Heading up the Beef Shorthorns

Anew presidential team has taken the lead at the Beef Shorthorn Society following the Society’s AGM

Stepping up from vice-president to president is Tim Riley of the Stoneyroyd herd A breeder with a 15-year association with the breed and the Society, Tim has run a beef and sheep hill farm in the Calder Valley, West Yorkshire for more than 30 years.

Tim also brings wider experience in agricultural, food and environmental policy and governance He is on the board of the Food Standards Agency and of DEFRA’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate With a background in genetics he has informed the Society’s breed development work and nationally, the UK’s Farm Animal Genetic Resources Advisory Committee

Tim said he was honoured to take on the role as Society president and hoped to be able to use both his experience and expertise to help the Society position the Beef Shorthorn as the preferred choice for beef farming going forward

“It is important that we, as breeders, continue to develop the Beef Shorthorn as the best and most adaptable choice for modern beef farming. My own experience in switching to the Beef Shorthorn has demonstrated what the breed can offer and I am excited to continue helping breeders capitalise on the huge potential offered by the breed as low input replacement cows and as quality beef for the consumer ”

“Beef Shorthorns have the genetics to adapt to different climates, landscapes, and systems This has become even more important with economic and climate challenges and with agricultural policy favouring sustainable and regenerative farming ”

Ross-shire breeder John Scott of the Fearn herd is taking on the vice president position. Having bred Shorthorns for more than 25 years, alongside a commercial suckler herd and both pedigree and commercial sheep flocks and an arable enterprise, John brings a great deal of practical experience to the role, as well as a passion for breed promotion and development

An early developer of on-farm sales for both sheep and cattle breeding stock, John uses all facets of modern technology and communications to promote his business.

“Without a doubt we have a breed, which can answer many of the questions suckler herd owners are now asking Whether that be around sustainability, maternal ability, meat quality or forage conversion, Shorthorns have the answers

“It is a great privilege to take on the role of vice-president and I am excited to be supporting Tim over the next 12 months as he leads the Society ”

Both Tim and John look forward to meeting Society members at events in the coming months and to helping members maximise the appeal of Beef Shorthorns as the breed moves forward in to its next 200 years, having celebrated its bicentenary in 2022.

Photos this Issue:

Page 3 – top Petra Jacob

Page 14 – provided

Page 16 – Beef Event

Page 18 – Aberdeen Angus

Page 19 – QMS

Page 20 – QMS

Page 21 – QMS

Page 23 – RSABI

Page 24 – Munro Vehicles

Page 26 – RHET

Page 27 – Supplied

Page 38 – NSA North Sheep

Page 40-42 – Supplied

Page 43 – Kuhn

Page 44 – BVL

Page 45 – Hustler

Page 46 – Pottinger

Page 48/50 – Claas

Page 52 – Grimme

Page 54 – Schaffer

Page 55 – Kubota

Page 58/60 –Petra Jacob

World Shearing Champs 2023

How old are you now and how old were you when you started sheep shearing?

I’m 32 now and was 12 when I first started shearing our own sheep on the farm

What countries have you shorn in? Scotland, Norway, the Falkland Islands and New Zealand

Who are your idols or who inspired/ inspires you?

New Zealanders David Fagan and Johnny Kirkpatrick have inspired me.

What gear do you use?

Heiniger – Charger combs

What is your best tally and where?

512 ewes in Scotland, Mules 480 lambs in New Zealand

Best breed of sheep to shear? Small ones! Mules or Blackfaces

Are /were you a contractor and if so where / numbers of sheep / shearers?

I am a contractor in Central Scotland I operate a three stand trailer with an Irishman and a Kiwi this year We cover Fife and Kinross and as far as Crieff, shearing about 35 000 in the season

Best music/ song to shear to I like a variety of music and it varies from year to year but I like Country

What was your first shearing competition and when?

The Black Isle Show 2005

Do you get nervous and if so how do you deal with nerves?

I’ve been competing long enough now that I don’t get as nervous as I used to

What competitions/ titles have you won?

Royal Highland Show Open twice, Scottish National twice, Black Isle twice, Lesmahagow, Lochearnhead, Angus and the World Team Final, with a fifth in the individual Also the Balmoral Show

Proudest moments?

Representing Scotland at the World Championships in France and winning the Teams event with Gavin Mutch and making the World Final

Who have been your biggest rivals over the years and who is your biggest threat at the World Champs?

Not too sure – could be anyone! Anyone who makes the top six could win Over here in the Juniors and Intermediates it was Johnny Gibson Through the ranks it varied but the past couple of years it has been Hamish Mitchell and Gavin Mutch.

Are you farming and if so where? What? Acreage? Details please

Yes I farm with my father and brother at Salen in Fife We run 3000 sheep – 800 are Scottish Blackfaces and the the rest are Blackface x Llyen and Texel cross We also run 250 Aberdeen Angus cows

Advice to young shearers? Travel when you still can Don’t give up

Calum Shaw Machine Shearer Scotland

Current World Team Champion

On the run up to the World Championships do you do any extra training and if so what?

I should but we have been so busy with lambing, marking and getting cows out to grass I’ll be glad to get back to the shearing boards on 5th June and get fit for shearing again

Who has been the biggest influence to you over the years for your shearing career?

Over the years a lot of instructors on the Wool Board courses have had an impact, mainly Tom Wilson, Doug Lambie and Willie Jones

For over 20 years British Wool has provided four stages of shearing certificates enabling UK shearers to safely and effectively shear British wool.

Providing an exclusive training offer to the young farmer movement to help encourage more young farmers into the field.

Silver to Platinum courses in shearing and wool handling are now accredited by Highfield – a global leader in work-based and apprenticeship qualifications.

Working in partnership with key stakeholders –supporting the UK shearing sector.

To find out more call us on 01274 688666 or email shearing@britishwool.org.uk britishwool.org.uk

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