Welsh Simmental Club Report by Aled Davies, Chairman
W
ell it’s been another year of uncertainty with lock downs and restrictions but there has been a welcome return to some sales, shows and events. The year started with a bang for one of our members at Stirling Bull Sales in February, there was no show but that did not dampen the mood when father and son Aneurin & Rhys Francis made the long journey north. Their bull Pistyll Kingsman a June 19 son of Woodhall Ferrari topped the sale at 26,000gns the second highest price for a Simmental bull sold at auction in the UK and a new Welsh record, congratulations on a great achievement for the whole family. Llongyfarchiadau mawr I Aneurin, Heulwen, Rhys a Angharad chi wedi rhoi Cymru fach ar y map. Moving on to March and our AGM which was held on zoom a new experience for many, and thanks go to all that attended and was nice to see our President Stewart Stronach Jr and Iain Kerr joining us from the comfort of their homes. On a personal note it’s been a busy summer, Rachel and I got married on the 21st August and we would like to thank family and friends for making our big day one to remember. Moving on through the summer we had no meetings but did return to our normal herd competition in early September after our virtual one in 2020. Our judge this year was our past club chairman Mr Wynford Jones accompanied by Joyce his able assistant and wife. They travelled from North to South, West to East visiting 13 herds. It was lovely to see members and have a presentation afternoon a few weeks later with Wynford and Joyce presenting the awards. Congratulations go to all that entered as Wynford said we have some great cattle in Wales which made his job very difficult and we should be very proud of what we are breeding. A big congratulations go to Mark & Emma Evans of the Dewisland herd in St Davids, Pembrokeshire for winning the overall champion herd, also well done on a great television appearance on the Cefn Gwlad programme on S4C highlighting the Simmentals and their great attributes, 172
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Aneurin & Rhys Francis with the 26,000gns Pistyll Kingsman
demand and saleability under their Dewisland box beef label. Some members made a welcome return to some autumn calf shows, ourselves took Hirwaun Lemon and Lime to Agri Expo in Carlisle gaining 3rd in a strong heifer class, and well done to my daughter Catherine Nicholas on third place in a very hotly contested young handlers. Debbie Cumming made the journey to the English winter fair at Stafford on behalf of son Richard’s Cwarre herd along with Callum Croft from Forest herd. They too were up against strong competition both gaining 3rd prizes with Cwarre Marble and Gwili Melody 2, no doubt Martin Beynon who bred her would be very happy to see Melody in the ring and wish you and Susan the best for the future after dispersing the Gwili herd this year, well done all. Moving on to the last event of our year The Royal Welsh Winter Fair at Builth Wells. Nice to be back after 2 years with our breed stand with members meeting fellow breeders and most importantly possible new customers. The animal on the stand this year was Bannhill Farm Lord new stock bull at Dyfed Simmentals and our thanks go to Meirion and Linda Jones for having his presence at the event where he attracted a lot of interest, Diolch yn fawr. We finished the year on a high with The British Simmental Stand judged reserve best breed society stand at the event, well done all who helped prepare and manned the stand, Diolch.
Catherine Nicholas 3rd in young handler at AGRI EXPO Carlisle
On a sadder note the club passes on their deepest sympathies and best wishes to Islwyn Harries and family from the Tymeini herd on the passing of his wife Gillian, meddwl amdanoch I gyd fel teulu. Before I finish I would like to wish Anthony Davies and Catherine Nicholas the best of health. It’s been a very tough two or three years for them both with their battle against leukaemia but very pleased to say both are nearing the end of their treatment which is great news. Health is Wealth. Let’s hope 2022 brings us health and some normality in all walks of life and hope to see you out and about in the shows next year. Aled Davies
