newsletter

Charolais News News & Views from the British Charolais Cattle Society

Issue 108 February 2009

CONTENTS 2009 - A year to look forward to

3-4

Forthcoming Sale Dates

4

Explanation of Estimated Breeding Values for cattle selection

31/33

Charolais Bulls are in vogue - fact or fiction?

Sale Reports Perth Brecon Dungannon October Hamilton’s Sale Welshpool Dungannon November Carlislel

5-19 5-11 13 12 13 14-15 16-17 18-19

XXXV World Charolais Congress

20-25

32-33

Charolais Cattle and ad Lib feeding achieve top performance at Culford 26 Why do some cattle perform better than others ... the answer lies in the genes

27

Charolais down under by Sam Milne

28-29

Palgrove - going for moderation

Regional Reports Northern Ireland Scotland Wales South East South West East Midlands South Midlands Anglia Yorkshire & North East Border

34-62 34-38 40-47 48-49 50-51 52-54 55 56-57 57 58-59 60-62

British Charolais group to Sweden

39

Charolais Promotions

63

New Members

64

Election of members

65-66

30

Pictured on the front page: Toft left: Robin Roberts lifts the winning trophy with ‘Smarty Pants’ at the Royal Highland Winter Fair Page 47 Top Right: Nora Jefferson presentation Page 61 Middle Circle: Stockman Russell Brunton herding Charolais cows & calves / Charolais down under by Sam Milne Pages 30-31 Bottom left: Ben Trim at New Forest Show Page 50 Bottom middle: XXXV World Charolais congress delegates Pages 20-25 Bottom right: Start them young Page 40

British Charolais Cattle So ciety Avenue M, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, War wickshire CV8 2RG Tel: 02476 697222 Fax: 02476 690270 E-mail: charolais@charolais.co.uk Website: www.charolais.co.uk 2

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

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

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

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

Also, the heavier cow weight and associated higher cull prices are making Charolais cows more attractive.

The Charolais business is back in vogue and is resulting in an increase in Charolais registrations and memberships. Charolais breeders should use their knowledge and the tools available to produce what the market wants, and not necessarily what the breeder wants.

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Bath & West (South West) East of England (Anglian) Three Counties (South Midlands) Lincolnshire (East Midlands) Gt. Yorkshire (Yorks & N.East) Perth (Scottish & Northern) Wales (Welsh Region)

Contact 28-31st May 01749 13-15th June 01733 13-15th June 01684 18-19th June 01522 8-10th July 01423 1st Aug 01738 to be confirmed

To participate at the ROYAL SHOWS the details are as Royal Ulster 13-15th May Royal Highland 25-28th June Royal Show 7-10th July Royal Welsh 20-23rd July

822200 234451 584900 522900 541000 623780

follows: 02890 665225 0131 335 6212 024 7685 8250 01982 553683

Charolais Performance Recording Subsidy The Council of Management have agreed to subsidise the Charolais Breedplan recording herds and scanning visits.

The herd fees are £125 + VAT for the first ten active breeding females, and £3 per cow thereafter to a maximum of £500 + VAT . This compares favourably with a SIGNET recorded herd i.e.

CHAROLAIS SIGNET 10 cows £125 £175 (£190 from April) 20 cows £155 £240 Up to two ultra-sound scanning visits a year will receive £75 + VAT credited to the members account, providing a minimum of five Charolais cattle are scanned per visit.

For members scanning their cattle it is recommended to scan the animals around 400 days.

Recording members should also have their new performance data, i.e. weights and ultra-sound scan results 3

2009 - A YEAR TO LOOK FORWARD TO submitted to the Pedigree Livestock Office before the last Friday of the month. The monthly Charolais BLUP run is then carried out within the first week of the new month.

The bi-annual herd reports are going to be mailed out to recording herds in January, members will then have one month to notify either the Pedigree Cattle Services office or the B.C.C.S. office of any anomalies to the active female listings. The members will then be invoiced in March and no further active cow credits will be given. A few bullet points for quality performance recording are: * Check the date of birth and service dates are correct. * Weigh the calf, or use the measuring tape. Do not guess the weight or give a known false weight * Try to batch calve within 60 day window (easier said than done!) * Weigh all calves every 100 days, or at least at weaning and at 400 days * Scan calves at around 365-450 days * Submit raw data either manually or electronically by the last Friday in the month.

For any queries, or members wishing to join the scheme contact Barbara Webster on 01738 622478 Direct Debit Payments and Email Any members who are not already carrying out their Charolais business by Direct Debit can they phone the B.C.C.S. office on 024 7669 7222 for the necessary paperwork. There are over 450 Charolais members receiving information by email. If anyone would like to register their email address or make any amendments, can they email the office with their details.

Semen and private Sales Register Members who have semen, embryos or live cattle to sell, can they send details to the B.C.C.S. office.

It is a free service and details are published on the B.C.C.S. web-site for all the world to see!

David Benson

FORTHCOMING OFFICIAL SOCIETY SALES - 2009 Bulls/Females 16/18 February (Multi-Breed) 4 May United Auctions, Perth Agricultural, Centre, East Huntingtower, Perth PH1 3JJ Tel: 01738 626183 Fax: 01738 636934 Bulls/Females

PERTH

20-21 October (Stirling)

ABERDEEN Bulls/Females 25 February Aberdeen & Northern Marts, Thainstone, Centre, Inverurie AB5 9XZ Tel: 01467 623700 Fax: 01467 623777 BALLYMENA Bulls/Females 4 May Ballymena Mart, Woodside Rd Ind Est, Ballymena, Co Antrim, N Ireland BT42 4HX Tel: 028 258 633470 CARLISLE Bulls/Females 8/9 May Bulls/Females 9 October Harrison & Hetherington Ltd, Borderway Mart, Rosehill, Carlisle CA1 2RS Tel: 01228 406230 Fax: 01228 406231 DUNGANNON Bulls/Females 7 March / Females 1 June / Females 5 October / Bulls 6 November Dungannon Farmers Mart, 90 Granville Rd, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, N Ireland BT70 1NJ Tel: 028 8772 2727 WELSHPOOL Bulls/Females 16 April Bulls/Females 12 November Welshpool Livestock Sales, The Smithfield, Mill Lane, Welshpool SY21 7BL Tel: 01938 553438 Fax: 01938 554607 BRECON Bulls/Females 23 April Dai Lewis in conjunction with Messrs McCartney, Brecon Livestock Centre, Brecon Tel: 01559 363401 HOLSWORTHY Bulls/Females 29 Apr Kivells, Tavistock, Devon Tel: 01409 253275 NEWARK Bulls/Females 11 April Newark Livestock & UA Ltd, Perth Agricultural Centre, East Huntingtower, Perth PH1 3JJ Tel: 01738 626183 PETERBORUGH As Newark

Bulls/Females Autumn 2009 Date to be announced 4

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008 Perth - 23 October Charolais establish new UK record £5,564 average 38,000gns top; 108 lots sold Charolais bulls met a solid trade peaking at 38,000gns in Perth on Thursday 23 October, with a new UK all beef breeds average of £5,564 established for 108 lots traded.

Those figures represented the highest number of bulls of any breed coming under the hammer sold during the week’s autumn multi-breed sales.

“Trade was market led throughout by suckler producers who were aware that Charolais crosses have not only consistently commanded premiums this season, but an even bigger price differential over other Continental crosses simply because of their fast and efficient growth and ability to finish to heavier weights which no longer suffer a penalty,” commented British Charolais Cattle Society chief executive, David Benson. “These suckler men were also in no doubt that investing in Charolais would help them to beat the credit crunch.”

Crawford, Maghera, Co Derry. Another May 2007 born bull, Carnival was by the 15,000gns Carlisle champion Burrradon Talisman, sire of the record 55,000gns Perth Huntingtower leading priced Thrunton Voldemort and out of a homebred cow, again by Killadeas Legend.

At 6,000gns, the 17 month old Goldies Crusader TI33, SRI38, sold to J and W Kellas, Dufftown, Keith.

Another Unbeatable son, he was out of a Kinclune bred dam, also by Legend.

Hamish Goldie invested part of his day’s taking earlier on when he made a joint 25,000gns call with Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green for Thrunton Camelot who 24 hours earlier had collected the overall senior male award for the Campbell family, Ian and John, their father Colin and Ian’s son, Bruce. This 20 month old was out of a homebred cow going back to Moncur General and by the Perth supremo, Mowbraypark Orlando who was secured almost 10 years ago at 25,000gns and has since proved a solid investment having bred three Perth champions to gross 55,000gns.

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

The Campbells enjoyed one of their best averages in Perth in 30 years of making the round trip from Thrunton, Alnwick selling six entries to level at £11,602. Their next highest at 15,000gns was the first class prize winner, Thrunton Colorado TI 29, SRI 38, an 18 month old by the 11,000gns Carlisle champion, Solwayfirth Union son and out of a homebred cow by Maerdy Location. He sold in a split bid to Neil Harvey who manages a herd of 15 pedigree cows at Duns, and commercial producer, Fred Murray with 100 suckler cows at Wooler. “Colorado’s a bull with great width and fleshing

THRUNTON COLORADO was a 15,000gns purchased by Fred Murray and Neil Harvey Sale leader at 38,000gns was the event’s reserve junior champion, Goldies Champion, a 17 month old bull out of the Killadeas Legend sired Kinclune Pipper. Bred by Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfries, Champion was knocked down sold in a joint bid to Charolais breeders, Adrian Ivory, Cardean and Bill Bruce, Balmyle, both of Meigle, Perthshire who between then run 125 pedigree cows. “This bull had the looks, the shape and the growth, he was very good on his legs, and equally important, he had good figures all the way through, in particular calving ease and growth,” said Mr Ivory. Champion was in the breed’s top 10% with a Terminal Index (TI) of 33, a Self Replacing Index (SRI) of 38 and Calving Ease Direct 3.6.

For Hamish Goldie, it was not only his best ever day at Perth since taking over the family’s Charolais herd 18 months ago, but he was also continuing the family’s reputed ability to turn out strings of consistent quality bulls; his five lots to come under the hammer sold to average £12,600.

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

BALMYLE CHURCHILL sold for 10,000gns to joint members R.M Adam & Son (Newhouse) and DFWH Walter (Balthayock) 5

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

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

bid of 7,500gns from HR Dalrymple, Ballantrae, Irvine.

Swalesmoor achieved a second 7,500gns price tag, this time for the April 2007 born Swalesmoor Cannon from Clark Farms, Carluke, Lanark. A Dingle Hofmeister son and out of a Maerdy Neptune sired Logie cow bred by Iain Campbell, he was within the breed’s top 1% with a TI 41 and SRI 46 and was another familiar bull in the ring having claimed the M&S Elite Beef Breeder championship at the Royal Highland Show.

Two entries went to 10,000gns. First to go was the Caithness Campbell, a 19 month old Inverlochy Resolve son and out of Cargriff Salsa purchased in a private deal as a heifer. Campbell was bred by Daniel and Margaret Campbell, who run a 45 cow herd at Occumster, Lybster and achieved their first five figure bull in more than 25 years of breeding pedigree Charolais. He was knocked down sold to J Innes and Sons, Huntley, Aberdeen.

The day’s second 10,000gns call was made for Bill Bruce’s (Meigle, Perth) highest entry, Balmyle Churchill TI 35, SRI 41, a 17 month old by Balmyle Statesman, a Dingle Hofmeister son and out of a homebred cow. A first class prizewinner, he sold jointly to father and son team, Drew and Bob Adam Newhouse of Glamis, Glamis, Forfar and Major David Walter, Balthayock, Perth.

The leading entry from Northern Ireland at 9,000gns was Sandelford Curtis TI 24, SRI 31, a 19 month old from George Henderson, who runs a 10 cow

Also at 10,000gns mark was CAITHNESS CAMPBELL knocked down to J Innes & Sons Stout, Stronsay, Orkney, while Thrunton Carabinier (February 2007), by Union and out of a Blelack Jaguar sired dam sold for 7,500gns to Kincraigie Farms, Lumphanan, Banchory.

The previous day, Colorado and Consort had teamed up with Thrunton Cheviot to secure the Campbells the supreme champion group of three.

Cheviot, an 18 month old Solwayfirth Union son, made 6,800gns to HG Leslie, Rhynie, Huntly.

Next at 12,000gns was the intermediate and overall supreme champion, Swalesmoor Cupid, an 18 month old from Danny Sawrij, Eaglesfield, Lockerbie.

“Cupid is a tremendous crossing bull, he’s clean, solid all the way through, he handled the best over the hind quarters and he is fine boned,” commented judge, Colin Wight after the four hour judging stint when he found the winning entry was complemented by top performance data being within the breed’s top 1% with a TI 38 and SRI 45. The following day, Mr Wight backed his judgment when he secured Cupid on behalf of his family, brother Jack and father John to run with their two pedigree herds Midlock and Carwood totaling 70 cows and a further 330 sucklers.

Sired by the 34,000gns Perth supremo, Goldies Uppermost, and out Blelack Una who goes back to Bassingbourn lines, Cupid was no stranger to the ring having already secured both junior breed and junior interbreed titles at the Royal Highland Show. For Swalesmoor’s Iain Campbell, Cupid was the best he’d turned out since being appointed as the unit’s farm manager just five years ago and building up the herd to 40 cows with a handful of selected families. “I’ve been involved with Charolais virtually all my life, and winning Perth has just got to be the pinnacle achievement,” he said.

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

GOLDIES CARNIVAL was a 9,000gns purchase to Gilbert Crawford, Maghera herd at Bushmills, County Antrim. Sired by Goldies Usher and out of a homebred cow by Drumeer Major, he was secured by George Wordie, to run with his 230 cow suckler herd based at Glass, Huntley. The previous day Curtis carried off the reserve senior championship award, adding to his previous accolades – the Royal Ulster junior interbreed and reserve breed championships earlier this season on his only other trip out. Curtis’s stablemate, Sandelford Chaplin, another same way bred 19 month old made 5,200gns to R Sabiston, Finstown, Orkney.

At 9,000gns, John Jeffrey, Kersknowe, Kelso offered his second class prize winner, Kersknowe Chief to WJ Jack and Sons, Killearnan, Muir of Ord. This 18 month old Burradon Tallisman son was out of a homebred cow going back to Killadeas Jack. The same breeder 6

CHAM P ION CHAROLAI S

The Senior Championship was won by JHC Campbell & Sons THRUNTON CAMELOT. He was jointly purchased for 25,000gns by Hamish Goldie and Alasdair Houston

Gary Henderson’s Reserve Senior Champion SANDELFORD CURTIS sold for 9,000gns to George Wordie of Cairnbarrow

The Intermediate and Supreme Champion was the 12,000gns SWALESMOOR CUPID purchased by J.J Wight & Sons

The Reserve Intermediate and Reserve Supreme Champion was Willie Whyte’s HINDESTONES CRUISER purchased for 7,000gns by Greig Farms

Left Column 3rd down: Stuart and David Bothwell’s KILLADEAS CHARADE was the Junior Champion Charolais and sold for 8,500gns Bottom right column: The Reserve Junior Champion and the top priced Charolais bull was Hamish Goldie GOLDIES CHAMPION Bottom left column. The Female Champion was Harold Stubb’s DERRYHARNEY BETHANY selling for 3,800gns to Jenny Rix 7

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

Mr Jeffrey invested some of the takings by bidding 8,500gns for Balnuith Carvalho TI 36, SRI 42. This 19 month old by Balmyle Victor and out of a Balthayock Lombardo sired homebred dam was the sole entry from Neil and Sandra Caul, Liff, Dundee.

7,500gns Blackford Clansman, an 18 month old first class prize winner by Burradon Talisman and out of a Thrunton bred cow by Haymount Jetstream. He went home with Hamish MacKellar to run with his 90 cow suckler herd at Dallas, Forres.

A total of eight lots came under the hammer sold for 7,500gns. First in the ring was Esgob Campbell TI 28, SRI 35, a 17 month old by the 18,000gns Thrunton Virginian, a Burradon Talisman son and out of a homebred dam from Gareth Jones’ 30 cow herd based at Cwmtirmynach, Bala. The buyer was Donald Finlay and Sons, Stirling. Campbell who was placed second in his class 24 hours earlier, was another entry to have already stolen the limelight; at the Royal Welsh Show he secured the junior male, male and overall breed champion, the junior interbreed championship and he teamed up with his paternal sister to stand reserve in the pairs championship.

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

Alasdair Houston’s (Gretna Green) highest entry at 7,500gns was Gretnahouse Calypso TI 27, SRI 36, an 18 month old by Burradon Talisman and out of a homebred cow by Oldstone Egbert. The buyers were A and H Sim and Son, Monymusk, Inverurie.

BLELACK CANASTA was another bull to sell for 9,000gns to Messrs Walton of Flotterton The day’s third and final 9,000gns call was commanded by Blelack Canasta TI 28, SRI 33, the leading entry from father and son team, Neil and Graeme Massie, Blelack, Aboyne. This 18 month old was by the 26,000gns Balbithan Vespasian and out of a homebred dam by Blelack Roger. He was knocked down sold to Frank Walton, Thropton, Morpeth. Another Vespasian son, this time Blelack Commando TI 32, SRI 37, made 7,000gns to AH Fisher, Portpatrick, Stranraer and WD Adams and Son, Wigtown.

The much admired junior champion, Killadeas Charade attracted 8,500gns, one of the day’s final calls, and made jointly by Kincraigie Farms, Lumphanan, Banchory and Nether Balfour Farms, Drumoak, Banchory.

This 15 moth old youngster bred and exhibited by father and son team, Stuart and David Bothwell was by Dunlon Ulick and out of Killadeas Novelty, a member of their 35 cow herd who is full sister to Killadeas Original, Jack and Legend. Charade was among the Bothwell’s highly successful show team at Fintona where has was placed reserve intermediate champion.

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

Tedd Commander commanded the day’s second 8,000gns bid from JJ Gordon, Wellheads, Huntly. A 16 month old whose homebred dam went back to Doonally New, Commander was the sole entry from S Hunter, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh.

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

Also at 9,000gns KERSKNOWE CHIEF to Messrs Jack, Woodend Elrick Cassius TI 29, SR 34, an 18 month old Blelack Roger son and out of a Blelack cow by Thrunton Damien made 7,000gns to J Morris and Son, Easington, Aylesbury. A second class prize winner, Cassius was bred and exhibited by Michael Massie, Auchnagatt, Ellon.

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

A bid of 7,000gns secured Woodpark Cain for 8

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008

Fiona Wight (left foreground) keeps a close safe eye on her husband

The judge Colin Wight carefully checks his cattle

P R E S E N TAT I O N S

Iain Campbell the Swalesmoor Charolais manager received the Supreme Championship accolades won by SWALESMOOR CUPID. From left to right the judge Colin Wight, the CKD Galbraith sponsor William Jackson. Holding the sash are Fiona Wight, the BCCS Chairman Iain Millar and the BCCS President Peter Vasey

HINDSTONES CRUISER from Willie Whyte followed Swalesmoor Cupid throught the Intermediate section to win the Reserve Supreme Championship. William Jackson from CKD Galbraith and Peter Vasey came forward to give their congratulations

The same team of presenters awarded the Senior Championship awards to Ian Campbell and THRUNTON CAMELOT

The Junior Male Championship was won by David and Stuart Bothwell’s KILLADEAS CHARADE. Along with Peter Vasey is CKD Galbraith’s Simon Brown 9

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008 Talisman.

Next at 3,800gns was the female champion, Derryharney Bethany, a two year old heifer by Derryharney Usher and out of a homebred cow by Oldstone Egbert. Bred and exhibited by Harold Stubbs, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, she sold to John Rix, Nayland, Colchester.

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

BALNUITH CARVALHO was purchased by Messrs Jeffrey (Kerskowe) Fawdon Farms, Powburn, Alnwick. Bred and exhibited by Will Short, Omagh, County Tyronne, Cain was by Rumsden Tsar, out of a Skidoo sired homebred cow, and had been placed first in his class.

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

The female trade on Wednesday 22 October was led at 12,000gns by Dunesk Unesta, one of a draft from Jimmy and Margaret McMillan, Farnell, Brechin to J Price, Staunton-on-Wye, Hereford. This five year old Oldstone Egbert daughter who is one of Scotland’s most highly celebrated show cows, was offered in calf to Burradon Talisman. Unesta’s January born bull, Dunesk Dubai by Brampton Albert sold for 2,200gns to A Taylor, Brindsley, Nottingham.

A cow and calf pair from the same vendors made 4,600gns to WR and M Mill, Westfield, Thurso. Dunesk Octavia, was a 10 year old Seawell Icon daughter while her yearling heifer, Dunesk Cleo was by Shraden

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

Neil Barclay’s top selling bulls was the 8,000gns HARESTONE COUNT TO Caylers Charolais

Another top selling bull from the Campbells was the 8,500gns THRUNTON CONSORT to Messrs Stout of Orkney

Anne MacPherson’s BLACKFORD CHIEFTAIN who sold for 8,000gns 10

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008 LEADING SIRES WITH MINIMUM OF 3 BULLS SOLD TO QUALIFY Bull 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Solwayfirth Union Balbithan Vespasian Burradon Talisman Dingle Hofmeister Inverlochy Resolve Gower Versace Pedr Thumper

Range (gns) 6,800-15,000 3,300-9,000 3,000-9,000 2,600-7,500 2,600-10,000 1,900-6,500 2,400-6,000

No.Sold 4 4 12 3 4 3 4

Average £ 9,922 6,510 6,282 5,810 5,801 5,040 4,515

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Range (gns) H Goldie (Goldies) 3,500-38,000 JHC Campbell& Sons (Thrunton) 3,500-25,000 Swalesmoor Charolais (Swalesmoor) 2,600-12,000 James Jeffrey (Kersknowe) 6,000-9,000 S & D Bothwell (Killadeas) 6,000-8,500 NF Massie & Sons (Blelack) 3,200-9,000 R A Milne (Elgin) 5,000-6,500 MJ Massie (Elrick) 4,200-7,000 NR Barclay (Harestone) 2,500-8,000 W P Bruce (Balmyle) 2,400-10,000

No.Sold 5 6 4 4 3 5 3 3 3 6

Average £ 12,600 11,602 7,770 7,538 7,175 6,279 6,125 6,020 5,950 5,460

BRECON - 9 October Brecon Charolais peak at 4,000gns homebred cow going back to Loganbar Herdsman.

A second 2,000gns bid was made, this time by Messrs Davies, Carmarthen for Oakchurch Commandeur from J Price, Stanton-on-Wye, Hereford. Sired by Tattenhall Impeccable, he was out of a Mowbraypark bred cow by Mowbraypark Paramount.

Averages: six bulls £2,450 Auctioneers: McCartneys Left: The day’s Champion Wesley Commando sold for 3,000gns

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

Leader at 4,000gns was the reserve champion, Gower Cartier, an 18 month old by Mowbraypark Paramount and out of the Royal Welsh female champion, Gower Taffeta, dam of the £10,000 Royal Welsh junior male champion, Gower Armarni.

Bred and exhibited by Richard and Alison Tucker, Gower, Swansea, the buyer was H Morgan, Brecon.

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

The same buyer, JP Wyatt went to 2,000gns for Roger Everall’s (Shrawardine, Shrewsbury), Shraden Bruno, a two year old Shraden Osram son and out of a

Right: Sale leader at 4,000gns was the Reserve Champion, Gower Cartier 11

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008 DUNGANNON - 6 October NI Charolais females peak at 3,500gns Charolais females peaked at 3,500gns in Dungannon on Monday 6 October at the Northern Ireland Charolais Club’s show and sale. Sale leader was Sandelford Tasmin, an Oldstone Egbert daughter sold with her seven month old heifer by the 14,000gns Goldies Usher. Bred by George Henderson, Bushmills the buyer was Vivian McGee, Dungannon.

Another same way bred heifer, this time Sandelford Caprice from George Henderson commanded a 1,900gns bid from Michael Deery, Eglinton.

Heading the heifer trade at 3,200gns was John Erskine’s (Killylea) reserve champion to Brian Byrne, Banbridge.

Dartonhall Bluebell was by the Royal Highland champion, Ashleigh Victor.

Father and son team, Stuart and David Bothwell, Ballinamallard were among the leaders with two heifers. First to go at 2,500gns was Killadeas Bramble, a Doonally New daughter, to Seamus Houston, Strabane.

At 2,100gns Killadeas Betty was knocked down sold to Ian Newell, Portadown. A Clonkeefy MacAuley daughter, she was out of a Brampton Embark sired dam.

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

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

Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers’ Mart

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

First in her class, SANDELFORD CAPRICE from George and Gary Henderson’s herd made 1,900gns

N I Charolais Club Chairman, John McGrath with Harold Stubbs and his 1,600gns class winner, DERRYHARNEY CYNTHIA 12

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008 HAMILTON’ S REDUCTION SALE - 6 November Hamilton females peak at 2,800gns Firm Charolais demand underpinned by commercial sector Mowbraypark Napolean, made 2,100gns to Simon Bostock, South Littleton, Worcester. The three year old Antoinette was sold scanned in calf to Mortimers Rob Roy. The seven year old Guys Sheba, by Mortimers Josh commanded a bid of 2,000gns from LJ and AL Jones, Painscastle. Builth Wells.

Top maiden heifer at 1,500gns was Guys Chelsea, a 21 month old by Burradon Talisman who sired the 55,000gns Perth supremo, Thrunton Voldemort.

Chelsea whose damline went back to Blelack Greylag travelled home with PJ Thornley, Llandeilo.

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

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

The day’s leader at 2,800gns was Hamilton Vogue, a four year old by Marwood Pedro and out of a homebred cow by Mowbraypark Napolean. She was no stranger to the ring having secured the interbreed title at the Three Counties Show earlier this season. Scanned in calf to Mortimers Rob Roy, she was knocked down sold to James and Vanessa Webb, and joins their Rushfield herd, based at Billesdon, Leicester.

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

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

Averages: 11 cows with calves at foot or in calf £1,756.36; five in calf heifers £1,092; seven maiden heifers £909; seven bulls £1,830.

Auctioneers: UA and Ross-on-Wye Livestock Market

BCCS MEMBERS OFFICIAL HERD SIGN (Available only to registered breeders) Delivery will be effected within 8 weeks of order. 24” wide X 21” deep. Vacuum formed durable signs. Lettering in Navy Blue on White background. The Charolais colour motif.

The sign may be mounted on a metal bracket as illustrated. (which is an optional extra) Prices: (Inc. of carriage) SINGLE SIDED SIGN, Plywood backed and framed £100.00 + VAT DOUBLE SIDED SIGN. Plywood backed and framed £110.00 + VAT DOUBLE SIDED PLUS BRACKET (as illustrated) £150.00 + VAT

The Charolais motif is standard. Members names and prefixes will be individual to each sign.

Orders may only be placed through the Society office

PRIVATE BREEDNG WARRANTIES All pedigree cattle sold under the auspices of their respective Breed Society at Official Sales are covered by the terms and conditions of the NBA Breeding Warranties that afford protection to buyers and sellers alike. The NBA Private Breeding Warranty affords better protection to sellers to use in Private Sales by individual Breed Society. The current price is just £10 for bulls and £5 for females. (The price is reduced for books of 10) However, they are not well used, not because they don’t work but because many breeders are unaware of their existence. Consequently, the Pedigree Committee of the NBA has been asked to highlight the advantages of using them. For example, the purchaser shall have no right to claim damages from the vendor in respect of cosequential loss (there has been a recent award of £32,000 for consequential loss in respect of a bull sold for only £2,000 which was not covered by an NBA warranty).

For further information contact the NBA at www.nationalbeefassociation.com or telehone 01684 565442.

13

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008 WELSHPOOL - 13 November Commercial demand drives Welshpool Charolais to 5.400gns Suckler men fuelled a solid trade for Charolais bulls in Welshpool on Thursday 13 November at the breed society’s official autumn show and sale, where bidding peaked at 5,400gns and 40 lots sold to average £2,626 accompanied by a 75% clearance.

“This event was the busiest ever at the centre; the ringside was heaving, averages were up £400 a head on the year and we sold 30% more bulls,” commented BCCS’s David Benson. “Trade certainly reflected the fact that Charolais sired calves are consistently commanding premiums this season on a weight for age basis, over all other suckled calves. Furthermore, it was worth noting that this was the first sale in Welshpool since HCC’s three year Welsh Beef Quality Improvement Project and its accompanying support package came to an end.”

Sale leader at 5,400gns was Brynffanigl Cannon, a 19 month old from Bob Roberts, Brynffanigl Uchaf, Abergele. A Mowbraypark Urban son and out of a dam bred from homebred lines, the buyer was G Jones, Llanrwst, Conwy.

Next at 4,400gns was Esgob Crackerjack, an April 2007 born entry from Gareth Jones, Cwmtirmynach, Bala to WO Jones, Criccieth. Earlier on in the day Crackerjack had been awarded the overall reserve championship by judge, Ben Harman who described him as ‘genuinely classy’. “He is another wonderful bull by the 18,000gns Thrunton Virginian who is leaving that consistent quality.” Virginian is by Burradon Talisman, sire of the 55,000gns Perth supremo Thrunton Voldemort.

Mr Harman went on to find his supreme championship in the 19 month old Bailea Crosby who was bred and exhibited by Brian Jones, Heol Senni, Brecon. “While there was little between the bulls in the final line up, Crosby was bang on 12 o’clock for this event,” said Mr Harman. “He was full of meat, he had scale, an outstanding spring of rib, and he was beautifully presented.” Sired by Suzeringie and out of a homebred cow going back to Gower lines, Crosby sold for 4,000gns to IW Roberts, Dolgwyddelan, Conwy.

Two more lots were knocked down sold for 4,000gns each. First class prize winner, Trefaldwyn Celtic, a May 2007 born entry by Burradon Talisman made 4,000gns to local producer, RT Jones, Dolanog, Welshpool.

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

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

Another Rollerball son from the same stable, this time the 22 month old Hendy Count, made 3,200gns to Messrs Edwards, Manafon, Welshpool.

The day’s second 3,600gns call came from IW Roberts, Dolgwyddelan, Conwy for Maerdy Canada, an April 2007 born entry from Flintshire vet, Esmor Evans, Mold. Canada was by Maerdy Padirac and out of a homebred cow by Maerdy Grimaldi. Later on the same vendor offered at 3,000gns the June 2007 born Maerdy Crown, bred from homebred bloodlines, to RNI Waters, Clun, Craven Arms.

The female trade was topped at 1,850gns by Gaer Ophelia, a 10 year old Maerdy Iceman daughter from TE Jones, Welshpool. Ophelia was sold with her July born twin bulls calves at foot, Gaer Diplomat and Gaer Duke, by Kilcullen Ted, sire of Doonally New. The buyer was Peter Darlington, Minshull Vernon, Crewe.

Averages: 40 bulls £2,626.35; 10 females £1,401.75.

Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales

Supreme Champion, BAILEA CROSBY made 4,000gns

Reserve Champion, ESGOB CRACKERJACK at 4,400gns 14

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008 PRE SALE CHECKS To avoid the disappointment of having cattle rejected at the pre-sale inspections, members should carry out the following checks before consigning Charolais cattle to the Sales.

1.

Check the I.D and documentation is correct

2.

Check the dentition is correct and the incisor teeth are biting on the upper pad.

3.

In the case of the bulls, check testicles are firm and even sized and comply with the following minimum scrotal circumferences: 13-18 months - 34-36cm 18-24 months - 36-38cm >24 months - >38cm

Sale leader, BRYNFFANIGL CANNON at 5,400gns

4.

Check the animals are free from warts (pay particular attention to the sheath and scrotal area) ringworm, mange and other 365 days530 kgs 585 days798 kgs infectious or 370 537 590 803 contagious 375 544 595 809 380 551 600 814 diseases.

5.

Check the animal’s feet and legs are sound and the general locomotion is satisfactory.

6. *All bulls must be halter-led and 13 months or over on the day of the Sale.

TREFALDWYN CELTIC sold for 4,000gns

7.

Check the animals are of good conformation and in good condition and meet the minimum weight for age standard as per the following chart.

Bull Weight for Age Guidelines

MOELFRE CHIEF at 4,000gns 15

385 390 395 400 405 410 415 420 425 430 435 440 445 450 455 460 465 470 475 480 485 490 495 500 505 510 515 520 525 530 535 540 545 550 555 560 565 570 575 580

558 565 572 579 586 592 599 605 612 618 625 631 638 644 650 656 662 668 674 680 686 692 698 704 710 715 721 726 732 737 743 748 754 759 765 770 776 781 787 792

605 610 615 620 625 630 635 640 645 650 655 660 665 670 675 680 685 690 695 700 705 710 715 720 725 730 735 740 745 750 755 760 765 770 775 780 785 790 795 800

819 824 829 834 839 844 849 854 859 864 869 874 879 884 889 894 899 904 909 913 918 923 928 933 938 943 948 953 958 963 968 973 978 983 988 993 998 1003 1008 1013

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008 DUNGANNON - 14 November Dungannon Charolais peak at 4,800gns Charolais sold to a top of 4,800gns in Dungannon on Friday 14 November at the NI Club’s autumn show and sale. Event leader was Drumconnis Colossus, a 15 month old Doonally New son who earlier on had been awarded the Junior Championship for John McGrath, Dromore. The buyer was Vivian McGee, Dungannon.

A bid of 3,900gns from Hugh Lennox, Magherafelt secured the Senior Male and Overall Supreme Champion from Paterson Stewart, Omagh. Another Doonally New son, the 19 month old Castlenure Cody was out of a homebred cow by Roundhill Rocky.

Next at 3,800gns was the Reserve Junior Champion, Tonaghmore Moses Irwin exhibits the supreme champion for Patterson Stewart, Charles, a 16 monh old Crannon ‘Vincent Omagh, right. Also included are Cormac McKervey from sponsor, son and out of a Chanterhill bred dam, Ulster Bank and David Bothwell, judge from Harold Crawford, Fintona to Martin Donaghy, Dungannon.

William Nelson, Rosslea carried off the Reserve Dunmore Callum, a 20 month old Goldstar Supreme Championship with yet another Doonally New Vladamir son from Derek Campton, Cookstown secured a son, this time Drumacritten Clementine. A May 2007 2,300gns bid from J McDonnell, Antrim, while later on in born entry, out of a homebred dam by Blelack Leopold, he the day a second 2,300gns for Mountjoy Crusader, a came under the hammer sold for 3,300gns to Andrew June 2007 born Tullygarley Superman son and out of a Gault, Ballyclare. homebred cow by Standsted Gladiator. The buyer was P Two entries shared a 2,600gns price tag. First to Mullan, Garvagh. go was the first class prize winner, Corbally Crackerjack from M Tumelty, Downpatrick to Jonathan Adams, Average: 33 bulls £2,142.00 Magherafelt. This March 2007 born entry was by Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart Oldstone Egbert, and out of a Moorlough Palo sired dam.

The second 2,600gns bid went to C & K Marshalls (Ahoghill), Crosskeys Cashflow, a 14 month old youngster by Doonally New and out of a homebred dam

by Oldstone Egbert.

The buyer was M McNeill, Cushendall.

The junior champion and top priced animal at the Charolais bull show and sale in Dungannon was owned by John McGrath, Dromore and exhibited by Stephen Brown who receives his rosette from Cormac McKervey, Ulster Bank Cormac McKervey, right, from sponsor, Ulster Bank presents the reserve champion rosette to William Nelson, Rosslea. Adding his congratulations is judge, David Bothwell

THE CALF REGISTRATION FEE IS £28.75 INCLUDING VAT 16

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008 CLARIFICATION FOR TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP 1.

PRIVATE SALES OR NON-SOCIETY SALES. If a member sells registered Charolais cattle to another BCCS member, or non member, signature from the vendor authorising the sale is required in order for the office staff to process the transfer of ownership and issue the transfer of ownership pedigree in the new ownership.

Kyra Crawford, Fintona with her father, Harold are congratulated by Cormac McKervey, Ulster Bank and Judge, David Bothwell on winning the reserve junior championship

(Transfer of ownership forms are available free of charge on request from the Society Office) A fee of ÂŁ20 + VAT is payable by the new owner to complete the transfer.

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

2.

TRANFSER OF OWNERSHIP FROM OFFICIAL SOCIETY SALES Cattle purchased from Society Sales will be transferred automatically to the new owners, if they are already members, on receipt of the sale sheets from the BCCS official auctioneers. Non-members will be contacted directly from the Society Office Staff.

Michael Tumelty, Downpatrick with his father, Michael and son, Jack won the class for bulls born between 1 and 14 July 2007

All Cattle sold at Society Sales are transferred free of charge.

LATE REGISTRATIONS The registration period for Charolais calves is within 60 days of the date of birth of a calf.

The Council of Management has passed a bye-law that from 1st January 2004 a late fee of @25 + VAT will be imposed on all calves registered outside the 60 day period.

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

Charolais Breeders will see the benefit of performance recording their cattle. As from 1st April 2007 performance recording was carried out by ABRI. For non-recording members wishing to performance record their cattle please phone Barbara Webster on 01738 622478 17

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008 CARLISLE - 21 November Solid Trade for Carlisle Charolais Bulls to 4,500gns; Cracker females top at 4,400gns Charolais bulls led the trade at 4,500gns in Carlisle on Friday 21 November at the breed society’s autumn show and sale which also featured the annual consignment of Cracker females.

Sale topper at 4,500gns was the day’s reserve male champion, Esgob Cai, a 17 month old who was within the breed’s top 15% with a Self Replacing Index of 32.

Bred and exhibited by Gareth Jones, Cwmtirmynach, Bala, Cai was by the 18,000gns Thrunton Virginian, paternal brother to Thrunton Voldemort who sold the same day in Perth for 55,000gns. Cai was knocked down sold to VS Allgood, Nunwick, Hexham.

Next in the bull section at 3,800gns was Moelfre Commando, a 19 month old second class prize winner by Gretnahouse Vigorous and out of a Thrunton bred cow by Mortimers Politician.

ESGOB CAI the Reserve Male Champion from Gareth Jones Bred and exhibited by Kevin Thomas, who was the top priced bull sold at 4,500gns was making a 600 mile round trip from Newcastle Emlyn, Commando continued to travel north out of a homebred cow going back to Killadeas Lloyd from with his buyers, P and M Watson, Durris, Kincardine, the Barker family, Nuthampstead, Royston to WJF Vance, Aberdeenshire.

Whithorn, Newton Stewart.

Two more Vigorous sons from Kevin Thomas Next at 2,500gns was Hackleton Chieftain, were knocked down sold at 2,500gns each to the same another 21 month old this time by Kilcullen Ted and out of buyer, Westcott Farms, Brentor, Tavistock. First was the a homebred cow going back to Lendor lines. Bred by April 2007 born Moelfre Comet who was out of a Hackleton Farms, Hackleton, Northampton, the buyers Mowbraypark bred cow by Mowbraypark Paramount. were IHW and JE Bothwell, Patna, Ayr. Later in the day, Westcott Farms secured Moelfre Shraden Concorde, a May 2007 born entry from Colorado, a June 2007 born entry out of a homebred Roger Everall, Shrawardine, Shrewsbury was secured for Moelfre cow going back to Allanfauld and Moyness lines.

2,500gns by S and E Mair, Waterbeck, Lockerbie. Sired by Vanessa Vasey, Wetheral, Carlisle offered Border the 10,000gns Inverlochy Topsire, Concorde was out of a Centurian at 3,500gns to MR McCornick, Kirkcowan, homebred dam going back to Balthayock Matthew.

Newton Stewart. Centurian was a 17 month old by Heading the Cracker section at 4,400gns was the Edenhurst Titus, while his homebred dam went back to reserve female champion Mowbraypark Crystal who Oldstone Egbert. was within the breed’s top 15% with a Self Replacing Another Welsh bred bull making a successful Index of 35. Bred and exhibited by Mike and Margaret journey from Wales to Carlisle was the second class prize Atkinson, Kirkby Malzeard, Ripon, this 21 month old winner, Hendy Celt, an April 2007 born Tullygarley maiden was by Inverlochy Topsire and out of a homebred Rollerball son and out of a homebred dam by Doonally cow by Mowbraypark Paramount. The buyer was FE New. Bred and exhibited by Wyn and Diane Rees, Hoad, High Blantyre, Lanark.

Llangurig, Llanidloes, he was purchased for 3,000gns by At 3,500gns, the Boden and Davies partnership, HG Graham, Chapelknowe, Canonbie.

Mellor, Stockport secured Trefonnen Caroline, a March A bid of 2,800gns secured Bleasdale Colorado 2007 born Burradon Talisman daughter and out of a for JB Paterson, Amisfield, Dumfries. Another 19 month, homebred cow from Mr and Mrs Roy Hughes, Trefonen, Colorado was by a Doonally New, and he was offered by Oswestry. the Kelsall and Marsden partnership, Goosnargh, The fixture featured a collective sale of females Preston. which was topped by a couple of cow and calf pairs from Three more lots were bid to 2,500gns a piece.

Tom Cox, Great Longstone, Bakewell. First at 4,500gns to First to go was the 21 month old Caylers Columbus, a CH and GA McDowell, Billesdon, Leicester was Bleaklow first class prize winner by the 15,000gns Burradon Solitaire, a seven year old by Baggrave Minstrel sold with Talisman, sire of the 55,000gns Thrunton Voldemort and one of her March born twin heifers at foot, Bleaklow 18

SALE REPORTS AUTUMN 2008 Dawn by Allanfauld Superscot.

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

Andrew Sellick, Williton, Taunton went to 3,300gns for Robbie and Kathleen Jackson’s (Seaville, Silloth) Seaville Vanity, a four year old by the 12,000gns reserve Perth champion Mowbraypark Northend sold with her rising 12 month old bull, Seaville Countess by Burradon Talisman.

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

MOWBRAYPARK CRYSTAL from Mike and Margaret Atkinson was the Reserve Champion female in the Cracker section, and sold for 4,400gns

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington

Tom Cox sold 6 lot’s to average £2,677.50 to a top price of 4,500gns for BLEAKLOW SOLITAIRE and her heifer calf BLEAKLOW DAWN

MOELFRE COMMANDO from Kevin Thomas sold for 3,800gns

High Health Status Herds

SEMEN ROYALTY FEES

For those Charolais members requiring information on joining a CHeCS approved Cattle Health Scheme, the details for the three available schemes are as follows: HERD CARE Tel: Fax: Email: Web site:

Please note that Semen Royalty Fees should now be sent into the office along with the registration fee for the relevant calf.

0131 445 6294 0131 445 6102 david@biobest.co.uk www.herdcare.com

A list of Semen Royalty Bulls and their fees can be found in your Breeder’s Directory.

HI HEALTH (Scotland only) Tel. & Fax: 01463 811125 Email: info@hi-health.co.uk Web site: hi-health.co.uk

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

PREMIUM CATTLE HEALTH SCHEME Tel: 01835 822456 Fax: 01835 823643 Email: g.caldow@ed.sac.uk Web site: www.cattlehealth.co.uk

19

XXXV WORLD CHAROLAIS CONGRESS XXXV World Charolais Congress 15 – 27 August 2008 A party of 16 British Charolais Cattle Society delegates attended the 2008 World Charolais Congress which was jointly hosted by the Hungarian, Slovakian and Czech Republic Charolais Breeders Organisation. In total, there were approximately 150 overseas delegates from 16 countries, which was regularly supplemented by local breeders at the various events.

HUNGARY 15 – 21 August Following pick-ups at Budapest airport, the opening ceremony was held about two hours drive away in Kecskemet.

As the BCCS delegation were delayed in Budapest airport waiting for other delegates, there was only time for a quick change and then a short walk across a square to a hall The British Charolais Delegates pictured on farm at where the delegates were Marton Bujdoso’s unit welcomed and introduced to the The herd comprised 120 cows and is one of only officials of the three hosting herd books. Following a seven “stock herds” of the Hungarian Charolais Cattle typical Hungarian supper, entertainment was provided by Breeders which are allowed to sell breeding bulls. local musicians and dancers in traditional costume.

16 August A 7.30 a.m. start was scheduled to take in three Charolais herds. The first was at Kunadacs where a pure-bred Charolais herd grazed, what we would call an area of SSI, in the Kikunsag National Park. The grazing was old native grasses and flowers of 230 hectares which flooded in Winter.

The cattle keeper with his German Shepherd Dogs Because the grass is of low quality, the cattle graze extensively and because the area is not fenced, there is a stockman with two German Shepherd dogs supervising the herd throughout the day. His role is two fold. Firstly, to herd the cattle within the boundaries of the park, and, secondly, to protect the herd from poaching. At night the herd is contained behind an electric fence.

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

Bill Dunlop and some of the International delegates holding court at Trojmeji 20

XXXV WORLD CHAROLAIS CONGRESS

Charolais judging underway in Lajosmigne Hungarian Grey X Charolais Cattle at Kunadacs Hungary over recent years. To such an extent that semen from his polled bull, Zart Szallo, had been introduced into the Charolais Expansion polled breeding programme in France.

The land at Lajosmigne is light and sandy, and apart from the cattle, he grows 20 hectares of paprika together with orchards of sour cherry, apricot, Japanese plum and cherry which are used to make the 41째 Palinka spirit which was served up each morning to prepare the delegates for the long day ahead. This herd visit, and the hospitality given, was of the highest standard.

Dinner and entertainment in the evening was provided at the Tanyacsarda Equestrian Park.

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

The final herd visit in the afternoon was at the farm of the then Charolais International president, and Chairman of the Congress Organising Committee, Mr Marton Bujdoso at Lajosmizse, near Bartal.

The Charolais Ltd herd was founded in 1981 and now numbers 460 cows and followers to give in excess of 1,100 cattle. Marton was the first Hungarian Charolais breeder to introduce polled Charolais genetics into his herd from North America. This Charolais herd has been the most successful breeding and showing herd in

Hungarian Grey Cattle in the World Heritage site at Hortobagy Marton Bujdoso, the then World Charolais President addressed the delgates during his farm visit

Hungarian Horseman

Charolais bulls at Charolais Ltd 21

XXXV WORLD CHAROLAIS CONGRESS

An oxen drawn cart 17th August Coach transfer was from Kecksemit back to Lajosmigne where the programme was split between a cattle show and the official delegates attending the Charolais International Annual General Meeting, together with receiving several presentations on cattle breeding in the three countries from distinguished speakers.

At the AGM, Bill Dunlop was elected as the Charolais International President to coincide with Australia holding the 2009 Charolais Technical Meeting at Rockhampton and to coincide with the tri-annual Beef Expo event. Bill is no stranger to Charolais, having been

The Abauji Charolais heifers grazing rolling wold land associated with the breed for almost 40 years. He is still as enthusiastic about Charolais as he was in those early days and will make an excellent ambassador for the breed.

18th August A 6.30a.m. start with a boxed breakfast on the coach headed off to Hortobagy National Park which, at 82,000 hectares, is the largest continuous grassland area in Europe. To break the journey, a visit was made to an organic grain drying plant.

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

The delegates gather round at Homgogd-Dichaza

A Charolais show was laid on at Abauji

22

XXXV WORLD CHAROLAIS CONGRESS left: Gyorgy Osvay manager of the Szerencs Agricultrual plc below: Charolais cattle with the Tokaj hills in the background

The square in Bratislava Charolais herd was called Abauji Charolais and was formerly the state farm Szikszo, which was visited twenty years ago during the 1988 World Charolais Convention.

Initially, a herd of Hereford cows was imported from the UK but was replaced by the more highly productive Charolais cattle. This farm was the first farm to import cattle into Hungary from France in 1978. A.I. for easy calving is used on heifers, and A.I. is used for two cycles on the cow herd which calves primarily from 1st December up to 30th April, with about 10% of the cows calving in August and September. Following the second cycle, two bulls are turned out with about 60 cows and the resultant calves are DNA tested for proof of sire.

to visit examples of wild pigs and water buffalo. There was also an exhibition of the traditional Hungarian horsemen, and a team of six oxen pulling a cart. The overnight stay was in Lillafured.

19th August The delegates departed for a most interesting day to visit two huge farming enterprises. The first was at Homrogd-Dichaza. This 5,000 hectare unit was on undulating land, similar to wolds. Seventy two people were employed there between the large arable enterprise and the Charolais herd which consisted of 320 cows and followers, together with a commercial Charolais cross-bred herd of 220 Charolais sired cows. The

Charolais bull demonstration at Nitra About 40 bulls are sold for breeding and the resultant bulls and cull heifers, are fattened to 600-700 kgs and exported to the Italian and Greek markets.

The second farm visit to Szerencs Agricultural plc, was a huge set-up with various highly efficient enterprises.

We were greeted by the managing director, Gyorgy Osvay, who was the manager of the company when it was state owned. The area of the farm took in fourteen villages and, apart from the 400 Charolais cow herd, had a milking herd herd of 850 dairy cows. There were 5,300 hectares of arable crops, 1,200 sows producing 26k-27k slaughter pigs per annum. A poultry enterprise was

Iain Millar presented Marton Bujdoso and Zoltan Domokos with a gift from the BCCS, during dinner on a Danube cruise to celebrate St Stephen’s day 23

XXXV WORLD CHAROLAIS CONGRESS

Charolais cattle grazing a reclaimed site following open cast coal mining at Sokolovska Uhelna Istvan was thanked for the hospitality shown by the Slovakian Charolais Breeders by Iain Millar, and the Charolais International President Bill Dunlop

21st August After a morning sightseeing tour of Budapest (which has Buda in the North and Pest, the flatter area of the South, split by the Danube), the delegation set off for the Slovak city of Bratislava, again situated on the River Danube.

Bratislava is an ancient, beautiful city, combining its heritage with a vibrant modern city which is well worth a visit.

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

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

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

Following the farm visits, dinner – along with wine tasting – was taken in the tunnels of the famous Tokaj wine producing, volcanic area.

22nd August The Slovakian Charolais breeders, under the chair of Istvan Pomichal, now led the delegation to a welcome at the Agroinstitute in the city of Nitra. There followed a show of Charolais cattle at the Agrokomplex Fairground.

20th August There were two options. The first was a 5.30 a.m. start to visit the Flower Carnival in Debrecen, which was most impressive, with beautifully decorated floats followed by musicians and dancers. The second was a more leisurely start for a free day in Budapest. All the delegates joined up in Budapest for an evening boat cruise on the Danube to enjoy a dinner and fireworks display to celebrate St Stephen’s Day. St Stephen was the first King of Hungary, and on the 20th August each year there is a National Bank Holiday in celebration of the king.

Hotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, the casino setting for ‘Casino Royale’ The Showground was a huge area, similar in size to the Royal Showground. Local breeds of horses, cattle and sheep were displayed, together with an exhibition of Charolais and Charolais cross-bred cattle. Following the show, a memorable evening was enjoyed at the Malanta Castle, where dinner and entertainment, by musicians and dancers in local costume, was provided.

Charolais cattle at Trojmeji 24

XXXV WORLD CHAROLAIS CONGRESS market, with a few retained for breeding. Yet another interesting visit which was well hosted, and well received by the delegates.

The Gala Dinner was held that evening in the Hotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary. This was a memorable evening in a remarkable setting, made famous for being the setting of the opening scenes in the James Bond film, Casino Royale. At this event, the usual tributes were made, and a presentation was made by the American International Charolais Association to invite Charolais breeders from around the world to visit the XXXVI World Charolais Congress to be held in Texas in the Spring of 2010.

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

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

24th August The Czech Republic Charolais breeders’ chairman was Milan Strudl, who was responsible for a 330 Charolais cow herd at Sokolovska Uhelna. The company, with 4,700 employees, is the largest company in the Karlovy Vary region.

Open cast coal mining in a 50 sq.km site is the prime business. The mines are then back filled to produce forestry, grassland and recreational activities. It is on 450 hectares of the reclaimed pasture that the Charolais herd grazes. This herd represents the largest Charolais herd in the Czech Republic. After a tour of the herd, lunch was taken in the golf course clubhouse which had also been constructed on part of the open cast site.

26th August was the penultimate day for the BCCS delegates with the delegates visiting a brand new performance test station at Cunkov. There was a demonstration of Charolais cattle which were to be auctioned after lunch. The cattle were bred primarily from Charolais Expansion bloodlines, with a few polled cattle on offer.

There was an overnight stay in Prague with a free evening to take in the beautiful buildings and bridges which make Prague such a “must see” venue.

In summary, the Congress was most enjoyable, despite some long coach journeys which lasted up to seven hours! Our hosts were most welcoming, the standard of Charolais cattle were generally high, and of a functional nature. They were basically white suckler cows, with the top end used for breeding, and the rest very good commercial feeding cattle. The cities of Budapest, Bratislava and Prague are all modern, vibrant western cities which are well worth a visit.

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

In the Czech Republic, they had improved their calving ease from 82% calving with no assistance, or slight assistance, in 1993 to 97.7% in three generations up to 2007.

Over the same period, the yearling average weight had improved from 486 kgs for bulls to 540 kgs.

The quote of the Congress had to be that

25th August We travelled to the western part of the Czech Republic to visit another large farming operation at Trozmeji, managed by Milan Zahradnik. We visited three farms, which totalled 1,300 hectares. The farms were at an altitude of 600m and had an annual rainfall of 800mm.

The second unit was only 300 metres from the old West German border and, during the Iron Curtain days, would no doubt have been well policed.

Originally, Aberdeen Angus cattle grazed the farm, but in 2003, when the new owner took control, the Aberdeen Angus cattle were replaced by Charolais because, in their words, ‘Charolais respond to market requirements better than the other breeds on a long term basis’. The Charolais herd was based on French imports and numbers approximately 400 cows and rising. The majority of the bulls are sold into the Italian finishing

“CHAROLAIS RESPONDS TO MARKET REQUIREMENTS BETTER THAN THE OTHER BREEDS ON A LONG-TERM BUSINESS”

The last evening was held in the square in Prague 25

CHAROLAIS CATTLE AND AD LIB FEEDING ACHIEVE TOP PERFORMANCE AT CULFORK With price penalties for carcases weighing over Charolais cross cattle, carefully selected for conformation 420kg and the ending of the Beef Special Premium and growth potential, achieve top performance and hit the Scheme, the emphasis at Culfork is now on heifers rather top grade virtually every time for brothers, Gordon, than steers.

Stewart and Dougie Walker at Culfork, Alford, And the adoption of a Total Mixed Ration to Aberdeenshire. replace the previous silage and barley regime, has “No other breed can match the performance and allowed throughput to be increased by a third with no weight gain of the Charolais,” says Stewart, who runs the increase in overheads, except for 530-acre farming enterprise with the acquisition of a second-hand Gordon, while Dougie works fullmixer wagon. time with Aberdeen and Northern “The job is easier as we are now Marts. feeding only once a day compared And most farmers would be with twice previously and the cattle envious of the grading sheets from are performing well on an ad lib Mathers (Inverurie) Ltd which show diet,” says Gordon. that of the 219 cattle slaughtered so The ration, devised by Harbro far this year, no fewer than 208 sales specialist, David MacKenzie, have classified U for conformation comprises silage plus a mix of and three have even made the rare barley, Invercrombies (wheat dark E classification with only eight grains), molasses, and an 18% classifying R and none falling into protein Grampian blend with the lower categories. Average minerals and Yea-Sacc to aid rumen carcase weight was just over 400kg. digestion. This is fed at a low barley A snapshot of one group of inclusion rate initially which is home-bred cattle saw 48 steers The Walker brothers, left, quickly stepped up within a few killing-out at 437kg deadweight at Stewart and Gordon days. No problems with bloat or 21 months with all but five achieving laminitis have been encountered. Silage is made available U grade and 41 heifers tipping the scales at 373kg at 19 at two bales per week between 40 animals. Yearling months of age and all but eight hitting U. home-bred cattle receive Harbro’s Cattle 35 concentrate “With a premium of 6p/kg for U grade compared over the first winter. with R, it pays to make sure you get as many as possible Target weight gain is 1.7kg/day and feed cost into the higher category,” says Stewart, who admits he works out at £1.72 per kg of liveweight gain. keeps cattle a month longer to make sure they hit the top “The cattle never stand still as you just can’t afford grades. to have them go through a store “But we seldom get period,” says Stewart. “You’ve got anything grading higher than 4H for to keep them moving to achieve fat cover and keeping them a little high weight gain and get them bit longer ensures a better killingaway as quickly as possible.” out percentage,” he points out.

Health is also vitally important to The key to achieving this ensure good performance and all high level of performance is the use cattle are vaccinated for worms, of superior Charolais sires in their fluke and pneumonia at housing. own herd of 110 cows, most of Quality has always been the which are Simmental cross with a name of the game at Culfork and few Limousin cross, and the careful cattle from the farm used to do selection of Charolais cross stores, well when shown at Thainstone most of which are sourced either in Centre or in carcase shows.

Orkney or at Thainstone Centre.

Stores are now purchased all the “Buying the cattle right is An impressive group of finished Charolais cross bulls ready for slaughter year round and fast-finished over important,” says Stewart. “We try to three or four months. buy cattle with a bit of potential and outcome and not too “Ad lib feeding has certainly helped us achieve lean. Cattle that will go on and grow quickly from the day better performance and increase our annual throughput they come home.” by a third,” says Gordon. “We are achieving a satisfactory And the Walker’s don’t scrimp on buying the best margin at present but, with costs increasing all the time, it when it comes to selecting stock bulls for their own herd. is absolutely vital that returns for finished cattle remain at One of the current stock bulls, Clinterty Uranium, by the least around the present level.”

French sire, Jumper, bred by Brian Buchan, Clinterty, New Stewart enjoys nothing better than sitting in his Aberdour, was purchased at Perth for 7500gns and the front room of a summer evening watching his cattle graze other, Balthayock Reuben, by Dingle Hofmeister, bred by contentedly. Little wonder that he has named his house Major D H Walter, Balthayock, Perth, cost 5000gns when “Charolais View”! purchased at the Conglass suckler herd dispersal at Thainstone Centre.

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WHY DO SOME CATTLE PERFORM BETTER THAN OTHERS? ....................the answer lies in the genes If you buy in store cattle to finish, then using your eye to sift through the good, the bad and the indifferent may be a relatively straightforward process, however have you actually considered what’ s ‘ under their skin’ and these beasts real genetic potential?

“It’s those higher levels of performance which Making a conscious decision to purchase store cattle have been consistent throughout the group that really sired by a high genetic merit Charolais bull is a newly matters. However, there’s always the exceptional one or adopted strategy that is paying dividends for the Dore two in any group, and in this particular instance we family, who finish 600 head of bought in cattle each year. recorded one bull achieving “We had no idea of the varying 526.8kg deadweight in 480 days degrees of potential performance from birth to slaughter and a daily within store beasts until last year when carcass gain 1.098kgs, and he we bought some cattle sired by high classified U+4L. genetic merit bulls. They really opened “Furthermore, being able to take my eyes to the fact here was an the bulls through to heavier opportunity to exploit potential weights, and still grade within our performance that we’ve never been target specification has able to achieve before,” according to introduced us to an option of Alan Dore. markets. This season we sold the Twelve months ago he entire packet of bulls to Kepak – purchased 56, seven month old bulls we received a flat rate payment, for finishing purposes from the same plus premium according to grid suckler herd, and they were all by specification, and the vast Charolais bulls within the breed’s top majority were traded on for export.

10% on Terminal Index. They went on “These cattle had also been IBR to average 438kg deadweight in 447 vaccinated and wormed prior to days from birth to slaughter and Alan Dore purchase which was of major recorded an average lifetime daily benefit to the extent that literally100% remained healthy carcass gain 0.98kgs; seven graded within the E throughout the finishing period.” specification, 46 U and three R, while one was in fat class On arrival to Home Farm, the weaned calves 2; 38 in fat class 3 and 17 in fat class 4L. averaging seven months old, are introduced to straw “This season, we’ve purchased another crop of bedded yards and a 16% CP diet comprising grass silage bulls and also heifer calves from the same suckler herd, supplemented with home grown barley and bought in and this time they’re by Charolais bulls within the breed’s proteins. Approximately top 1% on Terminal Index. We’re confident that one tonne barley is fed they have the potential to achieve even higher per head over the levels of performance so we’re feeding them finishing period. harder from the start and intend to reduce the He adds: “We would like bulls’ days to slaughter by four weeks and hit to find more suckled 440kg at just under 14 months, while we plan to calves bred by producers take the heifers through to an average 320kg who are aware of the target weight at 14 months.” benefits of using high The Dores, Alan, his brother, John and genetic merit sires over their respective wives, Kathleen and Jane run a their cows to leave these traditional arable beef finishing enterprise at high performance calves.

Home Farm, an 860 acre owner occupied mixed In fact, it would be of unit, at Glapwell, Mansfield, comprising benefit to the entire Continental cross cattle bought in marts or industry if all suckler men privately via an agent or at the farm gate.

Calves by top 10% TI selected their bulls more “We target bulls to finish between 360kg Charolais sires carefully. and 420kg deadweight and for them all to grade “I also think it would help the industry if suckled within the 3,4L specification,” he says. “However, we calf producers communicated to us finishers, either at the found this particular batch of Charolais cross bulls was ringside, from the rostrum or at the farm gate, the genetic exceptional. Their growth rate was phenomenal, both potential of their calves. If they use a performance frame and muscling, compared with other Continental recorded registered bull, then they will have the tools to cattle we had previously accessed. In fact they’ve out hand as far as his EBV data is concerned. In turn, those performed any other crosses we’ve ever reared before in figures help us make more informed decisions on our terms of weight gain combined with grading within the purchases to select the cattle with the highest potential target specification. I also believe that performance was performance and in turn, the highest margins.” enhanced by the fact Charolais crosses are relatively very placid and content.

27

CHAROLAIS DOWN UNDER by Sam Milne As the Charolais breed continues to prove itself to be the profitable option for commercial and stud breeding in the UK, the demand for efficient growth rates, optimal conformation scorings and superb muscling and finishing ability is mirrored on the other side of the globe in Australia, where I have spent the last five months working with the premier stud herd in the country ‘ Palgrove Charolais’ .

Originally founded in 1970 by Peter Bondfield, the Palgrove herd was amongst the first to import and utilize British genetic lines sourced through the Milk Marketing Board UK, in an attempt to introduce a new era into the Australian beef production industry, which up until this time had predominantly Hereford, Angus, Brahman, and Drought master breeding bases. Since then David and Prue Bondfield (current stud owners), have strived to drive the breed forward and widen the appeal to both commercial and stud producers alike.

A c r o s s approximately 5000 hectares Stockman Russell (spread up and down the fertile Queensland east coast), the herd incorporates 1500 breeding females, 1000 of which are registered pure. Embryo transplant programs run through out the year, utilizing 350-400 recipient females of varying cross breeding, and this practice allows the precise targeting and phenotype matching to ensure the main breeding objectives are achieved within the system, “To produce genetically reliable beef cattle, demonstrating high fertility, above average growth rates without surrendering calving ease and demonstrating optimal muscling and finishing ability” As you can imagine with vast numbers and extensive country, a busy schedule is always on the agenda at Palgrove. On arrival to Australia at the beginning of February, preparation for the annual female sale in March was well underway. Single vendor sales (where the proprietor of the animals to be sold employs selling agents to market and sell the cattle on property), are common in Australia as they provide the prime opportunity for the stud not only to promote their product in terms of evenness across the herd but also opens the market and allows “an opportunity for long term investment in quality bloodlines in outstanding cattle”.

Palgrove Charolais pioneered the idea of holding a female sale in 2005 (sale average 05. $5830 over 204 lots), and since then rising affluence of the breed has resulted in continual success and ever increasing averages. To see an in calf donor cow sold for $70,000 at a single vendor sale held in the farms own sale ring was definitely a sight to see!

Brunton herding Charolais cows and calves Palgrove “All Stars” Female Sale average. 2007 * 52 Heifers $3442 25 Cows and Calves $9280 * 40 In Calf Heifers $6388 10 Donor Cows $15,800 * 22 Show prospect Heifers $10,447 38 In Calf Cows $4803 * 15 Recipient Cows $4167 Overall Sale Average $6618 —————— Overall Sale Gross $1, 3000 00 Embryo Transplant programs are frequently utilized within the herd and the March program incorporated 23 donor cows flushed to pre selected A.I bulls. As with any embryo work, great care is taken to ensure a good flush result is achieved in order to justify the financial outlay of the process. It is therefore vitally important to take into close consideration the correct male to female phenotype matching, ensuring that the calf produced has the best possible genetic make up of both the sire and the dam. To widen the genetic pool in the herd and supply the variety required for such procedures, David has sourced A.I sires worldwide (New Zealand, Ireland, America and the U.K).

Results from E.T are never 100% guaranteed but when the going is good it certainly pays off with the draft of 11 special E.T heifers at the female sale averaging $11000 and topping at $33,000.

Preparation for the yearly bull sale in August is underway from April with the top end of approximately 600 bull calves weaned returning to the main finishing unit at “Strathgarve” for initial selection and 28

CHAROLAIS DOWN UNDER by Sam Milne cow and calf and Most Successful Exhibitor for the third processing. Successful calves must demonstrate sound year in a row. structural attributes, soft pliable skin and sleek hair type, As with the sale of any modern day stud prospect, refined lines across the shoulders and a good character of performance figures are an added attraction and give the head. The bull sale incorporates around 180-200 buyer an insight into how the animal is set to perform. In Charolais bulls, including 30 F1 Charolais cross Angus Australia the Breedplan system has been utilized for bulls (ideal for commercial utilization in Australian around 15 years and has proved to work well, however in markets). The sale draft is prepared on grazed forage some cases too much emphasis has been put on oats with supplementary ad lib protein pellets and high producing livestock to achieve optimal performance quality corn and barley silage mixes to maximize growth figures and at the end of the day the guide that they and performance pre sale. This practice is common in provide in relation to how the animal breaks down under a Australia as the ground conditions and growing season skeptical eye proves that they are still merely a rough suit the oat crops which provide an excellent finishing feed estimation. Gene star Ratings are also a common that does not push the animals, and ensure that working performance guide in Australia and this process involves conditions are maintained for the day of sale and beyond. a D.N.A based diagnostic test for major genes associated The most exciting prospect for the 08 sale is the with meat marbling and tenderness. These results are Australian introduction of Bova Sylvain calves. Semen obtained by sampling hair roots, semen or blood and rights purchased from Bova A.I in 2006 has complemented the female line at Palgrove tremendously and returned calves that demonstrate excellent conformation, locomotion, bone and temperament.

In general the Australian type of Charolais is far more refined than their French and British cousins, however the use of bulls such as Ballandalloch U.F.O, Burradon Talisman, Seawell Offshore, Goldies Unbeatable and Bova Sylvain is working tremendously into the system, producing progeny that has a defined selling power and stamps the quality of French and British genetics.

The main show event on the Charolais calendar every year is the David Bondfield and Sam Milne showing the Supreme Champion Brisbane Royal Show.

Charolais at the Sydney Royal Show Due to the number of Charolais studs in the determine the dominance of favorable genes relating to Queensland and New South Wales area, the show boasts the meat structure and feed conversion efficiency. The the biggest entry of Charolais in Australia (approx. 200 figures are represented in a star rating and are a quick head). As the show coincides with the run up to the time and easy guide for commercial buyers looking to source of most stud bull sales it also provides the prime sires that will maximize the performance of their herd. opportunity for advertisement of potential sale animals There are many things to take from the Australian and promotion of up and coming genetics that are made system such as; emphasis on productivity, bulk handling available at the vendors sales. The Palgrove team will and management of livestock, breeding for specific niche have around 14 to be exhibited at the show and will hope markets and the importance of good promotion. It is to match their previous performance at Sydney show in recommended to all!

March, where the team of 10 achieved well including Best Pair of Bulls, Junior Reserve Champion Bull, Overall Female Exhibit and Overall Charolais Champion with a Samuel Milne, Elgin Charolais.

29

PALGROVE - going for moderation Australia’ s leading Charolais performance herd Australian Charolais breeders, David and Prue Bondfield have made a return whistle stop tour of the British Charolais herds which also took in Perth bull sales.

“We have a large herd, and we’re continually seeking to add to the genetic pool and keep it as fresh as possible for our customers,” David explained. “We’re looking for genetics that we believe will work well in our natural harsh environment and for our marketplace, and British Charolais appeal to us because they are functional in terms of growth, muscle, stature and breed character.”

The Bondfield’s scale of operations cannot be underestimated. The couple run the 1,250 cow purebred Palgrove Charolais stud on six different properties based in Queensland and New South Wales amounting to 27,000 acres and managed by just eight staff. The pedigree herd is complemented by a further 700 commercial cows.

The herd which is Breedplan performance recorded and claimed to be the country’s leading Charolais performance herd, features an annual on farm auction of 180 bulls, plus a further 800 bulls sold privately, mostly to large scale commercial breeders. Palgrove’s annual ET programme includes 60 donor cows, between 15 and 20 different sires and 400 embryos for implantation. The entire breeding programme and selection procedures are managed by David and Prue.

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

France and then developed these genetics more along the lines of what we are seeking for Australia,” he explained. Palgrove was one of the first Australian herds to import semen in 1969 with Tattenhall Impeccable, MMB Apollon and MMB Aga Khan, while the latest consignments include Seawell Offshore, Goldies Unbeatable and Burradon Talisman.

“There is however one difference, we are focused on breeding bulls that leave cattle to meet Australia’s specific market requirements; 80% of our bull sales are to cover Brahman or Brahman cross cows, and significantly more back fat cover and marbling on the carcase is needed for both the domestic supermarket and Japanese export markets. In fact, we are happy to forgo some yield in order to achieve that cover, so our clients’ cattle are not penalised by the processors.”

Commending British Charolais breeders for meeting the UK terminal sire requirements, he noted: “As a pedigree breeder, we are wary of extremes in any one trait. For our cattle, like the majority of things in life, trait selection is all about compromise and consistency. We have learnt the value of breeding Charolais that fit the specifications and are practical for the markets yet still retaining functional and fertile genetics.

“Since we introduced Breedplan recording to Palgrove in 1991, we’ve attempted to achieve that balance by selecting below average birthweight and average or above average for growth and eye muscle area.”

Palgrove is one of Australia’s original Charolais studs and attempts to provide buyers with the most comprehensive carcase and performance data of any Charolais herd in the country. David and Prue work closely with their customers, commercial farmers, and provide full after sales service, including breeding advice and help in selecting and marketing progeny. It goes without saying, the Bondfields have had a major influence in positioning Charolais as the number one Continental terminal sire in Australia.

David and Prue Bondfield watch the Perth Judging

30

Explanation of Estimated Breeding Values for Cattle Selection The EBV is best estimate of an animal’s genetic merit and potential for a particular trait.

ACCURACY An accuracy value is given with every EBV and gives an indication of the amount of information available and used in the calculation of that particular animal’s EBV. The higher the accuracy the more relevant the EBV as more information has been analysed from the animal’s relatives.

MILK Calculated on the weight taken between 80 & 300 days of age adjusted to 200 days and for dam age.

This is a good estimate of the milking ability of female offspring from a particular bull.

Bulls with a high milk EBV have more milky daughters.

CALVING EASE Based on calving difficulty score, birth weights and gestation period information.

Negative EBVs can mean more difficult calving while positive EBVs generally mean easier calving.

CARCASE WEIGHT Estimate the genetic difference in carcase weight at a standard age of 650 days An important trait for finishing cattle

DIR Direct calving ease VERY High negatives are bad VERY High positives are good

EYE MUSCLE AREA Estimates the genetic differences in eye muscle area of a 300kg dressed carcase Positive EBVs indicate better muscling.

DTRS Daughters calving ease Indicates how well the animal produces daughters that have easier calving.

VERY High negatives are bad VERY High positives are good

FAT Estimates the difference in rib fat depth in a 300kg dressed carcase.

More positve EBVs indicate more subcutaneous fat and earlier maturity but may incur penalties at grading.

Birth Weight Weight of calf at birth adjusted for dam age.

Particularly important when selecting a bull for heifers

RETAIL BEEF YIELD Represents total boned out meat as a percentage of a 300kg dressed carcase This is an important trait in all finished cattle.

200 DAY WEIGHT Calculated on the weight taken between 80 and 300 days, adjusted to 200 days and for dam age. This is the best single estimate of an animal’s genetic merit for growth to early ages The higher the EBV the higher the suckled calf or weaning weight.

TERMINAL SIRE INDEX A combination of growth and carcase trait EBVs and is a measure of a bull’s ability to produce prime steers and heifers for the finished market A high index indicates that the progeny mature at an earlier age and at a heavier weight.

400 DAY WEIGHT Calculated on the weight of the progeny taken between 301 and 500 days adjusted to 400 days and for dam age Higher EBV indicates earlier maturing progeny and a greater weight at an earlier age.

SELF REPLACING INDEX Index for use in both commercial and pedigree herds where you are balancing the requirements of selecting replacement females while also producing animals for slaughter at around 16 months of age.

A high index indicates that the progeny are suitable for both tasks

600 DAY WEIGHT Calculated from the weight of the progeny adjusted to 600 days and for dam age.

Best single estimate of an animal’s potential growth beyond yearling age.

SEE PAGE 33 FOR EXAMPLE OF BAR CHART AND EBV’S GRAPH ABOVE THE BULL AT THE SALE 31

CHAROLAIS BULL ARE IN VOGUE - fact or fiction?

We asked a random selection of suckler men at the October Perth bulls sales why they chose Charolais as their herd’ s terminal sire. The resounding response was basic fact: WEIGHT FOR AGE. George Wordie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire: 230 cows “Weight for age, you can’t go past Charolais crosses; we’ve used Charolais since the 1970’s and from experience we know there no other similar breed that delivers. Any other same age Continental sired yearling is going to be 50kg lighter. This year we sold yearling steers at an average 455kg and £818, and yearling heifers at an average 420kg and £740. We were among the day’s top average prices.”

British Charolais bulls consistently deliver unbeatable growth rates to their progeny, a factor which offers bottom line benefits throughout the chain; Charolais crosses command leading prices in the store ring, while finishers are achieve the highest returns.

These suckler producers also chose Charolais for practical reasons; the calves have good temperament – they’re quiet to manage, and their dominant colour markings prove to be an asset in the sale ring.

Furthermore, they’re now finding Breedplan data is enabling them to readily identify those easy calving bulls.

Ronald Sinclair, Stromness Orkney: 210 cows “It’s that extra weight that counts, the more kilos add up to more money. We sell our Charolais crosses in the store ring at 16 to 18 months and averaging 600kg, and their prices are way ahead of other crossbreds. We end up in the day’s top average price bracket; this year we sold to £940 a head and the crop averaged £890. We sold to repeat buyers.”

Kenneth Morrison, Huntly, Aberdeenshire: 200 cows “Growth. I’m most interested in producing cattle with the highest gross weight to achieve the subsequent highest gross price. Our Charolais crosses are always the heaviest to go through the ring and that’s what the finishers are looking for, particularly since the weight restrictions have come off and they’ve new export opportunities. With that new and welcome bottom in the market, it’s even more attractive for us to be selling Charolais crosses. We’ve just traded through Huntly 115 yearling steers and heifers averaging 425kg and 175p per kg.

Michael Durno, Glenlivet, Aberdeenshire: 160 cows “First and foremost, growth. We get the growth from our Charolais crosses, as well as a quality carcase. I’m the third generation of the family to use Charolais bulls over our suckler herd and we’ve moved with the times; we’re breeding suckled calves that are clean through the middle, they’ve good ends, they’re lighter boned and easier to calve.

“The entire crop is sold through Thainstone at 12 months, steers averaging 480kg and heifers, 440kg.

They’re usually among the day’s top averages and this year sold to average a respective £780 and £750. Our trade once again confirmed Charolais is the breed for the future, helping to meet the demand from finishers seeking cattle to finish to heavy weights.”

Jim Warnock, Biggar, Lanarkshire: 190 cows Weight for age and quality conformation; it’s as simple as that. We put our eggs in more than one basket; steers were sold this year through Lanark at 12.5 months from 475kg to 525kg to average £920, the day’s leading average price. The other big thing about Charolais crosses is their uniformity in size and colour, we can batch them up for the store sales better than other crossbreds.

“We take the heifers through to finishing at an average 18 months and 400kg deadweight. However Charolais cross heifers have that natural fleshing ability and we like to exploit their potential; we can kill them at any age without them getting over fat.

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

Hamish MacKellar, Dallas, Morayshire: 90 cows “Weight gain. They’re easy to sell in the ring to finishers who know they’ll continue to grow, kill out well and leave some money for them too.

This year’s crop of yearling’s, ranging between 420kg and 500kg, sold through Huntly to average £820 - we had one of our best ever days. The future? After using Charolais for more than 30 years, the breed is definitely here to stay.”

James Herdman, Alnwick, Northumberland: 120 cows “Weight for age. Since the headage support payment went, store cattle buyers are looking for beasts that can achieve a quick return for their money, and quite clearly, it’s the Charolais crosses they go for compared with 32

EXAMPLE OF BAR CHART AND EBV’s

other lighter Continental crosses. This season we sold 15 month steers averaging 500kg and same age heifers at 470kg, for the highest average we have ever made.

“Temperament is also a big bonus, particularly when there is just me and my stockman on the unit, and it’s a factor which I believe leads in turn to higher performance.”

GRAPH ABOVE THE BULL AT THE SALE

Jimmy Walton, Rothbury, Northumberland: 420 cows “Charolais crosses grow, they respond to feed and we have that confidence they’re always going to sell well. That comes from experience of using Charolais for more than 30 years. This season we’ve sold yearling steers to a top of £935 to average £791, while we finish the heifers at an average 18 months and 580kg liveweight.”

The bull’s EBV for each trait are listed down the left hand side and the mid point of the graph is the breed average for each trait.

Coloured bars which apper to the right of the mid point are advantageous.

Colin Wight, Biggar, Lanarkshire: 330 cows “Charolais crosses weigh more, they convert feed far better and are easier fleshed than any other Continental cross. At the end of the day they’re worth at least £100 ahead more than other cross bred animals in the market place.”

David Corfield, Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire: 120 cows “Fast growth and good conformation; that’s what finishers want to buy, and other crossbreds just don’t have both those criteria. Added to that is temperament which you can’t put a value on. We’re currently finishing the majority of our cattle at 18 months, bulls to 800kg liveweight, steers to 700kg and heifers to 600kg.

“We’re Charolais through and through and have such a belief in the breed’s future that we’ve recently set up our own pedigree herd. Now we know from first hand experience both sides of the fence why Charolais is number one.”

SEPTEMBER 2008 BRITISH CHAROLAIS BREEDPLAN ANALYSIS Calving Calving 200 400 Ease Ease Gestation Birth Day Day Direct Daughters Length Wt. Wt. Wt. (days) (kg) (kg) (kg) (%) (%)

EBV +2.6 Acc 39%

-0.4 36%

600 Day Wt. (kg)

Mat. Cow Wt. (kg)

Eye Muscle 200 Retail Day Scrotal Area Fat Beef Milk Size (sq Depth Yield IMF (kg) (cm) cm) (mm) (%) (%)

+1.6 +17 +46 +46 - +4 +1.0 +3.2 +0.3 +0.5 +0.1 58% 65% 67% 61% - 39% 63% 41% 46% 44% 31% Breed Avg. EBVs for 2006 Born Calves Click for Percentiles

-1.3 +1.0 +2.5 +22 +36 +42 +41 +3 -0.1 +3.0 -0.3 +0.8 +0.0 EBV -1.9 Traits Observed: 200WT(x2),400WT(x2),SS,FAT,EMA,IMF,Hide Index Values

SELECTION INDEX VALUES Market Target Index Value Breed Average BCCS Terminal Index BCCS Self Replacing Index

+25 +32

+21 +25

PROOF OF PARENTAGE

Remember to take into account the ACCURACY from the figures in the catalogue

If there is any doubts over the parentage of a calf phone the office for a DNA Typing Sampling Bag.

Breeders should select a bull according to the traits that are most important to their particular breeding programme

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

SEE PAGE 31 FOR EXPLANATION OF EBV’S 33

REGIONAL REPORTS Northern Ireland Charolais Celebrations The Northern Ireland Charolais Club members celebrated their successes over the past year at their annual dinner and presenation of awards in the Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown. The evening began with a reception sponsored by the club chairman, John McGrath and the excellent dinner of Charolais beef was cooked to perfection by the Valley Hotel. Sponsors of the various shows and sales throughout the year attended and the trophies were presented by Molly Robinson. Cecil and Molly Robinson were special guests at the event and were presented with a gift for all the assistance they have given the breed and the club over many years.

Brian Donaldson, left, Impartial Reporter, admires the Robert Scott shield which David Bothwell and his wife, Shirley won at the NI National Charolais show at Fintona Matthew Mitchell fom Cookstown was a little bit camera shy when Clive Morrison of United Feeds and Susan Phair presented him with the junior stock judging shield. United Feeds sponsored the senior team’s travel to the Royal show

Cecil and Molly Robinson received a special award at the Charolais dinner in the Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown in recognition of all the assistance they have given the breed and the club over the years. They are pictured with the NI Charolais Club chairman, John McGrath

Anne McGrath, daughter of the NI Charolais Club chairman, John McGrath gives John Currie a hand with the Frist Trust Trophy he won at the March show and sale

John Henning, Head of Agriculture, Northen Bank and his wife, Anne, present David Bothwell with the Northern Bank trophies from the Charolais spring show and sale 34

REGIONAL REPORTS

Winners of the Dectomax championships at Clogher Valley Show are pictured with show secretary, Ruth Montgomery and Frank McCrystal, Pfizer Animal Health. Back row, William Oliver, Martin Donaghy, vice chairman, British Charolais Society; David Bothwell and Sean McGovern

Danny McKay, left, DSB Developments presents Seamus Bellew with a piece of Tyrone Crystal for winning the championship at the November show and sale last year

Happy 80th! John Causey, Cookstown celebrated his 80th birthday at the NI Charolais Club dinner in the Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown and was congratulated by the club secretary, Doris Leeman

Brian King, right, RUAS President, and Randall Hayes , centre who assist with stewarding at the NI National Charolaisi Show at Fintona were guests at the Charolais dinner and study the trophy list with the club chairman, John McGrath A talented lineup! Daughters of the owners of the Balmoral champion exhibit the very special Bardin Trophy at the Charolais dinner. The owners were Martin Donaghy, Gregory Donnelly and Sean McGovern. Collecting the trophy on their behalf are , back row, Eimear and Clodagh McGovern, with Michaela Donaghy. Lending their support in the front row are Orlagh and Caoimne McGovern

Charolais suckled calf competition and provide the Ustler Bank trophy for the November show and sale is pictured with the championship winner, Gordon Cutler 35

REGIONAL REPORTS Charolais spectacular at Fintona An impressive turnout of both pedigree and commercial Charolais at the NI National Charolais Show at Fintona gave the judges an arduous task and ensured a wonderful spectacle for the large crowd of visitors who attended.

Both the supreme female champion and reserve were taken by Gilbert Crawford’s Coolnaslee herd at Maghera which boasted a strong entry of cattle at the event.

And it was another strong team which provided the supreme male champion – Stuart and David Bothwell’s Killadeas herd at Ballinamallard. In fact this quality line-up claimed the reserve intermediate male champion; the Intermediate female champion; the reserve junior female champion and of course, the senior male champion which went on to take the supreme David Bothwell collected the Supreme Male Championship and first male championship of the show.

A super entry of commercial cattle prize in the AN Irwin Bull Class between 1st January and 30th April 2007 with Cuillmore Casper. Adding his congratulations was led by John Killen, Crossgar with his is Nigel Irwin from A N Irwin junior homebred steer. John, ably assisted by his daughters Shauna (10) and Katrina (8) professionalism in judging the commercial section. has enjoyed a wonderful show season with this exhibit A strong line up of sponsors funded each class, securing supreme champion at Castlewellan and Male ensuring that prize winners had a worthwhile day out.

Champion at Balmoral earlier this season.

Commentator, well known auctioneer, William Louise Breen also shared in the success Wilson from R A Noble and Co. kept everyone in touch collecting the reserve commercial championship with her with the judging decisions and pointed out that Gilbert stylish junior heifer.

Crawford’s senior female and supreme female champion, John McGrath, chairman of the NI Charolais Club Coolnaslee Bopeep , is by his very successful stock sire, congratulated the Coolnaslee herd, the Killadeas herd and Allanfauld Superscot and is out of a Roundshill Oho dam.

John Killen on the quality of their teams and thanked all of This dam is out of the same cow, Coolnaslee Regina, the exhibitors for bringing out cattle that portrayed the which bred the female champion at last year’s event. A value of the Charolais breed. He thanked Kevin Thomas bull from the same dam was senior male champion at a from Carmarthenshire for his expertise in judging the club sale in Dungannon and sold for 5,500gns. Speaking pedigree classes and Ewan McPherson from Argyll for his

William Taylor of William Taylor Agricultural Equipment picks another winner as he sponsored the class for females born between 1st July and 31 December 2006 and this class produced the Supreme Female Champion, Coolnaslee Bopeep owned by Gilbert Crawford, exhibited by Sam Milliken

Derryharney Carryon was Reserve Supreme Male Champion and Intermediate Male Champion after being placed first in his class for owner Harold Stubbs. Natural Nutrition kindly sponsored this class and are represented by Jack Maguire, Robert Wright and Robert Brownlee 36

REGIONAL REPORTS and sold in Perth in October 06 for 9000gns. Carryon is out of a Simpsons Gregg dam, Derryharney Ruby which has bred very well in the Derryharney herd.

Gordon Cutler exhibited the reserve senior male champion, Lislea Con, a Doonally New son which was purchased from South of Ireland breeder, Pat Murtagh.

Bothwell’s reserve Intermediate male champion, Killadeas Charade, is a Dunlon Ulick son out of Killadeas Novelty, a full sister of Killadeas Jack which made 17.000gns in Perth. In fact the dams of all the successful

Pat and Cara Hackett were delighted to win the Junior Male Champion with their entry Fury Classic.

Martin Donaghy, BCCS Vice Chairman was on hand to add congratulations along with Anna McGrath, daughter of John Mcgrath, Chairman of the NI Charolais Club at the end of the event, judge, Kevin Thomas described this heifer as a “future herd builder”.

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

The supreme male champion was Cuillmore Casper which was purchased in Carrick on Shannon last April. Stuart Bothwell was judging that event and made him supreme champion. He felt that, at one year old, this bull was long and clean with great power and a good back end. Casper is by Dromisklin Viceroy and is out of the Indurain dam, Cuillmore Sarah.

Stuart and David Bothwell envisaged Casper as a follow-on stock sire to Dunlon Ulick but Ulick is breeding so well that they are planning to take Casper to the Perth sales in October so that is one to watch out for.

The reserve male champion was also Intermediate male champion and came from Harold Stubb’s herd at Lisnaskea. Derryharney Carryon is by Glennbridge Andrew, a sire that Harold bought in May 06

Clodagh and Caoimhe McGovern represented sponsors Nugent Engineering to present the award for the best female in its class which went on to make Reserve Supreme Female, Coolnaslee Countess Killadeas bred stock at Fintona go back to the famous Killadeas Beryl cow.

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

The Teemore Engineering class and Junior Female Championship was won by Valerie McDonald with GLENCOE CUTIE. This super heifer was shown by Paddy McDonald, and he was presented with his award by Billy Wilson, Teemore Engineering Taking the reserve award in the junior male section was James McBride, Strabane with Moorlough Chico, a Burradon Talisman son.

Stuart and David Bothwell were again in the championships in the Intermediate female section taking this award with Killadeas Carmel, a Dunlon Ulick daughter out of Killadeas Rhoda, another Killadeas Beryl

KILLADEAS CARMEL was Intermediate Female Champion . Owner David Bothwell is congratulated

by Libby Clarke from the N I Charolais Club 37

REGIONAL REPORTS descendant.

The reserve Intermediate female also came from Fermanagh with Kenneth Veitch, Lisbellaw exhibiting Thrunton Christina, a Solwayfirth Union daughter bred

by J H C Campbell and Sons.

Valerie McDonald from Newry carried off the honours in the junior female section with an Oldstone Egbert daughter, Glencoe Cutie.

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

DonnellyQuarries class for females born on or between 1st May 2007 and 31st August 2007 –1.S and S Bothwell, Killadeas Carmel 2.K Veitch, Thrunton Christina Teemore Engineering Class for females born or between 1st September and 31st December 2007 – 1.Mrs. V McDonald, Glencoe Cutie; 2.S&D Bothwell, Killadeas Crocus Erne Veterinary Group Class for females born on or between 1st January 2008 and 30th April 2008 – 1.Brian Jordan, Taveycorner Daisy; 2.Gilbert Crawford,Coolnaslee Diane Commercial Section Linden Foods Class for Junior Commercial Steer showing no hard teeth –1.John Killen; 2.Kieran Quinn Western Cars Class for Junior Commercial Female showing no hard teeth – 1.Louise Breen; 2. D & A McCrea Donegal Agri Store Class for Suckler calf male born in 2008 – 1.Peter McKenna; 2. O Kane Bros Three Valley Vets Class for Suckler calf born in 2008 – 1.

O’Kane Bros; 2. Declan McKennar

Class Results: A. N. Irwin Class for bulls born on or between 1st January 2007 and 30th April 2007 - 1. S and D Bothwell, Cuillmore Casper; 2 Gordon Cutler, Lislea Con;

PEDIGREE CHAMPIONSHIPS Sponsored by British Charolais Cattle Society Senior Female Champion - Gilbert Crawford, Coolnaslee Bopeep Reserve – Gilbert Crawford, Coolnaslee Countess

A.B.N Class for bulls born on or between 1st May 2007 and 30th June 2007 –1.Steven Hunter, Tedd Commander; 2.Mr and Mrs. W Nelson, Drumacritten Clementine;

Intermediate Female Champion – S & D Bothwell, Killadeas Carmel.

Reserve – Kenneth Veitch, Thrunton Christina.

Natural Nutrition Class for bulls born on or between 1st July 2007 and 31st August 2007 – 1.Harold Stubbs, Derryharney Carryon; 2. S&D Bothwell,Killadeas Charade

Junior Female Champion – Mrs. V. McDonald, Glencoe Cutie Reserve –S & D. Bothwell, Killadeas Crocus

Grove Agriculture Class for bulls born on or between 1st September 2007 and 31st December 2007 – 1.Pat Hackett, Fury Classic ; 2. John McBride, Moorlough Chico

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

McClellands Livestock Sales Class for bulls born on or between 1st January 2008 and 30th April 2008 – 1. S & D Bothwell,Killadeas Danny; 2 Paul McGovern, Shanco Dynamo

Intermediate Bull Champion - Harold Stubbs, Derryharney Carryon Reserve – S & D Bothwell, Killadeas Charade Junior Bull Champion – Pat Hackett, Fury Classic Reserve – John McBride, Moorlough Chico

Dungannon Farmers Mart Class for females born or between 1st January 2006 and 30th June 2006- 1. Gilbert Crawford,Coolnaslee Bella ; 2.Harold Stubbs, Derryharney Bethany

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

Reserve –Gilbert Crawford, Coolnaslee Countess

William Taylor Agricultural Equipment Class for females born on or between 1st July 2006 and 31st December 2006 – 1.Gilbert Crawford,Coolnaslee Bopeep; 2. Raymond Crawford, , Aughafin Biddy

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

Nugent Engineering Class for females born on or between 1st January 2007 and 30th April 2007 – 1.Gilbert Crawford, Coolnaslee Countess; 2. S&D Bothwell, Killadeas Cathy

COMMERCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Sponsored by Fane Valley Co-op.

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

PLEASE VISIT www.charolais.co.uk FOR FURTHER PICTURES 38

BRITISH CHAROLAIS GROUP TO SWEDEN 4 - 7 MARCH 2008 A l l We l c o m e Wednesday, 4th March 2009 13.15 Depart London Stansted on Easyjet flight 3465 16.00 Arrive Copenhagen Airport Meet your local guide and travel by train on a 12 minute journey to Malmoe to join awaiting coach Dinner and overnight at Ekerodsrasten, a real good motel owned by the Risberg brothers who also run a Charolais herd of 200 cows.

Thursday, 5th March 2009 Breakfast at Ekerodsrasten before looking at the Risberg brothers herd.

Travel 50 km north to Broadakra Charolais to look at their 60 cows, lunch at the visit.

Continue 100 km north to Jatsberg Charolais to visit their 55 cows.

Travel the remaining 200 km north to Sjogestad motel for dinner and overnight.

Friday, 6th March 2009 Breakfast at Sjogestad and then travel 20 km to Fogdegarden Charolais a 50 cow herd.

Continue on to Gismestad test station, the bull sales starts at 1200.

Return back to Ekerodsrasten for dinner and overnight.

Saturday, 7th March 2009 Breakfast at Ekerodsrasten before departing hotel for a day of herd visits.

20.55 Depart Copenhagen Airport.

21.45 Arrive London Stansted Airport COST Based on a minimum of 10 pax sharing twin bedded accommodation = GBP 555.00 Single room supplement = GBP60.00 Cost includes: Flights from London Stansted Airport to Copenhagen 3 night’s motel accommodation Minibus 2 Lunches 3 Dinners Not included: Transfer to and from London Stansted Airport Meals other than indicated Travel insurance Items of a personal nature, i.e. telephone calls etc.

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

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

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Agricultural Travel Bureau Ltd & Barfield Travel & Tours, 14 Chain Lane, Newark, Notts NG24 1AU Tel: 01636 705612 Fax: 01636 707600 Email: info:agritravel.co.uk Website: www.agritravel.co.uk 39

REGIONAL REPORTS Scotland

Scottish & Northern Charolais Breeders and North East and Central Scotland Charolais Club Report by Alison Gray / Scottish & Northern Chairman David Grant North East and Central Scotland Chairman Adrian Ivory The committee would like to wish all our members a happy & prosperous new year. We look forward to the forth coming sales and shows and hope that commercial and pedigree breeders can turn out in large numbers to support local and national shows improving on last year.

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

Border Club Secretary Retires Nora Jefferson has retired as Secretary of the Border Club after an amazing 19 years, but I am sure Nora will still be very active helping the club with their social events throughout the year. On behalf of the above clubs we would like to wish Nora all the best and also wish the clubs new secretary Sophie Bell all the best in her new post.

LOOK BACK ON 2008 YOUNG HANDLERS AND FUTURE YOUNG HANDLERS

Wales Trip May 28th, 29th, 30th 31st (3 Nights) we will be travelling by coach, by the time you receive this newsletter I should have most of the itinerary for the trip finalised, if you are interested on coming on the above trip a deposit of £50.00 would be required which will be non-refundable. We hope to keep the cost of the trip to approx £300.00 but it will depend on numbers for the coach.

HIGHLAND SHOW We will require help on the same basis as the last few years from members to carry out a couple of hours on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday Morning if you can, contact Alison who will allocate your preferred day and time.

The usual BBQ in conjunction with the North East and Central Scotland Club will take place on the Thursday 25th June if you would like tickets for the BBQ they must be reserved by 18th June. The cost per ticket is now £12.00.

WE MUST STRESS THAT WHEN THE TICKETS ARE ALL SOLD WE CANNOT CATER FOR LATE COMERS. Wednesday 1st July 2009 Scottish Beef Cattle Association Beef Fayre To be held at Pitlochie farm, Gateside, Fife we require help with home-bakes and on the day if you are able to help please give me a call.

CHAROLAIS NATIONAL SHOW We are delighted to announce that the Scottish & Northern Charolais National Show is to be staged at Perth Show 1st August 2009 Schedule Class 1 Bull born on or before 31.12.07 Class 2 Bull born on after 01.01.08 and before 15.04.08 Class 3 Bull born on or after 16.04.08 – 31.07.08 Class 4 Bull born on or after 01.08.08 – 31.12.08 Class 5 Cow born on or before 31.07.06 Class 6 Heifer born on or after 01.08.06– 15.01.07 Class 7 Heifer born or after 16.01.07 – 31.05.07 Class 8 Heifer born on after 01.06.07 – 31.12.07 Class 9 Heifer born on or after 01.01.08 – before 30.04.08 40

REGIONAL REPORTS Class 10 Heifer born on or after 01.05.08 – before 31.07.08 Class 11 Heifer born on or after 01.08.08 -31.12.08 Class 12 Bull or heifer calf born on or after 01.01.09 Class 13 Young Handlers (Under 16’s) on the day of the show.

Class 14 Best pair of animals born on after 01.01.07 bred

by Exhibitor Class 15 Group of Three (Trophy only no prize Money) Class 17 Commercial Section. Prize money for this class is £200.00 for Champion and £100.00 for Reserve.

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

PLEASE NOTE SOME CLASSES MAY HAVE TO BE SPLIT AT STEWARDS DISCRETION

BIRTHDAYS HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY BRIAN WILLS HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY JOHNNIE IRVINE HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY TO MARGARET MCMILLAN

ENGAGEMENTS We are delighted to announce the engagement of Tracey Gunn (stockperson at Govals Charolais Herd) and Davie Nicoll (Stockman at Cairnleith Kirriemuir) who got engaged on Christmas Day. We would like to wish them all the very best for the future.

Quiz Night The quiz night held in January 2009 will be reported in the Next Charolais News.

BEST PEN OF FOUR CHX SPONSORSHIP 2008 The winners listed below were awarded a voucher for £250.00 which has to be redeemed against a Charolais Bull at a Society sale HEXHAM & NORTHERN MART F.T. Walton Flotterton Hall Thropton Morpeth, Northumberland LAWRIE & SYMINGTON LANARK Messers J Warnock & Son , Dreva Farm, Broughton, Biggar UNITED AUCTIONS PERTH Messers D & J Thomson West Park Aberfeldy ST BOSWELLS PM & AC Gordon, Northfield St Abbs Eyemouth UNITED AUCTIONS STIRLING Ross Farm Carbridge Midlothian JOHN SWAN WOOLER J G Grieve Lee Innerleithed Peebleshire ORKNEY MARTS Mr Barton Brough, South Ronaldsay, Orkney DINGWALL & HIGHLAND MARTS LTD WINNER Mr John Junor, Dell Farm, Farr, Inverness

Margaret and Family

WEDDINGS Gareth and Emma Wood married in Orkney

Johnnie Irvine on his 60th birthday 41

REGIONAL REPORTS THAINSTONE NATIONAL CHAROLAIS SHOW The Reserve champion cross bred animal at the National Charolais show was Jock, a 9 month old steer by Glenlivet Singlemalt out of a pure bred Simmental cow and exhibited by Michael Durno.

At the Thainstone Centre’s Spectacular sale of potential Show calves in September, the top price animal was Hazey Jane, a 9 month old 396kg heifer by Glenlivet Singlemalt from D & R Durno & Sons, which sold for £2600 to the Paton family at Kirriemuir who also bought a 10 month old 458kg steer from the same home, also by Glenlivet Singlemalt, at £1250.

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

A BIG THANKYOU On behalf of the North East and Central Scotland Charolais club we would like to thank the Cooper Family Govals Farm Kincaldrum Forfar for the very large donation towards our club funds from the Annual Stockjudging which was held last year at their farm.

If you have any information please send them to myself Alison Gray Nether Newbigging Farm Cottage St Vigeans By Arbroath Email Charolais@btinternet.com Telephone 01241 875406 or 0771 8338804 Or Contact David Grant 01556 502508

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

Also sold at the Spectacular, by first time exhibitor David Kennedy from Wick, was a 4 month old heifer by Glenlivet Singlemalt which sold for £1650 and then went on to take a 2nd in the Spring calf class at the Winter Fair for her purchaser, Wilson Peters.

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

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

Pictured: Above: Neil Barclay congratulates Michael Durno when he sold his Charolais cross heifer for the day’s top price of £2,600 at the Aberdeem and Northern Marts “Spectacular”.

The heifer was sired by Glenlivet Singlemalt, whose semen is for sale, in the Charolais Breeders Directory Left top: “Hazey Jane’ Bottom: “Jock”

42

REGIONAL REPORTS Scottish National Show

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

Senior Female Champion Neil Barclay and DUNESK UNESTA

Wilson Strachan presented the Junior Male Champion to ELGIN CONCORD

The Junior Female Champion INVERLOCHY BRIE and Raymond Irvine

The “YOUNG HANDLERS” awards presented

by Betty Wilson

WINNING TEAM OF 3

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS SPONSORED BY BRIDGEND SAND AND GRAVEL MILL OF BALMAUD ABERDEEN SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS SPONSORED BY NEIL BARCLAY, HRN AND HARESTONE CHAROLAIS OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIPS SPONSORED BY BANK OF SCOTLAND 43

REGIONAL REPORTS

Class 107 sponsored by Norvite

Reserve Junior Male Champion HARESTONE COUNT with Wilson Strachan and James Reid

Class 108 sponsored by Clydesdale Bank PLC Inverurie on by Raymond Irvine

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

Class 109 sponsored by Aberdeen & Northern Marts Class 106 sponsored by Johnston Carmichael, Thainstone and won by Graeme Leggat

CLASS 111 SPONSORED BY HARBRO ABERDEEN, unfortunately no entries were forward on the day, but prize money will be carried forward to Perth

DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF THE CHAROLAIS NEWSLETTER IS MAY 11TH 2009

Class 110 sponsored by Orkney Marts with the Judge Stewart Wood presenting the awards 44

REGIONAL REPORTS

The Senior Bull class sponsored by Collins Halden and Burnett Ltd, Aberdeen and won by Jimmy Wilson’s GOLDIES BANKER

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

Class 113 sponsored by United Auctions, Perth

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

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

Class 118 (Pairs) sponsored by UAP Alford, Aberdeenshire

Royal Smithfield Show ‘Funky Monkey’ won the Heavyweight steer section for Neil Slack

HERD BOOK PROOFS Can members please return any outstanding herd book proofs by the end of

January 2008

45

REGIONAL REPORTS Scotland Adrian Ivory, Farmers Weekly - Farmer of the Year Our congratulations to Adrian Ivory, who runs the 35 cow pedigree Charolais Cardean herd at Meigle, Perthshire on being awarded the Farmers Weekly’s Farmer of the Year 2008, as well as the title’s Young Farmer of the Year title.

Adrian was described by Farmers Weekly’s editor Jane King as an inspiration for all young farmers. “He has a simple business approach that balances the demands of farm and family very well. He sets himself tough targets and he is completely focussed on achieving them.”

A stint on the London money markets has clearly had a lasting impact on the 34-year old..

The expansion and market focus of the farming business at Strathisla Farms in Perthshire are certainly in line with a City high flier; a 15% return on his operating assets at Strathisla Farms and `a farm rate of return exceeding those of the average supermarket.’

He achieved a 40% return on sales of £870k last year. This is a man who quite happily talks about `return on employee.’

Strathisla Farms is an operating partnership for the various farms owned by the Ivory family. In addition, Adrian runs arable contracting operations on 600ha for two neighbours on a stubble to stubble contract, which gives him the scale he needs to keep operating costs down.

When Adrian returned to the farm, he worked under a farm manager for five years until he retired. The business then was 240ha with 120 cattle; it’s now 1,000ha with three times the number of pedigree and commercial Charolais and Simmental cows. He sells finished cattle on a deadweight contract to ABP for Sainsbury’s. He dropped second wheats from the arable rotation and now focuses only on first wheats, potatoes, peas and grassland.

The pedigree cattle side, in which he has notched up first prizes at the Royal Highland and Royal Show, is my `shop window’ explains Adrian. He has invested in the genetics to deliver top pedigree cows, but for the commercial side is using breed performance figures to shorten calving patterns and produce more consistent batches of cattle for marketing.

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

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

Adrian endorses the objectives of the European Water and Soils Directives, supports the LEAF audit to help deliver environmental and wildlife conservation and is also exploring ways to reduce the farms’ carbon footprint.

The business is focussed on being globally competitive so subsidies are factored out of the arable and beef production costs. Diversification is limited to

activities which do not require considerable time or investment and capitalise on the natural beauty of the Scottish landscape. Surplus farm cottages have been converted and now generate 12% of the farm’s income.

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

He was also one of McDonald’s first Scout with a Clout farmers – giving him a unique insight into the whole burger chain from production to processing and into the restaurant.

Visitors are welcome to Strathisla farms – from farmers to children, processors to retailers. He is happy to share his business ideas with others. It’s little wonder that the SAC has picked him for its leadership programme.

You cannot help but feel that his profile and influence in the industry are just beginning.roach to his enterprise.”

Pictured above: Adrian Ivory 46

REGIONAL REPORTS ROYAL HIGHLAND WINTER FAIR Welsh bred Charolais cross scoops Supreme Scottish title heifer titles at Countryside Live, Harrogate and she was placed second in her class at Agri Expo, Carlisle. She sold

A Welsh bred Charolais cross heifer exhibited by Robin Roberts and Leri Hughes was awarded the supreme championship at the Royal Highland Winter Fair staged at Ingliston, Edinburgh on Wednesday 26 November. Called Smarty Pants, she was bred by A, F and D Jones, Betws-y-coed, Conwy and purchased in a private deal by Mr Roberts, a fencing contractor who manages a smallholding at Bodssord, Llangesni, Anglesey.

Sired by a Ross bred Charolais bull, the 18 month heifer who tipped the scales at 630kg, had been much admired throughout the relaunched event which attracted over 245 entries, while for judge, Donald MacPherson, Berwick-on-Tweed, she was an ‘easy winner’.

“Smarty Pants has power, style and she is extremely well shown,” he said.

For her exhibiter, the accolade came after more than 10 years of exhibiting at the Scottish event. “It was indeed a very big honour to return the title and the accompanying trophy to Wales, the second time in its entire history, after we’ve competed against respected Scottish cattleman on a regular basis since 1996. We’re over the moon,” said Mr Roberts who jointly exhibited the heifer with his girlfriend, Leri Hughes.

Smarty Pants was no stranger to the ring; she began her show career this season at the Royal Welsh where she was awarded the reserve commercial title and went on to scoop five champion titles, together with the supreme champion at the East of England Winter Stock Fair, the champion Charolais and reserve commercial

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

The only Welsh exhibitor to make the 700 mile round trip to the event was Will Owen, Braich y Saint, Criccieth who was the first ever to take home the Winter Fair silverware to Wales back in 2004. This year he headed two sections. The homebred Deunawd Carol, a 16 month old 540kg heifer by Deunawd Moses and out of a Penfold bred cow secured the pure Charolais title, while Mr Owen was in top slot in the Charolais cross section with the 13 month old Crackerjack, a 540kg homebred steer by Cader Regal and out of his prize winning homebred Charolais cross, Lady MacOwen.

A Charolais cross also headed up the lightweight heifer section: honours went to the Paton and Hunter team’s yearling, Hazey Jane, bred by D and R Durno and Sons, Glenlivet and sired by Glenlivet Singlemalt.

Above: Robin Roberts lifts the winning trophy, with Smarty Pants Left: Smarty Pants, the Charolais Cross Supreme Royal Highland Winter Fair Champion

47

REGIONAL REPORTS Wales Alison Tucker Firstly, let me take this opportunity to wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

This recent cold, dry spell has been a welcome relief after the constant wind and rain of late. We had problems with frozen water pipes, but a blowtorch soon sorted them out. Apparently the last time that we had this weather it was followed by a good summer. Here’s hoping, as anything would be an improvement on the last two.

Now for the news.

Casting my mind back to October we had the first sale of the autumn in Brecon. This was a virtual sell out, however there weren’t many bulls forward.

The lifting of the blue tongue zones should have helped, but not if you’d already entered your animals in a different sale. It was with reluctance, that due to the lack of Photographed receiving the awards are from left to right, Peter Howells (Welsh Regional Charolais Chairman, RWAS President, Trebor support for the autumn sale, the decision Edwards, BCCS Chairman Iain Millar, and Welsh has been taken to just have spring sales Charolais Secretary Alison Tucker there for the time being. This venue is in very brave, as weighing up the cost of keep and the effect the heart of suckler country, so as breeders it is vitally of the upheaval on the animals was a big gamble. Well important that we support this sale. done to you all anyway.

Perth wasn’t that well attended by the Welsh due The Welsh grapevine being as it is lets me hear to the blue tongue restrictions, which really did restrict us. funny tales from the sales. As you may be aware, some Some of our members took the big decision to get their breeders/stockmen stay in caravans so that they can be stock up north way before the sale, and on the whole this close to their animals and it also saves on fuel and was the right thing to do as they sold well. I thought them accommodation costs. Anyway Bob and Marion Roberts and Gareth Jones, Escob did just that.

Marion has Bob well trained and each morning he would go out really early and fill their kettle ready to make a cup of tea. However, Bob took the Welsh welcome a bit too far as one morning back at the caravan he asked Marion would she like tea or coffee? A male voice answered, not Gareths either, that he would like neither!

Obviously poor Bob had got lost in the dark and was in the wrong caravan.

Welshpool November sale proved productive for the majority of breeders. Many comments were made later that Bob Roberts bull was more than worthy of the top price. He decided not to send this powerhouse of a bull north with his others, a judgement that definitely paid off in this case.

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

Gwyn Edwards with his Charolais section winning steer at the Welsh Winter Fair 48

WELSH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Our annual autumn meeting was held at the

REGIONAL REPORTS Royal Oak in Welshpool the evening before the sale. I’m letting you know well in advance now that it will be held in The Raven this November so that the boys who have food there won’t have to travel!

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

Much further ahead now as we all know how time flies. David Benson wants us to think on to 2012 when not only are the Olympics on in London, but the UK is hosting the World Charolais Congress. It is still very much a thought, but as time is very much of the essence, he has suggested that rather than have a Welsh Farm walk, how about the Welsh National Show being held early at Builth Wells? It would give our region a fantastic opportunity to show the world our best stock. Let David or myself know if you have any ideas or opinions. Other points of discussion were perhaps a farm walk to see how the Welsh Beef Improvement bulls were performing and an Abri day to show people how to use and understand the recording figures and to watch a scanning demonstration.

going to the Welsh Air Ambulance charity. This is a well deserving cause, as everyone knows someone or another who has needed it. There will be news of the official hand over in the next newsletter.

Looking ahead to the spring we will have the pleasure of a visit from our Scottish friends. Ali Gray was aiming for the last weekend in May. If anyone has any ideas of a route, which takes in both Charolais herds, landmarks and our lovely countryside then get in touch please.

Alwyn Rees and Richard Tucker, our Council members have been attending, along with other breed society representatives, regular meetings with Defra at the Lantra offices in Builth about the ever-worrying problem of TB. There is slow but steady progress. The main step that has been taken is that every farm in Wales, irrespective of their yearly testing area, has to TB test by the end of this year. This will give Defra a true indication of the TB problem within our region-at last!!!!

SOUTH CLUB AGM AND DINNER. We had a lovely meal at the Halfway Inn again this year, with a productive meeting afterwards. It was decided that this years AGM would be incorporated into a farm walk hopefully on a commercial unit. Keith and Mair Beynon requested that the Christmas Dinner should continue but perhaps without a speaker as it was just nice to have a chat and catch-up with old friends. The White Hart Inn has been suggested for this years dinner.

We as a breed had to pull out of the interbreed calf show in Llandovery, due to lack of entries. Yet again the Blue Tongue fiasco messed things up for some breeders as animals that had been scheduled for autumn sales took up valuable shed space, leaving no time or space for work on calves. Ah well we can always look forward to this autumn and try again.

WELSH WINTER FAIR As per usual the weather turned cold for these couple of days and travelling up through Llandovery the temperatures dipped to –7. I know that’s positively balmy for you boys in the north, but it’s flipping cold for us, OK? We’d had a few technical hitches the day before, but it all worked out in the end with us winning not only the breed stand but also the overall trade stand again; that’s three years out of four now. Each judge looks for different things and this years was no exception. He was impressed by the fact that our Chief Executive, David and our Chairman Iain Millar thought the event significant enough to attend and help on the stand meeting and greeting people. IaIn worked hard trying to brush the shavings off the carpet but he was winning a losing battle as they were sticking like glue. Fed up with this he cleverly negotiated the use of a Hoover off the Simmental stand opposite to make the job easier for us women! Diane, Bob and all the other helpers manned the stand on Tuesday. She said it started off a bit slow and then went silly, to the point where she ran out of sugar, milk and other important things! My thanks go out to David and IaIn, Peter and Helen Howell’s for their two cracking bulls that filled the stand, all the people that helped on the stand and all those that donated mince pies etc.

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

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, SHOW & SALE REPORTS AND CHAROLAIS BREEDPLAN PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE ON

www.charolais.co.uk 49

REGIONAL REPORTS South East Rachel Archer Snow covered the fields this morning so it is hard to cast ones mind back to the autumn and start this report where the last one finished, with the summer shows. Our region seems to be full of shows during September, particularly lots of smaller events. We try to support these, not just to promote the Charolais breed, but also to talk to the general public about the cattle and farming in general. The ignorance of many of these people about farming matters is quite alarming.

Memorable for all the wrong reasons was Alresford, a lovely show in Hampshire which was celebrating its Centenary year. It was the first show that I took my Charolais cattle to back in 2002. As we approached the showground on the Friday evening with the light fading, it was obvious that a lot of rain had fallen that afternoon. As we turned into the road that led to the entrance, a “river” was flowing towards us. We probably should have turned around at that point, but having made the journey we thought we should continue. When the tractors were waiting to tow us IN we really should have known what was going to happen. Yes sadly they had to cancel the show; 35mm of rain had fallen on the Friday evening and all the gateways and car parks were sodden.

Fortunately the other shows in the region faired much better and we had a lovely sunny day for Newbury, which is one of the main shows in our region. The Club hosted a cheese & “wine” party after judging which was very well attended. It was interesting to note that more cans of cider were consumed than lager, and apart from my husband, nobody touched the bitter. Take note whoever organises next year’s events!

This year Jock Campbell had the honour of judging at Newbury and afterwards presented the trophies and prizes from the 2008 herd competition.

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

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

Thanks to Steve Nesbitt who judged the 2008 herd competition. Eight herds entered and the results were: Best large herd Winner - John & George Morris – Dorcas Charolais Runner-up - Jan & Sarah Boomaars – Vexour Charolais Best small herd Winner - Rachel & Phil Archer – Coningsby Charolais Runner-up - Brian & Peter Heath – Sackville Charolais Because of all the uncertainty with Bluetongue restrictions in 2008 we decided not to run the show competition. The prize for Bull of the Year was won by Brian and Peter

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

Ben Trim (Jane Haw’s son) at New Forest Show

Ben Harman presenting George Morris (Dorcas Charolais) with prizes for the Best Large Herd 50

Heath for Sackville Beau, sold at February Perth for 5,000gns. Unfortunately the autumn sales were disappointing for South East breeders, the best price being 3,800gns for Rupert Taylor Ltd’s Graywood Calamazu.

The Club supported some of the local store and fatstock sales. We ran promotions at Thame and Ashford markets for the best pens by a Charolais bull, these were won by Facenda Farms (Thame) and Rhino Plant (Ashford).

Rupert Taylor Ltd won the

REGIONAL REPORTS best pair of beef bulls at Ashford’s 150th Anniversary Show and Sale and Rachel and Phil Archer’s purebred steer Chicargo was second in the heavyweight Charolais steer class at Smithfield.

The next event for the Club is the AGM being held on Monday 26th January at the Ardingly Inn, West Sussex, commencing at 7pm and being followed with a hot supper. We plan to make a presentation to Fred Turrell who is standing down from the committee after some 4050 years involvement. This is a great achievement and we are very grateful to Fred for the support that he has given to the Club and the breed over the years.

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

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

Donald Maclean with Mortimers Destiny MORTIMERS UROVISION and MORTIMERS CAMEO won the Charolais Championship and the Reserve at Newbury

Reg Taylor presenting Rachel Dawson with the Dingle Hofmeister Trophy for the Champion Male Charolais

Visit the Charolais website on www.charolais.co.uk for catalogues on forthcoming sales and the latest sale reports

Congratulations to Benoit Monseau on his recent marriage.

Pictured are Benoit (wearing his BCCS Wedding Tie) with his new bride 51

REGIONAL REPORTS South West Patrick Dennis VISIT The long awaited visit to Northumberland and Cumbria took place on the 26th August 2008. 26 members and friends travelled up, from all parts of the South West. The first night was spent in a Premier Inn at Cramlington.

Hospitality was first rate. The 27th dawned bright and breezy as we made our way to Thrunton. Joining us were 16 members from Yorkshire and 2 from North Wales.

The weather was good to us, so no wet weather gear was required.

We travelled to the top of the farm by bus, then climbed aboard the trailers and travelled through the fields to view these lovely cattle. Starting with a bunch of in calf cows, moving on to fields containing cows and heifer calves running with the new stock bull, Newhouse Bigal.

In the next field were cows with bull calves. Following on was a field of Talisman sired heifers, lastly a group of freshly calved cows.

On arriving back in the yard we were given a preview of the 8 bulls going to Perth. What a sight, lets hope they do well at the sale. In the house was a bunch of 40 yearling bulls being prepared for future sales. We were all impressed by the condition and size of all the animals.

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

We then travelled across country to Shap and the Shap Wells Hotel, where we spent the next 2 nights. This is one of the few places in the UK that still have Red Squirrels; members took the opportunity to visit them in the woods nearby, On the 28th we travelled to Penrith to Greystoke Castle Farm, again we were lucky with the weather, where David Lawton showed us around. In total they keep 280 cows and flocks of Swales and Mule ewes. To travel around to see everything you need to drive about 9 miles.

Members were impressed with the condition of the animals as they were grazing up to 1200 feet. They keep mostly Limousin x Friesian cows, using the Charolais to produce really good calves, which are spring born, and sold during October and November.

After a quick lunch, thanks to the chip shop in Shap, we headed to Andrew Sutton’s farm in Longsleddle, Kendal. This is true hill farm, under the Lakeland Mountains. With the help of son Bradley, who was a good gate opener, we toured around in an empty feed wagon.

The stock was a delight to see, the cows with a healthy shine on them, again were Limousin x Friesians, with great Charolais Spring born calves. These calves are over wintered and sold in the spring.

The pastures were green again after the torrential rain that fell a few weeks before, flooding the valley several feet deep.

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

Members were really impressed, some with lowland farms did not realise how difficult it can be being a hill farmer!!!

Andrew and his wife and David and his wife joined us for dinner at the Shap Wells Hotel that evening as a thank you.

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

BEEF AND GROWING CATTLE SOUTH WEST (18th September). This now well-established bi-annual event – held at Hatherleigh Livestock Market - goes from strength to strength. Despite clashing with the Dairy Event at Stoneleigh and the first fine weather in I don’t know how many days, the attendance was well over 2,000. Farmers from all parts of the region (and some from further afield!) enjoyed a superb show of livestock both on the hoof and on the hook as well as a number of seminars and demonstrations. The day provided an ideal opportunity for visiting over 100 trade stands as well as 21 promotional breed society stands, all on a compact site with food and drink on tap (and some really good icecream!). In fact there was more interest shown in the stand and the cattle than at any previous event.

We were fortunate enough (thanks in no small way to Richard Northmore (Loveton) who is on the organising committee) to be allocated the same space we had last time in the breed societies building. Yet again we were well supported by David and Fiona from the main Society office who ensured that we had all the right promotional posters and general bumf, to Robin Hadfield who as usual came up trumps with the flower boxes etc. – and to Richard and Sue who put so much hard work into ensuring that the stand was up and running and ready for the cattle. Thanks also to Anne-Marie White and family (Furrydance) for bringing up the family’s young bull Furrydance Cloud and Charolais cross steer Galaxy and to Peter Old (Moynton) for sending his two bulls Moynton Caspar and Moynton Carlton. (I suppose I ought to thank Mike too!) The combined efforts of all the above and everyone else who helped on the day offering help and information, and/or food and drink, to the numerous interested visitors to the stand led to our winning the ‘Best Society Breed Stand’ competition. (Thank you Sue, Janet, Anne-Marie, Mike and Leanne, and our Council Member Viv Sellick).

Congratulations must also go to Brian and Janet Nancekivell who entered 2 cows in the very strong ‘Supreme Cow and Calf Competition’ gaining a well earned 3rd place with their Charolais cow Lovistone Anna and her February born heifer calf Lovistone Di by Burradon Talisman.

Charolais were also well represented in other classes and although they did not involve any of the Region’s members it is worth noting that the 3rd place in 52

REGIONAL REPORTS waited on the stand for them (it was a good meal too – with some really excellent beef!). Mike and I got our evening meal that day, but missed out on the Thursday when our journey home took a little longer than expected (midnight) – thanks to a seized on trailer brake! Our thanks to the Hatherleigh market manager and to Chris the very kind lorry driver from west Cornwall who rescued us from a lay-by on the A30 (about 20 minutes from the market) and to Pete and Pauline who got the bulls home for us that night. And thanks to the Devon & Cornwall police who kept ringing to say someone was on their way!

– at least they were able to block off one lane of traffic while we transferred the bulls from the trailer to the lorry!

I don’t want to put anyone off – but if you think you might be able to provide us with cattle to go on the stand in two years time – these problems can’t happen again – and we would be grateful if you could help, and it doesn’t always go wrong! Just ring Patrick and let him know you are interested in helping!

the ‘Rib of Beef Competition’ went to a Charolais and that the Overall Champion from the Primestock Show was a Belgian Blue cross out of a good Charolais cow (quality will out!!).

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

P.S. – I always seem to be reporting on transport complications and vehicle breakdowns in these pages (just be glad it isn’t you this time Jane!). This time it was Anne-Marie, Mike and I who fell foul of the transport jinx.

Firstly the Furrydance cattle took rather a long time to make the journey from Cornwall on the Wednesday – which meant Anne-Marie missed her evening meal as she

SMITHFIELD SHOW – 5TH AND 6TH DECEMBER – For the second time this historic show was held at the Bath & West Showground at Shepton Mallet. With visitor numbers of over 14,000 (just under the 2006 level) organisers were justifiably proud of an event, which proved a success despite the prevailing national doom and gloom as news of the credit crunch began to hit home.

Support from Somerset County Council also meant that there was much more for the visitor to see with an even larger display of Somerset food and craft on show, while a revamped Food Hall featured a still wider range of produce, with meats, cheeses (the small whole Stiltons on offer are a must for anyone who knows their cheeses!) and Christmas goodies on sale.

A much-improved trade stand area offered a wide range of services and products for livestock farmers and meat traders and included specialist services for beef and sheep producers, equipment suppliers and retailers specializing in rural and agricultural products. And I don’t know how they did it – but despite the cold weather – the halls housing the trade stands were warm!

As usual the livestock competitions were at the heart of the show and included top animals from across the country, vying for prize money of more than £50,000 and trophies valued in excess of £100,000. Whilst top honours went out of the region the Alford family from Cullompton flew the flag for the South West as they landed the Reserve Champion ’Best Suckled Calf Steer’ on the opening evening with their Scottish bred Charolais Cross steer ‘Mr P.’ – by Newhouse Rob Roy. Charolais also featured in the main Interbreed Championships with a steer sired by Cader Regal taking the Reserve Championship for the Best Beast in Show Bred by Exhibitor. Unfortunately the entries of pedigree Charolais were well down this year and we had only 4 forward from which to choose a team for the prestigious ‘Duke of Norfolk Perpetual Trophy’ – so it was quite an

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

Brian and Janet Nancekivell’s cow and calf won third prize in the Suckler Cow Competition 53

REGIONAL REPORTS Christmas Dinner The Annual Dinner was held in late November at the Gipsy Hill Hotel, Near Exeter in Devon with 51 members and guests in attendance, enjoying a wonderful meal and good company followed by an interesting and entertaining talk from our guest speaker, Mark Thomas who is Chairman of the National Beef Association South West Region; who with his wife Jenny joined us on their return trip from meetings in London. Our thanks go to them for being with us, this was followed by a raffle held in aid of the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust who support cancer patients in Dorset. Several members brought along prizes together with a generous donation of goodies from the BCCS office; Lucy Williams managed to sell a large amount of tickets raising £200 for the charity and the money was presented by Viv Sellick to Liz Yeandle on behalf of the Trust..

achievement when our team of 3 was pulled in 4th.

The South West Charolais Association again offered to man the Charolais stand – which was once more situated in the best possible position right in front of the cattle judging/sale ring. Declared the ‘best and most hospitable breed stand’ by none other than commentator Mike Tucker we were certainly very busy throughout the 2 days of the main show. Thanks must go to Henry and Emma Vooght (Littlebovey) who were on duty for both days and helped Mike and me put the stand together on the Thursday (and brought in fresh milk each day!) to Brian and Janet Nancekivell (Lovistone), Redvers and Jackie Williams (Magor), and Cecil and Robert Currell (Solo) who all helped keep up the supply of teas, coffees (over 300!!), mince pies and biscuits to a seemingly never ending queue of people. Also thanks to everyone from the

Skittle & Social Evening On 11 November many members and friends from across the region attended a social evening organised by Briian and Dianne Lavis at the Fox & Hounds in Bridestow, Devon.

The evening commenced with a showing of the film compiled during the highly successful trip to the North of England, which gave a chance for those members who were not able to the make the trip to share in some of the information and fun that had occurred.

An interval followed during which members enjoyed a buffet before the serious business of the skittles competition; where the men played against the women.

After a long and hard fought contest, where members showed varying degrees of skill, the women emerged as glorious victors ! All in all a great time was had by everyone. A hearty thanks to all who helped to make the evening such a success.

The Smithfield Stand region who pitched in and helped answer the numerous questions posed by our visitors while they were enjoying our hospitality – from Breedplan to membership queries – I think we answered most of them – the ones we couldn’t help with were e-mailed to David Benson the following Monday! Many thanks yet again to all those who helped to make it such a successful event – and fingers crossed that the South West keeps hold of this major Show!

2009 Events for the Diary AGM – will be held on Monday 2 February at Exeter Market Conference Centre at 2:00 pm.

Spring Show & Sale at Holsworthy will be held on Wednesday 29 April. Details and entry forms from Patrick Dennis at Kivells 07831 620990.

The Three County Shows: Devon County Show – 21 to 23 May the judge will be Peter Donger (Seawell) from Northants. Schedules from Sally Anne Daniel on 01392 353705.

The Royal Bath & West – 27 to 30 May the judge will be Mr AJ Smith (Oxdale) from Leicestershire. Schedules from Angela Harper on 01749 822214.

The Royal Cornwall Show – 4 to 6 June the judge will be Mr AE Hornell (Faueninich) from Stirling, Scotland.

Schedules from Chris Riddle on 01208 812183.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2009 The British Charolais Cattle Society Ltd Annual General Meeting will take place in the BCCS Pavilion, Avenue M, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth Warwicks CV8 2RG, commencing at 9am on Tuesday 7th July 2009

A cheque was presented by Viv Sellick to Liz Yeandle on behalf of the Trust 54

REGIONAL REPORTS East Midlands James Webb stayed in the region with the McDowell family in Leicestershire. The second highest price was for Bleaklow Roche at £3,500. In all there were six sold for an average of £2550. Well done Tom. If there was an award for enthusiasm this would have to go to Hayley Miller. In July she decided to go to the Royal Show. When she arrived at the Society building she went to see Joy and ask if she could join the Stock Judging Competition. Because the East Midlands hadn’t entered the competition Joy asked David Benson if Hayley could enter. David said yes and off Hayley went.

Not only did Hayley compete for the East Midlands, at 15 she scored the highest points in the Junior Section of the competition. Well done and we hope to see you in this years competition.

Our AGM will be held on Monday 2nd March at

In March the East Midlands Club had its AGM. This was no ordinary meeting; it was only attended by six club members. Alistair Smith who is our current Chairman had no option but to suspend the club for the rest of the year.

Therefore there haven’t been any of the usual activities.

So Alistair and Richard decided to call a meeting to try and kick start some enthusiasm for the forthcoming year. So on Monday 22nd of September 22 members attended a meeting at the Limekiln Inn at Cropwell Bishops. David Benson our Chief Executive came along to give us some guidance and support. After a lengthy discussion it was agreed that we should support the five county shows in the region. And that the hospitality unit would attend both Leicestershire and Lincolnshire shows with Lincolnshire being one of the national shows. There will also be a BBQ after the show at Lincoln.

To keep the momentum going we held another meeting on the 24th November where again we had 19 of

the Limekiln Inn at Cropwell Bishop in Nottinghamshire at 7.30pm. Let’s hope we can encourage more than six people. It would be nice to see at least 26 of the membership so see you all there in March.

our membership turn out. There were various discussions going on and we all agreed to postpone the dinner until the latter part of 2009 but we would try and organise a cattle viewing somewhere within the region in the summer.

The important thing is that there are a number of members and friends who do want the club to survive.

This is your club and we would all welcome suggestions of how we can improve it. Please let us know what you want. For instance is there anybody you would like to hear a talk on a special subject or what about a quiz night? It’s your club use it.

Now I’m off my soap box there have been some of us doing something in the region. Did you know that the East Midlands have more members showing cattle at summer shows than any other region. This year alone Andrew and Hilary Taylor have taken three breed Championships and one Supreme, Rachael Dawson has had four breed championships with Gaynor McDowell having three breed Championships plus Female and Reserve Champion at the Royal and finally Vanessa and I have four breed championships, two Supreme and one Reserve Supreme. Which shows that we have collectively won at least 14 summer shows this year?

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

The region has seen one dispersal and one reduction. After a change in circumstances David North regrettably sold the Brooton Herd at Newark in October.

Out of nine females forward David did buy two back.

Brooton Verna at £3,000 went to Miss Bloomfield in Norfolk and Brooton Tulip at £2,000 has gone to our friends the Greenhams.

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

Obituary Denis W.P Parkin 1927 – 2008 Denis Parkin became a life member of the British Charolais Cattle Society in 1972, when he founded his Piperhaywood herd, developed mainly along polled blood lines.

Denis was a larger than life character who had many interests both in business and socially.

His main business was in the construction industry, and when the BCCS Council of Management took the decision to construct a new office headquarters on the Royal Showground in 1983, Mr Parkin, through his Piper Construction business was invited to tender. His tender was accepted, and because of his Charolais interests, Denis took personal, hands on approach in the design and planning of the building. His flair for design, and architectural knowledge was renowned, and one of his legacies will be the BCCS Charolais headquarters.

Sympathies are extended to his widow Kate, and his sons Nick and Rupert, together with daughter Sue and their families.

55

REGIONAL REPORTS South Midlands Steve Hookway Commandeur ET Sired by Tattenhall impeccable and out of a Mowbraypark cow for 2000gns he also sold Oakchurch Colbert ET sired by Burradon Talisman also out of a Mowbraypark cow for 1500gns

I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and hope that you have a prosperous one.

Prices for beef seem to be holding up well despite the credit crunch and with global demand rising together with a domestic shortage lets hope there are good times ahead.

WELSHPOOL This years sale was very well attended by our regional members which was nice to see all of which had their successes.

PJ Maher sold his bull Roscrea Charlie sired by Bonnykelly Onward for 1300gns Mike Brown sold Charbron Champion sired by Caylers Supreme for 2000gns We sold our bull Waldencourt Carlos sire by Inverlochy Resolve for 2200gns Ricky Butler had a good sale selling two heifers that were among the leading prices namely Carrigbeg Bridget sired by Dingle Hofmeister and Carrigbeg Connie sired by Burradon Talisman for 1600 & 1500 respectively.

Well done to you all.

NEWRODDIGE & COTEHOUSE VISIT My wife Sharon and I were the only members from this region to make the trip last August to this excellent meeting. We met up at Don Marshalls Cotehouse farm Derbyshire with members from Cumbria and Scotland all of whom made us feel most welcome a thank you to Nora Jefferson their regional secretary who provided us with directions and organised the whole trip. Mr Marshall provided us with a fantastic breakfast before loading us aboard tractors and trailers to view the herd. We were treated to some quality cattle Notably Cotehouse Violet a Champion at the Royal Show, Killadeas Barney a Perth Champion and Supreme Champion at this years Royal and also Cotehouse Cockenzie junior champ at this years Royal. A big thank you to Don Marshall and his family for their hospitality.

Shortly before lunch we made the short trip into Staffordshire to visit Peter Mallaber and Danny Wyllies Newroddige herd, we arrived at Peters dairy unit where we were given a tour of his dairy set up before looking at some batches of embryo transferred calves that were being reared on some crossbred recipients together with some dairy cows to provide some extra milk.The calves looked very impressive some of which were by their new stock bull Gretnahouse Archangel. Mr Mallaber provided the lunch with a lovely spread of food and drink that was much appreciated.

Following lunch we moved on to view the stock at Danny Wyllie’s farm just a few miles up the road.Once again we were treated to some very fine cattle many of which had been produced by ET. With the use of embryos they have grown the herd to around a hundred head in just five years from just a handful of cows. Among the cattle on view was Thrunton Versailles the Supreme and interbreed Champion at the Three Counties Show a couple of years ago. Danny provided the final round of refreshments and brought a really good visit to a close.

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

HAMILTON MAJOR PRODUCTION SALE Chris Turney had a very good sale held at Ross on Wye market on 6th of November. An average price of 1396gns was achieved over the thirty lots sold.A good selection of cows and calves together with heifers and young bulls were put forward.

The top price of the day was paid for Hamilton Vogue Three Counties Interbreed Champion from this summers show she was purchased by James and Vanessa Web for their Rushfield herd for 2800gns . Stock bull Mortimers Robroy opened the bidding for the males selling to PJ Maher for 2400gns to join his Roscrea herd.

Hamilton Culprit a young 16month old bull by Doonally New led the male prices selling for 2500gns All thirty lots forward found a buyer concluding a very good sale.

AUTUMN SALES PERTH Jeremy Price had an excellent first trip to Perth selling his bull Oakchurch Conquerant ET sired by inverlochy Resolve and out of a Mowbraypark cow he sold for 6000 gns

CHARLIE FAIRBURN Following the production sale of the Hamilton Herd stockman Charlie Fairburn will be moving onto pastures new. Charlie will be a big loss to our region. During his eleven years with the Hamilton herd Charlie has guided the herd to some notable successes, they have picked up prizes at most of the major shows around the country and have flown the flag for the south midlands region. Charlie is a well respected showman whose soap making skills are renowned around the country . Charlie has always been keen to give our members demonstrations advising us how to prepare and present our animals properly and we would like to thank him for his efforts. Charlie now moves on to join Peter Dongers Seawell herd and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.

BRECON Jeremy price was at it again selling Oakchurch

CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations go to Paul Burgess and his Partner Nikki 56

REGIONAL REPORTS Anglia

on the Birth of their Son WILLIAM JOHN all the best goes to you all.

Louise Barker

CHRISTMAS DINNER Our annual Christmas dinner was held at the Royal Oak Much Marcle on Dec 2nd .The meal was well attended by our members and a good time was had by all those who came along.

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

The autumn saw us here in the south a lot wetter than usual which resulted in the cows coming in a month earlier than previous years. It will be a long winter so we hope for a good spring to dry the ground out and get them out earlier.

Perth in October was disappointing for breeders in the south. Bluetongue appears to have made it increasingly difficult for English breeders to sell bulls in Scotland.

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

This proved worthwhile as we sold him for 6,000gns to Colin Wight, Carwood. He did a fantastic job for us so we wish Colin well with him and hope he carries on successfully.

We were now on the look out for new bulls which is never an easy task, but we purchased the 1st prize

FUTURE EVENTS THE AGM The AGM will be held on Thursday 5th of March at The Royal Oak Much Marcle Herefordshire to begin at 7.30pm .Everybody is welcome to attend.Rita Bayliss has enquired and it appears that we will be able to use the two for one vouchers that we were given out at the Christmas dinner so anyone wishing to eat will be able to use them ,meals will be served at 9.00pm if you havn’t got a voucher Rita has got some spare

BREEDPLAN MEETINGS David Benson will be organising a meeting to be held at Stoneleigh park on Friday 5th of Febuary to discuss the breed plan recording system. Points to be discussed will include the new online calf registration system now available and the other options available for the registration of calves.This meeting is open to all members from our region and beyond if you are interested would you please let Secretary Rita Bayliss Know by Jan 30th so as numbers can be put forward to the Society. The meeting will start at 1.00pm when lunch will be provided on arrival .

A further meeting is to be planned probably for May which will take on a more practical approach and will be held on farm .An ultrasound scanner will be invited along to give a demonstration and further opportunities to discuss the new recording system will be available.

winner Harestone Count for 8,000gns from Neil Barclay.

He is an impressive bull to look at and has thrived since being home, but also has an excellent pedigree behind him.

Carlisle in November was a very sticky sale. Not many bulls found homes, but thankfully our bull Caylers Columbus sold for 2,500gns. Not a great price but at least he was sold.

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

BEEF EXPO 09 The Beef Expo for 2009 is going to be held at the Three Counties Show Ground Malvern in May . This can only be good for our region and naturally the Charolais Society will be having a stand for all to visit so that will be a date for your diary.

Before importing cattle check the BlueTongue Virus status, especially BTV 1 & 8 is not circulating in the area from which the cattle are purchased

THREE COUNTIES SHOW The Three Counties Show has again been granted sponsorship from the Charolais Society to promote the breed at this years show. We will receive £1000 to be matched by our own sponsorship therefore a minimum fund of £2000 will be available for the show. We will endeavour this year to make a large effort to attract the interest of breeders and make this show a great one .All new exhibitors will be made most welcome

DEADLINE FOR REPORTS FOR NEXT NEWSLETTER IS MONDAY 11 MAY 2009

THE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION OF £31.50 WAS DUE ON 1ST JANUARY 2009 57

REGIONAL REPORTS Yorkshire & North East Neil & Kirsty Blyth the show and sale.

It was back to the house after this to enjoy the hospitality offered to us and to present the family with some gifts as a small token of our appreciation.

An excellent day was enjoyed by all and it was a real privilege to be able to visit the herd. The herd was impressive and left us with no doubt the Campbell family will continue to turn out outstanding pedigree bulls and remain one of the top herds in the country. Many thanks to all of the family for allowing us to visit and for their hospitality.

Happy New Year to you all. Unfortunately due to some rather sudden snow fall our Christmas gathering was cancelled at the last minute but we’re hoping to re-arrange this in the New Year. The raffle prizes continue to clutter up my hall so I’m hoping we can get a new date arranged very soon!

THRUNTON TRIP WEDNESDAY 27TH AUGUST We were fortunate to be able to join the South West region in a visit to the renowned Thrunton Charolais herd this Summer. We were given a guided tour of the farm on the backs of trailers, allowing us to travel across the whole farm based near Alnwick in Northumberland.

Ian, John and their sons gave us an excellent tour, providing us with lots of information and answering the many questions thrown at them. We started at the bottom of the farm looking at the impressive group of dry cows, most of whom were in calf to Burradon Talisman and are due to calve early in the Spring. We moved on to look at cows with heifer calves. These were running with the newest stock bull Newhouse Bigal. Both the cows and calves were in great shape with some very promising females adding to the pedigree herd. Newhouse Bigal was looking outstanding even after serving the majority of the females. Ian explained they run their cattle in small groups to ease management and different feeding patterns. The heifer calves are not given any additional feed initially and so are run in a separate group to the bull calves. We were shown a large field at the foot of Thrunton woods where cattle can be successfully Wintered with a little extra feeding.

The in calf heifers we were shown were mainly daughters of Mowbraypark Orlando and Burradon Talisman and in calf to the Newhouse bull. It was difficult to spot any faults even though the heifers kindly stood still for us to have a good look at them!

As we got closer to the farm stead we were shown the bull calves which are kept in three separate groups with their mothers. It was good to see the different age groups as we could see the potential in the youngest calves, see their continued growth at the intermediate group and were impressed by the biggest calves close to weaning. The size and shape amongst this group was outstanding and there’s no doubt that the Thrunton herd successes will continue with batches of calves like this.

The bull calves are fed creep and keeping them in different age groups helps to ensure that they are all able to access it. They are also kept separate from the stock bull to help avoid injuries. A.I. is used for these females are therefore they’re kept closer to the farm to ease detection and handling.

We arrived back to the farmstead and were lucky enough to be able to see the bulls being prepared for October Perth sales. There were six bulls kept in individual pens so they can be fed and handled as required, they are sure to draw a great deal of attention at

Some Thrunton Females during the Club Trip AGM Roger Green kindly agreed to remain as our Chairman. It was agreed by us all that Roger has been doing an excellent job and a relief he agreed to continue! Neil Blyth will remain as Roger’s trusty sidekick!

Kirsty Blyth has now taken over secretarial duties from Liz Coope who decided to step down after several years of hard work. Some flowers were sent to Liz to 58

REGIONAL REPORTS TRIP TO MOULINS BY ANITA JACKSON

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

Andrew Brown agreed to take on the role of Treasurer as John Green has now moved off to bonny Scotland. We are sure that Andrew’s attention to detail will ensure healthy accounts for the Club!

Margaret Atkinson was rather pushed into agreeing to try and arrange some sort of trip for the Club.

Returned subs forms have indicated there would be some interest in visits to other farms and perhaps a weekend away. Margaret has organised excellent trips for the Club in the past and so we have convinced her to look at some options for this year.

Michael Atkinson is now our council member and encouraged us to contact him with any issues we would like to be raised with the society. Mike provided us with details of the last council meeting which were discussed.

Mike also reported that Roger Green has been proposed as a Judge for the region and Roger accepted. Look out for him at a show near you!

Following my success at the Stockjudging Competition at the Royal Show Robert and I had the privilege of attending the Moulins Charolais Show in France in late November.

It was just as cold and frosty as it was in this country.

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

We spent the day on Thursday looking round the

PERTH Just a few local breeders at Perth this year. Mike and Margaret Atkinson got second prize for their Burradon Talisman son- Mowbraypark Cavalier. He sold for 7000gns the following day. Mowbraypark Charlie, an Inverlochy Resolve son made 3,500gns.

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

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

The Charolais Champions at Moulins town of Moulins and took the opportunity to buy some more nice warm socks !! The rest of our party, headed by David Benson, arrived on Thursday afternoon and we all took a quick look around the Show before meeting up for a very lively and entertaining evening meal back in the town.

Next morning it was up early and off to the Show.

It was a tremendous Show for both numbers of cattle forward and quality. We were most impressed with the conformation of the cattle at the show.

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

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

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

CARLISLE Only three animals made it from our region but it was worth their trip as all were sold. Congratulations to Mike and Margaret Atkinson for their Reserve Cracker femaleMowbraypark Crystal. An Inverlochy Topsire daughter from a Mowbraypark Paramount cow. Crystal was first in her class and was snapped up at 4400gns.

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

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

GENOTYPING All new bulls used for pedigree breeding must be genotyped at the owner’s expense. DNA Sampling bags and instructions are available free of charge from the Charolais office. The cost on returning the bags to the office is then £28.75 including VAT

THE YEAR LETTER FOR 2009 IS E 59

REGIONAL REPORTS Border Nora Jefferson It’s Boxing Day and I’m putting my thoughts together and looking back to St Swithins who allowed us ten glorious days to gather our good crops then – he wreaked havoc with continuous rain causing a lot of harvest and silage to be spoiled by being salvaged off the land up to the end of November, the land being really waterlogged. Cattle had to be housed at least one month early. Beyond the farm the roads were like canals (due to no roadside maintainence) it might be a good idea to have a kayak tucked away in the garage !!

Wednesday 20th August The Charolais Express coach left Wigton at 6.00 am and we were on a tight schedule and on our way to Scropton in Derbyshire to visit the Cotehouse Herd of Charolais by courtesy of Don and Hazel Marshall. Don’s last minute instructions were ‘ get here for breakfast’ On turning onto the A50 we could almost smell the bacon sizzling ! and didn’t we do that full English breakfast justice. We met up with some members from other Clubs – including an old friend Jim Skipper. After a tour of this classy herd that had cleared up a lot of silverware at the Royal Show. It was Danny Wyllie who navigated Maurice ( a retired farmer) to our next port of call at Drakelow the home of Peter and Helen Mallaber. Here we met with a lovely herd of Holstein lying snug in loose housing, having fulfilled their morning milking duty and filled up the tank. We then viewed the Newroddige Herd of Charolais using some powerful foundation cows and producing embryos – a large herd in the making, also under the scrutiny of Danny who works hard on his pedigrees. Next thing on the agenda was a superb luncheon in the ‘Barn Restaurant’ made by Helen and her helpers and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

On we go to our final visit to Danny and Jane at Edingale to view the Tamhorn herds of British Blue and Charolais, both successful and a credit to them. At this stage it began to rain but we were ready to depart but oh no ! on Janes instance it was refreshments first – how could we eat any more ? Again it was superb. As we drove back up North and over Shap we overlooked the famous sunset over the Solway. We held a raffle on the coach (a lot of prizes were given, thankyou all) and this kept us in the black !

We had a brilliant day out and our special thanks go to our hosts and to Danny for organising it and to Emily who was a great help on the coach.

Robert and Anita pictured with Michael and Betty Graham Wednesday 3rd September David Lawton invited us on a farm walk to Greystoke Castle near Penrith. There was a good turnout of members and friends. We were around this large 2200 acre estate by tractor and trailer, the land was dry and there was plenty of grass due to being on limestone and as we climbed up the undulating territory, we saw black cows with spring calves (some plums amongst these) sired by David’s well chosen Charolais sires – with well known prefixes. He is a great believer in these crosses – they both grow well and weigh well. These calves were all due to be sold at the end of October. I had the privilege of being driven around in the Land Rover with David and I admit that at times, I had to hold my breath !! It was a good evening and I believe that David was well satisfied with the trade.

Friday 31st October This was the day of the Beef Expo which was held at Borderway Mart. The BCCS had a great stand, professionally erected which we were congratulated upon.

We had great pens of cattle, Pedigree Bulls and Heifers, cross cattle and calves. They caused a great deal of discussion and there was always plenty of folks milling around whilst my ever faithful team of helpers – Angela, Marjorie and Jenny did a brilliant job feeding the ‘droves’ who dropped in. We held a competition to guess the weight of four heifers – the outright winner being John Little from Hesket New Market with his guess of 1892 kgs.

From this competition we forwarded £213 to our local Air Ambulance, we also sent them £100 from our Rounders Match last August. We must congratulate Paul Stobart who gallantly took up the challenge on our behalf of the ‘Bucking Bronco’ and came a very creditable third. It was

Saturday 30th August This was about the only dry day in Cumbria for about six weeks and the date for the wedding of Anita Graham to Robert Jackson which was held at St James Church, Ireby. Anita and Robert have now established their own small Herd of Charolais under the Lynedraw prefix.

THE YEAR LETTER FOR 2009 IS E 60

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

Tuesday 11th November Our Annual General Meeting was held within the Auctioneer, and it is all change at the top.

Newly elected to the Chair is Edward Forster (Piatroon) and Sophie Bell (Hallbankgate) elected as Secretary.

Otherwise no change. Nora retired and did not seek reelection after almost 20 years. She was presented with a huge basket of flowers by BCCS President Peter Vasey.

Thursday 20th November The Christmas Cracker Dinner and Entertainment in the Auctioneer. This year it went with a bang!! Chairman Edward Forster welcomed a very good turnout of members and friends and a table of Society officials. We all enjoyed a lovely dinner (the Shepherds Inn norm).

Peter Vasey BCCS President, took me by surprise with his kind words on my retirement as Secretary and presented me with a beautifully framed and wonderful oil painting of my dear pal ‘Meg’ amongst other things. I was completely overwhelmed but this was followed up by David Benson and Iain Millar with their kind words and a very interesting Border Fine Art “Weighing up the Problem”. These are two super gifts which I will certainly treasure. These surprises catapulted me onto cloud nine, wow Thank you everyone connected with Charolais for all your kindness, generosity and what I value most your friendship. I do wish the Border Club every success under the new management. However, I still intend to be buzzing around and a big thank you to you all from the

Nora’s Angels Abba’s Dancing Queen –Nora’s favourite. The men at the bar even gave a final rendition – very tuneful !

Nora said it was a night to remember after all her years as Club Secretary.

The next morning Meg was told she was famous and she looked with her sombre brown eyes as much as to say ‘ and I knew all about it’ Friday 21st November The Christmas Cracker Show and Sale at Borderway. Not quite the atmosphere of the night before but Vanessa Vasey sold her 3rd Prize Bull Border Centurian for 3500 gns and Robbie and Marion Jackson sold Seaville Vanity and Seaville Countess for 3300 gns. Well done to these two Border Club vendors.

During the sale I was invited into the rostrum by Robert Addison and then Heather presented me with a huge bouquet for my retirement from my friends at H & H . Wow again, how very generous. Thank you everyone.

Saturday 22nd November This was the day of the Christmas Show and Sale of Prime Cattle at Hopes Auction Co Ltd, Wigton when there was an outstanding entry of cattle forward for the judge Stephen Elliott to place.

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

Charolais sired prizewinners were Charolais cross Heifer 1st & Champion – Messrs Barnett, Brinns Farm sold for 430p 2nd – EM & J Holliday, Clea Mire sold for 238p 3rd – D A

Nora’s Presentation. Back Row Peter Vasey (BCCS President) Sophie Bell (Border Secretary) Edward Forster (with Meg) Nora and BCCS Chairman Iain Millar bottom of my heart.

The entertainment got underway starting with Nora’s Angels – a dancing troupe, then two young farmers singing their own songs. We then had a huge raffle and the Bonanza Draw generously sponsored by the Shepherds Inn. The winner of the Bonanza Draw was David Miller from Crookdake, 2nd Paul Stobart, Scalehouses and 3rd Judith Huntington, Millbridge.

The finale was Nora’s Angels (including Nora) and 61

REGIONAL REPORTS Harrison, The Old Vicarage sold for 203p Charolais cross Steer 1st – I Grainger, Kiln Close sold for 216p 2nd – DA & SM Miller, Crookdake Mill sold for 187p 3rd – EM & J Holliday, Clea Mire sold for 184p

ROYAL SMITHFIELD CLUB’ S NEW CHAIRMAN MR JOHN CAMPBELL

Monday 1st December The Border Club held their Charolais sired Primestock Show and Sale at Borderway in conjunction with their Christmas Show.

1st Prize Bull from Messrs Hewetson, Scales Hall 767 kgs and sold for 171.5p 2nd Prize Bull from T Bell & Son, Hallbankgate 709 kgs sold for 160.5p Steers 1st – Ian Grainger, Kiln Close 668 kgs sold for 179p 2nd – Derek and Gillian Young, Crummock Bank sold for 178p 3rd – D Dent, Elm House, Appleby sold for £1310

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

Mr John Campbell of Alnwick, Northumberland takes over the Chairmanship from Neil Gourlay of Thornhill, Dumfries from 1st January 2009.

John Campbell has been a Member of the Royal Smithfield Club since 1984, when he first exhibited sheep at the Show. He has served on the Club’s Council since 1995 and has been Chief Sheep Steward since 2001.

He has exhibited champion sheep at the Royal Smithfield Show and at the Scottish National Fatstock Show and is a member of the Suffolk Sheep, Texel Sheep and Charolais Cattle Societies.

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

“I am delighted to follow Neil Gourlay as Chairman of the Royal Smithfield Club,” said John. “Neil has ably guided the Club through some difficult times and I am pleased to be able to have his support as my deputy for 2009. Each new year brings new challenges for the industry and I am confident that the Smithfield team will meet these challenges and the Club will continue to fulfil its role within the agri business and meat trade sectors for many years to come.”

Snippets Our congratulations go to Judith Huntington (Millbridge) on her engagement to Andrew Hunter.

My thanks go to Betty Graham for all her help over the years and the framed photo of the presentation.

Conclusion We now have wedges of swans flying overhead and landing in our stubble field, how graceful they are.

Imagine a swan down duvet this bitterly cold artic weather!!

Meg and I walked down to see them, but they do not like to be spied on and flew away into the woods. Alasdair has black clouds of starlings over the Border we had them last year! But he is a bird lover !!

Leading up to New Years Eve and the lambing has kicked off. How quickly the seasons come round. I do wish you all a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.

So its bye from me and woof ! from Meg Thanks everyone Nora

IMPORTANT Before using a Friend or Neighbours Bull, please ensure that it is registered and has not passed to a non-member, otherwise the resultant calves will not be eligible for registration

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

Lance represented Scotland on the BCCS Council of Management, and chaired the livestock committee.

He was very much involved with the early buying missions from France, and then turned the importation of Charolais cattle into a booming export trade to New Zealand and then Australia in the 1970’s.

The Lynemoor herd of Charolais was one of the earliest pioneering herds into polling the Charolais breed in the UK. Sympathies are extended to Mrs Bell, and her family.

62

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NEW MEMBERS Welcome to New Members who joined from 1st September to 31st December 2008 NORTHERN IRELAND Mr P Gallagher, 67A Ranaghan Road, Maghera, Co Derry N Ireland Tel: 028 796 44557 H & H Heron, 24 Loughries Road, Newtownards, Co Down, N Ireland Tel: 028 9181 2209 Little & Black, 64 Slane Road, Carnlough, Ballymena, Co Antrim, N Ireland BT44 OLF Tel: 028 28 885127 Mr S McCaughey, 3A Derryclooney Road, Co Tyrone, N Ireland BT77 OED Tel: 07900 956116 Mr O McNeill, Boreagh Farm, 43 Church Road, Forkhill, Newry, Co Down, N Ireland BT35 9SX Tel: 028 30 888 417 J Gilliespie & Sons, 57 Garvaghy Road, Portglenone, Ballymena, Co Antrim, N Ireland BT44 8DN Tel: 028 25 38329 M R Smyton, 30 Altaveedan Road, Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone, N Ireland BT75 ONB Tel: 02832 280727 S & A McKenna, 27B Old Monaghan Road, Clogher, Co Tyrone, N Ireland BT76 OHW Tel: 028 855 48428 YORKS & NORTH EAST Mr R A Slack, The Paddock, Killerby, Darlington, Co Durham DL2 3UP Tel: 07719 937506 SOUTH MIDLANDS Mr S G Harris, Hawthorn Farm, Shelwick, Hereford HR1 3AS Tel: 01432 273289 SCOTLAND Mr G McCulloch, C/O Mid Cambushinnie Farm, Dunblane, Perthshire Tel: 01786 820155 WALES MR G Davies, Llwynllwyd Merthyr Cynog, Brecon, Powys LD3 9SF Tel: 01874 690188 LANCASHIRE FP & S M Woodhead, Crimble Hall Farm, Bamford, Rochdale, Lancs Tel: 01706 360175 Mr R Green, Marsdens Farm, Bashall Eaves, Clitheroe, Lancs BB7 3NA Tel: 01254 826262 SOUTH WEST Mr J Thomas, 8 Priory Road, Bodmin, Cornwal Tel: 01208 76396 ANGLIA Miss A J Robinson, Stockhill Lodge, Elton, Peterborough PE8 2SJ Tel: 01832 280727 EAST M IDLANDS Mr D W North, 8 Westhall Close, Carlton-Le-Moorland, Lincoln LN5 9JD OVERSEAS Mr F Sullivan, Sulmer House, Lynchs Cross, Tullyallen, Droghedna, Co Louth, Eire Tel: 3538 6257 6132

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£28.75

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

£20.00

THE BRITISH CHAROLAIS CATTLE SOCIETY LIMITED

By Guarantee Registered Charity No. 250018

ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO THE COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TO BE HELD IN THE SOCIETY PAVILION, ROYAL SHOWGROUND ON TUESDAY, 7th JULY, 2009 AT 9 a.m.

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

Mr D M Lyle (National) Mr T G Bell (Northern England) Mr G J Crawford (Northern Ireland) Mr J T Wilson (Scotland) Mr V E Sellick (Southern England) Mr R J B Tucker (Wales) Messrs G J Crawford; D M Lyle; V E Sellick and R J B Tucker are eligible for re-election. Messrs T G Bell and J T Wilson have served two terms of three years and are therefore not eligible for re-election.

Attached to this Notice you will find a nomination form for replacement nominees for the vacancies which must be correctly completed and returned to the Society Office NOT LATER THAN MONDAY, 27th APRIL 2009. In the event of more than one nominee per vacancy a postal vote, respective to the individual Region/National vacancy, will be held.

A Council appointment is for a term of three years and is open to any fully paid-up Annual or Life Member of the Society.

Proposers, seconders and nominees are confined to the Region in which their address is registered with the Society. A member shall not be eligible to hold office as a member of Council if that member is: a.

A director or the holder of any other office or employment in any other company, society or organisation established for the promotion of any beef or any dual purpose breed of cattle other than Pedigree British Charolais cattle. b.

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

A statutory limitation was introduced in 1984 that after two consecutive terms of three years on Council, a member is not eligible for re-election for one year.

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

SEE NOMINATION FORM OVERLEAF

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2009 ELECTION OF MEMBERS To The British Charolais Cattle Society Limited Council of Management I WISH TO STAND FOR THE VACANCY SHOWN BELOW: NB. Members are only eligible to tick ONE box Please tick Northern England Northern Ireland National Southern England Wales Scotland (N.B.The Northern England region consists of the area to the North of the Southern county boundaries of Shropshire, West Midlands, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. Southern England shall consist of the area of England to the South of that line.)

Nominee:

_____________________________________________

Address:

_____________________________________________

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

Proposer:

_____________________________________________

Address:

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

Seconder:

_____________________________________________

Address:

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

This nomination is only valid if received at the Society office by MONDAY, 27TH APRIL, 2009 You may wish to submit a short cv of no more than 100 words, in the first person, which will be circulated to the regional membership should a ballot be necessary. Please return it with your nomination form.

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

January 2009

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SUPERTAGS APPROVED

BY THE BRITISH CHAROLAIS CATTLE SOCIETY – MEMBER SPECIAL OFFER Founded in 1947, Dalton remains a family owned business based in the historic town of Henley-onThames. It is one of the few tag companies that can proudly boast that it continues to manufacture, print and distribute its own tags in the UK. For the past six decades, Dalton has been in the forefront of livestock management systems that incorporate the latest design, technologies, materials and manufacturing processes.

The first company to manufacture and patent two piece ear tag, Dalton developed the Supertag in 1984 as a uniquely designed cattle eartag. Having a solid pin unlike other tags which have hollow shafts for needle applicators, application is easy and the pin remains strong even after many years.

Indeed in independent trials the Supertag was proven to offer a 99% retention rate.

Listening to some members customers who find ordering tags during office hours inconvenient Dalton offer the choice of ordering by phone, fax, e-mail or on their webshop www.tags4u.com The company takes the quality of its Supertags very seriously and ensures its service and delivery promise is never compromised. In a recent survey 98% of customers said they would recommend Dalton to other farmers.

The Offer to British Charolais Society Members 1. Reduced Price – Society Members are given a 10% discount on all tags ordered.

2. Free Applicator – with first order placed for Supertags or I-Tags 3. Free Replacements - Dalton tags ordered from 1st January 2009 by Society Members and lost from the ear will be replaced free of charge*.

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

FREEPHONE 0800 838 882 orders@dalton.co.uk

FREEFAX 0800 7311 957 www.tags4u.com 67

1,000 REASONS WHY 130,000

He will leave you with weight, muscle, milk, frame & good pelvic size

doses sold worldwide a great choice for heifers

PINAY The indispensable bull for heifers, over 1,000 daughters tested An easy calving bull with easy calving daughters

REPAIR The great all rounder He will give you growth, muscle, frame & milk with good easy calving daughters

UNICO Homozygous polled & easy to calf 82% polled, 10% scurred with good carcase yield & carcase conformation

CHAROLAIS OPTIMAL FURTHER INFORMATION AVAILABLE, PICTURES, PRICES & CATALOGUE CONTACT:

Steve Nesbitt Tel: 01833 660250 Home or 07979 593170 Mobile nesbitt@realemail.co.uk Alwent Hall, Winston, Darlington, Co Durham DL2 3QH OR JUST PHONE SPIKE