republic. After a tourof the herd, lunch was taken in the golf course clubhousewhich had also been constructed on part of the open castsite.

25th August We travelled to the western part of theCzech Republic to visit another large farming operation atTrozmeji, managed by Milan Zahradnik. We visited threefarms, which totalled 1,300 hectares. The farms were atan altitude of 600m and had an annual rainfall of 800mm.The second unit was only 300 metres from the old West

German border and, during the Iron Curtain days, wouldno doubt have been well policed.

Originally, Aberdeen Angus cattle grazed thefarm, but in 2003, when the new owner took control, theAberdeen Angus cattle were replaced by Charolaisbecause, in their words, ‘Charolais respond to marketrequirements better than the other breeds on a long termbasis’. The Charolais herd was based on French importsand numbers approximately 400 cows and rising. Themajority of the bulls are sold into the Italian finishing

market, with a few retained for breeding. Yet anotherinteresting visit which was well hosted, and well receivedby the delegates.

The Gala Dinner was held that evening in theHotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary. This was a memorableevening in a remarkable setting, made famous for beingthe setting of the opening scenes in the James Bond film,Casino Royale. At this event, the usual tributes weremade, and a presentation was made by the AmericanInternational Charolais Association to invite Charolaisbreeders from around the world to visit the XXXVI WorldCharolais Congress to be held in Texas in the Spring of2010.

26th August was the penultimate day for the BCCSdelegates with the delegates visiting a brand newperformance test station at Cunkov. There was ademonstration of Charolais cattle which were to beauctioned after lunch. The cattle were bred primarily fromCharolais Expansion bloodlines, with a few polled cattleon offer.

There was an overnight stay in Prague with a freeevening to take in the beautiful buildings and bridgeswhich make Prague such a “must see” venue.

In summary, the Congress was most enjoyable,despite some long coach journeys which lasted up toseven hours! Our hosts were most welcoming, thestandard of Charolais cattle were generally high, and of afunctional nature. They were basically white sucklercows, with the top end used for breeding, and the rest verygood commercial feeding cattle. The cities of Budapest,Bratislava and Prague are all modern, vibrant westerncities which are well worth a visit.

On the down side, the national beef herds in thethree countries has dropped by over 50% since 1990 and,in Hungary, beef consumption is down from 7.1kg/head toonly 3.9kg/head.

In the Czech Republic, they had improved theircalving ease from 82% calving with no assistance, orslight assistance, in 1993 to 97.7% in three generationsup to 2007.

Over the same period, the yearling averageweight had improved from 486 kgs for bulls to 540 kgs.The quote of the Congress had to be that

“CHAROLAIS RESPONDS TO MARKET

REQUIREMENTS BETTER

THAN THE OTHER BREEDS ON A LONG-TERM

BUSINESS”

CHAROLAIS CATTLE AND AD LIB FEEDING ACHIEVE TOPPERFORMANCE AT CULFORK

26

Charolais cross cattle, carefully selected for conformationand growth potential, achieve top performance and hit thetop grade virtually every time for brothers, Gordon,Stewart and Dougie Walker at Culfork, Alford,Aberdeenshire.

“No other breed can match the performance andweight gain of the Charolais,” says Stewart, who runs the530-acre farming enterprise withGordon, while Dougie works full-time with Aberdeen and NorthernMarts.

And most farmers would beenvious of the grading sheets fromMathers (Inverurie) Ltd which showthat of the 219 cattle slaughtered sofar this year, no fewer than 208have classified U for conformationand three have even made the rareE classification with only eightclassifying R and none falling intothe lower categories. Averagecarcase weight was just over 400kg.

A snapshot of one group ofhome-bred cattle saw 48 steerskilling-out at 437kg deadweight at21 months with all but five achievingU grade and 41 heifers tipping the scales at 373kg at 19months of age and all but eight hitting U.

“With a premium of 6p/kg for U grade comparedwith R, it pays to make sure you get as many as possibleinto the higher category,” says Stewart, who admits hekeeps cattle a month longer to make sure they hit the topgrades.

“But we seldom getanything grading higher than 4H forfat cover and keeping them a littlebit longer ensures a better killing-out percentage,” he points out.

The key to achieving thishigh level of performance is the useof superior Charolais sires in theirown herd of 110 cows, most ofwhich are Simmental cross with afew Limousin cross, and the carefulselection of Charolais cross stores,most of which are sourced either inOrkney or at Thainstone Centre.

“Buying the cattle right isimportant,” says Stewart. “We try tobuy cattle with a bit of potential and outcome and not toolean. Cattle that will go on and grow quickly from the daythey come home.”

And the Walker’s don’t scrimp on buying the bestwhen it comes to selecting stock bulls for their own herd.One of the current stock bulls, Clinterty Uranium, by theFrench sire, Jumper, bred by Brian Buchan, Clinterty, NewAberdour, was purchased at Perth for 7500gns and theother, Balthayock Reuben, by Dingle Hofmeister, bred byMajor D H Walter, Balthayock, Perth, cost 5000gns whenpurchased at the Conglass suckler herd dispersal atThainstone Centre.

With price penalties for carcases weighing over420kg and the ending of the Beef Special PremiumScheme, the emphasis at Culfork is now on heifers ratherthan steers.

And the adoption of a Total Mixed Ration toreplace the previous silage and barley regime, hasallowed throughput to be increased by a third with no

increase in overheads, except forthe acquisition of a second-handmixer wagon.

“The job is easier as we are nowfeeding only once a day comparedwith twice previously and the cattleare performing well on an ad libdiet,” says Gordon.

The ration, devised by Harbrosales specialist, David MacKenzie,comprises silage plus a mix ofbarley, Invercrombies (wheat darkgrains), molasses, and an 18%protein Grampian blend withminerals and Yea-Sacc to aid rumendigestion. This is fed at a low barleyinclusion rate initially which isquickly stepped up within a fewdays. No problems with bloat or

laminitis have been encountered. Silage is made availableat two bales per week between 40 animals. Yearlinghome-bred cattle receive Harbro’s Cattle 35 concentrateover the first winter.

Target weight gain is 1.7kg/day and feed costworks out at £1.72 per kg of liveweight gain.

“The cattle never stand still as you just can’t affordto have them go through a storeperiod,” says Stewart. “You’ve gotto keep them moving to achievehigh weight gain and get themaway as quickly as possible.”Health is also vitally important toensure good performance and allcattle are vaccinated for worms,fluke and pneumonia at housing.Quality has always been thename of the game at Culfork andcattle from the farm used to dowell when shown at ThainstoneCentre or in carcase shows.Stores are now purchased all theyear round and fast-finished over

three or four months.“Ad lib feeding has certainly helped us achieve

better performance and increase our annual throughputby a third,” says Gordon. “We are achieving a satisfactorymargin at present but, with costs increasing all the time, itis absolutely vital that returns for finished cattle remain atleast around the present level.”

Stewart enjoys nothing better than sitting in hisfront room of a summer evening watching his cattle grazecontentedly. Little wonder that he has named his house“Charolais View”!

The Walker brothers, left, Stewart and Gordon

An impressive group of finished Charolaiscross bulls ready for slaughter

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WHY DO SOME CATTLE PERFORM BETTER THAN OTHERS? ....................the answer lies in the genes

If you buy in store cattle to finish, then using your eye to sift through the good, the bad and theindifferent may be a relatively straightforward process, however have you actually considered

what’ s ‘ under their skin’ and these beasts real genetic potential?

Making a conscious decision to purchase store cattlesired by a high genetic merit Charolais bull is a newlyadopted strategy that is paying dividends for the Dorefamily, who finish 600 head of bought in cattle each year.“We had no idea of the varyingdegrees of potential performancewithin store beasts until last year whenwe bought some cattle sired by highgenetic merit bulls. They really openedmy eyes to the fact here was anopportunity to exploit potentialperformance that we’ve never beenable to achieve before,” according toAlan Dore.

Twelve months ago hepurchased 56, seven month old bullsfor finishing purposes from the samesuckler herd, and they were all byCharolais bulls within the breed’s top10% on Terminal Index. They went onto average 438kg deadweight in 447days from birth to slaughter andrecorded an average lifetime dailycarcass gain 0.98kgs; seven graded within the Especification, 46 U and three R, while one was in fat class2; 38 in fat class 3 and 17 in fat class 4L.

“This season, we’ve purchased another crop ofbulls and also heifer calves from the same suckler herd,and this time they’re by Charolais bulls within the breed’stop 1% on Terminal Index. We’re confident thatthey have the potential to achieve even higherlevels of performance so we’re feeding themharder from the start and intend to reduce thebulls’ days to slaughter by four weeks and hit440kg at just under 14 months, while we plan totake the heifers through to an average 320kgtarget weight at 14 months.”

The Dores, Alan, his brother, John andtheir respective wives, Kathleen and Jane run atraditional arable beef finishing enterprise atHome Farm, an 860 acre owner occupied mixedunit, at Glapwell, Mansfield, comprisingContinental cross cattle bought in marts orprivately via an agent or at the farm gate.

“We target bulls to finish between 360kgand 420kg deadweight and for them all to gradewithin the 3,4L specification,” he says. “However, wefound this particular batch of Charolais cross bulls wasexceptional. Their growth rate was phenomenal, bothframe and muscling, compared with other Continentalcattle we had previously accessed. In fact they’ve outperformed any other crosses we’ve ever reared before interms of weight gain combined with grading within thetarget specification. I also believe that performance wasenhanced by the fact Charolais crosses are relatively veryplacid and content.

“It’s those higher levels of performance whichhave been consistent throughout the group that reallymatters. However, there’s always the exceptional one ortwo in any group, and in this particular instance we

recorded one bull achieving526.8kg deadweight in 480 daysfrom birth to slaughter and a dailycarcass gain 1.098kgs, and heclassified U+4L. “Furthermore, being able to take

the bulls through to heavierweights, and still grade within ourtarget specification hasintroduced us to an option ofmarkets. This season we sold theentire packet of bulls to Kepak –we received a flat rate payment,plus premium according to gridspecification, and the vastmajority were traded on for export. “These cattle had also been IBR

vaccinated and wormed prior topurchase which was of major

benefit to the extent that literally100% remained healthythroughout the finishing period.”

On arrival to Home Farm, the weaned calvesaveraging seven months old, are introduced to strawbedded yards and a 16% CP diet comprising grass silagesupplemented with home grown barley and bought in

proteins. Approximatelyone tonne barley is fedper head over thefinishing period.He adds: “We would liketo find more suckledcalves bred by producerswho are aware of thebenefits of using highgenetic merit sires overtheir cows to leave thesehigh performance calves.In fact, it would be ofbenefit to the entireindustry if all suckler menselected their bulls morecarefully.

“I also think it would help the industry if suckledcalf producers communicated to us finishers, either at theringside, from the rostrum or at the farm gate, the geneticpotential of their calves. If they use a performancerecorded registered bull, then they will have the tools tohand as far as his EBV data is concerned. In turn, thosefigures help us make more informed decisions on ourpurchases to select the cattle with the highest potentialperformance and in turn, the highest margins.”

Alan Dore

Calves by top 10% TI Charolais sires

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CHAROLAIS DOWN UNDER by Sam Milne

Originally founded in1970 by Peter Bondfield, thePalgrove herd was amongstthe first to import and utilizeBritish genetic lines sourcedthrough the Milk MarketingBoard UK, in an attempt tointroduce a new era into theAustralian beef productionindustry, which up until thistime had predominantlyHereford, Angus, Brahman,and Drought masterbreeding bases. Since thenDavid and Prue Bondfield(current stud owners), havestrived to drive the breedforward and widen theappeal to both commercialand stud producers alike.

A c r o s sapproximately 5000 hectares(spread up and down thefertile Queensland eastcoast), the herd incorporates 1500 breeding females,1000 of which are registered pure. Embryo transplantprograms run through out the year, utilizing 350-400recipient females of varying cross breeding, and thispractice allows the precise targeting and phenotypematching to ensure the main breeding objectives areachieved within the system, “To produce geneticallyreliable beef cattle, demonstrating high fertility, aboveaverage growth rates without surrendering calving easeand demonstrating optimal muscling and finishing ability”

As you can imagine with vast numbers andextensive country, a busy schedule is always on theagenda at Palgrove. On arrival to Australia at thebeginning of February, preparation for the annual femalesale in March was well underway. Single vendor sales(where the proprietor of the animals to be sold employsselling agents to market and sell the cattle on property),are common in Australia as they provide the primeopportunity for the stud not only to promote their productin terms of evenness across the herd but also opens themarket and allows “an opportunity for long terminvestment in quality bloodlines in outstanding cattle”.Palgrove Charolais pioneered the idea of holding a femalesale in 2005 (sale average 05. $5830 over 204 lots), andsince then rising affluence of the breed has resulted incontinual success and ever increasing averages. To seean in calf donor cow sold for $70,000 at a single vendorsale held in the farms own sale ring was definitely a sightto see!

Palgrove “All Stars” Female Sale average. 2007

* 52 Heifers $3442 25 Cows and Calves $9280 * 40 In Calf Heifers $6388 10 Donor Cows $15,800* 22 Show prospect Heifers $10,447 38 In Calf Cows $4803* 15 Recipient Cows $4167

Overall Sale Average $6618 —————— Overall SaleGross $1, 3000 00

Embryo Transplant programs are frequently utilized withinthe herd and the March program incorporated 23 donorcows flushed to pre selected A.I bulls. As with any embryowork, great care is taken to ensure a good flush result isachieved in order to justify the financial outlay of theprocess. It is therefore vitally important to take into closeconsideration the correct male to female phenotypematching, ensuring that the calf produced has the bestpossible genetic make up of both the sire and the dam. Towiden the genetic pool in the herd and supply the varietyrequired for such procedures, David has sourced A.I siresworldwide (New Zealand, Ireland, America and the U.K).Results from E.T are never 100% guaranteed but whenthe going is good it certainly pays off with the draft of 11special E.T heifers at the female sale averaging $11000and topping at $33,000.

Preparation for the yearly bull sale inAugust is underway from April with the top end ofapproximately 600 bull calves weaned returning to themain finishing unit at “Strathgarve” for initial selection and

Stockman Russell Brunton herding Charolais cows and calves

As the Charolais breed continues to prove itself to be the profitable option for commercial and studbreeding in the UK, the demand for efficient growth rates, optimal conformation scorings and superb

muscling and finishing ability is mirrored on the other side of the globe in Australia, where I havespent the last five months working with the premier stud herd in the country ‘ Palgrove Charolais’ .

29

CHAROLAIS DOWN UNDER by Sam Milne

processing. Successful calves must demonstrate soundstructural attributes, soft pliable skin and sleek hair type,refined lines across the shoulders and a good character ofhead. The bull sale incorporates around 180-200Charolais bulls, including 30 F1 Charolais cross Angusbulls (ideal for commercial utilization in Australianmarkets). The sale draft is prepared on grazed forageoats with supplementary ad lib protein pellets and highquality corn and barley silage mixes to maximize growthand performance pre sale. This practice is common inAustralia as the ground conditions and growing seasonsuit the oat crops which provide an excellent finishing feedthat does not push the animals, and ensure that workingconditions are maintained for the day of sale and beyond.

The most exciting prospect for the 08 sale is theAustralian introduction of Bova Sylvain calves. Semenrights purchased from Bova A.I in 2006 hascomplemented the femaleline at Palgrovetremendously andreturned calves thatdemonstrate excellentconformation, locomotion,bone and temperament.In general the Australiantype of Charolais is farmore refined than theirFrench and Britishcousins, however the useof bulls such asBallandalloch U.F.O,Burradon Talisman,Seawell Offshore, GoldiesUnbeatable and BovaSylvain is workingtremendously into thesystem, producingprogeny that has adefined selling power andstamps the quality ofFrench and Britishgenetics.

The main showevent on the Charolaiscalendar every year is theBrisbane Royal Show.Due to the number ofCharolais studs in theQueensland and New South Wales area, the show boaststhe biggest entry of Charolais in Australia (approx. 200head). As the show coincides with the run up to the timeof most stud bull sales it also provides the primeopportunity for advertisement of potential sale animalsand promotion of up and coming genetics that are madeavailable at the vendors sales. The Palgrove team willhave around 14 to be exhibited at the show and will hopeto match their previous performance at Sydney show inMarch, where the team of 10 achieved well including BestPair of Bulls, Junior Reserve Champion Bull, OverallFemale Exhibit and Overall Charolais Champion with a

cow and calf and Most Successful Exhibitor for the thirdyear in a row.

As with the sale of any modern day stud prospect,performance figures are an added attraction and give thebuyer an insight into how the animal is set to perform. InAustralia the Breedplan system has been utilized foraround 15 years and has proved to work well, however insome cases too much emphasis has been put onproducing livestock to achieve optimal performancefigures and at the end of the day the guide that theyprovide in relation to how the animal breaks down under askeptical eye proves that they are still merely a roughestimation. Gene star Ratings are also a commonperformance guide in Australia and this process involvesa D.N.A based diagnostic test for major genes associatedwith meat marbling and tenderness. These results areobtained by sampling hair roots, semen or blood and

determine the dominance of favorable genes relating tothe meat structure and feed conversion efficiency. Thefigures are represented in a star rating and are a quickand easy guide for commercial buyers looking to sourcesires that will maximize the performance of their herd.

There are many things to take from the Australiansystem such as; emphasis on productivity, bulk handlingand management of livestock, breeding for specific nichemarkets and the importance of good promotion. It isrecommended to all!

Samuel Milne, Elgin Charolais.

David Bondfield and Sam Milne showing the Supreme ChampionCharolais at the Sydney Royal Show

PALGROVE - going for moderation

Australian Charolais breeders, David and Prue Bondfieldhave made a return whistle stop tour of the BritishCharolais herds which also took in Perth bull sales.

“We have a large herd, and we’re continuallyseeking to add to the genetic pool and keep it as fresh aspossible for our customers,” David explained. “We’relooking for genetics that we believe will work well in ournatural harsh environment and for our marketplace, andBritish Charolais appeal to us because they are functionalin terms of growth, muscle, stature and breed character.”

The Bondfield’s scale of operations cannot beunderestimated. The couple run the 1,250 cow purebredPalgrove Charolais stud on six different properties basedin Queensland and New South Wales amounting to27,000 acres and managed by just eight staff. Thepedigree herd is complemented by a further 700commercial cows.

The herd which is Breedplan performancerecorded and claimed to be the country’s leadingCharolais performance herd, features an annual on farmauction of 180 bulls, plus a further 800 bulls sold privately,mostly to large scale commercial breeders. Palgrove’sannual ET programme includes 60 donor cows, between15 and 20 different sires and 400 embryos forimplantation. The entire breeding programme andselection procedures are managed by David and Prue.

“We’ve watched over the years as Britishbreeders have imported some very good cattle from

France and then developed these genetics more alongthe lines of what we are seeking for Australia,” heexplained. Palgrove was one of the first Australian herdsto import semen in 1969 with Tattenhall Impeccable, MMBApollon and MMB Aga Khan, while the latestconsignments include Seawell Offshore, GoldiesUnbeatable and Burradon Talisman.

“There is however one difference, we are focusedon breeding bulls that leave cattle to meet Australia’sspecific market requirements; 80% of our bull sales are tocover Brahman or Brahman cross cows, and significantlymore back fat cover and marbling on the carcase isneeded for both the domestic supermarket and Japaneseexport markets. In fact, we are happy to forgo some yieldin order to achieve that cover, so our clients’ cattle are notpenalised by the processors.”

Commending British Charolais breeders formeeting the UK terminal sire requirements, he noted: “Asa pedigree breeder, we are wary of extremes in any onetrait. For our cattle, like the majority of things in life, traitselection is all about compromise and consistency. Wehave learnt the value of breeding Charolais that fit thespecifications and are practical for the markets yet stillretaining functional and fertile genetics.

“Since we introduced Breedplan recording toPalgrove in 1991, we’ve attempted to achieve thatbalance by selecting below average birthweight andaverage or above average for growth and eye muscle

area.”Palgrove is one of

Australia’s original Charolaisstuds and attempts toprovide buyers with the mostcomprehensive carcase andperformance data of anyCharolais herd in thecountry. David and Pruework closely with theircustomers, commercialfarmers, and provide fullafter sales service, includingbreeding advice and help inselecting and marketingprogeny. It goes withoutsaying, the Bondfields havehad a major influence inpositioning Charolais as thenumber one Continentalterminal sire in Australia.

Australia’ s leading Charolais performance herd

David and PrueBondfield watch the

Perth Judging

30

31

Explanation of Estimated BreedingValues for Cattle Selection

The EBV is best estimate of an animal’s genetic merit and potential for a particular trait.

MILK

Calculated on the weight taken between 80 & 300 daysof age adjusted to 200 days and for dam age.This is a good estimate of the milking ability of femaleoffspring from a particular bull.Bulls with a high milk EBV have more milky

daughters.

CARCASE WEIGHT

Estimate the genetic difference in carcase weight at astandard age of 650 daysAn important trait for finishing cattle

EYE MUSCLE AREA

Estimates the genetic differences in eye muscle area ofa 300kg dressed carcasePositive EBVs indicate better muscling.

FAT

Estimates the difference in rib fat depth in a 300kgdressed carcase.More positve EBVs indicate more subcutaneous fat

and earlier maturity but may incur penalties at

grading.

RETAIL BEEF YIELD

Represents total boned out meat as a percentage of a300kg dressed carcaseThis is an important trait in all finished cattle.

TERMINAL SIRE INDEX

A combination of growth and carcase trait EBVs and is ameasure of a bull’s ability to produce prime steers andheifers for the finished marketA high index indicates that the progeny mature at an

earlier age and at a heavier weight.

SELF REPLACING INDEX

Index for use in both commercial and pedigree herdswhere you are balancing the requirements of selectingreplacement females while also producing animals forslaughter at around 16 months of age.A high index indicates that the progeny are suitable

for both tasks

SEE PAGE 33 FOR EXAMPLE OF BAR CHART ANDEBV’S GRAPH ABOVE THE BULL AT THE SALE

ACCURACY

An accuracy value is given with every EBV and gives anindication of the amount of information available and usedin the calculation of that particular animal’s EBV. The higher the accuracy the more relevant the EBV as

more information has been analysed from the

animal’s relatives.

CALVING EASE

Based on calving difficulty score, birth weights andgestation period information.Negative EBVs can mean more difficult calving while

positive EBVs generally mean easier calving.

DIR Direct calving ease

VERY High negatives are bad

VERY High positives are good

DTRS Daughters calving ease

Indicates how well the animal produces daughters thathave easier calving.VERY High negatives are bad

VERY High positives are good

Birth Weight

Weight of calf at birth adjusted for dam age.Particularly important when selecting a bull for

heifers

200 DAY WEIGHT

Calculated on the weight taken between 80 and 300 days,adjusted to 200 days and for dam age. This is the bestsingle estimate of an animal’s genetic merit for growth toearly agesThe higher the EBV the higher the suckled calf or

weaning weight.

400 DAY WEIGHT

Calculated on the weight of the progeny taken between301 and 500 days adjusted to 400 days and for dam ageHigher EBV indicates earlier maturing progeny and a

greater weight at an earlier age.

600 DAY WEIGHT

Calculated from the weight of the progeny adjusted to 600days and for dam age.Best single estimate of an animal’s potential growth

beyond yearling age.

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CHAROLAIS BULL ARE IN VOGUE - fact or fiction?

We asked a random selection of suckler men at the October Perth bulls sales why theychose Charolais as their herd’ s terminal sire. The resounding response was basic fact:

WEIGHT FOR AGE.

British Charolais bulls consistently deliver unbeatablegrowth rates to their progeny, a factor which offers bottomline benefits throughout the chain; Charolais crossescommand leading prices in the store ring, while finishersare achieve the highest returns.

These suckler producers also chose Charolais forpractical reasons; the calves have good temperament –they’re quiet to manage, and their dominant colourmarkings prove to be an asset in the sale ring.Furthermore, they’re now finding Breedplan data isenabling them to readily identify those easy calving bulls.

Ronald Sinclair, Stromness Orkney: 210 cows

“It’s that extra weight that counts, the morekilos add up to more money. We sell our

Charolais crosses in the store ring at16 to 18 months and averaging600kg, and their prices are wayahead of other crossbreds. We endup in the day’s top average price

bracket; this year we sold to £940 ahead and the crop averaged £890. We

sold to repeat buyers.”

Michael Durno, Glenlivet, Aberdeenshire: 160 cows

“First and foremost, growth. We get thegrowth from our Charolais crosses, as

well as a quality carcase. I’m the thirdgeneration of the family to useCharolais bulls over our sucklerherd and we’ve moved with the

times; we’re breeding suckled calvesthat are clean through the middle,

they’ve good ends, they’re lighter bonedand easier to calve.

“The entire crop is sold through Thainstone at 12months, steers averaging 480kg and heifers, 440kg.They’re usually among the day’s top averages and thisyear sold to average a respective £780 and £750. Ourtrade once again confirmed Charolais is the breed for thefuture, helping to meet the demand from finishers seekingcattle to finish to heavy weights.”

Hamish MacKellar, Dallas, Morayshire: 90 cows

“Weight gain. They’re easy to sell in thering to finishers who know they’ll

continue to grow, kill out well andleave some money for them too.This year’s crop of yearling’s,ranging between 420kg and 500kg,

sold through Huntly to average £820- we had one of our best ever days. The

future? After using Charolais for more than30 years, the breed is definitely here to stay.”

George Wordie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire: 230 cows

“Weight for age, you can’t go past Charolaiscrosses; we’ve used Charolais since the

1970’s and from experience we knowthere no other similar breed thatdelivers. Any other same ageContinental sired yearling is going tobe 50kg lighter. This year we sold

yearling steers at an average 455kgand £818, and yearling heifers at an

average 420kg and £740. We were among the day’s topaverage prices.”

Kenneth Morrison, Huntly, Aberdeenshire: 200 cows

“Growth. I’m most interested in producingcattle with the highest gross weight to

achieve the subsequent highestgross price. Our Charolais crossesare always the heaviest to gothrough the ring and that’s what thefinishers are looking for, particularly

since the weight restrictions havecome off and they’ve new export

opportunities. With that new and welcome bottom in themarket, it’s even more attractive for us to be sellingCharolais crosses. We’ve just traded through Huntly 115yearling steers and heifers averaging 425kg and 175p perkg.

Jim Warnock, Biggar, Lanarkshire: 190 cows

Weight for age and quality conformation;it’s as simple as that. We put our eggs

in more than one basket; steers weresold this year through Lanark at 12.5months from 475kg to 525kg toaverage £920, the day’s leading

average price. The other big thingabout Charolais crosses is their

uniformity in size and colour, we can batchthem up for the store sales better than other crossbreds.

“We take the heifers through to finishing at anaverage 18 months and 400kg deadweight. HoweverCharolais cross heifers have that natural fleshing abilityand we like to exploit their potential; we can kill them atany age without them getting over fat.

“We’ve used Charolais over the herd for morethan 40 years; is the breed here to stay? You bet.”

James Herdman, Alnwick, Northumberland: 120 cows

“Weight for age. Since the headagesupport payment went, store cattlebuyers are looking for beasts that canachieve a quick return for their money,and quite clearly, it’s the Charolaiscrosses they go for compared with

33

other lighter Continental crosses. This season we sold 15month steers averaging 500kg and same age heifers at470kg, for the highest average we have ever made.

“Temperament is also a big bonus, particularlywhen there is just me and my stockman on the unit, andit’s a factor which I believe leads in turn to higherperformance.”

Jimmy Walton, Rothbury, Northumberland: 420 cows

“Charolais crosses grow, they respond to feed and wehave that confidence they’re always

going to sell well. That comes fromexperience of using Charolais formore than 30 years. This seasonwe’ve sold yearling steers to a topof £935 to average £791, while we

finish the heifers at an average 18months and 580kg liveweight.”

Colin Wight, Biggar, Lanarkshire: 330 cows

“Charolais crosses weigh more, they convert feed farbetter and are easier fleshed than any other Continental

cross. At the end of the day they’re worthat least £100 ahead more than other

cross bred animals in the marketplace.”

David Corfield, Bishop’s Castle,

Shropshire: 120 cows

“Fast growth and good conformation; that’swhat finishers want to buy, and other crossbreds just don’t

have both those criteria. Added to that istemperament which you can’t put a

value on. We’re currently finishingthe majority of our cattle at 18months, bulls to 800kg liveweight,steers to 700kg and heifers to

600kg.“We’re Charolais through and

through and have such a belief in thebreed’s future that we’ve recently set up our own pedigreeherd. Now we know from first hand experience both sidesof the fence why Charolais is number one.”

PROOF OF PARENTAGE

If there is any doubts over theparentage of a calf phone the

office for a DNA Typing SamplingBag.

A wrong parentage can at a laterdate be found out and prove costly

SEPTEMBER 2008 BRITISH CHAROLAIS BREEDPLAN ANALYSIS

Calving Ease

Direct(%)

Calving Ease

Daughters (%)

Gestation Length(days)

Birth Wt. (kg)

200DayWt.(kg)

400DayWt.(kg)

600DayWt.(kg)

Mat.CowWt.(kg)

200DayMilk(kg)

ScrotalSize(cm)

EyeMuscleArea(sq cm)

FatDepth (mm)

RetailBeefYield(%)

IMF(%)

EBV +2.6 -0.4 - +1.6 +17 +46 +46 - +4 +1.0 +3.2 +0.3 +0.5 +0.1Acc 39% 36% - 58% 65% 67% 61% - 39% 63% 41% 46% 44% 31%

Breed Avg. EBVs for 2006 Born Calves Click for Percentiles

EBV -1.9 -1.3 +1.0 +2.5 +22 +36 +42 +41 +3 -0.1 +3.0 -0.3 +0.8 +0.0

Traits Observed: 200WT(x2),400WT(x2),SS,FAT,EMA,IMF,Hide Index Values

SELECTION INDEX VALUESMarket Target Index Value Breed AverageBCCS Terminal Index +25 +21BCCS Self Replacing Index +32 +25

EXAMPLE OFEXAMPLE OF

BAR CHARTBAR CHART

AND EBV’sAND EBV’s

GRAPH ABOVE THE BULL

AT THE SALE

The bull’s EBV for each trait are listed

down the left hand side and the mid point

of the graph is the breed average for each

trait.

Coloured bars which apper to the right of

the mid point are advantageous.

Remember to take into account the

ACCURACY from the figures in the

catalogue

Breeders should select a bull according to

the traits that are most important to their

particular

breeding programme

SEE PAGE 31 FOR EXPLANATION

OF EBV’S

34

REGIONAL REPORTS

Northern IrelandCharolais Celebrations

The Northern Ireland Charolais Club members celebratedtheir successes over the past year at their annual dinnerand presenation of awards in the Valley Hotel,Fivemiletown. The evening began with a receptionsponsored by the club chairman, John McGrath and theexcellent dinner of Charolais beef was cooked toperfection by the Valley Hotel. Sponsors of the variousshows and sales throughout the year attended and thetrophies were presented by Molly Robinson. Cecil andMolly Robinson were special guests at the event and werepresented with a gift for all the assistance they have giventhe breed and the club over many years.

Cecil and Molly Robinson received a special awardat the Charolais dinner in the Valley Hotel,

Fivemiletown in recognition of all the assistancethey have given the breed and the club over the

years. They are pictured with the NI Charolais Clubchairman, John McGrath

John Henning, Head of Agriculture, Northen Bankand his wife, Anne, present David Bothwell with theNorthern Bank trophies from the Charolais spring

show and sale

Brian Donaldson, left, Impartial Reporter, admires theRobert Scott shield which David Bothwell and his

wife, Shirley won at the NI National Charolais showat Fintona

Matthew Mitchell fom Cookstown was a little bitcamera shywhen CliveMorrison of

United Feedsand Susan Phairpresented himwith the juniorstock judgingshield. United

Feedssponsored thesenior team’stravel to theRoyal show

Anne McGrath, daughter of the NI Charolais Clubchairman, John McGrath gives John Currie a hand

with the Frist Trust Trophy he won at the Marchshow and sale

35

REGIONAL REPORTS

Danny McKay, left, DSB Developments presentsSeamus Bellew with a piece of Tyrone Crystal forwinning the championship at the November show

and sale last year

Brian King, right, RUAS President, and RandallHayes , centre who assist with stewarding at the NI

National Charolaisi Show at Fintona were guestsat the Charolais dinner and study the trophy list with

the club chairman, John McGrath

A talented line-up! Daughtersof the owners

of the Balmoralchampion

exhibit the veryspecial BardinTrophy at the

Charolaisdinner. The

ownerswere MartinDonaghy,Gregory

Donnelly and Sean McGovern. Collecting the trophyon their behalf are , back row, Eimear and ClodaghMcGovern, with Michaela Donaghy. Lending theirsupport in the front row are Orlagh and Caoimne

McGovern

Winners of the Dectomax championships at ClogherValley Show are pictured with show secretary, Ruth

Montgomery and Frank McCrystal, Pfizer AnimalHealth. Back row, William Oliver, Martin Donaghy,vice chairman, British Charolais Society; David

Bothwell and Sean McGovern

Happy 80th! JohnCausey,

Cookstowncelebrated his 80thbirthday at the NI

Charolais Clubdinner in theValley Hotel,

Fivemiletown andwas congratulated

by the clubsecretary, Doris

Leeman

Charolais suckled calf competition and provide theUstler Bank trophy for the November show and sale

is pictured with the championship winner,Gordon Cutler

REGIONAL REPORTS

36

Charolais spectacular at FintonaAn impressive turnout of both pedigree andcommercial Charolais at the NI NationalCharolais Show at Fintona gave the judgesan arduous task and ensured a wonderfulspectacle for the large crowd of visitors whoattended.

Both the supreme female championand reserve were taken by Gilbert Crawford’sCoolnaslee herd at Maghera which boasted astrong entry of cattle at the event.

And it was another strong team whichprovided the supreme male champion –Stuart and David Bothwell’s Killadeas herd atBallinamallard. In fact this quality line-upclaimed the reserve intermediate malechampion; the Intermediate femalechampion; the reserve junior femalechampion and of course, the senior malechampion which went on to take the suprememale championship of the show.

A super entry of commercial cattlewas led by John Killen, Crossgar with hisjunior homebred steer. John, ably assisted byhis daughters Shauna (10) and Katrina (8)has enjoyed a wonderful show season with this exhibitsecuring supreme champion at Castlewellan and MaleChampion at Balmoral earlier this season.

Louise Breen also shared in the successcollecting the reserve commercial championship with herstylish junior heifer.

John McGrath, chairman of the NI Charolais Clubcongratulated the Coolnaslee herd, the Killadeas herd andJohn Killen on the quality of their teams and thanked all ofthe exhibitors for bringing out cattle that portrayed thevalue of the Charolais breed. He thanked Kevin Thomasfrom Carmarthenshire for his expertise in judging thepedigree classes and Ewan McPherson from Argyll for his

professionalism in judging the commercial section.A strong line up of sponsors funded each class,

ensuring that prize winners had a worthwhile day out.Commentator, well known auctioneer, William

Wilson from R A Noble and Co. kept everyone in touchwith the judging decisions and pointed out that GilbertCrawford’s senior female and supreme female champion,Coolnaslee Bopeep , is by his very successful stock sire,Allanfauld Superscot and is out of a Roundshill Oho dam.This dam is out of the same cow, Coolnaslee Regina,

which bred the female champion at last year’s event. Abull from the same dam was senior male champion at aclub sale in Dungannon and sold for 5,500gns. Speaking

David Bothwell collected the Supreme Male Championship and firstprize in the AN Irwin Bull Class between 1st January and 30th April

2007 with Cuillmore Casper. Adding his congratulationsis Nigel Irwin from A N Irwin

William Taylor of William Taylor AgriculturalEquipment picks another winner as he sponsoredthe class for females born between 1st July and 31

December 2006 and this class produced theSupreme Female Champion, Coolnaslee Bopeep

owned by Gilbert Crawford, exhibited by Sam Milliken

Derryharney Carryon was Reserve Supreme MaleChampion and Intermediate Male Champion afterbeing placed first in his class for owner HaroldStubbs. Natural Nutrition kindly sponsored this

class and are represented by Jack Maguire, Robert Wright and Robert Brownlee

REGIONAL REPORTS

37

at the end of the event, judge, Kevin Thomas describedthis heifer as a “future herd builder”.

Gilbert’s reserve supreme female champion andreserve senior female was Coolnaslee Countess,another Allanfauld Superscot daughter. Her dam isCoolnaslee Trella, which was sired by the Derrygiff Millsson, Coolnaslee Trident. Trident sold in Perth for 7000gns.

The supreme male champion was Cuillmore

Casper which was purchased in Carrick on Shannon lastApril. Stuart Bothwell was judging that event and madehim supreme champion. He felt that, at one year old, thisbull was long and clean with great power and a good backend. Casper is by Dromisklin Viceroy and is out of theIndurain dam, Cuillmore Sarah.

Stuart and David Bothwell envisaged Casper as afollow-on stock sire to Dunlon Ulick but Ulick is breedingso well that they are planning to take Casper to the Perthsales in October so that is one to watch out for.

The reserve male champion was alsoIntermediate male champion and came from HaroldStubb’s herd at Lisnaskea. Derryharney Carryon is byGlennbridge Andrew, a sire that Harold bought in May 06

and sold in Perth in October 06 for 9000gns. Carryon isout of a Simpsons Gregg dam, Derryharney Ruby whichhas bred very well in the Derryharney herd.

Gordon Cutler exhibited the reserve senior malechampion, Lislea Con, a Doonally New son which waspurchased from South of Ireland breeder, Pat Murtagh.

Bothwell’s reserve Intermediate male champion,Killadeas Charade, is a Dunlon Ulick son out of KilladeasNovelty, a full sister of Killadeas Jack which made17.000gns in Perth. In fact the dams of all the successful

Killadeas bred stock at Fintona go back to the famousKilladeas Beryl cow.

The junior male champion came from PatHackett’s herd at Clogher, Fury Classic is by Fury Action,the sire Pat sold in Perth for 18,000 guineas. He was ablyassisted in the ring by his daughter Cara (14).

Taking the reserve award in the junior male section wasJames McBride, Strabane with Moorlough Chico, aBurradon Talisman son.

Stuart and David Bothwell were again in thechampionships in the Intermediate female section takingthis award with Killadeas Carmel, a Dunlon Ulickdaughter out of Killadeas Rhoda, another Killadeas Beryl

Pat and Cara Hackett were delighted to win theJunior Male Champion with their entry Fury Classic.Martin Donaghy, BCCS Vice Chairman was on handto add congratulations along with Anna McGrath,

daughter of John Mcgrath, Chairman of the NICharolais Club

KILLADEAS CARMEL was Intermediate FemaleChampion . Owner David Bothwell is congratulated

by Libby Clarke from the N I Charolais Club

The Teemore Engineering class and Junior FemaleChampionship was won by Valerie McDonald withGLENCOE CUTIE. This super heifer was shown by

Paddy McDonald, and he was presented with hisaward by Billy Wilson, Teemore Engineering

Clodagh and Caoimhe McGovern representedsponsors Nugent Engineering to present the award

for the best female in its class which went on tomake Reserve Supreme Female,

Coolnaslee Countess

REGIONAL REPORTS

38

descendant.The reserve Intermediate female also came from

Fermanagh with Kenneth Veitch, Lisbellaw exhibitingThrunton Christina, a Solwayfirth Union daughter bredby J H C Campbell and Sons.

Valerie McDonald from Newry carried off thehonours in the junior female section with an OldstoneEgbert daughter, Glencoe Cutie.

The Killadeas herd were again to the fore takingthe reserve junior female award with another Dunlon Ulickdaughter, Killadeas Crocus, out of Killadeas Nadia,whose pedigree again goes back to Killadeas Beryl.

Class Results:

A. N. Irwin Class for bulls born on or between 1st

January 2007 and 30th April 2007 - 1. S and D Bothwell,Cuillmore Casper; 2 Gordon Cutler, Lislea Con;

A.B.N Class for bulls born on or between 1st May 2007

and 30th June 2007 –1.Steven Hunter, Tedd Commander;2.Mr and Mrs. W Nelson, Drumacritten Clementine;

Natural Nutrition Class for bulls born on or between 1st

July 2007 and 31st August 2007 – 1.Harold Stubbs,Derryharney Carryon; 2. S&D Bothwell,Killadeas Charade

Grove Agriculture Class for bulls born on or between 1st

September 2007 and 31st December 2007 – 1.Pat Hackett,Fury Classic ; 2. John McBride, Moorlough Chico

McClellands Livestock Sales Class for bulls born on or

between 1st January 2008 and 30th April 2008 – 1. S & DBothwell,Killadeas Danny; 2 Paul McGovern, ShancoDynamo

Dungannon Farmers Mart Class for females born or

between 1st January 2006 and 30th June 2006- 1. GilbertCrawford,Coolnaslee Bella ; 2.Harold Stubbs, DerryharneyBethany

William Taylor Agricultural Equipment Class for females

born on or between 1st July 2006 and 31st December

2006 – 1.Gilbert Crawford,Coolnaslee Bopeep; 2. RaymondCrawford, , Aughafin Biddy

Nugent Engineering Class for females born on or

between 1st January 2007 and 30th April 2007 – 1.GilbertCrawford, Coolnaslee Countess; 2. S&D Bothwell, KilladeasCathy

DonnellyQuarries class for females born on or between

1st May 2007 and 31st August 2007 –1.S and S Bothwell,Killadeas Carmel 2.K Veitch, Thrunton Christina

Teemore Engineering Class for females born or between

1st September and 31st December 2007 – 1.Mrs. VMcDonald, Glencoe Cutie; 2.S&D Bothwell, Killadeas Crocus

Erne Veterinary Group Class for females born on or

between 1st January 2008 and 30th April 2008 – 1.BrianJordan, Taveycorner Daisy; 2.Gilbert Crawford,CoolnasleeDiane

Commercial Section

Linden Foods Class for Junior Commercial Steer

showing no hard teeth –1.John Killen; 2.Kieran Quinn

Western Cars Class for Junior Commercial Female

showing no hard teeth – 1.Louise Breen; 2. D & A McCrea

Donegal Agri Store Class for Suckler calf male born in

2008 – 1.Peter McKenna; 2. O Kane Bros

Three Valley Vets Class for Suckler calf born in 2008 – 1.O’Kane Bros; 2. Declan McKennar

PEDIGREE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sponsored by British Charolais Cattle Society

Senior Female Champion - Gilbert Crawford, CoolnasleeBopeepReserve – Gilbert Crawford, Coolnaslee Countess

Intermediate Female Champion – S & D Bothwell,Killadeas Carmel.Reserve – Kenneth Veitch, Thrunton Christina.

Junior Female Champion – Mrs. V. McDonald, GlencoeCutieReserve –S & D. Bothwell, Killadeas Crocus

Senior Bull Champion –S & D Bothwell, Cuillmore CasperReserve – Gordon Cutler, Lislea Con

Intermediate Bull Champion - Harold Stubbs, DerryharneyCarryonReserve – S & D Bothwell, Killadeas Charade

Junior Bull Champion – Pat Hackett, Fury ClassicReserve – John McBride, Moorlough Chico

Supreme Female Champion of the Show –GilbertCrawford, Coolnaslee Bopeep.Reserve –Gilbert Crawford, Coolnaslee Countess

Supreme Male Champion of the Show - S & D Bothwell,Cuillmore CasperReserve – Harold Stubbs, Derryharney Carryon.

COMMERCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sponsored by Fane Valley Co-op.

Commercial Champion - John Killen, Crossgar(pictured above)Reserve – Louise Breen , Augher

PLEASE VISIT www.charolais.co.uk FOR FURTHER PICTURES

39

BB RR II TT II SS HH CC HH AA RR OO LL AA II SS GG RR OO UU PP TT OO SS WW EE DD EE NN44 -- 77 MM AA RR CC HH 22 00 00 88

AA ll ll WWee ll cc oo mm eeWednesday, 4th March 2009

13.15 Depart London Stansted on Easyjet flight 346516.00 Arrive Copenhagen AirportMeet your local guide and travel by train on a 12 minute journey to Malmoe to join awaiting coachDinner and overnight at Ekerodsrasten, a real good motel owned by the Risberg brothers who also run a Charolais herdof 200 cows.

Thursday, 5th March 2009

Breakfast at Ekerodsrasten before looking at the Risberg brothers herd.Travel 50 km north to Broadakra Charolais to look at their 60 cows, lunch at the visit.Continue 100 km north to Jatsberg Charolais to visit their 55 cows.Travel the remaining 200 km north to Sjogestad motel for dinner and overnight.

Friday, 6th March 2009

Breakfast at Sjogestad and then travel 20 km to FogdegardenCharolais a 50 cow herd.Continue on to Gismestad test station, the bull sales starts at 1200.Return back to Ekerodsrasten for dinner and overnight.

Saturday, 7th March 2009

Breakfast at Ekerodsrasten before departing hotel for a day of herdvisits.20.55 Depart Copenhagen Airport.21.45 Arrive London Stansted Airport

COST

Based on a minimum of 10 pax sharing twin bedded accommodation = GBP 555.00Single room supplement = GBP60.00

Cost includes:Flights from London Stansted Airport to Copenhagen3 night’s motel accommodationMinibus2 Lunches3 Dinners

Not included:Transfer to and from London Stansted AirportMeals other than indicatedTravel insuranceItems of a personal nature, i.e. telephone calls etc.

Flights can be arranged from alternative airports at additional costs, but due to flight timings some must also include anadditional night accommodation.

Edinburgh – connection flight to London Stansted with overnight at Stansted on 7th March 2009, approximatesupplement £115.00 per person based on sharing a twin room.

Birmingham or Manchester – direct flight to Copenhagen on 4th March but return flight from Copenhagen on 8th Marchso overnight accommodation at Cophenhagen Airport, approximate supplement £90.00 per person based on sharing atwin room.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Agricultural Travel Bureau Ltd & Barfield Travel & Tours, 14 Chain Lane, Newark, Notts NG24

1AU

Tel: 01636 705612 Fax: 01636 707600 Email: info:agritravel.co.uk

Website: www.agritravel.co.uk

40

REGIONAL REPORTSScotland

Scottish & Northern Charolais Breeders and North East and Central Scotland Charolais Club Report by Alison Gray / Scottish & Northern Chairman David Grant

North East and Central Scotland Chairman Adrian Ivory

The committee would like to wish all our members ahappy & prosperous new year. We look forward to theforth coming sales and shows and hope that commercialand pedigree breeders can turn out in large numbers tosupport local and national shows improving on last year.

LOOK BACK ON 2008 YOUNG HANDLERS AND

FUTURE YOUNG HANDLERS

Well without a doubt I think there are two people in theabove photos who are trying to kid themselves on!!!!

Border Club Secretary Retires

Nora Jefferson has retired as Secretary of the Border Clubafter an amazing 19 years, but I am sure Nora will still bevery active helping the club with their social eventsthroughout the year. On behalf of the above clubs wewould like to wish Nora all the best and also wish the clubsnew secretary Sophie Bell all the best in her new post.

Wales Trip

May 28th, 29th, 30th 31st (3 Nights) we will be travellingby coach, by the time you receive this newsletter I shouldhave most of the itinerary for the trip finalised, if you areinterested on coming on the above trip a deposit of £50.00would be required which will be non-refundable. We hopeto keep the cost of the trip to approx £300.00 but it willdepend on numbers for the coach.

HIGHLAND SHOW

We will require help on the same basis as the last fewyears from members to carry out a couple of hours on theThursday, Friday and Saturday Morning if you can,contact Alison who will allocate your preferred day andtime. The usual BBQ in conjunction with the North East andCentral Scotland Club will take place on the Thursday25th June if you would like tickets for the BBQ they

must be reserved by 18th June. The cost per ticket isnow £12.00.WE MUST STRESS THAT WHEN THE TICKETS ARE

ALL SOLD WE CANNOT CATER FOR LATE COMERS.

Wednesday 1st July 2009

Scottish Beef Cattle Association Beef FayreTo be held at Pitlochie farm, Gateside, Fife we requirehelp with home-bakes and on the day if you are able tohelp please give me a call.

CHAROLAIS NATIONAL SHOW

We are delighted to announce that the Scottish & NorthernCharolais National Show is to be staged at Perth Show

1st August 2009

Schedule

Class 1 Bull born on or before 31.12.07Class 2 Bull born on after 01.01.08 and before 15.04.08Class 3 Bull born on or after 16.04.08 – 31.07.08Class 4 Bull born on or after 01.08.08 – 31.12.08Class 5 Cow born on or before 31.07.06Class 6 Heifer born on or after 01.08.06– 15.01.07Class 7 Heifer born or after 16.01.07 – 31.05.07Class 8 Heifer born on after 01.06.07 – 31.12.07Class 9 Heifer born on or after 01.01.08 – before 30.04.08

41

REGIONAL REPORTSClass 10 Heifer born on or after 01.05.08 – before31.07.08Class 11 Heifer born on or after 01.08.08 -31.12.08Class 12 Bull or heifer calf born on or after 01.01.09Class 13 Young Handlers (Under 16’s) on the day of theshow.Class 14 Best pair of animals born on after 01.01.07 bredby Exhibitor Class 15 Group of Three (Trophy only no prize Money)

Class 17 Commercial Section. Prize money for this classis £200.00 for Champion and £100.00 for Reserve.

PLEASE NOTE SOME CLASSES MAY HAVE TO BE

SPLIT AT STEWARDS DISCRETION

Quiz Night

The quiz night held in January 2009 will be reported in theNext Charolais News.

BEST PEN OF FOUR CHX SPONSORSHIP 2008

The winners listed below were awarded a voucher for

£250.00 which has to be redeemed against a Charolais

Bull at a Society sale

HEXHAM & NORTHERN MART

F.T. Walton Flotterton Hall Thropton Morpeth,

Northumberland

LAWRIE & SYMINGTON LANARK

Messers J Warnock & Son , Dreva Farm, Broughton,

Biggar

UNITED AUCTIONS PERTH

Messers D & J Thomson West Park Aberfeldy

ST BOSWELLS

PM & AC Gordon, Northfield St Abbs Eyemouth

UNITED AUCTIONS STIRLING

Ross Farm Carbridge Midlothian

JOHN SWAN WOOLER

J G Grieve Lee Innerleithed Peebleshire

ORKNEY MARTS

Mr Barton Brough, South Ronaldsay, Orkney

DINGWALL & HIGHLAND MARTS LTD WINNER

Mr John Junor, Dell Farm, Farr, Inverness

Johnnie Irvine on his 60th birthday

BIRTH ANNOUCEMENTS

Bruce and Linda Goldie a baby boy Thomas Stuart Neil and Judith Murray a baby girl Sophie Mathew and Carolyn Milne a baby boy Gregor

ENGAGEMENTS

We are delighted to announce the engagement of TraceyGunn (stockperson at Govals Charolais Herd) and DavieNicoll (Stockman at Cairnleith Kirriemuir) who gotengaged on Christmas Day. We would like to wish themall the very best for the future.

BIRTHDAYS

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY BRIAN WILLSHAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY JOHNNIE IRVINEHAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY TO MARGARET MCMILLAN

Margaret and Family

WEDDINGS

Gareth and Emma Wood married in Orkney

42

REGIONAL REPORTS

Congratulations to Robert McNee and Hazel Fotheringhamwho were recently married at Dunblane Hydro

A BIG THANKYOU

On behalf of the North East and Central ScotlandCharolais club we would like to thank the Cooper FamilyGovals Farm Kincaldrum Forfar for the very large donationtowards our club funds from the Annual Stockjudgingwhich was held last year at their farm.

If you have any information please send them to

myself Alison Gray

Nether Newbigging Farm Cottage St Vigeans By

Arbroath

Email [email protected]

Telephone 01241 875406 or 0771 8338804

Or Contact David Grant 01556 502508

THAINSTONE NATIONALCHAROLAIS SHOW

The Reserve champion cross bred animal at the NationalCharolais show was Jock, a 9 month old steer by GlenlivetSinglemalt out of a pure bred Simmental cow andexhibited by Michael Durno.

At the Thainstone Centre’s Spectacular sale ofpotential Show calves in September, the top price animalwas Hazey Jane, a 9 month old 396kg heifer by GlenlivetSinglemalt from D & R Durno & Sons, which sold for£2600 to the Paton family at Kirriemuir who also bought a10 month old 458kg steer from the same home, also byGlenlivet Singlemalt, at £1250.

The Patons then exhibited these calves at theRoyal Highland Winter Fair, with the steer taking a firstand Hazey Jane winning the Junior Heifer championship.

Also sold at the Spectacular, by first time exhibitorDavid Kennedy from Wick, was a 4 month old heifer byGlenlivet Singlemalt which sold for £1650 and then went

on to take a 2nd in the Spring calf class at the Winter Fairfor her purchaser, Wilson Peters.

In the judging at Spectacular, W Laing & Son tookthe prize for Best Charolais with a 530kg heifer which soldfor £1200 with the Reserve award going to Hazey Jane.

Also making a 4 figure price in the sale was Jock,the National Show reserve cross from the Durnos.

Pictured:Above: Neil Barclay congratulates MichaelDurno when he sold his Charolais cross heiferfor the day’s top price of £2,600 at theAberdeem and Northern Marts “Spectacular”.The heifer was sired by Glenlivet Singlemalt,whose semen is for sale, in the CharolaisBreeders Directory

Left top: “Hazey Jane’ Bottom: “Jock”

43

REGIONAL REPORTS

Scottish National Show

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS SPONSORED BY BRIDGEND SAND AND GRAVEL MILL OF BALMAUD ABERDEEN SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS SPONSORED BY NEIL BARCLAY, HRN AND HARESTONE CHAROLAIS OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIPS SPONSORED BY BANK OF SCOTLAND

Iain Millar pressents the Overall Champion JA & MF McMillan’s DUNESK UNESTA

Senior Female ChampionNeil Barclay and DUNESK UNESTA

Wilson Strachan presented the Junior Male Champion to ELGIN CONCORD

The Junior Female Champion INVERLOCHY BRIEand Raymond Irvine

WINNING TEAM OF 3The “YOUNG HANDLERS” awards presented by Betty Wilson

REGIONAL REPORTS

44

Class 110 sponsored by Orkney Marts with theJudge Stewart Wood presenting the awards

Class 109 sponsored by Aberdeen & Northern Marts

Class 108 sponsored by Clydesdale Bank PLCInverurie on by Raymond Irvine

Class 107 sponsored by Norvite

Class 106 sponsored by Johnston Carmichael,Thainstone and won by Graeme Leggat

The cow class was sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland Ellon. Pictured are Bob Leggat

and Jimmy McMillan

Reserve Junior Male ChampionHARESTONE COUNT with Wilson Strachan

and James Reid

CLASS 111 SPONSORED BY HARBRO

ABERDEEN, unfortunately no entries were

forward on the day, but prize money will be

carried forward to Perth

DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF

THE CHAROLAIS NEWSLETTER IS

MAY 11TH 2009

REGIONAL REPORTS

45

Class 118 (Pairs) sponsored by UAP Alford,Aberdeenshire

Class 116 sponsored by A & M Enviroment Ltd and won by Jimmy McMillan

Class 115 sponsored by Crammond Insurance andwon by James Milne’s ELGIN CONCORD

Class 114 sponsored by Scotia Homes, Aberdeenwith Alex Fleming braving the inclement conditions

Class 113 sponsored by United Auctions,Perth

The Senior Bull class sponsored by Collins Haldenand Burnett Ltd, Aberdeen and won by

Jimmy Wilson’s GOLDIES BANKER

Royal Smithfield

Show

‘Funky Monkey’

won the

Heavyweight steer

section for Neil

Slack

HERD BOOKPROOFS

Can members please return

any outstanding herd book

proofs by the end of

January 2008

REGIONAL REPORTS

ScotlandAdrian Ivory, Farmers Weekly - Farmer of the Year

Our congratulations to Adrian Ivory, who runs the 35 cowpedigree Charolais Cardean herd at Meigle, Perthshire onbeing awarded the Farmers Weekly’s Farmer of the Year2008, as well as the title’s Young Farmer of the Year title.

Adrian was described by Farmers Weekly’s editorJane King as an inspiration for all young farmers. “He hasa simple business approach that balances the demands offarm and family very well. He sets himself tough targetsand he is completely focussed on achieving them.”

A stint on theLondon money marketshas clearly had a lastingimpact on the 34-yearold..

The expansionand market focus of thefarming business atStrathisla Farms inPerthshire are certainly inline with a City high flier; a15% return on hisoperating assets atStrathisla Farms and `afarm rate of returnexceeding those of theaverage supermarket.’

He achieved a40% return on sales of£870k last year. This is aman who quite happilytalks about `return onemployee.’

Strathisla Farmsis an operating partnership for the various farms owned bythe Ivory family. In addition, Adrian runs arable contractingoperations on 600ha for two neighbours on a stubble tostubble contract, which gives him the scale he needs tokeep operating costs down.

When Adrian returned to the farm, he workedunder a farm manager for five years until he retired. Thebusiness then was 240ha with 120 cattle; it’s now 1,000hawith three times the number of pedigree and commercialCharolais and Simmental cows. He sells finished cattle ona deadweight contract to ABP for Sainsbury’s. He droppedsecond wheats from the arable rotation and now focusesonly on first wheats, potatoes, peas and grassland.

The pedigree cattle side, in which he has notchedup first prizes at the Royal Highland and Royal Show, ismy `shop window’ explains Adrian. He has invested in thegenetics to deliver top pedigree cows, but for thecommercial side is using breed performance figures toshorten calving patterns and produce more consistentbatches of cattle for marketing.

He has invested in a bespoke cattle handlingsystem designed on the principles of a leading Americananimal welfare expert. Ease of handling and minimal

stress has more than paid for the new curved racesystem, says Adrian.

Adrian endorses the objectives of the EuropeanWater and Soils Directives, supports the LEAF audit tohelp deliver environmental and wildlife conservation and isalso exploring ways to reduce the farms’ carbon footprint.

The business is focussed on being globallycompetitive so subsidies are factored out of the arableand beef production costs. Diversification is limited to

activities which do not require considerable time orinvestment and capitalise on the natural beauty of theScottish landscape. Surplus farm cottages have beenconverted and now generate 12% of the farm’s income.

Adrian is proactive in forging links industry wide –and across the whole food chain – from breed societies toprocessors and retailers. He played a hand in organisingthe 2008 Beef Expo in Scotland, works alongsideprocessors ABP and is the youngest person to sit onSainsbury’s steering group.

He was also one of McDonald’s first Scout with aClout farmers – giving him a unique insight into the wholeburger chain from production to processing and into therestaurant.

Visitors are welcome to Strathisla farms – fromfarmers to children, processors to retailers. He is happy toshare his business ideas with others. It’s little wonder thatthe SAC has picked him for its leadership programme.You cannot help but feel that his profile and influence inthe industry are just beginning.roach to his enterprise.”

Pictured above: Adrian Ivory

46

REGIONAL REPORTS

47

A Welsh bred Charolais cross heifer exhibited by RobinRoberts and Leri Hughes was awarded the supremechampionship at the Royal Highland Winter Fairstaged at Ingliston, Edinburgh on Wednesday26 November. Called Smarty Pants, she wasbred by A, F and D Jones, Betws-y-coed,Conwy and purchased in a private deal by MrRoberts, a fencing contractor who manages asmallholding at Bodssord, Llangesni, Anglesey.

Sired by a Ross bred Charolais bull, the18 month heifer who tipped the scales at 630kg,had been much admired throughout therelaunched event which attracted over 245entries, while for judge, Donald MacPherson,Berwick-on-Tweed, she was an ‘easy winner’.“Smarty Pants has power, style and she isextremely well shown,” he said.

For her exhibiter, the accolade cameafter more than 10 years of exhibiting at theScottish event. “It was indeed a very big honourto return the title and the accompanying trophyto Wales, the second time in its entire history,after we’ve competed against respectedScottish cattleman on a regular basis since1996. We’re over the moon,” said Mr Robertswho jointly exhibited the heifer with his girlfriend, LeriHughes.

Smarty Pants was no stranger to the ring; shebegan her show career this season at the Royal Welshwhere she was awarded the reserve commercial title andwent on to scoop five champion titles, together with thesupreme champion at the East of England Winter StockFair, the champion Charolais and reserve commercial

ROYAL HIGHLAND WINTER FAIRWelsh bred Charolais cross scoops Supreme Scottish title

heifer titles at Countryside Live, Harrogate and she wasplaced second in her class at Agri Expo, Carlisle. She sold

later in the day at the Royal Highland Winter Fair for£7,000 to Tom Hughes, Anglesey.

The only Welsh exhibitor to make the 700 mileround trip to the event was Will Owen, Braich y Saint,Criccieth who was the first ever to take home the WinterFair silverware to Wales back in 2004. This year heheaded two sections. The homebred Deunawd Carol, a 16month old 540kg heifer by Deunawd Moses and out of a

Penfold bred cow secured the pureCharolais title, while Mr Owen was intop slot in the Charolais cross sectionwith the 13 month old Crackerjack, a540kg homebred steer by Cader Regaland out of his prize winning homebredCharolais cross, Lady MacOwen.

A Charolais cross also headed upthe lightweight heifer section: honourswent to the Paton and Hunter team’syearling, Hazey Jane, bred by D and RDurno and Sons, Glenlivet and sired byGlenlivet Singlemalt.

Above: Robin Roberts lifts the winning

trophy, with Smarty Pants

Left:Smarty Pants, the Charolais Cross

Supreme Royal Highland WinterFair Champion

REGIONAL REPORTS

48

WalesAlison Tucker

Firstly, let me take this opportunity to wishyou all a happy, healthy and prosperousNew Year.

This recent cold, dry spell hasbeen a welcome relief after the constantwind and rain of late. We had problemswith frozen water pipes, but a blowtorchsoon sorted them out. Apparently the lasttime that we had this weather it wasfollowed by a good summer. Here’shoping, as anything would be animprovement on the last two.Now for the news.

Casting my mind back to Octoberwe had the first sale of the autumn inBrecon. This was a virtual sell out,however there weren’t many bulls forward.The lifting of the blue tongue zones shouldhave helped, but not if you’d alreadyentered your animals in a different sale. Itwas with reluctance, that due to the lack ofsupport for the autumn sale, the decisionhas been taken to just have spring salesthere for the time being. This venue is inthe heart of suckler country, so as breeders it is vitallyimportant that we support this sale.

Perth wasn’t that well attended by the Welsh dueto the blue tongue restrictions, which really did restrict us.Some of our members took the big decision to get theirstock up north way before the sale, and on the whole thiswas the right thing to do as they sold well. I thought them

very brave, as weighing up the cost of keep and the effectof the upheaval on the animals was a big gamble. Welldone to you all anyway.

The Welsh grapevine being as it is lets me hearfunny tales from the sales. As you may be aware, somebreeders/stockmen stay in caravans so that they can beclose to their animals and it also saves on fuel and

accommodation costs. Anyway Bob and MarionRoberts and Gareth Jones, Escob did just that.Marion has Bob well trained and each morninghe would go out really early and fill their kettleready to make a cup of tea. However, Bob tookthe Welsh welcome a bit too far as one morningback at the caravan he asked Marion would shelike tea or coffee? A male voice answered, notGareths either, that he would like neither!Obviously poor Bob had got lost in the dark andwas in the wrong caravan.

Welshpool November sale provedproductive for the majority of breeders. Manycomments were made later that Bob Robertsbull was more than worthy of the top price. Hedecided not to send this powerhouse of a bullnorth with his others, a judgement that definitelypaid off in this case.

Carlisle was another successful outing forthe Welsh as regards the prizes, however it’s apity that the prices were disappointing for thequality of animals that were on sale.

WELSH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Our annual autumn meeting was held at the

Photographed receiving the awards are from left to right, Peter Howells(Welsh Regional Charolais Chairman, RWAS President, Trebor

Edwards, BCCS Chairman Iain Millar, and WelshCharolais Secretary Alison Tucker

Gwyn Edwards with his Charolais section winning steer at theWelsh Winter Fair

REGIONAL REPORTS

49

Royal Oak in Welshpool the evening before the sale. I’mletting you know well in advance now that it will be held inThe Raven this November so that the boys who have foodthere won’t have to travel!

Peter thanked Gareth Roberts for standing in forhim at the Royal Welsh. There were many positivecomments on how much better the catering was, howeverthere are still a few things that need to be ironed out, butas they say “ Rome wasn’t built in a day”. The Winter Fairwas discussed and there will be more on that later.

Much further ahead now as we all know how timeflies. David Benson wants us to think on to 2012 when notonly are the Olympics on in London, but the UK is hostingthe World Charolais Congress. It is still very much athought, but as time is very much of the essence, he hassuggested that rather than have a Welsh Farm walk, howabout the Welsh National Show being held early at BuilthWells? It would give our region a fantastic opportunity toshow the world our best stock. Let David or myself knowif you have any ideas or opinions. Other points ofdiscussion were perhaps a farm walk to see how theWelsh Beef Improvement bulls were performing and anAbri day to show people how to use and understand therecording figures and to watch a scanning demonstration.

WELSH WINTER FAIR

As per usual theweather turned cold for thesecouple of days and travelling upthrough Llandovery thetemperatures dipped to –7. Iknow that’s positively balmy foryou boys in the north, but it’sflipping cold for us, OK? We’dhad a few technical hitches theday before, but it all worked outin the end with us winning notonly the breed stand but alsothe overall trade stand again;that’s three years out of fournow. Each judge looks fordifferent things and this yearswas no exception. He wasimpressed by the fact that ourChief Executive, David and our Chairman Iain Millarthought the event significant enough to attend and help onthe stand meeting and greeting people. IaIn worked hardtrying to brush the shavings off the carpet but he waswinning a losing battle as they were sticking like glue. Fedup with this he cleverly negotiated the use of a Hoover offthe Simmental stand opposite to make the job easier forus women! Diane, Bob and all the other helpers mannedthe stand on Tuesday. She said it started off a bit slow andthen went silly, to the point where she ran out of sugar,milk and other important things! My thanks go out to Davidand IaIn, Peter and Helen Howell’s for their two crackingbulls that filled the stand, all the people that helped on thestand and all those that donated mince pies etc.

Our raffles always do well as they are lovelyhampers. This year was no exception and all money was

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, SHOW &

SALE REPORTS AND CHAROLAIS

BREEDPLAN

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE ON

www.charolais.co.uk

going to the Welsh Air Ambulance charity. This is a welldeserving cause, as everyone knows someone or anotherwho has needed it. There will be news of the official handover in the next newsletter.

Looking ahead to the spring we will have thepleasure of a visit from our Scottish friends. Ali Gray wasaiming for the last weekend in May. If anyone has anyideas of a route, which takes in both Charolais herds,landmarks and our lovely countryside then get in touchplease.Alwyn Rees and Richard Tucker, our Council membershave been attending, along with other breed societyrepresentatives, regular meetings with Defra at the Lantraoffices in Builth about the ever-worrying problem of TB.There is slow but steady progress. The main step that hasbeen taken is that every farm in Wales, irrespective oftheir yearly testing area, has to TB test by the end of thisyear. This will give Defra a true indication of the TBproblem within our region-at last!!!!

SOUTH CLUB AGM AND DINNER.

We had a lovely meal at the Halfway Inn againthis year, with a productive meeting afterwards. It wasdecided that this years AGM would be incorporated into afarm walk hopefully on a commercial unit. Keith and Mair

Beynon requestedthat the ChristmasDinner shouldcontinue but perhapswithout a speaker asit was just nice tohave a chat andcatch-up with oldfriends. The WhiteHart Inn has beensuggested for thisyears dinner.

We as a breedhad to pull out of theinterbreed calf showin Llandovery, due tolack of entries. Yetagain the BlueTongue fiasco

messed things up for some breeders as animals that hadbeen scheduled for autumn sales took up valuable shedspace, leaving no time or space for work on calves. Ahwell we can always look forward to this autumn and tryagain.

REGIONAL REPORTS

50

South EastRachel Archer

Snow covered the fields this morning so it is hard to castones mind back to the autumn and start this report wherethe last one finished, with the summer shows. Our regionseems to be full of shows during September, particularlylots of smaller events. We try to support these, not just topromote the Charolais breed, but also to talk to thegeneral public about the cattle and farming in general. Theignorance of many of these people about farming mattersis quite alarming.

Memorable for all the wrong reasons wasAlresford, a lovely show in Hampshire which wascelebrating its Centenary year. It was the first show that Itook my Charolais cattle to back in 2002. As weapproached the showground on the Friday evening withthe light fading, it was obvious that a lot of rain had fallenthat afternoon. As we turned into the road that led to theentrance, a “river” was flowing towards us. We probablyshould have turned around at that point, but having madethe journey we thought we should continue. When thetractors were waiting to tow us IN we really should haveknown what was going to happen. Yes sadly they had tocancel the show; 35mm of rain had fallen on the Fridayevening and all the gateways and car parks were sodden.

Fortunately the other shows in the region fairedmuch better and we had a lovely sunny day for Newbury,which is one of the main shows in our region. The Clubhosted a cheese & “wine” party after judging which wasvery well attended. It was interesting to note that morecans of cider were consumed than lager, and apart frommy husband, nobody touched the bitter. Take notewhoever organises next year’s events!

This year Jock Campbell had the honour ofjudging at Newbury and afterwards presented the trophiesand prizes from the 2008 herd competition.

Champion and reserve at Newbury wasMortimers Farms with Mortimers Urovision and MortimersCameo. Donald MacLean lead out the champion calf and

also won the young handlers competition. Ben Trim did anexcellent job in the junior young handlers, with a veryproud Mum at ringside. It is good to see some youngsterswith an interest in showing cattle.

Thanks to Steve Nesbitt who judged the 2008herd competition. Eight herds entered and the resultswere:

Best large herdWinner - John & George Morris – Dorcas CharolaisRunner-up - Jan & Sarah Boomaars – Vexour Charolais

Best small herdWinner - Rachel & Phil Archer – Coningsby CharolaisRunner-up - Brian & Peter Heath – Sackville Charolais

Because of all the uncertainty with Bluetongue restrictionsin 2008 we decided not to run the show competition. Theprize for Bull of the Year was won by Brian and Peter

Heath for Sackville Beau,sold at February Perth for5,000gns. Unfortunatelythe autumn sales weredisappointing for SouthEast breeders, the bestprice being 3,800gns forRupert Taylor Ltd’sGraywood Calamazu.

The Club supportedsome of the local store andfatstock sales. We ranpromotions at Thame andAshford markets for thebest pens by a Charolaisbull, these were won byFacenda Farms (Thame)and Rhino Plant (Ashford).Rupert Taylor Ltd won the

Ben Harman presenting George Morris (DorcasCharolais) with prizes for the Best Large Herd

Ben Trim (Jane Haw’s son) atNew Forest Show

Jock Campbell (Charolais judge) presenting JaneHaw with the trophy for the Best Exhibitor-bred bull at Newbury

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51

best pair of beef bulls at Ashford’s 150th AnniversaryShow and Sale and Rachel and Phil Archer’s purebredsteer Chicargo was second in the heavyweight Charolaissteer class at Smithfield.

The next event for the Club is the AGM being heldon Monday 26th January at the Ardingly Inn, WestSussex, commencing at 7pm and being followed with ahot supper. We plan to make a presentation to Fred Turrellwho is standing down from the committee after some 40-50 years involvement. This is a great achievement and weare very grateful to Fred for the support that he has givento the Club and the breed over the years.

Finally, we need to look at the direction that theClub should take in future. There are fewer herds in theregion now and less and less people who have the timeand / or the inclination to be involved with the Club. Weneed to try and generate some more support andenthusiasm, perhaps that can be a new years resolution?

Donald Maclean with Mortimers DestinyMORTIMERS UROVISION and MORTIMERS CAMEO

won the Charolais Championship and the Reserve at Newbury

The Mortimers Team:- Ken and Charlie Piper, aretaking a back seat role, with Paul Murphy (left)joining the Mortimers Farms team. Charlie andKaren Maclean are pictured in the centre with

MORTIMERS UROVISION

Reg Taylor presenting Rachel Dawson with theDingle Hofmeister Trophy for the Champion

Male Charolais

Visit the Charolais website on www.charolais.co.uk

for catalogues on forthcomingsales and the latest sale reports

Congratulations to Benoit Monseau on

his recent marriage.

Pictured are Benoit (wearing his BCCS

Wedding Tie) with his new bride

REGIONAL REPORTS

52

South WestPatrick Dennis

VISIT

The long awaited visit to Northumberland and Cumbriatook place on the 26th August 2008. 26 members andfriends travelled up, from all parts of the South West. Thefirst night was spent in a Premier Inn at Cramlington.Hospitality was first rate. The 27th dawned bright andbreezy as we made our way to Thrunton. Joining us were16 members from Yorkshire and 2 from North Wales.The weather was good to us, so no wet weather gear wasrequired.

We travelled to the top of the farm by bus, thenclimbed aboard the trailers and travelled through the fieldsto view these lovely cattle. Starting with a bunch of in calfcows, moving on to fields containing cows and heifercalves running with the new stock bull, Newhouse Bigal.In the next field were cows with bull calves. Following onwas a field of Talisman sired heifers, lastly a group offreshly calved cows.

On arriving back in the yard we were given apreview of the 8 bulls going to Perth. What a sight, letshope they do well at the sale. In the house was a bunchof 40 yearling bulls being prepared for future sales. Wewere all impressed by the condition and size of all theanimals.

After a superb lunch, given to us by the family,during the afternoon we visited Alnwick Gardens.

We then travelled across country to Shap and theShap Wells Hotel, where we spent the next 2 nights. Thisis one of the few places in the UK that still have RedSquirrels; members took the opportunity to visit them inthe woods nearby,

On the 28th we travelled to Penrith to GreystokeCastle Farm, again we were lucky with the weather, whereDavid Lawton showed us around. In total they keep 280cows and flocks of Swales and Mule ewes. To travelaround to see everything you need to drive about 9 miles.

Members were impressed with the condition ofthe animals as they were grazing up to 1200 feet. Theykeep mostly Limousin x Friesian cows, using theCharolais to produce really good calves, which are springborn, and sold during October and November.

After a quick lunch, thanks to the chip shop inShap, we headed to Andrew Sutton’s farm in Longsleddle,Kendal. This is true hill farm, under the LakelandMountains. With the help of son Bradley, who was a goodgate opener, we toured around in an empty feed wagon.The stock was a delight to see, the cows with a healthyshine on them, again were Limousin x Friesians, withgreat Charolais Spring born calves. These calves areover wintered and sold in the spring.The pastures were green again after the torrential rain thatfell a few weeks before, flooding the valley several feetdeep.

Tea, Coffee, beer and cakes were served veryprofessionally by 6 year old Roxanne with the help of Dad(Andrew) and Bradley.

Members were really impressed, some withlowland farms did not realise how difficult it can be beinga hill farmer!!!

Andrew and his wife and David and his wife joinedus for dinner at the Shap Wells Hotel that evening as athank you.

On the 29th with the sun shining, we travelledback to the South West, via Worcester and a quick visit tothe China Factory.

BEEF AND GROWING CATTLE SOUTH WEST -

(18th September). This now well-established bi-annualevent – held at Hatherleigh Livestock Market - goes fromstrength to strength. Despite clashing with the DairyEvent at Stoneleigh and the first fine weather in I don’tknow how many days, the attendance was well over2,000. Farmers from all parts of the region (and somefrom further afield!) enjoyed a superb show of livestockboth on the hoof and on the hook as well as a number ofseminars and demonstrations. The day provided an idealopportunity for visiting over 100 trade stands as well as 21promotional breed society stands, all on a compact sitewith food and drink on tap (and some really good ice-cream!). In fact there was more interest shown in thestand and the cattle than at any previous event.

We were fortunate enough (thanks in no smallway to Richard Northmore (Loveton) who is on theorganising committee) to be allocated the same space wehad last time in the breed societies building. Yet again wewere well supported by David and Fiona from the mainSociety office who ensured that we had all the rightpromotional posters and general bumf, to Robin Hadfieldwho as usual came up trumps with the flower boxes etc. –and to Richard and Sue who put so much hard work intoensuring that the stand was up and running and ready forthe cattle. Thanks also to Anne-Marie White and family(Furrydance) for bringing up the family’s young bullFurrydance Cloud and Charolais cross steer Galaxy andto Peter Old (Moynton) for sending his two bulls MoyntonCaspar and Moynton Carlton. (I suppose I ought tothank Mike too!) The combined efforts of all the above andeveryone else who helped on the day offering help andinformation, and/or food and drink, to the numerousinterested visitors to the stand led to our winning the ‘BestSociety Breed Stand’ competition. (Thank you Sue, Janet,Anne-Marie, Mike and Leanne, and our Council MemberViv Sellick).

Congratulations must also go to Brian and JanetNancekivell who entered 2 cows in the very strong‘Supreme Cow and Calf Competition’ gaining a wellearned 3rd place with their Charolais cow LovistoneAnna and her February born heifer calf Lovistone Di byBurradon Talisman.

Charolais were also well represented in otherclasses and although they did not involve any of theRegion’s members it is worth noting that the 3rd place in

REGIONAL REPORTS

53

the ‘Rib of Beef Competition’ went to a Charolais and thatthe Overall Champion from the Primestock Show was aBelgian Blue cross out of a good Charolais cow (qualitywill out!!).

It was a great day out, a good chance to meet upwith old friends, and make new ones – so make sure youdon’t miss the next one in 2 years’ time – and enter someof the classes if you can, it is good to see the Regionrepresented at this sort of event.

P.S. – I always seem to be reporting on transportcomplications and vehicle breakdowns in these pages(just be glad it isn’t you this time Jane!). This time it wasAnne-Marie, Mike and I who fell foul of the transport jinx.Firstly the Furrydance cattle took rather a long time tomake the journey from Cornwall on the Wednesday –which meant Anne-Marie missed her evening meal as she

waited on the stand for them (it was a good meal too –with some really excellent beef!). Mike and I got ourevening meal that day, but missed out on the Thursdaywhen our journey home took a little longer than expected(midnight) – thanks to a seized on trailer brake! Ourthanks to the Hatherleigh market manager and to Christhe very kind lorry driver from west Cornwall who rescuedus from a lay-by on the A30 (about 20 minutes from themarket) and to Pete and Pauline who got the bulls homefor us that night. And thanks to the Devon & Cornwallpolice who kept ringing to say someone was on their way!– at least they were able to block off one lane of trafficwhile we transferred the bulls from the trailer to the lorry!I don’t want to put anyone off – but if you think you mightbe able to provide us with cattle to go on the stand in twoyears time – these problems can’t happen again – and wewould be grateful if you could help, and it doesn’t always

go wrong! Just ring Patrick and let him know youare interested in helping!

SMITHFIELD SHOW – 5TH AND 6TH

DECEMBER – For the second time this historicshow was held at the Bath & West Showground atShepton Mallet. With visitor numbers of over14,000 (just under the 2006 level) organisers werejustifiably proud of an event, which proved asuccess despite the prevailing national doom andgloom as news of the credit crunch began to hithome. Support from Somerset County Council alsomeant that there was much more for the visitor tosee with an even larger display of Somerset foodand craft on show, while a revamped Food Hallfeatured a still wider range of produce, with meats,cheeses (the small whole Stiltons on offer are amust for anyone who knows their cheeses!) andChristmas goodies on sale. A much-improved trade stand area offered a widerange of services and products for livestockfarmers and meat traders and included specialistservices for beef and sheep producers, equipment

suppliers and retailers specializing in rural and agriculturalproducts. And I don’t know how they did it – but despitethe cold weather – the halls housing the trade stands werewarm!

As usual the livestock competitions were at theheart of the show and included top animals from acrossthe country, vying for prize money of more than £50,000and trophies valued in excess of £100,000. Whilst tophonours went out of the region the Alford family fromCullompton flew the flag for the South West as theylanded the Reserve Champion ’Best Suckled Calf Steer’on the opening evening with their Scottish bred CharolaisCross steer ‘Mr P.’ – by Newhouse Rob Roy. Charolaisalso featured in the main Interbreed Championships witha steer sired by Cader Regal taking the ReserveChampionship for the Best Beast in Show Bred byExhibitor. Unfortunately the entries of pedigree Charolaiswere well down this year and we had only 4 forward fromwhich to choose a team for the prestigious ‘Duke ofNorfolk Perpetual Trophy’ – so it was quite an

The South West Charolais stand at Beef and Growing Cattle South West

Brian and Janet Nancekivell’s cow and calf won third prize in the Suckler Cow Competition

REGIONAL REPORTS

54

achievement when our team of 3 was pulled in 4th.The South West Charolais Association again

offered to man the Charolais stand – which was oncemore situated in the best possible position right in front ofthe cattle judging/sale ring. Declared the ‘best and mosthospitable breed stand’ by none other than commentatorMike Tucker we were certainly very busy throughout the 2days of the main show. Thanks must go to Henry andEmma Vooght (Littlebovey) who were on duty for bothdays and helped Mike and me put the stand together onthe Thursday (and brought in fresh milk each day!) toBrian and Janet Nancekivell (Lovistone), Redvers andJackie Williams (Magor), and Cecil and Robert Currell(Solo) who all helped keep up the supply of teas, coffees(over 300!!), mince pies and biscuits to a seemingly neverending queue of people. Also thanks to everyone from the

region who pitched in and helped answer the numerousquestions posed by our visitors while they were enjoyingour hospitality – from Breedplan to membership queries –I think we answered most of them – the ones we couldn’thelp with were e-mailed to David Benson the followingMonday! Many thanks yet again to all those who helped tomake it such a successful event – and fingers crossed thatthe South West keeps hold of this major Show!

Christmas Dinner

The Annual Dinner was held in late November at theGipsy Hill Hotel, Near Exeter in Devon with 51 membersand guests in attendance, enjoying a wonderful meal andgood company followed by an interesting and entertainingtalk from our guest speaker, Mark Thomas who isChairman of the National Beef Association South WestRegion; who with his wife Jenny joined us on their returntrip from meetings in London. Our thanks go to them forbeing with us, this was followed by a raffle held in aid ofthe Fortuneswell Cancer Trust who support cancerpatients in Dorset. Several members brought along prizestogether with a generous donation of goodies from theBCCS office; Lucy Williams managed to sell a largeamount of tickets raising £200 for the charity and themoney was presented by Viv Sellick to Liz Yeandle onbehalf of the Trust..

Skittle & Social Evening

On 11 November many members and friends from acrossthe region attended a social evening organised by Briianand Dianne Lavis at the Fox & Hounds in Bridestow,Devon.

The evening commenced with a showing of thefilm compiled during the highly successful trip to the Northof England, which gave a chance for those members whowere not able to the make the trip to share in some of theinformation and fun that had occurred.

An interval followed during which membersenjoyed a buffet before the serious business of the skittlescompetition; where the men played against the women.After a long and hard fought contest, where membersshowed varying degrees of skill, the women emerged asglorious victors ! All in all a great time was had byeveryone. A hearty thanks to all who helped to make theevening such a success.

2009 Events for the Diary

AGM – will be held on Monday 2 February at ExeterMarket Conference Centre at 2:00 pm.Spring Show & Sale at Holsworthy will be held onWednesday 29 April. Details and entry forms from PatrickDennis at Kivells 07831 620990.

The Three County Shows:

Devon County Show – 21 to 23 May the judge will bePeter Donger (Seawell) from Northants. Schedules fromSally Anne Daniel on 01392 353705.The Royal Bath & West – 27 to 30 May the judge will beMr AJ Smith (Oxdale) from Leicestershire. Schedulesfrom Angela Harper on 01749 822214.The Royal Cornwall Show – 4 to 6 June the judge willbe Mr AE Hornell (Faueninich) from Stirling, Scotland.Schedules from Chris Riddle on 01208 812183.

A cheque was presented by Viv Sellick to Liz Yeandle on behalf of the Trust

The Smithfield Stand

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2009

The British Charolais Cattle Society Ltd AnnualGeneral Meeting will take place in the BCCS

Pavilion, Avenue M, Stoneleigh Park, KenilworthWarwicks CV8 2RG, commencing at 9am on

Tuesday 7th July 2009

REGIONAL REPORTS

55

East MidlandsJames Webb

In March the East Midlands Club had its AGM. This wasno ordinary meeting; it was only attended by six clubmembers. Alistair Smith who is our current Chairman hadno option but to suspend the club for the rest of the year.Therefore there haven’t been any of the usual activities.

So Alistair and Richard decided to call a meetingto try and kick start some enthusiasm for the forthcoming

year. So on Monday 22nd of September 22 membersattended a meeting at the Limekiln Inn at CropwellBishops. David Benson our Chief Executive came alongto give us some guidance and support. After a lengthydiscussion it was agreed that we should support the fivecounty shows in the region. And that the hospitality unitwould attend both Leicestershire and Lincolnshire showswith Lincolnshire being one of the national shows. Therewill also be a BBQ after the show at Lincoln.

To keep the momentum going we held another

meeting on the 24th November where again we had 19 ofour membership turn out. There were various discussionsgoing on and we all agreed to postpone the dinner untilthe latter part of 2009 but we would try and organise acattle viewing somewhere within the region in thesummer.

The important thing is that there are a number ofmembers and friends who do want the club to survive.This is your club and we would all welcome suggestionsof how we can improve it. Please let us know what youwant. For instance is there anybody you would like tohear a talk on a special subject or what about a quiznight? It’s your club use it.

Now I’m off my soap box there have been someof us doing something in the region. Did you know thatthe East Midlands have more members showing cattle atsummer shows than any other region. This year aloneAndrew and Hilary Taylor have taken three breedChampionships and one Supreme, Rachael Dawson hashad four breed championships with Gaynor McDowellhaving three breed Championships plus Female andReserve Champion at the Royal and finally Vanessa and Ihave four breed championships, two Supreme and oneReserve Supreme. Which shows that we have collectivelywon at least 14 summer shows this year?

On the bull sales front both Wesley Estates andSeawell have been in action. Wesley Estates have beenconstant in selling some of their bulls at Newark, Perth,East of England, Welshpool and Carlisle.

The region has seen one dispersal and onereduction. After a change in circumstances David Northregrettably sold the Brooton Herd at Newark in October.Out of nine females forward David did buy two back.Brooton Verna at £3,000 went to Miss Bloomfield inNorfolk and Brooton Tulip at £2,000 has gone to ourfriends the Greenhams.

Carlisle saw Tom Cox arrive with a small numberof his Bleaklow herd. Top price was £4,500 for theBaggrave Minstrel sired Bleaklow Solitaire who has

stayed in the region with the McDowell family inLeicestershire. The second highest price was forBleaklow Roche at £3,500. In all there were six sold foran average of £2550. Well done Tom.

If there was an award for enthusiasm this wouldhave to go to Hayley Miller. In July she decided to go tothe Royal Show. When she arrived at the Society buildingshe went to see Joy and ask if she could join the StockJudging Competition. Because the East Midlands hadn’tentered the competition Joy asked David Benson ifHayley could enter. David said yes and off Hayley went.Not only did Hayley compete for the East Midlands, at 15she scored the highest points in the Junior Section of thecompetition. Well done and we hope to see you in thisyears competition.

Our AGM will be held on Monday 2nd March atthe Limekiln Inn at Cropwell Bishop in Nottinghamshire at7.30pm. Let’s hope we can encourage more than sixpeople. It would be nice to see at least 26 of themembership so see you all there in March.

Obituary

Denis W.P Parkin

1927 – 2008

Denis Parkin became a life member of the BritishCharolais Cattle Society in 1972, when he foundedhis Piperhaywood herd, developed mainly along

polled blood lines.Denis was a larger than life

character who had manyinterests both inbusiness and socially.His main business wasin the constructionindustry, and when theBCCS Council ofManagement took thedecision to construct a

new office headquarterson the Royal Showground

in 1983, Mr Parkin, throughhis Piper Construction

business was invited to tender. His tender wasaccepted, and because of his Charolais interests,Denis took personal, hands on approach in thedesign and planning of the building. His flair fordesign, and architectural knowledge was renowned,and one of his legacies will be the BCCS Charolaisheadquarters.

Sympathies are extended to his widowKate, and his sons Nick and Rupert, together withdaughter Sue and their families.

56

REGIONAL REPORTS

South MidlandsSteve Hookway

I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and hopethat you have a prosperous one.Prices for beef seem to be holding up well despite thecredit crunch and with global demand rising together witha domestic shortage lets hope there are good timesahead.

NEWRODDIGE & COTEHOUSE VISIT

My wife Sharon and I were the only members from thisregion to make the trip last August to this excellentmeeting. We met up at Don Marshalls Cotehouse farmDerbyshire with members from Cumbria and Scotland allof whom made us feel most welcome a thank you to NoraJefferson their regional secretary who provided us withdirections and organised the whole trip. Mr Marshallprovided us with a fantastic breakfast before loading usaboard tractors and trailers to view the herd. We weretreated to some quality cattle Notably Cotehouse Violet aChampion at the Royal Show, Killadeas Barney a PerthChampion and Supreme Champion at this years Royaland also Cotehouse Cockenzie junior champ at this yearsRoyal. A big thank you to Don Marshall and his family fortheir hospitality.

Shortly before lunch we made the short trip intoStaffordshire to visit Peter Mallaber and Danny WylliesNewroddige herd, we arrived at Peters dairy unit wherewe were given a tour of his dairy set up before looking atsome batches of embryo transferred calves that werebeing reared on some crossbred recipients together withsome dairy cows to provide some extra milk.The calveslooked very impressive some of which were by their newstock bull Gretnahouse Archangel. Mr Mallaber providedthe lunch with a lovely spread of food and drink that wasmuch appreciated.

Following lunch we moved on to view the stock atDanny Wyllie’s farm just a few miles up the road.Onceagain we were treated to some very fine cattle many ofwhich had been produced by ET. With the use of embryosthey have grown the herd to around a hundred head in justfive years from just a handful of cows. Among the cattle onview was Thrunton Versailles the Supreme and interbreedChampion at the Three Counties Show a couple of yearsago. Danny provided the final round of refreshments andbrought a really good visit to a close.

If the chance comes up in the future to visit thesetwo herds your time will be well spent.

AUTUMN SALES

PERTH

Jeremy Price had an excellent first trip to Perth selling hisbull Oakchurch Conquerant ET sired by inverlochyResolve and out of a Mowbraypark cow he sold for 6000gns

BRECON

Jeremy price was at it again selling Oakchurch

Commandeur ET Sired by Tattenhall impeccable and outof a Mowbraypark cow for 2000gns he also soldOakchurch Colbert ET sired by Burradon Talisman alsoout of a Mowbraypark cow for 1500gns

WELSHPOOL

This years sale was very well attended by our regionalmembers which was nice to see all of which had theirsuccesses.

PJ Maher sold his bull Roscrea Charlie sired byBonnykelly Onward for 1300gns

Mike Brown sold Charbron Champion sired byCaylers Supreme for 2000gns

We sold our bull Waldencourt Carlos sire byInverlochy Resolve for 2200gns

Ricky Butler had a good sale selling two heifersthat were among the leading prices namely CarrigbegBridget sired by Dingle Hofmeister and Carrigbeg Conniesired by Burradon Talisman for 1600 & 1500 respectively.Well done to you all.

HAMILTON MAJOR PRODUCTION SALE

Chris Turney had a very good sale held at Ross on Wyemarket on 6th of November. An average price of 1396gnswas achieved over the thirty lots sold.A good selection ofcows and calves together with heifers and young bullswere put forward.The top price of the day was paid for Hamilton VogueThree Counties Interbreed Champion from this summersshow she was purchased by James and Vanessa Web fortheir Rushfield herd for 2800gns . Stock bull MortimersRobroy opened the bidding for the males selling to PJMaher for 2400gns to join his Roscrea herd.Hamilton Culprit a young 16month old bull by DoonallyNew led the male prices selling for 2500gnsAll thirty lots forward found a buyer concluding a verygood sale.

CHARLIE FAIRBURN

Following the production sale of the Hamilton Herdstockman Charlie Fairburn will be moving onto pasturesnew. Charlie will be a big loss to our region. During hiseleven years with the Hamilton herd Charlie has guidedthe herd to some notable successes, they have picked upprizes at most of the major shows around the country andhave flown the flag for the south midlands region. Charlieis a well respected showman whose soap making skillsare renowned around the country . Charlie has alwaysbeen keen to give our members demonstrations advisingus how to prepare and present our animals properly andwe would like to thank him for his efforts. Charlie nowmoves on to join Peter Dongers Seawell herd and we wishhim and his family all the best for the future.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations go to Paul Burgess and his Partner Nikki

57

REGIONAL REPORTS on the Birth of their Son WILLIAM JOHN all the best goesto you all.

CHRISTMAS DINNER

Our annual Christmas dinner was held at the Royal OakMuch Marcle on Dec 2nd .The meal was well attended byour members and a good time was had by all those whocame along.

FUTURE EVENTS

THE AGM

The AGM will be held on Thursday 5th of March at TheRoyal Oak Much Marcle Herefordshire to begin at 7.30pm.Everybody is welcome to attend.Rita Bayliss hasenquired and it appears that we will be able to use the twofor one vouchers that we were given out at the Christmasdinner so anyone wishing to eat will be able to use them,meals will be served at 9.00pm if you havn’t got a voucherRita has got some spare

BREEDPLAN MEETINGS

David Benson will be organising a meeting to be held atStoneleigh park on Friday 5th of Febuary to discuss thebreed plan recording system. Points to be discussed willinclude the new online calf registration system nowavailable and the other options available for theregistration of calves.This meeting is open to all membersfrom our region and beyond if you are interested wouldyou please let Secretary Rita Bayliss Know by Jan 30th soas numbers can be put forward to the Society. Themeeting will start at 1.00pm when lunch will be providedon arrival .

A further meeting is to be planned probably forMay which will take on a more practical approach and willbe held on farm .An ultrasound scanner will be invitedalong to give a demonstration and further opportunities todiscuss the new recording system will be available.

BEEF EXPO 09

The Beef Expo for 2009 is going to be held at the ThreeCounties Show Ground Malvern in May . This can only begood for our region and naturally the Charolais Society willbe having a stand for all to visit so that will be a date foryour diary.

THREE COUNTIES SHOW

The Three Counties Show has again been grantedsponsorship from the Charolais Society to promote thebreed at this years show. We will receive £1000 to bematched by our own sponsorship therefore a minimumfund of £2000 will be available for the show. We willendeavour this year to make a large effort to attract theinterest of breeders and make this show a great one .Allnew exhibitors will be made most welcome

AngliaLouise Barker

First of all, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Yearand let us hope that the year ahead will be a successfulone for all Charolais breeders. Reflecting back on 2008,it was a quiet one for the Anglian region with thebluetongue situation so hopefully 2009 will see ourmembers have a bit better luck.

The autumn saw us here in the south a lot wetterthan usual which resulted in the cows coming in a monthearlier than previous years. It will be a long winter so wehope for a good spring to dry the ground out and get themout earlier.

Perth in October was disappointing for breedersin the south. Bluetongue appears to have made itincreasingly difficult for English breeders to sell bulls inScotland.

We at Caylers, had reluctantly decided to sell ourstock bull Maerdy Uniroyal due to his daughters being ofcalving age. With our numbers, we can’t justify having twobulls so as he looked so well, we took him to Perth.

This proved worthwhile as we sold him for6,000gns to Colin Wight, Carwood. He did a fantastic jobfor us so we wish Colin well with him and hope he carrieson successfully.

We were now on the look out for new bulls which

is never an easy task, but we purchased the 1st prizewinner Harestone Count for 8,000gns from Neil Barclay.

He is an impressive bull to look at and has thrivedsince being home, but also has an excellent pedigreebehind him.

Carlisle in November was a very sticky sale. Notmany bulls found homes, but thankfully our bull CaylersColumbus sold for 2,500gns. Not a great price but at leasthe was sold.

Our annual AGM normally takes place inNovember but has been rearranged to take place inJanuary instead, so I will report any information and theresults of the herd competition in the next newsletter. Bestof luck to everyone for a successful and prosperous 2009.

DEADLINE FOR REPORTS FOR NEXT

NEWSLETTER IS

MONDAY 11 MAY 2009

Before importing cattle check

the BlueTongue Virus status,

especially BTV 1 & 8 is not

circulating in the area from

which the cattle are purchased

THE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION OF£31.50 WAS DUE ON 1ST JANUARY 2009

REGIONAL REPORTS

58

Yorkshire & North EastNeil & Kirsty Blyth

Happy New Year to you all. Unfortunately due to somerather sudden snow fall our Christmas gathering wascancelled at the last minute but we’re hoping to re-arrangethis in the New Year. The raffle prizes continue to clutterup my hall so I’m hoping we can get a new date arrangedvery soon!

THRUNTON TRIP WEDNESDAY 27TH AUGUST

We were fortunate to be able to join the South West regionin a visit to the renowned Thrunton Charolais herd thisSummer. We were given a guided tour of the farm on thebacks of trailers, allowing us to travel across the wholefarm based near Alnwick in Northumberland.

Ian, John and their sons gave us an excellenttour, providing us with lots of information and answeringthe many questions thrown at them. We started at thebottom of the farm looking at the impressive group of drycows, most of whom were in calf to Burradon Talismanand are due to calve early in the Spring. We moved on tolook at cows with heifer calves. These were running withthe newest stock bull Newhouse Bigal. Both the cowsand calves were in great shape with some very promisingfemales adding to the pedigree herd. Newhouse Bigalwas looking outstanding even after serving the majority ofthe females. Ian explained they run their cattle in smallgroups to ease management and different feedingpatterns. The heifer calves are not given any additionalfeed initially and so are run in a separate group to the bullcalves. We were shown a large field at the foot ofThrunton woods where cattle can be successfullyWintered with a little extra feeding.

The in calf heifers we were shown were mainlydaughters of Mowbraypark Orlando and BurradonTalisman and in calf to the Newhouse bull. It was difficultto spot any faults even though the heifers kindly stood stillfor us to have a good look at them!

As we got closer to the farm stead we were shownthe bull calves which are kept in three separate groupswith their mothers. It was good to see the different agegroups as we could see the potential in the youngestcalves, see their continued growth at the intermediategroup and were impressed by the biggest calves close toweaning. The size and shape amongst this group wasoutstanding and there’s no doubt that the Thrunton herdsuccesses will continue with batches of calves like this.The bull calves are fed creep and keeping them indifferent age groups helps to ensure that they are all ableto access it. They are also kept separate from the stockbull to help avoid injuries. A.I. is used for these femalesare therefore they’re kept closer to the farm to easedetection and handling.

We arrived back to the farmstead and were luckyenough to be able to see the bulls being prepared forOctober Perth sales. There were six bulls kept inindividual pens so they can be fed and handled asrequired, they are sure to draw a great deal of attention at

the show and sale.It was back to the house after this to enjoy the

hospitality offered to us and to present the family withsome gifts as a small token of our appreciation.

An excellent day was enjoyed by all and it was areal privilege to be able to visit the herd. The herd wasimpressive and left us with no doubt the Campbell familywill continue to turn out outstanding pedigree bulls andremain one of the top herds in the country. Many thanksto all of the family for allowing us to visit and for theirhospitality.

Some Thrunton Females during the Club Trip

AGM

Roger Green kindly agreed to remain as our Chairman. Itwas agreed by us all that Roger has been doing anexcellent job and a relief he agreed to continue! Neil Blythwill remain as Roger’s trusty sidekick!

Kirsty Blyth has now taken over secretarial dutiesfrom Liz Coope who decided to step down after severalyears of hard work. Some flowers were sent to Liz to

REGIONAL REPORTS

59

thank her for all of her efforts- it’s only when you have tomanage without her we have realised just how much shehas done for the club! We also agreed to continue writingthe newsletters.

Andrew Brown agreed to take on the role ofTreasurer as John Green has now moved off to bonnyScotland. We are sure that Andrew’s attention to detailwill ensure healthy accounts for the Club!

Margaret Atkinson was rather pushed intoagreeing to try and arrange some sort of trip for the Club.Returned subs forms have indicated there would be someinterest in visits to other farms and perhaps a weekendaway. Margaret has organised excellent trips for the Clubin the past and so we have convinced her to look at someoptions for this year.

Michael Atkinson is now our council member andencouraged us to contact him with any issues we wouldlike to be raised with the society. Mike provided us withdetails of the last council meeting which were discussed.Mike also reported that Roger Green has been proposedas a Judge for the region and Roger accepted. Look outfor him at a show near you!

PERTH

Just a few local breeders at Perth this year. Mike andMargaret Atkinson got second prize for their BurradonTalisman son- Mowbraypark Cavalier. He sold for7000gns the following day. Mowbraypark Charlie, anInverlochy Resolve son made 3,500gns.

David Fattorini presented Fairway Commander,son of the homebred bull, Fairway Soprano. Commanderwas third in his class and secured 3000gns.

The Hayhurst family made 2000gns of theirMowbraypark Paramount son, Whitecliffe Century andMark Sykes made 2000gns for his fifth prize bull,Tibthorpe Chico, a Goldies Unbeatable son.

CARLISLE

Only three animals made it from our region but it wasworth their trip as all were sold. Congratulations to Mikeand Margaret Atkinson for their Reserve Cracker female-Mowbraypark Crystal. An Inverlochy Topsire daughterfrom a Mowbraypark Paramount cow. Crystal was first inher class and was snapped up at 4400gns.

Jean Atkinson made 2200gns of Bassett Conker,a Thrunton Troubadore son as did Jenny Clayton’sWrinklewood Chieftain, a Mowbraypark Atlantis son.

We hope to see as many of you as possible in our 2009regional events and shows.

TRIP TO MOULINS BY ANITAJACKSON

Following my success at the Stockjudging Competition atthe Royal Show Robert and I had the privilege of attendingthe Moulins Charolais Show in France in late November.It was just as cold and frosty as it was in this country.

We met Steve Nesbitt very early one Wednesdaymorning at Leeds/Bradford airport and we jetted off toParis, and then took the train to Moulins which was abouta two hour journey, where we were met by Thierrie Clame,our French host, who looked after us throughout our tripand made an excellent job of it.

We spent the day on Thursday looking round the

town of Moulins and took the opportunity to buy somemore nice warm socks !! The rest of our party, headed byDavid Benson, arrived on Thursday afternoon and we alltook a quick look around the Show before meeting up fora very lively and entertaining evening meal back in thetown.

Next morning it was up early and off to the Show.It was a tremendous Show for both numbers of cattleforward and quality. We were most impressed with theconformation of the cattle at the show.

The Championship (or Super Prix d’honneur) as itis known was a real joy to watch. The French breederslooked on with baited breath to see who was going to win.

It was an honour to be invited to go and anexperience that we will never forget.

Our thanks must go to Steve, who guided us‘novice travellers’ through the trip with ease, to Herd BookCharolais, and to David Benson who made all our travelarrangements, and the rest of the gang for their Company,entertainment and for teaching us to drink Kir Royale! Wehad a most enjoyable outing and appreciate having theopportunity to visit this prestigious event.

The Charolais Champions at Moulins

GENOTYPINGAll new bulls used for pedigree breeding must be

genotyped at the owner’s expense. DNA Samplingbags and instructions are available free of charge

from the Charolais office. The cost on returning thebags to the office is then £28.75 including VAT

THE YEAR LETTER FOR 2009IS E

60

REGIONAL REPORTS

BorderNora Jefferson

THE YEAR LETTER FOR 2009 IS E

It’s Boxing Day and I’m putting my thoughts together andlooking back to St Swithins who allowed us ten gloriousdays to gather our good crops then – he wreaked havocwith continuous rain causing a lot of harvest and silage tobe spoiled by being salvaged off the land up to the end ofNovember, the land being really waterlogged. Cattle hadto be housed at least one month early. Beyond the farmthe roads were like canals (due to no roadsidemaintainence) it might be a good idea to have a kayaktucked away in the garage !!

Wednesday 20th August

The Charolais Express coach left Wigton at 6.00 am andwe were on a tight schedule and on our way to Scroptonin Derbyshire to visit the Cotehouse Herd of Charolais bycourtesy of Don and Hazel Marshall. Don’s last minuteinstructions were ‘ get here for breakfast’ On turning ontothe A50 we could almost smell the bacon sizzling ! anddidn’t we do that full English breakfast justice. We met upwith some members from other Clubs – including an oldfriend Jim Skipper. After a tour of this classy herd that hadcleared up a lot of silverware at the Royal Show. It wasDanny Wyllie who navigated Maurice ( a retired farmer) toour next port of call at Drakelow the home of Peter andHelen Mallaber. Here we met with a lovely herd ofHolstein lying snug in loose housing, having fulfilled theirmorning milking duty and filled up the tank. We thenviewed the Newroddige Herd of Charolais using somepowerful foundation cows and producing embryos – alarge herd in the making, also under the scrutiny of Dannywho works hard on his pedigrees. Next thing on theagenda was a superb luncheon in the ‘Barn Restaurant’made by Helen and her helpers and thoroughly enjoyedby everyone.

On we go to our final visit to Danny and Jane atEdingale to view the Tamhorn herds of British Blue andCharolais, both successful and a credit to them. At thisstage it began to rain but we were ready to depart but ohno ! on Janes instance it was refreshments first – howcould we eat any more ? Again it was superb. As wedrove back up North and over Shap we overlooked thefamous sunset over the Solway. We held a raffle on thecoach (a lot of prizes were given, thankyou all) and thiskept us in the black !

We had a brilliant day out and our special thanksgo to our hosts and to Danny for organising it and to Emilywho was a great help on the coach.

Saturday 30th August

This was about the only dry day in Cumbria for about sixweeks and the date for the wedding of Anita Graham toRobert Jackson which was held at St James Church,Ireby. Anita and Robert have now established their ownsmall Herd of Charolais under the Lynedraw prefix.

Robert and Anita pictured with Michael and Betty Graham

Wednesday 3rd September

David Lawton invited us on a farm walk to GreystokeCastle near Penrith. There was a good turnout ofmembers and friends. We were around this large 2200acre estate by tractor and trailer, the land was dry andthere was plenty of grass due to being on limestone andas we climbed up the undulating territory, we saw blackcows with spring calves (some plums amongst these)sired by David’s well chosen Charolais sires – with wellknown prefixes. He is a great believer in these crosses –they both grow well and weigh well. These calves were alldue to be sold at the end of October. I had the privilegeof being driven around in the Land Rover with David andI admit that at times, I had to hold my breath !! It was agood evening and I believe that David was well satisfiedwith the trade.

Friday 31st October

This was the day of the Beef Expo which was held atBorderway Mart. The BCCS had a great stand,professionally erected which we were congratulated upon.We had great pens of cattle, Pedigree Bulls and Heifers,cross cattle and calves. They caused a great deal ofdiscussion and there was always plenty of folks millingaround whilst my ever faithful team of helpers – Angela,Marjorie and Jenny did a brilliant job feeding the ‘droves’who dropped in. We held a competition to guess theweight of four heifers – the outright winner being JohnLittle from Hesket New Market with his guess of 1892 kgs.From this competition we forwarded £213 to our local AirAmbulance, we also sent them £100 from our RoundersMatch last August. We must congratulate Paul Stobartwho gallantly took up the challenge on our behalf of the‘Bucking Bronco’ and came a very creditable third. It was

61

REGIONAL REPORTSa bitterly cold day – but most successful, so who cares !!

Tuesday 11th November

Our Annual General Meeting was held within theAuctioneer, and it is all change at the top.Newly elected to the Chair is Edward Forster (Piatroon)and Sophie Bell (Hallbankgate) elected as Secretary.Otherwise no change. Nora retired and did not seek re-election after almost 20 years. She was presented with ahuge basket of flowers by BCCS President Peter Vasey.

Thursday 20th November

The Christmas Cracker Dinner and Entertainment in theAuctioneer. This year it went with a bang!! ChairmanEdward Forster welcomed a very good turnout ofmembers and friends and a table of Society officials. Weall enjoyed a lovely dinner (the Shepherds Inn norm).Peter Vasey BCCS President, took me by surprise with hiskind words on my retirement as Secretary and presentedme with a beautifully framed and wonderful oil painting ofmy dear pal ‘Meg’ amongst other things. I was completelyoverwhelmed but this was followed up by David Bensonand Iain Millar with their kind words and a very interestingBorder Fine Art “Weighing up the Problem”. These aretwo super gifts which I will certainly treasure. Thesesurprises catapulted me onto cloud nine, wow Thank

you everyone connected with Charolais for all yourkindness, generosity and what I value most yourfriendship. I do wish the Border Club every successunder the new management. However, I still intend to bebuzzing around and a big thank you to you all from the

bottom of my heart.The entertainment got underway starting with

Nora’s Angels – a dancing troupe, then two young farmerssinging their own songs. We then had a huge raffle andthe Bonanza Draw generously sponsored by theShepherds Inn.

The winner of the Bonanza Draw was David Millerfrom Crookdake, 2nd Paul Stobart, Scalehouses and 3rdJudith Huntington, Millbridge.

The finale was Nora’s Angels (including Nora) and

Abba’s Dancing Queen –Nora’s favourite. The men at thebar even gave a final rendition – very tuneful !Nora said it was a night to remember after all her years asClub Secretary.

The next morning Meg was told she was famousand she looked with her sombre brown eyes as much asto say ‘ and I knew all about it’

Friday 21st November

The Christmas Cracker Show and Sale at Borderway. Notquite the atmosphere of the night before but VanessaVasey sold her 3rd Prize Bull Border Centurian for 3500gns and Robbie and Marion Jackson sold Seaville Vanityand Seaville Countess for 3300 gns. Well done to thesetwo Border Club vendors. During the sale I was invited into the rostrum by RobertAddison and then Heather presented me with a hugebouquet for my retirement from my friends at H & H . Wowagain, how very generous. Thank you everyone.

Saturday 22nd November

This was the day of the Christmas Show and Sale ofPrime Cattle at Hopes Auction Co Ltd, Wigton when therewas an outstanding entry of cattle forward for the judgeStephen Elliott to place.

He selected as his Champion an outstandingCharolais cross Heifer shown by Alan Barnett, BrinnsFarm, Shap. This heifer weighed 601 kgs and waseventually knocked down to RJ Harrison, Family Butcher,King Street, Wigton for 430p per kg.

Charolais siredp r i z e w i n n e r swere Charolais cross

Heifer

1st & Champion –

Messrs Barnett,Brinns Farm soldfor 430p2nd – EM & JHolliday, CleaMire sold for 238p3rd – D A

Nora’s Presentation. Back Row Peter Vasey (BCCSPresident) Sophie Bell (Border Secretary) Edward

Forster (with Meg) Nora and BCCS Chairman Iain Millar

Nora’s Angels

62

REGIONAL REPORTS

IMPORTANT

Before using a Friend or Neighbours

Bull, please ensure that it is registered

and has not passed to a non-member,

otherwise the resultant calves will not be

eligible for registration

ROYAL SMITHFIELD CLUB’ SNEW CHAIRMAN

MR JOHN CAMPBELL

The Royal Smithfield Club is delighted to announce theappointment of the Club Chairman for 2009 and 2010.

Mr John Campbell of Alnwick, Northumberlandtakes over the Chairmanship from Neil Gourlay ofThornhill, Dumfries from 1stJanuary 2009.

John Campbell hasbeen a Member of theRoyal Smithfield Clubsince 1984, when hefirst exhibited sheep atthe Show. He hasserved on the Club’sCouncil since 1995and has been ChiefSheep Stewardsince 2001.

He hasexhibited championsheep at the RoyalSmithfield Show and atthe Scottish NationalFatstock Show and is amember of the SuffolkSheep, Texel Sheep andCharolais Cattle Societies.

John runs a mixed farm with Beef, Sheep andCereals; breeding pedigree Charolais Cattle and Texeland Suffok Sheep and is a producer of prime lambs.

“I am delighted to follow Neil Gourlay asChairman of the Royal Smithfield Club,” said John. “Neilhas ably guided the Club through some difficult times andI am pleased to be able to have his support as my deputyfor 2009. Each new year brings new challenges for theindustry and I am confident that the Smithfield team willmeet these challenges and the Club will continue to fulfilits role within the agri business and meat trade sectors formany years to come.”

Harrison, The Old Vicarage sold for 203pCharolais cross Steer

1st – I Grainger, Kiln Close sold for 216p2nd – DA & SM Miller, Crookdake Mill sold for 187p3rd – EM & J Holliday, Clea Mire sold for 184p

Monday 1st December

The Border Club held their Charolais sired PrimestockShow and Sale at Borderway in conjunction with theirChristmas Show.1st Prize Bull from Messrs Hewetson, Scales Hall 767 kgsand sold for 171.5p2nd Prize Bull from T Bell & Son, Hallbankgate 709 kgssold for 160.5pSteers1st – Ian Grainger, Kiln Close 668 kgs sold for 179p2nd – Derek and Gillian Young, Crummock Bank sold for178p3rd – D Dent, Elm House, Appleby sold for £1310

Snippets

Our congratulations go to Judith Huntington (Millbridge)on her engagement to Andrew Hunter.My thanks go to Betty Graham for all her help over theyears and the framed photo of the presentation.

Conclusion

We now have wedges of swans flying overhead andlanding in our stubble field, how graceful they are.Imagine a swan down duvet this bitterly cold articweather!! Meg and I walked down to see them, but they do not liketo be spied on and flew away into the woods. Alasdair hasblack clouds of starlings over the Border we had them lastyear! But he is a bird lover !!Leading up to New Years Eve and the lambing has kickedoff. How quickly the seasons come round. I do wish youall a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.So its bye from me and woof ! from Meg Thanks everyone Nora

Obituary

Lance Bell

It is with regret, the passing of Lance Bell, aged 87, has been reported. Lance Bell was a practicing veterinarian,who founded his Lynemoor herd of Charolais at Woodhouselees, Canonbie, Dumfries in 1966.

Lance represented Scotland on the BCCS Council of Management, and chaired the livestock committee.He was very much involved with the early buying missions from France, and then turned the importation ofCharolais cattle into a booming export trade to New Zealand and then Australia in the 1970’s.

The Lynemoor herd of Charolais was one of the earliest pioneering herds into polling the Charolais breedin the UK.

Sympathies are extended to Mrs Bell, and her family.

63

Padded Fleece Jacket Green/Navy SALE £20.00

Chamoix Ladies Coat SALE £20.00

>Mens Bodywarmer Green SALE £15.00

>Fleece Jacket Green M,LSALE £10.00

Aquavent Jacket (Navy) £17.00

Collared Sweatshirt L/XL SALE £5.00

Long Sleeve Shirt Blue XL/XXL SALE £5.00

Travel Clock SALE £5.00

Blue Pocket Bodywarmer SALE £15.00

Ladies Greenwatch Jacket Size XL SALE £10.00

Ladies Waxed Jacket Ex-Display Size 10/14£5.00

Harris Jacket £30

Islander Jacket Navy/Cherry £48

>Fleece Bodywarmer , Navy S,M,L £18.00

Breezer Bodywarmer £27.00

Show Coat £30.00

Ghillie Padded Fleece Jacket £35.00

Children’s Pink T-Shirt £5.00

Childrens Sweatshirt Jade, Red, Royal £3.00

Age 10-12 / 14-16

Ladies Fitted Fleece Jacket £20.00

Rugby Shirt £18.00

Moleskin Bodywarmer, Green M,L,XL £35.00

>Sweatshirt Size S,M,L,XL £12.50

Navy Blue, Royal, Red, Black, Green

Children’s Polo Shirts Royal Blue £7.00

>Polo Shirt £12.50

Navy, Royal & Pale Blue (M,L,XL)

T-Shirt Blue £8.00

Two colour Poloshirt £15.00

NEW design Ties, Pink, Burgundy, Blue £10.00Membership Ties Maroon, Blue, Grey £8.00Polyester Tie £8.00Navy, Burgundy, Green, Brown, with all over bull designClip on Tie £8.00Brown, Burgundy, Green, Navy, with all over bullsLadies Scarf Navy Blue £10.00Baseball Cap Royal Blue £5.00Jotters in white leather-look case £2.00Bull Cufflinks £20.00Pen in box £3.50Mugs (new design) £3.50Lorry Sticker £5.00Pottery Mug £2.00Measuring Stick £20.00Herd Record Book £5.00Umbrellas £15.00Calf Measuring Tape £5.004X4 WHEEL COVER entitled “BUY BRITISH BEEF”

£25.00 notify us of the name of vehicle and size of

All postal orders are subject to a minimum P&P charge of £3.00 (excluding

**) >These items can be embroidered with Herd name at£4 extra per item.

Minimum postage for Overseas - £5.00---------------------------------

FIGURINES

Produced by Border Fine Arts

Weighing up the problem **200.00Charolais Bull LE500 **180.00Charolais Laying Down 60.00Cow & Calf 60.00

CHAROLAIS BOOKS

‘The Charlais Adventure’ by A S Harman £10.00 + £1.50 p&p

CCHHAARROOLLAAIISS PPRROOMMOOTTIIOONNSS

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to New Members whojoined from 1st September to 31st December 2008

NORTHERN IRELAND

Mr P Gallagher, 67A Ranaghan Road, Maghera, Co Derry N Ireland Tel: 028 796 44557H & H Heron, 24 Loughries Road, Newtownards, Co Down, N Ireland Tel: 028 9181 2209Little & Black, 64 Slane Road, Carnlough, Ballymena, Co Antrim, N Ireland BT44 OLF Tel: 028 28 885127Mr S McCaughey, 3A Derryclooney Road, Co Tyrone, N Ireland BT77 OED Tel: 07900 956116Mr O McNeill, Boreagh Farm, 43 Church Road, Forkhill, Newry, Co Down, N Ireland BT35 9SX Tel: 028 30 888 417J Gilliespie & Sons, 57 Garvaghy Road, Portglenone, Ballymena, Co Antrim, N Ireland BT44 8DN Tel: 028 25 38329M R Smyton, 30 Altaveedan Road, Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone, N Ireland BT75 ONB Tel: 02832 280727S & A McKenna, 27B Old Monaghan Road, Clogher, Co Tyrone, N Ireland BT76 OHW Tel: 028 855 48428

YORKS & NORTH EAST

Mr R A Slack, The Paddock, Killerby, Darlington, Co Durham DL2 3UP Tel: 07719 937506

SOUTH MIDLANDS

Mr S G Harris, Hawthorn Farm, Shelwick, Hereford HR1 3AS Tel: 01432 273289

SCOTLAND

Mr G McCulloch, C/O Mid Cambushinnie Farm, Dunblane, Perthshire Tel: 01786 820155

WALES

MR G Davies, Llwynllwyd Merthyr Cynog, Brecon, Powys LD3 9SF Tel: 01874 690188

LANCASHIRE

FP & S M Woodhead, Crimble Hall Farm, Bamford, Rochdale, Lancs Tel: 01706 360175Mr R Green, Marsdens Farm, Bashall Eaves, Clitheroe, Lancs BB7 3NA Tel: 01254 826262

SOUTH WEST

Mr J Thomas, 8 Priory Road, Bodmin, Cornwal Tel: 01208 76396

ANGLIA

Miss A J Robinson, Stockhill Lodge, Elton, Peterborough PE8 2SJ Tel: 01832 280727

EAST M IDLANDS

Mr D W North, 8 Westhall Close, Carlton-Le-Moorland, Lincoln LN5 9JD

OVERSEAS

Mr F Sullivan, Sulmer House, Lynchs Cross, Tullyallen, Droghedna, Co Louth, Eire Tel: 3538 6257 6132

If anyone would like to join the BCCS, please ring the office on 02476 697222

for further information and an application pack.

The following fees apply for joining: (inc VAT)

Enrolment fee: Annual Membership £28.75

Full Membership: (per annum) (N.B £20 is VAT zero rated) £31.50

Herd Prefix Fee: a herd prefix by which name all cattle will be identified per member £28.75

Associate Membership: (per annum) VAT zero rated, will receive publications only £20.00

65

ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO THE COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT AT

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

TO BE HELD IN

THE SOCIETY PAVILION, ROYAL SHOWGROUND

ON TUESDAY, 7th JULY, 2009 AT 9 a.m.

In accordance with the Articles of Association, the following Council Members retire having served their electedappointment to the Council of Management.

Mr D M Lyle (National)Mr T G Bell (Northern England)Mr G J Crawford (Northern Ireland)Mr J T Wilson (Scotland)Mr V E Sellick (Southern England)Mr R J B Tucker (Wales)

Messrs G J Crawford; D M Lyle; V E Sellick and R J B Tucker are eligible for re-election. Messrs T G Bell and J TWilson have served two terms of three years and are therefore not eligible for re-election.

Attached to this Notice you will find a nomination form for replacement nominees for the vacancies which must be

correctly completed and returned to the Society Office NOT LATER THAN MONDAY, 27th APRIL 2009. In the event ofmore than one nominee per vacancy a postal vote, respective to the individual Region/National vacancy, will be held.

A Council appointment is for a term of three years and is open to any fully paid-up Annual or Life Member of the Society.Proposers, seconders and nominees are confined to the Region in which their address is registered with the Society. Amember shall not be eligible to hold office as a member of Council if that member is:

a. A director or the holder of any other office or employment in any other company, society or organisationestablished for the promotion of any beef or any dual purpose breed of cattle other than Pedigree British Charolaiscattle.

b. Not either personally, the owner of Pedigree British Charolais cattle, or partner in a partnership firm or a sharedirector of a company which firm or company is the owner of Pedigree British Charolais cattle.

A statutory limitation was introduced in 1984 that after two consecutive terms of three years on Council, a member is noteligible for re-election for one year.

David BensonChief Executive

Please Note: Only Life, Founder or Annual Members of the Society are eligible to vote, i.e. not Associate Members.

SEE NOMINATION FORM OVERLEAF

THE BRITISH CHAROLAIS CATTLE SOCIETY LIMITED

By GuaranteeRegistered Charity No. 250018

66

2009

ELECTION OF MEMBERSTo The British Charolais Cattle Society Limited

Council of ManagementI WISH TO STAND FOR THE VACANCY SHOWN BELOW:

NB. Members are only eligible to tick ONE box

Please tickNorthern England

Northern Ireland

National

Southern England

Wales

Scotland

(N.B.The Northern England region consists of the area to the North of the Southern county boundaries of Shropshire, WestMidlands, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. Southern England shall consist of the area of England to the South of that line.)

Nominee: _____________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________

_____________________________________________ I, the above named, confirm acceptance of this nomination

………………………… Signed

Proposer: _____________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

…………………………. Signed

Seconder: _____________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________

_____________________________________________ …………………………. Signed

This nomination is only valid if received at the Society office by MONDAY, 27TH APRIL, 2009

You may wish to submit a short cv of no more than 100 words, in the first person, which will be circulated to theregional membership should a ballot be necessary. Please return it with your nomination form.

In the event of more than one nominee per vacancy a postal vote will be held.

January 2009

67

SUPERTAGS

APPROVED

BY THE BRITISH

CHAROLAIS CATTLE

SOCIETY – MEMBER

SPECIAL OFFER

Founded in 1947, Dalton remains a family owned business based in the historic town of Henley-on-Thames. It is one of the few tag companies that can proudly boast that it continues to manufacture,print and distribute its own tags in the UK. For the past six decades, Dalton has been in the forefrontof livestock management systems that incorporate the latest design, technologies, materials andmanufacturing processes.

The first company to manufacture and patent two piece ear tag, Dalton developed the Supertag in1984 as a uniquely designed cattle eartag. Having a solid pin unlike other tags which have hollowshafts for needle applicators, application is easy and the pin remains strong even after many years.Indeed in independent trials the Supertag was proven to offer a 99% retention rate.

Listening to some members customers who find orderingtags during office hours inconvenient Dalton offer the choiceof ordering by phone, fax, e-mail or on their webshopwww.tags4u.com

The company takes the quality of its Supertags veryseriously and ensures its service and delivery promise isnever compromised. In a recent survey 98% of customerssaid they would recommend Dalton to other farmers.

The Offer to British Charolais Society Members

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2. Free Applicator – with first order placed for Supertags or I-Tags

3. Free Replacements - Dalton tags ordered from 1st January 2009 by Society Members

and lost from the ear will be replaced free of charge*.

Dalton continues to innovate and develop new products; producing a range of electronic I-Tags forCattle, Sheep and Pigs and providing readers, autodrafters and weighscales. For a free catalogue,samples, information or to place an order simply contact Dalton ID Systems and quote your SocietyMembership number.

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CCHHAARROOLLAAIISS OOPPTTIIMMAALLFURTHER INFORMATION AVAILABLE, PICTURES, PRICES

& CATALOGUE CONTACT:Steve Nesbitt Tel: 01833 660250 Home

or 07979 593170 Mobile

[email protected]

Alwent Hall, Winston, Darlington, Co Durham DL2 3QH

OORR JJUUSSTT PPHHOONNEE SSPPIIKKEE

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