Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal - Volume 17 2021 by beefshorthorn

JOURNAL 2021

• DOCILE • FERTILE • EASY CALVING • HARDY • EASY CARE • PREMIUM BEEF • NATURAL FORAGERS • PROFITABLE • MILKY • LONG LIVED www.beefshorthorn.org

Looking to the Future with the 2020 Heifer calves Semen available from Podehole Fandango and Trojan of Craigeassie. BVD Accredited since 2011, Johnes Risk level 1 since 2010, IBR accredited and TB 4 year testing area.

PERFORMANCE RECORDED

LINEAR CLASSIFIED

www.facebook.com/podeholefarm Charles, Sally & Harry Horrell Pode Hole Farm, Thorney, Peterborough PE6 0QH t: 01733 270247 | m: 07860 541160 | e: podeholefarm@gmail.com | www.podeholefarm.co.uk Stockman: Roy McDonald t: 01733 844748 | m: 07961 085672

Welcome After an unprecedented year which has seen massive disruption and tragedy in many of our lives, I must first hope that you and your family are safe and well.

ach year the Journal sets out to provide a record of activities for the now, and for the future. Whilst you will find that we have covered the society sales, the absence of shows to report has led us to take a sharper look at our articles. We have introduced some food for thought on performance recording, an update on Myostatin, a closer look at the benefits of health schemes and a first-time update on linear classification. Each of these initiatives, supported by the society, are designed to help every breeder accelerate their herd’s progress towards a truly sustainable and profitable suckler cow. Looking to 2021 and beyond, I believe that UK agriculture faces one of its biggest challenges in my lifetime. Brexit and policy changes will undoubtedly lead to a period of instability. However, I think we can look to the future confident that Beef Shorthorn genetics will continue to succeed in meeting future market demands. Going forward, efficiency will be key. You will find that’s already a priority amongst the breeders and commercial farmers that we have featured in this issue. They have one thing in common – they are aware that Beef Shorthorn delivers a functional suckler cow suited to low input systems, the type we anticipate will be eligible for future support following the phasing out of our current payment system. In fact, these farmers are already finding Beef Shorthorn perfectly fits a variety of current stewardship regimes.

We also applaud the Morrisons Shorthorn Beef Scheme which is continuing to fuel the store marketplace and deliver premiums to the suckler sector. Whilst we are a breed society focused on moving forward, we have taken a step back in time; we have chartered the breed’s journey, beginning in the 18th century, a prelude to our Coates’ Herd Book 200th celebrations in 2022. Back to 2021 and the society is planning a new award designed to reward butchers and farm shops. We visited a busy farm diversification enterprise to find out how Beef Shorthorn is playing an integral role in its business expansion. Finally, we caught up with six of our young members to find out what they are up to; what inspires them and their plans for the future. I am sure you will enjoy reading about them as much as I did. They are in essence our future, our life blood. This year our adverts are admirable, with some fantastic photos and content but importantly, the income from advertisers contributes to the viability of the Journal. We look forward to continued success of the Beef Shorthorn and a more inspiring 2021. Geoff Riby Society marketing and communications committee chairman

www.beefshorthorn.org

Advertisers Index Herd prefix

Breeder Name

AB Europe Althorne

Mr and Mrs White

Appleton Mill and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Mr J. Allison

Beautry

Mr S. Currie

Biobest Breakheart

Mr I.J. Rickatson

Cairnsmore

Mr and Mrs Landers

Herd prefix

Breeder Name

Loak

Mr M.A. Robertson

Longfield

T. Russell and S. Farmer

117

Lowther

Mr C. Lowther

Maralin

Ms L. Clarke

Meonhill

L.E.P. Farms Ltd

Mineshop

Mr C. Nye

Morrisons

Page

6 38

111

Muiresk

Mr S. G. Mair & Sons

CCM Auctions

121

Mullaglass

Mr R. Henning

CD Auction Mart

147

Oakes

Mr and Mrs Oakes

64 21 130

Chapelton

Mr D.J. Biggar OBE

119

Oliver Seeds

Cherry Valley

Dr P. Fitzgerald

115

Plynlimon

CLVP Evans

Cooper

Mr T. McGuigan

130

Podehole

Mr and Mrs Horrell

Cowford

Thistledown Cowford Farm Ltd

56-57

Redhazel

MacGregor Farming Partnership

133

Creaga

Messrs N and L Dowd

103

Rookwith

Mr E. Page

118

Croxton Park

Croxton Park Partnership

Roundhill

Miss E. Trueman

Cutthorn

Mr A.J. Gibson

Rowanberry

Mr and Mrs Brigdale

Derwentwood

Mr and Mrs Hunter

Royalla

Mr N. Job and Ms S. Neilson

Dunsyre

Mr C. Coombs

Royalla Rockstar

Fearn

Mr J. Scott and Partners

Sandwick

Mr and Mrs Ivinson

113

Sannan

Mr. T.A. Williams

125

Sharpsbridge

Ms V. Henderson & Mr A. Pagett

Shawhill

Thomson, Roddick & Laurie

Messrs C. Macadie and Sons

102

G Shepherd Animal Health

24 126 2 (IFC)

121 40-41 79 137

Gilven

R. S. and G. Johnson

Glebefarm

Mr A. Shaw

Glenariff

Messrs N.J. and A.M. Barrett

Skaillhouse

Glenisla

Major J.P.O. Gibb

SRUC

Greenley

Mr G.H. & Miss M. Towers

Stanford Park

Mr & Mrs Stoneham

Hannington

Messrs. S.S. Horton and Sons

Stonehills

Mr G.L. Riby

Hansford

Mr and Mrs Fry

Stoneyroyd

Mr T. Riley

The Mill at Fearn Farm

Mr J. Scott and Partners

Harrison and Hetherington

Page

92-93

147

28 44 68-69 145

Highlee

Mr and Mrs Severn

Tollesbury

A.V. St Joseph

Holkin

Messrs I.W. and N.J. Hollows

125

Trainview

Mr J. Cameron & Miss V. Orr

Juaul

Juaul Farms

117

United Auctions

Kelleythorpe

Mr. H.J.A. Hopper

Uppermill

Mr J. Porter

Kislingbury

R G Elliott & Sons

Upsall

The Hon. G. Turton

Knockenjig

Mr and Mrs Dickie

Wenmar

Mr M. Moore

122

Langhams

Mr A Vrona

Wenmar

Mr M. Moore

148 (OBC)

Lipwood

Messrs M.E. & T.D. Tailford

Willingham

Mr A. Haigh

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

106

55 32-33 131

107

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Promoting the advancement of education, science, animal welfare and heritage, safeguarding the integrity and continuation of the breed. Volume 17, 2021

Contents Welcome.............................................................................................................................. 3 President’s report............................................................................................................... 7 Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Directors........................................................................ 8 Glenrinnes, stepping up Beef Shorthorn..................................................................... 10 Page Partnership, building a profitable enterprise.................................................... 14 Wales, a firm pedigree and commercial future.......................................................... 18 Performance recording with Breedplan...................................................................... 22

Head Office: The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society The Old Dairy and Ten Stall Lamport Manor, Old Road Lamport, Northamptonshire NN6 9HF t: +44 (0) 1604 698060 e: info@beefshorthorn.org w: www.beefshorthorn.org For registrations and transfers: The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Society Pavilion, Avenue M Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth Warwickshire CV8 2RG t: +44 (0) 2477 103406 e: registrations@beefshorthorn.org w: www.beefshorthorn.org Scottish Charity No. SC010218 Editor: Liz Snaith Photographic credits: Adrian Legge Photography John Eveson Photography MacGregor Photography Front cover Isla Campbell Photography

Performance recording in action.................................................................................. 23 Linear classification, 2020 assessments...................................................................... 25 Cattle health schemes, exploiting the benefits.......................................................... 29 Myostatin, a reminder and an update.......................................................................... 30 Heifer pelvic scoring........................................................................................................ 34 Morrisons: commercial cattle aiming to hit spec....................................................... 39 Generating the future suckler cow, SRUC.................................................................... 42 SRUC’s Perthshire hill unit, adding hardiness to the suckler herd......................... 46 Dalswinton Estate’s proven criss cross strategy......................................................... 50 CAFRE Hill Farm’s tried and tested suckler strategy.................................................. 54 Callachally’s Beef Shorthorn Highland compo.......................................................... 58 Delivering to meet the finished marketplace, TFAM.................................................. 62 Driving forward the Shorthorn Beef Scheme.............................................................. 63 Gaskbeg, a low input, low cost agri-environment management system.............. 66 Redhazel, a progressive organic business................................................................... 70 Beef Shorthorn, a rich history........................................................................................ 76 #Next Gen, our future....................................................................................................... 82 Farm shop success........................................................................................................... 90 Sales Stirling, February.............................................................................................................. 94 Dunsyre............................................................................................................................ 100 Knockenjig....................................................................................................................... 101 Stirling, October.............................................................................................................. 104 Skipton............................................................................................................................. 108 Regional clubs Regional club contacts.................................................................................................. 109

Journal design: Ghost Design www.ghostds.com

Scottish club.................................................................................................................... 110

Website design: Ghost Design www.ghostds.com

Northern club.................................................................................................................. 116

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in articles where the name of the author is published are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society. Follow us: @ShorthornUK @Beef_Shorthorn @ beef_shorthorn_society

Jack P Ramsay obituary................................................................................................ 112 Northern Ireland club.................................................................................................... 114 Central club..................................................................................................................... 120 Southern club................................................................................................................. 123 Wales and Borders club................................................................................................ 124 South Wales and Mid-Western club............................................................................ 127 Society Health test requirements.............................................................................................. 128 Registration and testing fees........................................................................................ 132 Coates’ Herd Book rules and conditions................................................................... 134 Guide to registrations.................................................................................................... 138 DNA testing guide........................................................................................................... 141 Breed characteristics..................................................................................................... 144 Merchandise.................................................................................................................... 146 www.beefshorthorn.org

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

President’s Report 2020 is certainly a year that none of us will forget. It has been extremely challenging for everyone with atrocious weather, Brexit and the Coronavirus to contend with.

espite all these difficulties and the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, interest in the breed continues to grow. Membership has increased during the last 10 years by 78%, whilst registrations have grown over the same period by 51%. Demand for quality Beef Shorthorn cattle continues with some exceptional prices achieved during the year. At the February bull sales in Stirling, two bulls were sold at 20,000gns with 53 lots sold averaging £4,780. Demand for females is high and at the Stirling Society sale in October, Beef Shorthorn females established two new breed records – a heifer at 15,000gns and 52 lots sold at an average of £3,543, up £1,103 on the year. The Dunsyre sale in September and Knockenjig dispersal in October achieved 100% clearance and excellent prices, and they attracted a number of new breeders. Here’s to the trend continuing. The Society continues to work closely with Morrisons and at the spring sale of store cattle supported by Morrisons, for example C&D Auction Marts, Longtown had an entry of 96 Beef Shorthorn and Beef Shorthorn cross cattle. Our thanks go to Andrew Thornber and the Morrisons team for their continued support of the breed. July marked the first anniversary of the appointment of the British Charolais Cattle Society as our service providers. We are pleased that this is working well and happy that they are providing a friendly and efficient service to our members, bringing our administrative processes up to date. Due to the Covid restrictions, systems were put in place to enable the staff both at Stoneleigh and the Lamport office to work safely from home with minimum disruption to the members. Sadly, all the agricultural shows and events due take place during the year were cancelled and with sales operating under restricted conditions it has been difficult to catch up with fellow breeders.

However it has been refreshing to see so many members take part in virtual shows and competitions and a bit of fun to lighten the spirits. As soon as restrictions allow and it is safe to do so we will endeavour to resurrect our members’ day/roadshow which had been scheduled to take place in June. In the meantime plans are underway to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Coates’ Herd book in 2022. The Society Directors have continued to hold meetings throughout the year albeit online and the publicity and sales committees have introduced a new online sales platform designed to assist members selling their cattle together with semen and embryos. Testing selected females for Myostatin (heifers born in 2018, at the point that their first calf is registered) has also been introduced. This will enable the Society to gradually build up the database on the female side. The benefits of gathering and interpreting female Myostatin data and the ability to enable informed decisions upon its impact on the breed will be beneficial to members. For the time being the cost of this testing is being borne by the Society. The recruitment process for a breed secretary/operations manager is now underway. A special thanks must go to Ellie Doak, our breed co-ordinator who has worked tirelessly and with good humour throughout a busy period and Morna Bell, our accountant for keeping us on the right track in terms of finance and governance. As my last year as President of the Society comes to a close I would also like to thank the Vice President, Charles Horton, the chairpersons of the various committees and all the Directors for their support, and for the time dedication and commitment that they give to the Society . I would like to wish all members a happy healthy and prosperous New Year and I look forward to the Society continuing to thrive. Cathryn Williamson President

www.beefshorthorn.org

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society

Directors Our current board of Directors, shown below and opposite, cover the whole of the UK. They are here to represent members and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find their contact details below.

Patron HRH The Princess Royal

President Cathryn Williamson

Vice-President Charles Horton

t: 07816 322280 e: cathrynw54@gmail.com

t: 07831 489694 e: cshorton17@gmail.com

Northern England

Geoff Riby t: 01262 602747 e: geoffriby@btconnect.com

Tim Riley t: 07812 075568 e: stoneyroyd@icloud.com

The Hon. Gerald Turton (Honorary) t: 01845 537932 e: turtongerald@hotmail.com

John Wilson t: 07365 108940 e: runleymill@btinternet.com

Southern England

Sally Horrell Past President t: 01733 270247 e: sally@horrell-podehole. co.uk

Charles Horrell t: 07860 541160 e: podeholefarm@gmail.com

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Tim Coles t: 07811 165104 e: silsonbeefshorthorns @gmail.com

Ian Rickatson t: 07789 691474 e: rickatsonian@gmail.com

Scotland

Major J P O Gibb (Honorary) t: 01575 582227 e: glenislashorthorns @yahoo.co.uk

Scotland

Carey Coombs t: 01899 810273 e: careycoombs@gmail.com

Donald Biggar OBE t: 01556 660205 e: djbiggar@aol.com

Shona Calder t: 01887 840462 e: shonamclean@live.co.uk

Northern Ireland

Alfie Shaw t: 07775 730000 e: gflivestock@gmail.com

Richard Henning t: 07730 762905 e: richard.henning @lakeland.ie

David Dickie t: 07785 512169 e: daviddickie@farming.co.uk

Wales

Martin Reynolds t: 07966 371558 e: martin.shorthorn @gmail.com

www.beefshorthorn.org

Beef Shorthorn stepping up its presence at Glenrinnes Delivering profit and fitting agri-environment schemes

eef Shorthorn is stepping up its presence at Glenrinnes having been tried and tested for the last decade on the Speyside estate to successfully deliver a profit and fit various agri-environment schemes. The pedigree herd is scheduled to expand by over 40% to 50 cows at the expense of a second native pedigree herd, whilst Continental genetics are being scaled back in the suckler herd for a criss cross breeding strategy featuring Beef Shorthorn and Angus. “Since our family moved to Glenrinnes more than 25 years ago, our aim has been to develop the estate sensitively and with an eye to quality. We believe in working with native breeds and our preference going forward is Beef Shorthorn,” explains Alasdair Locke who owns the family managed estate. “We choose Beef Shorthorn since we believed it was the native breed that most suited our estate. We like the fact that the breed has good maternal traits such as easy calving with the cows having plenty of milk which allow the calves to grow quickly. The cows also suit our organic forage based system.”

Fact FILE 2,500ha organic unit inc 524ha permanent grass 172ha arable

Up coming stock bull, Glenrinnes Luther

1,275ha rough grazing 529ha forestry 35 cow pedigree Beef Shorthorn herd 130 cow suckler herd 1,600 Blackface and Mule ewes 200 Red Deer

The Beef Shorthorn herd is calving unaided commencing in February and with 85% calving within the first nine weeks and the herd is rearing 99% calves per year. “The calves are lively, soon up and sucking and their dams make for great mothers, they really do look after their calves,” explains the unit’s herdsman, Glenn Dean. “These cows are lasting for an average 10 calf crops, and we still have a handful of the herd’s foundation stock, however expanding the herd is providing us with the opportunity for more young blood. For

example, we have recently invested in a new herd sire, and six heifers are coming in to the herd this year, we AIed them to calve in January to help tighten up the calving pattern. “They have a quiet temperament which for us is important since the cattle enterprise is managed singlehanded by myself. From time to time we have to relocate them over long distances - we’ve seven miles of main road, so we that’s when we need cattle we can move easily without jumping gates and fences.

Left, herdsman, Glenn Dean with Alasdair Locke

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Photos credit E.L.F Photography

Glenrinnes pedigree herd withspring born calves moving to pastures new

“Our mature purebred cows are averaging 700kg and calves 290kg, however going forward we plan to weigh both our cows and calves at weaning to see which are the most efficient. We are targeting our cows to wean 50% of their bodyweight and we are aware there is room for improvement and stepping up the pedigree herd’s performance is on the agenda. “We will in future be able to use data to select more carefully our breeding animals having just started to Breedplan performance record. That data should also help to enhance sales,” says Glenn. “Once we reach targeted herd expansion, we plan to sell surplus stock either at the farm gate or in the ring, dipping a toe in the water at the Stirling February sales.” Estate manager, Alister Laing continues: “Pedigree cattle offer a great showcase and they encourage staff dedication. Whilst we decided to concentrate on the one pedigree herd, a suckler herd is also very important in an organic system and it’s also come under the microscope. “We agreed to reduce the Continental influence, and introduce a criss cross breeding strategy in an attempt to achieve hybrid vigour resulting in more milk and better carcass weights. This year for the first time the majority of our Angus cows have been served to the Beef Shorthorn. “Furthermore, as times are changing and Brexit looms, no one really knows how the subsidy will look in the future so we have decided to also start monitoring the suckler cows more in depth. We realised it’s now time to look at the nitty gritty to ensure the herd continues to wash its face, that’s going to be our priority.

Pedigree cattle offer a great showcase and they encourage staff dedication. Whilst we decided to concentrate on the one pedigree herd, a suckler herd is also very important in an organic system and it’s also come under the microscope. “We are planning to follow the AHDB performance indicators and look at calving indicators - calving percentage, calving period, growth rates - average age at weaning, average weight, and replacements - empty cow and heifers and percentage of cows culled. Recording these figures individually or as a herd will allow us to identify poor performers and remove them out of the system so to lift up performance to maximise profit. Whilst the herd may currently be in the top 30% of performance, going forward we need to be in the top 10%.” The turnaround was made last year after the estate introduced a fresh pair of eyes; the SAC Consulting Beef and Sheep team was invited to assess the beef enterprise. “The outcome led us to agree to focus on producing traditional quality beef, introduce various new measures to step up the unit’s performance efficiency, start finishing some cattle and start direct marketing. We currently sell all our suckled calves straight off the farm weaned to a local organic finisher.” The estate eventually plans for a farm shop to complement its distillery, and to market its own produce - game, venison and Blackface lamb, together with Beef Shorthorn beef. The initiative is also designed to further encourage tourism and add to the rural economy.

Glenrinnes firmly believes that its low input organic system is the way forward for naturally reared native breed stock, and it has also adopted a renewed focus on exploiting existing resources. For example, grassland management also features including the introduction of a reseeding policy, stitching in, topping and rotational paddock grazing. Homegrown grass silage is already analysed on a regular basis and the herds’ TMR diet balanced accordingly. “Our Beef Shorthorn cattle are extremely hardy and we outwinter as long as we can before bringing them in to calve and introduced to a finely balanced low-cost diet - silage, straw and homegrown barley topped up with soya and minerals.” Alister adds: “Going forward, we also need to make sure we continue to manage an efficient system that is also eligible for future environmental support schemes, which in turn help to cover our fixed costs, keep people in jobs and ultimately, maintain our rural community. We believe our low input Beef Shorthorn mix should qualify.” • Beef Shorthorn Angus criss cross for hybrid vigour • Monitoring suckler cow efficiency • Eligible for agri-environment schemes • Low input strategy

www.beefshorthorn.org

Glenisla Maestro

Cattle are naturally reared above a 1000ft

Millerston Jamboree

Thank you to all our previous customers. We wish you luck with all your purchases.

Family droving - weekend workout!

~ Visitors always welcome ~ Email: glenislashorthorns@yahoo.co.uk John Gibb 01575 582736

Nick Gibb 07762 541554

Catriona Gibb 07790 798062

Ian Burgess 07919 357128

Glenisla House by Blairgowrie, Perthshire PH11 8QL 12

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Pictured are Ballylinney Hawk, Coldrochie Kracker, Cutthorn Ruby Flare with Cutthorn Plumber, Cutthorn Nato & Tofts Prince Grenadier

Junior bulls and heifers always available for sale

CUTTHORN SHORTHORNS ‘Bred from the ground up’ Members of SAC : High Health Status Contact Alastair Gibson to view—07823334910 Cut Thorn Farm, Gibside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 6AA

www.beefshorthorn.org

Fact FILE 50 pedigree Beef Shorthorn breeding females 120 cow commercial suckler herd 120ha inc 32ha arable Ed Page and Martin Grayshon

Building a profitable enterprise with pedigree Beef Shorthorn We visit Newton Grange, Bedale, North Yorkshire home to the Rookwith herd, to discover how Ed Page has taken the enterprise from zero to finding itself amongst the Stirling headlines.

Let’s set the scene, what’s driving Rookwith?

We’re focused on breeding for quality Beef Shorthorn to sell to both pedigree and commercial herds. We are still building Rookwith and the brand; our goal is to reach 80 females or cows and get a name for ourselves trading quality stock and equally important, achieve repeat business. We are running a business, it has to be sustainable and profitable and we’ve set a target for the Beef Shorthorn herd to clear itself in the next five years - that’s our goal, our drive. We work to budgets and we look to making decisions on a weekly basis. Ultimately, if

plans don’t work out, then we move on. Beef Shorthorn has to wash its face, it has to make a profit. Currently it’s doing alright, but we always say let’s do better. Again, it’s all about quality; we cull hard and all those animals go in to the food chain. We apply the same objectives to our sheep enterprise which we run on one of our two other nearby units. We used to farm 1,200 ewes; we’ve cut back flock size to 400 Beltex and Texel ewes to produce quality tups for the breeding market; we cull hard. Ed, you are a first-generation farmer. How did it all start?

Despite being brought up in the motor trade, I’ve always wanted to farm. We lived

Two year old heifers by Castlemount Junior 14

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

in the country, and I got my first pet lamb from our neighbours when I was five years old. Next, I decided I’d like some sheep, initially Hebrideans and then Jacobs came along; I was mad keen on showing, and between the age of eight and 13, I dragged my poor Mum around all the local shows. I suppose you could say I’ve always had a keen eye for breeding livestock. After Mum bought a flock of Mules, I then started to get immersed in real commercial farming - from lambing to dropping finished lambs off at the abattoir on the way to school. I went off to study at the Royal Agriculture College, after which I initially worked in the family’s automotive trade which was great, however I continued to have a hankering

to work on the land; I’m a real hands on person. I had the opportunity to develop my own path over 10 years ago, and in 2011 moved to Newton Grange, home to the former Dalesend pedigree Holstein herd. The following year we established Rookwith pedigree herd of Beef Shorthorns with a dozen foundation females from Chapelton and Lowther, along with a commercial suckler herd. Getting to grips with managing cattle has been a huge learning curve. Why Beef Shorthorn?

I wanted a native breed, one with a connection to the north east of England and Beef Shorthorn was just beginning to get going in terms of interest and demand. Beef Shorthorns have proved to be good all round sucklers. They’re great calvers, they’ve a great temperament and they’re great forage converters. Both the breed and the society are great. What type are you selecting

We’re focused on breeding a modern, good square, easy fleshing animal without being too powerful. Our current herd sire, Castlemount Junior is delivering; he is leaving progeny with good feet and legs; his calves are well put together. Calving ease is essential and we are breeding females with plenty of room. Heifers are calving at 30 months and so far, they’re lasting for an average seven crops. They’re really quiet to handle which is really important if there is only one of us around, and for routine jobs, we have a great handling system which can be operated by one person. But it’s team work at Rookwith isn’t it?

Yes, very much so. Our stockman, Martin Grayshon arrived in 2016 and since then we’ve developed a great working partnership. He was brought up on a Yorkshire dairy farm, and had spent virtually his entire career working with beef and sheep. Whilst I’ve introduced him to Beef Shorthorn he soon agreed they’re a brilliant breed to work with. I leave Martin to run Newton Grange on a day to day basis whilst I’m busy looking after our other units and concentrate on the sheep.

Castlemount Junior with some of his six month old calves

It’s not just Martin; together with his wife Heather who has her own full time career, they’ve proved to be an indispensable team. They’re a huge dynamic and have brought both the pedigree and commercial cattle to the fore. Tell us a bit about the commercial herd

We invested in a three quarter bred Angus herd which was being dispersed and for the last four years operated a criss cross breeding strategy with the Beef Shorthorn to develop a good functional suckler cow. They’re good calvers, they milk well, and are good forage converters. Steers and heifers surplus to requirements are proving to be very versatile. We’re selling them at between nine and 13 months in the local store ring and we’re finding they are competing on the same level field as Continentals. What are your major sale accomplishments to date?

It has to be Rookwith Marvellous at Stirling, February 2020; he stood in reserve place in the intermediate line up and went on to sell for the day’s joint top price of 20,000gns, a level of success that confirmed we are going in the right direction and the day also reassured us of our decision in 2017 to invest 8,500gns in our herd sire Castlemount Junior. Marvellous was Junior’s first son we’d sold. And the showring?

We believe it’s a great showcase - it helps to get prospects on to the farm to see our cattle, but we’re not chasing tickets; anything we achieve, we regard as a bonus. For herd health reasons, we decided to do just the big shows. We won the Royal Highland junior championship in 2019 with Rookwith Marvellous, and we also secured the overall title with Rookwith Hilda N392 at the Society’s 2019 Rising Star’s Calf Show at Thirsk.

In 2018, Martin encouraged us to enter the Society’s Northern Club herd competition, and Rookwith won the overall award. In 2020 we reclaimed that same overall award. Management and nutrition

We believe in good grassland management which has in turn helped us to increase herd numbers. We have a very proactive reseeding policy establishing new leys every two to three years. We aim for high quality silage - 34% DM, 11ME and 11% to 12% CP. According to the analysis, we feed winter housed cows approximately 17kg freshweight per head per day supplemented with straw and minerals. We aim to keep in body condition score 3. Weaned calves are fed the same forage diet and the steers get just a bit of homegrown barley; we don’t feed any bought in concentrate. Beef Shorthorn are very good forage converters and from my experience, they’re cheaper to keep than a Continental which I reckon would need up to 30kg silage a day. Where to next?

For the herd - we are planning to start linear classification; I think it’s a useful tool to independently assess our females and in turn help us make better selection decisions going forward. It’s now time for me and Martin to put our stamp on the herd, maintain the current momentum with the next genetics and make sure they will click. For the farm - we’re already looking in to future Government schemes including Environment Land Management. We are starting to assess what we are already doing which could be eligible for support, and anything we may have to tweak. If the industry is going in the direction of more environmental schemes and lower inputs, then more farmers will be thinking about stocking native breeds. I believe Beef Shorthorn will fit. www.beefshorthorn.org

MARALIN

Princess Myrtle

Sired by Chapelton Kingsley Yearling Champion NI Club Virtual Show 2020 Res Supreme Champion NI Beef Shorthorn Club Calf Show 2019

MARALIN

Queebny CMhaypelrtltoen Kingsley Sired

MARALIN

Pretty Moonlight

Sired by Chapelton Kingsley

est Libby Clarke |

CARAMBA

Libbys Lady

Reserve Female Cham

pion RUAS

1994

077755 84884

lib788@gmail.com

Springfield, 15 Springhill Road, Lurgan BT66 7JL

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

THE LANGHAM HERD A&C FARMS, HOME OF QUALITY SHORTHORNS Nebraska. 20 Mths

Nevada Buffalo. 20 Mths

2019 born sibling by ET - Sire is Australian trait leader Yamburgan Tobermorey Calving Ease DIR +3.5, Calving ease DTRS +6.5, 600 Day weight +71, Eye Muscle +6.8 Exceptional figures backed by performance with terrific growth rates and maternal traits. Their Dam Candy’s Ambrosia, is from a female line of exceptional reliability, we are excited at their potential and look forward to presenting stock from such a sound background.

Weights at 20 months – Nebraska 948kg, Nevada Buffalo 934kg CURRENT STOCK BULLS - Podehole Lionheart - Fearn Morangie - Langhams Kansas Star - Langhams Maximus (ET son of Crooked Post Stockman)

2020 Calves

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www.beefshorthorn.org

Fact FILE 15 Beef Shorthorn pedigree cows 50 improved pedigree Welsh ewes 350 Welsh Mountain ewes 45ha grassland 80ha mountain Tudor and Mona Williams with a portion of their Sannan herd

Beef Shorthorn in Wales Developing a firm future for both pedigree and commercial herds The pedigree breeders Beef Shorthorn has a firm future in Wales, says Mona Williams. “Of the native breeds we know, it’s Beef Shorthorn that’s hardier, easier to calve and overall, a terrific performer with a quiet temperament that’s the real big bonus when there’s only two of us on the farm. “The cows have plenty of milk to grow the calves from virtually pure forage diets grazed grass and hay supplemented with a little concentrate at the onset of calving. The herd is usually achieving 100% calves reared and we expect an average 10 calf crops.” Twenty-year-old Mona returned home from Glynllifon College two years ago after completing a Level 2 Technical Certificate in agriculture to farm with her father, Tudor, near Llansannan, Denbigh. “We are a relatively small least cost grass based unit farming in an area where it’s challenging to expand, so we are focused on producing added value quality livestock, and its family units like this which we believe will have a future,” she explains. “Each year we retain four replacement heifers to calve at 2.5 years, and sell the majority of the remainder for breeding purposes. 18

“We are annually rearing bulls to meet an increasing demand from commercial producers, whilst steers are sold through the store ring in Dolgellau at an average 500kg at 17 months thanks to Morrisons Sannan - breeding cows with plenty of milk Shorthorn Beef scheme, 2020 saw the arrival of new stock sire, and they are price matching Continental Muiresk Messiah who is within the breed’s strong stores.” top 25% and selected for ease of calving The unit also stocks 400 ewes including and size. “He’s the first telephone purchase Mona’s 50 improved pedigree Welsh ewes. at auction we’ve ever made. We weren’t able to go to Stirling, however, we liked Mona’s father, Tudor Williams helped to his looks on line and his accompanying pioneer Beef Shorthorn in Wales 20 years Breedplan data, in particular for his smaller ago; in fact, Sannan was the third to be stature. On his arrival, we felt a little registered in the country, he explains. “I’ve had a lifelong love affair with the breed after nervous, however when he walked down winning the Colywn Bay championship with the tail gate, he was just as we’d imagined.” a Shorthorn when I was just 10 years old,” he says. “When I gave up dairying farming, I stocked with commercial beef, and eventually with natural poll Beef Shorthorn genetics from Glenisla and Upsall. “Since then, we’ve selected for conformation and developed a moderate size cow maturing at 550kg to 600kg - we’re aware that smaller cows are more efficient.”

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Introducing performance recording is one for the future, says Mona. “Weighing our cows and calves is on the agenda. It will help us to be able to select our replacements more carefully and confirm just how well the herd is really doing and in turn, help us to improve our day to day management. Herd health has already taken a priority.

“We are members of the SAC Health Scheme and the herd is fully accredited for IBR, Lepto and BVD, and Johne’s level 1. The herd is tested TB free; you couldn’t get any better than that. We firmly believe in preventative herd health, it not only saves costs but provides ourselves as well as other breeders with that reassurance.” The showring continues to be important for Tudor Williams and Mona has inherited his passion along with showing members from her 50-pedigree ewe improved Welsh flock. “It’s a great show case for us, and we’ve had success locally up against other breeds, however since there’s an expanding number of Beef Shorthorn breeders in Wales, we’re looking forward to some welcome competition.”

Sannan’s next generation, 16-month-old heifers

Kevin and Edmund Davies with seven-month-old Beef Shorthorn cross calves

The suckler producers Edmund and Kevin Davies who run a 30-cow mixed suckler herd of Continental and Angus crosses alongside a 700-ewe flock based near Montgomery, Powys are amongst the commercial producers to have invested in a Sannan bred bull. Four years on and they say Beef Shorthorn is the native breed for the future. “Since we swapped our Continental bull for the Beef Shorthorn a very clear pattern has developed, it’s not a one off. Changing breed has certainly removed a lot of stress. We no longer have cesareans and assisted calvings have been reduced from 10 to virtually nil. The calves are really sprightly and they’re soon up and suckling. “These calves are so calm, as they grow on docility is really important and with Dad working on his own they are so much easier to easier to work with; we’re confident they’re not going to jump gates,” Kevin explains. “Also, as aside, whilst TB testing our vet remarked the Beef Shorthorn crosses have much thicker skins.” Whilst the Davies are starting to retain heifers for replacement purposes, they finish the majority of calves for Morrisons Shorthorn Beef Scheme. “We’re finding these cattle are finishing up to two months earlier than the Continental crosses used to. Our Beef Shorthorn cross steers are averaging 370kg deadweight at 20 to 22 months of age and same age heifers 325kgs deadweight. The entire crop grade is grading R4L and O +4L and achieve the scheme’s premium.” Sharing customers’ experience, the Davies say Beef Shorthorn really cuts the mustard. “Eating quality is superb, it really does melt in the mouth.” He adds: “Beef Shorthorn is one element of the beef enterprise that is here to stay in these uncertain times. The breed has proved to be consistent in helping to reduce costs and improve our overall efficiency.”

www.beefshorthorn.org

KISLINGBURY BEEF SHORTHORNS

Pedigree cows that form part of 380 cow commercial suckler herd. All progeny sold as finished cattle.

Central England Herd Competition. Champion Herd 2017 & 2018

Stock Bulls Glacier of Upsall Lachlan of Upsall R.G Elliott & Son Farmers and Butchers

Noborough Lodge Farm, Norton, Brockhall, Northampton NN7 4LA Tel; 07508 624376

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Mullaglass

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MULLAGLASS MARGO AND KNOCKENJIG MARGO

MULLAGLASS MAGNUM EX 90

BULL CALF BY LINHILL KEVIN EX93

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Overall winner NI Herds Competition 2019, Runner Up 2018. AFBI Health Scheme herd Richard Henning: 10 Jockeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brae, Newry, Co Down, NI BT35 6NU Follow us on Facebook: Mullaglass Shorthorn

Tel: 07730762905 | Email: richard.henning@lakeland.ie

www.beefshorthorn.org

Performance recording with Breedplan If you’ve yet to register, then read on to find out more

Society breed development committee’s Carey Coombs explains the two key elements to performance recording and six essential points to remember.

a, The raw data. The birth weights, gestation lengths, growth rates, eye muscle area, calving indexes and so on make up the raw data that the breeder can record and base breeding decisions on within the herd. However, none of this helps in making direct comparisons between herds because

of the different management regimes and farm environments in which those herds are maintained. b, Estimated Breeding Values. (EBVs). These are values that are calculated for a number of recordable traits. They enable direct comparisons between herds. Most farmers

We would advise all breeders to familiarise themselves with the technical details available on the Breedplan website. https://breedplan.une.edu.au/helpcentre/

Points to remember

Summary

1. The emphasis that breeders place on traits is a personal choice. The fastest growing, largest leanest cattle are not necessarily the most profitable cattle. Breeders should not be seduced into selecting purely for growth rate. Other traits such as calving index and calving ease contribute significantly to overall herd profitability. Breeders will have different priorities based on personal circumstances.

Recording measurable performance traits is only one part of successful stock breeding and husbandry. The ‘stockman’s eye’ is, has been, and always will be the key to what makes a successful breeder. He or she will always use their judgement above all else. However, successful forward-looking breeders will also use whatever tools are available to contribute to their knowledge and help realise their objectives. EBVs and cow classification are two such tools.

2. Cattle with EBVs that are average for the breed are for the most part perfectly good cattle. Selecting for extremes in any one trait will have a trade-off. For example, a very high milk EBV may affect fertility unless forage quality is extremely high. Big cows may be less efficient. 3. The accuracy of published EBVs is not always high. However even low accuracy EBVs are a starting point. The more we all record, then the more accurate the EBVs will become. 4. Breedplan insists that we do not record just the best performing cattle in the herd. The best cattle are only the best because of the comparisons with the less well performing cattle. It is the differential that makes the data meaningful. 5. Breeders are warned against falsifying records in order to present higher figures in sale cattle. In time, false records will be found out. The true genetic merit of an animal will always become clear over time by the recording of an animal’s progeny and its relatives’ performances and the genetic linkages between them. 6. The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society publishes three indices. These have been developed to summarise the potential profitability of cattle in three different management scenarios. By studying the management regimes for which they are produced, and assessing as to whether they approximate to a breeder’s breeding objectives then they may prove to be a useful starting point. Breeders are reminded to always study the individual EBVs after having made the initial selection. 22

will by now be familiar with the most commonly used EBVs.

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

The success of the Beef Shorthorn breed and its role in the beef industry in what may be an unpredictable economic future, depends on breeders selecting cattle that are functional and profitable. Continuing the progress, the breed has made in recent years will depend on selling the breed’s performance to potential buyers. The only way to demonstrate this performance is by recording it. For further information please contact info@beefshorthorn.org

Performance recording in action Why I believe it’s logical to record, by Ian Rickatson, Breakheart herd, Millbrook, Bedfordshire

found it a logical decision to performance record the Breakheart herd from the outset. My parents were pig producers, so the concept of monitoring and studying genetics was second nature. I also introduced laying hens as one of the farm’s enterprises in the mid 2000s, so number crunching and analysing data is part of the daily routine. The pig and poultry sectors are light years ahead in regard to genetics. They both have dedicated breeding companies whose constant research into genetics provides stock within their respective sectors at the very top of what is achievable. There is no guessing from the producer, and the large buyers will ignore those that are not utilizing these genetics which are endorsed through performance figures. When the first calf crop from my newly established herd arrived in 2014, I was ready to monitor its performance. I wanted the Breakheart herd to be progressive and efficient and although pedigree, I have a strong commercial outlook. I knew unless I recorded to identify what was happening, in terms of genetic traits, I would not be able to identify what needed improving. An early stock bull, Tofts Winner was purchased not just on his appearance but also because he was recording milk yield figures in the breed’s top 1%. I thought he would be a perfect foundation block for the herd since a majority of his daughters would be retained to build numbers. As a view to those at a similar stage of herd establishment or just starting out, I have not especially identified or chased any particular traits since. Alternatively, I have strived for balanced, strong overall performance across the board in the knowledge that the genetic herd trend reports, regularly provided to me by Breedplan, will indicate if the herd is losing ground on a particular trait(s).

Ian Rickatson

To those that may be tempted to start recording, please do not be put off by how your herd or animals may sit within the breed’s average trends. From first-hand experience, rapid gains can be made, especially on particular traits by introducing a suitable bull or, less expensive AI across a section of your herd - large or small. Ultimately you will be improving your herd and its marketability, and helping the breed compete within the UK beef sector. Seven years of performance recording and the benefits of utilising Breedplan are reflected in the herd’s genetic trend reports. The herd has grown to 28 breeding females and currently sits within the top 15% of breed average for milk yield, largely due to that early influence from Tofts Winner. Some other traits are within the breed’s top 10%. The workload and costs for the positives I obtain are minimal. I submit data in the form of four emails per year and one spreadsheet, using figures I already collect. I also enjoy the time and interest from a scanning technician visit for two hours every spring whilst my yearling stock are measured for their terminal traits.

In return, Breedplan creates a level playing field for my herd in comparison to farms with higher inputs. I receive regular reports for individuals and the entire herd as I look to enhance its genetic value. With Breedplan at our disposal, we have the ability to try and emulate those pig and poultry breed companies and make sure we are providing our industry with the best genetics from within the Beef Shorthorn Herd Book. • Price trends at recent sales indicate that bulls with above average performance are attracting higher bids from commercial farmers seeking to increase profitability. The 2040 Net Zero target is also on the horizon and fast approaching. Research is already indicating that carbon reduction will occur with help from improved livestock genetics. Sustainable beef production may need to be proven and the use of EBVs will give a strong indication of those animals that are most efficient. Above average index bulls may become a requirement for the commercial buyer, not just a preference. If you’ve yet to start performance recording your herd, then maybe now is the time to get on the front foot. www.beefshorthorn.org

After 100 years we still remain #ImpressiveInTheField

Call 01506 894822 for all your seed requirements enquiries@oliver-seeds.co.uk 24

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

www.oliver-seeds.co.uk

Linear Classification Latest update, 2020 assessments

he Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society’s linear classification scheme has been wholeheartedly embraced by members as an additional tool to accelerate progress within their breeding programmes and towards an improved functional suckler cow. Since it’s launch in 2015, the Society’s independent classifiers have visited 150 herds located throughout the UK and inspected in total 6,343 females that have had one calf or more, whilst during the last 12 months, 1,165 cattle from 85 herds have been classified with over 22% Excellent, and 40% VG. See table below. Believed to be the most comprehensive of its kind offered by any beef breed society, Beef Shorthorn linear classification identifies females more readily with the strongest maternal traits within a herd, along Prefix ALLATHAN ANNAHILL ARDALE BALNABROICH BALNESPICK BEAUTRY BRADHILL BREAKHEART BRIDGEHOUSE BURNSIDE CATTERALL CAVANS CHAPELTON

Member name

Gwen Chalmers Mrs E Cairns Messrs E & K Ivinson Balnabroich Farms Cathryn Williamson Mr S C Currie Mr Stephen R Swales Mr I J Rickatson G & B.M Sutton William & Jill McAllister E & T Richardson David Scarth Mr D J Biggar OBE Messrs Park, Baird & CHARLESBURY Hamilton COOPERDOWN Mr Alistair Cooper COXHILL Mrs L J Townsend CRAIGFADDOCK Mr. D. Alexander DARGAVEL Mr & Mrs Paul Crawley DELPHEAD S & J Hodgson DYNELEY J & J Shorrock EASTMILL Firm of Doldy Farm ELLA Mr Robert Hawking FARLAM JR & C Elliott FEARN J Scott & Partners GALLA Mr. J.W. Frame GILVEN R S & G Johnson GLEBEFARM Alfie Shaw GLENBRAE Mr. J. Nelson GLENISLA Major J.P.O. Gibb GORTLYND Kenneth Lynd Mr G H & Miss Megan GREENLEY Towers HANLEY Daniel A Bown Mr T Allan Jackson, HEADLIND Headlind Partners HIGHLEE Mark & Tracy Severn KELLEYTHORPE Mr. H.J.A. Hopper KERNEY AJ & KA Stephens KISLINGBURY R G Elliott & Sons David & Rosemary KNOCKENJIG Dickie LAMBORO Mrs. A.I. James LINHILL Mr John McFadden LISNAMANNY Mr Sean Kerr LLWYNHYWEL Messrs Evans & Price Tina Russell & Simon LONGFIELD Farmer

Total classified

Excellent

Good +

2 6 1 13 13 13 16 14 2 3 20 39 25

0 1 0 5 6 1 4 3 1 0 6 4 2

2 2 0 6 3 5 6 3 1 2 7 12 9

0 2 1 2 3 4 3 7 0 1 6 14 9

14 73 8 20 13 7 6 1 11 84 18 20 10 4 15 19

1 9 3 1 2 1 1 0 2 15 0 3 4 2 3 4

4 27 3 10 4 3 3 0 6 37 6 13 3 2 8 7

7 26 2 9 5 3 1 1 2 20 8 4 3 0 3 7

10 5 3 15

3 2 1 1

5 2 1 2

2 1 1 9

7 2 5 25

0 0 2 8

2 1 2 16

3 1 1 1

with good conformation and structural soundness. The service The two-part scheme comprises a 14-trait linear classification together with a composite classification in four categories – body confirmation, beef character, legs and feet and mammary, which when added together provide the animal’s final score. This final score together with the ranking – from Poor to Excellent, is automatically appended to the animal’s name and made visible on pedigree certificates, Breedplan records and sales catalogues.

For further information please email ellie@beefshorthorn.org or NBDC’s jackieclark@nbdc.uk Prefix

Member name

Mr. and Mrs. J.H.D. Fanshawe LUMAJO Lucy Flintham LYNTHORPE Mrs Lynda D Robson MAGHERONE Christopher Clarke MILLERSTON Mr Jack P. Ramsay MINESHOP Chris Nye MOREWOOD Mrs. P.A. Reid MOUNTBENGER J.F. Irving & Son MUIRESK Stuart G Mair & Sons MULLAGLASS Mr R Henning MUNSLEY Mr. A.R. Mew OCEANVIEW Mr.J.B.Pollard ODIN Graham Taylor PIKELOWE Andrew Thompson PLYNLIMON CLVP Evans Harry Horrell (trading PODEHOLE as C Horrell Ltd) POYNTINGTON Dr. and Mrs. S.G.F. Cave RICHAVEN Richard A Bown ROCKWOOD David Macrory ROUNDHILL Miss Emma Trueman RUMSDEN Ms Sarah Wilkins SANDWICK A & C Ivinson Ms Victoria Henderson SHARPSBRIDGE & Mr Andrew Pagett SHEPSHOK Shepshok Holdings Messrs. C. Macadie and SKAILLHOUSE Sons SLEIGHTHOLME Mr Patrick J. James SNAREHILL Mr P R Claxton STANFORDPARK Mr & Mrs M Stoneham STANINGO RWH & MJ Fenemore STONEHILLS Mr G.L. Riby STOUPEBROW WH & SM Terry SYMPHONY J & R Pearce TALSARN Gareth & Catrin Price THAYMAR Thomas Cheetham TOFTS Playfair Farms TOLLESBURY A.V. St Joseph Mr J Cameron & Miss TRAINVIEW V Orr Messrs Ivan & James TULLYARD Walmsley TURNCROFT Mr JD & ME Hill WENMAR Mr M Moore WESTBROAD D. Welsh WHITEHALL Whitehall Farm Ltd LUCOMBE

Total classified

Excellent

Good +

6 7 6 36 31 13 7 11 12 4 3 10 20 6

1 3 2 12 8 1 2 2 6 1 0 3 9 1

3 3 4 17 13 10 4 5 4 3 2 5 5 5

2 1 0 6 8 2 1 3 2 0 1 2 4 0

2 12 10 4 2 7

1 3 2 2 1 1

1 9 3 1 1 3

0 0 4 1 0 3

3 4 66 15 15 3 15 12 6 11 14

0 1 20 4 4 0 2 2 2 2 5

0 1 23 5 6 2 7 7 3 5 7

2 2 18 5 5 1 5 3 1 4 2

23 8 23 16

6 4 6 7

6 2 10 6

8 2 7 3

www.beefshorthorn.org

DUNSYRE BEEF SHORTHORNS We would like to thank all purchasers of cows and calves at our recent reduction sale. These genuine stock cattle will go on to make highly positive contributions to their new herds. We continue to focus on producing functional and productive grass-fed cattle, outwintered at 900 feet. Selected over 40 years for all the best attributes of the breed and combined with reliance on the latest performance recording data, they demonstrate the ultimate in efficient suckler animals. Our stars of the future include these outstanding heifers.

Dunsyre Magic 24th

Dunsyre Meadowsweet 48th

Sire: Sutherland Bundaberg Dam: Dunsyre Magic 12th (Dunsyre Asterix)

Sire: Redhill Ferny Dam: Dunsyre Meadowsweet 30th (Aylward Luscious)

Dunsyre Medwyn Maid 37th

Dunsyre Vatersay 35th

Sire: Dunsyre Lord Nelson Dam: Dunsyre Medwyn Maid 26th (Dunsyre Dreadnought)

Sire: WF Tornado Dam: Dunsyre Vatersay 28th (Langalbuinoch Barney)

Sires for 2021 Glenisla Kilimanjaro, Fearn No Limits, Dunsyre Lord Nelson Carey & Hilary Coombs, Weston Farm, Dunsyre, Carnwath, South Lanarkshire ML11 8NG careycoombs@gmail.com www.dunsyreshorthorns.co.uk 07734 330087

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

ALTHORNE

BEEF SHORTHORNS E S TA B L I S H E D 1 9 7 5

Althorne Jasper

Althorne Gabrielle Jilt

Althorne Margarita Rose

Althorne Barrington Molly

Althorne Pamela Rose

STOCK BULLS Brian and Suzanne White and Family Highfields Farm

Althorne Jasper

Upper Chase, Summerhill

Breakheart Legacy

Althorne, Chelmsford, Essex.

Munsley Northwood

CM3 6BY Tel:

01621 741845

Email:

althornebeefshorthorns@hotmail.com www.beefshorthorn.org

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Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

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Cattle Health Schemes: For every herd? To some, it may appear that herds join cattle health schemes just to display certificates at sales, however their benefits go far beyond that, explains SRUC Veterinary Services’ Helen Carty BVM&S, Cert AVP (cattle), MRCVS.

Cattle Health Certification Standards (UK), abbreviated to CHeCS, is the regulatory body for Cattle Health Schemes in the UK and Ireland. It was set up over 20 years ago by the cattle industry to control and eradicate important diseases of cattle using a set of standards to which all licensed Cattle Health Schemes must adhere. CHeCS covers BVD, Johne’s disease, IBR, Leptospira hardjo and Neospora caninum.

he CHeCS technical document has an evidence-based set of testing procedures to determine if the five infectious diseases are present in a herd. It then follows on with a framework for reducing or eradicating these diseases from your cattle. • Accredited free status can be achieved for BVD, IBR and L.Hardjo. • A risk level is given to Johne’s disease and Neospora; 1 indicates a herd with the lowest risk of infection. If you have yet to join a health scheme, do you know the current status of these diseases within your herd? Discuss it with your vet and perhaps you could do some initial testing. You may be pleasantly surprised, find no evidence of disease and choose to work towards accreditation. If you do find evidence of disease, it’s important that you discuss with your vet how best to tackle it. This is particularly relevant if you plan to introduce animals to your herd. If for example you have IBR in your herd, but you buy a bull that is IBR free, it is important to plan with your vet how to protect your new purchase, for example by vaccination. It is not necessary to join a health scheme for all diseases at the start. BVD and Johne’s disease are certainly considered priority diseases due to their significant impact on cattle health and welfare as well as productivity. Losses from BVD in a beef herd can exceed £45,000 over a 10-year period. BVD eradication is currently a hot topic in the

Helen Carty

cattle industry with mandatory schemes in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland and subsidised screening is available in England and Wales. Studies have shown that cows that test strongly positive for antibodies to Johne’s disease produce calves with an average weaning weight 21.5kg less than that of test negative animals. Cows that are moderate to high shedders of the Johne’s organism produce calves with an average weaning weight 58.5 kg less than that of culture negative animals. Getting started: you may begin by testing for BVD and Johne’s disease and consider moving forward with the other diseases over time. For example, it may be inappropriate to attempt to progress with Leptospira Hardjo accreditation if you have a high number of vaccinated animals in your herd, or in the case of IBR a nonmarker vaccine has been used. Again, a plan can be agreed with your vet. Perhaps stopping L.Hardjo vaccination or switching to IBR marker vaccine and monitoring heifers as they join the herd with a longterm plan of working towards accreditation in five or six years would be a good option. Existing health scheme members: as part of your annual herd health plan you

should review your herd’s disease status with your vet to determine if anything needs addressed. You may have originally opted to just test for one or two diseases but could now consider moving forward with accreditation for others. Alternatively if you feel you are not progressing with accreditation a review could help determine if any other investigation or management changes are needed. Biosecurity and quarantine: the CHeCS rules can be found in the technical document on the CHeCS website www. checs.co.uk The rules ensure that if these diseases are not present in your herd then they stay out. Installation of double fencing, or use of an equivalent boundary to provide a gap of three metres between scheme cattle and any neighbouring cattle of a lower health status, is essential where scheme participants are following the IBR and/or BVD Accredited free programmes. If this is not possible for your herd, then Vaccinated Monitored Free status for these diseases could be an option. Remember, the CHeCS guidelines and testing framework are suitable for use in every herd, whether commercial or selling pedigree animals. The rate at which you progress with certification is up to you. • SRUC Veterinary Services run the Premium Cattle Health Scheme (PCHS), one of the largest CHeCS Licensed Schemes serving pedigree and commercial, beef and dairy herds. For further information about PCHS please visit www.cattlehealth.co.uk 01835 822456 pchs1@btconnect.com www.beefshorthorn.org

A reminder and an update

Myostatin in Beef Shorthorn breeding programmes

previously wrote an article which was circulated to Society members on the science and breeding issues that are associated with the Myostatin gene mutations. For new and existing members, this is a reminder of the main issues to be aware of, and the Society’s policy, writes breed development committee chairman, Tim Riley. First, it must be said that many breeders do see increased musculature in animals that carry deletions in the Myostatin gene. Remember, that the normal gene’s role is to regulate muscle growth, in addition to controlling other aspects of the animal’s metabolism and physiology. If the gene is mutated, then its function is lost. Each animal carries two copies of the Myostatin gene, one from each parent. An animal can either have two normal genes - known as homozygous or wild type; two mutated or defective genes - homozygous mutated; or one normal and one mutated or defective gene - heterozygous. We know that the gene can be mutated at different places along its length and the mutations have notations to identify them. Most common in Beef Shorthorn is E226X followed by NT821 and NT419 and to a small extent F94L. ‘Disruptive mutations’ are those that completely remove the normal function.It doesn’t matter if the mutations are at different places on the gene such as a E226X on one copy and a nt821 mutation on another. In that case there will be no viable Myostatin function and so some form of ‘double muscling’ will occur. The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society wants to ensure that breeders make informed choices in their breeding strategies. On that basis, we now require that all bulls to be registered to the Herd Book are tested and characterised for Myostatin status. Bulls that carry two copies of any mutated version of the gene are ineligible for the Herd Book. Knowing a bull’s Myostatin status is only half the story.

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

For this reason, the Society wants to encourage members to test their female cattle so that they can plan matings and be aware of the likely Myostatin possibilities for a calf. To allow members to see the value of this approach, the Society has agreed to pay for testing on heifers born in 2018 and 2019 when their first pedigree calf is being registered. This will also enable the Society to evaluate how much the Myostatin mutations are influencing the breed. The breed development committee will keep under the review the question of whether to fund testing heifers born from 2020 when initial results have been analysed. It is hoped that members will see the value of testing females and continue to do so even when the Society funded scheme comes to a close. To date, we do already have a number of double copy animals on the herdbook; 33 born of which five died, leaving active registered males (21) and females (7). All but one possesses E226X mutations.

The single copy mutations are more numerous in the Herd Book. There are currently, 675 1 x E226X animals (569 male and 106 female); 35 1 x NT821 animals (29 male and 6 female); 46 1 x NT419 (36 male and 10 female). In summary, it is a fact that the prevalence of the Myostatin mutations is increasing in the breed. We know that in a competitive beef market that the single copy phenotype does confer some phenotypic benefits. We also know that there are metabolic and physiological problems with Myostatin mutations and these can impact on the fertility, milking ability and easy calving traits that have underpinned the Beef Shorthorn’s reputation. It is to be hoped that judicious use of these mutations in breeding pure Beef Shorthorns will safeguard the Breed’s reputation and standing in the suckler cow market and keep competitiveness for breeders in a commercial setting.

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• Increased flexibility

• Weekly / fortnightly collections • Ability to collect from donors from four weeks post calving • Reduced requirement for stimulation and hormones

cattle@abreeds.co.uk

01875 614500

www.abreeds.co.uk

www.beefshorthorn.org

Established in 1882, the Uppermill Shorthorn is the oldest in the UK and is renowned for its high quality cattle.

James Porter 028 9260 7333

james@gillhallestate.co.uk www.gillhallestate.co.uk

UK 540307 201103

UK9 042012-0686-1 (Picture taken at 17 months)

Glenisla Jackpot

Uppermill Billy Boy

Sire: Broughton Park Thunder Dam: Glenisla Desire

Sire: Trunley China 212 Dam: Uppermill Blythesome Jemma

UK9 042012-0759-4 (Picture taken at 6 months)

UK9 042012-0736-2 (Picture taken at 9 months)

Uppermill Broadhooks Brenda 2nd

Uppermill Broadhooks Beverley

Sire: Glenisla Jackpot Dam: Uppermill Broadhooks Brownie

Sire: Trunley Lido Dam: Uppermill Broadhooks Belly 2nd

UK9 041700-0719-4

UK9 041700-0720-5

Uppermill Rothes Java

Uppermill Gipsy Roxy

Sire: Eionmor Royal Piper 22T Dam: Uppermill Rothes Jellybean

Sire: Eionmor Royal Piper 22T Dam: Uppermill Gipsy Rascal

UK9 042012-0620-5

UK9 042012-0463-2

Uppermill Blythesome Jacquline

Uppermill Broadhooks Brownie

Sire: Dunsyre Demetri Dam: Uppermill Blythesome Jardine

Sire: Dunsyre Demetri Dam: Uppermill Broadhooks Beatrice

UK9 042012-0679-1

UK9 042012-0692-7 (Picture taken at 16 months)

Uppermill Lovely Leah

Uppermill Lovely Lissue

Sire: Alta Cedar Perfect Storm Dam: Uppermill Lovely Lucinda

Sire: Glenisla Jackpot Dam: Uppermill Lovely Lamento

Heifer pelvic scoring A management tool towards reducing calving issues Pelvic scoring is a management practice for screening heifers and in turn, reducing potential calving issues, however, it’s not the sole solution; careful attention to sire selection and dam nutrition continue to be vital, writes Alun Beckett, BVM BVS MRCVS of LLM Farm Vets

ase of calving is an important consideration when selecting replacement heifers in both pedigree and commercial beef suckler herds. Sire, age, nutritional status and body condition score are amongst the many factors that contribute to calving difficulty in maiden heifers. Internal pelvic area is one measure metric that can be used to select replacement heifers; those with a larger pelvis will be able to calve a larger calf with fewer complications. Two measurements of the pelvis are made via the rectum, a vertical measurement and a horizontal measurement. These two measurements are multiplied together to obtain the pelvic area. This will give a standard distribution curve of a population heifers. Allowances for age differences can be made by calculating the 365-day pelvic area as follows 365-day pelvic area = Actual Pelvic Area (cm2) + [0.27 x (365 age in days)] All heifers in the lower quartile of the population should not be bred from as they are the most at risk of having calving complications. However, bigger is not always better and there is little to no evidence to show any significant difference between calving ease of heifers with average pelvic scores when compared to a large pelvic score. One study found that ‘Pelvic measurements, on their own, did not influence calving difficulty score (P > .1), but small pelvic dimensions tended to be associated with higher calving difficulty scores.’ Naaize et al. (1989). In summary, pelvic scoring should be used as a means for screening for heifers with abnormally small or irregularly shaped pelvic canals that are more likely to suffer from dystocia. However, remember detailed attention to the other factors are essential; pelvic scoring alone will not eliminate difficult calving.

LLM Farm Vets’ Alun Beckett with a pelvimeter

Tom Richardson is amongst LLM Farm Vets’ customers who have introduced pelvic scoring in 2020. “When we established the herd 12 years ago we were aware that we were investing in an easy calving breed, however there was one family we were a bit anxious about. When LLM Farm Vets mentioned measuring pelvic area, it seemed one for us,” says Tom who manages the 30 cow Catterall Beef Shorthorn herd based near Garstang, Lancashire. “It took Alun less than an hour to put the 16 heifers through the crush and measure them in a welfare friendly manner; the results were returned within days. The data has thrown up four heifers in the amber bracket; whilst they’re of no real concern, we will make sure they’re kept in condition score 2.5 to 2.75 in the last two months to calving.” He adds: “We are committing to pelvic measure our maiden heifers for the next four or five years in order to build a picture of information within our three main cow families. I’m always keen to introduce new management tools to help us progress our herd and this one perfectly fits.”

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Catterall herd pelvic scoring results ID

Age (days)

Horizontal (cm)

Vertical (cm)

Pelvic Size (cm2)

12-month-old pelvic size (cm2)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

567 490 482 475 467 467 457 452 425 422 421 416 382 556 548 557

14.5 13.5 15.5 12 13 13.5 13 14 12 12.5 13 14.5 10.5 14.5 14 12.5

15.5 14.5 16.5 12.5 15 14 14.5 13 12.75 13 12.5 15 12 15.5 14.5 14

224.75 195.75 255.75 150 195 189 188.5 182 153 162.5 162.5 217.5 126 224.75 203 175

170.21 162 224.16 120.3 167.46 161.46 163.66 158.51 136.8 147.11 147.38 203.73 121.41 173.18 153.59 123.16 Source: LLM Farm Vets

Key <100

Red: an abnormally small pelvic area

101-145

Amber: an adequate pelvic area

145 - 250

Green: indicates a large pelvic area

The 365 day standardised results in this population of 16 heifers from the Catterall herd show a variance of up to 103.86 cm² in the internal pelvic canal area. Whilst none of the heifers have a pelvic area of <100 cm² special consideration should be given to heifers 4,13 and 16 as these are notably smaller than the rest of the animals in the cohort and are therefore more likely to encounter calving difficulties. Discussions with Tom Richardson revealed that one of these heifers was from a family line that he had experienced calving difficulties with in the past due to a foetal maternal mismatch. Alun Beckett

Bovine PELVI-MEASURE • Measure heifers pelvic area & shape

• Select for easier calvings • Full instructions & video links included

• Training from your Vet is advised

For more information

Scan here

Tel: 01772 690131 opt. 1

www.gshepherd.co.uk www.beefshorthorn.org

H IGHLEE BEEF SHORTHORNS

Visitors always welcome Millerston Jester semen available

SAC Members Johnes R1 Accredited for BVD, IBR & LEPTO 4 yr TB

Highlee Beef Shorthorns, Brick Green Farm, Scammonden Road, Barkisland, Halifax HX4 0DE.

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Kelleythorpe Carnation Rouge E474 EX90 Suckling promising bull calf by Balgay Hidden Land

Promising calves by

Kelleythorpe Tessa L543

Balgay Hidden Land

1st calf by Balgay Hidden Land Northern England Herd Competition ‘Best Heifer Calf 2017’

(3 Years)

Visitors Welcome!

Northern Club - best medium size herd 2017

• TB 4 yrs • Johne’s Risk Level 1 • Elite Herd • BVD PIBR Accredited • LEPTO Accredited James Hopper, Hall Garth Farm, Harpham, Driﬃeld, East Yorkshire, YO25 4QZ

t: 01262 490019 | 07974 697733 | e: jameshopper50@gmail.com www.beefshorthorn.org

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Content kindly supplied by Morrisons

Aiming to hit spec with commercial cattle

astletown Estate is a 5000 acre farm located between the river Esk and Eden in the heart of the Solway Estuary. The farm manages and sells 1400 finished beef cattle and 1850 salt marsh lambs a year while working closely with the environment to provide the ideal habitats for a range of wildlife. The Shorthorn breed was introduced at Castletown as a spring-calving suckler herd about 10 years ago as part of the HLS grazing agreement and numbers have been gradually built up. James Marshall, Farm and Estate Manager, who has worked on the Estate for 14 years, says that the Shorthorn breed is preferred for it’s quiet temperament, hardiness and ability to live outside all year round and suitable to calve at 24 months old. The homebred bullocks and purchased stores are summer grazed on the 2600 acre Rockcliffe Salt Marsh on the Estate before being housed for finishing during the following autumn and winter.

All Beef Shorthorns and crosses are aimed to supply Morrisons shorthorn beef scheme. However, James is finding that breeders are needing to consider more the carcase shape of the bulls they are using as purchased stores will ideally grade as R4L rather than O+4H. There are 360 acres of temporary grass cutting silage mix and 150 acres’ maize for both home use and supplying a neighbouring dairy farms. The Estate has a further 270 acres of spring barley, 60 acres of winter barley,160 acres of spring beans and12 acres of fodder beet. All the barley is crimped or whole cropped for the finishing cattle. Castletown Estate has been producing cattle for Woodhead Bros for eight years and James has a good relationship with his Woodheads buyer. The average cold weight at slaughter is 345kg with most grading either an R4L or O+4L, generating ideal carcases for the Morrisons scheme.

Castletown herd performance Actual Cows in calf at PD (%)

Calves born alive per 100 cows/heifers put to the bull (%)

Calves reared per 100 cows put to the bull (%)

Cows calving within the first three-week period (%)

Cows calving within the first nine-week period (%)

Bulling period (cows) (weeks)

Average age at first calving (months)

Replacement rate (%)

15 Source: Castletown Estate

‘The Best’ Shorthorn Beef range specification and returns All Beef Shorthorn sired steers and heifers under 30 months of age are eligible for premiums (p/kg) as per the grid. Weight range: 270kg to 400kg deadweight; O+ to -U, fat class 3 - 4H.

-U R O+

3 35 30 15

4L 35 30 15

4H 20 15 -15 www.beefshorthorn.org

ROWANBERRY JASMINE by Rowanberry Finest

ROWANBERRY JILLIAN with her 2019 Heifer Calf ROWANBERRY NARNIA

brigdaleshane@gmail.com

Beef Shorthorn genetics:

Generating the future functional suckler cow The world is a very uncertain place. Brexit, Covid and climate change policy are all coming together at the same time, consequently this means the beef industry, along with many other sectors, finds itself in uncharted territory. Whatever the future holds for our sector, efficient systems, producing high quality, affordable beef in a sustainable manner, will undoubtedly play an important role. Beef Shorthorn cattle are well placed to deliver in these key areas. SAC Consulting’s beef specialists, Gavin Hill and Robert Ramsay explain.

eef Shorthorn genetics are now viewed by many as an excellent option to breed their ideal, functional suckler cow. The breed is now widely used throughout the UK as it delivers a unique combination of traits - calving ease, milkiness, hardiness, quiet temperament and low running costs, along with fat cover, which means Beef Shorthorn genetics can be effectively mated to terminal breeds to produce a high value calf for the market place, giving producers the best of both worlds.

With far less dairy influence in SAC Consulting’s beef specialist, Gavi n Hil beef herds, suckler producers have had to adapt their systems, with many now breeding their own Size does matter replacements, a large proportion are opting for native breeds. Beef It’s then over to a question of size. Shorthorns can play an important Everyone likes to look at big strong role in criss cross breeding strategies cows. However, it is important that we to Continental cross or other native consider the efficiency and the true cost breed suckler herds. Complementary of running these ‘good cows’. Continental genetics are often being used as terminal sires to good effect A 650kg cow requires 75MJ/day for producing an in-spec carcase from a maintenance, a 750kg cow needs low-cost system. 85MJ/day. This doesn’t seem a huge

Future functional suckler: Beef Shorthorn cross cow with calf

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Protecting maternal traits The main strength of the Beef Shorthorn is, and should always be, maternal genetics. While pedigree breeders should always have the needs of their customers at the forefront of their minds when making future breeding decisions, the Beef Shorthorn breed as a whole should be very wary of trying to create a truly dual-purpose breed. Jack of all trades is generally master of none. Breeders aiming to significantly improve carcase and terminal traits will inadvertently lead to reductions in many of the valuable maternal traits, such as fertility and milk. Muscle and fertility are antagonistic, in short, if you are selecting for muscle, then you will pay the price in terms of fertility, milk, calving ease and other important maternal traits. SAC Consulting’s beef specialist, Robert Ramsay

difference but when multiplied out on a herd basis, the difference is stark. The same resources will maintain 100 cows at 750kg or 116 cows at 650kg. So, with the same level of inputs, your herd could produce another 16 calves if you were to reduce cow size by 100kgs. As we strive towards improving efficiency in the beef sector, there will be a need to reduce cow size. With very ambitious climate change targets across the UK, farmers will come under pressure in the coming years to improve efficiency, reducing cow size is the lowest of low hanging fruit. The Beef Shorthorn has a great deal to offer as we strive to produce a truly efficient cow.

The Beef Shorthorn’s maternal traits should be protected and not sacrificed in favour of traits, of lower value, that can easily and more efficiently, be added into commercial herds using a single cross to a terminal sire, producing ideal progeny to fill market demand. There’s no doubt that there is a balance and meeting the needs of the commercial buyer is essential but keep in mind that while terminal traits can be added to a breed in one generation, those important maternal traits that are lost in favour of terminal genetics may take many generations to get back. Going forward, producers need a clear focus in their breeding strategies in order to develop a functional cow that fits their system. Beef Shorthorn breeders have lots of tools available to help them make breeding decisions, with EBVs, myostatins and classification, all providing plenty of information. However, the requirement for good old fashioned stocksmanship is still there and will be required to take the Beef Shorthorn breed forward.

A word about finishing

Age at first calving

Those that would argue that a higher cull value justifies keeping a bigger cow, should remember, that a big cow’s higher dry matter consumption is unavoidable and will have been a burden on your business for her whole life, while the improved cull value will benefit your cash flow only once at the end of the cow’s life.

Beef Shorthorn genetics fit well for those producers who have moved to grass based finishing systems, where they perform and kill out leaving an in-spec carcase and a producer with money in their pocket. While premium schemes have been useful in helping to increase the value of steers, producers should be wary of chasing excessive carcase traits.

Not all producers should look to calve their heifers at two years of age. Depending on their adapted system, breed type and the ground farmed, there are plenty of cases where it is more practical for heifers to calve down at three years.

With the industry’s environmental credentials coming under increasing scrutiny, efficiency is key. Cows need to be able to wean a calf from grass alone then winter on a small amount of forage and a large amount of fresh air. Where Beef Shorthorns really score is when they can be run on upland or hill areas where there is scale and scope to graze for extended periods or even be completely out wintered. On these low-cost systems, many herds are now easily achieving over 94% reared with a very tight calving period. This level of productivity from a low-cost system has a dramatic positive impact on profitability when compared to other systems.

Deadweight limits have recently introduced significant change for the beef industry, with everyone along the supply chain having to do their bit to produce carcases within specification - below 400kg deadweight with good fat cover, as demanded by the processors and the end consumer. It is highly likely that we will see further reductions in carcase weight limits in the future. Those using terminal bulls on more Continental type cows have had to rethink their policy, with many, not all, changing their view of what a good cow looks like. Whether you use pound notes or carbon emissions as your yard stick, again it’s about reducing cow size that brings improved levels of efficiency.

To calve at two years, you need to have the ground to be able to grow heifers big enough to have the frame and weight to bull at 13 to 15 months of age. Ideally you should be able to keep first calved heifers separate from the main herd to grow them on more, if you want to get them back in calf for the following year, so it’s not for everyone especially with limitations due to land type, resources available and climate. What has been apparent is the push to select easy calving bulls; for many it has resulted in some females bred from these bulls to not be ideally suited in terms of size and weight going to the bull to calve at two years. Care has to be taken when selecting a bull with the intention to breed replacements.

www.beefshorthorn.org

Kassam of Longfield

20 bulls sold ex farm 2020

20 bulls retained for sale in 2021

Visitors are always welcome Stanford Park Farm, Park Lane, Stanford in the Vale, Oxfordshire, SN7 8PF Simon Bradley Farmer: 07739 035667 | Tina Russell: 07711 810354 Email: stanfordpark@btinternet.com 44

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

stanfordparkbeefshorthorns

THE LAIRD RETURNS!

JACOBITE STAR OF LONGFIELD.

Zero Myostatin

Semen for Sale Visitors Always Welcome

Throws lovely roan calves from red cows, son of Star.

Tina Russell 07711810354 | Simon Farmer 07739035667 Email: Longfieldshorthorns@gmail.com 1 The Old Dairy, Stanford Park Farm, Park Lane, Stanford in the Vale, Oxon SN7 8PF @LongfieldBeefShorthorns

www.beefshorthorn.org

Introducing Beef Shorthorn is paying dividends Adding hardiness to the Angus suckler herd, SRUC Perthshire hill unit

Professor Davy McCracken of SRUC offers an insight into work at the rural college’s Hill and Mountain Research Centre.

ntroducing Beef Shorthorn to a suckler herd at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has added an essential hardiness to cope with the extreme conditions at its Perthshire-based research farm. A herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle was introduced to SRUC’s Kirkton and Auchtertyre farms, in the West Highlands, seven years ago. However, our farm manager, Ewen Campbell felt those with thinner skins were not coping well with the extremely harsh environment out on the hill.

Ewen Campbell SRUC Kirkton Farm

Beef Shorthorn cross Angus cows on the hill, rising to over 1,000m 46

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

In 2016, he decided to introduce Beef Shorthorn into the herd, leading to a Beef Shorthorn cross Angus criss cross breeding strategy. This has worked so well, the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society has named Kirkton and Auchtertyre as one of its new Focus Farms. These farms feature a number of producers working with the breed within their respective suckler herds. The information available for each one highlights how Beef Shorthorn fits commercially in the herd and what the subsequent impact on performance has been. Our Aberdeen Angus cross cows and Beef Shorthorn cross heifers spend the vast majority of the year out on the hill, which rises to over 1,000m, feeding solely on forage. Having the cattle grazing out on the hill is the best place for them on any farm like ours. And it also generates additional income for us through a grazing plan agreed under the Scottish Government’s Agri-Environment Climate Scheme. The cows only come down into the shed at Kirkton in December, where they calve over a six-week period starting in early February. We then look to get the cows and calves back out onto the hill as soon as the weather and grass growth allows in May. Prof Davy McCracken

Over the last three years the herd has averaged 100% calving, with 100% calves reared. The calves are weaned at around 200 days with an efficiency target that each calf should weigh half of the cow’s body weight.

Despite the fact that the calves don’t receive any concentrates, the best cows are achieving more than 40 per cent efficiency, while last year some achieved 45 per cent. Calving went very well this year, with all the cows and heifers producing live calves with minimal intervention. The nine Beef Shorthorn cross heifers did very well, calving in a 26-day period and with the calves averaging 39.6kg at birth.

Smaller sucklers are more efficient We weigh both our cows and calves at weaning at approximately seven months, and this season we once again proved that it’s the smaller breeding females that are more efficient using the calf to cow body weight metric. A larger cow needs to eat more in order to both sustain herself and her calf. Smaller cows can therefore utilize more of their daily energy intake to provide milk for the calf, which is an important consideration where no supplementary feed is provided to the calves when growing out on the hill. To put the figures below into perspective, a 745kg Angus cross cow would have needed her calf to be 331kg at weaning to achieve the same efficiency as the nine Beef Shorthorn cross heifers. That extra 50kg is a big ‘ask’ for calves being reared in a harsh hill environment. Female type and no

Ave weight (kg)

Calf type and no

Ave weight (kg)

Ave efficiency

17 Angus cross cows

745

17 Beef Shorthorn cross calves

284

38.1%

9 Beef Shorthorn cross heifers

660

9 Angus cross calves

290

44.5% Source: SRUC Kirkton Farm

At scanning, 37 out of 38 breeding females were in calf. The barren animal was an Angus cross cow weighing 866kg.

www.beefshorthorn.org

Four generations of our family spanning 100 years breeding the Red, White & Roans From 1920 Greenway to 2020 Greenley Visitors always welcome by contacting Graham Towers

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Hannington

Herd

Reserve Champion Herd Central England Club 2018 and 2019 BVD and Lepto Accredited Johnes level 1 Stock usually for sale Fully Performance recorded

Charles Horton 07831 489694 01285 850905 cshorton17@gmail.com

Stockman Peter Brain 07733 335376 peterbrain60@gmail.com

Nell Farm Hannington Swindon SN6 7RU

www.beefshorthorn.org

Photo Credit: Jayne Murdoch Photography

Fact FILE 1,000ha mainly grassland: 30’ to 1000’ 1,000ha forestry 500 suckler cow herd

Beef Shorthorn cross in calf sucklers outwintering at Dalswinton

Beef Shorthorn contributes to a profitable suckler enterprise Dalswinton Estate’s proven criss cross breeding strategy Beef Shorthorn cross Highland suckler herd • Weaned six-monthold calves 40% + dam bodyweight • Six week calving period • Wintered outdoors • Low maintenance, forage based diet • Delivering environmental benefits

eef Shorthorn is fitting like a glove in to Dalswinton Estate’s 500 cow suckler enterprise. The breed’s natural hardiness and maternal traits combined with temperament are being blended with the unit’s Angus genetics to deliver a profitable enterprise trading 10 to 12-month-old calves, and it is one on which to build for the future, says Peter Landale. Beef Shorthorn Angus cows currently make up 65% of the herd, they are robust, 85% are calving outdoors and unaided, whilst 93% are calving within the first nine weeks. They have plenty of milk, rearing 91% calves and achieving 46% cow efficiency at weaning. The herd is scheduled to achieve an average eight calf crops

A portion of the Beef Shorthorn cross suckler herd outwintering at Dalswinton

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

whilst replacement rate stands at 10%, explains Peter who manages in hand his Dumfriesshire property comprising 1,000ha of mainly grassland running from the River Nith at 30’ and rising to 1000’, together with 1,000ha forestry. “During the last eight years we have introduced a criss cross breeding strategy and improved our grassland management which has enabled us to successfully expand the suckler herd by over 50% and achieve critical mass, and it is Beef Shorthorn that has helped us to minimise fixed costs and improve our efficiency. “Introducing the breed has enabled us to split the herd 50:50 to winter outdoors on

and wintered in existing accommodation on silage and minerals and turned out immediately after calving, the Beef Shorthorn Angus crosses are wintered on rough grazing starting at 600’, coming down in January to 400’ with silage supplements and eventually to strip graze 16ha of brassicas,” he explains.

Dalswinton team, from left Matthew Murray, Andy Williamson, Peter Landale and Mark Lochart

the hill and forage crops, consequently we have avoided having to invest a six-figure sum in new additional accommodation with accompanying labour and equipment. Also farming a quiet breed helps to reduce the overall workload for our four-strong team.

“In the first instance, we decided our cows were becoming too pure, so we went in search of introducing hybrid vigour and in particular, more milk. Beef Shorthorn was added to our bull team. We selected on eye moderate size bulls backed by EBVs for maternal traits.

“In fact, Beef Shorthorn is proving pivotal to successfully achieving our goal. We have focused on finding a way of farming that is not too intensive, yet profitable and sustainable,” he explains. “We’ve reached a position where we are breaking even before payments; we believe the business can now sustain the changes scheduled under a new post Brexit regime, without the current support system.”

“At the same time, we began a grassland improvement programme correcting soil pH, improving its fertility and reseeding. We’ve also introduced a batch of 35 heifers to mob grazing. Added together and those efficiency measures have helped us to improve stocking rates by up to 80% on permanent pasture.

It was Peter’s confidence in consumer demand for beef coupled with a focus on running a single enterprise business that led the estate’s suckler herd to come under the microscope. “Whilst we bed and breakfast sheep over winter, we believe in focusing on one strategy rather than flipping in and out and chasing rainbows, and we think our template will stand up to scrutiny at a time when we are set for massive changes.” Dalswinton has already edged in to the top third of Beef Efficiency Scheme suckler producers, explains Andy Williamson who took up the farm manager’s reins in 2012 when the herd comprised mainly Angus crosses. “My brief was to increase herd size from 320 to 500 cows and turn it in to profit. It’s a project that’s proved to be a steep learning curve, however being members of the Beef Efficiency Scheme has provided great impetus and QMS has given us some honest answers to various queries.

“The Beef Shorthorn Angus crosses have also contributed to higher stocking. Smaller cows eat less yet prove to be as efficient as bigger ones. Whilst heifers are sufficiently well grown to calve at two years at an average 550kg, they mature at between 650kg and 700kg. “Hardiness and temperament have been two of the biggest benefits. These cows have proved easy to keep outdoors 365 days of the year. Whilst approximately 50% of the herd is in calf to the Charolais

“Outwintering keeps the cows physically fit and I believe lends to ease of calving. In fact, the majority of the Beef Shorthorn Angus herd is calved outdoors without any real issues and calves are soon on their feet and sucking. We can have 150 cows calving in one week, that’s where quiet temperament comes in, as well as at other handling times.” Dalswinton calves are weaned at eight months and an average 300kg; a sample of cows and all calves are weighed at weaning and introduced to creep with a 1kg DLG target over the next eight weeks to reach 400kg at 10 to 12 months. Charolais crosses are sold privately to a local finisher whilst Beef Shorthorn cross steers are traded through the Stirling ring to repeat finishers for the Morrisons Shorthorn Beef Scheme and selected heifers retained for replacement purposes. Peter adds: “Going forward and the devil will be in the detail of any new regime to Dalswinton’s herd success, however we already have our Beef Shorthorn Angus herd to provide a springboard on which to continue to reduce inputs, further improve efficiency and strive to be the best.” • Beef Shorthorn Angus criss cross strategy • Hybrid vigour, more milk • Smaller cows, higher stocking rates • Hardy, outwintering • Quiet temperament reduces workload

Beef Shorthorn cross sucklers proving easy to keep outdoors 365 days of the year www.beefshorthorn.org

GLENARIFF PEDIGREE LIVESTOCK E S T. 1 9 8 7

PASSION + PEDIGREE + PERSEVERANCE = PERFECTION

G LENARIFF M AJESTIC

GLENISLA G HILLIE G LENISLA G HILLIE

3 sons forward for sale at Stirling 2021

Nick and Annalain Barrett. “Glenariff” Avon Road, South Wootton, Nr Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 3LS Tel: 01553 672440 - E: njandambarrett@yahoo.co.uk Andrew & Danielle Barrett. “Millbrook” Gayton Road, Bawsey, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE32 1EP Tel: 01553 630337 - Mob: 07717 821891

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Sharpsbridge

Beef Shorthorns

Accredited for BVD, IBR, Johnes Risk level one.

Stock usually for sale and visitors always welcome! Mr. Andrew Pagett and Victoria Henderson Ivy Cottage, Sharpsbridge Lane, Piltdown, East Sussex TN22 3XG

Contact: Andrew: 07929094937 Tori: 07879334662 Email: tori_henderson@msn.com

The Tollesbury Herd Bred for Quality and Temperament

Quality Beef Shorthorns grazing alongside the Blackwater estuary on the Essex coast

Senior Stock Bull: Stonehills Min Junior Stock Bull: Tollesbury Narrator

Mature cow classification average 88

High Health, TB4, Farm Assured

Contact Vivien St Joseph: vivienstjoseph@gmail.com 07747 847431 01621 868531 www.beefshorthorn.org

Beef Shorthorn bred calves grazing a semi natural grassland area at CAFRE’s Hill Farm Development Centre

A successful tried and tested criss cross suckler strategy Beef Shorthorn, Angus, Lim mix; CAFRE Hill Farm Development Centre, NI A criss cross breeding strategy using Beef Shorthorn, Aberdeen Angus and Limousin genetics was introduced over 10 years ago to the 100-cow spring calving suckler herd managed on the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Hill Farm Development Centre, Glenwherry, County Antrim. CAFRE’s beef technologist, Natasha Ferguson discusses the herd’s performance.

reenmount Hill Farm is currently within the top 25% of CAFRE benchmarked suckler to weanling herds in Northern Ireland. The unit is used extensively to demonstrate, profitable and sustainable livestock production systems while simultaneously seeking to improve overall habitat condition. It also plays a key role in providing a resource to deliver CAFRE’s education and Knowledge Transfer to students, farmers and landowners. The main focus at the CAFRE Hill Farm Development Centre is to demonstrate the integration of the livestock enterprises and environmental management. The farm is partially situated within the Antrim Hills Special Protection Area (SPA) which is designated for the protection of Hen Harrier and Merlin. The suckler to weaning herd is calved from mid-April through to mid-June. A three54

breed rotational crossbreeding programme is in place to maximise hybrid vigour which consists of Beef Shorthorn, Aberdeen Angus and Limousin genetics. Stock bulls within the herd have been selected using EBVs from the top 25% for growth, calving ease, daughter calving ease, daughter milk and mature cow weight. Targets for the suckler herd include • Less than 5% cows culled annually as barren • More than 95% cows that calve should wean a calf • Compact calving within 12 weeks • Target 15% replacement rate • Replacement heifers calving at 24 months of age Table 1 across shows the 2019 herd performance, as you can see the overall calf performance and weaning weights of

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Fact FILE 100 cow suckler herd 1,100 breeding ewes 960ha hill 80ha woodland Land area split 5% improved grassland 48% semi-natural and species rich wet grassland 47% heather moorland

progeny produced shows the advantages from the three-breed rotation. These calves are not born until after CAFRE’s beef technologist, Natasha Ferguson midApril and are grazed all summer in an upland environment and only receive concentrate feed for a short period of time pre-weaning. In the current 2020 year, 78% of the herd calved within the first six weeks of the season, with heifers calving at an average age of 24 months due to a successful synchronisation programme in the 2019 breeding season.

All progeny reared at the Hill Farm Development Centre are moved to the CAFRE Beef and Sheep Centre with some of the heifers selected as replacements and the remaining heifers and steers finished between 22 to 24 months of age. Selection of replacement heifers is based on calves born within the first two cycles, weaning weight, dam udder scoring and temperament and overall structural soundness. Heifers are synchronised and AIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d using bulls within the top 10% available. The performance of the 2017 born steers and heifers at slaughter is summarised in Table 2 across. The early maturing breeds Beef Shorthorn cross and Aberdeen Angus cross required less days to finish (heifers -13 days and -29 days) and (steers -27 days and -66 days), respectively and had greater carcase weight compared to their late maturing Limousin bred counterparts. Carcase conformation score was greater for the Limousin bred heifer and steers, whereas carcass fat score was greater for

the Beef Shorthorn and Aberdeen Angus animals.

Glenarm Shorthorn scheme and require a higher fat score which benefits the dry aging process to produce this highly popular niche Beef Shorthorn product.

A proportion of our Beef Shorthorn sired progeny are processed through the

Table 1: Suckler cow performance at the CAFRE Hill Farm Development Centre in 2019

Cow Weight at weaning (November 2019)

632kg

Calving Interval

366 days

Length of Breeding Season

9 weeks

Calving Period

Mid-April to Mid-June

Calf Weaning weight (November 2019)

260kg

Calf Average Daily Gain to Weaning

1.14kg

Replacement Rate

25%

Table 2: Slaughter performance for 2017 born steers and heifers

Gender

Breed Type

Age (days)

Weight (kg)

Conformation Fat score score

Carcass KO weight (kg) (%)

Heifers

LIM

671

585

R+

324

55.3

Heifers

684

649

344

53.0

Heifers

642

639

341

53.3

Steers

LIM

709

661

U-

383

57.8

Steers

682

703

R+

396

56.5

Steers

643

715

R+

385

53.8

www.beefshorthorn.org

Scottish farm based in the hills of Perthshire – Catering for commercial and pedigree producers. Visitors welcome by appointment

Senior stock bull, Eastmill Laird

Meonhill Skjaklin Mavis with her (first) heifer calf at foot - sired by Eastmill Laird

Meonhill Legacy (sold privately this spring)

Coldrochie Broadhooks K35 with her (second) heifer calf at foot – Sired by Meonhill Legacy

Stock bull, Coldrochie Legend

Eva Wildeyes 10th of Skaillhouse with her (second) heifer calf at foot â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sired by Coldrochie Legend

New junior stock bull, Coxhill Magnum! Purchased at Stirling bull sales, February 2020

Commercial heifer calf out of a Lincoln Red cow and sired by Beef Shorthorn bull, Eastmill Laird

Thistledown Cowford Farms Ltd The Farm House, Cowford Farm, Stanley, Perth, Scotland, PH1 4PU

Farm manager Mr Charlie Reed Stock person Miss Charley Reed Home: 01738 787766 Mobile: 07975906592 Email: charlie_reed2018@outlook.com

Three-month-old Beef Shorthorn cross Highland calves

Hugh MacPhail

The Beef Shorthorn Highland compo High quality, low maintenance native cattle delivering environmental benefits A combination of Beef Shorthorn and Highland genetics are delivering a modern functional suckler cow for Hugh and Elizabeth MacPhail who farm Callachally, one of the largest extensive hill units on the Isle of Mull.

Callachally Beef Shorthorn cross Highland sucklers • Weaned six-monthold calves 40% + dam bodyweight • Six week calving period • Wintered outdoors • Low maintenance, forage based diet • Delivering environmental benefits

“T

he Beef Shorthorn Highland cows suit our system as they can produce good quality store calves and be maintained outside year-round on lower inputs than heavier continental types,” Hugh explains. “We carry high health status cattle alongside extensive Blackface hill sheep which works well on the rough hill ground and helps us deliver our conservation management commitments across the farm.

diet, supplemented with some purchased concentrates. Their hardiness, mobility, versatility and longevity offer significant benefits to our business and will breed every year well into their teens.

“Hill farmers are conservationists at heart; we want to maintain the countryside for the future, however we have to farm profitably, and when it comes to livestock, then selecting the right genetics to suit the environment is critical.

“Furthermore, the Beef Shorthorn Highland cross is demonstrating good suckler cow efficiency by being able to wean a sixmonth-old calf purely off milk and foraging on poor quality rough grazing. Weaned steers are averaging 240kg and heifers 220kg, which is well over 40% of the dam’s 525kg mature bodyweight. The entire herd is crossed to an easy calving high genetic merit Limousin bull selected for 400-day weight, and the herd’s fertility is reflected in the fact the majority calve within six weeks.

“We have worked with the Beef Shorthorn Highland cross for many years and these cows are relatively low maintenance as they winter outdoors on a forage-based

“At weaning, the Continental cross calves are shipped straight off the island to the October store calf sales at Oban and traded to repeat buyers, whilst the cows are left to

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

We select those with a decent well-balanced body, they have to demonstrate hardiness and agility to graze extensively on the hills 365 days of the year, and have that essential milkiness. build up body weight during the autumn prior to wintering outdoors,” explains Hugh who is assisted during busy periods by sons, James who runs an excavator business on the island and Colin, who manages his own agricultural consultancy business which is part of the 5Agri group. Hugh took over the unit’s tenancy four decades ago, initially introducing Whitebred Shorthorn followed by Beef Shorthorn. “It was always our intention to run two closed herds and at the time, it helped to build up numbers and produce a fashionable cow. Nowadays we are putting 50% of the Highland fold to the Beef Shorthorn to leave eight to 10 crossbred heifers each year. Introducing a second native breed to our 500kg Highland cows has brought more size, more milk, more uniformity and heavier calves.”

Three-month-old Beef Shorthorn cross calf with dam

The top end of the Callachally Highland fold is maintained pure with heifers surplus to requirements changing hands at two to three years, either in the ring or privately, together with carefully selected bulls, whilst steers are sold in October to a repeat buyer for finishing on a conservation grazing scheme.

Fact FILE Callachally Farm, Salen, Isle of Mull 2,875ha SDA extensive hill: 0’ to 2,500’

Hugh began his career managing Lady Congleton’s fold on Ulva, prior to progressing in 1977 to farm in his own right at Callachally which he has recently had the opportunity to purchase. He established his own fold with foundation cows secured from Ulva and the Department of Agriculture’s Glenforsa herd based on Mull. The fold has been closed for 30 years apart from introducing new herd sires - only the top ones for improvement purposes, he says. “Having such a relatively small number of cows, we know how each one is performing. We select those with a decent well-balanced body, they have to demonstrate hardiness and agility to graze extensively on the hills 365 days of the year, and have that essential milkiness. Through strict selection over many years, the pure Highland cows produce up to 12 calves

32ha in-bye 1,000 Blackface ewes 30 Highland cows 30 Beef Shorthorn cross Highland cows

in their lifetime and we don’t have any problems with feet or udders.” He adds: “Farming in the LFA area is economically challenging. Active farming, particularly with cattle is critical to supporting many rural businesses up and down the supply chain. We are fortunate to have built up a tourism business which supplements the farming income and supports the long-term business viability.

However, productive low maintenance cattle are essential to maintaining and delivering environmental benefits which maintains and supports fragile habitats and wildlife of national importance. We believe our Beef Shorthorn cross and Highland cows allow us to efficiently produce quality livestock, whilst supporting the rural economy and managing nationally important habitats which deliver significant public goods.” www.beefshorthorn.org

BREAKHEART BEEF SHORTHORNS

A pedigree herd managed with a commercial outlook CURRENT HERD SIRES

Millerston Jester Balgay Justice Keeper

Breedplan Recorded

Millerston Jester

STOCK FOR SALE ANNUALLY ACCREDITED • BVD Free since Jan 16 and routinely vaccinating all breeding stock pre-service • IBR Free since Jan 15 and routinely vaccinating • Johne’s risk Level 1 since Jan 16 • Lepto Free since Jan 15 • TB4

Naturally reared from forage and milk

All enquiries welcome to Ian Rickatson, Breakheart Hill Farm, Fordfield Road, Millbrook, Beds MK45 2HZ.

Tel: 07789 691474

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Email: rickatsonian@gmail.com

Hansford Shorthorns breeding for the future

John & Judy Fry welcome visitors to view their herd. We are delighted with 2020 youngstock by Coldrochie Leroy, son of Fearn Godfather. We look forward to Millerston Monopolyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first crop of calves 2021.

Coldrochie Leroy

Millerston Monopoly

Well Farm, West Sussex, RH14 9JG Telephone: 07885495674 www.beefshorthorn.org

Delivering to meet the finished marketplace

ritish beef breeds have adapted to suit all types of production systems around the globe. With reducing carbon emissions becoming more important on the world stage, cattle breeds that can make benefit of environmental grazing, homegrown proteins and cereals such as the Beef Shorthorn will become more popular.

Native bred cattle are regaining popularity amongst finishers and suckler producers alike. Beef Shorthorn is the perfect go to.

Genetic improvements have enhanced growth rates and conformation. Processors appear to be more accommodating of well finished cattle and 4H’s are less of an issue with more emphasis placed on eating quality, experience and branding. 62

However, I believe it to be essential that the Beef Shorthorn breed retains its milkiness and maternal attributes. More and more suckler producers are moving away from beef cross Holstein cows to breeding their own. Genetic improvements have enhanced growth rates and conformation. Processors appear to be more accommodating of well finished cattle and 4H’s are less of an issue with more emphasis placed on eating quality, experience and branding. If future grading systems become reflective of eating quality, then intramuscular fat will help native breeds even more. However, good breeding is essential - a good loin and long animal without an excessive back end is what the market wants. And it’s the loin that provides the highest value by far. The beef market is rarely short of topsides and roasting joints, but mince and steak can be sold many times over. We have a number of suckler producers using Beef Shorthorn bulls in their herds. The majority of these would be retaining heifers for herd replacements taking advantage of their milkiness, size, temperament and maternal ability. Steers and heifers not required for replacement purposes are finished alongside the commercial offspring of the Beef Shorthorn crosses with breeders using Charolais, Simmental or Blonde terminal sire bulls. The Beef Shorthorn blood just helps the Continental finish. Thame has a number of store buyers,

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

graziers and finishers looking to buy Beef Shorthorn sired stores. The premium price through Morrisons clearly helps and we are lucky to have built a good relationship with Woodheads to supply them with finished cattle. However, it is not only the price; graziers and finishers appreciate the temperament, the ease of finishing, the weight gain and also the appearance. A field of roan Beef Shorthorn cattle takes some beating. The majority of Beef Shorthorn sired carcases fall within the desired spec of O+ to -U 3/4L, however Beef Shorthorn sired cattle out of a dairy herd find it harder to hit abattoir specification, especially the heifers which have a tendency to grade overfat. Overweight carcases can also be an issue in all breeds including the Beef Shorthorn, especially out of Continental cows. Post Brexit and British beef has the potential to be exported as a quality product to discerning markets around the world. Beef Shorthorn sired cattle will have the opportunity to be in that vanguard. Thame Farmers Auction Mart Ltd (TFAM)’s Daniel Slade • Daniel heads TFAM’s deadweight department which annually markets approximately 12,000 finished cattle and 15,000 lambs to numerous outlets throughout the country. Stock is drawn from Gloucestershire to Essex and Warwickshire to Surrey. The company hosts two annual Native Day store sales which are supported by BSCS and are attracting an increasing number of entries from as far afield as Exmoor to Kent and Bedfordshire to West Oxfordshire. The next Native Day is scheduled for spring 2021. Whilst the majority of Daniel’s working day is spent on farm drawing finished cattle, he spends his spare time working on his family’s Herts based beef and sheep farm and enjoying walking in the countryside.

Morrisons supporting the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Driving forward the Shorthorn Beef scheme

orrisons and the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society have been working together for a decade. Our joint initiatives have included Morrisons supporting a series of store sales up and down the country, designed to encourage and reward more suckler producers forwarding cattle sired by a registered Beef Shorthorn bull.

During 2020, we are grateful for that support at the following marts seasonal store sales: Exeter, Kivells; Longtown, C & D Auction Marts; Ruswarp, Richardson & Smith; Skipton, CCM Auctions; St Boswells, Harrison & Hetherington; Stirling, Caledonian Marts and Thame, Thame Farmers Auction Mart. Thanks must also go to the Livestock Auctioneers Association and its Scottish counterparts for introducing Covid measures and proceedures which have enabled live marts to continue throughout 2020. Trade for Beef Shorthorn sired store cattle, both steers and heifers has continued previous trends, rivalling other native breeds, and matching if not exceeding their Continental counterparts.

Whilst Beef Shorthorn genetics are essentially continuing to deliver a functional suckler cow, the beef sector is becoming increasinly aware that the breed has the ability to finish and in turn, deliver value to steers and to heifers surplus to replacement requirements. Overall, the trade trends we are continuing to witness in the live ring has been fuelled by finshers seeking store cattle eligible for Morrisons Shorthorn Beef scheme and aware of the subsequent premiums for those cattle going on to finish within the supermarketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spec. Beef Shorthorn is also globally renowned for its eating quality. The beef is characterised by marbling which influences its consistently great taste. It has been successfully confirmed as a quality product using tenderness training and trained taste panels at Morrisons Meat Quality Centre. We look forward to continuing to work with Morrisons, helping to develop further initiatives during 2021 and beyond which will in turn, drive forward the Shorthorn Beef scheme. Society Morrisons committee chairman, Martin Reynolds www.beefshorthorn.org

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

CATTLE SOLD AT:

Established for over a decade. Traditionally bred Beef Shorthorns incorporating some very successful North American genetics. Bulls sold to 12,000gns and heifers to 6,500gns. Enquiries always welcome.

John & Matthew Thomson & John Dick

| |

Stirling and Skipton and at the Annual Longtown Pedigree Sale Monday 30th August 2021

Newlands, Eaglesfield, Dumfriesshire, DG11 3AA. Tel: 01461

500769 & 07900 181635

Email: info@shawhillshorthorns.co.uk

www.shawhillshorthorns.co.uk James Cameron

Valerie Orr

07971 998597

07753 504654

New Stock Bull Chapelton Hamlet

Beef Shorthorn

Johnes Level 1, IBR Accredited, BVD Free Vale of Strathmore, Scotland

www.trainviewlivestock.co.uk

Irish Moiled www.beefshorthorn.org

Quality calves from a low input, low cost, agri-environment management system Developing a three-way cross functional suckler cow at Gaskbeg: Beef Shorthorn, Angus, Hereford

eef Shorthorn has played an essential role in Ewan and Lucy Grant’s suckler herd for almost two decades and the genetics are continuing to help maintain a low input, low cost enterprise producing quality stores on their hill Invernesshire unit. Furthermore, Beef Shorthorn is maximizing the benefits of hybrid vigour and overall output - essential to the farm’s future, says Ewan. “We are criss cross breeding to achieve a low maintenance functional suckler cow exhibiting fertility, ease of calving and longevity from pure forage diets”, he explains. “Beef Shorthorn was initially introduced to our near pure Angus herd, whilst to maximize hybrid vigour, six years ago we added Hereford to the breeding programme, and the three-way cross is here to stay. 95% of the herd is calving outdoors within the first nine weeks, it is achieving 95% calves reared and up to100% with twins, and nine to 10 calf crops. “Furthermore, being small to medium sized hardy cows averaging 550kg to 600kg mature weight, they suit this unit which is located near to the watershed, between West and East in the Central Highlands.” The Grants farm Gaskbeg, an owner occupied unit based at Laggan, Newtonmore within the Cairngorms National Park. Over 80% of the unit is located above 1,100’ and much of the holding is under agri-environment management for waders and herb rich flora, in addition to extensive native tree planting and hedge creation. The 75 cow suckler herd is complemented with a 900-ewe flock, whilst Lucy works full time managing the business’s admin and three holiday lets. “I firmly believe that given changing UK consumer preferences, then only top end suckler production will produce the beef that can command a premium moving 66

Beef Shorthorn cross cows grazing at 1,000’

forward. Consequently, I’m aiming to breed our type of cows suited to this hill unit which meet that demand, and our Beef Shorthorn cross cows are delivering,” he says. “Furthermore, the herd demonstrates sound temperament which is essential to day to day management and minimizing labour requirements. Hands-on farm work has been undertaken by myself operating a one-man system for the last 20 years, however with increasing livestock activity we’ve now part time help from local stocksperson, Fiona Docker.”

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Beef Shorthorn was introduced to Gaskbeg’s Angus cross sucklers back in 2001 with Uppermill Birse, a son of the noted Canadian sire, Eionmore Ideal 69F. “He left breeding progeny with tremendous frame and power along with superior conformation and muscling and in turn calves with enhanced growth.” The ability to forage to produce milk from marginal grazing is vital to the Grant’s integrated beef and sheep farming strategy. “We have attempted spring calving, however it simply didn’t work out on our unit as our only suitable outwintering

Fact FILE 75 cow criss cross suckler herd 900 ewes 550ha hill: 900’ to 2,900’

Lucy and Ewan Grant with Fiona Docker

Our continuing focus will be on maximising production whilst reducing purchased inputs, and our Beef Shorthorn crosses have proved to fit whilst also conducive to agrienvironment schemes. ground is just too exposed to the inclement winter weather conditions to achieve targeted herd performance.” Consequently, the herd calves in August at 1,000’ and remains there until October when cows and calves are brought down for bulling on to stubbles from a 25ha wholecrop spring barley crop. They are supplemented with grass silage prior to housing in December on forage and minerals through to weaning at the end of May, after which they are turned out onto the open hill rising to almost 3,000’. The 380kg to 400kg Beef Shorthorn cross weaned calves spend the summer months grazing lower ground prior to sale at 13 to 14 months at 480kg to 500kg.

“Ruthless selection focusing on females with superior maternal traits which produce well conformed, easy doing, fleshy calves has seen Gaskbeg store stock attain top prices per/kg in the ring, regularly matching and surpassing demand for the Continentals with demand fueled by repeat buyers finishing cattle for Morrisons Shorthorn Beef Scheme.” The Grants also believe in maintaining robust biosecurity. “The herd is a longstanding member of a CHeCS scheme and currently, it is literally closed. We’ve developed micro-herds to breed our own bulls - one for each native breed using AI, and occasionally ET.”

To the future, and whilst the Grants would prefer to farm without payments, they believe that continued support in the form of environmental packages will be essential to maintaining their business and in turn, the current rural infrastructure as well as the landscapes. “Our continuing focus will be on maximising production whilst reducing purchased inputs, and our Beef Shorthorn crosses have proved to fit whilst also conducive to agri-environment schemes,” Ewan says adding: “For me, the icing on the cake would be for our EUROP grading system to be replaced at the earliest opportunity by an Aussie or US style system introducing a marketplace which rewards eating quality - succulent, marbled beef which the very best of British native breeds are extremely well placed to provide.” • • • • •

Milk from marginal grazing 95% calves reared Easy doing, fleshy calves Nine to 10 calf crops Essential sound temperament www.beefshorthorn.org

STONEHILLS

High Health Breedplan recorded Type Classified Stock Bulls Jason of Upsall Podehole Rock Master 68

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Stonehills Lovely Bodacious

Stonehills Jeffas Pearl 2nd

Stonehills Fairy Clipper 4th

Stonehills No Limits

2020 calves by Jason of Upsall

Stonehills Lovely Wally

Semen and Stock Enquires to:

ǣ – Ͳ͹ͻ͵ʹ ͳ͹͸͸ʹ͸ – ̷ Ǥ

ǣ – Ͳ͹ͻͷͲ ͻͺͲ͸ʹ͸ – ̷ Ǥ Low Stonehills Farm, Fraisthorpe, East Riding of Yorkshire YO15 3QR

Visitors always welcome

www.beefshorthorn.org

The Mill Farm team, Mary MacGregor with right, farm manager Leigh Nobes, and stockman, Fred Playford

An organic farming business looking to the future Introducing Beef Shorthorns - complementing environment land management schemes We visit Duncan and Mary MacGregor’s 400ha organic unit located near Great Witchingham in the heart of Norfolk and witness their drive and energy to ensure environmental management goes firmly hand in hand with commercial food production alongside developing their Redhazel herd of pedigree Beef Shorthorns. The unit is in Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship.

Fact FILE 15 Beef Shorthorn breeding females 60 cow grading up suckler herd 100 Poll Dorset ewes 400ha mixed organic unit

“W

e would like to be considered as a forward-thinking farming business with an eye to the future,” explains Duncan MacGregor. “Our ethos is to show we are a top tier performing mixed organic farm that uses nature to help get us to where we want to be - it is integral, absolutely fundamental. We are also carbon conscious. “The soil condition dictates the cultivations that will be chosen for any given field, with minimum tillage the key principle. We are even trying no tillage in certain circumstances which for an organic farm is very difficult to achieve. Both cover leys and companion cropping is part of the strategy. “The farm works a seven-year rotation with winter wheat, spring barley and oats all grown for seed as the weed burden is kept incredibly low. Beans and rye also form part of the rotation. One third of the acreage is used for building fertility with a multi species grass and legumes ley which is also grazed by the cattle and supplies the silage for winter feed, meaning the cows are completely grass fed.

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

“Farm performance is outstanding. As the benefits of the soil conditioning on our sandy loam become more apparent so do the arable yields with good averages of above 5.5t/ha with some fields now producing almost into double figures. We are equally proud of the livestock performance for both the pedigree Beef Shorthorn and commercial herds whose performance is outstanding.” See p70, tables 1 and 2. “However, there is no doubt the farm would be a shadow of itself without the grazing livestock. The pedigree Beef Shorthorns and commercial cattle herd are complimented by the pedigree Poll Dorsets and their FYM forms the skeleton to all the farming operations. The muck forms part of the natural lifecycle that creates the conditions for building organic matter and resilience into the soil. It also plays an important role in the life chain which starts with the insect life in and on the soil. This succession of insect abundance goes on in turn to provide year-round habitat and food sources for all the species on the farm.

“The 28ha of water meadow in two valleys grazed by the animals provide species rich habitats; the five herons in residence that move with the cows prove that the lifecycle is successfully operating. We have had three severe droughts, however the crops have stood up incredibly well because of the excellent soil condition. We believe we can mitigate a lot of the adverse variables by getting the bricks and mortar right.” Duncan, you are an artist, why invest in a farm business?

Painting has been my main career for over 20 years but we always had a hankering to become farmers and prove to ourselves that embracing natural principles could help build farm profitability. Five years ago, we had a chance to farm Mill Farm which had been organic for some 15 years. Mary comes from a farming background and her brother farms in the Midlands. On meeting Leigh Nobes, the farm manager, we instantly knew that we could build on the farm’s strong foundations; Leigh is an expert in both arable and stockmanship and has over two decades experience on the farm. That decision has proved to be a perfect marriage as we all share a huge passion for the land, the livestock and towards achieving success.

Duncan MacGregor with Redhazel Lady Broadhooks and the 2019 Farm Conservation Award presented by the Norfolk Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG).

Why a suckler herd?

The livestock is at the heart of the farm, both emotionally and financially. Without their FYM the soil would soon become impoverished. The muck does not just provide fertility but also contributes to the whole biology through the mycorrhizal fungal and bacterial activity that kick starts and feeds the soil which makes it more resilient to for example, pests and diseases and drought. We inherited a 60 cow suckler herd made up of a mixed bag of breeds but we wanted to develop a pedigree herd too. The cattle between them play a key role in maintaining the diverse species rich habitats that would otherwise be dominated by more aggressive species and leave room for the insects and mammals to thrive.

Ocean’s Reach by Duncan MacGregor

Why a native breed?

We spent a lot of time considering the various options. Leigh was already experienced with continental breeds and their focus towards muscle which was a direction we did not want to go in. We were

after a native breed because that is what they are: native. They have evolved in the UK which is reflected in their behaviour and what and how they eat. Their thicker skins also help with our climate.

It had to be Beef Shorthorn?

Yes. We had witnessed the breed had great maternal traits and that has proved to be the case. Beef Shorthorn milk well and make great mothers looking after www.beefshorthorn.org

their calves. We liked their personality and their temperament - the fact they are consistently friendly and easy to handle without being too touchy feely. We were aware that Beef Shorthorns thrived on 100% grass diets which is important for the farm as they are either grazing the permanent pasture or the clover leys. Watching their grazing preferences when we rotationally move them onto new pasture is fascinating: some head straight onto the clover- rich in protein and minerals; some to the bird’s foot trefoil which is a dewormer, and others to the willow - a source of aspirin. Their desire for a varied diet is part of what makes them such an interesting animal. This in turn makes them a quality beef animal with provenance- an indigenous breed worth preserving.

The cattle enterprises will be profit centres in their own right and continue to contribute to the Environmental Land

Management scheme, the diversity of the farm and companionship to everyone working at Mill Farm.

Top quality is our mantra and our focus on personal handling, EBV’s and linear classification means we can be very selective and prescriptive.

Next steps

The plan was always for the Beef Shorthorn pedigree herd to supersede the commercial herd over time. This will be done gradually by buying in top class animals into the herd and growing our own on. We also wanted to show that by using Beef Shorthorn bulls in the commercial herd, the subsequent quality of calves was proof this was very commercially viable. We have recently bought Sandwick Flossy Mocha for 6,200gns to join the other quality animals in our pedigree Redhazel herd. These come from the Glenariff, Stonehills and Gilvern herds. Top quality is our mantra and our focus on personal handling, EBV’s and linear classification means we can be very selective and prescriptive. In that way, we can carefully select for specific traits and values and temperament. We are using Breedplan to help the selection process and aim to be in the top 10% linear classification. This successful strategy will be borne out by this year’s calves: we will keep the heifers but the very good-looking bulls calves will be sold next year.

Next generation at Redhazel

Table 1: Herd KPIs (breed / herd average recorded data) Pure Beef Shorthorn Cows in calf at PD (%)

100

Calves born alive per 100 cows/heifers put to the bull (%)

100

Calves reared per 100 cows put to the bull (%)

100

Cows calving within the first three-week period (%)

Cows calving within the first nine-week period (%)

Calving period (weeks)

Bulling period (cows) (weeks)

Average age at first calving (months)

Keep all heifers

Replacement rate (%)

Table 2: Cow efficiency (breed / herd average + individual recorded data)

What’s the future?

Redhazel will be a top tier herd in terms of Beef Shorthorn performance recording and linear classification along with excellent temperament and high welfare. Bulls are being bred for both the pedigree and commercial sector and we would like to become the go to herd for replacements. 72

Beef Shorthorn cross

Pure Beef Shorthorn

Beef Shorthorn cross

Cow weight at weaning (kg)

650

600

Calf weight at weaning (200 days) (kg)

380

345

DLWG (kg/day)

1.7

1.5

Efficiency (%)

57.5

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Est. 2004 We Live Naturally at 900ft Above Sea Level

FARMS

FARMS Senior Stockbull Coldrochie Kensington (Photo By Adrian Legge)

Junior Stockbull, Meonhill Nemesis

Owners Mrs M Chaplin Little West End Farm Chidden Hampshire PO7 4TE Tel: 02392 632101 email: marychaplin@btinternet.com

Meonhill Flossy Vera, daughter of Coldrochie Kensington

Manager John Reynolds Mob 07733 351695 email: marygreynolds@hotmail.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Visitors Welcome" Stock For Sale

CHeCS Accredited BVD, IBR, Lepto, Johnnes www.beefshorthorn.org

‘back to where they came from’ The Derwentwood herd continues to grow with AI, ET and the recently acquired stock bull Glenisla Jack Frost (P) from the Sandwick herd.

(P) Derwentwood Tessa 10 Sire Fearn Elmer (P) (ET) Dam Derwentwood Tessa (P)

Derwentwood Sparkle 4 (P) Sire Fearn Elmer (P) Dam Derwentwood Sparkle (P) (ET) CAN

Derwentwood Polaris (P) Sire Ballylinney Hawk (P) Dam Newﬁeld Limelight Foxglove (P)

Derwentwood Lady Sophia 5 (P) Sire Ballylinney Hawk (P) Dam Derwentwood Lady Sophia (P) (ET) CAN

TB-4 year area, Johne’s Risk Level 1, BVD Accredited. Show and sale stock vaccinated for BVD, LEPTO & IBR.

~ N & A Hunter ~

Woodlands Hall Farm, Knitsley, Consett, Co Durham, DH8 9EY. tel: 01207 580040 | 07836 739306 email: neil.hunter007@gmail.com

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Glenisla Jack Frost (P)

www.beefshorthorn.org

Photographs credit Heritage Shorthorn Society

Beef Shorthorn

A rich history “I used to be informed that the history of the Shorthorn breed reflected the history of England, which I suppose would, to a great extent, be true.” The Hon Gerald Turton charts its early course from the Tees valley in the north east of England to global.

18th Century: introducing the short-horn pioneers We had been involved in European wars and concerned about Napoleon’s threats. Agriculture was not providing what was required. Most of the cattle were of longhorn type - poor milkers and thin fleshed. However, in the early 18th century, Sir Hugh Smithson, of Stanwick, and known as the ‘Yorkshire Grazier’, had been working away breeding a thicker wider fleshier animal with more milk and fat.

In those days fat was important for candles and in the diet of those involved in physical work, consequently, an earlier maturing beast than the commonly found cattle of that time evolved. Smithson’s cattle breeding was in demand and when the Percy family of Alnwick had no heir, he married the family’s eldest daughter and became the first Duke of Northumberland. Charles Colling was later to call his favourite cow, Duchess in his honour.

Comet

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

There was some impatience to improve agriculture, especially cattle. The 1745 Rebellion and Culloden had delayed things, now wars in Europe were a real worry and had been costly. However. there appeared to be a cluster of breeders in the Tees valley eager to breed a superior type of short-horned beast. They already had a reputation in the area that was attracting wider attention.

Durham Ox

The Colling brothers of Ketton, Robert, tall and debonair and squire like, and Charles a stocky characteristically north countryman, were both enterprising pioneers of the breed; having established hybrid vigour they needed to set the type.

Favourite

In 1785, Robert Colling accompanied by Charles and his wife rode over for lunch with the Maynards at Eryholme. After viewing his short-horns, Robert as a parting shot offered Mr Maynard £35 for Old Favourite and her calf, Young Strawberry. Maynard turned down the offer, however when Colling told his wife, she turned her horse round and headed back to negotiate with Mrs Maynard, who told her husband

The White Heifer That Travelled

that he must sell the animals to Robert Colling. Favourite played a major part in the success of the Collings breeding programme. Inspirational breeders like the Colling brothers with the Durham Ox and ‘The White Heifer That Travelled’ both out of Favourite, were both well known in the

north of England and talked about for their excessive condition; their animal’s pictures became famous and helped to market the breed as a superior type of animal. Enthusiasm for this type of short-horn grew; in 1791, a butcher called Heaton originally from Northumberland imported to New York state a number of short-horn cattle.

19th Century: Comet The closely inbred Comet was born in 1804. Six years later, Comet together with his breeders, the Colling brothers, made history. A number of rich landowners got together at the Colling’s sale to buy the bull and paid a then record price of 1,000gns. Many of the Ketton cows were excellent milkers, but Charles Colling was more interested in improving the depth of flesh, a high spring of rib, ample chest, mossy hair and compact frame.

Some historians have given all the credit for improvements made to Bakewell’s methodical selection and inbreeding and it is apparently true that the Collings did visit Robert Bakewell, but inbred long-horned cattle of the day took a long time to fatten and were short of milk. One of Bakewell’s friends, George Culley said that previously cattle had been big boned, flat sided and often black fleshed. The short-horned cattle of the Tees valley and the old North Riding were gaining a

reputation for producing cattle with more milk and a greater depth of flesh. However, all the work of the pioneer breeders came at a time when agriculture was of a low priority. Such long-horns would scare the Health and Safety boys today, particularly when cattle were also used for some arable work. At the time, Thomas Bates at Kirklevington was developing the milking strains whilst the Booths of Warlaby were concentrating on more of the beef type. www.beefshorthorn.org

Coates’ Herd Book A number of rich landowner’s keen to establish a register of sires and calving dates before they became forgotten held an annual meeting at Sir Henry Vane Tempest’s home, Wynyard Hall, Stockton-on-Tees. Sir Henry was a keen sponsor of the scheme. It was agreed to approach an old short-horn breeder from Carlton, near Pontefract called George Coates to organise a registration of sires and calving dates. Mr Coates was persuaded and with the help of Mr Bates,

the census commenced with Mr Coates riding round the Dales on his old white cob and collecting information - names of sires, dams, and breeders, some of whom would have been dead. Sadly, the same year Sir Henry Vane Tempest died so denying him the chance to see his dream fulfilled. The bad news continued with the unexpected death of Robert Colling in 1820. However, Joseph

Whittaker, of Otley agreed to take over financing the enterprise, which enabled the work to continue - an enormous task in those days. The project was completed in 1822 and the world’s first register of cattle was subsequently published; it became known as Coates’ Herd Book.

Shorthorn - spreading wings Captain Barclay of Ury, Aberdeenshire is believed to have been the first Shorthorn breeder in Scotland when in the early 1820s he took some Booth bred cattle home and bred the tribe of Ury Maids you find today. He sold off his first herd in 1838 in a so called good sale with the two most expensive animals going to Messrs Pollock and Fox from Ireland. In 1828, Amos Cruickshank followed in the footsteps of Captain Barclay visiting the Booths at Warlaby and taking some of their Shorthorn families back to Sittyton, Aberdeenshire in 1837. Amos was described as a type of character rarely met these days - free of all vanity, affectation and humbug, so

unpretentious and true. He was a poor tenant farmer, his object was to breed a class of cattle capable of producing rent paying animals, farming under considerable disadvantage. Strength of constitution was an absolute necessity. He looked for a wide back and loin, long and well packed hindquarters, full twists and wide deep full thighs. He liked a strong masculine head on the bull. His cows had a reputation of being good milkers, he said they were invariably more regular breeders. Amos went on to develop an export market for bulls; they were sought after worldwide and sales included to Mr Davison a fellow Macedonian in Canada, whilst nearer home, new

breeders including Marr of Uppermill were attracted by the heavy fleshed Cruickshank bulls. English pioneers included the Marquis of Exeter whose Burghley Park herd, Stamford featured in the first Coates Herd Book and went on to exist for over 150 years. Making an impact on the herd’s carcase quality was Royal Buck, a bull hired from the Booths. When I visited the herd in the 1980s, I found the cow byre and roof beams completely filled with rosettes from the Paris Show from 1870 to 1886. A return journey across the Channel with cattle was a huge feat of achievement in those days.

Shorthorn - the Great Improver in the global marketplace International interest in Shorthorn continued to gain momentum. John Miller, an Elgin man had settled in the Argentinian Republic after it gained independence, and bought the ranch La Caledonia. In 1823, he recognised the breed’s potential and imported Tarquin, bred in Teesdale, County Durham and the first registered Shorthorn bull to be imported into South America. Before the arrival of the British, the half wild native cattle brought over by the Conquistadores two centuries before, carried strains bred for their fighting qualities. As can be imagined, they were not conducive to early maturity, fattening or the modern concept of weight for age or for that matter, milking ability. With no fencing 78

and open pampas, the best fighting bulls prevailed but determination could also be put down to inbreeding, poor pasture and lack of water. Tarquin’s white socks became an essential reminder of the superior quality of his calves whilst his offspring did a great job convincing the Argentinian cattlemen that they needed more of these Shorthorns. The breed became known as the Great Improver. In 1837 Jonas Whittaker exported 16 bulls and 24 cows to America followed by further consignments in 1838 and 1839 totalling 68 head. After 1852, the export business started in a big way. By the turn of the century a

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

freezing unit had been perfected and the first shipment of chilled beef had arrived in Europe. • Over 44 breeds of cattle have benefited from using Shorthorn blood lines in their evolution. However, when you consider what the early breeders achieved for the cattle industry worldwide, you have to consider what would have happened if Mrs Maynard had burnt the roast that day in 1785.

The Hon Gerald Turton will continue during 2021 to chart the Beef Shorthorn’s progress in a series of articles on the Society’s web site.

Your source for maternal strength and bull power. Pictured are five of our ten current paddock sires.

Neilson, Sue & Nic Job, 'Royalla', Yeoval NSW 2868 Australia royalla@royallabeef.com - www.royallabeef.com - +61 428 298767 www.beefshorthorn.org

Poyntington Himself Heifers with Highlee Milo calves

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Dewdrop Juliet and her bullcalf

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Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

LOWTHER SHORTHORNS Nord Vue Farm, Armathwaite, Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 9TN

GLENISLA LOCHAN DUBH

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS THIS YEAR 2020 heralds the first crop of calves from Glenisla Lochan Dubh. We are very much looking forward to seeing how this bull compliments our cattle. We purchased him for his correctness, feeding ease and growth. We have also just had a crop of embryos born out of the RB Eagle 255 line (different dam), which won us the supreme champion at Stirling in 2015.These calves are showing great early promise.

In 2020 also look out for calves from Lowther Konan, (currently the highest TI Beef Shorthorn animal in the whole of the UK with tons of growth, fleshing and bone, perfect feet and top-line). Many have been bred out of daughters of LS Eagle 276, the sire of 2015 Stirling Supreme Champion bull. We have also gone back to Blelack Rupert again as well as Willingham Denebola and a few other interesting lines.

Please feel free to contact us to come and view the cattle by appointment only.

LOOK OUT FOR OUR EXCITING NEW GENETICS IN 2021 www.lowthershorthorns.co.uk

LOWTHER KONAN

B R E E D A B I L ITY â&#x20AC;˘ P R E D I C A B I L ITY Charles Lowther: 01931 712 350 / 07769 695 380 Martin Strong: 07565 293 570 www.beefshorthorn.org

#NEXTGEN Our future New thinking is vital to remain fresh and current and for progression to be made. And within the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society, there is no exception, with a wealth of new and young talent coming through in the membership. Sarah Alderton caught up with six young members to find out more about them, their careers, and their work with Beef Shorthorns.

How did you get into farming? I am a third-generation farmer and grew up on a beef farm where my dad kept a commercial Limousin herd, however, he gave up 10 years ago. Five years on my parents and I are continuing to farm and have 100 breeding ewes and 35 head of Beef Shorthorns, but the 60ha farm is not large enough for me to work at home too. What are you currently doing?

#NEXTGEN Tom Cockerill

I am working on a neighbouring farm where I have been for the past two years. I am looking after cattle and sheep and doing general stock work. It is good for me to be gaining experience by working on different farms. What is your connection with the Beef Shorthorn breed?

Northamptonshire

Five years ago, I decided to set-up my own herd of Beef Shorthorns. My mum was the driving force, and it was her idea to set-up a herd while I was trying to figure out what to do after finishing school.

• Working on a neighbouring beef and sheep farm

I used to go showing with Graham Towers who has the Greenley Beef Shorthorn herd at Welford and I always thought there was something quite special about them. I ended up buying four of his heifers and put them to the bull and have been slowly building up numbers since.

• Set-up his own pedigree Beef Shorthorn herd in 2015 and now has 15 cows

Why the Beef Shorthorn?

Winwick Herd,

• Plans to expand the herd and return home to farm

Beef Shorthorns are a quality up-and-coming breed. Because of their pedigree I have a quality commodity to sell. They are also very maternal, calm, and easy to look after, which is especially important. What are your plans for the future? I hope to build up numbers to 30 cows at which point I will return home to farm. I have been showing at the Royal Three Counties Show and many local shows where I have won classes including reserve champion at Blakesley Show. I would also like to compete at the Royal Welsh Show in the future. My aspiration is to one day be selling top quality pedigree bulls at Stirling. We are hoping to lease out land for a solar farm and are currently awaiting planning permission. We are doing this to try and generate more income per acre. Agriculture has tight margins, so if we can add another revenue stream, that will help- this is especially important with the future of farm subsidies uncertain. What is it you love most about farming? Every day is a new day with farming. I am outdoors, love animals, and I never stop learning.

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

How did you get into farming? I was born into farming as my dad, also called Charlie, manages a pedigree Charolais herd, so I have always been around pedigree cattle and used to help my dad on the farm. At 18 I left school and started working at Stanford Park in Oxfordshire, where they had a big herd of pedigree Beef Shorthorns. I did a lot of the routine day to day work and the grassland tractor work. At the same time, I also started my apprenticeship at Sparsholt College, where I went one day a week. This was great as I always learn better when it is hands on, so I was able to apply what I learnt in the classroom back on the farm. From Stanford Park, I went to work for the Mineshop herd owned by Chris Nye and have been here for four years.

#NEXTGEN Charlie Maclean

What does your day to day job involve? I am working with Chris managing the herd of 60 Beef Shorthorn cows. I am solely involved in the cattle, so I am involved in everything from feeding, breeding and general management of them.

Mineshop Herd,

What is it you love most about your job?

Cambridgeshire

I love being around animals and the best bit is seeing your breeding decisions coming through and seeing the benefits of your decisions- it is how the herd progresses.

• Managing a 60cow pedigree Beef Shorthorn herd • Always been around pedigree cattle • Heavily involved in breeding decisions and imported genetics from Australia

I work closely with Chris when it comes to the breeding side as we are running an embryo programme importing embryos from Australia including genetics from the Royalla and Sprys herd as well as many others. We have 20 Danish Reds, which we use as recipients. Using different bloodlines is key for development. We use Australian genetics as they are very easy calving, easy fleshing and are very hardy cattle. Breeding is definitely one of the most enjoyable bits, deciding what embryos to import and AI to use. It is nice to plan what to do with the breed with influence what it will look like. Where do you hope to be in 10 years’ time? My plan is to remain at the Mineshop herd and continue being involved with its development and playing with different genetics, so people can come to us for genetics. I also hope to get back showing as it is key for a herd as it is our shop window. I have shown most of my life and aspire to be like my dad winning lots of shows. I would love to win the Yorkshire Show since it is the Beef Shorthorn’s National Show or the Highland. What do you think will be important in farming in the future? I think maintaining a high herd health status is vital. We have an elite health status and I think it will become a key aspect of farming going forward. Have you any advice for anyone wishing to get into farming? The only reason I am where I am is by getting advice from different people. I have learnt so much just by listening to others- whether that is at work, around the show ring etc What is your career highlight to date? A few years ago (2017/2018) me and my two brothers Angus and Donald won the National Young Stars Competition. As our prize, we went to Canada and competed in the Young Handlers Competition. It was a great experience and nice to see different farming set-ups. At the time, we had been importing cattle from Canada and saw some of the genetics we were using there.

www.beefshorthorn.org

How did you get into farming? Farming has always been in my blood, growing up on a family farm in Hampshire that has been in the family for 150 years. However, when it came to my brother David and I taking on the reins of the farm, it was not big enough for us both. And with the farm being in a TB zone and with a lot of our stock being sold up north, we decided to sell up and buy a farm outright in Dumfriesshire.

#NEXTGEN Tom BradleyFarmer Meonside Beef Shorthorns, Dumfries Farm facts • 60ha lowland farm in Dumfriesshire

The farm we bought is 60ha, grass-based farm with a bit of hill land making it perfect for the Shorthorns. It is well situated for access to Stirling, Carlisle, and Lanark. We are running 50 Beef Shorthorn cows and 100 Texels and at the minute we are at our limit in terms of numbers due to the infrastructure. I am now running the farm on my own as my brother was offered a job with a top Texel breeder that he could not refuse. How did University help develop your career path? I studied at Harper Adams University in 2015-2019 and was initially looking at doing sports physio. But before going to Uni I had a year out and worked at home with my brother and Grandad, Frank, and realised I wanted to farm, which is how I ended up studying Agriculture at Harper. Studying at Harper was the most influential and best experience of my life. I was always shy and happy to be at home. At Harper, I joined the football club and ended up running it - it made me come out of my shell. It reaffirmed my love for farming. It also taught me how to be organised and this is something I have applied in my everyday work. I have a big whiteboard in the house where I write everything down. Is there anyone that stands out as helping you along the way?

• 50 pedigree Beef Shorthorn cows and 100 Texels

My sandwich year at University taught me a lot as I worked with the Wilson family of the Romany Hereford herd, Kelso. I built up a good relationship with them and they allowed me to have my own opinion and taught me a lot about turning cattle out well for sale. While I was there, we won society’s Show Herd of the Year, which gave me the confidence and ability to turn cattle out.

• Three stock bulls; most influential bull, Elliot Salute

I believe if your cattle look good and you present yourself well you will reap the benefits, especially in a year like this when we have not been able to get out to shows. Relying on social media to market stock has been important. I also get a great lot of support from my family and this is important.

• Studied Agriculture at Harper Adams University

What have been some of your career highlights? When we first moved up to Dumfries the first calf that was born on the farm, Meonside Mufasa, ended up selling in Stirling for 11,000gns. He was a 20-month-old roan by Elliot Salute. Salute is the bull that has taken us to that next level and matches well with our foundation cows. Salute also bred us the top-priced heifer at Skipton last year with Meonside Hyacinth Misty selling for 6,000gns. The same heifer also got us a second prize winner at the Royal Highland Show and was placed fourth at the National Shorthorn Show. I also love seeing our genetics going on to do well in someone else’s herd. Are you positive about the future? The future can be bright, but everyone needs to rally around. 2020 has been a strange one. I am not too worried about the likes of Brexit if we can get protected with the trade deals. Social media is a massive thing, and we need to try and take as much advantage of it as possible to promote farming and the breed. As a breed Society, we still need to focus on the commercial interest more. And what are your plans for the future? It always going to be difficult to rely on farming as an income, so my plan is to develop a couple of derelict buildings on the farm into housing. Having another income stream can help ease the pressure during bad times. I would also love to be running the best herd in the country in the next 20 years.

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

What does your job involve? I work as a client director for an investment management firm in Edinburgh. I look after clients in the North of England and Scotland, which traditionally, required me to do a lot of travelling. However, since Covid-19, I have been working from home, which I love as it has allowed me to spend more time with my son and makes things easier when tending to my cows. How did you end up in a city-based job?

#NEXTGEN Laura Swiers Inglestone herd, North Yorkshire • Works full-time for an investment management firm in Edinburgh • Grew up on a sheep and dairy farm in Yorkshire Dales and moved to an arable and stock farm when she was five years old • Set-up a small Beef Shorthorn herd 10 years ago • Passionate about British food and farming

My dad farms and both my grandparents did, however, my dad always encouraged me not to go into farming because it is a tough industry to make any money in. He was keen that I had a career outside farming. I studied languages at University and when I finished, I spent a summer doing a temporary job in financial services. I absolutely loved it and have gradually moved up the ladder. What is it you love most about your job? The company I work for are very forward thinking. We are investing in new companies and I’m really passionate about helping clients go on and succeed. What is your link with Beef Shorthorns? I set-up a small herd where I live in North Yorkshire 10 years ago. My maternal Grandpa used to breed Dairy Shorthorns and being a local breed and given their docile and maternal nature it made sense to go for the Beef Shorthorn. The beauty of the Shorthorn is they are so easy to look after, so I can fit in looking after them at sporadic times of the day, which works well with my job and looking after my son. I love the cows; they are my hobby. I hope that one day I can increase my herd size and make my living from them. How did you establish your herd? I sourced five cows from local breeders Steve and Jilly Johnson and rented some land. I have slowly bred the herd up. Cow families include the Victoria, Graduate and Tessa families. I would love to breed the herd up if I could, but I am restricted in shed space in the winter. My ideal would be to get to 20 to 25 cows and produce top quality pedigree females. Where do you market your stock? I have a few private buyers, but all young bulls are sold through Thirsk Auction. Prior to Covid-19, I had been showing some of my stock at local shows such as North Yorkshire County, Ryedale, and the Great Yorkshire Show and had also just got going with society sales. I have won a few local championships, including a second and a third in my class at the Yorkshire. How do you feel about the future of farming in the UK? I think it is desperately sad it is a struggle to make money from farming. The government needs to support farmers as a priority and supermarkets have a lot to answer for with what they pay farmers. I also think education on food and farming needs to be better. I am passionate about educating people where their food comes from and how it is reared. I make sure my five-year-old boy understands where his food comes from and he is definitely getting the message! I have a Facebook page and I am looking to put more time into it to showcase how food is produced and also as a shop window for my herd.

www.beefshorthorn.org

What is your connection with farming? I grew up on our family farm in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, where we keep Beef Shorthorns today. We have 18 breeding females, most of which are my Dads. My younger brother, Tom and I have five between us. How did you end up becoming a vet?

#NEXTGEN John Alexander Craigfaddock Herd, Northern Ireland • 18 breeding Beef Shorthorn females • Locum farm vet in Northern Ireland/southern Scotland • Plans to increase herd size when settled

I enjoyed working with livestock from a young age and in an ideal world, I would have liked to farm full-time but realised that wasn’t going to be a viable option. I always thought of veterinary as a possible alternative, and when I was 16 to 17 years old and choosing my A-levels it seemed like a good option. Looking back, although I would have liked to farm full-time, an alternative income stream is very useful. What has helped to shape your career? I studied at the Royal Dick Veterinary School, in Edinburgh and graduated in 2016. After graduating, I worked as a farm vet in Lockerbie in Scotland for two and a bit years before I went travelling and worked on large farms in Australia and New Zealand with herds of 2-3,000 cattle. The experience I gained there helped broaden my horizons and made me a more rounded farm vet. What do you enjoy most about your job? My favourite aspect is the bovine reproductive side focussing on improving herd fertility as well as the control and management of diseases such as Johne’s and health planning. What plans do you have with your Beef Shorthorns? Between Tom and I, the plan is to keep the herd going. We sell breeding stock mainly through private sales and if we have anything special bull-wise, we take them to Stirling bull sales. We have sold bulls to 7,200gns at Stirling and were awarded reserve champion in October 2010 with Craigfaddock Capello. What do you think will be some of the main challenges in agriculture going forward? Antimicrobial use and reducing the amount we use is an important issue. Farmers will have to focus more on health planning and looking for alternative methods of reducing disease on farm. Biosecurity and herd health are going to become critical as restrictions on antibiotic use increase. Farms’ environmental impact has become a very topical issue in the press and with the general public. In the future, farms will be under pressure to improve or change various aspects of their enterprise in order to reduce their carbon footprint. Brexit and what happens to farm subsidies will also be at the top of people’s minds as we leave the EU and that’s where herd efficiency is going to play a part and herd health planning will feed into that. Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years’? I am currently locuming in southern Scotland and Northern Ireland. The plan is to buy into a veterinary practice and eventually set-up a farm of my own and maybe increase the herd size.

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

What do you do as a job? I am a full-time pharmacy dispensary assistant, which I have been doing for the past four years. I applied for the job after finishing my degree in Modern History at Queens University, Belfast. I really wanted a job in history, but they all required experience, which I did not have. I applied for this to get some income, I have loved it and stayed ever since. What does your job involve?

#NEXTGEN Ruth Parkes • Pharmacy dispensary assistant • Grew up on mixed farm in County Armagh

I am processing prescriptions daily as well as medication management for patients. I love working with the public. There is something new every day and it is great to be able to have a positive impact on people’s health and welfare. I am currently undertaking a two-year pharmacy technician course and I hope to progress my career in the pharmacy side of things. How does farming fit into things? I farm in the evenings and at weekends with my Daddy, Eric. He has farmed beef, sheep and dairy and as kids, me and my sister were always on the farm helping. After I finished University, I had more time on my hands, so decided to go back on to the farm and help. It kicked started my love for farming. I work in partnership with Daddy, and it has brought us closer together. After spending more time on the farm, I decided I wanted to get back into farming in some way, which is why I decided to set-up my own herd. Why the Beef Shorthorns?

• Set-up Beef Shorthorn herd in 2019

My Daddy always had Limousins, and I wanted a new breed that I could farm in my own right. I researched different breeds and our neighbour had pedigree Beef Shorthorns. I loved the look and temperament of them; temperament was a really important factor for me.

• Now have a herd of 12 Beef Shorthorn females and a stock bull and dad runs a herd of about 50 Limousins.

I originally bought eight from my neighbour, Tom McGuigan and have built the cow numbers up to 12, purchasing others independently. I have also got a stock bull too. How are you using social media to promote farming? I have my own Instagram page Ruth Farming Life where I share photos of everyday life on the farm. It is a great way to showcase the breed and bringing more acknowledgment to the Beef Shorthorns. I am passionate about sharing stories of women in agriculture and set up a #AgriWomen24 hashtag on Instagram. It is about showing farming is a job for everyone. Social media gives women in agriculture a platform to show what they are really doing. How do you view the future in agriculture? With the trade deal, it is important we do not lose the high-quality standards we work to. All farmers should get a fair price for their produce. We need more money so more people will want to get into farming otherwise it will be a dissolving sector. It there was more money in farming it would be something I would love to consider full-time, but the industry is so volatile and there is no certainty you will have an income each month.

www.beefshorthorn.org

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

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Beef Shorthorn influence drives farm shop success

For not only has the partnership been instrumental in creating one of the most successful farm shops in the East Midlands area – most recently reaffirmed when the shop was dubbed Food Hero of the Year, 2020 in the Annual Great Food Club Awards. But it has also been the driver for a native beef breeding programme which dominates the shop’s meat counter and attracts a throng of discerning customers from Leicestershire and beyond. And while March House Farm Shop in Great Dalby, near Melton Mowbray, stands proud on land which has been farmed by Dan’s family since 1780, the beef bloodlines on which it has built its reputation emanate as much from Jo’s family business in nearby Langham, as they do from Dan’s. The result of the family union is a blending of native beef bloodlines, including Angus and South Devons, but most significantly featuring the

185 cow Beef Shorthorn cross suckler herd 2,500 Masham and Scotch Mule ewes

When two families apply their skill and dedication to the business of beef production, the result can exceed all expectations. Ann Hardy reports on an award-winning farm shop.

ometimes a marriage is nothing short of made in heaven, and the betrothal between Jo Rodger and her partner, Dan Belcher, has to be a case in point.

Fact FILE

765ha arable and grassland Meat sales grew over 20 years from farmgate to seven markets, mainly London based

Beef Shorthorn breed. Jo recalls how she and her father, André Vrona, started out as breeders of pedigree South Devons – keen on showing cattle and developing bloodlines through embryo transfer, and sought to introduce a second native breed.

Farm shop and café opened in 2017 and rapidly adapted during lockdown

Jo Rodger

She says: “We came across a nice Beef Shorthorn cow at the market and she became the start of our journey. She was quiet, did well off grass, had all the maternal traits we wanted including docility, good milking ability and easy calving, and she crossed with other breeds to produce fantastic progeny. “So, although she came almost by accident, there was nothing we didn’t like about her. Her offspring had what I’d call

Beef Shorthorn is mainstay of meat offering; also lamb, pork and poultry Focus on native breeds, meat from forage and regenerative farming Eight butchers employed; turnover reached a new high during lockdown

Jo Rodger, right with the March House Farm Shop team

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

‘commerciability’ and since then, things have just grown and grown.” In fact, Jo and her father have increased the Beef Shorthorn numbers on her family farm, sold and exhibited genetics widely and with great success, and have gone on to sell Beef Shorthorn bulls to the Belcher family. Today, the Belchers’ herd at March House Farm – originally developed by Dan’s parents, Michael and Heather who are still heavily involved, and now farmed as part of a family business involving Dan and Jo, and Dan’s brother, Tom – comprises 185 suckler cows and their progeny, all of which are finished on farm-grown forage and destined for the shop. “We still criss-cross the three breeds, but we have more Beef Shorthorn than anything; we keep six Beef Shorthorn bulls,” says Jo. “We mix the breeds as we feel the market demands, but always bringing a depth of flavour, tenderness and succulence from the Beef Shorthorns, while adding size with the South Devon as required.

The counter featuring Beef Shorthorn bred beef

The home bred and reared butchery counter offer

waiting staff moved on to pick-and-pack, so we could offer free home deliveries.”

“Our customers tell us they can’t get the same quality elsewhere, which we realise is due to the choice of native breeds we are crossing,” she says. “It’s about the texture and marbling of their meat, without it being fatty.” Alongside the beef, the shop also features lamb from the farm’s flock of 2,500 Masham and Scotch Mule ewes, pork from their own pigs, poultry and a wide range of delicatessen, dairy, baked and other products, wherever possible fed and sourced from the family farm.

Humble beginnings But the substantial, award-winning enterprise of today began with humble origins and a commitment to hard graft which stemmed from Dan’s parents. Jo explains: “Mike and Heather where on the brink of giving up their farming tenancy in the late 90s, before they started selling direct to the end consumer. But with two keen young boys behind them and with a lot of hard work over the past 20 years, they have been able to grow March House Farm to where it is today. The final piece of the jigsaw was being able to buy the farm five years ago.” Sales from the farm gate were a part of the process, starting with lamb and beef and

A tour around the farm shop

later expanding into other species. This led to an on-farm butchery and then on to markets, which they continue to regularly attend at seven venues each week. One is in nearby Rothley and the others in London, including Twickenham, Wimbledon, Swiss Cottage and the iconic Camden Market. The family’s success has been such that the farm has increased in size from its original 65ha to 765ha today, through both land rental and purchase. But it was not until 2017 the family eventually made the move into the retail shop, investing substantially in the future of the business and creating work for at least eight additional staff. By the time Covid hit in early 2020, the shop was well-established and thriving, and the family so nimble on its feet it could move the business to a new level. Jo says: “Our butcher numbers have now increased to eight and the butchery operates for 24 hours a day. The café was closed and provided more space for the shop, and

Meanwhile, a make-shift café was created in a barn to provide safe, airy and covered space where customers could enjoy homemade treats while the café was closed. The main café’s chef also switched duties, moving on to food production, including pies and sausage rolls, Scotch eggs and a new line of ready meals. “It’s all proper food from our own produce – there’s no additives, fillers, thickeners or gravies,” she says. And whilst production was cranking up to an unprecedented level, Jo worked feverishly in the background to put the whole farm shop online and offer a clickand-collect service within just four days of lockdown. The pace of change and adaptations have been unprecedented for the business and turnover has reached a new high. There’s just one thing there hasn’t been time for, and that’s the wedding planned between Jo and Dan for early 2020, which had to be postponed due to lockdown. Some things can wait and others cannot, but there’s a lifetime ahead of them for that! Look out for the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society’s new award to be launched in 2021 and designed to reward butchers and farm shops. www.beefshorthorn.org

New herd sire Millerston Jamboree

old matrons Four of our founding females

3 ALFIE & JAMES SHAW

07775 730000

www.gflivestock.com

33 Tobermesson Rd, Dungannon BT71 7QE

Glebefarm livestock

1. Glenisla Waterloo Andrea B581 EX93 2. Glenisla Duchess B585 VG89 3. Bushypark Cherry 1st EX94 4. Uppermill Jackie EX94.

Rising Stars

1. Cherry May & Jackie Louise 2. Duchess Molly 3. Joyful Mandy M466 4. Cherry 4th 5. Foxglove Flake L295 6. Desiree M337 7. Irania Pearl 8. Jackie Louise

A selection of our promising young herd builders.

3 4

5 7

8 6

glebefarm BEEF SHORTHORNS

SALES

S t i r l i n g Fe b r u a r y 2 0 2 0

Stirling Beef Shorthorn bulls in strong demand selling to 20,000gns twice

eef Shorthorn bulls met a strong trade selling to a top of 20,000gns twice at the breed society’s annual spring fixture in Stirling on Monday 3 February. Fifty three lots averaged £4,780 up £104 on the year with 30% more sold.

JUDGE James Playfair Hannay Morebattle Tofts, Kelso Sunday, 2 February 2020

First to go at 20,000gns was the intermediate and overall male champion, Coxhill Magnum TI +31, SRI +31, a 22-month-old roan by Ballylinney Glen from LJ Townsend, Moffat, Dumfriesshire. He sold to Thistledown Cowford Farms, Bankfoot, Perthshire. Next lot in the ring, Rookwith Marvellous commanded the second 20,000gns bid in a twoway split from Robert Leach, Banbury, Oxon and Thomas Staunton, North Kinvara, Galway. Bred and exhibited by E Page, Bedale, North Yorkshire, he was a roan 22-month-old by the 8,500gns Castlemount Junior and stood in reserve place in the intermediate line up.

Male champion, Coxhill Magnum, 20,000gns 94

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Two entries were bid to 11,000gns. First was Glenisla Macleod TI +23, SRI +25, a 22-month-old roan by Millerston Jamboree from Major JPO Gibb, Blairgowrie, Perthshire to Balgay Farms, Inchture, Perthshire. The same breeder also offered Glenisla Masterton TI +44, SRI +50, a 23-month-old roan by Broughton Park Thunder for 6,500gns to LJ Townsend. The second 11,000gns price tag went to Meonside Mufasa, a 20-month-old roan by Elliot Salute, bred by Frank E Moffat and offered by D and T Bradley Farmer, Parkgate, Dumfriesshire. He sold to Gates Farming, Oakham, Leicestershire. Senior champion, Knockenjig Morpheus TI +51, SRI +54, a 23-month-old roan by Fearn Jumpstart from David and Rosemary Dickie, Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway made 8,000gns to WJ and J Green, Fochabers, Morayshire. A second 8,000gns bid was commanded by the 22-month-old light roan, Fearn Morangie TI

S t i r l i n g Fe b r u a r y 2 0 2 0

SALES

Glenisla Macleod, 11,000gns

Meonside Mufasa, 11,000gns

Rookwith Marvellous, 20,000gns

+37, SRI +45, a Fearn Jono son from J Scott and Partners, Tain, Invernesshire. The buyer was A and C Farms, Langham, Rutland. Two, 22-month-old Fearn Elmer sons were in the money for the same breeders. The dark roan Fearn Munro TI +22, SRI +24 made 7,800gns to D Baillie, Carnwath, Lanarkshire, whilst the roan Fearn Mallaig TI +44, SR +45, sold for 6,000gns to H and N Sloan, Lauder, Berwickshire. Podehole Rock Marquis TI + 45, SRI +53, a 22-month-old red by Royalla Rockstar from H Horrell, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire was secured for 7,000gns by CG Bonner and Son, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The same breeders offered Podehole Matador TI + 34, SRI +35, a 23-month-old red and little white by Knockenjig Hercules to Exmoor Forest Farms, Minehead, Somerset. Jack P Ramsay, Mauchline, Ayrshire sold his highest entry at 6,500gns to Balnabroich Farms, Blairgowrie, Perthshire. Millerston Man O War TI +35, SRI +38 was a 22-month-old roan by Meonhill Charlie Chaplin. A second Charlie Chaplin son from the same breeder, the 21-month-old red Millerston Mustang TI +30, SRI +34 was secured for 5,500gns by DFWH Walter, Perth, Perthshire. Llwynhywel Mathew TI +35, SRI +33, a 22-monthold red and little white Glenisla Jacobite 2 son from Evans and Price, Llanilar, Ceredigion commanded 6,000gns from JW Frame, Biggar, Lanarkshire. The day’s third 6,000gns price tag went to the reserve junior champion, Norworth Merlin TI

+28, SRI +27, a 21-month-old red and white by Chapelton Barolo. Bred by Victoria Hainsworth and offered by Tracy Severn, Barkisland, West Yorkshire, he went to W Mitchell and Sons, Douglas Lanarkshire. The 22-month-old roan Westbrook Explorer TI +40, SRI +46 by Galla Jackpot from D Welsh, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire made 5,500gns to Laga Farms, Evie, Orkney.

Fearn Morangie, 8,000gns

Knockenjig Morpheus, 8,000gns

Females Leading the female trade at 4,600gns was Glenisla Desiree TI +28, SRI +35, a 19-month-old roan heifer by Millerston Jamboree from Major JPO Gibb to A and C Farms. Next at 3,200gns was the female champion, Uppermill Broadhooks Bang TI +46, SRI +53 from J Porter, Dromore, County Down. A 22-month-old red and little white by Glenisla Jackpot, she sold to Roundhill Farm, Buxton, Derbyshire. Two entries sold for 3,000gns. Chapelton Duchess TI + 35, SRI +29, a 22-month-old roan by Crichton Paddy from DJ Biggar, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway sold to AE and AJ Thornber, Halifax, West Yorkshire. The second 3,000gns entry went to the reserve female champion, Castlemount Matrix Matilda, a 19-month-old roan Elliot Matrix daughter from D McDowell, Newtownards, County Down. She was knocked down to R and K Williams, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

Fearn Munro, 7,800gns

Glenisla Desiree, 4,600gns

Averages: 53 bulls £4,780; 8 heifers £2,690 Auctioneers: United Auctions

Female champion, Uppermill Broadhooks Bang, 3,200gns www.beefshorthorn.org

SALES

S t i r l i n g Fe b r u a r y 2 0 2 0

Class results Beef Shorthorn Males (Senior Classes)

Beef Shorthorn Males (Junior Classes)

Bulls born on or between 21 December 2017 & 12 March 2018 (Class 1) 1st Magic of Skaillhouse (H) Messrs C Macadie and Sons 2nd Uppermill Roller 2nd (P) Mr J Porter 3rd Maximus Of Ballyvaddy (P) T & K Madden 4th Meonhill Mr Dan (P) Thistledown Cowford Farm Ltd 5th Hyndford Major (P) Ian Tennant

Bulls born on or between 21 April & 30 April 2018 (Class 7) 1st Llwynhywel Masterpiece (H) Messrs Evans & Price 2nd Westbroad Jackpot Explorer 5th (H) D Welsh 3rd Millerston Majestic (H) Mr Jack P Ramsay 4th Uppermill Lemken (P) Mr J Porter 5th Fearn Munro (P) J Scott & Partners

Bulls born on or between 13 & 21 March 2018 (Class 2) 1st Glenisla Masterton (P) Major JPO Gibb 2nd Chapelton Mandate (P) Mr D J Biggar OBE 3rd Headlind Masterpiece (H) Mr T Allan Jackson, Headlind Partners 4th Coxhill Marksman (H) Mrs L J Townsend 5th Coldrochie Marvel (P) G & M Smith

Bulls born on or between 1 May & 8 June 2018 (Class 8) 1st Norworth Merlin (H) Mrs Tracy Severn 2nd Millerston Mustang (H) Mr Jack P Ramsay 3rd Coxhill Maestro (P) Mrs L J Townsend 4th Hyndford Manolo (P) Ian Tennant 5th Galla Masterpiece (P) Mr. JW Frame

Bulls born on or between 22 & 31 March 2018 (Class 3) 1st Knockenjig Morpheus (P) David & Rosemary Dickie 2nd Calla Major (P) Mr David Baillie 3rd Dunsyre Messi (P) Carey Coombs 4th Chapelton Marshall (P) Mr D J Biggar OBE 5th Podehole Matador (P) Mr H Horrell

Bulls born on or after 9 June 2018 (Class 9) 1st Castlemount Matchmaker (P) (ET) 2nd Burnside Monster Munch (P) 3rd Muiresk Messiah (H) 4th Meonside Mufasa (H) 5th Castlemount Millenium (H) (ET)

Beef Shorthorn Males (Intermediate Classes) Bulls born on or between 1 & 5 April 2018 (Class 4) 1st Glenisla Macleod (P) Major JPO Gibb 2nd Fearn Morangie (P) J Scott & Partners 3rd Mountbenger Maximus (H) JF Irving & Son 4th Miltonlockhart Magnum (P) Mr William Allan 5th Cairnsmore Mighty Mike (H) Mr and Mrs B Landers Bulls born on or between 6 April & 11 April 2018 (Class 5) 1st Millerston Man O War (H) Mr Jack P Ramsay 2nd Balgay Montana (P) Balgay Farm 3rd Balgay Mountain Dew (H) Balgay Farm 4th Fearn Munlochy (P) J Scott & Partners 5th Dunsyre Mechanic (P) Carey Coombs

D McDowell William & Jill McAllister Stuart G Mair & Sons D & T Bradley Farmer D McDowell

Beef Shorthorn Females Heifers born on or between 22 February 2016 & 3 May 2018 (Class 10) 1st Uppermill Broadhooks Bang (P) Mr J Porter 2nd Chapelton Duchess 6374 (P) Mr D J Biggar OBE 3rd Uppermill Broadhooks Bella 3rd (P) Mr J Porter 4th Poyntington Georgina (P) Dr and Mrs. SGF Cave Rosewood Rosewel 10Th Of 5th Messrs C Macadie and Sons Skaillhouse (P) Heifers born on or after 4 May 2018 (Class 11) 1st Castlemount Matrix Matilda (H) D McDowell 2nd Glenisla Desiree M381 (H) Major JPO Gibb 3rd Knightland Duchess Monza (P) Michelle Pettit

Bulls born on or between 12 April & 20 April 2018 (Class 6) 1st Coxhill Magnum (P) Mrs L J Townsend 2nd Rookwith Marvellous (P) Mr E Page 3rd Llwynhywel Mathew (P) Messrs Evans & Price 4th Glenariff Majestic (P) NJ and AM Barrett 5th Westbroad Shaw Explorer 1st (H) D Welsh

Champions Senior Champion Bull (Classes 1 – 3) Senior Champion Bull Knockenjig Morpheus (P) Reserve Senior Champion Bull Calla Major (P)

David & Rosemary Dickie Mr David Baillie

Intermediate Champion Bull (Classes 4 – 6) Intermediate Champion Bull Coxhill Magnum (P) Mrs L J Townsend Reserve Intermediate Champion Bull Rookwith Marvellous (P) Mr E Page Junior Champion Bull (Classes 7 – 9) Junior Champion Bull Llwynhywel Masterpiece (H) Reserve Junior Champion Bull Norworth Merlin (H)

Messrs Evans & Price Mrs Tracy Severn

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Overall Male Champion Overall Male Champion Coxhill Magnum (P) Reserve Male Champion Llwynhywel Masterpiece (H) Female Champion (Classes 10 – 12) Female Champion Uppermill Broadhooks Bang (P) Reserve Female Castle mount Matrix Matilda (H)

Mrs L J Townsend Messrs Evans & Price Mr. J Porter D McDowell

S t i r l i n g Fe b r u a r y 2 0 2 0

SALES

Trophies Upper mill Dunmore Park Challenge Cup Uppermill Broadhooks Bang (P) Champion Female Mr J Porter

The Uppermill Bapton Cup

Auctioneers Challenge Cup

Uppermill Calrossie Challenge Cup Coxhill Magnum (P), Coxhill Marksman and Coxhill Maestro Mrs L J Townsend

Best Three Bulls

Llwynhywel Masterpiece (H) Messrs Evans & Price

Knockenjig Morpheus (P) David & Rosemary Dickie

Reserve Supreme Champion Bull

Llwynhywel Masterpiece (H) Messrs Evans & Price

Supreme Champion Bull

Coxhill Magnum (P) Mrs L J Townsend

MacGillivray Aldie Trophy

South Africa Trophy Intermediate Champion Bull

Coxhill Magnum (P) Mrs L J Townsend

City of Perth Trophy

Uppermill Millhills Cup Senior Champion Bull

Supreme Champion Bull Campbell/Durno Perpetual Trophy

Uppermill Linzee Gordon Trophy Junior Champion Bull

Glenisla Masterton (P) and Glenisla MacLoed Major J.P.O. Gibb

Best Two Bulls

Coxhill Magnum (P) Mrs L J Townsend

Best Poll Bull The Herdsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trophy Herdsman of Supreme Bull

Keith Whitelaw

Bull sales Sales (Guineas) 2,800 2,500 2,500 2,800 3,000 1,800 6,500 2,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 3,000 1,800 2,000 2,800 5,800 3,000 2,600 8,000 4,000 11,000 3,000 8,000 2,500 7,000 6,000 2,200 5,000 5,000

Lot no. 211 215 217 218 219 220 227 228 229 231 232 234 235 236 237 239 241 242 243 244 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 256 259

Animal name

Buyer

Miltonlockhart Landlord (P) Meonhill Mr Dan (P) Maestro of Skaillhouse (P) Marshal of Upsall (P) Magic of Skaillhouse (H) Knockenjig Maestro (H) Glenisla Masterton (P) Hyndford Marcello (P) Coldrochie Marvel (P) Headline Masterpiece (H) Chapelton Mandate (P) Chapelton Marksman (P) Dunsyre Machiavelli (H) Knockenjig Moonstone (H) Cairnsmore Maradona (P) Podehole Matador (P) Chapelton Melville (P) Dunsyre Messi (P) Knockenjig Morpheus (P) Calla Major (P) Glenisla MacLeod (P) Mountbenger Maximus (H) Fearn Morangie (P) Knockenjig Mascot (H) Podehole Rock Marquis (P) Fearn Mallaig (P) Knockenjig Meteor (P) Cairnsmore Mighty Mike (H) Dunsyre Mechanic (P)

E & T Richardson GT&S Coghill R&S Slimon & Son Dunecht Home Farms Glenrinnes Farms Ltd TG Brown L Townsend WSL Muir GT&S Coghill TG Brown James M Hay & Son Ellary Farms Ltd AN McInnes TG Brown Rattray Estates Ltd Exmoor Forest Farms Walker of Netherwood T Riley WJ &J Green W Mitchell & Sons Ltd Balgay Farms Pitkindie Farms A&C Farms JA Griffin CG Bonner & Son H&N Sloan OFT Hope & Son Firm of Doldy Farm Sleighthome Dale

Sales (Guineas) 6,500 4,000 3,000 1,800 6,000 2,000 20,000 20,000 2,500 2,200 2,800 4,200 2,800 7,800 1,800 5,500 2,000 2,000 3,500 5,500 4,500 6,000 4,000 11,000 2,000 2,500 3,800 3,000 4,000

Lot no. 260 264 265 266 270 271 272 273 274 276 279 280 282 285 286 288 289 290 293 296 297 298 300 301 302 303 304 306 311

Sales (Guineas) 1,400 3,000 4,600 2,000

Lot no. 329 333 334 335

Animal name

Buyer

Millerston Man O War (H) Fearn Munlochy (P) Balgay Montana (P) Wells Messi (H) Llwynhywel Mathew (P) Tofts Jeronimo (H) Coxhill Magnum (P) Rookwith Marvellous (P) Glenariff Majestic (P) Westbroad Shaw Explorer 1 (H) Tofts Sergeant Major (H) Llwynhywel Masterpiece (H) Magnet of Upsall (P) Fearn Munro (P) Miltonlockhart Maverick (H) Westbroad Jackpot Explore 5 (H) Eastmill Magician (H) Hyndford Manolo (P) Castlefin Hotshot (P) Millerston Mustang (H) Coxhill Maestro (P) Norworth Merlin (H) Galla Masterpiece (P) Meonside Mufasa (H) Castlemount Millenium (H) Glenariff Manduro (P) Castlemount Matchmaker (P) Marvel of Upsall (P) Muiresk Messiah (H)

Balnabroich Farms PL Dickson & Son TM Strang & Co JHD Fanshawe JW Frame Alan Mowat & Sons Thistledown Cowford Farms Thomas Staunton JH Wilson WSL Muir Scottish Government Ormsary Farmers R Brown D Baillie Gavin Law Laga Farms Ltd G&S Christie & Co D&T Ballantyne South Eastern Cattle DFWH Walter Glenavon Estate Ltd W Mitchell & Sons Ltd D&J Hardie Gates Farming Genoch Mains Farms G Brough JS & ME Goldie PL Dickson & Son TA Williams

Animal name

Buyer

Galla Milly Katrina (P) Castlemount Matrix Matilda (H) Glenisla Desiree M381 (H) Knightland Duchess Monza (P)

Thomas Staunton R & K Williams A & C Farms MA Lawrie

Female sales Sales (Guineas) 1,400 1,900 3,000 3,200

Lot no. 323 324 325 328

Animal name

Buyer

Poyntington Georgina (P) Lancaster Liz 29 of Skaillhouse Chapelton Duchess 6374 (P) Uppermill Broadhooks Bang (P)

I Tennant J &A Brown AE & AJ Thornber Roundhill Farm

www.beefshorthorn.org

Fearn Godfather

Fearn Elmer

Semen for Sale • TI +61 •SRI+76 •MI+34 • Highest figured bull in the breed. • Sired by Dakota of Upsall. • He and his sons are breeding exeptionally well. • Godfather son – Fearn Norseman sold privately for a five figure sum.

Semen for Sale • TI +31 •SRI +27 •MI+25 • An outstanding easy fleshing bull. • Daughters are making a big impact in our herd. • Crossbred sons finishing at 350kg DWT at 16 months off grass.

YourBid breeding cattle sale coming soon Fearn Monique M1669 with heifer calf at foot - female & reserve overall champion & best bred by exhibitor, 2020 Scottish Club Competition

E: admin@fearnfarm.com T: 01862 832522 www.fearnfarm.com 98

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Fearn Farm @FearnFarm fearn_farm

The Mill at Fearn Farm is a flexible, new purpose built holiday house with two properties. The Wee End sleeps 4 and The Mill End sleeps 10, with an internal door you can join the properties up as one big spacious house. Fully equipped kitchens •Wood burning stoves • Super king zip lock beds • Luxurious linen and towels • WiFi • BBQ outdoor eating & relaxing areas 10% discount for Beef Shorthorn Society members For availability and to book go to www.fearnfarm.com/holidays Enquiries: fiona@fearnfarm.com 01862 832522 • 07801675970 Fearn Farm, Tain, Ross-shire IV20 1TL The Mill at Fearn Farm

themillatfearnfarm www.beefshorthorn.org

SALES

Dunsyre September 2020

Dunsyre Beef Shorthorns lead at 6,500gns

eef Shorthorn cows with calves at foot met a strong demand selling to a top of 6,500gns and achieving 100% clearance in Stirling on Saturday 12 September when Carey Coombes offered a major reduction from his Dunsyre herd. Leading the trade at 6,500gns was Dunsyre Hyacinth 22, a four-year-old red and little white by the 12,000gns Langalbuinoch Barney. She was offered with her five-month-old red and white heifer, Dunsyre Hyacinth 27 by Dunsyre Hamlet. The pair went to Leggat Farming Partnership, Logiealmond, Perthshire. The same buyer secured two more pairs including Dunsyre Venus Opal 15 at 5,000gns. A white Barney daughter she was sold with her fifth calf, the five-month-old roan heifer, Dunsyre Venus Opal 31 by Dunsyre Lord Nelson.

Dunsyre Hyacinth 22 with Dunsyre Hyacinth 27, 6,500gns

The day’s second highest bid at 6,000gns was for the roan Dunsyre Leila 39, a Dunsyre Dreadnought daughter she sold with her fourth calf, the five-month-old roan heifer, Dunsyre Leila 60 by Dunsyre Lord Nelson. The buyer was JM Wightman, Maddiston, Falkirk. Next was Dunsyre Lily 54 who sold for 5,000gns to Clark Farms, Carluke, Lanarkshire. A red and little white by Barney, she was accompanied by her sixth calf, the four-month-old roan bull, Dunsyre Patriach by Redhill Ferny. Three entries were bid to 4,500gns. First to go was Dunsyre Magic 18, a five-year-old red and little white Barney daughter with her five-month-old red bull calf, Dunsyre Pathfinder, by Lord Nelson. The buyer was L Townsend, Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway. David Clark, Borgue, Kirkcudbrightshire secured the next at 4,500gns. Dunsyre Honeysuckle Opal 22, was a five-year-old roan Barney daughter with her five-month-old red bull, Dunsyre Peregrine by Lord Nelson. The final 4,500gns call was made by James M Hay and Son, Brechin, Angus for Dunsyre Medwyn Maid 22, a four-year-old red and white Ferny daughter with her Lord Nelson sired five-monthold red heifer, Dunsyre Medwin Maid 40. The same buyers went to 4,000gns for Dunsyre Leila 43, a same age entry by Ferny with her five-month-old roan Lord Nelson sired heifer, Dunsyre Leila 61. R and P McAlister, Kingarth, Isle of Bute went to 4,200gns for the 100

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Dunsyre Leila 39 with Dunsyre Leila 60, 6,000gns

Barney sired red Dunsyre Eriskay 7, with her five-month-old roan bull, Dunsyre Prometheus, by Ferny. Two more entries shared a 4,000gns bid. Dunsyre Honeysuckle Opal 15, a roan Dunsyre Asterix daughter was sold with her seventh calf, the five-month-old roan Glenisla Kilimanjaro son, Dunsyre Paladin. The buyers were J and J Gibb, Blairgowrie, Perthshire. The third 4,000gns entry was secured by JW Frame, Biggar, Lanarkshire. Dunsyre Vatersay 33, a four-year-old roan by Dreadnought was sold with her six-month-old red and white Kilimanjaro son, Dunsyre Pretender. Averages: 30 cows with calves at foot £3,531.50 Auctioneers: United Auctions

Knockenjig Dispersal October 2020

SALES

Knockenjig Beef Shorthorn peak at 11,000gns

eef Shorthorn females met a firm demand selling to a top of 11,000gns in Stirling on Sunday 18 October when David and Rosemary Dickie dispersed their Knockenjig herd and achieved total clearance with 36 lots averaging £5,299.58. Leading call at 11,000gns was for 18-month-old roan heifer, Knockenjig Duchess N2018 TI +45, SRI +45, by the 9,000gns Meonside Ganster and out of a home-bred dam. She sold in calf to Fearn Jumpstart to Gates Farming, Coldoverton, Leicestershire. The same buyers went on to take six more lots. They paid 8,000gns for the Excellent classified Knockenjig Rosie Duchess 4 TI +39, SRI +44, a Knockenjig Duchess N2018, 11,000gns seven-year-old roan Meonhill Charlie Chaplin daughter sold with her six-month-old roan calf, Knockenjig Rosie Duchess P2047 by the 10,000gns Fearn Jumpstart. Minutes later, Gates Partnership went to 6,000gns for another same way bred cow and her calf, this time the Knockenjig Foxglove Flake TI + 44, SRI +53, an eight-year-old light roan by Charlie Chaplin and paired with her seven-month-old roan Knockenjig Foxglove Flake P2038 by Leonard of Upsall. Leonard of Upsall TI +47, SRI +57, a roan three-year-old Dingo of Upsall son and one of the herd’s two stock bulls, commanded a 10,000gns bid from SS Horton and Sons, Cirencester, Gloucestershire.

Knockenjig Leonard of Upsall, 10,000gns

The day’s second 10,000gns call was made by Leazes Farm, Wolsingham, County Durham for a cow and calf pair. The Excellent classified Knockenjig Duchess H833 TI +35, SRI +38 was a six-yearold roan by Charlie Chaplin, and her bull calf, the six-month-old red and little white Leonard sired Knockenjig Picolo. Leazes Farm secured two more lots; they included at 8,000gns another same way bred Excellent classified six-year-old, Knockenjig Margo H886 TI +44, SRI +52 with her seven-month-old red and little white heifer, Knockenjig Margo P2040. AE and AJ Thornber, Halifax, West Yorkshire paid 8,500gns for the in calf Knockenjig Margo K1944 TI +40, SRI 51, a red four-year-old by Glengoy Geronimo, sold with her bull calf, the six-month-old red Jumpstart sired Knockenjig Poseidon. A 7,500gns call secured Knockenjig Rosie Duchess N2008 TI +44, SRI +51 for T Russell, Stanford in the Vale, Oxon. A 19-month-old roan, by Jumpstart, she was sold in calf to Leonard. Two, 17-month-old bulls by Jumpstart, each commanded a 6,000gns bid. First to go was the roan Knockenjig Nikel to P Harrison, Grantown-on-Spey, Moray, and the second, Knockenjig

Knockenjig Duchess H883, 10,000gns

Nebula to New York Farms, Silsden, West Yorkshire. Averages: 20 cows and calves £5,360.25; 1 in calf cow £2,940.00; 9 in calf heifers £5,401.67; 2 stock bulls £7,875.00; 4 young bulls £4,068.75 Auctioneers: United Auctions www.beefshorthorn.org

101

SKAILLHOUSE SHORTHORNS ALWAYS AIMING TO PRODUCE FUNCTIONAL, EASILY FLESHED, WELL BALANCED CATTLE

Rosewood Rosewell 12th

Tulip 33rd EX90 Newton of Skaillhouse

Examples of first crop of calves by Chapleton Lionheart Tulip 49th

Rosewood Rosie 17th

Visitors always welcome!

Beef Shorthorn Society Linear Classified since 2016

Stuart & Lynn Macadie Marstyn, Skaill, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 7YD. High Health Status Accredited clear of BVD, IBR. Monitored free for LEPTO. Johneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Level 1. TB4.

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Tel: 01847 861225 M: 07711 371385 Breedplan Recorded

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

E: stuart.macadie@ukgateway.net

Creaga Shorthorns Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intention, effort, and execution; it represents the wise choice, it represents Creaga Shorthorns.

Breeding now for three generations

While the whole world stood still in 2020. The Creaga Team was busy expandingâ&#x20AC;Ś. Now standing strong across three generations.

The Creaga Herd maintains a very high health status with over 35 Years Free of TB Visitors always welcome. Noel & Lisa Dowd Loughglass, Creggs, Co Galway, Ireland F42 C653 Website: www.creagashorthorns.com | Tel: 00353 87 2977387/00353 86 3584339 | Email: lisa.dowd00@gmail.com

www.beefshorthorn.org

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SALES

Stirling October 2020

Stirling Beef Shorthorn females smash breed records 15,000gns heifer; £3,543.75 female average; 52 lots sold; 88% clearance; + £1,103.74

eef Shorthorn established two new breed records - a heifer at 15,000gns and £3,543.75 female average, up £1,103.75 on the year for 52 lots sold and 88% clearance in Stirling on Sunday 18 October where entries met an insatiable demand at the breed society’s official sale. Sale leader at 15,000gns was Elliot Miss Lea 825, a 28-month-old Canadian bred heifer by Sull Cyclone, out of a Crawfdown dam, and knocked down in calf to Elliot Conundrum and selling to Evans and Price, Aberystwyth, Ceridigion. Miss Lea was one a string of 13 entries from John Elliot, Kelso, Roxburghshire trading to average £4,408. His next best at 6,500gns was an Elliot Pure Class, a six-month-old roan heifer, by Elliott Royal Flush to Francis Baird, Tetbury, Gloucestershire who also took home her dam, the five-year-old Elliot Pure Surprise TI +21, SRI +21 for 4,000gns. A bid of 5,000gns secured the cow and calf pair for S Brigdale, Ennis, County Clare. Elliot Miss Lea 634, was a three-year-old white CSF Evolution daughter, and her seven-month-old roan bull, Elliot Kirkwall by Elliot Royal Flush. “The day’s trade for Beef Shorthorn was on fire, fuelled by buyers demonstrating vision; they are aware that Beef Shorthorn genetics will fit future systems under a new post Brexit regime, potentially offering support for public goods, including environment schemes,” commented breed society president, Cathryn Williamson. “Beef Shorthorn will provide a solution delivering a low input, low cost, modern functional suckler cow – milky, hardy, fertile, forage based, with a quiet temperament and great longevity. And they are also aware that Beef Shorthorn cross steers are continuing to find a ready market influenced by Morrisons Shorthorn Beef scheme.” The day’s second highest call of 7,800gns went to an entry from Major JPO Gibb, Blairgowrie, Perthshire who traded a total of eight heifer lots to average £5,932. His 104

Elliot Miss Lea 825, 15,000gns

sale topper was Glenisla Desiree N461 TI +37, SRI +48, a 15-month-old roan by the 12,000gns Millerston Jamboree. She sold to A&C Farms, Langham, Rutland along with four more Glenisla entries each by Jamboree.

The bull trade was led at 6,200gns by Drumsleed Nato TI +24, SRI +26, a 21-month-old red and white Knockenjig Glenfiddich son from G and M Smith Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire to EW Jolly, Forfar, Angus.

A&C Farms went to 6,000gns twice for two, 19-month-olds; first in the ring was the red and little white Glenisla Sally Broadhooks N404 TI +40, SRI +50 followed at by the roan Glenisla Waterloo Naomi N432 TI +29, SRI +29. The same buyers went to 5,000gns for the 20-month-old roan Glenisla Desiree N396, and they paid 4,200gns for the 19-month-old red and little white Glenisla Waterloo Andrea N426 TI +38, SI +29.

Three lots sold to 4,800gns. First to go was the two-year-old red and white Westbroad Mateo TI +28, SRI +36 by Galla Jackpot. Bred by D Welsh Kilmarnock, Ayrshire he sold to the Scottish Government’s bull stud, Inverness. JGS and D Duncan, Banff, Aberdeenshire made the next 4,800gns bid for Stonehills No Limits TI +27, SRI +32, a 20-month-old roan Faughhill Ivan son from GL Riby, Bridlington, East Yorkshire.

Gates Farming, Coldoverton, Leicestershire took home 10 entries including two, Chapelton Glen Clova daughters from Glenisla. They went to 6,800gns for Glenisla Desiree N454 TI +43, SRI +46, an 18-monthold red and little white, and 4,200gns for the 19-month-old roan, Glenisla Eva Broadhooks N403 TI +33, SRI +35.

The final 4,800gns call went to Galla Negotiator TI +18, SRI +6, an 18-monthold roan Elliot Matrix son from JW Frame, Biggar, Lanarkshire to Rattray Estates, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.

The Jamboree sired Glenisla Foxglove Tansy N470 TI +33, SRI +37, a 14-month-old roan was secured for 5,200gns by Thomas Cheetham, Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

S and G Currie, Settle, North Yorkshire went to 4,600gns for Westbroad Bramble 4 TI +19, SRI +21, a two-year-old in calf roan heifer by Shawhill J-A-T from D Welsh Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire. Averages: 7 bulls £4,410; 52 females £3,543.75; 4 cows and calves £3,281.25 Auctioneers: United Auctions

Stirling October 2020

SALES

Bull sales Sales (Guineas) 3,500 4,800 6,200 4,800 2,500 2,800 4,800

Glenisla Desiree N461, 7,800gns

Drumsleed Nato, 6,200gns

Stonehills No Limits, 4,800gns

Galla Negotiator, 4,800gns

Westbroad Bramble 4, 4,600gns

Meonside Tessa Nebula, 4,200gns

Lot no.

Animal name

Buyer

183 184 185 187 188 190 195

Sandwick Moveabull (P) Westbroad Mateo (H) Drumsleed Nato (H) Stonehills No Limits (P) Muiresk Neptune Collonges (P) Cowford Nanook (P) Galla Negotiator (P)

M Cruickshank Scottish Government EW Jolly JGS & D Duncan N MacInnes R & S Slimon & Son Rattray Estates Ltd

Lot no.

Animal name

Buyer

196 197 198 199 200 201 203 204 206 207 208 210 211 213 214 217 220 221 223 225 226 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 251 252 253 254 254A 255 255A 256 + 256A 257 + 257A 258 + 258A 259 259A 260 261 262 263

Westbroad Bramble 4 (H) Westbroad Yoga 9 (P) Cairnsmore Natalia (P) Cairnsmore Nicole Tessa (H) Cairnsmore Nyree Floss (H) Cairnsmore Niselle Tulip (P) Rattray Alexis Nirvanna (H) Rattray Danielle Narcissa (P) Knightland Heathermaid Miss Abbie (H) Meonside Grace Beauty Nairobi (P) Meonside Tess Nebula (P) Tulip 47 of Skaillhouse (P) Rosewood Rosewel 11 of Skaillhouse (P) Flora 60 of Skaillhouse (P) Lancaster Liz 34 of Skaillhouse (P) Lowther Crocus 494 (P) + Lowther Crocus W3 (P) Lowther Magic V6 (P) Lowther Magic V7 (P) Glenearn Zoe 3 M555 (H) + Glenearn Zoe 5 P742 (H) Hyndford Nina (P) Dunsyre Lily 84 (H) Dunsyre Venus Opal 30 (H) Dunsyre Lily 87 (P) Dunsyre Meadowsweet 50 (P) Dunsyre Meadowsweet 51 (P) Coxhill Josie-N464 (H) Coxhill Josie-N494 (H) Coxhill Daisy-N496 (H) Coxhill Rosette-N507 (H) Coxhill Urymaid-N511 (H) Coxhill Blythsome Lia-N512 (H) Coxhill Lovely-N513 Coxhill Sheena-N515 Coxhill Agusta-N518 (H) Coxhill Princess-N1883 (P) Coxhill Matchless-N1884 (H) Coxhill Sheena-N521 (H) Glenisla Desiree N396 (H) Glenisla Sally Broadhooks N404 (P) Glenisla Eva Broadhooks N403 (P) Glenisla Waterloo Andrea N426 (H) Glenisla Waterloo Naomi N432 (H) Glenisla Desiree N454 (P) Glenisla Desiree N461 (P) (P) Glenisla Foxglove Tansy N470 (P) Elliot Pure Surprise (P) Elliot Pure Class (P) Elliot Echo 336 (P) Elliot Echo 107 (P) Elliot Millicent (P) + Elliot Cracker (P) Elliot Miss Lea 634 (P) + Elliot Kirkwall (P) Elliot Katie 637 (P) + Elliot Emmit (P) Elliot Estelle 640 (P) Elliot Estelle 105 (P) Elliot Miss Lea 729 (P) Elliot Miss Lea 824 (P) Elliot Miss Lea 825 (P) Elliot Estelle 849 (P)

S & G Currie R Brown Laga Farms Ltd Evans & Price Stanford Park Partnership James Hay & Son S Andrew S Andrew AE & AJ Thornber Gates Farming SG Mair & Sons Thistledown Cowford Farms Stanford Park Partnership A & CB Millar Thistledown Cowford Farms A Hamill N North New York Farms D Watkins W & R Dunlop S Andrew A & CB Millar Stanford Park Partnership J & AF Davidson Stanford Park Partnership Gates Farming Gates Farming J Common & Son G Price G Price Kingswood Farmers Ltd N Shand J Common & Son Gates Farming Gates Farming Gates Farming N Shand A & C Farms A & C Farms Gates Farming A & C Farms A & C Farms Gates Farming A & C Farms Thomas Cheetham Francis Baird Francis Baird Gates Farming Gates Farming Evans & Price S Brigdale DD McDowell Evans & Price Evans & Price Kingswood Farmers Ltd Firm of A Morton Evans & Price Gates Farming

Female sales Sales (Guineas) 4,600 1,900 3,400 4,500 1,800 3,600 1,400 1,500 2,400 3,000 4,300 2,000 1,800 1,800 2,200 2,500 1,300 1,300 1,500 2,400 1,000 1,400 1,900 900 1,400 2,400 1,300 4,000 2,400 1,800 3,000 2,200 4,000 2,200 1,600 3,000 3,800 5,000 6,000 4,200 4,200 6,000 6,800 7,800 5,200 4,000 6,500 2,000 2,000 3,500 5,000 2,500 2,800 2,800 3,200 4,000 15,000 4,000

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SALES

Skipton November 2020

Skipton Beef Shorthorn heifers peak at 6,200gns Beef Shorthorn heifers met a strong demand selling to a top of 6,200gns and with 22 lots averaging £2,567.72 at the breed society’s annual sale in Skipton, on Wednesday 11 November.

ale leader at 6,200gns was Sandwick Flossy Mocha TI +46, SRI +55, a twoyear-old dark roan within the breed’s top 5% from A and C Ivinson, Ousby, Cumbria. A Glenisla Jack Frost daughter, she sold to the MacGregor Farming Partnership, Norwich, Norfolk. At 2,900gns, the Ivinsons offered another Jack Frost daughter, this time the 19-month-old white maiden heifer, Sandwick Lovely Nector TI +32, SRI +35. The buyer was K Darnbrook, Newcastleton, Roxburghshire who also went to 3,400gns for Beautry Tessa Nikola, a 17-month-old dark roan maiden by Beautry Lothario from SC Curry, Settle, North Yorkshire. The day’s second top call of 5,800gns went to Kimrina Nadia TI +32, SRI +31, a 22-month-old red and white maiden heifer by Craigfaddock Khan from CJ Ward, Whitby, North Yorkshire to A and C Farms, Oakham, Leicestershire. Kimrina Nakita TI +31, SRI +31, a 22-monthold light roan by Khan from the same breeder went for 2,900gns to SJ Pullan, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. At 3,900gns, Nonpareil X1357 of Upsall TI +30, SRI +30, a two-year-old dark roan in

Sandwick Flossy Mocha, 6,200gns

calf heifer by Grenadier of Upsall, led a string of entries from Hon Gerald Turton, Thirsk, North Yorkshire to Dawn Lindsay, Carnwath, Lanarkshire. Hon Turton’s next at 2,800gns was Gem X1438 of Upsall TI +29, SRI +33, a 17-month-old roan maiden by King David of Upsall selling to M Robinson, Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Kimrina Nadia, 5,800gns

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Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Highlee Magic Nymph TI +24, SRI +20, an 18-month-old roan maiden by Millerston Jester from Mark and Tracy Severn, Halifax, West Yorkshire secured a 3,000gns bid from New York Farms, Keighley, West Yorkshire. Averages: 22 in calf and maiden heifers £2,567.72. Auctioneers: CCM Auctions

Nonpareil X1357 of Upsall, 3,900gns

Beef Shorthorn Regional Club Contacts As a Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society member, you are very welcome to join one of our regional clubs. Each one offers an array of activities focused on learning and sharing information, together with various social activities. Here are the contact details for the various clubs, please feel free to get in touch with the officers.

Scottish Beef Shorthorn Club Chairman: Matthew Thomson Vice-Chair: Victor Watson Secretary: Rosemary Dickie Treasurer: Kenny Mair

t: 07900 181635 t: 07736 887246 t: 07887 737040 t: 07384 890092 e: sbsc2012@hotmail.com

Northern Ireland Beef Shorthorn Club Chairman: Richard Henning Vice-Chair: Tom McGuigan Secretary: Barry Fitzsimons Treasurer: David Alexander

t: 07730 762905 t: 07801 063164 t: 07801 123966 t: 07738 414713

‘N.I. Beef Shorthorn Club’ e: richard.henning@lakeland.ie e: tommcguigan34@gmail.com e: bawnforth@yahoo.co.uk e: davidalexander24@hotmail.co.uk

Northern Beef Shorthorn Club Chairman: Ian Clough Secretary: Caroline Ivinson Treasurer: Andrew Ivinson

‘North of England Beef Shorthorn Club’

t: 07710 192398 t: 01768 881343 t: 07570 390226 e: northernbeefshorthornclub@gmail.com

Central Beef Shorthorn Club Chairman: Katy Coles Treasurer: Andrew Wright

e: kecoles@ymail.com e: andrew.wright@hlhltd.co.uk

‘Southern Beef Shorthorn Breeders Club’

Southern Beef Shorthorn Club Chairman: Simon Bradley Farmer t: 07739 035667 Secretary: Steve and Joni Davies t: 07733 105990 Treasurer: Mary Chaplin t: 07763 780829

e: simonroan@gmail.com e: steve@bloomfieldhatchfarm.co.uk e: marychaplin@btinternet.com

Wales & Borders Beef Shorthorn Club

‘Wales & Borders Beef Shorthorn Club’

Joint Chairman and Secretary: John and Anne Humphreys t: 01686 668282 Treasurer: Martin Reynolds t: 07966 371558

e: john.rhiewgoch@gmail.com e: martin.shorthorn@gmail.com

South Wales & Mid Western Beef Shorthorn Club Chairman: Anthony James Secretary: Eluned (Lyn) Davies Treasurer: Martin Reynolds

t: 01437 731829 t: 01994 230377 t: 07966 371558

e: martin.shorthorn@gmail.com

www.beefshorthorn.org

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Scottish Club Shorthorn Shine in Virtual Show

espite the current pandemic putting a stop to the 2020 show circuit, Beef Shorthorn breeders across Scotland continued to show their passion and enthusiasm for the breed with 106 pedigree animals entered for the Scottish Beef Shorthorn Club’s virtual show which was judged by renowned stockman, Rich Thomson, over six weeks on a series of short videos sent in by exhibitors. Supreme championship went to Stuart G Mair and Sons’ sevenyear-old stock bull, Alvie Galaxy. Bred by Alvie Estates and purchased by the Mair family for their Muiresk herd in 2019, the well-known bull is no stranger to the show circuit having won reserve overall Beef Shorthorn at the Great Yorkshire Show in 2014 and RHS reserve male champion in 2014 and 2015. With excellent genetics, this senior bull has bred show stoppers, with the Mairs, who established their herd of 20 breeding females in 2016. Galaxy’s son, Muiresk Northern Dancer, stood junior champion and reserve overall male.

The virtual show’s reserve overall and best exhibitor bred was John Scott and Partners’ 2018 born heifer, Fearn Monique M1669 with her heifer calf at foot, Fearn Monique P1782. Boasting a great pedigree, this two-year-old heifer by Fearn Jimmy one of the farm’s senior stock bulls who has an interesting blend of Australian and New Zealand bloodline, she is from Fearn’s 100 cow herd and recently classified VG88, the highest score Fearn has had for a two-year-old heifer to date. Club secretary, Rosemary Dickie said: “We were blown away by the amount of entries received for the virtual show. Members of the club were unanimous in their decision to support the event and looked forward to seeing the results shared on social media each week. “It’s great to see the Scottish Beef Shorthorn Club thriving in these difficult times and the online show still gave breeders and enthusiasts the opportunity to see stock, in particular yearling bulls and heifers, that will be on offer at the upcoming society sales.”

CHAMPION AWARDS Male and overall: stock bull Alvie Galaxy, Stuart G Mair and Sons (Muiresk) Female and reserve overall: 2018 heifer with calf at foot Fearn Monique M1669, John Scott and Partners (Fearn) Reserve male: 2019 born bull Muriesk Northern Dancer, Stuart G Mair and Sons (Muiresk) Reserve female: 2018 maiden heifer Pentland Wildeyes Marcie, S and A Gunn (Lochside) Junior: 2019 born bull Muiresk Northern Dancer Stuart G Mair and Sons (Muiresk) Reserve junior: 2019 born heifer Gala Naomi Floss, J W Frame (Little Gala) Best bred by exhibitor: 2018 Heifer with calf at foot Fearn Monique M1669, John Scott and Partners (Fearn)

Fearn Monique M1669 with her heifer calf at foot, Fearn Monique P1782 CLASS RESULTS Cow with calf at foot 1st - Knockenjig Rosie Duchess 4 with heifer calf at foot, David and Rosemary Dickie (Knockenjig) 2nd - Hurtiso Haylie with heifer calf, Rattray Estates Ltd (Rattray) 3rd - Coldrochie Grace Beauty with bull calf at foot, Balnabroich Farms (Balnabroich) Stock bull 1st - Alvie Galaxy, Stuart G Mair and Son’s (Muiresk) 2nd - Cairnsmore Hunter, J Runicman and Son (Allanshaw) 3rd - Farlam Maximus, Cathryn Williamson (Balnespick) 2018 Heifer with calf at foot 1st – Fearn Monique M1669 with heifer calf, J Scott and Partners (Fearn) 2nd - Galla Myrrabell Goldie with heifer calf, J W Frame (Little Galla) 3rd - Westbroad Rusty 16 with heifer calf, Duncan Welsh (Westbroad) 2018 Maiden heifer 1st - Pentland Wildeyes Marcie, Shona and Andrew Gunn (Lochside) 2nd - Strathellie Daisy Mairead, David Soutar (Strathellie) 3rd - Eva Wildeyes 13th of Skaillhouse, Stuart Macadie (Skaillhouse) 2019 Born heifer 1st - Gala Naomi Floss, J W Frame (Little Galla) 2nd - Rattray Nala, Rattray Estates Ltd (Rattray) 3rd - Muiresk Nina, Stuart G Mair and Sons (Muiresk) 2019 Born bull 1st - Muiresk Northern Dancer, Stuart G Mair and Sons (Muiresk) 2nd - Nathan of Skaillhouse, Stuart Macadie (Skaillhouse) 3rd - Knockenjig Nikel, David and Rosemary Dickie (Knockenjig)

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Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Alvie Galaxy

Over 60 members and friends attended our ‘Supper and Blether’ at the February bull sales, Stirling. Bobby Landers, our ex officio, took the prize for guessing the nearest average price on bulls sold the next day at 4,530gns. RHET benefited by £198 from the evening together with £359.10 from the October ’19 gathering. Club secretary, Rosemary Dickie

CAIRNSMORE HARDY CATTLE

BRED TO LAST

VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME

BILL, JANE AND BOBBY LANDERS TEL: 01671 402179 MOB: BOBBY 07768 512 891 JANE: 07769 638 606 BARGALY FARM, NEWTON STEWART, DG87BH Email: bargaly.shorthorns@gmail.com www.beefshorthorn.org

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In memory of Jack Pollock Ramsay 11 July 1955 to 20 September 2020

cotland has lost one of its most respected stockmen and a great friend to many with the sudden death of Jack Ramsay, Millerston, Mauchline. Jack was brought up at Mauchline Mains, a traditional family dairy farm where his father milked black and white Ayrshires. While his farming and show career started with poultry, something he returned to in recent years, it was as an exhibitor and breeder of firstly Highland cattle, then Beef Shorthorns, that he really made his mark.

Jack studied agriculture at the East of Scotland Agricultural College in Edinburgh, attaining an HND in 1976. He gained experience on various farms across the country before heading to Millerston, where he worked with, then later became a business partner of the late Tom McLatchie. Tom had a major impact on Jack’s career. When Tom passed away, Jack was always thankful for the chance to take on Millerston and put his own stamp on it. While a change in farming policy led to the end of the Millerston Highland fold, the breed remained very close to his heart. He was much sought after, at home and abroad, as a judge and gladly gave advice to other breeders. A particular highlight of his judging career saw him judging Highland cattle at the Toronto Winter Fair in 1998. Jack’s final Royal Highland Show appearance saw him in the middle of the ring as the Beef Shorthorn judge, a job he was immensely proud to be asked to do, and thoroughly enjoyed. The foundation of the Millerston Beef Shorthorn herd in the mid-1990s happened almost by accident. Jack had been asked to help prepare both the Moncreiffe Beef Shorthorn herd and Highland fold for dispersal. The good nature of the Shorthorns impressed him so much that he bought two in-calf heifers to run on a commercial basis. The Beef Shorthorns fitted in well with the system at Millerston, with Shorthorn cows producing both top end pedigree stock and also cross calves for the commercial market. He favoured the Beef Shorthorns for their docility, longevity and the ability to cross well and provide what the commercial market was looking for. His keen eye for good, hard-working cattle with a bit of style, meant that Millerston was quickly established as a ‘go to’ herd for replacement heifers and stock bulls. Jack always thought that strong female lines were the catalyst for success in any herd and in any breed. He selected his stock very carefully when starting his Beef Shorthorn herd, these included the Irania and Gretta dam lines, originally from Balmyle but coming to Millerston via Moncrieffe, and the Augusta and Madeline families, originating from Calrossie. In recent years, Jack counted Millerston Gretta Freya as one of his top picks from the herd. Eilidh and Grace have many cherished memories showing Freya along with many other cattle under Jack’s watchful, guiding eye. He was never a fan of 112

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

showing breeding cows, so Freya was retired from the showring to do her real job and has gone on to breed well. Her first calf, Millerston Jester, won the breed championship at all the major shows in 2017 for Mark and Tracy Severn. Selling Millerston Kasper for 20,000gns at the Stirling Bull Sales was a monumental day for Jack, tempered by the fact that Grace (who had picked Kasper out from a young age) was too ill to attend the sale. Kasper, was the second highest priced Beef Shorthorn bull ever to be sold; a son of Meonhill Charlie Chaplin who Jack had bought as a proven bull from Knockenjig. Outwith farming, Jack was a keen and learned Burns’ scholar, with a passion for local history and was well-known and respected as an after-dinner speaker. He was a great friend to many and was always at the end of the phone catching up with people, all over the country and further afield. Jack’s memory was legendary, his knowledge of pedigrees was second to none, being able to go back many generations in the pedigrees of both livestock and their owners. Whenever something cropped up that no one could answer, it was more often than not a case of ‘let’s ask Jack.’ Jack is survived by his wife, Grace, their sons, Jack and Stuart and daughter, Eilidh. Ken Fletcher, Editor, The Scottish Farmer

BREEDING HARDY MODERN CATTLE FIT FOR THE FUTURE

• Traditional maternal qualities • Milky and docile cattle • Breeding show quality stock on high Pennine farm • Naturally reared cattle from long established female bloodlines

Glenisla Jack Frost semen available

BVD Accredited since 2012 | Johne’s level 1 since 2008 BVD & IBR vaccinated | TB4 | Linear classifying

WISHING OUR CATTLE PURCHASERS SUCCESS FOR THE FUTURE VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME. STOCK USUALLY FOR SALE Andrew & Caroline Ivinson, Sandwick Farm, Ousby, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 1QB.

t: 01768 881343 m: Andrew’s mobile: 07570 390226 e: caroline@sandwickshorthorns.co.uk e: andrew@sandwickshorthorns.co.uk w: www.sandwickshorthorns.co.uk

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Northern Ireland Club NI Beef Shorthorn Club Virtual Show 2020 Judges: Tommy Staunton and John Keane

hen judging the entry of 101 animals with only two images we had to ascertain as best we could if the animal is true to function of a working Beef Shorthorn. This task is far more difficult than one would expect. It’s worth noting that although this report has named each animal and its owner, at the time of judging John and I only had two images of each animal to base our decision on – the entries were anonymous. The honour of being asked to judge is no less of a honour than if we were on farm judging and we approached our decisions based on criteria that we would have used if we had been on farm. Thank you to all involved in the NI Beef Shorthorn Club committee for asking us to judge this year’s competition. Our overall champion, Uppermill Jackie (EX94) born 2011 and sired by Uppermill Jinks, is a beautiful eye-catching cow. She demonstrates all the traits we can ascertain from an image, depth of body, powerful beef frame, beautiful tidy udder and a young shapely calf at foot, all outstanding maternal strengths. We think she is a beautiful specimen of the modern Beef Shorthorn and a great advertisement to attract commercial and new pedigree Beef Shorthorn breeders. Reserve overall is Glebefarm Duchess Molly M606 born June 2018; this is a very stylish heifer and came from a class with 13 very good entries. The top three in our listing are just exceptional looking females and it wasn’t an easy task to separate any of them. Our winning heifer exhibits a real balance of power and femininity. Tommy Staunton

Glebefarm Duchess Molly M606

CHAMPION AWARDS Overall: Uppermill Jackie Ex94 Reserve: Glebefarm Duchess Molly M606 Bull: Millerston Jamboree Yearling: Maralin Princess Myrtle Calf: Lisnamanny Piers CLASS RESULTS Cow born before 1/1/17 (18 entries) 1st - Uppermill Jackie Ex94, A Shaw 2nd - Croobview Jellytot, D Bailie 3rd - Mullaglass Margo VG87, R Henning Female born 2017 (11 entries) 1st - Glebefarm Jackie Louise L584 VG87, A Shaw 2nd - Craigfaddock Lady Annetta 24 VG85, D Alexander 3rd - Bushypark Cherry 4th VG88, A Shaw Female born 2018 (13 entries) 1st - Glebefarm Duchess Molly M606, A Shaw 2nd - Stanford Park Miss Moneypenny, D Reid 3rd -Glenisla Desiree M377, A Shaw Female born 2019 (13 entries) 1st - Maralin Princess Myrtle, L Clarke 2nd - Castlefin Breathtaker, K Baxter 3rd - Glebefarm Melody Nicole, A Shaw Female born 2020 (14 entries) 1st - Glebefarm Irania Pearl, A Shaw 2nd - Mullaglass Crocus 6, R Henning 3rd - Gortacar Princess, D Reid Bull born before 1/1/17 (5 entries) 1st - Millerston Jamboree, A Shaw 2nd - Tullyjac Lightening, R Henderson 3rd - Laird of Longfield, A Shaw Bull born 2018 (4 entries) 1st - Mullaglass Magnum, R Henning 2nd - Close Dominator, R Ingram 3rd - Castlefin Tornado, K Baxter Bull born 2019 (4 entries) 1st - Mullaglass Nabucco, R Henning 2nd - Craigfaddock Nard Dog, D Alexander 3rd - Smallburn Nobleman, D Alexander Bull calf born 2020 (14 entries) 1st - Lisnamanny Piers, S Kerr 2nd - Mullaglass Principal, R Henning 3rd - Mullaglass Pilot, R Henning Commercial calf sired by a Beef Shorthorn bull (4 entries) 1st - Bull calf by Croobview Kaiser Chief, B Fitzsimons 2nd - Bull calf by Hussar of Upsall, N Leary 3rd - Heifer calf by Craigfaddock Khal, R Bleakley

Calf Show Our annual calf show hosted by Kilrea Mart attracted a record entry of 37 calves and yearlings from well-established herds as well as new exhibitors. The judge was Kieran Flatley, Glann, Co Mayo. Supreme honours and yearling title went to Dromara breeders Alwyn and Adam Armour with their yearling heifer, Woodvale Tessa M444, an Hussar of Upsall daughter. Libby Clarke, Lurgan secured the calf championship and reserve overall title with Maralin Princess Myrtle, a Chapelton Kingsley daughter.

Uppermill Jackie 114

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Club chairman, Richard Henning

NI Herds Competition 2018 Stock Bull Crega Logic Best Cow Croobview Denise Best Bull Calf - Cherryvalley Nightshade Best Group Heifers Winners of Large Herd Overall Winners of Herd Competition Fearn Monique

Senior heifer champion at RUAS 2017.

Crega Logic

Crega Lexi (cow & calf)

Senior male champion at RUAS 2017. National Shorthorn champion 2017. First of offspring shown below. (Semen available Spring 2019)

Junior cow champion at RUAS 2018. Female champion Highland Show 2018. Reserve supreme at Highland Show 2018.

Nightshade

Nightstorm

at six months old was shown twice and was reserve supreme champion on both occasions.

CherryValley Estate, 34 Diamond Road, Crumlin, County Antrim, BT29 4QX, United Kingdom +44 (0) 28 9442 2413 | +44 (0) 7469 857 072 | info@cherryvalleyestate.com | cherryvalleyestate.com

www.beefshorthorn.org

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Northern Club Highlights from the year and our herd awards

ell, I’m probably not the first to say that this has been a strange old year, and that we are living in unprecedented times. The goings on in the wider world have more or less put a stop to all club activities this year, no visits to herds, no shows to attend and yet these usual staples of our summer pale into insignificance when viewed against the trauma and sacrifice being endured by so many around us. The simple pleasure of being able to go out and look at our own cattle has for many provided an escape from all the doom and gloom going on in the world and to appreciate how fortunate we are. Club members were once again to the fore at Stirling in February with Ed Page consigning Rookwith Marvellous which won intermediate reserve champion and went on to sell for joint top price of 20,000gns. Mark and Tracy Severn gained reserve junior champion with a bull bred by Vicki Hainsworth, which then went on to sell for 6,000gns. A new era was entered when the May sale at Carlisle went ahead in a virtual capacity, although there were some teething troubles it was good that we had the platform to market our stock and we may be seeing more and more of this type of sale in the future. The August sale at Longtown went ahead in a more traditional manner, although John Thomson had constructed an entire temporary ring to increase the permitted capacity whilst maintaining social distancing. Our planned summer visits were cancelled, but once the rules were relaxed in early July it became apparent that we would be able to stage the herd competition in a safe and compliant manner. We had been lucky to secure the services of Dan Bull as our judge this year, and he was very keen to proceed, so with Linda in charge of admin they worked their way around 28 herds in a Covid safe manner. Dan said: “I was looking for functional and structurally correct cattle of a moderate size, females being feminine and males being masculine. It was interesting to see cows that had been classified, and how I judged them in comparison! How breeders were adapting to Myostatins within the breed and how they were going to progress with them in their future breeding plans. “I saw some amazing herds, in beautiful scenery, virtually on our own doorstep and it was good to meet new breeders and visit some of the herds which I had not seen for many years. With the amount of excellent young stock being bred, the Beef Shorthorn breed will be looking towards a great future.” Thanks to all those who entered and to Dan and Linda for giving us this one event this summer. Anyone wishing to know more about the club or interested in joining please contact club secretary Caroline Ivinson or email northernbeefshorthornclub@gmail.com

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• During autumn, we have all been watching the trials and tribulations of ‘Clive’ aka Millerston Jester who along with Mark Severn has been starring in the Channel 5 programme, All Creatures Great and Small. Good to see that he’s still winning shows and goes to prove the great temperament of the breed. Northern club secretary, Caroline Ivinson CHAMPION AWARDS Overall herd - Rookwith, Page Farming Partnership Reserve herd - Grinkle, RG and HE Thompson CLASS RESULTS Registered cow with calf at foot Chapelton Honeysuckle 5205 with Delphead Prince Paisley, S and J Hodgson Registered stock bull Castlemount Junior, Page Farming Partnership Registered in calf cow over three years, must previously have calved Marrgrange Marigold Lucy, PS and SE Hardcastle Registered in calf heifer under three years Highlee Maise Rose, T and M Severn Registered heifer born in 2019 Pikelowe Butterwort N170, A Thompson Registered bull born in 2019 Marrgrange Noble, PS and SE Hardcastle Registered 2020 born heifer calf Lipwood Pippa, M and T Tailford Birth notified / registered 2020 born bull calf Delphead Prince Paisley, S and J Hodgson Judges choice; group of yearling heifers Grinkle, RG and HE Thompson Judges choice; group of calves Beautry, S and G Currie

Northern club awards waiting for despatch

Appleton Mill BEEF SHORTHORNS

Working with

Mr & Mrs J Allison

Jonathan Allison

01751 417537

Appleton Mill Farm, Appleton Le Moors, York, YO62 6TG Richard Morris

07818 579272

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, 1 St George’s Place, York, YO24 1GN Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Registered No. 409650 Registered Charity No. 210807

visitors welcome | appleton@ywt.org.uk

Herd BVD & Johne’s

ACCREDITED

4 Year TB TESTING

Bred Where The Breed Began

Glenisla Excalibur 803 (P)

Stock Bull At Juaul Semen Available Via Scawfell Genetics

info@scawfellgenetics.co.uk 01946 789211

www.beefshorthorn.org

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W K I O T H O R Rookwith Marvellous 20,000gns Stirling ‘20

Rookwith stock bull Castlemount Junior

Stock enquiries welcome Rookwith Hilda N392 Northern club ‘Rising Stars’ Champion ‘19 Northern Club herd competition champion herd 2018 and 2020 Rookwith Marvellous RHS Jnr and Reserve Male Champion ‘19 And joint top price Bull @ Stirling bull sale ‘20 Page Farms Partnership Rookwith House, Rookwith, Ripon, N Yorks HG4 4AY Tel: Ed Page 07740 027214 Email: edwardpage@pagefarms.co.uk Martin Grayshon 07599 823105

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Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Chapelton Jac kie, a Typhoon daughter pictured rearing her ninth calf. Typhoon semen available.

CHAPELTON Beef Shorthorn & Aberdeen Angus

Pedigrees proven in our own commercial breeding and finishing herd

Founded on Tradition, Focused on the Future Donald & Emma Biggar Tel: 01556 660205 Mob: 07860 325 888 Email: djbiggar@aol.com

James Biggar Mob: 07879 696 450 James Rea Mob: 07826 395 806

www.chapeltonfarm.co.uk

Castle Douglas - Kirkcudbrightshire

www.beefshorthorn.org

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Central Club Out with the old; looking towards 2021……

ike all other social plans this year, the Central Club has not been able to get together at any of the planned functions. However, I think that we’re all hoping that 2021 will see the return to a bit of ‘normality’ but if not, having made it through the 2020 changes, I think it is safe to say that we will be a little more prepared for socialising at a distance! As a Club, we usually have a packed scheduled of activities starting the year with a much anticipated spring visit to one of our member’s herds which provides us with our first opportunity to catch up after the winter and compare calving notes, as well as taking in stock from around our region. The hotly contested herd competition has seen up to 25 herds from the Welsh borders across to Norfolk, Essex to Nottingham being visited by judges from across the UK. Herds compete regardless of their size for the champion herd status. We are always hugely appreciative of the judges who take a week out of the normal schedule to cast their expert eye over the herds entered.

Flashback: 2019 autumn tour visit to the Westmoor herd

An autumn tour rounds off our visits for the year, where members get the opportunity to visit numbers of herds over several days from outside of the Central Club area. A real chance to view large numbers of animals over a range of farming styles and herd sizes. Often joined by members of neighbouring Clubs; it has to be said that the social is quite a crack too! Our year is usually rounded off with a pre-Christmas get together for a meal and the presentation of the herd competition results.

I am holding on to hope that our 2020 events have merely been postponed until 2021 – I’m certainly keeping my fingers crossed. In addition to our usual gatherings, if anyone within the region, new to the club or old, has any suggestions or ideas, please do contact me - details on the Clubs page, and volunteers are always welcome!

As a Club, we welcome new members to join us in as many of our gatherings as they wish. We are a friendly bunch and are lucky to have members with a great deal of knowledge about the Beef

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Shorthorn breed. I can still remember our first Central Club trip to see the herd of the late Christopher Maler - what a great day that was.

If you live in the Central region and would like to know more about the Club and our events, please drop me an email or find us on Facebook. Central club secretary, Katy Coles

Naturally reared at over 1,500ft above sea level since 2011

We usually have stock, semen and embryos for sale and visitors are always welcome Member of SAC Premium Cattle Health Scheme.

Contact Emma on 07800 803029 or email roundhill11@gmail.com Roundhill Beef Shorthorns, Roundhill Farm, Quarnford, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 0TB

BEEF SHORTHORNS at SKIPTON Annual Show & Sale Wednesday 10th November 2021 Craven Cattle Marts Ltd Gargrave Road, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1UD Tel: 01756 792 375 www.beefshorthorn.org

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Wenmar Beef Shorthorns

Beef Shorthorn bulls, cows and heifers raised naturally for pedigree and commercial breeding

Visitors always welcome to view our cattle and breeding policy at any time, without any obligations other than to enjoy their visit

Blending strong British and worldwide Beef Shorthorn genetics • We attempt to blend the best Beef Shorthorn genetics we can find from around the world, enabling us to offer our customers both sound fertile bulls, and hardy milky cows and heifers

• We recognise the importance of the strength of the female line, any female on our farm is able to be purchased if we are above our minimum number in her cow family

• Our cattle are reared to grow on naturally, when they leave us they are targeted to be ready to successfully breed

• Young bulls usually for sale all year round

For a full listing of all of our cattle, embryos and semen available please visit our website:

www.wenmarbeefshorthorns.com Wenmar Beef Shorthorns

For a friendly chat and further details contact Martyn Moore.

Wenmar Beef Shorthorns, Warren Farm, Lulsley, Knightwick, Worcestershire, WR6 5QT.

Mobile: 07767 608012 Email: martyncmoore@manx.net

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Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Southern Club Going virtual - a solution to Covid

he Club’s planned year was thrown into complete disarray due to the national Covid-19 lock down. Starting with the disappointment that the inaugural Society Spring Sale at Worcester had to be cancelled along with the annual Rugby and Exeter Sales. Members had good pedigree cattle for sale at home, which some were able to sell off farm during the spring, as this was the only avenue for cattle sales available to them. Confidence within the breed has continued to expand with new members and commercial customers increasing and sourcing shorthorns to purchase privately off farm. Increased number of Shorthorn store cattle are being seen throughout the south at many local markets including, Thame, Sedgemoor, Frome, and Exeter where trade has continued to be buoyant and buyers a plenty. It is fair to say that we have all missed meeting up with our fellow members at shows and sales this year, but hope that 2021 will bring back some normality to our club social diary including herd visits and club events. The year has proved impossible to hold any social events and to continue some interaction at the request of members we organised our first virtual photo/video herd competition, and invited Ian Park to be our virtual judge. Club chairman, Simon Bradley Farmer

Meonhill Waterloo Zena

Redhill Promoters Lovely

“I would like to thank the Southern Beef Shorthorn club for asking me to judge this competition. Whilst I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the job, it would have been nice to see the herds in person. Thank you all for your photos and videos, there was a good entry of 49 in total and a lot of good quality cattle. Wishing you all the luck for the future and hopefully we’ll catch up with you when we emerge from Covid-19.” Judge, Ian Park CHAMPION AWARDS Overall supreme - Meonhill Waterloo Zena; Longfield Reserve supreme champion - Redhill Promoters Lovely; Redhill Male - Kassam of Longfield; Stanford Park Reserve male - Redhill Priddy; Redhill Female - Meonhill Waterloo Zena; Longfield Reserve female - Redhill Promoters Lovely; Redhill CLASS RESULTS Small Herds Stock bull (two entries) 1st - Uppermill Rank; Munsley 2nd - StanfordPark Mystic River; Elphicks Cow in milk and with calf (six entries) 1st - Meonhill Waterloo Zena; Longfield 2nd - Redhill Promoters Lovely; Redhill 3rd - Elphicks Secret Sophia; Elphicks Heifer born 2018-19 (two entries) 1st - Longfield SS Waterloo; Longfield 2nd - Gilven Lady Barrington Mia; Munsley Bull calves (two entries) 1st - Redhill Priddy; Redhill 2nd - Professor X of Longfield; Longfield Heifer calves (four entries) 1st - Longfield Crocus Pollen; Longfield 2nd - Elphicks Heathermaid Pryia; Elphicks 3rd - Munsley Precious; Munsley Large Herds Stock bull (four entries) 1st - Kassam of Longfield; Stanford Park 2nd - Chapelton Khan; Stanford Park 3rd - Coldrochie Leroy; Hansford Junior bull born 2019 (two entries) 1st - StanfordPark Nanook; Stanford Park. 2nd - Cooperdown North Dakota; Cooperdown Cow in milk with calf; seven entries 1st - Aylward Flossy 34; Stanford Park. 2nd - Hansford Jasmine; Hansford 3rd - Trunley Ury Maid Joybell; Bloomfield. Heifer born 2018-19, seven entries 1st - Stanford Park Carnation Rouge; Stanford Park. 2nd - Hansford Marmalade; Hansford 3rd - Hansford Broadhooks Nicole; Hansford Class 5A: Bull calf; four entries 1: Hansford Phoenix; Hansford 2: Hansford Pegasus; Hansford 3: Bloomfield Pride; Bloomfield Heifer calf; three entries 1st - Bloomfield Clipper Poppy; Bloomfield 2nd - StanfordPark Lily Sweetheart; Stanford Park 3rd - StanfordPark Pixie; Stanford Park A group depicting your herd; six entries 1st - Stanford Park 2nd - Redhill 3rd - Hansford

www.beefshorthorn.org

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Wales and Borders Club Beef Shorthorn grows from strength to strength in Wales and Borders

hilst we took a decision to put the majority of our 2020 scheduled Club activities on hold, we staged a very successful sale in Welshpool in October, where we found support for Beef Shorthorn continues to grow from strength to strength as more of you realise the benefits of the breed. Those trends were reflected in the Welshpool sale where 16 pedigree entries went to eight different buyers of which three were new herds. We are also thrilled to find our Club membership is growing. Wales and Borders Club joint chair and secretary, John and Ann Humphreys I’d like to share with you our Beef Shorthorn story and the journey of the Montgomery herd, writes John Humphreys. I have fond childhood memories of us having Shorthorn cows at home and remember a photo of Dad with a cow and a pair of twin calves. That affection for the breed along with the need to make our suckler herd more cost effective was the catalyst for us to invest in our first Beef Shorthorn cow. I bought Bitfel Nellie 4 in 2013 as a pearl wedding anniversary gift. Ann responded saying most anniversary presents are jewelry or a holiday! Next steps and we made the decision to move from a Charolais to a Beef Shorthorn bull using him over all our cows. This was prompted by a need to have easy calving and lively calves, and it proved to be a good decision with new born calves getting up and sucking straight away. Since, we have increased our pedigree numbers to 15 breeding females, buying mainly bulling heifers and keeping some of our own females. Our herd now comprises mainly Beef Shorthorn and Beef Shorthorn cross cows; they’ve a great maternal instinct and they’re docile - easy to handle cattle are a bonus. We normally sell our cattle as stores in Welshpool, our local market where we’ve seen there is an increasing demand for Beef Shorthorn. In 2019, we decided to leave the best bull calves entire and finish them on a home mix of mainly barley and oats. This went better than we expected with them all reaching target weight before 15 months of age; they averaged 350kg deadweight and graded U and R. It’s now seven years since we introduced Beef Shorthorn; we are really pleased with our move to this wonderful breed of cattle. Our cows are lovely and quiet producing calves with plenty of get up and go in a much tighter calving pattern. Calves are now being sold earlier than previously with good demand for both bulls and heifers. We have also learnt a lot in this time and as members of the Wales and Borders Beef Shorthorn Club we have met lots of fellow breeders from all over the country who are happy to share their knowledge and experience with us; we have made many lasting friendships.

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Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Beef Shorthorn sell to 3,450gns in Welshpool Beef Shorthorn met a strong demand selling to a top of 3,450gns and with 16 lots averaging £3,622.50 at the breed’s Wales and Border Club sale in Welshpool, on Saturday 10 October. Sale leader at 3,450gns was Camlas Lolita, an in calf three-year-old by HW Hazard from ET and JR Gethin, Sarn, Newtown. She was sold with her seven-month-old bull calf by Meonhill Firefox to CR Price, Brecon, Powys. Next at 2,350gns was Camlas Melody, a two-year-old heifer by Dunsyre Cavalier from the same breeders and selling to CC Edwards and Son, Norbury, Bishops Castle. The same buyers went to 2,000gns for Plynlimon Daisy, a six-year-old by Balgay Elden from CLVP Evans, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth. Six maiden heifers by Cairnsmore Kieran from TA Williams, Llansannan, Denbigh sold to average £1,434. Two entries shared a 1,700gns bid. First to go was Sannan Heather Kara 2, a 19-monthold to MS Price, Upper Chapel, Brecon, whilst AT Edwards, Llangadfan, Welshpool paid 1,700gns for the 15-month-old Sannan Winnie 5. Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales

John and Ann Humphreys with their Montgomery herd

Memory lane, my father with one of our Shorthorn cows with twin calves

SANNAN Bred in North Wales

B E E F SH O RTH O R N

• Member of SAC health scheme BVD free since 2006 • IBR free since 2013 • Lepto free since 2014 • Johne’s Risk level 1 since 2010 • Low Risk TB area • Annual TB Testing • Closed Herd

New Stock Bull Muiresk Messiah Surplus Maiden Heifers will be at Welshpool Beef Shorthorn Sale in October 2021 Big Thank you to all previous buyers at 2019 and 2020 Sale Tudor & Mona Williams Rhydeidion Bach, Llansannan, Denbigh LL16 5LH NORTH WALES

Tel: 01745 870 635 Mobile: 07780 886 219 E-mail: tudor.didion@gmail.com www.beefshorthorn.org

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Stock for sale annually. Pedigree Beef Shorthorn & Beef Shorthorn X Highland. Steers and breeding heifers available.

Plynlimon cattle are reared on land above 1,000ft. We breed for ease of management, in particular ease of calving and a degree of internal and external fat cover to assist in adverse weather conditions.

Three generations of the Wheat family

r sa eifers fo h d n a l h /4 Hig 3/4 bred Shorthorn 1

le from this herd.

Enquiries welcome to: Christopher Evans, Llerneuaddau, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3AG tel: 01544 327223 | email: cpe@ladyarbourcourt.co.uk Manager: Rheinallt Jones | tel: 01970 890480 Pedigree herd fully accredited. ClassiďŹ cation scheme herd average 87 Follow the herd on Facebook at Plynlimon Highlands and Beef Shorthorn cattle

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Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

South Wales and Mid-Western Club A year with some positives to talk about

ho would have thought that a year ago when I was elected as Club chairman that we in Wales would be in total lockdown due to Covid-19. After a wonderful dinner and prize giving held in December everything suddenly came to a grinding halt. While we were all busy calving and lambing along came Covid. The effects on farming life were minimum because as farmers we carry on not matter what happens. We could not have wished for better weather during the spring and summer which made life a lot easier. After a long, dry spell we were all happy to see the rain, and the grass and crops never looked back. The downside of Covid for agriculture was the closure of marts, on farm sales and of course the cancellation of all shows and social events. Agricultural shows are a shop window for farmers but most of all they are a great meeting place where you can catch up with friends new and old. The number of club members phoning to check on the welfare of other members was good to hear. On a personal note, the highlight of the summer for the Lamboro herd was to be able to host a small farm walk and BBQ to celebrate the 21st birthday of Lamboro Ury Persephanie, our oldest cow. It proved to be a most enjoyable day. It was also good to see some friends at Welshpool sale in where trade was brisk.

Alma James celebrating Lamboro Ury Persephanie’s 21st birthday

The outlook for at least the first half of the 2021 show season looks bleak, however we must stay positive and pull together. As Dame Vera Lynn sang: “We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when, but I know we’ll meet again some sunny day.” Stay safe South Wales and Mid-Western Club chairman, Anthony James

www.beefshorthorn.org

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Health test requirements for Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society sales (2020-21) We are leading the way and health cards at Society Sales continue to be an important source of information for buyers. Here is our checklist.

Male Animals

Test required

Vaccination

Health card boxes to be completed

BVD accredited herds

No - Individual test optional

Optional - but recommended

Non BVD accredited herds - must be part of the health scheme and be testing for a minimum of 12 months

Yes - Antigen and antibody

Optional- but recommended

The herd accredited box must be completed and if vaccinated the details must be completed The individual test result must be shown and if vaccinated the details must be completed

IBR accredited herds

No - Individual test optional

Optional - but recommended

IBR non-accredited herds

Yes - Antibody

Optional - but recommended

Lepto accredited herds

No - Individual test optional

Optional

Lepto non-accredited herds

No - Individual test optional

Optional

Date of last test

Johneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s - must be a part of the CHeCS health scheme and a minimum Level 4 and be testing for a minimum of 12 months 128

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

The herd accredited box must be completed and if vaccinated the details must be completed The individual test result must be shown and if vaccinated the details must be completed The herd accredited box must be completed and if vaccinated the details must be completed If tested the animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual test result must be shown and if vaccinated the details must be completed The date of the last test and the TB testing interval must be completed. If a herd is TB exempt this must be shown. The TB information must be completed. Every animal must have the risk level of the herd shown in the box. Non-homebred animals have no details in the Johneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s box.

Female Animals

Test required

Vaccination

Health card boxes to be completed

BVD accredited herds

No - Individual test optional

The herd accredited box must be completed and if vaccinated the details must be completed

Non BVD accredited herds - must be part of the health scheme and be testing for a minimum of 12 months

Yes - Antigen and antibody

Must be vaccinated to cover period of sale. The Society strongly recommends that in-calf females are vaccinated prior to service Must be vaccinated to cover period of sale. The Society strongly recommends that in-calf females are vaccinated prior to service

IBR accredited herds

No - Individual test optional

Optional - but recommended

IBR non-accredited herds

Yes - Antibody

Optional - but recommended

The herd accredited box must be completed and if vaccinated the details must be completed The individual test result must be shown and if vaccinated the details must be completed

Lepto accredited herds

No - Individual test optional

Optional

Lepto non-accredited herds

No - Individual test optional

Optional

Date of last test

The individual test result must be shown and if vaccinated the details must be completed

The herd accredited box must be completed and if vaccinated the details must be completed If tested the animal’s individual test result must be shown and if vaccinated the details must be completed The date of the last test and the TB testing interval must be completed. If a herd is TB exempt this must be shown. The TB information must be completed.

Johne’s - must be a part of the CHeCS health scheme and a minimum Level 4 and be testing for a minimum of 12 months

Every animal must have the risk level of the herd shown in the box. Non-homebred animals have no details in the Johne’s box.

Calves at Foot (the minimum age at date of sale is one month) Calves at foot

Test required

Vaccination

Health card boxes to be completed

BVD accredited herds

No - Individual test optional

Optional - but recommended

Non BVD accredited herds - must be part of the health scheme and be testing for a minimum of 12 months

Yes - Antigen

Optional - but recommended

The herd accredited box must be completed and if vaccinated the details must be completed The individual test result must be shown and if vaccinated the details must be completed

IBR accredited herds

No - Individual test optional

Optional - but recommended

IBR non-accredited herds

No - Individual test optional

Optional - but recommended

Lepto accredited herds

No - Individual test optional

Optional

Lepto non-accredited herds

No - Individual test optional

Optional

Date of last test

Johne’s - must be a part of the CHeCS health scheme and a minimum Level 4 and be testing for a minimum of 12 months

The herd accredited box must be completed and if vaccinated the details must be completed If tested the animal’s individual test result must be shown and if vaccinated the details must be completed The herd accredited box must be completed and if vaccinated the details must be completed If tested the animal’s individual test result must be shown and if vaccinated the details must be completed The date of the last test and the TB testing interval must be completed. If a herd is TB exempt this must be shown. The TB information must be completed. Every animal must have the risk level of the herd shown in the box. Non-homebred animals have no details in the Johne’s box.

www.beefshorthorn.org

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OAKES PEDIGREES

Lee & Kirsty Oakes, Norfolk IP25 7QJ

TB4 Area

The Future of our herd inďŹ&#x201A;uences the present just as much as the past! @oakespedigrees Email: leeoakes@live.co.uk

Feed Efficient

Home: 01362 687952

Docile

Stock Bulls

Castlefin Stockman

Easy Fleshing

Castlefin Casper

Knockenjig Nimrod

Stock Usually

Tom Mc Guigan 34 Mullanary Road, Middletown, Co Armagh Northern Ireland BT60 4HW

Visitors Welcome

For Sale

Tel: 02837568515/00447801063164

By Appointment

Email: cooperbeefshorthorns@yahoo.co.uk

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Mob: 07542 249107

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Get Ahead with a Poll KING DAVID of Upsall Working Condition

LEONARD

LAWYER

of Upsall

SOLD for 8,000gns in 2019 Stirlng Reserve Intermediate Champion.

SOLD for 13.000gns Reserve Senior Champion Stirling in 2019.

DAKOTA

MERCURY of Upsall

of Upsall

Three King David of Upsall bred Bulls on left, will go forward for sale to the Stirling Sales in 2021 For further information on Upsall Shorthorn Bulls and Stock availability contact. Stock Sales GERALD TURTON +44 (0)1845 537932

Stocksman GEORGE McCULLOCH +44 (0)7555 296054

Upsall Castle Farms, Upsall, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 2QJ, UK

www.upsallshorthorns.co.uk

Thank you to our customers for their continued support during COVID19 and 2020

www.beefshorthorn.org

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Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Fees (September 2020) Registration Costs (please note that there may be testing costs in addition to your registration fee) ON LINE AND FARMPLAN (all prices include VAT unless otherwise stated) Male Under 6 months

£31.20

Female Under 4 months

£31.20

Male 6 to 12 months

£61.20

Female 4 to 12 months

£68.40

Male Over 12 months

£241.20

Female Over 12 months

£121.20

ET Imports

Transfer of ownership (Transfers for animals purchased at Society sales are free) *Please note pedigree certificates should be signed on the back by the breeder or accompanied by a letter agreeing the transfer. Purchasers are expected to pay the transfer fee. The office must be informed at time of transfer if the vendor has agreed to pay.

£60.00 £120.00

£30.00

USING PAPER FORM (all prices include VAT unless otherwise stated) Male Under 6 months

£36.00

Female Under 4 months

£39.60

Male 6 to 12 months

£66.00

Female 4 to 12 months

£73.20

Male Over 12 months

£246.00

Female Over 12 months

£126.00

ET Imports

Transfer of ownership (Transfers for animals purchased at Society sales are free) *Please note pedigree certificates should be signed on the back by the breeder or accompanied by a letter agreeing the transfer. Purchasers are expected to pay the transfer fee. Registrations office must be informed at time of transfer if the vendor has agreed to pay.

£60.00 £120.00

£30.00

Testing Costs All bull calves must be sire verified and Myostatin tested. All imports must be registered, sire verified, myostatin tested, and tested clear for TH. Progeny from embryo transfer must be registered, sire verified, myostatin tested, and tested clear for TH. TEST COSTS (all prices include VAT unless other stated) SNP profile Single Nucleotide Polymorphism - DNA profile *SNP forms the base for all other genetic tests so is required for any other tests listed to be carried out

£28.80

TH trait analysis Society rules can be found on the Society website regarding TH testing. This is compulsory for all imports.

£10.80

Myostatin testing A requirement for all bull calves, imported animals and embryo registration calves

£6.00

Polled trait analysis An optional test to be requested at the time of sample submission

£3.60

External profile transfer fee To transfer DNA profiles which have been created at other laboratories, for example, for animals purchased from abroad

£5.40

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Parentage/sire verification (up to three parents) If you are not sure of the parentage of any animal, it must be verified. *This is also a compulsory test for bull calves born after 1st January 2018. Additional parents This fee will be charged per additional parent, if there are more than three possible parents or for any additional parents notified after submission

£3.60

£4.80

All prices shown include VAT, unless stated otherwise. Payments must be made in £ sterling.

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

REDHAZEL ORGANIC BEEF SHORTHORNS AND POLL DORSETS

FARMING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ENVIRONMENT

VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME MACGREGOR FARMING PARTNERSHIP LEIGH NOBES 07789 273550 MILL FARM GREAT WITCHINGHAM NORFOLK NR9 5PQ

www.beefshorthorn.org

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Rules and conditions of Coates’ Herd Book (Beef) Amended 7th February 2020

1. All registrations to be sent to The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society, Society Pavilion, Avenue M, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2RG,UK. 2. The Society will only accept registrations from the breeder who must be a bona fide member of the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society, or in the case of imported animals, from the owner. 3. Registrations may be made online via the website and is the preferred method, or on paper forms which can be obtained from the Society and photocopies can be made. Fees must be submitted along with application forms. Computer based information systems may be substituted for registration forms by prior approval of the Society. 4. Cost of registration: Please refer to the current costs published and dated by the Society. Refunds will not be made in the event of a registration being cancelled. 5. The member will be able to register his/her cattle under the member’s herd name provided the herd name is registered. The Directors may decline to register any herd name considered similar to another breeder or which they consider to be inappropriate. 6. To be eligible for registration, all animals must be of Shorthorn colour: red, white or roan. 7. Animals may be refused registration if of a colour showing markings or conformation foreign to the Shorthorn breed and including genetic defects. 8. Calves must be registered or birth notified by the age of four months. Male calves must be registered, or birth notified by the age of six months. All cases of dead-born calves or calves which for any reason are not to be entered into the Herd Book must be notified to the Society on the appropriate form. Such notifications must be made within four months of the date of birth. There is no fee for birth notification and all calves, including dead or cross bred calves must be notified to maintain cow calving records. 9. See below: a) Each animal submitted for registration must be the progeny of a sire and dam each of which is registered with the Society in the pedigree section of Coates Herd Book (Beef), or in the case of an 134

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imported animal which is registered either in another EU herd book or in the herd book of a third country approved association and accompanied by a zoo technical certificate showing both parents and all grandparents registered in the main section of the herd book of origin. b) Late registration of calves for which full details have been notified to the Society will be accepted for registration on payment of the appropriate fee. Any animal not previously birth notified may be refused late registration. 10. On late registration, of birth notified calves, fees increase as follows (all prices include VAT): a) Heifer calves over four months and up to 12 months old £67.20 b) Bull calves over six months and up to 12 months old £60 c) Female animals over 12 months of age £120 d) Male animals over 12 months of age £240 11. Animal identification: Each animal for registration must be identified as follows and exactly corresponding to the unique UK Cattle Passport e.g. UK 000000-000000 or unique individual identification number from the zootechnical certificate. A Coates Herd Book (Beef) number will be issued on the pedigree certificate. 12. Animal name: Females - Herd name/cow family name/cow name or number. Males - Herd name/bull name or number. 13. Calves’ names shall also include a suffix as a designated letter: P polled, H horned, AI got by artificial insemination, ET embryo transfer, IIU imported in utero. 14. Polled and Horned animals to be recorded together in the Herd Book. The abbreviations (P) or (H) to be registered as part of the name. (P) where the progeny is polled or showing loose scurs unattached to the skull. (H) where the progeny is horned or dehorned. 15. When an animal is a twin it shall so be stated following the name of the animal on the registration and the sex (M) or (F) given of which it is a twin. 16. The Society reserves the right to recover from the member the full cost of responding to correspondence and enquiries for identification resulting from tag loss, the responsibility for proof of identity at all times to rest with the owner. 17. In any dispute over parentage the Society reserves the right to have the animal DNA/blood typed at the owner’s expense.

18. Male calf registrations: From July 1st 2011 all male calf registrations must be accompanied by a tail switch hair sample for DNA testing. From 1st January 2018 all male calf registrations for calves born on or after 1st January 2018 are to be sire verified at their breeder’s expense. As this process is completed for each calf a Parentage Verified field will appear on the animal enquiry screen of the website showing either ‘SV’ for sire verified, ‘DV’ for dam verified, or ‘PV’ for parentage verified. Where this field is empty the animal has not yet been verified. In the case of females that are neither embryos nor imports and with no parentage queries this field will not be completed and will be left intentionally blank as verification is not required. Where sire verification is not possible for whatever reason, the Society has a discretion to register a male calf. 19. Embryo or imported in utero calf registrations: Registration of calves got by ‘embryo transfer’ and ‘imported in utero’ shall be accepted by the Society provided all other bylaws of the Society are complied with. All embryo born animals born on or after 1st January 2018 are to be parentage verified and myostatin tested at their breeder’s expense. As this process is completed for each calf, a Parentage Verified field will appear on the animal enquiry screen of the website showing either ‘SV’ for sire verified, ‘DV’ for dam verified, or ‘PV’ for parentage verified. Where this field is empty the animal has not yet been verified. In addition, all imported embryo born animals born on or after 1st January 2018 are to be TH tested free. A copy of the import flush certificate or Embryo Registration (ET1) form and in addition a copy of the Embryo Amendment (ET2) form must be lodged with the Society office at the time of flushing and implantation respectively. Where parentage verification is not possible for whatever reason the Society has a discretion to register a calf.

The imported genetics is entered into the ‘register for imported animals’. The country of origin will be denoted on the registration certificate by abbreviation. Offspring of these imported genetics, subject to the breed standards of the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society at the time of application, are eligible for registration in Coates Herd Book (Beef). All imported animals are to be sire verified, TH tested and myostatin tested before registration at their breeder’s expense. As this process is completed for each animal a Parentage Verified field will appear on the animal enquiry screen of the website showing either ‘SV’ for sire verified, ‘DV’ for dam verified, or ‘PV’ for parentage verified. Where this field is empty the animal has not yet been verified. Where verification is not possible for whatever reason the Society has a discretion to register an animal. 24. It is beholden on the importer to satisfy the breed standards required by the board of Directors of the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society at the time of application and registration. The Board of Directors of the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society shall accept no liability for costs incurred with an unsuccessful application. 25. Private Sale – if an animal is transferred into another pedigree herd outside a Society sale, the seller must sign and date the back of the pedigree certificate and return it to the Society for endorsement and re- issue with the appropriate fee due from the purchaser. 26. When selling pedigree Beef Shorthorns which include the involvement of the Society in the transfer of the pedigree certificate to the new owner, the Society recommends to its members, with no cost, liability or involvement of the Society, to provide to the buyer the quality assurance of Breeding Warranties currently required by the National Beef Association.

20. Registration of calves got by AI must be accompanied by confirmation of the service date.

27. The herdbook is closed and the Society no longer accepts animals for grading up.

21. Where a bull has been hired in or borrowed a letter or email of service is required from the registered owner of the bull who must be a member of the Society.

28. All grade females registered in Coates Herd Book (Beef) are not eligible for showing in pedigree Beef Shorthorn classes and if entered for Society sales they will be sold at the end of the sale.

22. All bulls born after 1st January 2000 used for semen collection, must be SNP profiled and myostatin tested and that report lodged with the Society prior to registration of its progeny got by Artificial Insemination/ET.

29. The Society reserves the right to DNA sample any animal at a Society Sale and to make public the results.

23. When live animals are imported the importer must register with the Society a SNP profile of the live animal which meets Weatherbys Acceptance Standards or submit a tail hair sample for DNA testing at the importer’s expense; where semen is imported the importer must register with the Society a SNP profile for the semen which meets Weatherbys Acceptance Standards or submit a semen sample for SNP testing at the importer’s expense; where embryos are imported a tail hair sample from the resulting progeny must be submitted to the Society for SNP testing at the breeder’s expense. In all cases all imports must be accompanied by a zootechnical certificate from either another EU herd book or from a herd book listed on the EU Third Country Approved list, on which all parents and grandparents are listed in the main register of the herd book of origin, together with the relevant registration fee before any progeny can be registered. In the case of imported embryos from a mixed flush, a zootechnical certificate is required for all possible sires. Where such certificates do not show four generations, the importer is required to supply a four-generation pedigree from the herd book origin (up to and including great-great grandparents).

30. Where, from the date of submission of the herd health declaration to the date of sale, the health status of a consignor’s herd has changed, the consignor is required to notify the auctioneer and the Society. The Society reserves the right to notify the auctioneer where no notification has been given. 31. The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society shall reserve to itself by its board of Directors the sole and absolute right to interpret these and other guidelines, rules, regulations or conditions and to settle or determine all matters in regard to or otherwise arising out of the business of the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society. 32. These rules and conditions are subject to EU and UK legislation and as such, may be superseded by governing law. 33. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on the website database and the pedigree certificate the information is not warranted by the Society as it is based on data supplied by members and/or third parties. The Society and its officers shall not have any liability for the accuracy of the information contained within either the website database or the pedigree certificate. www.beefshorthorn.org

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34. The Society accepts no liability for any misunderstanding or misinterpretation. Members are advised to contact the Society on any points for clarification.

41. The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society reserves the right to insist on a TH test, at the breeder’s expense for any animal registered with the Society or submitted for registration.

Registration rules appertaining to the genetic defect Tibial Hemimelia effective from 3rd October 2007

Notes for Sale/Auction Catalogues

35. All animals imported into Coates’s Herd Book (Beef) must be tested TH free. 36. Progeny from imported semen will only be accepted for registration in Coates’s Herd Book (Beef) if the donor bull has been tested TH free or if the progeny is tested TH free at the breeder’s expense. 37. All samples sent for TH testing will require a result release form to be included giving permission for the results to be sent to the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society. All TH results will be published on the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society website. 38. Progeny of TH carriers, or progeny of animals deemed by the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society to be ‘at risk’ must be TH tested in order to be accepted for registration in Coates’s Herd Book (Beef). From 1st March 2008, no TH carrier animals will be accepted for registration into Coates’s Herd Book (Beef). 39. Any TH carrier animal previously registered with the Society and transferred to a new owner will have the pedigree

certificate stamped with the words ‘THCarrier’. 40. TH carrier animals or animals deemed by the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society to be ‘at risk’ cannot be sold at Society sales. At risk animals are defined as animals whose pedigree contains an unbroken line to a known TH carrier.

‘R’

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is the

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on the website database and the pedigree certificate, the information is not warranted by the Society as it is based on data supplied by members and/or third parties. Purchasers should check the animal enquiry screen of the Society website for sire or parentage verification. Where this field is blank the animal has not been verified. In the case of females that are neither embryos nor imports and with no parentage queries this field will not be completed and will be left intentionally blank as verification is not required. The Society and its officers shall not have any liability for the accuracy of the information contained within either the website database or the pedigree certificate. The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society has previously sanctioned the use of Maine Anjou cattle (a French breed of Shorthorn derivatives) in a controlled breed improvement programme. That successful programme is now complete and has been closed (Oct 1999). All calves born on or after 1 January 2001 shall be registered in the Coates Herd Book (Beef) with no mention of percentage (pertaining to Maine Anjou influence) provided that both parents are previously registered in Coates Herd book (Beef). Purchasers who are interested in the influence of Maine Anjou in any prospective purchase are invited to inspect the four-generation pedigree certificate or contact the Secretary for further details. Cattle born before 1 January 2001 will continue to display the percentage of pure Shorthorn blood on their certificate.

Year Letter

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

for

2021

ROYALLA ROCKSTAR K274 SEMEN AVAILABLE FOR UK SHIPMENT Sire:

Royalla Ostentatious G404 AUS

Dam:

Marellan Mitzi 8087L AUS

ROYALLA ROCKSTAR

Photographed in September 2020 after service season.

Beef Shorthorn EBV Graph for Royalla Rockstar K274

Two Rockstar daughters with heifer calves at foot. Milky dams do their calves well.

Offered by Mineshop and Podehole herds • New Australian genetics. • Fully registered in the UK Coates Herd Book. • DNA SNP sample G680460. • Top 1% maternal index, Top 5% of Terminal and self replacing indices. • Easy calving been used on heifers. Calves quick to get up and suck. Easy fleshing. Homozygous polled and free of any myostatin variants.

Please contact Sally Horrell m: 07932 052524 | e: podeholefarm@gmail.com www.beefshorthorn.org

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Guide to Registrations This should be read in conjunction with Coates Rules and Regulations

Birth notifications • All births to be notified within four months. • There is no charge. • Birth notification is required for all births, including dead calves, to maintain cow records. UK produced calves born by natural service • Bull calves must be sire verified and myostatin tested. • All calves, regardless of gender, must be verified where the breeder has any concern over parentage. It is the breeder’s responsibility to notify the Society. Check with the Society that there is a SNP profile on record for all possible sires and for all possible dams (where sire/dam verification is required). Please call the office for confirmation or look on ABRI where it will be shown as a G number. If there is no genotype on record with the Society, you will not be able to register any bull calves until the sire(s) (and dams where required) have been genotyped. Submit the birth notification. Submit the registration and where verification is required, please post a clean tail hair sample from the calf, containing at least 40 good hair follicles.

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UK produced calves born by UK semen • Bull calves must be sire verified and myostatin tested. • All calves, regardless of gender, must be verified where the breeder has any concern over parentage. It is the breeder’s responsibility to notify the Society. Check that there is a SNP genotype on record for the bull (and for the possible dams where dam verification is required). Please call the office for confirmation or look on ABRI where it will be shown as a G number. If there is no genotype on record with the Society, you will not be able to register any bull calves until the sire(s) have been genotyped. Submit the birth notification. Submit the registration and where verification is required, please post a clean tail hair sample from the calf, containing at least 40 good hair follicles.

UK produced embryos from UK cows and sires • All embryo calves must be sire and dam verified and must be myostatin tested. • An embryo flush form (ET1) and subsequently all embryo amendment forms (ET2) to be lodged with the Society at the time of flushing and implanting respectively.

• Both parents and ALL grandparents of the donor cow and all possible sires, must be from the main register. • A Weatherbys SNP profile (or hair sample) for the donor cow and a Weatherbys SNP profile (or unused straw or hair sample) for all possible sires to be lodged with the Society at the time of flushing if not already available. If it is not possible to parentage verify an embryo the progeny will be ineligible for registration in Coates herd book. Check that there is a SNP genotype on record for the donor cow and all possible sires. Please call the office for confirmation or look on ABRI where it will be shown as a G number. Where there is no genotype on record submit SNP profiles or hair/semen samples for the donor cow and all possible sires by the time of flushing. Submit the ET1 flush form at the time of flushing. Submit the ET2 form at the time of implant. Notify the Society if the implanted embryo(s) fail. Submit the birth notification. Submit the registration and post a clean tail hair sample from the calf, containing at least 40 good hair follicles. Imported live animals • All imported animals must be sire verified, TH and myostatin tested. Check that the animal is registered in a EU herd book or in a herd book from an association with third country recognition. The Society is not able to accept animals which are not from a herd book within the EU or from a herd book which does not have third country approval. Check all parents and all grandparents are in the main section of the herd book of origin. Obtain, from the herd book of origin, the zootechnical certificate AND a four-generation pedigree (to greatgreat grandparents) where the zootechnical certificate does show four generations. Check that there is a SNP genotype on record with the Society for the sire which meets Weatherbys acceptance standard. Post a clean tail hair sample from the imported animal containing at least 40 good hair follicles. Imported semen • A zootech certificate from the herd book of origin which must be either within the EU or have third country approval (this is

a live list and should be checked regularly for new additions/ removals) must be lodged with the Society. • A four-generation pedigree certificate where the zootech certificate does not cover four generations. • Both parents and ALL grandparents must be from the main register. • A SNP profile for the semen to be lodged with the Society at the time of import, if not already available, which meets Weatherbys’ acceptance standard. BEFORE PURCHASE: Check that the bull is registered in an EU herd book or in a herd book from an association with third country recognition. The Society is not able to accept semen from a herd book that is not in the EU or which does not have third country approval. Check both parents and all grandparents are in the main section of the herd book or origin. Check that there is a SNP genotype on record with the Society for the bull. Obtain, from the herd book of origin, the semen zootechnical certificate AND a four-generation pedigree (to great-great grandparents) where the zootechnical certificate does show four generations. AFTER PURCHASE: Submit the birth notification. Submit the zootechnical certificate for the semen at the point of submitting the calf registration, along with a clean tail hair sample from the calf, containing at least 40 good hair follicles. AFTER RE-SALE: After re-sale, notify the office giving details of the new purchaser. Imported embryos must have • An import or embryo flush form (ET1) and/or embryo amendment form (ET2) to be lodged with the Society at the time of import/implantation. • A zootech certificate from the herd book of origin which must be either within the EU or have third country approval (this is a live list and should be checked regularly for new additions/ removals) to be lodged with the Society at the time of import. • A four-generation pedigree certificate where the zootech certificate does not cover four generations for all parents, including a four-generation pedigree for every possible sire where a mixed flush has been taken. • Both parents and ALL grandparents of the donor cow and all possible sires, must be from the main register. Continued over www.beefshorthorn.org

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• A SNP profile for the donor cow and all possible sires, which meet Weatherbys acceptance standard, to be lodged with the Society at the time of import if not already available. BEFORE PURCHASE: Check that the donor cow and all possible sires are registered in a EU herd book or in a herd book from an association with third country recognition. Check all parents and all grandparents are in the main section of the herd book of origin. Check that there is a SNP genotype on record with the Society for the donor cow and all possible sires. Obtain, from the herd book of origin, the embryo zootechnical certificate AND a four-generation pedigree for the donor cow and all possible sires (to great-great grandparents) where the zootechnical certificate does show four generations.

At private sale to transfer ownership • Please note that pedigrees will only be transferred to members of the Society. Seller to complete the reverse of the certificate to confirm the date of transfer and the name and address of the purchaser before giving the pedigree to the purchaser. The transfer payment is due from the purchaser and not from the seller. Purchaser to return the original certificate to the Stoneleigh Park office along with payment of £30 (inc. VAT) for each transfer. Animals must be transferred BEFORE any progeny can be registered.

Online animal information • Where to check for a G number: www.beefshorthorn.org > Database > Animal Enquiry

AFTER PURCHASE: Submit the ET1 flush form at the time of flushing (OR the intra-trade certificate showing the movement of the embro from the previous owner to the new owner) along with the zootechnical and four generation pedigree certificate(s) for the embryo. Submit the ET2 form at the time of implant. Notify the Society if the implanted embryo(s) fail. Submit the birth notification. Submit the registration and post a clean tail hair sample from the calf, containing at least 40 good hair follicles. AFTER RE-SALE: After re-sale, notify the office giving details of the new purchaser. DNA requirements for imports (semen, live animals, embryos) • External SNP profiles must meet Weatherbys Scientific’s acceptance standard. This standard can be downloaded from the Downloadable Documents area of the website or requested from the office. There is an additional charge for an external profile transfer of £5.40 (including VAT). It is the responsibility of the breeder, and not the Society, to provide this information which must be sent to: The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Society Pavilion, Avenue M, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RG Tel: 02477 103406 Email: registrations@beefshorthorn.org 140

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Glossary of terms • SNP – Single nucleotide polymorphisms, commonly referred to as ‘Snips’. SNP genotypes are carried out by the Society and are the preferred DNA profile for all sires and dams. • MS – Microsatellite. MS genotypes were undertaken before SNP genotypes superseded this technology. Where only a MS genotype is available it can still be used to parentage verify calves, however this means that there will be an additional cost as the calf will have to be MS profiled and SNP profiled.

DNA Testing Guide

In association with

Eartag sampling for genomic and routine parentage testing Once you have taken the eartag sample, please follow the guidelines below for your particular tag type: TAG TYPE

PROCEDURE

Dry Desiccant Tags

Keep in the fridge until you post to the Society. Must be sent first class in a padded envelope within three weeks of collection.

Gel Suspension Tags

Liquid Suspension Tags

Store between 15-24°C in a dark cupboard until you post to the Society. Send to the Society in a padded envelope within 5 ½ months of collection. Store between 15-24°C in a dark cupboard until you post to the Society. Send to the Society in a padded envelope within one week of collection.

Hair sampling for genomic and routine parentage testing Tail hair root follicles are an excellent source of DNA for genomic and routine parentage testing. However, the performance of samples processed and the reliability of the genomic results are dependent upon sample quality. Pull at least 60 hairs from the tail switch – please do not include coat hair. DO NOT CUT the hair - if the sample is missing the follicle (root), it will not contain DNA. If you don’t have enough hairs, there will not be enough DNA for genotyping. Gather at least 60 hairs, and grasp them tightly as close to the skin as possible with hands or pliers. As an animal gets older, the hair roots become harder to remove, so the use of pliers often aids removal.

Semen sampling for genomic and routine parentage testing If sending semen samples, thaw and place one straw in the packet provided. Then seal and send immediately to the Society. Please so not send used straws, only full un-used straws of semen are suitable for testing, due to the amount semen needed for DNA extraction and risk of cross contamination. Please send each sample in a separate bag to avoid cross contamination of samples.

Pull the hair slowly and firmly away from the tail, making sure to get the roots. Do not collect shed hair for sampling, as the follicles will carry degraded DNA. Ensure the hair is completely dry, and as clean as possible, otherwise the DNA will degrade before extraction.

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When more than one animal is sampled, take extreme care to avoid cross contamination of hair roots between animals. Only put the hair from one animal in each sample bag. Be sure there’s no substance on the sample, such as sprays, detergents or other cleaning agents. Only take hair samples from live animals. Please ensure that the DNA sampling bag is labelled with the correct animal details or, if we have not provided the pre-labelled bag, please write the animal’s name and full UK tag number on the bag with permanent marker. Once you have placed the hair in the bag, seal it tightly ready for return. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

and hence muscle growth is unregulated. The most obvious departure from normal in the phenotype of a double muscled animal is the enlargement of musculature, particularly in the rump and shoulder areas. There are however other traits which may or may not be significant, more particularly where the syndrome is fully expressed: • Prominent creases between muscle groups • Minimal fat cover and modified fat composition • Shorter, thinner and less dense bones • Delays in puberty, reduced fertility and reduced milk production • Increased likelihood of dystocia • Enlarged tongues in new born calves • Poorly developed genitals • Increased susceptibility to respiratory disease probably due to increased demands on aerobic metabolic activity • Increased meat tenderness and yield There are nine known variants of the myostatin mutation, four of which are known to have occurred in the Beef Shorthorn: • E226X - the most common variant found in the Shorthorn and the Maine Anjou. • nt419 - sometimes found in Shorthorns and occurs in the Maine Anjou • nt821 - occurs in the Belgian Blue, Blonde, Limousin and South Devon and the Angus. Occasionally occurs in the Beef Shorthorn • F94L - common in Limousins and occasionally in the Shorthorn • C313Y E291X Q204X D182N S105C - unrecorded in the Beef Shorthorn

Examples of poor hair samples which have failed to produce a result. Insufficient hair and coat hair

Test results are presented as having no copy present (0), one copy (1) or two copies (2). The results of crossing between sires and dams, who do, and do not, have a mutation can be grouped as follows:

Quality samples are the key to getting good DNA from your cattle. Plenty of tail hair with strong follicles Send your samples to: The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society, Society Pavilion, Avenue M, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RG. Myostatin This test is a registration requirement for all imported animals and embryo registration calves, regardless of gender and all bull calves. The double muscle condition in cattle arises from a genetic abnormality in the production of ‘myostatin’, which is a protein that acts on muscle cells’ autocrine function to inhibit myogenesis: muscle cell growth and differentiation. It is encoded by the MSTN gene. An animal with the defective gene lacks the myostatin protein 142

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0x1

50% no copy 50% one copy

1x1

25% no copy 50% one copy 25% two copies

0x2

100% have one copy

1x2

50% have one copy 50% have two copies

2x2

100% have two copies

On the basis of current knowledge, the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society recommends: • that breeders continue to select for ‘balanced’ cattle that exhibit traits that the breed has historically been known for, and is increasingly sought after for, using traditional and modern techniques. In addition, breeders and their customers should be aware of the implications of using bulls or cows that carry the mutation. Breeders may wish to consider testing as many bulls or cows that they suspect may carry the mutation (single or double copy). They may also wish to check the status of any animal they buy. If no test result is available, then checking the pedigree may determine if there is a possibility of a variant being passed on. If a breeder feels they can manage the potential downsides of retaining a myostatin positive (single or double copy) female, we would encourage the use of a myostatin free bull and that the progeny be tested.

The Society requires some compulsory DNA tests to be carried out on certain types of animals, however you may wish to request noncompulsory tests for other animals. The table below sets out the compulsory and optional tests for each type of animal and the table on the next page sets out the prices of each test.

In light of the genotype monitoring undertaken on the Society’s behalf, the Directors of the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society have issued the following directive:

• As of 1st January 2021, any bull carrying a double deletion of any myostatin variant, or single deletions of two distinct variants, will be ineligible for registration in Coates herd book.

Females wanting Myostatin Only

• As of 1st January 2021, any bull carrying a double deletion of any myostatin variant, or single deletions of two distinct variants, will be ineligible for a Society recognised show class or a Society recognised or supported sale.

Females with Parentage Queries

• As of 1st January 2020, all bulls, of any age, entered for sale at a Society sale must have their myostatin status listed in the catalogue.

Bull Calves

Imported Animals

DNA Testing Check List Embryo Transfer Registrations

All stock sires of calves registered since 1st January 2018 will be tested for myostatin at the Society’s cost. If insufficient DNA is available from a previously submitted hair sample breeders will be requested to resubmit samples.

Before you send your sample check which tests are required

Imported ET Animals

At present the regulations for all bull calves registered with the Society require that a hair sample is submitted for sire verification and myostatin testing. The myostatin test is carried out at the Society’s cost and the results will be published on the database.

SNP Profile Myostatin TH Polled

• These regulations will be kept under review. All cattle imported into the UK Herd Book and any progeny resulting from embryo transfer will also be myostatin tested as part of the registration process. It should be noted that the Society is required by law to make all genetic testing information freely available. The Society is obliged therefore to publish the results on the ABRI database and to include new information as it becomes available. This applies whether testing is carried out by the Society or by an individual breeder.

Sire Verification Parentage Verification Compulsory Test:

Key:

Optional Test:

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society DNA Tests For pricing please refer to the Society website

BEEF SHORTHORN CATTLE SOCIETY DNA SUBMISSION FORM

DNA Sample Bags

BULL/COW/ET COW/CALF/ET CALF Sample This packet contains hair (with root Follicles) from: ANIMAL DETAILS Name:.................................................................................HB No:.........................................................

Example of a Society DNA bag. Please make sure to fill in all of the details, especially multiple sire information.

SNP Profile TH Trait Anaylsis - Society rules regarding TH can be found on the Society website

Tag/National ID:........................................... Type: Single/Twin......................................................... Date of Birth:......................................................................... Sex:.........................................................

Myostatin

Dam: ................................................................................. Tag No: ...................................................... .. Sire: ................................................................................... Tag No:.........................................................

Polled Trait Analysis

Sire:....................................................................................Tag No:......................................................... Sire: ....................................................................................Tag No: ........................................................ I confirm that the enclosed hair/tissue sample came from the above animal. I also confirm that by submitting this sample to the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society, I agree for a SNP profile to be created which will be used for the purposes of parentage analysis, to determine if required the myostatin status and the TH status and if specified below to determine the polled status. I agree that this sample or the resulting SNP profile, may be used by the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society to conduct further tests in the future and that the data may used by other Beef Shorthorn societies and agencies. Name of owner:..................................................................................................................................... Address: ................................................................................................................................................. Owner’s Signature:................................................................................................................................ Please place this packet in an envelope and send to: Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society, Society Pavilion, Avenue M, Stoneleigh Park, CV8 2RG Tests required (please tick as appropriate): SNP Profile

Myostatin

Sire Analysis

Dam Analysis

Parentage Analysis

Polled

Parentage Verification for up to three parents. If you are not sure of the parent of any animal, it must be verified. Additional Parents - Three parents are included in the cost of parentage verification as long as they are stated when you submit the animal. This fee will be charged per additional parent if there are more than three possible parents, or for any additional parents notified after submission. External Profile transfer fee (to transfer DNA profiles which have been created at other laboratories, for example for animals purchased from abroad)

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Breed characteristics Male and female Colour: red, white or roan, red and white, red and little white, and dark roan and/or red roan. Black markings are undesirable. Can be polled or horned. Double muscling is undesirable. The legs should show a degree of angle at the hock and at the pastern but not be too straight or too sickled. Feet should have a good depth of heel and when walking the hind-legs should follow straight behind the fore-legs.

Male Strong masculine head with broad muzzle with teeth making good contact with the palate and showing no signs of undershot or overshot jaw. Strong neck and shoulders with clean brisket. Good body depth and spring of rib with underside running parallel to long, firm topline. The rump should be long, wide and square on top with a slight slope from hooks to pins. From the plates a wide, firm fleshed first thigh following down through a deep, well rounded second thigh to a well filled deep flank. The testicles should be of uniform size and consistency, suspended equally and not twisted. Testicle circumference should be at least • under 18 months – 32 cm • 18 to 24 months – 34 cm • over 24 months – 35 cm The size of the testicles is directly related to the fertility of the bull and his daughters. A loose pendulous sheath is undesirable.

Female Head should be feminine with bright, clear, alert eyes and a wide muzzle with teeth making good contact with the palate and showing no signs of undershot or overshot jaw. Neck should blend neatly into the shoulders with a good width to the chest and a neat, clean brisket flowing into a level underline with no extended gut. A deep body with a good spring of rib is desirable to give plenty of rumen capacity. Topline from the shoulders to the hook bones should be long and straight with a slight slope from the hook bones to the pin bones. Plenty of width between the pin bones to provide ease of calving. From the plates a natural width of firm fleshed first thing following down through a deep second thigh to a level flank with good udder attachment and medium sized square teat placement.

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Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

Established 2009

Herd Sires Used (2018/2019) : Chapelton Havana (Semen & Embryos Available) Stoneyroyd Jacobite Matrix (Semen & Embryos Available)

Meonhill Charlie Chaplin Millerston Jester Glenisla Zetor

All males and females tested for Myostatin, polling and parental verification

ELITE HERD HEALTH STATUS Contact:

MR T RILEY

PERFORMANCE RECORDED SILVER STANDARD STONEY ROYD FARM MIDGLEY HEBDEN BRIDGE WEST YORKSHIRE HX7 5QY

Tel: 07812

075568 Email: stoneyroyd@icloud.com

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Merchandise You can purchase a selection of branded merchandise in our online store at www.beefshorthorn.org/merchandise P&P is £5 per order and all prices include VAT. Look out for new items being introduced in 2021!

Beef Shorthorn Badge £3

Beef Shorthorn Cuff links £10

Beef Shorthorn Polyester Tie £12

Beef Shorthorn Silk Tie £18

Beef Shorthorn Face Mask £6.50

Beef Shorthorn Weighband £5

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Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2021

LONGTOWN MART on the English - Scottish border, convenient To M6/M74

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY, 30th AUGUST 2021 FIFTH ANNUAL SALE OF PEDIGREE BEEF SHORTHORN BREEDING FEMALES

2019 SALES An ideal medium for herd dispersals and reductions, previous successful dispersals held2019 includeSALES Albion, www.cdauctionmarts.co.uk

Gregors and Hyndford.

www.cdauctionmarts.co.uk

SHORTHORN AND OTHER NATIVE-BREED STORE AND BREEDING CATTLE SOLD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Townfoot, Longtown, Carlisle CA6 5LY 01228 791215 info@cdauctionmarts.co.uk www.cdauctionmarts.co.uk

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Wenmar Beef Shorthorns Become UK embryo partners and join us with this exciting new package! Beef Shorthorn embryos from Canadian, American and Australian genetics available right here in the UK.

HC Lady Margie 1E

HC Lady Margie 26G

HC Lassie 20G

HC Leading Lassie 5G

HC Melita Rose 52D

HC Picture Perfect 2G

HC Sparkle Delight 20B

Hill Haven Breathtaker May 28D

SBF Picture OR 42A

SBF Scottys Maid 48Z

Shadybrook All Perfect 5E

Waukaru Red Nan 104Y

• Purchasing embryos from us at Wenmar Beef Shorthorns allows you to become our genetic partners. We are offering support packages to our customers every step of the way, from initial selection guidance, recipient guidance, through to support with documentation when registering your ET calf.

• This year we are offering a unique opportunity to our customers to be involved in the flush sire selection process. First select one of our donor cows, and then select the bull that you would like her to be bred to, we will then arrange everything else including embryo collection, testing & export documentation and finally arranging shipment into the UK.

• All of our donor cows are jointly owned in a partnership agreement with a long standing friend. The cows reside on a farm in Western Canada and go to residential centres for embryo collection.

• All of our imported embryos will be guaranteed to have with them the appropriate documentation, and all calves will be eligible for registration in the UK Beef Shorthorn Society herd book.

Here is the timeline of events to our partnership process: Select your donor cow and bull in 2020/2021. Embryos collected during 2021 and ready to be imported and implanted spring 2022. Calves on the ground early 2023.

As your genetic partner we guarantee support every step of the way throughout this journey.

For further details plus a full listing of all of our cattle, embryos and semen available please visit our website:

www.wenmarbeefshorthorns.com Wenmar Beef Shorthorns

For a friendly chat and further details contact Martyn Moore.

Wenmar Beef Shorthorns, Warren Farm, Lulsley, Knightwick, Worcestershire, WR6 5QT.

Mobile: 07767 608012 Email: martyncmoore@manx.net