Limousin SUMMER 2017
www.limousin.co.uk
the official magazine of the British Limousin Cattle Society
15,000GNS COW AND CALF LEADS BREEDERS’ SALES AT CARLISLE BRITISH LIMOUSIN LAUNCHES TAURUS DATABASE
BLCS CHAIRMAN REPORTS ON A STRONG YEAR OF PERFORMANCE
LIMOUSINS WIN RECORD NUMBER OF INTERBREEDS AT SUMMER ‘MAJORS’ LIMOUSIN SIRLOINS WIN ‘GRAND SLAM’ OF STEAK TASTING COMPETITIONS!
LIMSALE
THE ALL NEW MOBILE SALE APP
üü All Society sale catalogues available to view on your mobile device üü Filter pages to find catalogued animals meeting your criteria üü Create your own catalogue from saved results
Download the LimSale App The LimSale app is supported by minimum platforms iOS8 Apple, Windows 10 and Android 4.0.3.
For further information contact the British Limousin Cattle Society, info@limousin.co.uk, t elephone 02476 696500
Cover shot: This issue’s cover shot features some typical pedigree cows and calves featuring both style and quality. The shot has been used in the Society’s summer promotional material and we’ve shared it again here.
NEXT ISSUE: Coverage in words and pictures from the Autumn Limousin sales held around the UK Full report and pictorial round-up from all the winter ‘major’ Primestock shows Technical round-up and reports on the Society’s ongoing work including: a progress report on the Feed Efficiency Project and results from the November 2017 EBV & GEBV BLUP run Catch up on the latest features, herd profiles and all the ‘news and views’ from British Limousin, the UK’s No.1 Beef Breed
Editor: Iain Kerr British Limousin Cattle Society Ltd, Concorde House, 24 Warwick New Road, Royal Leamington Spa, Warks CV32 5JG Tel: 02476 696500 Fax: 02476 696716 Email: info@limousin.co.uk www.limousin.co.uk Designed by GHOST Leamington Spa
Limousin Easy calving
Length muscling
It’s the business
& WIDTH
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Contents
06 News round-up
38-42 Amy Lindsay wins the 2017 YLBC National Stockjudging
This issue comes hot on the heels of a summer show season that has seen the Limousin breed rack up a mighty 22 Interbreed titles at the four ‘major’ shows. Inside you’ll find a summer show section with full reports and pictures of all the action. The news round-up reports on BLCS Chairman John Phillips’ upbeat annual report to members on another strong year of breed and Society performance. There’s news on the Taurus Database being launched; a new sale app to interrogate Limousin catalogues; details of the 23rd World Limousin Congress; and the BLCS response to calls for views on carcase classifications.
SUMMER 2017
It’s been a busy period of activity for the Young Limousin Breeders’ Club. We report on Lanarkshire’s Amy Lindsay winning the prestigious 2017 YLBC National Stockjudging title at the Great Yorkshire Show. There’s a report on the Young Breeders’ Anglo Irish event at Dumfries Show and special features including Kile Diamond and Ruth Hamill.
62-69 Commercial features focus on the Jack family, Glenrothes, Fife; and Mark and Jenny Rooke and family, North Yorkshire; The commercial features in this issue look at two family enterprises in Fife and North Yorkshire respectively. First up is the Jack family based in Fife who run 175 mainly spring calving cows. The second feature is in North Yorkshire and looks at the commercial suckler herd and successful farm shop of Mark and Jenny Rooke.
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SALES Carlisle June 17
32-37 Breeders’ Sales Reports Breeders’ sales across the UK have seen continued strong demand for Limousin females of all classes. Here we feature snapshot reports from pedigree and commercial sales held at Carlisle, Newark, and Exeter. Meanwhile Homebyres topped the Society’s June sale at Carlisle (report on Page 68).
24-31 Technical Corner In the Technical Corner we look at evidence as to whether calving heifers at two years of age can create greater returns. There’s also a case study on farmers assisting with the Beef Feed Efficiency programme. Check out the leading carcase trait stock sires in the results from the July 2017 EBV & GEBV update.
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44-61 Summer Show Reports & Pictures Foxhillfarm animals took the Championship prizes at the Royal Highland and Great Yorkshire respectively, with Harry and Lynwen Emslie's Whiskey Infinity taking the top title at the Royal Welsh. It was a memorable show season all round for the Limousin breed with a hatful of Interbreed titles won at the ‘majors’ and some fantastic Limousin cattle shown in depth and across the board.
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BRITISH LIMOUSIN CHAIRMAN REPORTS ON A STRONG YEAR OF PERFORMANCE FOR THE UK’S NO.1 BEEF BREED
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ncreased sale demand, increased clearance rates and averages, consolidation of market share, and major progress with ground breaking breed improvement initiatives are just some of the highlights from an upbeat annual report to members from British Limousin Cattle Society (BLCS) Chairman and Carmarthenshire based breeder John Phillips. Published within the Society’s 2016 Annual Report & Accounts, produced in advance of the Society’s 46th AGM, Mr Phillip’s report outlines that the breed and Society have had another solid year of performance and achievement. A summary of highlights included: • BLCS sales of pedigree Limousin cattle grossed over £5.6 million. • Limousin breed gets a 94% approval rate from Bull Buyers’ Survey • Over 19,000 pedigree calves were also registered by the Society’s members – the sixth straight year that the 19,000 barrier has been broken. • In a UK beef industry first, Genomic Estimated Breeding Values for a range of Carcase Traits were launched. • Limousin remains the UK’s leading beef breed with a 29% market share. • At the summer 2016 ‘Royal’ show majors, pedigree Limousin cattle secured 14 interbreed wins at the Royal Ulster, Royal Highland, Great Yorkshire, and Royal Welsh Shows. Limousin cattle again dominated the major autumn Primestock events held in the autumn of 2016.
John Phillips BLCS Chairman
As well as delivering Carcase Trait GEBVs, Mr Phillips notes that at the time of the report GEBVs for female fertility and calf survival traits had also just been launched, and that Limousin was the featured breed in the ongoing DEFRA funded feed efficiency project. The firm and long term commitment to breed improvement is a theme of the report and highlighted as being at the heart of the Society’s forward technical work. Mr Phillips comments: “Over the years the Society has placed emphasis on meeting the needs of the commercial beef producer, and providing the Limousin
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Gary Swindlehurst BLCS Hon Treasurer
cattle and genetics that meet and surpass their level of expectation in consistency, performance and profitability, and that are adaptable to meet current and changing markets. This objective will continue to be one that the Society will readily invest in on behalf of its members and work hard towards for the future.” “Limousin cattle are the industry benchmark breed for commercial producers who are looking for productive, easy-calving, cheap-to-keep cattle. Efficiency will be the name of the game and producing cattle meeting the market for weight, age, and grades.” Commenting
on the possible implications of BREXIT Mr Phillips says: “The decision to leave the EU in June 2016 could well be a game changer for UK agriculture. Huge uncertainty still hangs over many issues as the UK embarks on its negotiations for departure from the EU. Consequently, our long range vision has been ever more relevant given that the industry may experience more volatility in currency, input prices and commodity markets as the nature of our new relationships with Europe and the global market emerges”. Also in the Annual Report & Accounts, BLCS Hon Treasurer Gary Swindlehurst reports to members on another strong year of financial performance by the BLCS. Through efficiencies and good operating practice over many years Mr Swindlehurst notes that the Society had delivered a high range of services and breed improvement work whilst providing member’s core services at as a low a cost as possible. Commenting he goes on to say: “Over a period
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NEWS of time there has been a reliability and predictability in both Society income and expenditure. This is very reassuring in terms of the ongoing strong performance of the breed. Once again the core income areas of registrations, membership, and sales commission have been maintained at a high level, which is extremely pleasing in what remains a challenging time for pedigree and commercial beef farmers”. A summary of the main points of the 2016 BLCS financial year within the report included: • Total income for the period ended 31st December 2016 of £1,049,180 • Total expenditure of £950,081 • Income from birth registration fees totalled £516,775. • Sale commission for the year totalled £57,342, • The total net movement in funds on the year was £294,167, which included a net unrealised gain on the investment portfolio of approximately £190,000. • A further £66,670 was returned to members in the year in the form of pedigree refunds through the Society’s ongoing Breed Improvement incentive. This long term initiative has now seen £831,500 returned to breeders. • In what have been volatile and tough markets the Society’s investment portfolio is reported to have continued to perform solidly and remained in line with benchmark figures. In the BLCS Report & Accounts the level of funds carried forward in the year is shown £2,998,783 which is up by £294,167 on 2015.
LIMOUSIN HAULS IN RECORD NUMBER OF INTERBREED TITLES AT THE SUMMER ‘MAJORS’
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he Limousin breed has been on spectacular form throughout the 2017 summer show ‘majors’ as it surpassed the previous three years total of 14 Interbreed titles by some margin. Limousin cattle claimed a mighty haul of 22 Interbreed titles at the Balmoral, Royal Highland, Great Yorkshire and Royal Welsh shows combined. Kicking the season off in memorable style was success in seven Interbreed championships at the Balmoral Show in Belfast in early May. In a remarkable achievement, the Trueman Limousin team of Henry Savage & Sons from Newry, Co Down featured in all of these ‘magnificent seven’ titles, including the Supreme Individual Championship with the stylish heifer Trueman Lute plus the Group of Three and Group of Five. This prize winning tally for the Savage family is thought to be the most dominant show by one breeder and one breed at any of the modern day summer ‘majors’. Seven was also the lucky number at the Royal Welsh where the welter of Interbreed titles won by the Limousin breed included both the Junior Bull and Junior Heifer awards along with the Exhibitor Bred Pairs and Team of Three. The Great Yorkshire saw wins include the Senior and Junior Teams of Four, the Junior Interbreed, and the Continental Pairs. Lastly, but certainly not least, Limousins won the two most prestigious titles on offer, the Supreme Overall Individual, and the
Team of Four, at the Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh. In the respective Commercial Championships, as may be expected given the position of the breed in the UK’s cattle herd, Limousin genetics again dominated the entries throughout the UK. With standards high across all breeds at each of these shows it was a terrific credit to breeders to see so many Championship titles being awarded to pedigree Limousin and Limousin sired cattle. The summer shows, ‘majors’ and county alike, remain not only an important vehicle for the promotion of animals coming forward for breeding but also a ‘shop window’ for the industry. The Highland show alone this year reported a record breaking 190,000 visitors attended the four-day celebration of farming, food and rural life. Hats off to all the Limousin exhibitors who exhibited, supported, and promoted the breed over the summer of 2017. Trueman Lute Champion
The Chairman’s report was published in advance of the 46th Annual General Meeting of the British Limousin Cattle Society held in September at the Society’s offices in Royal Leamington Spa.
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LIMOUSIN SIRLOIN SWEEPS THE BOARD IN THE ASDA/ABP STEAK CONTESTS AND IS JUDGED THE BEST IN THE WORLD! Carl Thomas and Family with Seth Waring from ABP
Rob Matten with Paul Geary from ASDA
• Limousin steaks pick up Supreme awards at Balmoral, Royal Highland, Royal Welsh, and Great Yorkshire Shows • Limousin sirloin wins 2017 World Steak Challenge
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his year’s summer shows have delivered many spectacular results for Limousin in the showring. However, switching attention towards the other end of the supply chain also presented the opportunity for the breed to reaffirm its quality and supremacy. The ABP/ASDA Extra Special steak eating competitions once again come to a head at the summer ‘majors’. The climax at the Great Yorkshire show was in front of a large audience where steaks from Limousin commercial cattle featured heavily in the final ‘cook-off’. Eight steaks had been chosen as finalists from an impressive 150 entries from ABP’s processing facility at York. With five out of the eight final sirloins from carcases featuring Limousin genetics, this undoubtedly gave a great advert to the audience as to how strongly Limousin cattle feature in the beef production mix. The fantastic eating qualities of Limousin prevailed, just as it had in the same competitions at the Balmoral and Highland Shows. In Northern Ireland James Wilson took the award with a sirloin from a 359kg 21 month old Limousin cross steer graded at R+3+ and at the Highland William Nelson of West Brackley claimed the prize with a Limousin steer. Taking the honors in Harrogate was Rob Matten, for a steak from a steer which weighed in at 367.9kg deadweight with a U=3+ grading. Rob runs a commercial enterprise in Thirsk, finishing around 1,000 cattle each year. While Asda’s senior meat buyer Paul Geary gave praise to all the finalists, he commented that the flavour, succulence and tenderness of the winning steak was “very impressive”. He went onto say that “ it delivered exactly what ASDA consumers are consistently looking for”. Completing the clean sweep in Wales was a steak from Carl Thomas’ 14
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month old Limousin cross bull which weighed in at 383kgs and graded to R+3-. These successes at the commercial end of the business remain highly important for the Limousin breed. As the Agriculture industry speculates on what the Brexit vote means for the United Kingdom’s beef farmers, pedigree and commercial, there is no doubt that changes and challenges are on their way. The industry is already moving to one being more driven by efficiency and profitability. The cattle with the genetics to convert food efficiently reach slaughter weights earliest and deliver carcases consistently hitting supermarket specifications will be in greatest demand and as they are already! At the trading side of the equation, it is well established that consumers have benefited from the deflationary environment in the retail sector over the past couple of years or so. However, it is reasonable to expect that increasing food prices could be around the corner. The effect this has on purchasing behavior for higher priced proteins could well be a negative factor playing on the sector going forward, something all commercial Limousin finishers ought to be aware of. In addition, with convenience of increasing importance, primary red meat cuts do look vulnerable in the context of modern lifestyles. Consequently, for consumers, eating quality and value for money will become even more critical factors than they already are. The evidence presented on the ASDA stands over the summer has once again revealed how products from Limousin cattle are already firmly delivering both these things for the consumer. Commenting on the win, BLCS Chief Executive Iain Kerr said “Limousin beef delivers for consumers in terms of taste, flavour, tenderness and consistency. To have the carcase and the yield as
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NEWS well is an attractive package across the industry for producers, butchers, restaurants and retailers. In recent years the breed has had multiple wins in these blind tasting competitions but to achieve a grand slam across the ‘summer majors’ is remarkable. I’d like to congratulate all of the producers involved”. LIMOUSIN SIRLOIN WINS WORLD AWARD! Further demonstrating the fantastic eating qualities of Limousin beef a 14-day-matured sirloin steak from a grain fed Limousin cross at 29 months of age was recently announced as the winner of the 2017 World Steak Challenge. Organized by Global Meat News, product in both raw and cooked form is judged by an expert panel against internationally agreed criteria. The judges for the blind tasting which included top UK, European and Australian chefs, butchers, food writers, meat scientists, authors and trade personnel were clearly enamoured by the eating qualities of Limousin beef. Chair of judging panel, Mario Peerdeman said of the entry which came from an ABP plant in Poland “It was a very tidy entry with great marbling. The taste was great, it was rich but different. We’re looking at a variety of different factors when judging the entries. We get raw and cooked steaks for each
entry and we judge them on a variety of factors including marbling, trim, aroma, succulence, and taste. The panel is made up of butchers and chefs from around the world so we are looking at it from that point of view but we also have to look at it from a consumer point of view.”
BRITISH LIMOUSIN LAUNCHES TAURUS DATABASE
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arking a further milestone in the Limousin breed’s ongoing programme of breed development, the British Limousin Cattle Society launched a new pedigree and performance database in July. Called Taurus (www.taurusdata. co.uk), the facility replaces the previous ‘BASCO’ database which was introduced in 2006. Whilst presently retaining the principle herdbook features and tools, a progressive series of developments are planned to fully modernise the Taurus database further and take it to the next level.
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Says Iain Kerr, BLCS Chief Executive: “The Society’s database is the king pin around which all members’ activities and breed development are based. This move and our investment in it will ensure that its growth is properly tailored to the needs of all members, offering great flexibility and higher levels of data analysis than have been possible to date. This is not only of immediate benefit to Society members in the ongoing management of their herds, but is valuable to the commercial sector that stands to gain from a database that will
also deliver opportunity for quicker and sharper decision-making.” “The Taurus database has so much forward potential in the use of advanced web searches, as a platform for research, for commercial promotions and marketing, industry linkage, and of course for core but advanced herdbook activities in registering, recording, and viewing animal information. In the coming months we will be working hard to continue adding new features and increased functionality to what is already a popular and practical database.”
MARKET SHORTS JUNE 2017 BRYNCIR, GWYNEDD :
Stock bull trade was headed by a black Limousin from AL & HM Jones, Cwmtirmynach which sold for £3,675. The annual consignment for AL Williams, Edern, saw 48 heifers average £1,875 topping at £2,450 for a Limousin heifer with a heifer calf at foot. Bulling heifers were in keen demand, with two 24 month old Limousins from H Roberts, Anglesey, selling for £1,330 each. HEREFORD : Top steer achieved a bid of £1,300 paid for a 675kg Limousin from local Vendors T Bufton & Sons, Whitey-on-Wye. TR James & Son, Peterchurch, sold another of the same breed which tipped the scale at 650k for £1,285. A 315kg Limousin steer from WR & MR Preece, Presteigne sold for a top by weight price of287p/kg. In the heifer section, a 525kg Limousin from KJ Price Eaton Bishop, sold for £1,075. COCKERMOUTH: Trade remained strong at Mitchell’s Livestock Auctioneers’ sale of 101 cattle where a Limousin heifer from Messrs Hunter, Whins Farm led at £1155. Bullocks sold to £1125 for Limousins from Bolton Wood Lane.
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BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY RESPONDS TO CALL FOR INDUSTRY VIEWS ON CARCASE CLASSIFICATION In July of this year, AHDB Beef and Lamb issued a call to industry stakeholders for views on the future of carcase classification. “With Brexit right around the corner, this is the perfect time to have an industrywide discussion to assess the appetite for change in carcase classification and the key industry needs.” Results are to be analysed in September and a consultation may be launched over the winter, should there be strong industry support for change.
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he following is an extract from the response submitted by the British Limousin Cattle Society: “By way of background the British Limousin Cattle Society (BLCS) comprises just under 3000 pedigree breeder members from across the country. The Limousin breed is the largest numerical beef breed in the UK with Limousin sired cattle amounting to a 28% market share of all BCMS passports annually applied for. Approximately 25% of the UK’s suckler cows are also Limousin sired. As such we welcome the opportunity to outline some general views on carcase classification: • As noted, the EUROP grid presently provides a common language for the exchange of price information across Europe and at this political moment in time this should not be overlooked in its importance to the United Kingdom for ongoing exports to the EU (potentially its largest trading partner). It is important that the platform and any transitions for trade are made as practical and easy as possible.
• With Government support, the UK industry has made significant progress in new technologies such as VIA (Visual Image Analysis) and related genomic evaluation that have the potential to improve carcase grading, analysis, data led pricing and overall transparency. VIA is based on objective measurements and as such is difficult to calibrate with the present EUROP grid system which is largely subjective and more open to inconsistency. A review of the EUROP system is therefore timely and is an opportunity for it to evolve, improve and support sector-wide issues around the supply and demand of beef. • VIA provides more precision and accuracy in assessment of meat yield across the whole carcase and within the high priced cuts. From BLCS’s recent work under the TSB project “Utilising Sequence Data and Genomics to Improve Novel Carcase Traits in Beef Cattle” (TSB ref: TP100971) the difference in retail value between EUROP and VIA classified animals was examined across 20,000 Limousin-bred steers. The graphs below illustrate a subset of those results:
With weight and EUROP classification taken in to account (ie where animals were of similar weights and EUROP classifications), VIA assessment of the prime cuts revealed a difference in retail value typically in the region of £100/carcase. This is value that is currently not being ‘trapped’ by processors or producers through the use of conventional EUROP classification.
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NEWS It is the view of the BLCS that the availability of this technology in the here-and-now should lead to the introduction of a grading system based on meat yield that captures and rewards true carcase value. Pricing that better rewards a desired product and dis-incentivises a non-desirable product will drive positive change amongst producers. This in turn will secure a more sustainable and consistent supply to processors which is particularly relevant in the face of the ongoing pressure on headage numbers. • Reference was made to parts of the industry expressing a desire to move some rewards to meat quality. It is our view that a clear and cohesive all-industry definition of ‘meat quality’ would need to be established. Quality could be more meat per carcase, more yield in the high priced cuts, carcase size, fat class and content, shearforce and tenderness. The UK consumer trend is presently well established for leaner and tender beef. • Industry is represented by a cross-section of processors in terms of size and their ability to adopt new technologies that could bring about change in the ways mentioned above. Government support of smaller processor businesses would
perhaps need to be considered, to help them innovate and adopt new technologies that will pull through the wider industry benefits. • With the new technologies available enhancing carcase classification, the opportunity is there to share all recorded data, meat yield details, and carcase measurements across the supply chain. This would drive improvement and bring benefit to all. There is already good evidence emerging where sector-wide benefits are derived from the sharing of ‘big data’, facilitated by Government’s Strategy for Agricultural Technologies in 2013. • The RPA has generally been effective in price reporting and should maintain this role at the present time to ensure continuity. This is an important aspect of Brexit-led change and it is hoped that the outcome of this exercise will lead to more formal, industry-wide consultation. The Society will continue to engage fully in the process and will update on progress. Further details are supplied by AHDB Beef and Lamb on their website: http://beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/ Carcase-Evaluation-.pdf
HARRISON & HETHERINGTON Farmstock Auctioneers, Brokers & Valuers
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01228 406200 harrisonandhetherington.co.uk Borderway, Carlisle CA1 2RS
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LIMOUSIN CATALOGUES MADE EASY WITH NEW LIMSALE APP • Download the LimSale APP today!
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n a further extension to its sale marketing, the British Limousin Cattle Society Society is very pleased to introduce its new LimSale app ahead of the upcoming 2017 Autumn bull sales. Searching Limousin Society sale catalogues and finding animals to specific requirements is faster and easier than ever. The app can be downloaded to a wide range of smart phones and tablets and presents electronic sale catalogues that can be filtered according to individual search criteria. It can also be used to create catalogue short lists, record notes and store all results to help find the animals best suited to all producers’ needs. The LimSale app presents dynamic sales catalogues for all Limousin Society sales. Features on the app include: • Easy access to all Limousin sale catalogues as soon as they are available • Options to filter and create your own catalogues according to: üü Vendor name üü Vendor prefix üü Disease status of herd üü Animal Age üü Pedigree – containing or not containing your animals of interest üü Breeding Values – set your own criteria, create your own graphs üü Myostatin, genetic colour and polled genetic test information üü Grade üü Birth type
LIMOUSIN 79%
The Smart Way to Search Your Lim ousin Sale Catalogue
Download the Today!
App
Search your app store and download the LimSale App today!
• Create your own Favourites list • Add your own notes to each animal page • Store your results for quick and easy use at any mart location LimSale can work in any environment. Once your chosen sale has been downloaded, no internet connection is required for the app to run. This offers great flexibility in sale locations where internet access is limited. It will successfully run on any Apple device (from iphone 4s and above), all platforms running Windows10 and over 13,950 android devices.
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This exciting development is in support of the BLCS Breed Improvement Plan assisting all pedigree and commercial producers in sourcing the animals best suited to their farms and end markets. It is a natural extension of all the recent and ongoing breeding initiatives the Society and its members are engaged in, enabling easy access to the outcomes of this work. For assistance in using the LimSale app, please get in touch with the Limousin Society office on 02476 696500, email info@ limousin.co.uk. Alternatively please try our quick start guide on www.limousin.co.uk, click on ‘Society Sales’ and ‘LimSale App – User Guide’ The app is supported by devices running on ios8 and above, and Windows10. It has been developed in partnership with SRUC and funded by InnovateUK.
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BLCS FORMALISES LOOK OUT ITS SUPPORT FOR FOR THE NEW BVD FREE INITIATIVE LIMOUSIN A WEBSITE • New site set to be launched in September
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n another launch the British Limousin Cattle Society (BLCS) is set to roll out its new modernised website. Keeping you fully up to date with the world of UK Limousin an aim of the new site is to make it responsive, quicker, and easier for you to find what you most want to see. The redesign sees a completely new, simple to use, layout that is in line with the Society’s ongoing modern rebranding. We’ve looked at the analytics to see what it is that you want to get out of the Society’s website and some of the changes include: • A ‘mobile’ approach to design ensures that the website is easily viewable and works well on mobile devices, tablets, and of course PC’s. • Page design and layout that ensures easy reading, simple navigation, and which features eye catching pictures and graphics. • New and improved levels of navigation to ensure that you can move smoothly and simply around the website. • A ‘less is more’ approach with increased focus on key content and improved search tools. • Easy to follow links to Taurus, Semenstore, social media, and members websites • New packaged advertising opportunities on premium pages Commenting, BLCS Communications & Marketing Manager Debbie Butcher said: “A modern, flexible website, easy to use, and information rich on all things Limousin is so important. As powerful as social media is a website is still a hub of information to be visited by members, commercial beef producers, and the industry at large. We’ve worked hard to ensure that it has the optimum content, is easy to navigate, and that it will continue to advertise and promote the Limousin breed and the activities of the Society.” The aim is to launch the new look site in September and on the familiar www. limousin.co.uk address.
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fter supporting the BVD free initiative since its inception in July 2016 the British Limousin Cattle Society is pleased to announce that it has now become an official advocate. BVDfree England is the first national scheme to target the elimination of the BVD virus from beef and dairy herds across the country. The scheme has been developed through an industry partnership with over 100 organisations, retailers, trade associations, unions and breed societies, pledging their support. Commenting on the BLCS official endorsement of the scheme Chief Executive Iain Kerr said “Bovine Viral Diarrhoea is a complicated virus which costs the cattle industry a significant amount of money every year. Eliminating BVD will have significant benefits for Limousin breeders and commercial buyers given that it will result in improved
fertility and healthier cattle in general. As such the Society is delighted to become an official supporter of the scheme” He went onto say “The scheme has an ambitious target to eliminate the virus from all cattle herds in the country by 2022, everyone involved in the industry has a part to play in ensuring that this objective is reached” More information is available at bvdfree.org.uk, including some useful FAQ’s.
MARKET SHORTS DARLINGTON : A Limousin
heifer with a three month old calf from S&A Graves topped prices at £2,550 when selling to JR Gardiner, Rock Farm, Camaby. Close to this at £2,520 was a “stretchy” Limousin cow suckling her third calf a cross four month old that also headed home with Mr Gardiner. DALMALLY : In the store cattle section, steers sold to average 266p/kg hitting 324p/kg for a Limousin cross from JS&L Adam & Son, Lochgilphead. Heifers averaged 248p/kg selling to 295p/kg for Limousin crosses from Messrs Adam.
PENRITH : Heavy continental
bulls sold to a top of 197.5p or £1,416.08 for a Limousin from Bradford. To price was £1,351.76 for a Limousin heifer from David Raine. ISLAY : Ardnave cattle led the trade at 331p per kg for Limousin cross bullocks. LANARK : Store cattle sold well where a Limousin cross bullock from R&JHamilton, Dillars, Lesmahagow, led the offering at 246.7kg per kg. Another Limousin cross bullock from T Walker & Sons, Netherurd Mains, topped the gross trade at £1,290 while the same breed of heifers from RM Mccaskie, Cornhill, Biggar, led the heifers at 244.4p and £1,100.
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LIMOUSIN
‘EXTRA’
Commercial beef producers continue to look for all-round, added value, easy keep cattle that meet the market, and consistently deliver in performance and profit. Limousin females give you all of this along with the Limousin ‘Extra’.
CALVING EASE
The Limousin breed remains the calving ease leader. Performance and genetic trends show that, as a whole, the Limousin breed has increased its growth at weaning and yearling age whilst maintaining its advantage in calving ease. As we know, a dead born calf does not weigh much at weaning! Where’s the extra? • Calve easily and calve alone • Easy calving heifers • Easy calving means more live calves and less management Ease of calving is a critical priority in well-muscled beef breeds. 91% of surveyed Limousin customers recorded no calving problems at all with the added comment of the important management benefit this was. Even more extra? • Easy calving, breed back quickly to the bull • Lighter birth weights-vigorous fast growing calves • Calving percentage of over 95% in purebreds
AVAILABILITY
As the UK’s largest numerical beef breed, both pedigree and crossbred, there is strength in numbers and scope to be selective. Dependable, consistent Limousin females are available from farms around the UK. The numbers are there for producers wishing to use Limousin breeding as heifers, suckler cows and to retain females as replacements. Where’s the extra? • Excellent breeding females as ½, ¾, 7⁄8 to pure • The higher the percentage of Limousin in the calf crop, the higher the killing out percentage and level of meat yield will be • 50% of your suckled/finished calf quality in terms of growth, efficiency and carcase quality comes from its dam
FLEXIBILITY
The Limousin breed brings together the economically important traits of fertility, ease of calving, longevity and optimum milk production into one package. Where’s the extra? • Crossbred and purebreds are saleable at virtually any age and growth stage • Females can be sold to profit through both the breeding ring and the prime ring • Females are ideal to breed your own replacements in a closed herd policy and to improve traceability. The variety and volume of Limousin genetics allows producers to offer animals that will fit any marketing system.
14 | BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
www.limousin.co.uk
NEWS
GIVING YOU THE
VALUE LONGEVITY
Longevity is an inherent and profitable strength of the Limousin breed. With Limousin cattle you are guaranteed a long life of regular, consistent, quality production. Records compiled by the Society show that crossbred Limousin females will on average produce at least 10 calves. It is not unusual for purebreds to calve naturally at 15-20 years of age. Where’s the extra? • Long lasting females minimise annual replacement rates • Medium size females that are easy keepers typically have a long productive life-span • Good cull cow price after a long productive life High productivity and exceptional longevity reduces the culling rate. A low replacement rate reduces cost, allows for a more rigorous selection of heifers and an increase in quality.
REPRODUCTION
Limousin females are consistent annual calvers. Heifers can be got in calf early in their first breeding season. Females breed back early in their second breeding season, and thereafter. Where’s the extra? • • • •
Breed back to the bull quickly, year on year Good fertility with high recorded calving percentages High conception rates and the ability to conceive when required Easy calving aids reproductive efficiency
MILK & MAINTENANCE
Limousin cattle produce an optimum level of milk for their environment. International studies have looked at kilos of calf weaned per cow in terms of how efficiently those kilos were produced. Across all environments Limousin were number one! Where’s the extra? • Females provide their calves with milk that is high in protein and butterfat levels • Limousin cows do not have high maintenance requirements during and out with the lactation period • Easy keep females hold good condition going into and through the winter season • Calved heifers hold their condition and come back to the bull quickly Limousin females are rarely culled because of structural or udder problems. Easy calving, moderate size and optimum milk are the basics. Add the value of feed efficiency, top grades, high killing out percentage and marketing flexibility from the calves, and the production performance of Limousin females is hard to beat.
EASY KEEP & EFFICIENT
Limousin females are easy-keepers, that do not eat their owners out of house and home. Fantastically efficient females, they have the ability to do well in marginal conditions with no reduction in performance. Research has shown that they are efficient performers both when feed is limited and also when feed intake is high. Highly flexible, they are able to adapt to changing feed resources in changing environmental conditions.
www.limousin.co.uk
BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
| 15
NEWS
EXCEPTIONAL INDECES BASED ON FRENCH PROGENY
A A Sensational Sensational New New Bloodline Bloodline
Muscular Development - 119 Skeletal Development - 110 Growth - 115 OVERALL INDEX 120 - top 1%
2 2 F94L F94L
COPIES OF COPIES OF
Fenomen 87-28-891-777
Imported from France to the UK after winning his class at the National Show. Jointly owned by the Dyfri and Scorboro Herds Correct and sound with great muscularity and length. A bull of immense power, style and stature. Arguably, the best bull to be imported in the last decade. EXCEPTIONAL SEMEN AVAILABLE INDECES BASED ON EXCEPTIONAL
to order online via Semenstore or contact FRENCH PROGENY INDECES BASED ON Aled Edwards on the number below. FRENCH PROGENY Muscular Development - 119 Skeletal Development Muscular Development--110 119 - 115 - 110 SkeletalGrowth Development Growth -INDEX 115 OVERALL 120 - topINDEX 1% OVERALL 120 - top 1%
Fenomen Fenomen 87-28-891-777 87-28-891-777
Imported from France to the UK after winning Imported the UK Show. after winning hisfrom classFrance at the to National his class the National Show. Herds Jointly owned by at the Dyfri and Scorboro Jointly owned by the Dyfri and Scorboro Herds
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Bloom: 550 756 Correct and soundJim with great 01964 muscularity and length. Correct and sound with great muscularity and length. Aled Edwards: 720 464 A bull of immense power, style and 01550 stature. Arguably, the A bull of immense style and stature. Arguably, the best bull to power, be imported in the last decade. www.dyfrilimousin.com best bull to be imported in the last decade.
SEMEN AVAILABLE order onlineUP viaAVAILABLE Semenstore or contact 2017 FORTHCOMING SHOWS, SALES &toSEMEN EVENTS TO DECEMBER e4921 Semenstore Ad A4.indd 1
Thursday 14th September Westmoreland County Show Saturday 16th September Royal County of Berkshire Show Saturday 7th October Newark Club Sale* Friday 13th & Saturday 14th October Carlisle Bull Sale
Monday 23rd October Stirling Bull Sale Friday 3rd November Carlisle, Agri Expo Wednesday 8th November NBA Agrifest South West, Westpoint, Exeter Saturday 11th November Brecon Sale
to Aled orderEdwards online via contact onSemenstore the numberorbelow. 11/01/2017 Aled Edwards on the number below. Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th Tuesday 28th November November Bingley Hall, Staffordshire. English Winter Fair
Saturday 25th November Lanark Agricultural Centre, LiveScot (formally Scottish Winter Fair) Monday 27th & Tuesday 28th November Builth Wells, Powys. Welsh Winter Fair
All Sales are Official BLCS Sales unless stated otherwise
16 | BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
Allams Christmas Show
Friday 1st & Saturday 2nd December Peterborough, East of England. Winterstock Festival Friday 8th December Carlisle, Red Ladies Derby & Weaned Calf Sale
*Not an official BLCS Sale. FOR MORE INFORMATION: NB dates correct at the time FOR MORE01964 INFORMATION: Jim Bloom: 550 756 to press. of going Jim 01964 550720 756464 AledBloom: Edwards: 01550 Aled Edwards: 01550 720 www.dyfrilimousin.com 464 www.dyfrilimousin.com
www.limousin.co.uk
11:57
NEWS
2016 BCMS FIGURES 27%
GB TOTAL
Limousin
493,623
27%
Aberdeen Angus
310,971
17%
British Blue
222,419
12%
Charolais
207,767
11%
Simmental
159,752
9%
Hereford
145,892
8%
Shorthorn
18,836
1%
286,036
16%
1,845,296
100%
Other Beef Breeds TOTAL
25%
ENGLAND TOTAL
Limousin
286,321
25%
Aberdeen Angus
196,617
17%
British Blue
168,619
15%
Hereford
108,658
9.5%
Charolais
77,327
7%
Simmental
76,086
7%
Shorthorn
8,161
0.5%
207,980
18%
1,129,769
100%
Other Beef Breeds TOTAL
27%
SCOTLAND TOTAL
Limousin
124,635
27%
Aberdeen Angus
91,728
20%
Charolais
86,448
19%
Simmental
74,320
16%
British Blue
20,605
4%
Hereford
9,438
2%
Shorthorn
9,314
2%
49,578
11%
466,066
100%
Other Beef Breeds TOTAL
33%
WALES TOTAL
Limousin
82,667
33%
Charolais
43,992
18%
British Blue
33,195
13%
Hereford
27,796
11%
Aberdeen Angus
22,623
9%
Simmental
9,346
4%
Shorthorn
1,361
1%
28,478
11%
249,458
100%
Other Beef Breeds TOTAL
www.limousin.co.uk
Limousin news, advertising, and promotion through
facebook and twitter
T
he popularity of the Society’s Facebook and Twitter pages continues to grow as an easy-to-use means of communication and keeping up-todate, on a day-to-day basis, with news from around the world of British Limousin. The Society’s Facebook page now has 10,351 ‘likes’ and is constantly growing. Regular updates keep it fresh and informative. The reach of social media is such that individual posts are attracting up to 50,000 ‘views’ within 48hours of posting! That’s a lot of advertising and getting the Limousin word out!
# Facebook and Twitter are free to use. You can send messages, upload photos and videos for free, and link to websites.
# Facebook and Twitter connect to people from all around the world and the UK. Limousin posts are regularly viewed and commented upon from the USA, Australia, Canada, across Europe, and many more countries worldwide.
# Facebook and Twitter plays a very important role in getting the latest news, updates, and reminders of all the Society’s forthcoming sales, shows, events, and activitites. So if you haven’t already why not ‘like’ the Society on Facebook or ‘follow’ us on Twitter. It’s a great way to network news to an ever-growing audience and to keep up-to-date with all the news, as it happens, from the world of the UK’s number one beef breed!
BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
| 17
NEWS
USA SET TO HOST 23RD WORLD LIMOUSIN CONGRESS IN DENVER, COLORADO • Congress to be held July 19–28, 2018 • Bookings due to open September 20th, 2017 The 23rd World Limousin Congress is due to be hosted between July 19-28, 2018 in Colorado, USA. Here our friends from the North American Limousin Foundation give us a taster of what is sure to be a memorable trip:
T
he North American Limousin Foundation and its members would like to cordially invite you to Colorado for the International Limousin Congress July 19-28, 2018. Come enjoy our American western hospitality in the grandeur of the Rocky Mountain vistas. Registration for the event will have 10 and 5 day options and will open September 20, 2017. The following is a breakdown of some of the main attractions throughout the conference. Upon arrival in Denver, participants will be staying in the AAA Four-Diamond award-winning Grand Hyatt Denver located in the heart of the Mile High City, just one short block from the 16th Street Mall and walking distance to some of the city’s best attractions. Each spacious accommodation, among the largest in the region, provides complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, comfortable seating, 42“ HD flat-screen televisions and more. The 10-day congress participants will move on Monday to The Antlers, a Wyndham Hotel in Colorado Springs which offers the finest accommodations in luxurious settings. Their rooms have magnificent views of the famous Pikes Peak Mountain in the front range of The Rocky Mountains. Fitted with every modern convenience, their elegant rooms and suites are proud to have been home to many U.S. Presidents, artists and performers. First class amenities and easy access to Colorado Springs cultural center will provide guests with a wealth of leisure activities. Opening ceremonies will be held in the Pinnacle Club 38 stories above downtown Denver. The Pinnacle Club boasts one of the farthest views of any event facility in the United States.
18 | BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
The U. S. Geological Survey estimates the view encompasses a span of 10,600 miles of snowcapped peaks and prairie, taking in 200 named mountains, including Pikes Peak more than one hundred miles away. Thirty-two of them soar to 13,000 feet or more above sea level. The area that can be viewed is larger than Connecticut, Rhode Island and Delaware combined and is about equal to seeing every inch of Massachusetts – all at once. Guests will attend the premier summer Limousin exhibition in the United States, the All-American Limousin Futurity (AALF). AALF is the first leg of the Triple Crown and holds a $10,000 prize for the grand champion bull. Ten-day guests will visit the Cheyenne Frontier Days. Cheyenne’s world-class rodeo is truly the Daddy of ’em All. Known for its fast pace and large number of contestants, the CFD rodeo ensures that visitors see more rodeo action – two sections of bulls, and two sections of saddle and bareback broncs daily – than they can see at any other rodeo. Participants will also be treated to some of Colorado’s most majestic natural attractions. The Rocky Mountain National Park provides the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains and is accented by wildlife such as moose, elk, mule deer, black bear and bighorn sheep. Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark. Imagine dramatic views, 300’ towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snowcapped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies.
www.limousin.co.uk
NEWS
FANTASTIC RANCH TOURS PLANNED Our ranch tours will take participants to some of the most progressive and largest scaled operations in North America. Fillmore Ranch in Boone is operated on an ancient ocean floor that is now one of the more arid regions of Colorado. Participants will get a look at ranching in an environment that requires nearly 40 acres per cow/calf pair per season and how purebred Limousin excels at converting forage to muscle. Magness Land and Cattle in Platteville will give participants a look into a flood irrigated forage system and one of the premier Lim-Flex operations in the country. Ochsner Limousin will host guests on the banks of the Platte River and illustrate a combination of irrigation and open range ranching used heavily in Northern Colorado. Running Creek Ranch is the largest purebred Limousin operation in North America and one of the largest operations in the United States. Their ranching style will show participants some of the flavor of the old west partnered with all the latest technology available. The tour will also include opportunities for leisure and fine dining in both Denver and Colorado Springs. Look forward to chances to fly fish, take the train to the top of 14,114 foot Pike’s Peak, play golf on one of the premier courses in Colorado or relax at a top quality spa. We hope to see you in July 2018 for one of the most unique excursions ever undertaken in the history of the International Limousin Congress.
Quick Facts About Limousin in USA: • The North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) registers 22,000 Limousin calves annually • Of those 4% are Fullblood Limousin; 56% Purebred (>7/8 Limousin); 40% Lim-Flex – Limousin X Angus (Red or Black) • Limousin is the number 3 beef breed for artificial insemination • Limousin moves between being the 6th or 7th largest beef cattle breed in the United States behind Angus (more than the next 9 combined), Hereford, Simmental, Red Angus, Gelbvieh and Charolais. • NALF was founded in 1968 with the importation of Prince Pompadour. The 99 founder members created the association and in addition received the first semen on him. • The NALF Office has been located in Denver since its founding.
www.limousin.co.uk
BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
| 19
LINDIEN RJ
February 2017 Lanaud Buyer : CLARK Farms - UK
More than h 30 years of experience
LUTIN RJ
April 2017 Lanaud (Sold to Switzerland)
ConformaƟon, docility, maternal qualiƟes
Top French geneƟcs
Dates to remember in 2017/2018
LARA
HAMAC RR VS
Champion naƟonal Show 2017 in Italy
Semen Available
Semen and embryos available
Lanaud AucƟon Sales
1 Females Lanaud AucƟon Sale April 2017 Buyer : GRANGE LIMOUSIN (UK)
2017, June 14th and 15th 2017, November 15th and 16th 2018, January 10th and 11th 2018, March 7th and 8th
Pôle de Lanaud - 87220 Boisseuil - FRANCE
Limousin NaƟonal Show
st
Tél : 00.335.55.06.46.46-Fax : 00.335.55.06.46.30
interlim@limousine.org Gilles LEQUEUX : 00 336 88 20 61 57 Sophie MOURNETAS : 00 336 89 49 48 57 Olivier RAMBERT : 00 336 88 20 62 80
www.interlim.com
LimousinUK-Ad_April-2017_IGS.indd 1
(Sommet de l’Elevage) 2017, October 4th to 6th
Grand Cru AucƟon sale 2017, October 5th
Agrimax females AucƟon sale 2017, October 28th
04/05/2017 15:37:04
LIMOUSIN-SIRED CALVES REQUIRED Limousin or Limousin-cross steer calves required for the Beef Feed Efficiency Programme; an initiative aiming to produce Estimated Breeding Values for traits associated with Feed Efficiency. Ideally calves will be • Dairy or suckler-bred steer calves • In groups of 8-16 head by the same registered (or previously registered) Limousin bull or Limousin AI sire. The bull must be known but need not be identified on the passport. • be aged from 2 weeks up to approximately 7 months old Market prices will be paid for any selected cattle or calves can be provided on a retained ownership arrangement. For more information please contact Natalie Cormack, Project Manager on 07866 934563, natalie.cormack@ahdb.org.uk or Alison Glasgow, Limousin Society on 07885 255621, alison@limousin.co.uk The programme is funded by DEFRA and AHDB http://beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk/research/geneticselection/genetic-selection-beef/beef-feed-efficiency/
20 | BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
www.limousin.co.uk
SEMENSTORE
The online semen website www.semenstore.co.uk continues to trade strongly and is selling from a range of bulls to the pedigree, commercial, dairy and export markets. In this issue of the Limousin magazine we are pleased to highlight three high profile additions to the site including two bulls that have had a strong 2017 summer profile and a five figure bull from the 2016 BLCS Sales. Here’s a snapshot of the new additions but please visit www. semenstore.co.uk and www.semenstore.ie for full details of all bull’s available on the leading online semen website.
Whiskey Infinity
Foxhillfarm Lordofthering
Quick Info: £25 per straw : available worldwide
Quick Info: £40 per straw : available worldwide
Whiskey Infinity was purchased by the Meridian Genetics Group in February 2015. Calves are already on the ground in South Africa. The vendor says: Infinity combines the best of current UK genetics - a blend of two of the top Limousin families within the UK herdbook. Sire Plumtree Deus is a Cloughhead Umpire son who was Reserve Senior Champion at Carlisle when sold for 35,000gns (£36,750). He has sired bulls to 40,000gns (£42,000). Deus’s dam Bankdale Amber has bred numerous bulls sold for over 10,000gns (£10,500). Amber’s full sister is the renowned Bankdale Alice whose progeny have grossed in excess of 300,000gns (£315,000). Infinity’s dam is Wilodge Glitzy who is full sister to Wilodge Diamante dam of the 60k Carlisle May 17 Champion Wilodge Lookout. Glitzy is also full sister to Gem dam of the new stock bull at Goldies - Wilodge LJ. Females from this family have sold to 27,000gns (£28,350) for Wilodge Flawless. Infinity has an impressive EBV - with a beef value of LM 44 with phenomenal 200 & 400 day growth figures. Infinity truly is a modern Limousin backed up with a phenomenal pedigree with a show record to match. He really is bred to breed. Amongst a host of show titles this year, Whiskey Infinity was crowned Overall Supreme Limousin Champion at the prestigious 2017 Royal Welsh Show. He is available exclusively on Semenstore.co.uk and Semenstore.ie.
The vendor says: Foxhillfarm Lordofthering was Champion at the Autumn Limousin Society sale at Carlisle in October 2016 and sold for 35,000gns. Sired by the 22,000gns Guards Boomer, Lordofthering is out of the Foxhillfarm herd’s prolific breeding cow Bankdale Alice, making him a maternal sibling to many of the herd’s top performing animals. Guards Boomer has been used successfully across a number of cows in the Foxhillfarm herd, breeding well with each of them. Foxhillfarm Gracie produced Foxhillfarm Louisvitton, who was Champion at Carlisle in February 2017 and sold for 20,000gns, as well as Foxhillfarm Manhattan, who was Reserve Supreme Champion at Carlisle in May 2017 and sold for 35,000gns. Boomer is also sire of the 38,000gns Foxhillfarm Irishlad who was sold to the Goldies herd, and of Foxhillfarm Looksthepart, a heifer who was highly successful in 2017, including being Reserve Junior Female Champion at the Royal Welsh and first at the National Limousin show. Shown successfully prior to sale, Lordofthering’s highlights include being Junior Male and Reserve Overall Male Champion at the 2016 National Limousin show, Carlisle. Other show successes since for Lordofthering include being Interbreed Champion at Devon County, Male Champion and Junior Champion at the Royal Highland and Reserve Junior Champion at the Royal Welsh. In 2017 he was Male Champion at Devon County, Male Champion at Royal Cornwall and Breed Overall Champion and Reserve Interbreed at Great Yorkshire, as well as winning his class at the Royal Welsh. A bull of tremendous breeding, Lordofthering offers an alternative bloodline for many herds, containing no Wilodge Vantastic in his pedigree.
www.limousin.co.uk
BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
| 21
SEMENSTORE
Goldies Jazz Quick Info: £25 per straw : available UK only The vendor says: Goldies Jazz was purchased at Carlisle in February 2016 for 14,000gns after being placed first in an extremely strong class of bulls. He is sired by the 15,000gns Haltcliffe Doctor, himself an Intermediate Carlisle Champion (May 2010), who is a Rossingnol son which is bred for outstanding shape. Jazz’s dam is Goldies Bertha, is a Goldies Terence daughter, who also bred the 28,000gns Goldies Farah. Goldies Jazz is a dark red bull with tremendous muscling throughout his whole carcase and who is extremely square across the plates. To date he has sired 19 calves with little or no assistance. His calves are showing great potential and appear to have great temperament. They are growing fast and developing very square ends.
WILODGE CERBERUS CALVES DOING WELL IN TEXAS
B
ack in 2014, Semenstore was delighted to report on an export of semen, including Wilodge Cerberus and Dolcorsllwyn Fabio, to David Goss and his son Anthony, Vidor, Texas, USA. At the time David Goss said that the UK Limousin cattle were different to those in the USA with him never having ‘seen such muscling, size, width, and definition before on Limousin cattle’! Their stated goal was, first and foremost, to have smaller calves at birth weight, better muscling with faster growth rates, good milk production from the heifers and with the aim of producing heavier longer Limousins at younger ages. Rolling on three years and the Goss family have
been back on to Semenstore enquiring about the purchase of semen from further bulls. They also commented that
BEST SELLERS
Ampertaine Gigolo
the respective calves from the Cerberus and Fabio semen was leaving some ‘amazing calves, that are healthy, and
doing great’. We’re pleased to hear that! Pictured here are some of the Wilodge Cerberus progeny.
Fenomen
Check out the best sellers in the period Ampertaine Gigolo and Fenomen. Best sellers are ranked by the number of straws sold in the last thirty days.
22 | BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
www.limousin.co.uk
Semenstore is a practical one-stop Limousin semen shop for vendors and buyers. Semenstore features:-
• On-line semen purchasing
• Export and domestic
• Automated service
• Competitive pricing
• Payment collection • Professional marketing • Semen for all markets
and costs
• Unique offers & packages • One-stop Limousin semen shop
www.semenstore.co.uk www.limousin.co.uk
BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
| 23
TECHNICAL CORNER
LIMOUSIN-BRED HEIFERS FULLY EQUIPPED TO CALVE AT TWO YEARS OF AGE • The average age at first calving in UK is 31 months, with the majority calving between 30 and 37 months. • Evidence shows significant financial and husbandry benefits to tightening calving seasons and also calving at 24 months of age. Increased adoption of the both is anticipated. • Inherent growth and maternal qualities of Limousin equip it well for calving at a young age • Significant investment from the Limousin Society now provides the best possible genetic tools to support herd policy change
W
hilst its not for every farm and enterprise, there is good evidence that calving heifers at two years of age can create greater returns and allow for fewer groups of stock to be managed on-farm. Work in Ireland has demonstrated that calving at 24 months rather than 36 in spring-calving, grass-based suckler systems increases net margin by up to 50% per hectare1. This is supported by widespread work throughout the rest of the world, in beef systems and in dairy. In addition, a study by SRUC suggests that cows calving beyond the first 60 days of a season can add to cost by as much as £3.50/animal/day. So if calving at two years isn’t of interest, there is certainly good reason to tighten the season. From our own work in the recently-completed Maternal Traits Project, we know that the highest proportion of herds in the UK are currently calving at ages much beyond 24 months. The graph below shows the range of calving ages from approximately 560,000 Limousin-bred dams born between 2003 and 2015. Whilst there was a small peak at 24 and 25 months, the majority calve between 30 and 37 months, averaging at just over 31 months:
Studies in the UK and Ireland suggest that the increase in net income to be gained from calving at the younger age ranges between £1302 and £1623 per animal annually. This is derived predominantly from: • Better fertility – for example, cows calved as 2 year old heifers have been shown to produce up to 10% more calves over a twelve year lifespan • Better longevity from cows calved as 2 year olds – this lowers herd replacement costs
Trail from USA Age at First Calving 2 Years
3 Years
No. Of Heifers Starting
59
60
No. Remainging 12 years Later
23
22
533
481
Total No. Of Calves Weaned
Key Point - 10% Extra Calves Produced from 2 Year Old Calvers Source: Teagasc
Figure 1: Distribution of Age at 1st Calving 2003-15 (source: SRUC/BLCS ‘Improving Female Fertility and Calf Survival in the UK Beef Industry’)
24 | BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
With increasing pressure on suckler enterprise returns, the heat is on to consider all new methods of production and trap all major revenue opportunities. It is not unreasonable to anticipate that we will see an increasing shift to 24-month systems in the short to medium term. But in order to do so, a herd must be equipped. The concerns around calving at two are also well documented; issues such as heifer growth, calving difficulty, re-breeding success, size and growth rates in calves are all good reason to be cautious. Yet the studies at home and abroad suggest these are based on perception; the evidence points to the contrary where heifer groups are bred, selected and managed to perform in the way expected.
www.limousin.co.uk
TECHNICAL CORNER Limousin-bred heifers are ideally suited for enterprises calving at two years of age and indeed, the breed’s inherent characteristics account for its dominance in the national suckler herd. Cost effective growth means that Limousin heifer calves easily and cheaply achieve the important target weights for bulling both as heifers and as second calvers. Additionally and importantly, the Society has invested significantly in the last 12 months to ensure that the best possible selection tools are available to producers when they are sourcing their breeding stock. Three new Genomic Breeding Values (GEBVS) and Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) are now in place for the following traits:
• Age at first calving (days) – indicating genetic merit to hold to first service opportunity. • Calving interval (days) – indicating genetic merit for the time taken between first and second calf • Longevity (probability) – indicating genetic merit for the relative number of calves born to 6 ½ years of age
These new breeding values differ from those previous and from those available to wider breeds in that they are calculated from the performance of all Limousin-bred dams in the UK. This is a significant ‘pot’ of information with around 350,000 Limousin-bred dams calving annually. The breeding values it derives are completely driven by the breed’s everyday commercial performance and are relevant to all calf producers within the sector. In the case of the GEBVs, information from animal DNA is also used, further increasing the accuracy and robustness of the predictions. All Limousin producers now have the very sharpest and most relevant tools to support them in capturing the additional revenue that improving and changing calving patterns can bring. Successful two-year calving enterprises cannot be achieved through good management practice alone. It has to be coupled with selection of the most appropriate breeding animals, and this has been uniquely recognised by the Limousin Society’s investment in putting these new breeding values in place. This is part of a much wider commitment through its 10 Year Plan of Breed Improvement, targeting performance across the range of enterprise drivers, ensuring Limousin can perform at every business level. For further information on the new female fertility breeding values and how to use them, please get in touch or go to http:// limousin.co.uk/gebvs-explained/ 1
AHDB: http://beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/BRP-
Managing-replacement-heifers-manual-11-030715.pdf 2
Teagasc 2013 http://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/calving-heifers-at-24-months-
Bulls carry the genes for these characteristics as well as the females, so they are important where sires are being chosen to breed the next heifer replacements.
“…It is not unreasonable to anticipate that we will see an increasing shift to 24 month systems in the short to medium term”. “This has been uniquely recognised by the Limousin Society’s through the investment it has made to put these new breeding values in place…ensuring Limousin can perform at every business level”
explained-teagasc/ 3
Davies I. (2016, 03) http://www.fwi.co.uk/business/late-calving-heifers-costs-beef-
farmers-4-000-year.htm
SEARCH YOUR APP STORE AND DOWNLOAD THE LIMSALE APP TODAY!
www.limousin.co.uk
BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
| 25
TECHNICAL CORNER
FARMERS ASSISTING BEEF FEED EFFICIENCY PROGRAMME: CASE STUDY Background
The Beef Feed Efficiency Programme has set out to demonstrate the ability to measure and select for feed efficiency traits in Limousin beef cattle on specially equipped commercial farms. The output will include new Estimated Breeding Values for the traits associated with feed intake and efficiency and these will be available across the sector assisting the breeding decisions of all producers. The initiative extends to £1.75m and is co-funded by DEFRA and AHDB, with academic input provided by SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College).
Progress
The programme is in the middle of its four years, and it is progressing well in relation to achieving its major milestones. Records from over 850 animals have been collected to date across three appointed units in Scotland, North Yorkshire and Dorset. Changes along the way have seen the unit in North Yorkshire change to a different farm and a new unit established in North Wales. Additional funding from the Scottish Government with industry input from ABP Food Group has also established a new unit in Scotland, which has allowed the programme greater flexibility in its search for suitable cattle both in terms of geography and capacity. All the new units are currently installing equipment and establishing themselves, and the last will be up and running towards the end of the Autumn period/early Winter.
Sourcing Cattle: Case Study
With four units to supply cattle for, one of the ongoing challenges the programme faces is sourcing animals that meet the right criteria, particularly at times of the year when out-ofseason calves are required. One suckler producer that has supplied calves to the project is Mark Needham of Old Henley Farm, Dorset. Mark runs 180 continental cross suckler cows, half put to a Charolais bull and
half to a Limousin. The cows are spread over two units, which are both spring calving. One herd has the advantage of being outwintered on chalkland. All progeny are sold as stores in Frome Market in the autumn. No concentrate is fed to the cows, however the calves are offered creep from mid-June onwards. Across the two herds there are 5 stock bulls. Bulls are purchased only after having consulted the EBVs. Both herds are routinely health tested. To date Mark Needham has supplied the project with 25 calves sired by two different Limousin bulls, and more calves are planned for involvement in the project. The objective is to collect feed intake and performance data from no less than 8 calves per sire from over 200 Limousin bulls used across GB.
Current EBVs of the two farm sires on test
26 | BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
www.limousin.co.uk
TECHNICAL CORNER Calves from Old Henley Farm have performed well whilst on test, with daily liveweight gains averaging 1.70 kg/day and average dry matter intake averaging around 6 kg per day. Compared to the average weight of the cattle in the group, both sire groups were among the heaviest at the start and finish of test, with growth rates in the top 5%. The ration is based on grass silage, barley and a protein blend to be typical of the majority of commercial growing rations. The graph below shows the average growth rate and feed intake of the calves by each sire. Cattle with low feed intake for the performance achieved are the most feed efficient. The circled results illustrate the typical range found. Although growing at the same rate of around 1.6 kg/day, one animal consumed approximately 1.5 kg of dry matter less per day to achieve it. Identifying the sires and dams with the genetics that will consistently achieve this in their progeny is what this work is all about.
Feed intake and performance of cattle sired by two bulls (red and blue) Mark recognises the potential of the project to enable selective breeding for cattle which eat less than others but grow at the same rate, in addition to the potential for big savings in feed costs across the beef industry.
Conclusion
This is an important area of work within the sector and will offer financial opportunity to producers that is currently difficult to exploit. The estimated benefits from feed efficient cattle are well proven and are estimated to be in the region of £80£120 over a 200-day finishing period. Introduction of the outcomes sits well alongside the wider breed development work that the Limousin Society is engaged in to provide market-ready genetics that producers can exploit to increase their financial return. Further information will be released throughout the project as it becomes available, or contact the Limousin Society office. See also the AHDB Beef and Lamb website: http://beefandlamb. ahdb.org.uk/research/genetic-selection/genetic-selection-beef/ beef-feed-efficiency/
“Calves from Old Henley Farm have performed well whilst on test, with daily liveweight gains averaging 1.70 kg/day and average dry matter intake averaging around 6 kg per day”. Spring ’17-born Limousin steer calves are still required now. Market value paid or retained B&B arrangement available. Please see advert below.
Limousin Breed Improvement Plan: Market-ready genetics for… üü Even more fertile dams, that produce… üü Even more vigorous calves, that are… üü Even cheaper to grow, and üü Produce high quality carcases directly relating to VIA payment grids
Practical one-stop Limousin semen shop www.semenstore.co.uk
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BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
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TECHNICAL CORNER
TAURUS LIMOUSIN PERFORMANCE RECORDING
Results from the July 2017 EBV & GEBV Update The introduction of Genomic Breeding Values (GEBVs) for Carcase Traits and the new Female Fertility traits brings with it many more traits where leading animals in the breed can be identified. The following tables therefore report on sires and young bulls only. To widen the criteria to females, or to choose your own criteria, please go to www.taurusdata. co.uk, click on ‘Beef Search’ then ‘EBV Search’. You can then select the animal groups and traits you are most interested in.
NEW TOP 10 LIST CRITERIA… üüLeading Carcase Trait Stock Sires üüLeading Maternal Trait Stock Sires üüLeading Gestation Length Young Bulls
July 2017 Leading Carcase Trait Stock Sires
Which Carcase Traits to Choose? It is important to note that the new breeding values for the six primal cuts are adjusted to a standard carcase weight of 350kgs… •
In other words, animals with high GEBVs for these traits are animals with the genetics to produce higher weights of prime cut as a proportion of a 350kg carcase.
•
The Carcase Weight breeding values will identify animals with the genetics to produce heavier carcase weights.
•
And Age at Slaughter will identify the animals that get there quickly!
The GEBVs available for Limousin cover a range of eight Carcase Traits (Carcase Weight, Age at Slaughter and six primal cuts) and are based on weekly downloads of VIA measurements from Limousin-bred cattle in five of ABP Food Group’s abattoirs in combination with individual animal DNA. A Retail Yield index is also produced; this is an economically weighted index comprising the breeding values of the six primal cuts (Fillet, Striploin, Rump, Silverside, Topside and Knuckle).
FILLET GEBV/EBV (KG) STRIPLOIN GEBV/EBV (KG) RUMP GEBV/EBV (KG) SILVERSIDE GEBV/EBV (KG) TOPSIDE GEBV/EBV (KG) KNUCKLE GEBV/EBV (KG)
RETAIL VALUE
All of this means that producers of pedigree and commercially-bred Limousin cattle have breeding values at their disposal to identify animals with the genetics to not only perform well for the traditionally-measured traits, such as growth to 400 days of age, but that will also go on and perform well through to slaughter. Irrespective of end market, the value of stock that can do this is considerable.
28 | BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
All three elements in combination are therefore important to most types of beef enterprise
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TECHNICAL CORNER The following table details the leading Limousin stock bulls for Age to Slaughter GEBV/EBV1 that also meet the following criteria: • • •
All bulls’ breeding values are published on the Limousin database (www.taurusdata.co.uk) All bulls have sired a registered calf within the last three years (since 13th July 2014) All bulls’ Carcase Weight and Retail Breeding Values are equal to and above the 2017 Breed Average of 4.2kg and LM21R respectively.
Animals are listed by their Age at Slaughter breeding value in descending order. The Calving Ease EBV for each animal is included as a point of reference only. Accuracy values are shown as % alongside each breeding value. 1 Carcase Trait EBVs are made available as part of the process that produces the GEBVs. (The GEBVs use information from the animal’s DNA in their calculation. The EBVs do not, but both use the same slaughter records obtained from the abattoir). Where an animal’s accuracy % for the EBVs is greater than 50%, the values are automatically published for that animal on the Limousin database. The way in which both types of value should be interpreted and used is the same.
BREEDING VALUES SLAUGHTER AGE (DAYS)
CAR. WT (KG)
RETAIL VALUE (POINTS)
CALV. EASE (%)
JF & MB Teague Teague herd Edinburgh
-22.8 (60%)
10.0 (65%)
LM41R (64%)
-7.5 (73%)
Mr JG Evans Lowerffrydd herd Powys
Messrs Jenkinson Whinfellpark herd Cumbria
-17.80 (76%)
15.0 (81%)
LM36 (80%)
-0.4 (95%)
3
Newhouse Hartley - UK 540209/301069 DoB: 07/07/2012 No Calves: 43 Sire: Rosecroft Duke
RM Adam & Son Newhouse herd Angus
Mrs P Blair Littleinch herd Fife
-16.05 (65%)
27.5 (70%)
LM33R (69%)
-1.6 (80%)
4
Haltcliffe Blaze - UK 100996/300534 DoB: 04/05/2006 No. Calves: 159 Sire: Sympa
Messrs Ridley Haltcliffe herd Cumbria
Mr & Mrs TB Griffiths Deri herd Carmarthenshire
-12.64 (67%)
22.0 (72%)
LM27R (71%)
-0.1 (82%)
Kype Elite - UK 560978/200823 DoB: 11/05/2009 No. Calves: 96 Sire: Roughley Adonis
Mr R Cruickshank Kype herd South Lanarkshire
Mr R Cruickshank Kype herd South Lanarkshire
-11.18 (59%)
17.9 (65%)
LM22R (63%)
-1.0 (86%)
Procters General - UK 182792/500699 DoB: 21/1/2011 No. Calves: 148 Sire: Haltcliffe DJ
Procters Farm Ltd Procters herd Lancashire
G Walker & Son Wilfholme herd Yorkshire
-8.65 (69%)
6.8 (74%)
LM31R (73%)
-1.8 (93%)
Goldies Terence - UK 581575/500489 DoB: 29/09/2002 No. Calves: 320 Sire: Ideal (Imprt)
Mr BT Goldie Goldies herd Dumfries & Galloway
Messrs Jenkinson Whinfellpark herd Cumbria
-8.15 (78%)
11.7 (82%)
LM25R (81%)
-0.3 (96%)
8
Derriaghy Enfield - UK 9041936/0077-5 DoB: 07/6/2009 No. Calves: 247 Sire: Broadmeadows Cannon
Mr DG Green Derriaghy herd Co Antrim
Mr H Emslie and Mr & Mrs S Irvine Aberdeenshire
-7.80 (76%)
19.0 (81%)
LM44R (80%)
-5.7 (94%)
9
Livet Franco - UK 522609/100517 DoB: 07/05/2010 No. Calves: 5 Sire: 5331 Rocky
Mr S Duncan Livet herd Banffshire
Mr S Duncan Livet herd Banffshire
-7.49 (70%)
20.7 (76%)
LM25R (75%)
-3.6 (58%)
Ronick Luke - UK S1166/00010 DoB: 06/1/1995 No. Calves: 490 Sire: Broadmeadows Cannon
Mr R Dick Ronick herd Stirling
Mr P Edmondson Seathwaite herd Cumbria
-6.44 (59%)
8.6 (62%)
LM43R (61%)
-6.9 (97%)
BULL NAME
BRED
OWNED
1
Spittalton General - UK 542794/100525 DoB: 23/02/2011 No Calves: 20 Sire: Wilodge Vantastic
Mr J Burnett & Sons Spittalton herd Stirling
2
Lowerffrydd Empire - UK 700506/400112 DoB: 19/04/2009 No. Calves: 298 Sire: Objat
NEW
NEW
5 NEW
6 NEW
7 NEW
NEW
10
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BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
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TECHNICAL CORNER
July 2017 Leading Maternal Stock Sires Mentioned elsewhere in this magazine, in July 2017 the Society was very pleased to announce completion of a further research project developing new EBVs and GEBVs for Female Fertility and Calf Survival Traits. These differ from trait EBVs previously available in that they are derived from the records of all commercial Limousin-bred dams recorded in the UK on BCMS, as well as animal DNA in the case of the GEBVs. These larger pools of information have led to breeding values that are significantly more robust than was previously possible, with greater commercial relevance: Age at First Calving: indicates genetic potential for heifers to hold to first service opportunity. Lower values (ie less days) indicate superior genetics for this trait. Calving Interval: indicates genetic potential for the time that cows take to get back in calf. Look for negative values (ie less days) for cows that get back in calf on time. Longevity: indicates genetic potential for the relative number of calves born in 6.5 years. Look for positive values for females that are likely to be more productive in the herd for a longer time. Calf Survival: indicates genetic potential for calves to survive between 3 weeks and 10 months of age. Look for high positives to indicate a higher probability of survival. The league table below identifies the current Top 10 Maternal Stock Sires according to the following criteria: • • • •
All All All All
bulls bulls bulls bulls
have sired a registered calf within the last three years (since 13th July 2014) have the highest Age at First Calving EBV/GEBV recorded in the July 2017 EBV Update with an accuracy greater than or equal to 40% have EBVs/GEBVs above average for Calving Interval, Longevity and Calf Survival also have EBVs/GEBVs above average for 200 Day Milk, Maternal Calving Ease and Beef Value.
Animals are listed by their Age at First Calving breeding value in descending order (shortest to longest). Accuracy values are shown as % alongside each breeding value. BULL NAME
BRED
OWNED
AGE 1ST CALV (DAYS) (PTS)
CALV. INTERVAL (DAYS)
LONGEVITY (REL. NO. CALVES)
CALF SURVIVAL (PROBABILITY)
Brookhams HijackP - UK 322724/501739 DoB: 28/08/2012 No. Calves: 8 Sire: Tigris
Mr H Curtis & Sons Brookhams herd Bristol
Mr H Curtis & Sons Brookhams herd Bristol
-0.8 (40%)
-4.1 (19%)
0.0 (16%)
0.5 (39%)
Cloughhead Anchor - UK 101983/600355 DoB: 12/06/2005 No. Calves: 114 Sire: 5941 Saiga
Mr GL Hutton Cloughhead herd Cumbria
Messrs J & JCM Carroll Carsmoor herd Somerset
3.8 (72%)
-5.9 (42%)
0.1 (43%)
-0.4 (46%)
3
Tweeddale Harrier - UK 107511/601380 DoB: 31/05/2012 No. Calves: 3 Sire: Newhouse Cyclone
Mr J Watson Tweeddale herd Berwick-upon-Tweed
Messrs JM Strother & Son Trickley herd Northumberland
5.8 (45%)
-6.2 (29%)
0.0 (23%)
1.9 (59%)
4
Goldies Enzyme - UK 581575/401034 DoB: 17/07/2009 No. Calves: 58 Sire: Normande Arapaho
Mr BT Goldie Goldies herd Dumfries
Mr DW Youngson Ythanvale herd Turriff
5.9 (50%)
-2.4 (34%)
0.1 (34%)
-0.9 (39%)
Ampertaine Domino - UK 9564385/532-7 DoB: 01/10/2008 No. Calves: 104 SireAmpertaine Abracadabra
Messrs WJ & J Mackay Ampertaine herd Co. Derry
Messrs WJ & J Mackay Ampertaine herd Co. Derry
11.4 (71%)
-4.1 (45%)
0.1 (37%)
-0.7 (49%)
Seaview Captain - UK 9332722/423-4 DoB: 12/05/2007 No. Calves: 35 Sire: Nectar
Messrs H McCracken & Family Seaview herd Co Down
Mr MD Armstrong Seskingrove herd Ballyclare
13.5 (49%)
-11.8 (32%)
0.0 (32%)
-0.6 (40%)
Whinfellpark Fancypants - UK 103847/400798 DoB: 12/01/2010 No. Calves: 54 Sire: Wilodge Cerberus
Messrs Jenkinson Whinfellpark herd Cumbria
Chatsworth Settlement Chatsworth herd Derbyshire
14.4 (62%)
-1.2 (40%)
0.0 (33%)
-0.9 (75%)
8
Roundhill Isotope - IE 241280271485 DoB: 30/09/2013 No. Calves: 16 Sire: Vivaldi
Mr T Corridan Eire
Mr & Mrs GW Hollow Chytodden herd Cornwall
14.6 (50%)
-7.2 (35%)
0.0 (34%)
-0.4 (42%)
9
Norman Inventor - UK 101316/401063 DoB: 12/10/2013 No. Calves: 2 Sire: Claragh Franco
Mr & Mrs E Norman Normans herd Cumbria
Non-Member Owner
15.6 (52%)
-2.8 (34%)
0.0 (31%)
-0.7 (46%)
10
Cargaclougher Impressive - UK 9184398/235-1 DoB: 20/06/2013 No. Calves: 1 Sire: Greenwell Fieldmaster
Mr J McKee Cargaclougher herd Co Armagh
Mr J McKee Cargaclougher herd Co Armagh
17.1 (47%)
-3.4 (28%)
0.0 (25%)
-0.9 (34%)
NEW QUALIFYING CRITERIA
1
2
5
6
7
30 | BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
www.limousin.co.uk
TECHNICAL CORNER
July 2017 Leading Young Bulls for Gestation Length Representing a change to previous league tables, the following identifies the current Top 10 Limousin Young Bulls for Gestation Length EBV according to the following criteria: •
All bulls are born since 13th July 2014 (ie are younger than 3 years of age at time of update), are pedigree registered and are performance recorded. All bulls have the shortest Gestation Length EBV recorded in the July 2017 EBV Update All bulls have Calving Ease EBVs and Beef Values greater than or equal to the 2017 breed average
• •
Animals are listed by their Gestation Length breeding value in descending order (shortest to longest). Accuracy values are shown as % alongside each breeding value. NEW QUALIFYING CRITERIA
BULL NAME
BRED
OWNED
GEST LENGTH (DAYS)
CALV. EASE (%).
BEEF VALUE (PTS)
1
Ampertaine Metric - UK 9564385/1127-7 DoB: 22/08/2016 No Calves: 0 Sire: Ampertaine Jamboree
Messrs WJ & J Mackay Ampertaine herd Co. Derry
Messrs WJ & J Mackay Ampertaine herd Co. Derry
-6.8 (75%)
0.4 (61%)
LM33 (70%)
2
Brims Jest - UK 500601/404125 DoB: 24/07/2014 No Calves: 0 Sire: Ballynahone Arni
Messrs W&A Oag Brims herd Caithness
Messrs W&A Oag Brims herd Caithness
-6.7 (74%)
2.2 (61%)
LM37 (60%)
3
Tomschoice Monty - UK 124148/500388 DoB: 08/05/2016 No Calves: 0 Sire: Kaprico Eravelle
Messrs JM & SP Cooper Tomschoice herd North Yorks
Mrs DB Davies Tierston herd Pembrokeshire
-6.7 (76%)
-0.3 (65%)
LM36 (71%)
4
Tomschoice Master - UK 124148/200413 DoB: 24/12/2016 No Calves: 0 Sire: Kaprico Eravelle
Messrs JM & SP Cooper Tomschoice herd North Yorks
Messrs JM & SP Cooper Tomschoice herd North Yorks
-6.5 (76%)
1.2 (63%)
LM26 (62%)
5
Tomschoice Leopard - UK 124148/600347 DoB: 11/10/2015 No Calves: 0 Sire: Kaprico Eravelle
Messrs JM & SP Cooper Tomschoice herd North Yorks
Messrs JM & SP Cooper Tomschoice herd North Yorks
-6.5 (75%)
0.5 (62%)
LM37 (73%)
6
Grahams Novak - UK 542883/500987 DoB: 03/05/2017 No Calves: 0 Sire: Kilcor Iceman
Messrs R&J Graham Grahams herd Stirling
Messrs R&J Graham Grahams herd Stirling
-6.0 (75%)
-1.0 (51%)
LM33 (58%)
7
Greensons Lazarus - UK 220156/700256 DoB: 23/01/2015 No Calves: 0 Sire: Greensons Howlett
Greensons Limousins Cambridge
Greensons Limousins Cambridge
-6.0 (73%)
0.0 (57%)
LM29 (75%)
8
Greenhaugh Lusty - UK 521765/602467 DoB: 02/07/2015 No Calves: 2 Sire: Greensons Howlett
Messr K Stewart & Sons Greenhaugh herd Aberdeenshire
Messr K Stewart & Sons Greenhaugh herd Aberdeenshire
-6.0 (72%)
-0.3 (61%)
LM31 (68%)
9
McTurk Mumbai - UK 141094/701522 DoB: 03/02/2016 No Calves: 0 Sire: Greensons Howlett
Manby Farms Ltd McTurk herd Lincolnshire
Manby Farms Ltd McTurk herd Lincolnshire
-5.9 (71%)
-0.5 (62%)
LM29 (71%)
10
Dyke Joe - UK 543107/401021 DoB: 16/09/2014 No Calves: 0 Sire: Drumduff Champ
JR Macgregor (Dyke) Ltd Dyke herd Glasgow
JR Macgregor (Dyke) Ltd Dyke herd Glasgow
-5.8 (58%)
-1.1 (54%)
LM36 (74%)
To view pedigree and performance information for all registered Limousins go to www.limousin.co.uk and click on the ‘Taurus Online Herdbook’ button. You can then search by animal, by breeder, by EBVs and by GEBVs.
www.taurusdata.co.uk www.limousin.co.uk
BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
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NEWS
BREEDERS’ SALES
ROUND-UP
For full sale reports please visit www.limousin.co.uk
9,000GNS RONICK MERIBEL LEADS DEMAND FOR LIMOUSIN FEMALES AT CARLISLE • 7 females make over 5,000gns
Ronick Meribel
• 83 cows and heifers sold • Overall average £2929 • 86% clearance rate
T
he BLCS breeders’ sale at Carlisle on Friday 7th July featured consignments from the Ronick, Stephick, Rachels and Lodge herds. Topping the sale and leading the way from the Ronick Herd of Messrs R Dick, Mains of Throsk Farm, Stirling was the April 2016 maiden heifer Ronick Meribel. By the 17,000gns Rathconville Eugene, and out of the French bred Fictive, this quality heifer was described as ‘a muscle machine with a great degree of femininity’. She was bought by Steven Wilson, The Butchers Shop, Corby Hill, Carlisle, for his Impulsive herd. The next leading price, 8,500gns went to a served heifer from the same herd, Ronick Ladida. By Ampertaine Elgin and out of the successful Ronick Ida, this 2015 born heifer was sold as AI’d to the renowned Broadmeadows Cannon. Purchasing Ronick Ladida was T W Oliver, Cawfields, Haltwhistle, Northumberland for his Cawfields herd. All in all 49 females from the Ronick herd went through the ring. Including the top two priced females a total of 8 lots from the Ronick herd made over 4,000gns. The outstanding young heifer Ronick Modesty, just 12 months old, made
7,500gns. Another by Rathconville Eugene she is out of the Sarkley Cromwell daughter Ronick Flossy. Taking her home was Iain Graham, Rose Castle Farm, Dalston, Carlisle. The served January 2016 born Ronick Maiden was knocked down to TW Bell & Son Ltd, Hilltop Farm, St Johns in the Vale, Keswick for 6,800gns. Described as ‘a heifer with style, muscle and pedigree’ she is another by Ampertaine Elgin and out of Ronick Elusive. Elusive is regarded by the Dicks as being one of the top five cows in the Ronick herd. She is a three quarter sister to the 20,000gns Ronick Honey who was Champion at the 2013 Red Ladies Day Sale at Carlisle. The third top price on the day of 8000gns was paid for the 2008 born cow Rachels Desire, sold with her heifer calf
32 | BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
at foot, from Messrs D & M L P Woolhouse, North Dalton, Driffield, East Yorkshire. A The sale from the Rachels herd gave buyers the opportunity to purchase some high quality stock from a long established herd with performance and carcase characteristics at the centre of its breeding strategy. The eight year old Rachels Desire, and her November 2016 born heifer calf Rachels Misty by Millington Fiat, was knocked down to Millington Limousin Ltd, York. Rachels Desire is by Ronick Upshot and out of Rachels Babe an Aldwyck Sirocco daughter. A small consignment of stock was offered from the Stephick herd of Stephanie Dick, Westerton of Cowie, Stirling. The Stephick herd, which runs alongside the Ronick herd, uses selective AI to produce quality males and females. The herd won the
Scottish Limousin Club small herd competition in 2016. Out of the four lots to be offered, the top price of 6,200gns went to the January 2012 cow Stephick Hallelujah who was sold with her December 2016 heifer calf Stephick Merry at foot. Hallelujah is by Fieldson Topaz and out of Bastille, one of the herds show successes. Her heifer calf, Stephick Merry is by the 45,000gns Ampertaine Jamboree who was purchased as a stock bull for the Ronick Herd in October 2015. Stephich Hallelujah went home to the Starlight herd of Iain Graham, Rose Castle Farm, Dalston, Carlisle. B Owens, Red House Farm, Newtown, Powys paid 4,500gns for the served heifer Stephick Lady. Born April 2015 she is by Stephick Hero out of Stephick Glamorous. Stephick Hero leaves maternal traits, easy fleshing qualities and is
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NEWS Ronick Ladida
Ronick Modesty
Rachels Desire
Stephick Hallelujah & Stephick Merry
an extremely easy calving bull. Stephick Lady was sold in-calf to Ampertaine Jamboree. Six maiden heifers from Ian and Wendy Callion’s Lodge Herd, Bolfornought Farm, Stirling also found new homes. The top price of 3,800gns went to the April 2016 born Lodge Mirage. By Cloughhead Charlie, and out of Lodge Image, she
was knocked down to JWT Knaggs, East Newbiggin Farm, Darlington. At 3,200gns, Lodge Molly went to W Orme, Home Farm, Askrigg, Leyburn. A January 2016 heifer her dam Lodge Shirley, by Ronick Gains, is still breeding in the herd at 16 years of age. Lodge Molly is by Glenrock Humdinger.
AVERAGES: RONICK HERD 9 cows served and/or suckling £3605.00 21 served heifers £3002.50 19 maiden heifers £2292.32 RACHELS HERD 11 cows served and/or suckling £3465.00
3 maiden heifers £1687.00 4 young bulls £2187.50 STEPHICK HERD 1 cow served and/or suckling £6510.00 2 served heifers £3622.50 1 maiden heifer £2100.00 LODGE HERD 6 maiden heifers £2633.75
COPPERHUST IKE SELLS TO 7,000GNS AT NEWARK
A
top call of 7,000gns was paid for the four-year old Limousin bull Copperhurst Ike at the dispersal sale of the Copperhurst Herd of AR Howarth, Hurst Farm, Whitefield at Newark Market in June. Copperhurst Ike is by Kaprico Eravelle and is out of Boldventure Betty, a Goldies Terence daughter. It sold with a high beef value of LM+49 to an undisclosed Cumbrian buyer. The second top price was 4,000gns for the fifth-calved cow, Copperhurst Geranium. This Carmorn Dauphin daughter sold with her heifer calf at foot, Copperhurst Melisandre by the noted Ampertaine Gigolo. Purchasing this outfit was P J Dale, Ripley. At 3,800gns was Copperhurst Luther, a June 2015-born bull by Wilodge Fastrac out of a Grahams Unbeatable-sired Copperhurst Harriet. This one
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was bought by D W & C J Towler, Clitheroe for their Scriddles herd. Another young bull, the November 2015-born Copperhurst Lancelot, made 3,500gns. This Gorrycam Hazzard son was knocked down to H Dawson & Son, Retford.
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BREEDERS’ SALES
NEWS
ROUND-UP
SOLID LIMOUSIN TRADE AT EXETER SEES KILLERTON TOP AT 3,750GNS • 100% clearance rate Lot 53 - Nealford Mac - 3000gns
Nealford Milton - 3000gns
A
good entry of Pedigree Limousin Cattle for the Summer Sale at Exeter Livestock Centre, Devon on 26th June saw a packed ringside, a solid trade, and a 100% clearance of the 31 lots forward. The November 2015 born, Killerton Lifeforce, from local breeder Patrick Greed, Columbjohn Farm Ltd, Rewe, Exeter, topped the bull sale at 3,750gns. Knocked down to C J Dare & Son, Hugginshayes Farm, Honiton this young bull is a son of Emslies Horny and is out of Killerton Iceprincess. Messrs J H Neale & Son of Launceston sold two young bulls to 3,000gns; born March & April 2016 respectively they are both sired by Glenrock Fortune, a Wilodge Vantastic son. The first Nealford Mac out of Nealford Hainsi went to R J Cole, Densham, Chulmleigh, Devon while the last lot of the day out of Nealford Firefly went home with A & C Lampey, Lower Stockham Farm, Chilson, Somerset. The sale commenced with an outstanding entry of 10 cows and calves from the Sloughpool herd of Messrs M M Gollop & Son of
Cullompton. The strong demand ringside resulted in a handful of cows leading the female trade at 3,000gns. The hammer went down at this price for Sloughpool Heather, a 2012 born cow by Ampertaine Clinton. She sold with her January born heifer calf by Loosbeare Ipad at foot to Alan Cottle of Moretonhampstead. Also making 3,000gns was Sloughpool Foxglove. By Lumbylaw Penandpaper she sold with her March born bull calf by Loosebeare Ipad to Messrs Ball of Cornwall. Other cows and calves also made 3,000gns. Included in this was Smithy Imogen from Tony & Jo Smith of Jacobstow. A 2013 born daughter of Mas Du Clo, she sold with her January born heifer calf at foot to Richard Webber of Wheddon Cross. AVERAGES: 4 Bulls 12 Cows with calves at foot 1 In-calf cow 14 Pedigree heifers
£3168 £2401 £2100 £1653
MARKET SHORTS JULY 2017 DARLINGTON : Due to the
season drawing to an end, a smaller show of store cattle was forward at Darlington where a nine month old Limousin bullock from N Swinbank, Cold Comfort, Neasham, made £1,080. A Limousin bull from K Mitchelson, Dene House Farm, made £1,590. STIRLING : Bullocks also reached £1,275 for a 494kg Limousin cross from Corsewall, to average 239.6p for 128. DINGWALL : Bullocks averaged 249.1p per kg having peaked at 281.8p for a Limousin cross
weighing 110kg from Kilbride, Broadford. Averaging 236.4p, the heifers reached 303.8p for 148kg Limousin crosses from Kinsburgh, Portree. CARLISLE : Store cattle met a good trade where a Limousin heifer from Messrs Lloyd, Fishergill, Wigton, topped the sale at £1,410. THAINSTONE : Heifers topped the sale at 24op for a Limousin weighing 535kg from Cairncoullie, Glenkindie. Averaging 147.3p beef cows sold to 165.1p and £1,255 for a 760kg Limousin from Hillocks, Whiterashes. SEDGEMOOR : To price was 157.5p/kg for a 50 month old
34 | BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
568kg feeding Limousin from AC Tanner, Bristol. LANARK : A top price of 240p/kg was realised for a 522kg Limousin heifer from David Dickinson, Canonbie, purchased by WW Wales Butchers, Kilmarnock. WIGTON : Majority of prime cattle were in the 620-700kg bracket and sold to a top of 243.5p/kg and £1,580.32/head for a Limousin heifer from DA Harrison, Aldoth. Steers sold to a top price of 215.5p/kg and 31,465.40 paid to Messrs Bowe, Blennerhasset for a Limousin. AYR : Limousins from Back o’Hill led the price per kg at 255.7p/kg for a pen of bullocks and 250p for a pen of heifers.
COCKERMOUTH : Store cattle
remained buoyant and peaked at £1,275 for a Limousin heifer from Messrs Roberts, Townhead, with bullocks to £1,135 for Limousins from Woodhead. PENRITH : Store cattle reached £1,345 for a Limousin heifer from JD Bowman, Croft House, while bullocks reached £1,315 for Limousins from the same home. AUGUST STIRLING: Limousin crosses
led the price per kg section of UA’s sale of 842 store cattle when bullocks weighing 275kgs from Coalheughglen peaked at
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BREEDERS’ SALES
NEWS
ROUND-UP
IRONSTONE GODZILLA HEADS GASCOINE’S COMMERCIAL DISPERSAL AT £7,500 Ironstone Gozilla
T
he dispersal of the commercial suckler herd from the Gasciones group, Southwell, brought a great crowd to Newark Livestock Market on Saturday 1 July. Over 500 head of cattle, mainly featuring Limousin genetics, were available at what auctioneer Mr Paul Gentry had described as “one of the most significant commercial herd dispersals in recent times”. Topping the solid prices on the day at £7,500 was one of the herd’s pedigree Limousin stock bulls, Ironside Godzilla. This 2011 born son by the prolific Wilodge Vantastic, and out of the 29,000gns French cow Unicite, was knocked down to R F Turner and Son, Fordham, Ely. The next best price of £6200 went to another herd stock bull, Millington Hampton. Also by Vantastic, this 2012 born bull is out of the noted Brockhurst Option and sold with a beef value of LM+42 to Fristling Hall Farms, Essex. Autumn calving cows were the pick of the female trade, selling to a high of £3,500 for a Limousin cross cow which was bought by I and J Dunn, Muir of Ord, Ross-shire. The same buyers took home a handful of cattle from this segment of the sale. In the calved heifers the lead calls again came for the autumn calvers, with
Millington Hampton
a top bid of £3,200 paid by P H and G B Shucksmith. The same buyer took further lots at £3,000 and £2,900.
AVERAGES: 8 Bulls £3,300 Autumn Calving Herd 81 cows with autumn born calves at foot and served again £2,279.01 21 heifers with autumn born calves at foot and served again £2,566.67 13 cows due autumn 2017 £1,530.77 25 heifers due autumn 2017 £1,768.00 Spring Calving Herd 74 cows with spring born calves at foot £2,009.56 23 heifers with spring born calves at foot £1,768.00 30 maiden heifers born autumn 2015 £1,231.67 24 maiden heifers born spring 2016 £1,130.83
MARKET SHORTS 295.7pper kg and heifers reached 275.6p for a 254kg pen from Gateside. LOCKERBIE: A strong demand for store cattle through H&H’s sale saw Limousins from Messrs Bell, Haas Grove, top the trade throughout. They reached £1200 for bullocks with heifers selling to £1080. CASTLE DOUGLAS: Store cattle met a strong demand at Wallets Marts sale reaching £1355 and 245.5p per kg for a pen of Limousin bullocks from AJ Sharp and Son, Barscarrow. DUMFRIES: Prime cattle selling through C and D Auction Marts peaked at 232p per kg for a Limousin heifer from D and R Cornthwaite, Balgrayhill.
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BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
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BREEDERS’ SALES
NEWS
ROUND-UP
15,000GNS GAZELLE LEADS LIMOUSIN BREEDERS’ SALE AT CARLISLE • Sale fixture sees the strong demand for Limousin females continue • Redrock cow and calf unit makes 10,800gns
T
he breeders’ sale fixture at Carlisle’s Borderway Mart on Friday 18th August saw a catalogue of over 220 pedigree Limousin cattle forward for sale. Amid the backdrop of a packed ringside, a mixture of established breeders, new breeders and commercial buyers continued the ongoing demand for Limousin females. The day comprised of Dispersal sales from the Redland Herd of Messrs RM & HJ Lewis, Northlands Farm, Wetherby; the Hollyash Herd of Messrs J & G Burrough, Whitchurch, Shrops; the Redrock Herd of Messrs JS & JO Dodd; Temple Sowerby, Cumbria; and the Castlenook Herd of Mr A Irving, Brampton, Cumbria. Also catalogued was the Autumn Winter calving portion from the Dyke Herd of JR MacGregor (Dyke) Ltd, Milton of Campsie, Glasgow. Topping the day at 15,000gns was a cow and calf outfit from the Redland herd of Mark and Helen Lewis. As a result of the Lewis’s retirement from farming, the sale of the Redland Herd established in 1999 provided an opportunity to acquire what was described as ‘some outstanding brood cattle families and young stock which have a wealth and depth of breeding’. The November 2011 born cow Gazelle by Volcain out of Civelle was sold with her June born heifer calf Redland Novalty at foot. Gazelle bred by the Chatelus herd in France is ‘a powerful female with exceptional breeding’. Her calf, Redland Novalty, is by Eldorado the herd’s longstanding herd stock bull who was Reserve Intermediate Champion at the 40th Anniversary National Limousin Show in 2011. Taking the top price unit home was
Gazelle & Redland Novalty, 15,000gns Geoff Hadfield for his Willowbank herd in Droylsden, Manchester. The next top priced cow and calf outfit from the Lewis’s was the smart Redland Helga and her bull calf Redland Merlin. Sold as separate lots for 3,200 and 3,600gns respectively, they both went home to Barrie Farmers, Biggar, Lanarkshire. The September 2012 cow Helga is by Eldorado out of the Goldies Valmet daughter Redland Diamante. The December Redrock Jill, 6,000gns & Redrock Magic 4,200gns 2016 born Redland Merlin is by another of the stock bulls Heron. Heron, who had been purchased as a calf at the KBS sale in 2013 took the leading male price in the herd sale of 5,100gns. This September 2012 born bull was knocked down to Peter Dale, Mirey Leys Farm, Ripley, Derbyshire for his Denbydale herd. Heron is by Diego and out of Bussy, a well-regarded cow from the Lebourg herd in the Creuse region of France. The October 2015 born stock bull Lasso was knocked down for 4,400gns to E D Griffiths prices from the herd was a & Co from Carmarthenshire cow and calf unit, Redrock for their Mynach herd. Lasso, Jazzylady and her bull calf by Harold out of Heliane, was Redrock Mallard, together purchased at the Sofrelim sale fetching 10,800gns. The in September 2016. April 2014 cow by Frewstown Having been breeding Fbrilliant out of Redrock Limousin cattle since 1979 Goldenlady was knocked down semi-retirement for Steadman at 5,800gns to Mark Harryman and Judy Dodd brought and Sarah Warriner, Pickering, forward the dispersal of their North Yorkshire. Redrock noted Redrock Herd. Topping Mallard, by the herd’s stock bull
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Shaws Jimmy, made 5,000gns when selling to Gary Bell, Haas Side Farm, Lockerbie. The pair of Redrock Jill and her heifer calf Redrock Magic came a close second in the pecking order. The cow and calf unit also sold as separate lots, but both to the Whinfellpark Herd of Messrs Jenkinson, Whinfellpark, Penrith, for 6,000gns and 4,200gns
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BREEDERS’ SALES
NEWS
ROUND-UP
Dyke Flower, 3000gns & Dyke Mandela 6,000gns
Dyke Marilyn 3,500gns
Dyke Empire 2,900gns
respectively. March 2014 born Redrock Jill is by Frewstown Fbrilliant out of Redrock Enid. Her heifer calf, Redrock Magic, is by Japelou. The stock bull for the Redrock herd Shaws Jimmy realised 7,800gns. This March 2014 born bull went to J Orr & Sons Ltd for their Randerston Herd, Kingsbarns, St Andrews. By Ampertaine Commander out of Lowbarn Baacia, Shaws Jimmy was bred by Mr M Burns, Glenside Farm, Ayrshire. On behalf of Messrs JR MacGregor (Dyke) Ltd, the Autumn/Winter calving portion of the Dyke Herd came forward for sale as the family look to
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restructure the business. In a demonstration of the robust demand ringside, prices across the board were again very Heron 5,100gns
solid, both for single lots or cow and calf units. Leading the way was Dyke Flower and her October 2016 bull calf Dyke Mandela who together fetched 9,000gns. The March 2010 born cow Flower is by Cappaduff Aaron. Out of Dyke Crocus she was knocked down to David Thomlinson, Scaleby, Carlisle for his Beeches herd for 3,000gns. Showing tremendous potential, extremely long with great growth and weight for his age, Dyke Mandela by Dyke Gandalf, went to Messrs. Pickering for 6,000gns. Dyke Gemma and her heifer calf Dyke Marilyn made 6,500 as a unit, although once again selling separately. The March 2011 Dyke Gemma, a favorite in the herd, went to R&M Scott, Brampton, Cumbria for 3,000gns while Dyke Marilyn, by the noted Goldies Comet, was another knocked down to Messrs Jenkinson, Whinfellpark, Penrith for 3,500gns. Making 5,700gns as a pair was Dyke Empire and her heifer calf Dyke Majesty. The April 2009 born Empire is by Cloughhead Umpire out of Ronick Tigress. She was knocked down to JM & DJ Hamilton, Newton Stewart for 2,900gns. Messrs Jenkinson, Whinfellpark came in for her October 2016 calf Dyke Majesty, by the noted Wilodge Vantastic son Claragh Franco at 2,800gns. There was a small consignment from the Hollyash Herd on behalf of Messrs. J & G Burrough, who despite having started the herd as a hobby have enjoyed some success over the past few years winning the North West Midlands and North Wales Limousin Club small herd section. The top price from this cohort of cattle was achieved by the February 2013 cow Hollyash Ida with her heifer calf at foot. The pair was knocked down to NR & CS Hodgson, Kirkby Stephen for 2,700gns. Ida is by Carmorn Dauphin out of Hollyash Evita, her calf Hollyash Neta, born March 2017, is by Emslies Galileo whose progeny includes the 5,000gns Randerston Jasmine. Another tidy consignment of cattle came from the
Castlenook Herd on behalf of Mr A Irving. Leading price from this batch of cattle went to the pair of Castlenook Imogen and her bull calf Castlenook Mastermind who together made 5,000gns. The February 2013 born Imogen, a stylish Sympa daughter out of Castlenook Florence was knocked down to JC & S Little, Wigton, Cumbria for 2,200gns. Her September 2016 calf went home to RJ & AY Armstrong, Cockermouth for 2,800gns. The cow and calf unit of Castlenook Cassandra and her bull calf Castlenook Nelson sold for 4,200 as a pair. Cassandra, recently AI’d to the Wilodge Vantastic son Loosebeare Fantastic is by the noted Goldies Terence out of Ronick Sandra. Her calf, Nelson is by the herd’s stock bull Feroce, a son of Vivaldi from the Lodge Herd. They both went home with J & MR Garthwaite, Torrington, Devon. AVERAGES: Redland Herd 30 Cows Served and/or Suckling £3237.50 8 Heifers Served and/or Suckling £2205.00 10 Served Heifers £2131.50 10 Maiden Heifers £1506.75 3 Stock Bulls £4375.00 4 Young Bulls £3176.25 Hollyash herd 4 Cows & Heifers Served and/ or Suckling £2441.25 3 Maiden Heifers £1277.50 Redrock Herd 12 Cows Served and/or Suckling £4663.73 4 Maiden Heifers £3202.50 1 Stock Bull £8190.00 1 Bull Calf £1365.00 Castlenook Herd 12 Cows Served and/or Suckling £3053.75 6 Maiden Heifers £1382.50 1 Bull Calf £1522.50 Dyke Herd 20 Cows Served and/or Suckling £4381.13 For full reports and pictures on all of the sales included here please visit www.limousin.co.uk
BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
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YOUNG LIMOUSIN
Check out the YLBC Facebook page or www.limousin.co.uk for reports and future events. YOUNG LIMOUSIN BREEDERS http://www.facebook.com/groups/311318061854
CURRENT YLBC OFFICIALS Chairman
Stephanie Dick, Mains of Throsk, Stirling
Vice Chairman
Tom Illingworth, Howgillside, Eaglesfield, Lockerbie
Sponsorship Co-ordinator
John Graham, Mains of Burnbank, Stirling
Hon President
Mrs Kay Adam, Newhouse of Glamis, Angus
YLBC Co-ordinator
Natalie Cormack - ylbc@limousin.co.uk
YLBC 2017 ACTIVITIES National Young Handlers Competition
Borderway Mart, Carlisle - Thurs 14th Dec
Overall YLBC Member of the Year
Agribition Trip / Travel Bursary Points based award where points are awarded for participation at club events and places gained in YLBC competitions
AMY LINDSAY WINS 2017 YLBC NATIONAL STOCKJUDGING AT GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW
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he Young Limousin Breeders’ Club held their annual National Stockjudging competition at the Great Yorkshire Show on Wednesday 12th July. Twenty two competitors judged three classes comprising of young bulls, young heifers and commercial heifers. Each competitor thereafter gave reasons on the purebred heifer class. The master judge for the competition was the well-known stockman Dennis Gall of Lockerbie, who also took and scored all the reasons, aided by John Graham of Burnbank. The competitors represented five different regions and ranged in age from 11 to 27 The overall reasons winner was Amy Lindsay, Kepscaith Farm, Scotland, who recited her winning set of reasons for the gathered audience at the prize giving. While
National YLBC Stockjudging at the Great Yorkshire Show
Dennis Gall commented that Amy’s set of winning reasons were tremendous, he also congratulated all the top reason scorers. Amy scored 48 in the competition to take top spot while James Graham took the runner up position with a score of 45. Jane Lindsay was best in the juniors with a score of 46. Amy’s excellent reasons
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score contributed to her success in the keenly contested individual competition and she came out top in the seniors with 170 points, followed by Ross Johnston with 168 and James Graham with 165. All three of these young breeders are from Scotland. Taking the honors with the highest individual score in the
junior section was Amy’s sister Jane, with the overall top score of 178. Second place went to Matthew Clark of the Northwest Midlands club who scored 155, and third spot went to Isabelle Mackley of the North East Club with a score of 149. Best in the senior team event went to the pairing of Ross Johnstone and James Graham from Scotland, with a combined score of 333. Amy Lindsay and Iona Smith, also from Scotland, paired up to take second place on 327. Annabel Mason and Will Barker took third spot in the team event, with a score of 299; they were representing the Northeast club. Jane Lindsay and newcomer Stephen DaleSuley paired up to win the junior team event for Scotland with a score of 304. Matt Clark and new
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YOUNG LIMOUSIN
YLBC Overall and Senior Winner Amy Lindsay with Judge Dennis Gall
member Joseph Smith representing the North East club was second with a score of 300 while Andrew Hamill and Kile Diamond, representing Northern Ireland, took third place with a very respectable 277.
A big thank you is extended to the North East Limousin club for their hospitality over the afternoon and for providing a very tasty barbecue after the competition. The YLBC would also like to thank Stewart Bett for helping to
YLBC Senior Runner Up Ross Johnson
pick the cattle and get the classes out for judging. A special thank you also goes to Dennis Gall for so ably master judging the competition. Congratulations to all of the Young Limousin Breeders who competing and made the competition so enjoyable
and keenly contested. Very much the future of the breed, the Young Breeders represented themselves well on the day and the event was a high profile and vibrant part of a memorable show at Harrogate.
NORTHERN IRISH YOUNG LIMOUSIN BREEDER SHINES AT HARROGATE
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.I. Young Limousin breeder Kile Diamond (Pointhouse Herd), Garvagh, Coleraine out shone the opposition and won Champion Young Beef Handler 2017 at the Great Yorkshire Show, in Harrogate. A total of 38 young handlers were taking part in the competition, in different age groups, from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Kile was entered in the 12 to 13-year-old class and was competing against 7 other young handlers including his N.I. team mate Andrew Hamill. Kile and Andrew had to prepare and groom their animal for showing. They then had to present and show their animal, on the judging lawns, to the judge Ms J Millican, Appleby, Cumbria who asked each young handler questions about the preparations they had undertaken for the class. Kile and Andrew secured 1st and 2nd places respectively. It was then onto the final for Kile against four other young handlers from the other classes and age groups. Kile was victorious and along with his rosettes and certificates won a silver tankard and title Champion Young Beef Handler 2017. Asked how he felt about his success Kile commented “I am delighted to win this major show title and I love nothing better than being on the green on the end of a halter”.
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Anglo Irish Kile Diamond
BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
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YOUNG LIMOUSIN
ENGLAND LEAD THE WAY IN THE YOUNG BREEDERS ANGLO IRISH STOCKJUDGING
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aturday 5th of August saw Dumfries Show act as host for the final of the 2017 Young Limousin Breeders Anglo Irish Stock Judging contest. This annual event is one of the highlights of the Young Limousin Breeders Club (YLBC) calendar which sees Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland battle it out in ring craft and stock judging events to see who will be crowned champions. Team and individual competitions take place with the competitors being given an animal they have never met before to show, before then judging two classes of Limousin cattle, on which they are required to present a set of reasons to the panel of judges. The Dumfries Show was also hosting the Scottish Limousin Grandprix so there was a fine spectacle of Limousin cattle on the showground. Despite the very wet start to the competition, which gave the competitors a soaking in the ring craft judging, the sun did come out just as the competition started to heat up. The panel of judges, made up of Bruce Goldie (Goldies Herd), Jonathan Watson (Tweeddale Herd) and Tom Hickey from Ireland had their work cut out with the high standard presented to them. The young breeders involved have trained all year and having qualified to be at the finals were all striving for success. They breezed through the ring craft judging at which spectators remarked that the standard was ‘outstanding’ and
Anglo Irish YLBC competitor Adam McGookin
moved onto judging a class of bulls. Next up was the heifer judging, a reasons class, and so more challenges for the competitors. However, the participants all scored very highly in the judging before the time came to explain the reasons for their decisions. They had two minutes to give their reasons to the panel of judges, before finally being able to relax….until it came to the results. It proved to be a great day for the English team, with all three top honors being lifted by a member of the England team. The results are as follows: Senior Individual: 1st – Annabel Mason – England – 267 2nd – Orla Curtain – Ireland – 257 3rd – Amy Lindsay – Scotland – 251 Junior Individual: 1st – Isabelle Mackley – England – 245
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It's been a busy year of YLBC including activity at the National Stockjudging and Anglo Irish
2nd – Jane Lindsay – Scotland – 236 3rd – John Smyth – Ireland – 230 Teams: 1st – England 737 2nd – Ireland 726 3rd – Scotland 709 The YLBC would like to thank all of the competitors for coming to the event and taking part in such fantastic
style, some travelled a long way, and the Club greatly appreciates the support. Particular thanks must go to all the parents, who make time to bring the young breeders to events of this kind. The Club also extends its gratitude to the exhibitors who loan their cattle and to the judges, without which there would be no competition!
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YOUNG LIMOUSIN
LIMOUSIN LEADERS TAKE FOURTH SPOT IN 2017 NATIONAL YOUNG STARS
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he Limousin Leaders team comprising of Amy and Alan Lindsay of the Clydeside Herd, Longridge, West Lothian and Iona Smith from Ayrshire secured fourth place in the intensely contested beef competition at the 2017 National Young Stars event held at Three Counties Showground, Malvern on 22nd and 23 August. This great result follows on from the Limmy Lads, John Graham, Andrew Adam, and Tom Illingworth, Championship success of last year. The event, sponsored by Allflex, now in its third year, saw more than 100 young farming enthusiasts between the ages of eight and 24 showcase their skills. One of the highlights of the event is undoubtedly the beef competition and 11 teams were entered this year, including an exchange team from Canada. There were three teams with Limousin and Limousin Cross animals represented on their stands. Two teams were supported by the British Limousin Cattle Society, the Limousin Leaders and the Limoholics, while there was a Limmy Stars team from Newton Rigg College, the Peak District. As part of the competition the teams are encouraged to source external sponsors, a way of demonstrating their ability to forge professional relationships. The Limousin Leaders team managed to secure additional sponsorship from Show Time, the suppliers of specialist grooming products, while the Limoholics found their extra support from Workwear Express, a leading work
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Limousin Leaders Iona Smith, Alan Lindsay & Amy Lindsay Limousin Leaders ring craft judging
Limoholics stand
wear clothing provider. Over the two days the judging proved to be incredibly close, scored out of a possible 1,000 points less than 60 points separated first and fourth place. With
Limoholics ring craft judging
a solid overall score of 810 points the Limousin Leaders finished in fourth place. Demonstrating just how close the entire competition was the Limoholics team were not too far behind with 804 points,
making fifth spot. The Limoholics team comprised of Emma Rathbone and William Nicholls from Specs Limousin, Stoke-onTrent and Isabelle Mackley of the Mountsted Herd, Scarborough. Analysis of the scorecard indicates that the speaking skills of Emma Rathbone bore some success with the Limoholics achieving the joint highest score in the interview segment of the competition. The event brings the team of three participants together to demonstrate their teamwork and practical skills over six disciplines; clipping and preparation, presentation and promotion, stockjudging (including reasons), ringcraft, interview and a skill-a-thon. The teams need to plan and prepare a promotional stand, together with the area for stalling two cattle that they later use to demonstrate their practical skills. Promotional stands are marked on the quality of the breed information, sponsors material, and facts about themselves. All of the Limousin teams performed really well and their stands were informative and engaging. They can all be extremely proud of themselves for their achievements. Stephanie Dick, YLBC Chairperson commented “these guys have made me a super proud Chairman for all the effort they have put in to making the stands and getting ready for this competition”. Congratulations are extended to everyone who participated; without doubt all are hardworking ambassadors for the breed throughout the UK.
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YOUNG LIMOUSIN
YLBC MEMBER RUTH HAMILL REPORTS ON HER RECENT TRIP TO FRANCE
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oung Limousin breeder Ruth Hamill (Cloverdale Herd, Dunmurray, Belfast) was given the opportunity to spend a month with the Lasterna family who run the successful Lasternas Limousin herd in the Dordogne region of South West France. Here Ruth reports on the experience and what she learnt about the breed from the French perspective: The Lasternas herd, which consists of over 200 pedigree cows and numerous stock bulls, were in the middle of their first of two calving stints when I arrived. Not only was this very exciting but also somewhat stressful at times! We had five cows in calving aid pens who all decided to begin calving at the same time. What a start, a real eye opener. An early observation of mine was the ‘milkiness’ of the females, including that of the first calving heifers. In the Lasternas Herd the balance between increasing muscle and producing milk is clearly spot on. Something else very evident was the superb degree of calving ease the females demonstrated throughout my time with the herd. This is a particular trait which the breed has become well known for and it was easy and pleasing to see why. Delivering robust strong calves I was impressed to see the genetic merit of the females in action. Heading out to France I did take with me some preconceived ideas about French Limousins and how they compared to their British counterparts. I thought that there may be a place for French females in the UK breeding herd but that they had no place
in the show ring as I had always thought they lacked the muscle and shape UK breeders are so passionate about. The French cattle in the Lasternas Herd shattered all the perceptions I had of the ‘typical French animal’. They displayed great width and extreme ‘squareness’ over the plates and it was very hard to fault their locomotion. For this reason I became to think that they could well stand out in our show rings, both pedigree and commercial. As I leave France in midAugust the main French show season is just beginning and I have absolutely no doubt the Lasternas show team will have a successful summer. The family have experienced great success in France being regular winners at both the Paris Show and National show. Olivier Lasternas is a wellregarded Limousin judge who has travelled all over the world adjudicating at shows. I am very grateful to him for sharing his experience to me, which meant I could learn more about French cattle and the French style of judging. The Lasternas’ favourite show duo Haude and her 2015 born daughter Lola have racked up a list of prizes in recent years. Lola became a firm favourite of mine; she displayed both muscle and size, oozing style and femininity. Her extremely docile temperament was clear from the start, a trait very obvious throughout the whole herd and something the Lasternas take very seriously. Any animal that is anything other than quiet and easy to work has been removed from the herd, this robust approach certainly paid off. Although the idea of travelling overseas to live with an unfamiliar family may seem daunting I feel very lucky to have been welcomed into the Lasternas household. My
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time in France was not only extremely enjoyable but also very worthwhile; expanding on my knowledge of French cattle and use of the language! I have many people to thank for making this opportunity and experience of a lifetime possible. In particular Aled Edwards, who steered me in the right direction and allowed everything to come together, and Olivier Rambert, who overcame the language barrier and organised all the final details.
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HALTCLIFFE LIMOUSIN
Semen available from several top sires
Bulls For Sale We have a number of quality young Bulls for sale privately aged from 16 – 24 months, and ready to work
Contact Craig for Enquiries
Heifers For Sale Ampertaine Elgin: Semen Available SEMEN ALSO AVAILABLE FROM: Ballyrobin Joop, Haltcliffe Gentry, Loosebeare Fantastic, Haltcliffe Dancer, Haltcliffe Gunner, Haltcliffe Hitec and Cloughhead Umpire
We also have a number of very well bred heifers for sale (2016 born) from the best bloodlines in the herd
Bulls and females always available for sale privately, visitors are always welcome Phone Craig on: (0044) 016974 78619 Email: craig.ridley@btconnect.com
www.haltcliffe-limousin.co.uk
The world of Limousin at your fingertips. Sale and show reports, news pages, catalogues, technical, galleries, blogs, classifieds, on-line shop, links, archives, young breeders, it’s got the lot.
Visit us at
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SHOWS | 2017 ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW
Foxhillfarm Mamamia, Female and Overall Limousin Champion and Supreme Individual Interbreed Champion
FOXHILLFARM
MAMMAMIA REIGNS SUPREME AT ROYAL HIGHLAND
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• Foxhillfarm Mammamia wins Interbreed Championship • Limousins place Reserve in pairs • Limousins win Team of Four Interbreed Championship Limousin Judge Gary Swindlehurst
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n what was described as near perfect show conditions the ‘dynamic duo’ of Foxhillfarm Mammamia and Foxhillfarm Looksthepart came through to sweep the board and win the Limousin Supreme and Reserve Supreme Championships respectively on the opening day of the 2017 Royal Highland Show held at Ingliston, Edinburgh on Thursday 22nd June. On her way through to the title Mammamia had picked up a number of rosettes in the Limousin classes during judging. Judging the Limousin entries on the first day of the show was Mr Gary Swindlehurst of the Procters Herd, Clitheroe, Lancashire. Out of a notable
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SHOWS | 2017 ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW
Foxhillfarm Looksthepart - Reserve Overall and Res Female Champion
"An outstanding femine specimen with good top, style and side plates" Judge Mr Swindlehurst describing Foxhillfarm Mammamia Grahams Michael Male Champion
entry of 67 animals Mammamia had clearly stood out of the crowd. She picked up wins as the Limousin Female Champion, Junior Female Champion, Best Overall Junior Animal and Best Animal Bred by Exhibitor. After the judging Mr Swindlehurst described Mammamia as being an “outstanding feminine specimen” with “good top style and side plates” The January 2016 embryo born maiden heifer, brought into the ring by Mrs Alford is by their homebred 38,000gns Foxhillfarm Irishlad and out of Glenrock Illusion, the 125,000gns female world record price holder. She went through the ring at Carlisle in May for 42,000gns, with the Alfords selling her on the basis that they would show her over the summer season. As a calf, Mammamia was Junior Limousin Champion and Reserve Interbreed Champion at the ‘Stars of the Future’ show in November last year. The Highland show was her first outing this season and the Interbreed Championship judging saw Archie MacGregor of the
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Whiskey Infinity - Reserve Male Champion
Allanfauld herd, Kilsyth put the stylish heifer into the Interbreed Championship top spot. In awarding her the supreme Interbreed Champion spot Mr MacGregor gave praise to her width, length and locomotion, applauding her for her outstanding quality In what transpired to be a day for the ladies, Mr Swindlehurst placed Foxhillfarm Looksthepart as reserve female Champion and reserve overall Limousin Champion. Also exhibited by the Alfords, and also home bred, the August 2015 born heifer is by Guards Boomer out of the multiaward winning Foxhillfarm Gracie, who was breed champion at the Highland show and the Royal Welsh back in 2013. Looksthepart was the reserve junior female at the Royal Welsh last year and in what is turning out to be a successful show career in early June she was reserve breed champion at the Royal Cornwall show, only giving way to her stable mate Foxhillfarm Limited Edition. Delighted for her success Melanie Alford
described the win as a ‘dream come true’ and she was particularly impressed with the youngster’s performance against the older females in the ring. Mrs Alford said that she is looking forward to exhibiting the elegant heifer at both the Great Yorkshire and the Royal Welsh over the summer. The Alford family continued their tremendous run of form in recent years at the Highland. This is the third time they have won the Supreme Championship in the past five years and the second time they have won the Individual Interbreed Championship. Other exhibitors also had a fine day. Messrs R and J Graham, Airthrey Kerse Dairy Farm, Bridge Of Allan, Stirling collected first and second place in the opening class of the day with their 12-month old heifers both sired by Ampertaine Elgin out of Millbrook Gingerspice. Piping her sister Grahams Malibu to top spot was Grahams Melody. The Graham family had a number of other placing’s with their older homebred females during the afternoons female judging session. Their October 2015 heifer Grahams Lexi was placed fifth in her class and Grahams Lulu, born May 2015 came in third in hers behind two heifers from W J and M Mash Ltd who had made the long trip from Chesham, Bucks. Their January 2015 born heifer Brockhurst Little Gem took first spot in the class for females between two and three years of age. By Wilodge Vantastic she is out of Ronick McAinsie. Brockhurst Little Gem was runner up in her class at last year’s Great Yorkshire Show; she is half-sister to Brockhurst Heavenly who scooped the Limousin Overall Supreme Championship and the Beef Individual Interbreed Championship at the same show. Reserve in the class went to Little Gems half-sister Brockhurst Lucy, also January 2015 her dam is Brockhurst Bolshoi, a past interbreed champion at the Great Yorkshire Show. As the female judging came to a close, last year’s Highland Show Limousin Supreme Champion and Reserve Interbreed Champion Whinfellpark Glittered of Messrs Jenkinson, Penrith, Cumbria, shone through a quality field to take first place in the senior female class. The 2011 born cow by the herd stock sire Wilodge Cerberus, Whinfellpark Glittered is out of Grange Orleans a cow purchased from an on-farm production sale from the herd of George Smith, Daventry, Northants. As the male judging got under way, the Graham family had more to smile about. Their June 2016 born bull Grahams Michael took first place in the opening class. Out of Millbrook Gingerspice,
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Burnbank JoJo
making him full brother to the Grahams winning females he was also sired by the well-known Ampertaine Elgin. He went onto win the Limousin Supreme Junior Bull championship and the overall Supreme Bull top spot. Commenting after awarding him the accolade Judge Gary Swindlehurst said that this youngster had caught his eye from the very start of the day. The Reserve Overall Champion rosette in the bull section went to Whiskey Infinity, a four year old bull owned by a UK and South African consortium but exhibited by Mr Harry Emslie, Kinknockie, Mintlaw, Peterhead. Sired by Plumtree Deus out of Wilodge Glitzy he went on to feature in the team of four and the pair’s Interbreed championships. The Interbreed Team Championship on Saturday 24 June was keenly contested. The Aberdeen Angus World Forum was being hosted at the show and consequently it fetched the biggest entry of Scotland’s most famous native breed seen for years. However, Judge Mr MacGregor gave the top title to the Limousin team while reserve spot went to the Angus cohort. The Limousin lineup comprised of two females from the Alfords, the reserve breed Champion, Foxhillfarm Looksthepart and Foxhillfarm Limited Edition plus Burnbank Jojo and the reserve champion bull Whiskey Infinity. Burnbank Jojo had won her class on Thursday and was the other half of the reserve champion pair’s team alongside Whiskey Infinity. Brought to Edinburgh by D & L Graham, Blairdrummond, Stirling, the February 2014 born home-bred cow is by Wilodge Fastrac out of Burnbank Bindy. In awarding the Champion Team win to the Limousin foursome Mr MacGregor said he had been looking for a team with quality and balance throughout and the Limousin quartet had fit the bill perfectly. In the always keenly contested Commercial Cattle section it was Mr Dermot Small from Northern Ireland, who took the reserve female title and then reserve Overall Champion with his July 2016 born heifer sired by the heavily muscled Swarland Eddie. Mr Small has been showing cattle in the UK over 20
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Jack Flash - Champion Steer Commercial
years and in recent years has had notable success with Khaleesi, the show-stopping heifer also by Swarland Eddie. Another Limousin success in the commercial section went to Mr James Forsyth from Mid-Bishopton. Jack Flash his 18 month old home bred bullock by Powerhouse Elite out of Fancy This won the Championship steer title. Powerhouse Elite, sired by Objat and out of a Rocky dam is known for his conformation and width throughout his loin, characteristics that have paid off in his commercial progeny.
Rounding off the commercial side of the show was the Marks& Spencer performance recorded Championships and the ABP/ASDA steak eating contest. In the beef breeder championship, judging the cattle entries on their commercial relevance by taking into account traditional values of conformation and scientific values of EBV data Mr Michael Robson placed the 12 month old Limousin bull Ballinloan Mountain, from Mr S L Fotheringham, Dunkeld, Perth and Kinross, as reserve champion. By Ampertaine Foreman out of Ballinloan Gaga he had been placed second in his class the day earlier. The fantastic eating qualities of Limousin prevailed once again when a sirloin steak from a Limousin steer won the ABP/ASDA best Scottish steak competition. Taking the top honour was Bill Nelson from West Brackley, Monike, for a steak from a steer which weighed in at 349.9kg deadweight with a R+3= grading.
Interbreed Team of Four Champions
Interbreed Team of Four Champions
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SHOWS | 2017 GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW
FOXHILLFARM LORDOFTHERING
CROWNED OVERALL CHAMPION LIMOUSIN AND RESERVE INTERBREED CHAMPION AT GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW 2017 Foxhillfarm Lordofthering
• Foxhillfarm Mammamia wins Junior Interbreed Championship. • Limousin duo win Continental Beef Pairs Competition • Limousin quartets take first spot in Senior and Junior Group competitions. • Foxhillfarm Lordofthering takes Reserve position in Supreme Beef Championship. • Foxhillfarm Mammamia claims Female Limousin Breed Champion title 48 | BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
I
n what turned out to be changeable weather conditions, the quality of the Limousin cattle exhibited at the Great Yorkshire Show at Harrogate on 11th and 12th July proved to be consistently impressive and Limousin cattle took a haul of interbreed titles. The first day of judging saw some challenging weather conditions and it fell to Judge James Hazard from the Mereside Limousin herd based at Skillington in Lincolnshire to get a soaking as he evaluated the cattle during the morning. Foxhillfarm Lordofthering scooped the Limousin Overall Supreme Championship
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BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
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SHOWS | 2017 GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW
Foxhillfarm Mammamia, Champion Female, Junior Limousin Champion and Interbreed Junior Champion
Brockhurst Littlegem - Reserve Female Champion
Grahams Michael - Junior Male Champion & Reserve Male Champion
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on his way to take reserve spot in the Beef Individual Interbreed Championship later in the afternoon when he was put before Judge Mr McMillan from Brechin, Angus. The May 2015 bull, bred by Mr and Mrs M Alford of Cullompton, Devon is now owned in partnership with Mr D Sawrij of the Swalesmoor Herd at Kedzlie Farm, Lauderdale. Previously described as a standout bull with presence and style he came into the ring very well balanced and walking well. Bred out of the prolific Bankdale Alice, a Sympa daughter, whose offspring have collectively amassed a significant six figure value, Lordofthering made his mark on the summer show circuit in 2016 as well. He stood as junior and male champion at the Highland Show last year, inter-breed champion at Devon County, and junior champion and reserve male at the National Show. The following day, just as the sun was starting to make its presence felt, Judge Mr G Scott from Linlithgow, West Lothian awarded Foxhillfarm Mammamia the Junior Interbreed Championship. She had been placed as the Limousin Female Champion and Reserve Overall Champion the day earlier. Having reigned supreme at the Royal Highland Show just a few weeks ago 2017 looks to be shaping up to be an incredible year for the young heifer. Mr Scott commented that her length, width and character put her way ahead of anything else in the ring on the day. The January 2016 embryo born maiden heifer, brought into the ring by Mrs Alford is by their homebred 38,000gns Foxhillfarm Irishlad and out of Glenrock Illusion, the 125,000gns female world record price holder. She went through the ring at Carlisle in May for 42,000gns, with the Alfords selling her on the basis that they would show her over the summer season. As a calf, Mammamia was Junior Limousin Champion and Reserve Interbreed Champion at the ‘Stars of the Future’ show in November last year. Standing Reserve Female Limousin Champion in Harrogate was Brockhurst Little Gem from W J & M Mash from Chesham, Bucks. The January 2015 born heifer is also following her success at the Royal Highland Show where she took first spot in the class for females between two and three years of age. By Wilodge Vantastic she is out of Ronick McAinsie. Brockhurst Little Gem was runner up in her class at last year’s Great Yorkshire Show; she is half-sister to Brockhurst Heavenly who scooped the Limousin Overall Supreme Championship and the Interbreed Championship at the show last year. Mr Hazard awarded the Reserve Male Limousin Champion award to Grahams Michael, another winner from the
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Senior Team of Four Champions
Interbreed Beef Pairs Champions
Champion Steer and Reserve Overall Champion Commercial, sired by a Limousin
Junior Team of Four Champions
Reserve Champion Heifer from N Slack, by Limousin, Rossignol
Highland Show. The June 2016 born bull from R & J Graham took the Limousin Supreme Junior Bull championship and the overall Supreme Bull top spot at Ingleston just a few weeks ago. Out of Millbrook Gingerspice he was sired by the well-known Ampertaine Elgin. As the morning of the second day of judging progressed the crowd by the cattle ring started to feel the sunshine. As if by magic this coincided with a powerful display of Limousin cattle breeding in the Interbreed group competitions. In the senior class, the Limousin entry of Foxhillfarm Lordofthering, Whinfellpark Glittered, Foxhillfarm Mammamia and Whinfellpark Lavender took championship spot. Messrs. Jenkinsons April 2011 born cow Whinfellpark Glittered had won her class the day earlier ahead of last year’s Interbreed champion Brockhurst Heavenly. Glittered, by Wilodge Cerberus and out of Grange Orleans, has an enviable show record, most recently taking the senior female class at the Highland this year. The 2011 born cow by the herd stock sire Wilodge Cerberus, Whinfellpark Glittered is out of Grange Orleans a cow purchased from an
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on-farm production sale from the herd of George Smith, Daventry, Northants. She was Supreme Champion Limousin at last year’s Highland and reserve overall supreme at the National show. The April 2015 born Lavender is by the 26,000gns Gorrycam Hazzard and is out of the Lowerffryd Empire daughter Whinfellpark Holly. Judge Gavin Scott described the team as the most evenly matched team of the day. A spectacular quartet from the Foxhillfarm cohort came into the ring to challenge for the Interbreed Junior group honors. Mammamia, Miss World, Limited Edition and Looksthepart looked nothing short of magnificent in the sunshine. Along with her stable mate Mammamia, the January 2016 born Foxhillfarm Miss World sold in the ring at Carlisle in May on the proviso that she would be retained by the Alfords for showing over the summer. Similarly-bred to Mammamia, this stylish heifer is an embryo calf out of Glenrock Illusion and by Foxhillfarm Irishlad she has growth EBVs and a beef value in the top 1% of the breed. Foxhillfarm Looksthepart was reserve female Champion and reserve overall
Limousin Champion at the Highland Show in June. Also home bred, the August 2015 born heifer is by Guards Boomer out of the multi-award winning Foxhillfarm Gracie, who was breed champion at the Highland show and the Royal Welsh back in 2013. Looksthepart was the reserve junior female at the Royal Welsh last year and in what is turning out to be a successful show career this year she was reserve breed champion at the Royal Cornwall show, only giving way to her stable mate Foxhillfarm Limited Edition. In tapping this team forward Judge Mr Scott described it as an “absolutely tremendous foursome”, he went onto say that “their width, length and depth is what every commercial producer wants”. The ‘dynamic duo’ of Lordofthering and Mammamia came into the ring to challenge for the Blythewood Continental Beef Pairs competition, a special class originally introduced to celebrate the 150th Royal Yorkshire Show almost 30 years ago. Final judging took place in the Main Ring at the same time as the Grand Parade and to the clear delight of the Alford family Judge Mr Scott tapped the Foxhillfarm duo into top spot.
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SHOWS | 2017 ROYAL WELSH SHOW
Whiskey Infinity Limousin Champion
CHEERS TO
WHISKEY INF CHAMPION AT THE 2017 ROYAL WELSH • Foxhillfarm Mammamia wins Junior Heifer Interbreed Championship • Cowin Meister wins Interbreed Junior Bull Championship • Limousins win Exhibitor Bred Pairs and Team of Three Interbreed Championship • Limousin Team of Five Reserve Champions • Foxhillfarm Mammamia and Looksthepart Interbreed Females of the Future Champions • Scorboro Misterbig wins Agri Lloyd Elite Junior Bull Championship
52 | BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
A
s is usual for late July all roads in Wales led to the showground at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells for this year’s Royal Welsh Show over 24th to 27th July. With Agriculture maintaining its place at the heart of the show, livestock entries were very strong and Limousin cattle presented the largest cohort of any breed on the showground. Day one of the show delivered spectacular sunshine to match the marvelous display of cattle from the Limousin breeders who had descended on the mid-Wales countryside. It fell upon Judge Mr Eric Norman, of the noted Norman Herd at Little Orton, Carlisle to sweat it out in the cattle ring as he deliberated over his judgments in the Limousin classes. Having taken the honours as the Best Male exhibit early in the morning, as
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FINITY
Limousin Judge Eric Worman
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SHOWS | 2017 ROYAL WELSH SHOW
lunchtime approached, Mr Norman tapped the impressive bull Whiskey Infinity as the Overall Supreme Champion Limousin. Travelling all the way from Aberdeen, the four year old is jointly owned by Harry and Lynwen Emslie and a consortium of South African breeders under the company name of Meridian Genetics. The Emslies are no strangers to winning in Wales, having been Overall Limousin Champions with the cow Ballymoney Veronica in 2009. Sired by Plumtree Deus out of Wilodge Glitzy, Infinity is a combination of two very influential dam lines in the UK Limousin herd. His dam Glitzy is full sister to Wilodge Diamante, who’s progeny include the pre-sale show champion at the May 2017 Limousin sale at Carlisle, Wilodge Lookout. In addition to breeding Lookout, Diamante has also bred a range of successful heifers to 27,000gns, and her ET-bred sister Gem, bred Wilodge LJ, a recent addition to the Goldies Limousin Herd. On the other side of his pedigree line, his paternal grand dam Bankdale Amber is full sister to the prolific Bankdale Alice, queen at Foxhill Limousins. At the Society’s barbeque in the evening of the first day of the show Mr Emslie was clearly overjoyed with the bull’s success, he commented that he was feeling humbled at the swell of compliments the bull had received during the day. Adding to the popularity of the winner was the fact that Whiskey Infinity had actually been bred in Wales, by Mr Dai Walters, of Duffryn Farm, Usk. As such, he became the first Welsh bred Limousin Champion at the Royal Welsh Show since Rhonllwyn Vandal in 2008. The Female Champion in the Limousin judging was Messrs. Jenkinsons Whinfellpark Lavender, defeating Foxhillfarm Mammamia into reserve place. The April 2015 heifer is by the 26,000gns Gorrycam Hazzard out of the Lowerffryd Empire daughter Whinfellpark Holly. Lavender’s show career is shaping up to be a successful one already. She was part of the winning senior team at the Great Yorkshire show earlier this month, and was last year’s Junior Female Champion at the Highland Show. In winning Reserve Overall Female, Foxhillfarm Mammamia, who was sold in the ring at Carlisle in May on the proviso that she would be retained by the Alfords for showing over the summer, piped her stable mate Foxhillfarm Miss World in the Limousin classes to the Best Junior Heifer prize. This added to her already fruitful season. Having reigned supreme at the Royal Highland Show earlier this year,and winning the Junior Interbreed Championship at the Great Yorkshire earlier in the month, 2017 has already
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Reserve Overall & Female Champion, Whinfellpark Lavender
“Foxhillfarm Mammamia was an easy winner with meat in all the right places” Junior Interbreed Judge Mr Andrew Ewing. Foxhillfarm Mammamia, Junior Limousin Champion and Interbreed Heifer Champion
shaped up to be an extraordinary year for the young heifer. On day two of the show, success in the Junior Heifer Interbreed Championship enhanced her 2017 haul of trophies. Judge Mr Andrew Ewing, Annan, Dumfries, commented that she had been an “easy winner” against the exhibits presented from the other breeds with “meat in all the right places”. As a calf, Mammamia was Junior Limousin Champion and Reserve Interbreed Champion at the ‘Stars of the Future’ show in November last year. As with Mammamia, the Reserve Junior
Heifer Champion Foxhillfarm Miss World also sold in the ring at Carlisle in May on the same understanding that she would be shown by the Alfords over the summer. Similarly-bred to Mammamia, this stylish heifer is also an embryo calf out of Glenrock Illusion, the 125,000gns female world record price holder and by homebred 38,000gns Foxhillfarm Irishlad she has growth EBVs and a beef value in the top 1% of the breed. Mr Norman tapped Cowin Meister into top spot as the best Junior Male in the Limousin judging. The January 2016 bull
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from Mr & Mrs Dyfan and Carol James is home bred from their Cowin Herd in Carmarthenshire. With an impressive pedigree, he is by Machermore Augustus, son of the prolific bull Ronick Hawk and out of the Mas Du Clo daughter Cowin Golddigger. So impressive was Meister that Judge Mr Emyr Jones, Llanrwst, Gwynedd tapped him into the Champion position in the prestigious Junior Bull Interbreed contest on the final day of the show. From a strong base the Limousin breed was again well to the fore in the other Interbreed competitions, taking Reserve in the prestigious Team of Five championship, and winning the Exhibitor Bred Pairs and Group of Three contests plus the Females of the Future championship. As well as Whiskey Infinity and Whinfell Park Lavender, three heifers from the Foxhillfarm cohort, Looksthepart, Limited Edition and Mammamia made up the Team of Five. Keeping up a fine run in this blue riband Interbreed the Limousin team’s Reserve position followed on from Championship wins in the preceding three years. Limousins triumphed in both Exhibitor Bred Interbreed Team Championships with lineups from the Foxhillfarm stable. Collectively the Foxhill cattle made superbly well balanced teams, either as a pair or threesome. The winning pair’s team of Limited Edition and Looksthepart took the bull Lordofthering with them into the Group of Three judging. Foxhillfarm Lordofthering scooped the Limousin Overall Supreme Championship at the Great Yorkshire Show. The May 2015 bull, bred by Mr &
Cowin Meister, Junior Male Champion & Junior Male Interbreed Champion
Scorbo Misterbig, Elite Beef Breeder Interbreed Champion
Interbreed Team of Five, Whiskey Infinity, Whinfellpark Lavender, Foxhillfarm Looksthepart, Limited Edition and Mamammia
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BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY
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SHOWS | 2017 ROYAL WELSH SHOW
Mrs M Alford of Cullompton, Devon is now owned in partnership with Mr D Sawrij of the Swalesmoor Herd at Kedzlie Farm, Lauderdale. Bred out of the prolific Bankdale Alice, a Sympa daughter, whose offspring have collectively amassed a significant six figure value, this is the second year he has made his mark on the summer show circuit. In 2016 he stood as Junior and Male Champion at the Highland Show, Inter-breed Champion at Devon County, and Junior Champion and Reserve Male at the National Limousin Show. Foxhillfarm Looksthepart was Reserve Female Champion and Reserve Overall Limousin Champion at the Royal Highland Show in June. Also home bred, the August 2015 born heifer is by Guards Boomer out of the multiaward winning Foxhillfarm Gracie, who won an unprecedented ‘triple crown’ of summer ‘major’ championships in 2013. Looksthepart was the reserve junior female at the Royal Welsh last year, and in what is turning out to be a successful show career this year she was Reserve Breed Champion at the Royal Cornwall show in early June, only giving way to her companion Foxhillfarm Limited Edition. On the final day of the show, Thursday 27 July, the impressive Foxhillfarm pair of young heifers Mammamia and Looksthepart were triumphant in the Interbreed Females of the Future Pairs Championship. In other successes at the show, Jim Bloom & Sons, Driffield, East Yorkshire, took first place in the Agri Lloyd Elite Junior Bull championship with their January 2016 born bull Scorboro Misterbig. To be eligible to compete bulls must have a Signet Beef Value or corresponding Breedplan Index greater than the breed average. Home bred, he is by Fenomen out of Scorboro Jig. Fenomen was imported from France, where his figures placed him in the upper echelons of the breed, after winning at the 2014 National Show in Limoges. He has since worked as the principal stock
Exhibitor Bred Pairs Champions, Foxhillfarm Limited Edition and Looksthepart
Foxhillfarm Lordofthering, Reserve Male Champion
bull in the joint owner’s herds at Scorboro and Dyfri. An exceptionally correct and sound bull, with great muscularity and length, Judge Mr Neil Barclay, Banchory commented that he selected the bull as champion for his “impressive power, stature and style”. At the Club barbeque the LBV Thomas award for the Best Exhibitor Bred Female, owned by a breeder residing in Wales, was presented to Mr Gareth Morris for Dylans Magners. Gareth farms his Dylans Limousin herd in Llanwern, Brecon. The June 2016 born heifer, who had won her class in the Limousin judging earlier
Exhibitor Team of Three, Foxhillfarm Lordofthering, Limited Edition and Lookstherpart
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in the day, is out of Dylans Fanta by the noted Swardland Eddie who is known for breeding top show cattle, both pedigree and commercial. In the highly competitive Commercial Championship, as would be expected, Limousin genetics were very evident throughout the entire judging session, which was overseen by Mr Elfed Williams from Sennybridge. The majority of the cattle he tapped into winning spot in the classes featured Limousins as either sire or dam. A May 2016 born Limousin steer from Mr Tecwyn Jones of Conwy took first place in the exhibitor bred contest.
Young Handlers Interbreed Champions, Archie and Lottie Hill
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GOLDIES Goldies James Sold 21,000gns May 16
Goldies Heifers
Goldies Lordoftherings Supreme Champion & top price Stirling Feb 17
Goldies Jurassic Sold 20,000gns Oct 15
Goldies Juggler outstanding retained stock bull
Goldies Jackpot Sold Privately to Tom Bailey Dec 15
For Sale: proven stock bull, pedigree and crossing bulls; a few stock cows & next batch of super heifers available privately includes black & polled. All related to the above animals. Top 1%, Great conformation, easy calving, TB4 and Johnes Level 1. Tel: 07712 435 408 / 01387 830105 bruce@goldietownfoot.co.uk www.goldietownfoot.co.uk
Tel. 01643 841611
Bruce Goldie, Townfoot, Mouswald, Dumfries, DG1 4LX
Shearwell
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SHOWS | 2017 ANTRIM SHOW
GLENROCK INCLUSIVE
LIFTS THE LIMOUSIN OVERALL SUPREME AT NI LIMOUSIN CHAMPIONSHIPS AT ANTRIM SHOW Overall Supreme Champion Glenrock Inclusive & Calf Champion Derriaghy Noodles
T
he annual N.I. Limousin Championship was held on 22 July 2017 at the Randox Antrim Show in the beautiful setting of Shanes Castle Estate, Antrim. The event attracted a large crowd with the Limousin judging well supported by local breeders and spectators. The Overall Supreme Champion, Overall Female Champion and Senior Champion was Glenrock Inclusive exhibited by D G Green & Sons, Lisburn, Co Antrim. Originally bred by Stephen Illingworth, Lockerbie, Glenrock Inclusive was purchased by the Greens for 14,000gns at the Glenrock Herd sale held in Carlisle in August 2014. At the 2016 Balmoral Show, the in-calf heifer Glenrock Inclusive swept all before her winning the Limousin Overall Supreme Championship. Back at Balmoral this year Glenrock Inclusive was again in the honours when featuring in the winning Limousin Interbreed Team of Five. Glenrock Inclusive, born November 2013, is by the Nenuphar son Bremore Artist and is another embryo calf out of the Illingworth’s renowned Glenrock Spangle.
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Reserve Overall Clydevalley Jessie & Reserve Calf Clydevalley Nougat
Taking Reserve Overall Supreme Champion, Reserve Overall Female Champion and Reserve Senior Champion was Clydevalley Jessie homebred by local breeder Robert Clyde, Templepatrick, Co Antrim. This July 2014 born female is sired by Limo Esso, a Wilodge Vantastic son and out of the homebred dam Clydevalley Bessie, a Ronick Gains
daughter. Clydevalley Jessie has won several Limousin Championships at the local shows this summer. Overall Male Champion and Intermediate Champion was Drumard Marksman, bred by W J Bradley & Sons, Magherafelt. This April 2016 born bull is sired by Djerk and out of Glenrock Elusive another female, bought for 10,000gns, at
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Overall Male Champion Drumard Marksman
Reserve Overall Male Champion, Robineed Muhammad
Reserve Intermediate Champion Cornonagh Mia
the Glenrock Herd sale held in Carlisle in August 2014. Reserve Intermediate Champion and first in her class was Cornonagh Mia bred by M, S & A Donaghy, Crossmaglen, Newry. This January 2016 born heifer is sired Ampertaine Gigolo and out of the 7,000gns dam Glenrock Cellest and remarkably, also purchased at the aforementioned Glenrock Sale. Reserve Overall Male Champion and 1st in his class was Robineed Muhammad bred by David & Dale Robinson, Irvinestown. This October 2016 born bull is sired by Ampertaine Gigolo and out of the homebred dam Robineed Indie. Junior Champion and 1st in her class was Deerpark Maisie bred by C & R Mulholland, Craigavon, Co Armagh. This July 2016 born heifer is sired by Ampertaine Elgin and out of the dam Bernish Icequeen, an Ampertaine Foreman daughter. In a nice double, Deerpark Missmoneypenny a July 2016 born heifer also bred by C & R Mulholland was the Reserve Junior Champion and was second in her class. Missmoneypenny is sired by Ampertaine Gigolo and out of the dam Ampertaine Isadora. Making it a highly successful day for the herd, the Calf Champion and first in her class was Derriaghy Noodles bred by D G Green & Sons. This January 2017 born female is sired by Wilodge Tonka and is out of the dam, and Overall Supreme Champion winner, Glenrock Inclusive. Reserve Calf Champion and first in her class was Clydevalley Nougat bred by Robert Clyde, Templepatrick, Co Antrim. This April 2017 born female is sired by Sympa and out of the homebred dam and Reserve Overall Supreme Champion Clydevalley Jessie. Judging the N.I. Limousin Championship was Frank Buckley, the Irish Limousin Cattle Society Chairman, from the Mistic Herd, Co Cork. Speaking after the judging Frank said “The quality
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of cattle turned out was excellent and compliments must go to all those who exhibited. There was a fantastic, strong show of females today and they are the type I like, full of quality, correctness, and style, and with plenty of femininity ”. The Commercial Championship, for heifers and steers sired by a pedigree Limousin bull, took place after the N.I. Limousin Championship and was also judged by Frank Buckley. Winning Overall Commercial Champion and first in the class was the multi title winning Valentine. This February 2016 born heifer, from K & S Williamson, Benburb, Co Tyrone was the Supreme Champion Commercial Beef animal at the 2017 Balmoral Show. By Elite Forever Brill, she is a full sister to Donald MacPherson and Jock Currie’s Scottish Winter Fair 2015 winner Price Tag which was bred by the Williamsons. Reserve Overall Commercial Champion was won by Million Dollar Baby bred by Robert Miller, Moneymore. And then it was over to the Young Limousin Breeders N.I. to compete for the “Young Stock Person Award”. Putting the experience he gained at the Gt Yorkshire Show to good use and taking first place was Kile Diamond, Garvagh, second was Martina O’Kane, Dunloy and third was Darryl Geary, Keady.
Junior Champion Deerpark Maisie
Reserve Junior Champion Deerpark Missmoneypenny
Overall Commercial Champion Valentine
NI Young Limousin Breeders Team
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SHOWS | 2017 DUMFRIES SHOW
BURNBANK JOJO WINS SCOTTISH LIMOUSIN GRAND PRIX AT DUMFRIES SHOW Burnbank Jojo, Limousin Champion & Overall Interbreed Champion
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he fifth Scottish Limousin Grand Prix was held at Dumfries Show on the 5th August 2017. Attracting forty two of some of the best of Limousin breeding from Scotland, and the north of England, the popularity of this fast establishing annual event continues to grow. Placing this year’s outstanding assembly of Limousins was Richard Bartle, the Farm Manager at Dinmore Estate, Hereford. His Supreme Overall Champion was the highly admired Burnbank JoJo from the Graham family, Dougie, Lynda, John and James, Mains of Burnbank, Blair Drummond. Jojo, a three-year-old cow by Wilodge Fastrac out of Burnbank Bindy, was shown with her heifer calf at foot Burnbank Miss Ellie sired by the 45,000gns Ampertaine Jamboree. By the noted Wilodge Vantastic, Jojo’s sire Fastrac, who had an impressive show career himself, is out of the Sympa daughter Hazelhead Annie.
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Confirming a fantastic day, Jojo followed through by winning the Dumfries Show Individual Interbreed Championship. Winning the Grand Prix was the icing on the Graham’s 2017 show season with Jojo already having taken a first prize at the Royal Highland Show and being part of the Champion Interbreed Team of Four, Interbreed Champion at Gargunnock, Champion of Champions at Doune and Dunblane show, and Champion and Reserve Interbreed at Braco show. Standing Reserve Champion, Reserve Female Champion, and Junior Female Champion on the day Grahams Melody a yearling heifer from R&J Graham, Bridge of Allan, Stirling. An embryo calf by Ampertaine Elgin Melody is out of the highly successful Millbrook Ginger Spice. Also by Wilodge Vantastic and out of Millbrook Baby, Ginger Spice made history at the Balmoral Show in 2012 by becoming the first Junior Interbreed
Champion to go on to win the Overall Interbreed title. She returned to Balmoral again in 2013 and 2014, claiming the Individual Interbreed crown on each occasion. In doing so in 2014 she made history yet again as the only animal to secure the title three years on the trot. The prizes at Dumfries rounded off a highly successful summer for Grahams Melody and her siblings. Melody also took a first prize at the Royal Highland and was Champion at Drymen Show. Her full brother, the June 2016 born Grahams Michael, was Junior Male Champion at the Grand Prix, Male Champion at the Highland and Reserve Male at the Great Yorkshire Show. After the judging Mr Bartle said of his Champions “Jojo is an excellent example of a working cow suckling a good calf and showing excellent fleshing, good mobility and with a very feminine character. I was also very impressed with the Reserve Champion Grahams Melody, a young
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heifer who is extremely stylish and for a young beast very well fleshed. The overall quality of the stock before me today was impressive and I would like to thank and congratulate the exhibitors bringing them out.” Male Champion came in the form of Woodroad James from Dougie McBeath & Sarah Jane Jessop, Lower Greenyards Farm, Bannockburn, Stirling. An Irish bred bull by the Sympa son Woodroad Harvey and out of Woodroad Heather, Woodroad James was purchased at Rosecrea Sale in October 2015 where he had stood Reserve Junior Male Champion. Woodroad James followed that win up with a Male and Junior Male Championship at the Great Yorkshire in 2016. The McBeath & Jessop team have been strong supporters of all five Scottish Grand Prix’s held to date and have won two Overall Supreme Championships including the inaugural staging of the event in 2013. Reserve Male champion, on his first time out, was Wilodge LJ, a Gerrygullinane Glen son out of the noted Wilodge Gem from Mr B Goldie, Townfoot, Dumfries. Purchased privately by the Goldies Herd earlier this year from breeder Christine
Williams, LJ has an outstanding dam and maternal pedigree line in Wilodge Gem, who within the Wilodge Herd vies with her full sister Wilodge Diamante, for the herd’s top homebred female accolade. Gerrygullinane Glen was also the sire of the Champion Limousin at the Society’s May Sale at Carlisle, Wilodge Lookout who sold for 60,000gns. Reserve Senior Female Champion was Powerful Kango, a daughter of the Sympa son Haltcliffe Dancer out of Liscarn Fantastic from Mr G Hendry, Heads of Auchinderran, Keith, Banff-shire. Kango, who won her class at the 2016 National Limousin Show, went onto take reserve champion position at the Keith Show in the North East of Scotland just two days after her success in Dumfries. Another animal from the Republic of Ireland the 2015 born Powerful Kango was bred by Philip Crowe, Carrigan, Co Cavan. Reserve Junior Female Champion was Maraiscote Mistique from the Nimmo family, Bogside Farm, Newmains, Wishaw, North Lanarkshire. By the Rocky son Macschoice Chris, the May 2016 born Mistique is out of the Goldies Comet daughter Maraiscote Gucci. Reserve Junior Male Champion was the
Grahams Melody, Reserve Champion, Reserve Female Champion & Junior Female Champion
Woodroad James, Male Champion
Powerful Irish son Anside Maximus out of Anside Isla from Mr & Mrs S Irvine, Anside Pedigree Livestock, Braehead Farm, Keith.
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FEATURE
‘VERSATILE, EASY CALVING, TOP CARCASE TRAITS’ Limousin cattle perfect for the Jack family
Commercial feature on the relatively new livestock enterprise of the Jack family, Carriston, Glenrothes, Fife.
L
imousin bloodlines underpin a relatively new livestock enterprise, which has become a passion for the Jack family who farm at Carriston near Glenrothes in Fife.
Originally from Ayrshire, Matt and Libby Jack came to Carriston in 1982 when the farm extended to 230 acres of arable land, all in all around 520 acres are given to the arable enterprise. Since then
Libby, Matt, Lynn and Matthew at the farmhouse front door
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FEATURE they have bought a further 240 acres and also rent 500 acres. Son, Matthew and his wife, Lynn are also involved in the business, while daughters, Sheena and Rhona are married with Rhona keeping a couple of her own Limousin cows on the farm. As well as growing winter wheat, spring barley, carrots and turnips, the family now grow 30 acres of beans for feeding cattle. Matthew explained, “We got the chance of some grassland to rent and I was keen to add a livestock enterprise, so it was too good an opportunity to miss.” Matt added, “When Matthew left school in 2006 he said he was leaving unless we got some livestock! We had been finishing store cattle and were impressed by the Limousin crosses we bought in, so it was clear from the start that would be the breed for us.” He and Libby had also attended the 2004 ILC and liked the shape and easy calving traits of the cattle they saw. Matthew
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Kingdom Fabio by Wilodge Vantastic
added, “We wanted a versatile breed from which we could breed replacements and keep a closed herd.” The first pedigree Limousin cow and maiden heifer arrived in 2006, bought privately from Robert Graham at Bridge of Allan. Graham’s Saffron was in-calf and produced the fledgling Kingdom herd’s
first bull for sale; Kingdom Bono, which made 4500gns at Carlisle. The maiden heifer, Grahams Vanessa was flushed to Willodge Vantastic and produced what is now their senior stock bull, Kingdom Fabio, 10th in the Limousin Cattle Society’s leading carcase trait sires. After buying some cross
cows for the embryo transfer enterprise, Libby said they decided to keep those which did not take and bull them and this was the start of the commercial herd. The herd now numbers 148 spring calving cows and 24 autumn calvers, including the 12 pedigrees, which are run commercially.
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FEATURE There is also a flock of 400 ewes which complement the cattle grazing, and, having been bitten by the pedigree bug, Matthew has 40 pedigree Texel’s as well as Scotch Mules and Texel cross ewes. Lambs are all finished and some store lambs bought in and finished for the Christmas market too. Around 20 Texel shearlings are sold at Stirling each year. Matt admits he has nothing to do with the sheep but Matthew, Lynn and Libby are keen, and because of spring arable work, Libby is very hands on at lambing. She said, “This was another reason for choosing Limousin cattle. With the men busy in the fields in the spring I am often left to deal with calving, so we wanted a breed that just got on with it and didn’t need a lot of help – the Limousin fits the bill.” Lynn, who works in nearby Cupar, is doing her accountancy exams, but is very keen on the cattle and helps out whenever she can. Apart
from family, the farm employs one full-time tractorman, Ian Rutherford, who has been with the family for 27 years. They also employ a student for harvest. Bulls are only turned out with the cows for ten weeks to try to keep a compact calving period and anything which slips will only join the small autumn herd if she is good
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enough. Matthew pointed out that this year 85% calved in the first seven weeks including heifers. He and Libby have an ongoing discussion about whether heifers should calve down at two or three yearold but the compromise they have come to is that if they look mature and their body weight is 480 to 500kg they
will go to the bull. Matthew said, “This is the problem with mainly spring calving, ideally they would be two-and-a-half and retained from an autumn herd, but, because of cereal and vegetable harvest, we have to keep the back-end calvers to a minimum.” Cows are housed around November 1st and mostly calve inside with the last few calving outdoors. Calves are offered creep feed throughout the summer, with bulls left entire, and are weaned at housing, when they go onto a ration of ad lib home-grown barley, beans, minerals and molasses with access to straw and vegetable waste. Matthew said, “We believe feeding them brock carrots and turnips keeps their rumens healthy.” And Matt added, “Limousin cattle seem to respond very well to this ad lib diet and finish easily.” The target is for them to put on an average 400kg deadweight in 400 days, which the Jacks are getting pretty
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FEATURE close to. Daily liveweight gains from birth to killing for the bulls are around 1.8kg per day. Bulls are sold to ABP, Perth at 12 to 15 months and last year their average deadweight at an average age of 13 months was 390kg. Heifers are over-wintered on ad lib silage with a small amount of barley to encourage them to grow on and develop bigger frames. At a year old potential breeders are selected and the whole batch goes onto the same ad lib diet as the bulls, finishing at around 16 months averaging 360kg deadweight. Nearly all go to ABP but anything with particularly good fat cover will be snapped up by butchers at Caledonian Marts, Stirling. Results at the abattoir are good, with 50% of the cattle sold through ABP grading U, 30% R and 20% E. Bulls regularly kill out at over 60% and heifers at nearly 60% meaning there is very little waste. All the home-bred cattle
are electronically tagged and the next step is to install automatic tag readers on the Big8 cattle crush and weigh crate which will record information. At the moment Matthew notes calving and fertility or feet problems and also poor milkers and does not retain heifers from these cows, but he hopes that now the herd is roughly the size he wants, he can start being more selective in keeping heifers. He said, “A three-quarter Limousin is my ideal suckler cow, and not too heavy, around 650kg mature weight is fine, so we can achieve our target weaning weights of 50% of the cows body weight. Our biggest aim remains to get calves sold as quickly as possible, ideally bulls at 13 months and heifers at 15 months so we rely more on grass and less on hard feeding.” The Jacks work closely with their local vet practice which scans heifer’s pelvises at 15 months to reduce calving
problems. The herd is also in SAC’s Hi Health Scheme and is monitored for Johnes, vaccinated for BVD and Leptospirosis. Two years ago the family erected a 100kw windmill at Carriston, which provides power for the farm and both houses, while two-thirds is sold back to the grid. The boys reckon it will have paid for itself in another five years and
should hopefully prove to be a good investment The family is positive about the future of farming and believe they have the right mix of enterprises to survive whatever the future may bring. Matt said, “We do not know what the future holds but we reckon we have spread our risks and we are confident we have the right breed for producing top quality beef.”
“A three-quarter Limousin is my ideal suckler cow......we are confident we have the right breed for producing top quality beef.”
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FEATURE
‘COMMITMENT TO SEES LIMOUSINS AS QUALITY’ THE PERFECT FIT AT BEADLAM GRANGE Here we feature Mark and Jenny Rooke and their growing and successful farm enterprise at Beadlam Grange in North Yorkshire. The Limousin breed is of course playing a central part in the Rooke’s ‘commitment to quality’.
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“C
ommitted to Quality’, the three words underlying the ethos at Beadlam Grange in North Yorkshire where Mark and Jenny Rooke together with their daughter, son and daughter-in-law farm a commercial suckler herd as well as run a successful farm
shop and restaurant-cum-tea room business. A herd of home bred Limousin cross cattle is the cornerstone which underpins the prosperous farm enterprise which delivers the family’s desire to maximise the value of what they produce, become as self-sufficient as possible
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FEATURE
and look after the farm’s environment preserving it for future generations. While the position of Beadlam Grange alongside the A170 main route to Scarborough has proved to be ideal for a farm shop, butchery and restaurant, Mark and Jenny are without doubt that the commitment to quality
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they are able to provide to customers is a direct result of the cattle they rear and is a fundamental driver of the success at the multi-award winning operation. The homebred Limousin beef sold through the farmshop and restaurant is produced entirely from the farm’s grassland and barley crops. As customers
meander through the business this passion for the quality of the product they are producing radiates through Mark and Jenny who are both very much hands on in the business. Whilst Mark and Jenny were always aware of their location, and the possible benefits from making the farm more than an agricultural enterprise, it was the purchase of Beadlam Grange that proved the catalyst for the business as it is today. Mark explains: “When we had the opportunity to buy the farm in 2000 we had to borrow heavily and we quickly realised that farming on its own wasn’t going to take us where we wanted to be. We knew that we needed to do something else”. He added, “We have had suckler cows since the early 1980s and we felt strongly that the Limousin beef we have been producing over the years was actually a specialist product and far more deserving than simply selling it deadweight
into a supermarket”. However, it wasn’t until 2007, following the gradual formulation of their plans over many years, and particularly spurred on by the foot and mouth crisis of 2001, that the vision became a reality. With the help of a Rural Enterprise Scheme Grant they were able to transform redundant Grade II Listed farm buildings into the farmshop, butchery and tearooms as it is today. Mark came to Beadlam Grange as a six year old with his parents in 1962 when his father William took over what was then a dairy farm on the Feversham Estate as a tenant. Beadlam Grange comprises 300 acres in a ring fence. Clamp silage is made plus third cut round bale silage. All wheat is sold and barley is fed to finishing stock with a rape meal balancer. The cows are fed a TMR of silage, straw and fodder beet over winter. A range of other activities contribute to the sustainability of the farm business.
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FEATURE
Peter Rooke, his wife Angela Rooke, Jenny Rooke, Helen Nicholson (Jenny and Marks daughter), Mark Rooke
Garden waste is composted, approximately 1,000 tons a year taken in from Ryedale District Council, not only supplying potash and soil conditioner for the land but also bringing in valuable income from the Local Authority. Weaner pigs are reared on a bed & breakfast arrangement both inside and outside for Ian Mosey Livestock Ltd. Major financial savings are made from two biomass boilers that produce all heating and hot water for the farmshop, tearoom and farmhouse and there is also a borehole that supplies all domestic and livestock water needs. Since 2007, Mark and Peter have steadily increased their commercial herd and now have 100 Limousin cross suckler cows running with Limousin bulls producing mainly three quarter bred calves. Three Limousin bulls run with the cows, one of them is Seamer Huron, a homozygous black bull by Lyonpark Cambrai. One of Mark’s priorities when choosing a replacement bull is good length. A BVD vaccination programme was introduced a number of years ago after random blood testing revealed incidence of the disease. Mark is certain that vaccinating the cows has brought noticeable benefits to calf health. He says “not only has calf vigour really
improved since commencing the vaccination programme but there has also been a reduction in the incidences of pneumonia” Calving is split half and half to spring and autumn given that the production objective is to ensure a steady supply of cattle which facilitate the business needs. Mark commented that “one carcase a week is required for the butchery sales and restaurant so we aim to batch the cattle into small finishing groups”.
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While some heifers are kept as replacements the rest along with the steers are finished at up to 22-24 months of age, either on grass during the summer or an ad-lib barley and silage ration over the winter months. Mark is happy with their production system as it means that their cattle all get two seasons at grass; he says that he likes the cattle to “mature naturally”. The cattle are taken to a local family abattoir and average 370 to 385kg deadweight. The
carcases, which are delivered back to the farm, are then hung for three weeks before being butchered in house. The family all feel that for their production requirements Limousin fits the bill perfectly. From an on-farm perspective Mark says “the beauty of Limousin crosses are that they don’t waste if they are not required in any particular week. We can afford for them to add a little weight without putting on excessive fat which means it is relatively easy to
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FEATURE
feed accordingly to suit our own butchery and restaurant requirements”. However, for the Rookes’ using Limousin cattle is not just about how they deliver on farm in efficiency terms, just as much emphasis is placed on what the end product provides for their customers, many of which are regular visitors. On turning off the A170 visitors are greeted to an impressive sight. Limousin cattle chewing the cud in the fields adjacent to the driveway. Families are regularly seen up close to the cattle at the fence. Jenny in particular is proud of the positive signal this sends to customers about the origin of the meat on sale throughout the business. She says “provenance has been one of the buzz words in the meat industry in the past few years particularly since the horsegate debacle which raised issues of consumer trust. Here at Beadlam Grange from the moment they turn off the main road what we offer provides the clear traceability and transparency our customers want”. These days food has become a hot topic . We may be firmly in the supermarket age but in the background there is a growing segment of food-
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“We have complete control of everything we produce from the day it's born to the day it appears in the butchery, supermarkets just can't compete with that.”
savvy, environmentally aware consumers for whom ‘local’ has become very important. The Rooke’s ethos of sustainability, traceability and low food miles combined with the fact that the meat can be seen in its original form within a bull roar of the farmshop is
a winning formula. What is interesting to note is that 2007 was not only the year in which the family embarked on this grand design for their business but also the start of the global financial crisis. However as the recession bit, the business still grew which may seem
unexpected given the fact that at the time shops selling what could be regarded as premium products struggled to compete on price with supermarkets. However, through the butchery the farmshop has been able to offer a far wider variety of cheap cuts than supermarkets ever could, nose to tail products with a butcher on hand helping to advise the customers on the best ways of cooking the cheaper, unfamiliar cuts. As Jenny points out “we have complete control of everything we produce from the day it’s born to the day it appears in the butchery. Supermarkets just can’t compete with that”. Mark and Jenny Rooke have always been ‘people friendly’. When the children were young Jenny ran bed and breakfast accommodation together with a holiday cottage for a number of years. In 2002 they opened a small Caravan & Camping Club Site and welcome campers from Easter until October every year. Beadlam Grange gives its customers a unique experience, it welcomes the public to real farming, the way you might expect on the edge of the North York Moors. It is a true ‘farm to fork’ operation and a fantastic advert for the Limousin breed showcasing how it delivers meals into households. The family is positive about the future of farming and while they have already grown a sustainable business for the next generation they are not resting on their laurels and are still full of ambition. They currently employ 22 local staff in a variety of roles and play an integral part in local community activities. While there is a lot of things going on at Beadlam Grange, fundamental to achieving their goals there is no mistaking the fact that the farm and the cattle is at its heart. Their aim is to provide an exceptional eating and shopping experience and their commitment to quality has gained them an enviable reputation and they are justly very proud of their Limousin beef!
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CARLISLE | JUNE 2017
CARLISLE
JUNE
2017
6,200GNS HOMEBYRES LETHAM LEADS THE SUMMER SALE OF BULLS AND FEMALES AT CARLISLE • 90% clearance of the 30 bulls forward • 5 bulls clear 5,000gns and more • Homebryes Letham tops the sale at 6,200gns • 31 Limousins (27 bulls and 4 females) gross over £100,000 in little over an hour. • 27 bulls average £3,659.60
F
ollowing on from the previously titled ‘fantastic fortnight’ of late April/ early May Limousin sales, all eyes turned to Carlisle on Friday June 16th for the British Limousin Cattle Society’s Summer Sale of bulls and females. Trade did not disappoint at what is traditionally the closing sale of the spring/summer season. A tremendous 90% clearance of the 30 bulls forward sold and realised a solid average of £3,659.60 . Seven more bulls sold on the year.
Homebyres Letham 6,200gns
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Sales Barrons Maximus 5,500gns
Five bulls cleared 5,000gns with a further fourteen selling at 3,000gns to 5,000gns. In little more than an hour over £100,000 had changed hands. With commercial buyers once again actively in the market there was more evidence of how the breed is fitting into the requirements of commercial enterprises producing carcases to fit into the changing needs of the marketplace. An early lot secured the top price of the day. The August 2015 born Homebyres Letham, from Messrs J Logan, Kelso sold for 6,200gns. Regularly selling bulls into five figures at Carlisle this is the first occasion that Messrs Logan had topped a Society Sale at Carlisle. Sired by the noted Plumtree Fantastic, and out of Homebyres Duplicity, he is on his way Rachels Lancelot 5,200gns
to Andrew Paton, Craig Farm, Maybole, Ayrshire for his 270 head commercial beef enterprise which he runs alongside his noted Blackface sheep flock. Homebyres Letham joins the collection of his sire’s progeny who have been in firm demand in recent years On what turned out to be a solid day for Messrs J Logan, the April 2016 born Homebyres Merton sold later in the sale for 4,500gns. He went home to C J & D Metcalf, Ripon, North Yorkshire. Merton is by Ampertaine Foreman out of the Logan familys home-bred Homebyres Dawn. The second lead price of the day came late in the sale when the January 2016 born Barrons Maximus, from W Barron, Morrow Edge Farm, Durham made 5,500gns. Sired by Wilodge Cerberus and
out of Barrons Bambi, he was bought by Keith Bell, Hilltop farm, Keswick for his Wanthwaite herd. The remaining three bulls that made over 5,000gns with all selling for 5,200gns. The first for the hammer to go down at this price was Kirtlevale Logan from R J Livingston, Kirtle Vale, Gretna. He was the opening lot of the day and got the sale off to a strong star. By Loosebeare Fantastic, a son of the 42,000gns sire Wilodge Fantastic, and out of Kirtlevale Beegan, he was bought by Messrs G W & C Athey, Alston, Cumbria. The second to make 5,200 was the November 2015 born Rachels Lancelot, bred by Messrs Woolhouse, Driffield, East Yorkshire, sired by Mas Du Clo out of Rachels Gail he was knocked down to Mr P Cummings, Carnforth. Mas du Clo has a reputation for breeding great muscle, amazing width, power and growth; as such his progeny is always in demand. Completing the hat trick at this price was the March 2016 born Haltcliffe Matador from the Haltcliffe Herd, Wigton. By Volcano out of Haltcliffe Ainsi he was bought by Messrs G & M F Turbull and Sons, Richmond, North Yorkshire as stock bull for their 170 head commercial suckler herd. Another bull to make 4,500gns was Saunders Monty, the February 2016 born bull sired by Wilodge Inspector and out of Saunders Ingrid. Brought to Carlisle by A&W Watson he went home with W Wearmouth & Son, County Durham. Following on from the bulls on the day was a small cohort of females. With no difficulty attracting buyer’s four females each made 1,200gns. Haltcliffe Matador 5,200gns
Kirtlevale Logan 5,200gns
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Netherhall JACKPOT
Sire: Requin Dam: Cloughhead Ainsi
Mereside LORENZO
Wilodge GOLDCARD
Sire: Jacot Dam: Mereside Dawnmarie
Sire: Wilodge Cerberus Dam: Sarkley Bellola
Our continually strengthening Limousin portfolio features breed-leading bulls including these three that all feature in the top 10% for Beef Value Muscle Depth. A globally respected line-up with show-stopping phenotypes and figures to match.
Freephone: 0800 783 7258 www.cogentuk.com