Hereford BREED JOURNAL 2022
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Premier Collection Hereford Sires Hean 1 Roscoe
Barwise 1 Proteus Solpoll 1 Spike (P)
Fisher 1 Rancher
Wirruna Katnook
GENUS BEEF CALVING SURVEY ON DAIRY COWS ONLY GENUS BEEF CALVING SURVEY ON DAIRY COWS 70 BSI 81
Calving Ease (heifers) Calving Ease (cows)
70
100 BSI
130 BSI 70 BSI 81
Calving Ease (heifers) Calving Ease (cows)
®
4.9%
282 days
129
Calf Quality 82
GENUS ABS PROVEN BREED AV. 100 BSISTATISTIC
1.5%
70
100 Gestation Length
Gestation Length Calf Quality
Calf Survivability
100
6.5% 3.2% 282 days 59%
52%
82
Calf Survivability
PROOF 130 BSI RELIABILITY
Calvings 139 Herds 60 Reliability 129
®
Robert Redford Q287 (PP)
5.0%
3.6%
GENU BREE
4.9 1.5 282 52 3.6
BeefAdvantage™ £0.10 BeefAdvantage
GENUS BEEF CALVING SURVEY ON DAIRY COWS ONLY GENUS BEEF CALVING SURVEY ON DAIRY COWS ONLY GENUS BEEF CALVING SURV 70 BSI
GENUS ABS BREED AV.
70 BSI BSI 130
100 BSI
81
Calving Ease (heifers)
81
lving Ease (heifers) lving Ease (cows)
Calving Ease (cows)
70
70
PROVEN 100 BSISTATISTIC
4.9%
Calving3.2% Ease (cows) 100 282 days Gestation Length
282 days
129
59% Calf Quality
52%
5.0% Calf Survivability
3.6%
GENUS ABS PROVEN BREED AV. 100 BSISTATISTIC
PROOF 130 BSI 70 BSI RELIABILITY
Calving6.5% Ease (heifers)
1.5%
Gestation Length 100
station Length
Calf Quality
lf Quality
82
Calf Survivability
82
lf Survivability
81
Calvings 139 70 Herds 60 129 Reliability
6.5%
4.9%
3.2%
1.5% 282 days
100
282 days 59%
52%
82
5.0%
3.6%
BeefAdvantage™ £0.10 BeefAdvantage™ £0.10 Bee
CONTENTS | 1
Contents Society From the director of operations Society news Council 2021-2023 National Herd of the Year Competition National Beef Association UK Hereford Youth Obituaries Overseas
3 4-10 11-15 17-19 20-21 157 242-246 247-261
Sustainability Herefords bolster sustainability credentials Carbon audit shows favourable results Herd review complete
24-25 26-27 28-29
Hereford Beef Hereford Beef still performing for Waitrose Dunbia tackles sustainability Research show pasture-fed beef high in omega-3
32 35 72
Features Pedigree herd compliments arable system 56-62 New dairy farmer making use of Hereford breed 64-68 At home with the Kemps 92-96 Traditional Herefords drive grass-fed beef 126-130 Lewis family celebrates 200 years of breeding 144-151 Hereford breed suits share farming set-up 200-204 Future for Herefords in large scale suckler unit 212-215 National Herd of the Year win for Thorne family 218-222 Herefords and dairy herd run in unison 226-230
Sales Spring sale and parade Autumn sale and parade Halls’ spring sale Halls’ autumn Hereford day May sale, Carlisle
36-38 40-42
Designer Genes sale Dungannon sales
173-176
Association and clubs Midlands and East Anglia Hereford Breeders’ Association North of England Hereford Cattle Breeders’ Association South of England Hereford Breeders’ Association South Western Hereford Association National Hereford Club Traditional Hereford Breeders’ Club Hereford Cattle Breeders’ Association (West Midlands) Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders’ Association Scottish Hereford Breeders’ Association Dyfed Hereford Breeders’ Club Powys Hereford Breeders’ Club
49 76 99 109 117 123 133 164 193 217 224
Shows Great Yorkshire Show Westmorland Show Royal Lancashire Show Devon County Show National Hereford Club virtual show Staffordshire County Show HCBA Christmas Calf Show Shropshire County Show Balmoral Show United Feeds Calf Show National Poll Show Agri Expo Royal Highland Showcase Stars of the Future
80-82 86-87 88-89 112-113 118-120 142-143 152-154 155-156 166-167 178-180 182-186 188-190 198-199 206-207
69
Welsh Winter Fair
70
Pembrokeshire Show
236-237
90
English Winter Fair
238-239
Official publication of Hereford Cattle Society Hereford House, 3 Offa Street, Hereford, HR1 2LL 01432 272057 hello@herefordcattle.org Editor: Laura Bowyer
158-160
www.herefordcattle.org
234
2 | SOCIETY NEWS
Society staff
Paul Sneyd
Laura Bowyer
Beverley Turner
Tracey Thomas
Director of operations
Marketing manager
Finance officer
Registrations officer
paul.sneyd@ herefordcattle.org
laura.bowyer@ herefordcattle.org
beverley.turner@ herefordcattle.org
tracey.thomas@ herefordcattle.org
SOCIETY NEWS | 3
From the director of operations Paul Sneyd joined the Hereford Cattle Society in February 2021 as director of operations. He reports on his first year in the job.
get going in the summer, which was just fantastic, as well, we held our annual dinner in October.
by Paul Sneyd
Nevertheless, as the year progressed and movement became a little easier I was able to start and meet some of the industry leaders and more importantly our partners to move forward in forging relationships and in particular looking at how we can improve our beef sales.
As I am sitting writing this article, we are now facing a further new mutation of the Covid virus - Omicron. Hopefully with the UK’s vaccination programme as it is, and the new measures the government are implementing around booster jabs, it can be ‘managed’ without too much further heart ache and disruption to all of our lives. I joined the society back in February 2021 as the new director of operations. It is both a privilege and an honour to work with such a prestigious breed society. Like with many things in life, there are always challenges with any organisation, but I am definitely a ‘glass half full’ person and know the breed and society have a great future. I believe we are also well placed to manage and successfully capitalise on the new environmental challenges that are coming our way. My background is in farming but for the last 10 years I have been involved in the global soft fruit industry and had the benefit of experiencing a range of farming practices across the world. The society has continued through these recent difficult Covid times and like many, has tried to maintain our ‘business as usual’ ethos. However, the main things we have all missed are the number of shows, events and opportunities to get together as normal. Some shows did
I’m pleased to report that our membership continues to grow despite this lack of shows and events in 2021, especially as our summer shows are an important and integral part of the society enabling promotion of the breed and pedigree herds.
It was a real delight to see the spring and autumn parade and sales happen with 2022 seeing the return of the shows, hopefully. The spring trade was particularly robust with a strong average sale price for both the heifers and the bulls. Despite everything, the National Herd Competition did take place in 2021. For this, I must thank Pat Stanley for undertaking the judging along with all the travelling that is involved. Pat commented on the standard of the herds and said it was an extremely difficult decision but in the end chose the Studdolph/Glenvale/Ashdale herd of the Thorne family as winners. This year, with the reduced number of shows and subsequently less expenditure, council signed off a sustainability and carbon audit project to be undertaken by Dr Liz Genever. In the UK, like most other countries, there is a massive focus from government on climate change mitigation and this will affect all our lives and particularly those of us involved in agriculture. This project will enable the society
Paul Sneyd to better understand and know what areas we need to work on - to ensure our breed’s sustainability, and how we can reduce any negative impact on the environment. This will ensure we future proof ourselves for the next decade and beyond. Breed promotion is paramount and we continue to work hard in this area ensuring that we are focussed at all levels: with our farmers; in our marketing; and at processer, retailer and consumer level. I would also like to thank you, the membership, for your support while we have all worked our way through some tricky and on occasion difficult times, which sadly may continue with Covid still apparent as we enter 2022. The staff at Hereford House continue to work tirelessly and the work of modernising our practices continues along with the ever-increasing challenge of reducing our printing and paper usage (thus costs) which are vast. I would like to thank the staff for their hard work, dedication and their ‘going over and above’ attitude to ensure the society continues to deliver to you, our members.
4 | SOCIETY NEWS
Allman re-elected council member, having represented both Scotland and the West Midlands. With a long history in the breed, he is a face known to many, having won the Royal Show breed championship in 2006 and again in 2008 with Greenyards 1 Archie. He is also a regular judge at some of the UK premier shows.
After picking up the role of chairman mid-council term in 2019, Philip Allman was re-elected as chairman of council in 2021.
Now running his new Geneyards herd based in Herefordshire, Phil says he is pleased by the show of confidence from his fellow council members and looks forward to continuing to push the society forward.
Philip Allman was re-elected as chairman of council of the Hereford Cattle Society for the ensuing three years, following the 2021 February council meeting. Having picked up the reins in the middle of the last council term, Phil became chairman in March 2019, after acting as vice-chairman from February 2018. Phil is now in his eighth year as a
Philip Allman
AC T I V E LY SOU RC I NG
Quality Cattle
ACROSS THE UK
Building close relationships with farmers from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland for over 40 years www.dunbia.com
On being elected, he said “I am looking forward to the next council term and building on the great work already achieved by council and staff, particularly now with the addition of our director of operations. We have a breed with a great future.”
TO MEET OUR ONGOING WEEKLY REQUIREMENTS WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Farm Assured; ■ Heifers ■ Steers ■ Barren Cows
SOCIETY NEWS | 5
Fletcher elected as society president Carolyn Fletcher of Barwise Herefords, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria has been elected as president of the Hereford Cattle Society at the society’s November council meeting. A member since 2002, Carolyn is famed for her quality of cattle, having won the UK sire of the year trophy on two separate occasions. Due to the pandemic, she has just completed her second year as society vice-president. She said: “I look forward to taking on my role as president and becoming integral to the running of the society.” David Smyth of Magheraknock Herefords, Ballynahinch, Co Down was elected as vice-president.
Mark Roberts hands the president’s badge to Carolyn Fletcher
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Mark’s presidency draws to a close by Mark Roberts Like an old and rather battered Land Rover I’ve now been round the clock twice. Two rather eventful years as breed president and now I’m delighted to see Carolyn Fletcher taking over and certainly enjoying the role for 2022. I am convinced we are heading for better times, both in regards to the virus that has so beset us, and as a breed with its qualities of producing great tasting beef in a sustainable and publicly appealing way. So even when the world wants fewer cows - the ones that people love to see and that thrive should be Herefords. I certainly have a bit of sadness within me about how my time has gone. There have been ups and downs but it is the
Mark Roberts
ups that I will remember most. The optimism I felt at the outset, showing a half decent bull at the February sale in Shrewsbury, the beginning of a good relationship between Jonny Dymond and the Hereford Cattle Society and the anticipation of a trip to New Zealand in a world untroubled by travel restrictions. The World Hereford Conference was an experience that I will definitely treasure and I do hope to travel to other places with Herefords to admire in the future.
evident to us all and, again, that gives me hope for the future.
The selection process when we chose Paul Sneyd to take on our director of operations role was a better experience than some of you might guess. We had a good team spirit and enjoyed looking forward to everything that the future might hold for the Hereford breed. Paul’s enthusiasm and forward thinking is now
Finally the support, friendship and encouragement of so many has been brilliant. Maddy and I would love to have travelled more in promotion of the breed but that was not to be. We look forward to seeing lots more of the great family of Hereford breeders at shows and events during 2022.
The selection group included the chairman Phil Allman, the ex-president Jonathan Moorhouse, Carolyn Fletcher, Philip Vincent and Mike Harris. All of them worked very hard and conscientiously for the good of all members during the last two years and I have been proud to work alongside them.
SOCIETY NEWS | 7
Roberts rooted in the British Polled Mark Roberts continued as society president in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which also marked the 100th year of his family’s involvement with the Hereford breed, in which the British Polled strain has played an important role. Mark Roberts completed his second year as society president in 2021, which also marked the 100th anniversary of pedigree Herefords at Bromley Court, Hoarwithy, Herefordshire where Mark and wife Maddy still reside. Mark and Maddy run Bromley Herefords at their family home, however Mark’s father Gordon operated his herd under the Garstock prefix, and was well known for his association with the British Polled strain, being president of the British Polled Society for 20 years and taking one of the strain’s greatest show wins with Garstock 3 Harp F69, female champion at the 1978 Royal Welsh Show.
Garstock 3 Harp F69 in Hereford on a November afternoon and formed the British Polled Hereford Society. The objective of these breeders was to breed hornless Herefords which were comparable to the best horned Herefords of the day but polled. This followed suggestions from Australian
A herd of 80 British Polled Herefords welcomed Mark home from Nottingham University in 1981, which was a strain popular in the fifties, sixties and seventies. However, the 1980s saw the strain fall out of favour somewhat. The British Polled is still in existence today and is denominated by a 3 between the prefix and animal name, and due to its lack of recognition by the World Hereford Council, has remained unique to the UK. The story behind the strain began in 1949 when a number of Hereford breeders met in the Green Dragon Hotel
Mark's father Gordon was president of the British Polled Society
cattle people that the UK should develop polled Herefords based on the stamp of the British Hereford type, as opposed to the poll Herefords which were beginning to find their way to the UK from elsewhere in the world. The British Polled Hereford Society was formed by the breeders which met that afternoon and opted for the title polled in preference to poll because they themselves were polling the breed. These breeders were not a marginal group but some of the times’ leading breeders who saw a need for future-proofing. Among the pioneers of this society were Janet Calvert of Wetmore, Shropshire; Margaret Dunne of Chadshunt, Warwickshire; Cecil Evans of Wroxall, Warwickshire; DL McCarthy of Tyrrels Court, Hereford; the Walker family of Knightwick fame, Worcestershire; Lady Marion Philipps of Picton and TE Gwillim of Ffostill, Talgarth. In order to create this hornless Hereford, a poll animal was required and so it was decided to purchase the best possible Galloway bull at the spring sale of 1950 at Castle Douglas, Ambassador of
8 | SOCIETY NEWS
Class winners at the October 1974 Edinburgh sale from the Hyde, Tyrbryn and Jervaul herds Knockdarling, was the purchased bull and was mated with a few females from each of the members’ herds. Ambassador of Knocknarling was bred by James Black of New Galloway and was chosen from the catalogued entry of 164 pedigree Galloway bulls on offer at Castle Douglas in February 1950. He was a first prize winner in the pre-sale show and third top price on the day being secured at 320gns, just one week after his first birthday. The two lots to go through the ring before him sold at 34gns and 70gns. The inclusion of the Galloway in the founding days brought the set of the hind leg, the strength of spine and the style
evident around the head and particularly the ears. The Galloway was chosen because it was confidently considered to be able to introduce to the Hereford the poll factor and that the conformation and form of this Scottish-based breed would best suit the appearance of the type of Hereford required. Mark comments: “The Galloway influence on the cattle made them more suited to Welsh and Scottish hill farms, bringing increased hardiness along with better coats for harsh conditions. The shape of the head was also different to that of the imported poll.” There were 22 calves registered in the first generation, all polled, out of which
one bull, Wetmore 3 Ambassador, was selected and mated with a number of pedigree Hereford females. At the same time, a number of first generation females were mated with pedigree Hereford bulls. This process of mating back to pedigree Herefords was continued rigidly throughout the first three generations, when no horned offspring were registered. The first calf produced was a heifer born on 12 January 1951, named Wroxall 3 Louisa. Only one bull calf was selected from that first phase for further use, Wetmore 3 Ambassador, born 19 April 1951 and it was these two animals that had the greatest influence on the advancement of the strain. For the first six years of the breeding programme, membership was strictly limited because of the high wastage in the first three generations, when no horned cattle were registered and in the second and third generations no mis-coloured cattle were registered. Members also culled hard for conformation to a high standard, the presence of horns and black and general colour markings not being of the required stamp.
Knightwick 3 Crosby
With the advent of the fourth generations, the council of the strain’s society allowed registration of horned British Polled heifer calves for the first time and allowed poll-bred cattle to be inter-bred, though the majority were still mated back to horned Herefords. With the arrival of the fourth generation, which was now 15/16 pedigree Hereford,
SOCIETY NEWS | 9
the tight control of the breeding policy was relaxed and the society started to expand rapidly. The speed of expansion however was regulated by the number of bulls, of suitable quality, available for sale. On 1 July 1956, the Hereford Herd Book Society, now known as the Hereford Cattle Society, took over the custodianship of the previous breeding records of the British Polled Hereford Society and from then on, all British Polled cattle were registered at Hereford House, in a separate register. As the strain expanded, the British Polled began to appear in the show ring. In 1957, TE Gwillim of Ffostill won the local Hereford class at Brecon Show with Tyrbryn 3 Mary and was second in an open class at Sennybridge. This was the first time the British Polled were shown in competitive classes with horned Herefords and was a successful debut. The following year, the society staged polled exhibits at some of the major shows, including the Royal Show and polled classes were held at the Three Counties for the first time. Through the late 1950s membership was rising steadily and the British Polled was increasingly appearing at society sales
as well as in the summer show rings. In October 1959 at the society show and sale, Knightwick 3 Count (4th generation) won its class of 34 entries and was the first British Polled bull to win a class at the Hereford show and sale. Later at the sale, it made the top price in its class at 510gns to the Galtee Breeding Stations, EIRE. By 1960, many shows had provided British Polled Hereford classes, including the Royal Welsh, Brecon and Kington where Tyrbryn 3 Sunboy won its class. At all these shows the British Polled, both bulls and females, were competing extremely successfully. Also, at the Hereford Herd Book Society show and sales, the British Polled maintained a price premium. Such was the breeding progress of the British Polled that within two years the special poll classes were discontinued at most shows, with cattle exhibited in full competition with horned cattle in Hereford classes. By now the British Polled was taking a greater part in main Hereford events throughout the year, becoming increasingly integrated with other Herefords. The British Polled was regularly represented at beef performance tests at both Barlby and
Harrogate and invariably the animals’ live weight gains were among the highest of those on test. The main concentration of breeders was in Herefordshire, with a good nucleus in west Wales, Yorkshire and Scotland with cattle sold into 42 counties in Britain as well as to Orkney, the Isle of Man and Ireland. Another landmark in the history of the British Polled occurred at the January sales in 1963 when TE Gwillim of Fffostill bought Knightwick 3 Granger for 1,020gns. This was the first time a British Polled bull had reached four figures and was a sign of the growth of the breed and confidence of its breeders. Pembrokeshire-based Lady Marian Philipps commenced breeding Herefords in 1951 and later produced Picton 3 Courtier, a fifth generation bull, sired by Tyrbryn 3 Truant and out of Picton 3 Diana. Courtier was retained as stock bull at Picton and by 1964 had sired 31 calves from horned cows and 12 calves from polled cows. All 43 calves were polled and Courtier had the honour of being the first known homozygous bull which was pure for the poll factor. British Polled membership of the society
Vivian Collins (left) purchased Bromley 1 Othello at the Sires of the Future sale 2020 for 3,800gns
10 | SOCIETY NEWS
increased by a steady 10 per cent each year, and correspondingly the number of cattle registered also expanded, together with the quality of cattle bred. By 1965, the British Polled was creating great interest, not only among breeders in this country, but also abroad. SJ Powell of Gannah Farm, Holme Lacy, sold a British Polled bull to Bulgaria, shortly after TR Eckley and son, Court Llacca, Felinfach, Breconshire sold one to Sweden. These were the first exports of the British Polled, and as they proved their worth were followed by others. Mark comments: “My main memories as a young man were of the Edinburgh sales which started in the 50s, and gained momentum in the 70s. There was a huge representation of the British Polled strain there. Breeders would sell 10 or 12 bulls per herd, all going for suckler breeding before the importation of the continentals. “They referred to the British Polled as the ‘Galloway strain’ in Scotland and they would be sold along side the horned cattle and the volume Bs as we knew them, which was the imported poll. They would yield tremendous averages, knocking spots off the volume Bs. “In the 1970s on school holidays we would go up to Scotland for the sale, and a good number of us would stay in the same guest house. The atmosphere was just fantastic.” The late 1970s and early 80s saw the high-water mark for this strain of the breed. Summer show wins and the sale topping performances allowed them to make their mark but the tide moved against them. Probably the most notable show win for the British Polled was at the 1972 Three Counties Show where David Walker’s Knightwick 3 Crosby stood interbreed champion. The decline which followed was not because of the inability of the cattle or the enthusiasm or work of the breeders, but a cluster of circumstances that affected their chances. Firstly, while the number of participating herds had increased and allowed momentum to gain, numbers did not compare to the horned genetic herds or the population of the poll Hereford. Furthermore, the refusal of the World Hereford Council to acknowledge the
Ashdale 3 Queen 509 from the Thorne family won the 2020 Dyfed Club virtual show British Polled Hereford as an acceptable strain of the family of the breed on the basis that it contained recorded bloodlines from outside the breed, held back pedigree breeding exports and subsequently greater expansion. Thirdly, fashions were changing. The British Polled cattle were noted for their strength, fleshing and solidness while within UK circles, the stamp of the cattle which came to dominate the late 1980s moving into the 90s would be different. Cattle that were longer and leaner became the order of the day. The British Polled section of the Hereford herd book continued to register animals. Any calves containing British Polled breeding from previous volumes were dutifully entered, whether bred-on using the full genetics of British Polled or more often poll Hereford and horned ancestry. Bringing this conversation up to the modern day, during the year 2021, 26 members of the Hereford Cattle Society registered a total of 152 British Polled calves, with numbers having remained fairly similar over recent years. This section of the breed still has those special characteristics that differentiate them from others and as a result are in demand and have a following. During the lockdown year of 2020, the Dyfed Hereford Breeders Club organised two virtual shows: one in the summer and a Christmas calf event. The championship winners of both were females representing the British Polled Hereford. Within the pedigree of Ashdale 3 Queen 770, Dyfed’s virtual calf show’s winning
heifer calf, seven generations have passed since a British Polled registered bull was used, being Ashdale 3 Gus born in 1976. It is poll and occasionally horned Hereford genetics which have built up the bloodline, but these striking winners still possess the British Polled stamp, demonstrating the influence of the Galloway. “It is really interesting how persistent the Galloway traits still shine through, being persistent in these animals’ coats and structure,” says Mark. Commenting on the breed, Hereford breeder and historian, Clive Davies says: “It begs the question of ‘how much Galloway bloodline is within the breeding?’ The heifer calf which won the 2020 Dyfed Club Christmas show is 14 generations from the inclusion of Ambassador of Knocknarling. A written pedigree of that specification is 16,385 named animals with the Galloway included just twice. “This is a great demonstration of the fact that 14 or 15 generations back from an animal is significant. Some modern day experts believe that enough detail can be revealed in three generations. “Would-be breeders need to consider that if positive merits of animals can be still advantageous after this length of time, so can the influence of stock included that possess adverse traits. Not only does the British Polled Hereford impress today, it also provides a vivid lesson in genetics and the responsibilities of breeders.”
SOCIETY NEWS | 11
Council talks Now in the midst of this council term (2021-2023), council members look back on the previous year while planning ahead. After some changes of representatives in 2021, the current members are optimistic for the future.
Philip Allman
West Midlands
meeting Hereford cattle breeders using the breed successfully on different farms.
pjallman2@gmail.com 07860 824703
Do you think the breed is well placed for the future?
What do you think the society has done well in 2021?
Hereford Cattle Society is now proactive in approaching the meat trade and highlighting the opportunity of Hereford Beef. This in the future will pull demand for Hereford cattle.
In the year 2021, a huge positive has been the sustainability project, allowing us to think about the corner stones for future Hereford Beef production. What has been the highlight of your year?
Chairman
A highlight of the year was judging the South West area herd competition and sense of optimism for the future. The transition, however, turned out to be more challenging than we could have foreseen. Council did well to handle the adjustments that this necessitated, holding to our plan while helping and encouraging in whatever way we could. We have also made moves to bring up-to-date our articles of association and our rules, which should be of great benefit to the society.
Mark Roberts West Midlands mark@bromleycourt.com 07980 834266 What do you think the council has done well in 2021? The appointment of Paul Sneyd as director of operations was made in late 2020 but the new council met and welcomed him in 2021, with a
What has been your highlight of the year? I have taken pleasure in fulfilling the role of president of the society at a couple of shows and at some local association meetings. The Great Yorkshire Show was the first outing for many with a strong turnout and spectators to see the judging. The National Poll Show also ran a close to normal event which Maddy and I were delighted to attend. At both events the sense of relief at being back together was palpable. Our
Is there anything you hope to achieve as council for 2022? 2022 will allow council to review our responsibilities and constitution, allowing us to move forward in a quickly changing marketplace. visits to Scotland and the North of England, and my visits to the Midlands and East Anglia were also enjoyed, introducing Paul Sneyd to many members. Do you think the breed is well placed for the future? As a breed we have a good following and as long as we supply good quality cattle to any buyers who come our way, then we will be well-placed for the future. Is there anything you hope to achieve in 2022? There is much still to do partly because of the complications of this Covid year. We have a new firm called Seed Group handling our social media and PR needs. We want to drive forward our breed and brand awareness to increase the demand for Hereford Beef and thus for our cattle. Within the breed we need to be united in our aims and not pulling in different directions.
12 | SOCIETY NEWS
The council has had quite a turbulent year to deal with and if we were to assess our performance, on a progressive level, it would be difficult to relay this. What I will say is that we have all dealt with matters that none of us have ever experienced before which have given us new inputs that will help us in the future of the running of the society. The year 2021 gave the society a new foundation to progress to 2022 with, a newfound confidence and a closer working relationship throughout, so we can better serve our membership and breed.
Vice-chairman
What was the highlight of your year?
jackie.jcrltd@outlook.com 07960 994 376
At the November 2021 council meeting I was elected as vice-chairman of council. With my combined number of years within the breed, I feel I am well positioned to service the vice-chair position and ultimately the breed.
What do you think the society did well in 2021?
Do you think the breed is well placed for the future?
Jackie Cooper North of England
decisions to be considered. The trustees bring experience in various fields which contribute to the governance of our society. There have been many long and difficult discussions this year which have resulted in a much more cohesive team, able to work together to produce credible results for members as well as the breed itself. What has been the highlight of your year?
James Graham
Northern Ireland richmountherefords@gmail.com 07984 458007 What do you think the society did well in 2021? All council members are equally responsible for the society and there are many, often complex, operational
Council meetings 2022
This past year I have enjoyed the role of president and chairman for the Northern Irish Hereford Breeders’ Association (NIHBA). In August I was honoured to host the NIHBA annual barbecue where we also announced the results of the herds competition. More than 150 people attended and over £3,000 was raised for our chosen charity, the NI Air Ambulance.
The Hereford is a breed that ticks all the boxes for me. During the course of the next two years of office, I intend to ensure we have made an impact in heightening the Hereford into the position that it deserves. The breed’s ability to produce an amazing and nutritious beef product, from grass alone surely is an attraction for all that demand more extensive systems of beef production. Is there anything you hope to achieve as council for 2022? I certainly aim to continue to provide my input, and that of the North of England breeders, to ensure this is achieved. I am keen for the new Seed Group’s social media campaign to hit the ground running in early 2022, and that Hereford Beef becomes a household name, ensuring meat demand is increased, enabling the opening of more commercial Hereford cattle outlets. Environmental issues pose some of our biggest challenges and it provides us with a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of the natural traits of Herefords to meet these demands. I have been delighted to see that we, at council, are collectively raising our game and members will need to do likewise if we are to capitalise and succeed in this developing marketplace. Is there anything you hope to achieve as a council for 2022?
Do you think the breed is well placed for the future?
As a member of the beef and breed strategy sub-committees, I am enabling the opening of new doors to introduce Hereford Beef to a highend marketplace that has hitherto been overlooked. This dynamic and hardworking group has much to offer the society in facing the challenges ahead over the coming year and I am determined to bring much-deserved credibility back to the breed.
Tuesday 8 February
Tuesday 6 September
Tuesday 10 May
Tuesday 15 November
SOCIETY NEWS | 13
Aled Jones Wales
aledljones@btinternet.com 01686 688266 What do you think the society did well in 2021? Having completed the sustainability project, it will give us a point of focus to help move the breed forward. What was the highlight of your year?
What do you think the society did well in 2021? 2021 has been an extremely challenging year for the society and also for those of us in our first year on council. I believe council has dealt with all the issues throughout 2021 in a very professional manner and taken appropriate advice when it was required. What was the highlight of your year?
Jimmy Hodge
Highlight of my year was our youngest daughter getting married, however the Covid-19 vaccination programme must rate as the greatest highlight of 2021.
As I am being asked at the end of 2021, I am still waiting in anticipation but am not holding out much hope as only a couple of weeks to go. Is there anything you hope to achieve as council for 2022? As a council we aim to produce a new beef marketing scheme in early 2022, as well as developing a new breed strategy. This should help improve and develop the Hereford breed.
a breed. So Hereford breeders must demonstrate to their customers that they provide quality beef with flavour and tenderness which has been reared sustainably. I believe Herefords along with other native breeds will have a greater influence on how beef is provided in the future. Is there anything you hope to achieve as council for 2022? I would like to see more data being recorded on sires and dams then made available to members currently and with greater emphasis on Herefords used in beef suckler and dairy herds less on the show ring. As a council member it would be helpful to know what society members want council to achieve. If you have a view on something, please let us know.
Scotland
Do you think the breed is well placed for the future?
johodge@btconnect.com 07967 643129
The customer/consumer will determine how Herefords are seen as
Allen Massey
Sarah Cowle
Jonathan Moorhouse
amassey.farm@btconnect.com 07917 324471
MrsCowle.MEAHCSC@gmail.com 07770 666887
moorhouse@lowerprestonfarm.co.uk 07714 104692
North of England
Midlands and East Anglia South West
14 | SOCIETY NEWS
have had. Gatherings have been limited but the society has engaged with its members well and, when possible, representatives have been seen at events. The staff in Hereford House are a great asset to the society and the members in Scotland find them helpful, willing, cheerful and nothing is ever too much bother. What was the highlight of your year?
George Harvey Scotland
george-harveybros@outlook.com 07810 807824 What do you think the society did well in 2021? I think the society has had challenging times in 2021 as many organisations
The fact we got to the Highland Show was remarkable. The icing on the cake was winning our class with our Hereford heifer Harveybros 1 Crocus Tiara and with our Limousin bull, Harveys Real McCoy. We also had a very successful farm visit to Balbuthie Farm with over 100 attending the event. The hospitality shown by John and Margaret Cameron and their staff was second to none. It was
What do you think the society did well in 2021? The society has had a very busy year with monthly meetings at Hereford when circumstances allowed, or via Zoom which has meant that more time has been spent on individual projects rather than waiting for the next quarterly meeting.
Michael Clark South of England mikeclarklowesmoor@btinternet.com 07929 637573
Big decisions have been taken with the appointment of Seed Group to carry out the marketing brief along with the sustainability project which will reach its conclusion in the near future.
the first time in a long time the Hereford breeders of Scotland had met up. Do you think the breed is well placed for the future? I think there is still a lot of work to be done to bring the profile of the Hereford into the public eye. We have to understand our consumer and what is important to them when buying Scottish-bred Hereford Beef. We have to move with the times and aim to be one step ahead of the requirements. Is there anything you hope to achieve as council for 2022? As a council member for Scotland, I hope to be able to lift the profile of the Scottish-bred Hereford and report back to my members the workings of the council in 2022. I would also dearly love to get a beef scheme up and running to help promote Scottish-bred Hereford Beef.
decision making. Do you think the breed is well placed for the future? The breed is well placed for the future with some outstanding cattle available. We need to focus more on the commercial traits of the breed where we need to produce cattle of 350kg deadweight off grass at 20 months. Is there anything you hope to achieve as council for 2022?
Finally getting to grips with Zoom, with the extra meetings enabling much
I am a great advocate of cattle recording. It is the very best way to assess cattle for commercial value and enables direct comparison with other breeders.
Non Thorne
Do you think the breed is well placed for the future?
What was the highlight of your year?
Wales
nonthorne@hotmail.com 07890 781323 What do you think the society did well in 2021? Keeping the momentum going and staying engaged with its current members, as well as attracting new members during a global pandemic.
Absolutely. Native breeds in general when farmed in the right places, at the right density, have a big part to play for sustainable UK agriculture. There will be changes in agriculture over the next few years and those changes should provide a lot of opportunities for those keeping native breeds.
What was the highlight of your year?
Is there anything you hope to achieve as council for 2022?
Winning the National Herd of the Year title.
To continue to work together for the society, breed and its members.
SOCIETY NEWS | 15
David Smyth
Northern Ireland m5wds@hotmail.com 07808 078117 What do you think the society did well in 2021? I think we have finally jelled together after a period of terrible unrest. 2021 was year of firefighting and HR difficulties. Hopefully 2022 will see council pulling together to finally start achieving the results we are there to do. What was the highlight of your year?
Vice-president
I have taken up the role as president of NIHBA which I consider as an honour, and I am also vice-president of the Hereford Cattle Society for the year
To further consolidate and put to bed anything that detracts from our core objectives, ie., to create a market leading brand and build on the sustainability project to put Hereford Beef where it belongs.
Yes, I think the quality of animals is out there, but we need to work hard on the commercial schemes for the breed.
What has been the highlight of your year? Being elected to council was an honour. Being able to attend the National Poll Show and catching up with everyone at
What do you think the society has done well in 2021? Firstly, I think the society has adapted well to working remotely together in these times of Covid restrictions with disruption to the membership kept to a minimum and where possible everyone has pulled together to achieve this. We have managed to get projects like the sustainability project well underway showing to the supply chain and the general public that the Hereford breed takes its responsibilities regarding the environment seriously.
07785 388408
Is there anything you hope to achieve as council for 2022?
thornysure@gmail.com 07968486823
Maintaining our service and increasing members during the difficult Covid times.
martinljenkins@aol.com
I think the Hereford breed is always well placed, however it is important that careful selection is adhered to. We have too many hobby breeders flooding the market with sub-standard cattle. Keep the best, cull the rest.
the annual dinner were also highlights.
What do you think the society has done well in 2021?
South of England
Do you think the breed is well placed for the future?
Mike Shaw
Midlands and East Anglia
Martin Jenkins
2022. I look forward to fulfilling the role as president in 2023.
Do you think the breed is well placed for the future?
Is there anything you hope to achieve as council for 2022? I would like to see UK Hereford Youth continue to grow as there are some fantastic young people doing great things. I would also like to see the links and communication between members and council improve.
competition. Do you think the breed is well placed for the future? I feel the Hereford breed will increase in popularity over the coming years given its ability to finish off grass and its superior taste quality and environmental credentials. As long as we keep embracing new technologies as they become available and look to produce the cattle customers require, I think the breed will continue to grow.
What was the highlight of your year?
Is there anything you hope to achieve as council for 2022?
The highlight this year for myself and Appleridge Herefords was winning the South of England herd competition and going forward to the national
The last few years have not been easy for the society but hope we are now in a better position to move forward with the breed development for the better of all.
16 | SOCIETY NEWS
SOCIETY NEWS | 17
Thornes win National Herd Competition Having previously won the title in 2008, TG, EI and EN Thorne were again successful in 2021 in being named National Herd of the Year. At the annual awards dinner of the Hereford Cattle Society, Pembrokeshirebased breeders George, Ionwy and Non Thorne were named as winners of the National Herd of the Year title after winning the Wales herd competition this summer. With the Glenvale poll, Studdolph poll and Ashdale British Polled herds to their name, the Thorne family
L-R Ionwy, George and Non Thorne
have been in the breed since 1946, and were also founding members of the British Polled Hereford Society. Now running 35 breeding females, the family have experienced some great successes over the years, and previously won the herd of the year title in 2008. This year alone, they topped the female trade at the society’s spring sale with Glenvale 1 Polly 721 which sold at 5,200gns after 40 years of private-only female sales. This year’s National Poll Show also saw Studdolph 1 Barbie 754 in the reserve supreme position in the hands of Inverness-based owners Calum Smith and Anna Wilson. Commenting on her visit to the herd, judge Pat Stanley commended the
breeders for their animals’ uniformity, stating all groups were of the same type. She highlighted the females’ flat tops and great depth, and praised the cattle for their second thigh and rump angle. Taking second place was Phillip and Laura Vincent, Norfolk who had led the Midlands and East Anglia Hereford Breeders Association herd competition. Their Pulham herd consists of approximately 30 horned and 15 poll breeding females. Having won the North of England Hereford Breeders’ Association herd competition a total of seven times, the Kemp family were pleased to be named third place in the national competition. Operating under the Auckvale prefix, they run 100 cows.
18 | SOCIETY NEWS
Stanley reports on National Herd Competition At the society’s annual dinner, National Herd of the Year judge Pat Stanley presented her findings on her travels around the UK, examining some of the best Herefords in the country. Hereford Cattle Society was very pleased when Pat Stanley accepted the invitation to judge the National Herd of the Year Competition, originally destined for 2020. Pat runs the Blackbrook herd of pedigree Longhorns together with her husband John in Leicestershire, and also kindly judged the 2019 HCBA Christmas Calf Show and National Hereford Show. On presenting to the society’s annual dinner at the Albrighton Hall Hotel, Shrewsbury on the night prior to the autumn show and sale, Pat commented it had been a very great honour and pleasure to be asked to judge the Hereford Cattle Society’s national herd competition. She said: “Firstly I would like to thank all of the participating members and their families for their incredible hospitality and in-depth conversation about their animals. It was a privilege to meet them. “You had set me no easy task,” she continued. “I was asked to visit the eight herds which had been picked
out by regional judges, to be the best representatives of your breed in their areas in 2021. It was very clear to me that all of the eight families were great advocates of the breed. “I reiterate here that I was judging the herd as a whole not individual animals. I was looking for consistency of type throughout, management of the herd and the way in which they were marketed,” she said. “I have an ideal beef type of animal in my mind. I like a good level top line, complimented by a good level bottom line, a neat tail set, good rump angle, good spring of rib, good second thigh, length from hook to pin, width between the pins, a leg at each corner, sound feet and legs and good mobility, an animal with balance. “In a cow I like to see femininity, a good shaped well attached udder, neatness and style. “In a bull I like to see strength of character, presence and all the essential attributes I hope he will be passing on to his offspring, for as that great man Robert Bakewell once said, ‘like begets like’. “Although you have the added bonus of consistent colour markings throughout the Hereford breed, compared to the Longhorn, you do have variety of type and I have been shown horned, poll, British Polled and horned crossed poll. “The future outlook for livestock farming going forward is uncertain,” she said. “The traditional breeds like the Hereford will be part of the solution to the problems that we will have to wrestle
L-R Non Thorne, Pat Stanley and Ionwy and George Thorne with. Large-framed continentals with rapacious appetites may not be deemed as favourably as they once were. The Hereford over the last 200 or so years has proved its adaptability. That has enabled it to survive the fads of the eras it has journeyed through and I have no doubt that in the hands of the people I have met on my journey that it will flourish going forward.” Pat explained her journey started with a trip to the Mitchell family in Dorset, where she met Roger, son Christopher, daughter Sally and grandson Harry. The herd has been in existence for 50 years and the tour of the herd of 40 cows and followers found the cattle all looking exceptionally well, she said. The cows were running out high up on a hill with the stock bull which had sired all of the calves. This three to four year old bull was holding his flesh very well considering the amount of work it had been doing, she remarked, and had an excellent second thigh. Its offspring were looking very promising, she thought.
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Pat’s second visit was to the father and son partnership of Richard and Tony Bradstock. This herd had won the West Midlands round and resides in a beautiful part of Herefordshire. Free Town Herefords has been in existence since 1906 and now consists of 70 breeding females, two thirds of which are horned and the other third poll. Each year, 10 to 15 are sold and the herd currently has two senior stock bulls and two home-bred juniors. Pat commented: “The cows here were big, deep bodied, flat topped. They are kept until they are no longer useful. A smattering of Australian genetics was being used and we saw an impressive spring calving group of cows and calves out on a herbal lay on a flood meadow. We also saw good groups of served and yearling heifers.” Pat next set out on the long haul up to County Durham, followed by Northern Ireland and Scotland. “Our first port of call on this leg was to the Kemps where we were met by Tom, John, William and Katherine. What a very talented family this is, from topflight carriage driving, cider production, museum curating as well as looking after a 100 cow herd of Herefords on 300 acres of grassland. “This herd certainly had the ‘wow factor’ as we looked across the fields after a heavy downpour. I do not remember having seen so many Herefords in one place in the UK before.” Of the Auckvale herd, 60 per cent of this herd were of horned breeding. Heifers calve down at between two and two and a half years. The bull running with the first group of cows was an ET who had been selected for among other traits, udder quality. She said: “I saw some exceptional cows within this herd. One I picked out was apparently a cow I had put up at Tenbury.” Now for Northern Ireland and the McMordie family, and thanks to the weather gods for a smooth crossing, recalled Pat. “John and William keep 53 cows and the herd was established in 1953. We saw the beginning of the autumn calves which were looking good and strong
and usually average 40kg. These calves were by a bull called Herbert. We saw some excellent cows and calved heifers doing a fine job rearing their calves. Youngstock are not pushed hard and we saw some very handy young bulls which would shortly be heading for new homes. “Some supersmart heifers will be heading to the show ring in the coming months. John and William know what they like and are keen that the cattle work for them and earn their keep,” she said. In Scotland Pat travelled to the herd of John and Margaret Cameron. Pat said: “It was wonderful to meet them both before John took us off to see the herd and meet with stockmen Jimmy and Andy. This is a 40 cow herd, where heifers calve for the first time at three years, making for big, strong cows, with the oldest cow in the herd being 17 years. Calves of both sexes run together till weaning, and calves have access to ad lib creep feed from two and a half to three months. “John is very keen on high health for all herds in Scotland and has been instrumental in achieving this. He would like to have the scheme rolled out across the whole of the UK.” Gloucestershire meant a visit to Martin and Deborah Jenkins and son Steve. This father and son duo run a herd of 42 cows which was established in 2004, alongside a contracting business. The heifers calve at two years and are put to the bull at 400kgs. Pat said: “The herd is run very commercially and with great attention to detail. The cattle are all poll and six young bulls are usually sold annually mainly for commercial use. Two stock bulls are currently used; one for the cows and the other on the heifers. Milk is the main criteria that Martin and Steve are looking for in their cows. The system they have in place is working exceedingly well for the Jenkins.” Pat’s journey to Wales lead to the home of George, Ionwy and Non Thorne. This herd was established in 1946. They have 46 breeding cows and nine in-calf heifers, she said. “Heifers calve down at two and a half years. The cows are split between those
with heifer calves at-foot and those with bull calves from the age of four months. Calves only get creep as the grass starts to die back. Bulls are chosen for length of carcase and milk figures. The herd used its first British Polled bull in 1979. The cows in this herd were deep, wide and had good tops and tidy tail sets. They were rearing good calves and were obviously milky. The temperament of the whole herd was excellent.” Pat’s final visit was to the Norfolk based Pulham herd of Philip and Laura Vincent which consists of 40 cows, two thirds of which are horned and a third poll. “Heifers calve at two and a half years and their criteria for choosing a bull is down to type, calving ease and lineage. They confessed that horned cattle are where their hearts lie and who am I to question that?” she remarked. “I saw some good groups of cows and super heifers. Females are being flushed with an excellent success rate of an average of 10 eggs per flush. This is achieved through attention to detail. This herd had some promising young homebred bulls and has been using a senior bull with plenty of bone and power.” On concluding her presentation, Pat said: “I had to put the Auckvale herd in third place. The largest herd I saw on my visit was an amazing experience. I saw exceptional cows that were a testament to the hard work and dedication that have gone into the herd over the years. The family are very progressive in their thoughts and are making use of overseas genetics. A really lovely herd. “Second place went to the Pulham herd,” Pat said. “This herd provided some exceptional individual heifers, a really good selection of bulls of all ages, and good cows. The herd is being driven by great enthusiasm and I am sure will keep hitting the high spots for many years to come. “First place went to the Thorne family’s Studdolph, Glenvale and Ashdale herds. The overall consistency of type across all the ages of this herd put them into number one spot for me. The squareness of rump on the cows, the tops they had and quality thighs put them ahead. Along with their generous proportions, they were a delight to view while doing the job they were put there for.”
20 | SOCIETY NEWS
Shand reflects Despite the increased price of beef, considerable challenges are still faced by the public perception of the industry, tree planting and farm support. We leave 2021 with the beef industry in reasonably good shape, although input prices have risen sharply in the weeks ending 2021 and those at the beginning of 2022, says National Beef Association chief executive Neil Shand. “If I had said in April 2020 that the farm gate price would rise by 85 pence per kilo in the next 18 months, my state of mind may just have been questioned,” he says. “It is likely the challenges facing us in 2022 will be largely consistent with those of the last 18 months, although it’s obviously difficult to predict the pandemic complications which may arise next. 2019 was the last comparable year, and it’s likely involving 2020 and 2021 are, in reality, unhelpful and misleading, and tell us little about what to expect for the coming year. However, one thing is certain; Covid-19 has changed the way people live their lives, and we can expect some permanent changes on the back of this in our ‘new normal’.” Neil says the prediction based on current issues is that next year’s challenges will revolve around industry reputation, environmental solutions and farm support. He continues: “In an ever-evolving world where transparency is vital, and longforgotten spoken or written words can be regurgitated at any time, we must be mindful of the increasing microscopic analysis of food production, especially where animals are involved.
Neil Shand “Our processes must be bombproof and fully transparent. Too much airtime spent fighting back on dietary choices is not a sensible use of energy; people should have freedom of choice to decide what and how they eat.” The industry’s resources should be used to ensure standards remain steadfast and comprehensive, so that the reputation of the industry cannot be exploited by failings in health and welfare systems, Neil suggests. “The Westminster government has made it clear they will not dictate what the population should and shouldn’t eat. We must embrace this support and hold them to their promises.” He says: “There is a lot of media and industry focus on the recent trade deals with Australia and New Zealand, but perhaps we should be less concerned about this than we appear to be. Global demand for beef is increasing, and we would do well to ensure our own house is in order, firstly in terms of our standards, with everything geared towards
maintaining and improving them, thus protecting the reputation of home production. “The climate change committee is suggesting a 20 per cent reduction in meat consumption by 2030. This covers all meats - beef, lamb, pork, chicken and even fish - and is an overall reduction not a 20 per cent reduction per sector. “Looking at current trends and the obvious fact that people must eat a certain quantity of food to survive, these proposed reductions appear completely unachievable. Perhaps it would make much more sense for the climate change committee to consider researching targets that are actually attainable,” he says. The environmental challenge is massive, and the potential for mistakes to be made more so, he comments. “In the rush to try and ‘fix climate change’ in the shortest time possible, long term side effects of hastily made decisions are being overlooked. Projects implemented without any thought of
SOCIETY NEWS | 21
long term effects are those which have the potential to be catastrophic. “Just 18 months ago, we were assured there would be no resale value for carbon credits. Now, good land is being sold to foreign investors to grow trees and to claim the carbon credits with no idea how their value is calculated. “In the same vein, a famous Aberdeenshire brewery is promising to plant a tree for every pint they produce; it appears they intend to correct their fouling of our planet by planting trees on good arable land previously used to grow food. While planting trees may seem a great way to partially solve one problem, it’s just creating problems of a different kind. Our food producing land is being lost for the future; it is not a sustainable plan for a UK which is currently barely 50 per cent self-sufficient. We cannot eat trees.” Carbon auditing of all farms is on the horizon, he says, adding that before the industry is forced into this, huge investment is needed for research to develop the best possible calculator.
Neil says: “We are currently in danger of turning our industry on its head based on a series of calculators which are simply not reliable or fit for purpose. All governments need to invest heavily into this science, and even more into ruminant methane inhibitors. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is the value of research and investment in science, and the results that can be achieved in a short period of time if the will and determination are there. “The future of farm support is of major concern to all beef producers. The in-calf cows currently housed for winter will calve next spring and will be our consumed beef in 2024. The inexorability of our processing chain is such that it is imperative we are aware of the levels of support available. “During COP26, targets were set to reduce menthane outputs by 30 per cent by 2030 – this was agreed by many, but not all, countries. We know that if we reduce the average age at slaughter by even three months, we can reduce emissions from beef production
by approximately 20 per cent. The eradication of endemic disease could add a further 13 per cent. Add the two together and we can realistically achieve the emissions reduction target, without any reduction in total livestock numbers and the corresponding drop in self sufficiency.” Now is the time for these activities to be rewarded, suggests Neil. It works on many levels; outcome-based support for a measurable reduction in emissions public money for public good. “It’s imperative the financial benefit which should be due to producers who make these changes is allocated to them before others within the sector demand them as part of their environmental goals. “The pandemic has united farmers with their consumers at levels probably not seen since the end of the Second World War. This support, aided by the resilience of our industry, will see us enter 2022 with confidence, and ready and able to face our challenges and embrace our opportunities.”
The Beef Expo 2022 will be held at
Darlington Farmers Mart
Saturday 28th May 2022
TRADESTANDS, SEMINARS, FARM TOURS, AND MORE… Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for further updates. www.nationalbeefassociation.com/beef-expo/ BEEF EXPO HP Advert_LIM Journal_185x128.indd 1
09/12/2021 16:48
22 | SOCIETY NEWS
Eccles elevated to farmer of the year After being named Farmers Weekly’s farm manager of the year in early 2021, Peter Eccles has also been announced as the awards’ overall farmer of the year. Charged with the running of Saughland Farm, Midlothian for the last four years, Peter has led the farm to change the base of its beef production from a 70head herd of bought-in Limousin-cross cows to 100 spring-calving Herefordcross Angus cows, with size and progeny better suited to the land and market.
Sheep numbers have also jumped from 950 Scotch Mules to 2,100 Aberfield ewes and hoggs while a reduction in the arable acreage has made way for more grass, supplemented by fodder beet. The environment and conservation are also a key part to Peter’s plan, and his apparently limitless energy drives not only a constant search for high-level technical performance, but also a desire to learn from and share with others.
A member of the Hereford Cattle Society, Peter also runs the Rockness herd of pedigree Herefords at his parent’s property which has had its own share of success. Peter utilises his own homebred bulls on the commercial herd at Saughland, along with Angus sires.
Technology plays a huge part in the operation, with comprehensive electronic identification management used alongside the Agriweb app to record frequent stock movements across 100-plus rotational grazing paddocks, as well as crop treatments and measurements.
Peter aims for each cow to produce a calf weighing 50 per cent of its bodyweight at 200 days. The best of the cows are achieving more than 68 per cent, with cows weighing 608kg at weaning, producing a 413kg calf at 200 days.
Peter said: “I am just really shocked to have won this award. I was more than surprised to have won the farm manager award earlier in the week so the farmer of the year title was something else. I must also say well done to all the other
Peter Eccles
finalists and thank you to everyone who helped me in my career to date.” Adding to the success for those making sound commercial use of the Hereford breed, were Esther and Henry Rudge from Herefordshire, winning the mixed farmer of the year title. The Rudges run a 200-head beef unit. Opting for Stabiliser cows, two high performance Hereford bulls are utilised with estimated breeding values in the top one per cent of the breed. This has improved calving ease and a calving jack has not been used on the farm for the past two years, with calves weighing just 35kg at birth. Calves are weaned at a minimum of 50 per cent of their mother’s weight and sold fat from 16 to 20 months of age, under contract to Waitrose on the Hereford beef scheme, averaging £1,231. The family always achieves top 10 supplier status and won this year’s producers category.
SOCIETY NEWS | 23
BEEF
What do I get for my AHDB levy? Do you know how much levy you pay to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and what it is spent on? We’re committed to being open and transparent about how your levy is invested so you can see how it makes a difference to your business.
2 Marketing to the UK consumer
1 Market and trade data
Our We Eat Balanced campaign reached 18.5m consumers promoting the true story of British beef. This resulted in 11% or 800,000 more people intending to buy red meat1.
We provide easy-to-access, independent market prices and analysis to help inform your business decisions. Did you know the market prices in Farmers Weekly and Farmers Guardian are produced by AHDB?
49p
1
Source: Kantar
Total levy collected: £5.40 113p
6 Farm-to-fork traceability (Livestock information) The Livestock Information Programme, funded by AHDB and DEFRA, enables advanced tracing of cattle movements, helping to enhance the reputation of British beef at home and overseas.
AHDB has worked with government and industry to open new markets for beef in Japan and the US. Having gained access in 2018, the UK was the main European supplier of beef to Canada in 2020, with a value of £17.5 million.
163p
121p
31p
3 Export development
68p
4 Working with our levy payers Our Strategic and Monitor Farms, events and publications ensure you are connected with the latest research and innovation to support your business.
5 Animal health, genetics and the environment Helping drive improvements and deliver solutions across almost all areas of production, our targeted research aims to support you and aid on-farm decisions.
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24 | SUSTAINABILITY
Herefords bolster sustainability credentials Against a backdrop of sustainability discussions surrounding red meat, Hereford Cattle Society has been working to collect information to back-up the breed’s credentials. Hereford Cattle Society has become the first cattle society to work to prove its breeds' sustainable merits to the wider beef industry, retailers, food industry and the consumer, in a project connected to the UK Cattle Sustainability Platform and the European Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Hereford cattle are known for their ability to grow and finish off grass. With the environment becoming increasingly important for every stage of the beef supply chain, the society is seeking to cement some of the benefits of the breed. Working with Dr Liz Genever, beef and sheep specialist, members are recording the efficiency of their breeding females and therefore environmental impact to confirm the benefits of Herefords when compared to industry averages. Nearly 2,000 cows are being assessed for cow fertility, calf survival and growth rates to weaning. In addition, carbon audits are being carried out to gauge the carbon footprint across its membership and commercial systems utilising the breed. Soil organic
matter levels are also being taken into account, and therefore carbon storage, and this information will be benchmarked against the industry to confirm the benefits Herefords bring to a system. A review of genetic trends is being conducted with the aim of providing guidance for members who are performance recording on areas of focus to ensure the Hereford dam becomes even more suited to future beef production. In conjunction with Dawn Meats, information is also being gathered from finishing suppliers who provide Hereford sired cattle for various retailers. Phil Allman, chairman of Hereford Cattle Society, says: “The society is undertaking a number of projects to help the society pull all the evidence of sustainable production together and help producers move to the next level.
“The society’s council is acutely aware of the shift in perception of eating beef and the environmental connotations which are now attached to red meat. “In any sector, whether food or other, if a brand is not addressing its sustainability credentials in some way, it will be left behind as consumers’ priorities change. As a society, we are not willing for that to happen to Hereford Beef and are pleased to be able to work with Dr Liz Genever to put some hard-and-fast facts behind what we have known about the Hereford breed for decades.” He continues: “Sustainability is all about the planet but also profit and people. If we can prove Herefords and Hereford crosses are a more profitable animal due to an increased margin, this will give many producers the confidence they need to further invest in the breed. When it comes to people, the
SUSTAINABILITY | 25
docile temperament of Herefords is undisputed, providing a safer working environment for stockmen and abattoirs. With the largest section of the herd book being for the poll strain, this also brings an added benefit in terms of health and safety, along with animal welfare, with dehorning not required. “The Hereford is both prolific and efficient at turning forage into a highquality source of protein, therefore bringing human health benefits due to a higher level of omega-3 than cattle fed on concentrates. As a natural grazing animal, the Hereford can also play an important role in carbon sequestration by utilising a mainly grass-based diet, helping to build soil fertility, capture CO2 and encourage wildlife. “Whether accurate or not, the continual pressure from the UK media to eat less meat cannot be ignored. We are working towards positioning Hereford Beef as a sustainable option. If people are eating less beef, we want to make sure it is Hereford.” Working on the project, Dr Liz Genever explains sustainable production requires social responsibility, economic viability and environmentally sound practices and urges producers to view sustainability as more than solely carbon footprint.
She explains: “Thinking wider than the UK, beef production is being associated with deforestation in South America to graze cattle or grow crops for cattle, feedlots, high water use, antibiotic growth promoters, methane belching and is thought to be one of the major causes of climate change. Alongside this is the highly publicised concerns about red meat consumption and health. The beef industry is being challenged by many people and organisations.” To counter the growing concerns about beef, the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef was established in 2010 and brings together a wide range of organisations to develop a common understanding. The European Roundtable of Sustainable Beef established targets around the four priority areas – environment (greenhouse gas emissions), animal medicines, animal health and welfare and farm management. The UK Cattle Sustainability Platform feeds into these organisations to which the Hereford Cattle Society sustainability project is aligned. Liz continues: “Within the UK, Hereford cattle are the most used breed within pasture-only systems and will play an important role in grazing systems that help damaged and depleted soils. This
will sit alongside the need to reduce inputs, such as feed, fertiliser and fuel, to help systems be financially viable, especially as the UK subsidy system evolves. “These inputs are the biggest contributors to beef producers’ carbon footprints, particularly from methane from the animal itself, so their reduction needs to be the focus of future animal systems. Hereford cattle have a strong track record in these low input, high output systems and this needs to be highlighted to more people. “The Hereford breed is in a very strong position to be a key part of sustainable beef production, with animals that can thrive on grass and forage systems that help to increase the carbon and water stored in soils. They can cope in systems with reduced inputs, which helps to make more financially viable businesses with improved wellbeing. “Together with the society I look forward to bolstering the Hereford’s sustainability credentials as the project progresses.” Phil concludes: “Hereford Cattle Society is just starting out on its journey to being synonymous with sustainability, but has ambitious plans.”
26 | SUSTAINABILITY
Carbon audit shows favourable results Another element of the society’s sustainability project was to assess members' and Hereford producers’ systems’ carbon efficiency, which showed participants to be at or above industry averages. Undetaking carbon audits, volunteers participating in the society's sustainability project worked with the team at Carbon Farm Toolkit to complete datasheets, collecting information about livestock type and number, crops grown, any inputs (eg. fertiliser, feeds, fuels), plus details on hedges, woodland, soil organic matter and waste management.
This was then entered into Farm Carbon Toolkit's tool to calculate the emissions and offsets to produce the carbon balance. Each volunteer was supplied with a full report, plus a summary produced by the project that highlighted hotspots. Liz explains: “The aim was to identify farms that were net zero, which means that their carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide emissions are being offset by carbon capture by their soil, hedges, trees and recycling. As you are aware, the NFU has outlined the ambition for the agricultural industry to be Net Zero by 2040, with retailers aiming for earlier, eg. Waitrose by 2035. “Table 1 shows the average results from the farms involved. The top three – emissions, offset and carbon balance – are influenced by farm size as they reflect the total for the whole farm for a full year. For the farms to be Net Zero, the carbon balance would be zero, meaning emissions and offsets are
balanced. It is worth noting that this is for the whole farm, not just the beef enterprise. “Carbon balance per hectare helps to adjust for farm size, with the average figure for the farms involved in this being three tonnes CO2e per hectare, which is lower than the current average benchmark from Carbon Farm Toolkit of 3.3.” Carbon balance per tonne of product helps to adjust for productivity and varies between <0.1 to 36 tonnes. With the fuel, fertiliser and water use ones providing guidance on resource use efficiency, with a lower number being better. An initial carbon audit is useful to establish a baseline for a farm and, similar to other types of technical or financial benchmarking, helps to highlight areas where data collection needs to be improved. Five hot spots were identified per farm
SUSTAINABILITY | 27
average compared to similar work in with cattle mentioned seven times, Table 1: The summary results for the carbon review Category
Average
Emissions (tonnes of CO2e per year)
1,275.0
Offset (tonnes of CO2e per year)
606.7
Carbon balance (tonnes of CO2e per year)
665.4
Carbon balance per hectare (tonnes of CO2e)
3.0
Carbon balance per tonne of product (tonnes of CO2e)
8.4
Fuel per hectare (tonnes of CO2e)
0.5
Fertiliser per hectare (tonnes of CO2e)
0.3
Water use (m3 per tonne of product)
19.7
red diesel six times, fertiliser and soil amendments six times, sheep four times, feeds three times and solar panels twice. None of the farms were net zero, even with soil sequestration taken into consideration. Liz explains: “Generally, the results of the farms who were involved in the herd review and carbon audit demonstrated performance that was similar or above
commercial herds and farms. The next stage is to help these breeders, plus others who want to join, to develop an action plan for the next few years to help improve their figures and to provide further evidence that the Hereford breed has an important place in the future of the UK beef industry.” A series of webinars is being planned to help explain the results further to the volunteers and to the wider
Highlights from some of the volunteers
Targets for the sustainability project: • Support members to improve their suckler cow efficiency
• Encourage members to maximise grass and forage in the diets
• Highlight bulls of excellent carcase value membership and what can be done to improve the figures. Any changes in cow efficiency, genetic potential, fertility or system selection are not quick; there is a need to think five or 10 years ahead", adds Liz. Targets have been developed from the results of the projects discussed above, plus a report on the genetic trends of the breed. A working group is being established to take this work on further in 2022 to ensure Hereford cattle continue to be well represented in the sustainable beef supply chain.
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Richard Thomas, Risbury herd Rich has the second lowest emissions with the (0.4 tonnes of C02e per ha compared to average of three tonnes) with lowest fertiliser per hectare figure. This would have been further reduced as he hasn’t spread any fertiliser during 2021 and plans not to during 2022. Rueben Saunders, Lowesmoor herd This farm has very good offsets due to high recycling, which leads to a low carbon balance per hectare or per tonne. It also highlighted the importance of allocation of inputs as water use figures are high, but lack of individual water meters means it is difficult to allocate the water use to the farm activity.
• Owned by a local farming family, • Owned by a local farming family, the hotel has 24 luxury bedrooms
the hotel has 24 luxury bedrooms
David Makin, Adzor herd David has purchased a new tractor to help improve fuel efficiency. He uses a ‘muck for grazing’ deal to ensure good soil health on arable land and is using lucerne to reduce artificial nitrogen use.
• Waterside restaurant serving locally sourced • Award-winning restaurant serving food including seasonal produce from the locally sourced food produce from the kitchen garden on including the family’sseasonal Ballingham Hall Farm
kitchen garden on the family’s Ballingham Hall Farm • Open for coffee and pastries, afternoon tea,coffee, cocktails and afternoon dinner • Open for lunch, tea,
cocktails, and dinner • Close to Hereford Cathedral, local shops and places of interest • Pretty ‘secret’ garden and bar
Peter Moyes, Thornby herd This farm has the best carbon footprint, with the lowest numbers for carbon balance per hectare and tonne of product.
beside the old castle moat
• The perfect place for special occasions and intimate weddings • Close to Hereford Cathedral, local shops and places of interest
Jen Jones, Dendor herd This audit demonstrated the lowest value for fuel per hectare and is partially linked to farm layout and system.
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28 | SUSTAINABILITY
Herd review complete The breed’s sustainability credentials have been examined through 2021, with a review of the technical performance of herds carried out to gauge where the breed sits within the wider industry.
were completed and data from farmers collected to get a baseline of current performance.
In 2020, the Hereford Cattle Society started developing a strategy to understand how Hereford cattle could be recognised as a fundamental part of sustainable farming systems.
The members who volunteered to be part of this work were asked to submit at least three years’ worth of historical data on calving dates, cow age, calving ease, calf survival, cow weights, longevity, fertility and growth rates, which could include information submitted to Breedplan. A simple form was also used to collect any additional information.
Herefords are well established in the pasture-fed beef movement in the UK because of their ability to perform off grass and forage alone, says independent beef and sheep consultant Dr Liz Genever who was contracted to carry out project work on behalf of the society. As part of the strategy work, surveys
Two elements of the project looked at collecting and comparing technical performance data against industry established key performance indicators and calculating the carbon footprint of a selection of the farms to understand where improvements can be made. The herd review project was undertaken to gather information to support members to improve their suckler cow efficiency.
Liz explains: “This information was processed to calculate average traits for the breed, alongside the average from the project and the industry targets. For example, the average for cow and heifer mortality from the society volunteers
was 0.5 per cent with an industry target of less than 1 per cent. “These figures were selected to provide an understanding of the performance of the suckler cow in terms of longevity, fertility and calf performance. These are key when thinking about sustainability,
Highlights from some of the participants Richard Mann, Spinney herd The highlights from Richard's results were the excellent combination of age at first calving at two years old with calving interval of 365 days and calves born alive of 95 per cent. Simon Cutter, Model Farm Simon’s herd is certified Pasture for Life. Calves had a lower than average birthweight and survival of 98 per cent. However, he is in the process of change having sold his cows to two other herds, but plans to buy back the calves to finish and butcher them. Bernard and Barbara Rimmer, Barben herd Their results showed a focus on calving interval, so they went from 467 to 364 days, and also had 97 per cent of females scanned in-calf with calf survival of 96 per cent. Peter Barrett, Nanhoron herd There has been a focus on calving interval as it was 393 days, then 372 and now 360 days. Aled and Jen Jones, Dendor herd This herd has high liveweight gains to weaning (1.2-1.4 kg per day), while having a low birthweight (~36 kg) represented in sustainable beef supply chains.
SUSTAINABILITY | 29
especially when thinking about reducing emissions per head. The ambition is a herd of medium-sized cows that lasts for at least five lactations which calve every year at around the same time of year with calves which pop out and grow well to weaning. “We are trying to maximise the amount of ‘product’, in this example kilos of weaned calf, in comparison to the kilos of cows needed to produce it.” Methane emissions generally make up around 50 per cent of the emissions from beef units, and it is driven by feed intake as it is a by-product of fermentation by the rumen, says Liz. “The sugars and starch from the grass, forages and other feeds are broken down by the micro-organisms in the rumen to volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The VFAs can be digested directly by the animal and used for energy. Hydrogen is produced during this stage and methane (CH4) is a very efficient way of getting the excessive hydrogen out of the rumen. However, it is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential that is 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide,” she says.
“The challenge of suckler cow systems, particularly ones with bigger cows, is that a lot of feed is needed to support the cow and the ’only’ product is the weaned calf. So there has been focus on cow efficiency which is calculated by dividing the adjusted 200-day weight of the calf by the cow weight.
but can be challenged due to a narrow window of opportunity as she should be in-calf for nine out of those 12 months. Cows needing no or minimal assistance and in reasonable body condition score tend to have a greater chance to be cycling and ready compared to thin or fat cows, or ones with calving difficulties.”
“For example, the average for the society members is 38 per cent, which means that for every 1kg of cow, 0.38kg of weaned calf is produced. The industry target is 45 per cent and can be quite challenging to hit.”
The aim is for a mating period of nine weeks, which allows for a focused calving period so the percentage of calves born in the first three weeks is high.
The feed intake argument is also part of the drive for calving at two years, as there are fewer unproductive days during their lifetime compared to a heifer which calves at three years. There is a debate about their lifetime performance especially if not managed well as second calvers, explains Liz. The calving interval is an indicator of how quickly the cow gets back into calf, with the industry target being 365 days. Liz continues: “This is again linked to trying to reduce the unproductive days,
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30 | SOCIETY NEWS
Large strides taken towards genomics Hereford Cattle Society is now wellpositioned to incorporate genomic information, or DNA, into its routine Breedplan evaluation in 2022, according to Dr Brad Crook of Breedplan. With over 9,000 genotypes now available to Breedplan as collected by the society, plans are underway to conduct a test-run single-step Breedplan evaluation. This test evaluation will combine the pedigree, performance and genomic information recorded with the Hereford Cattle Society in a complete multi-trait Breedplan analysis of birth, growth, fertility and carcase traits. For members, the current EBV graphs will not change in appearance, but will be more accurate and therefore useful when making breeding decisions, which can potentially be made very early on in an animal’s lifetime if genotyped. Brad explains: “In the current Breedplan evaluation, which presents itself in the form of EBV graphs, the relationships between animals within the Hereford population are determined by pedigree records alone. In single-step Breedplan, however, genomic information is used to determine the actual degree of relationship between genotyped individuals. This has potential to improve the accuracy of prediction of breeding values.” In addition, the way genomic information relates to performance data is also factored in, which means additional information becomes available in the calculation of EBVs. In preparation for this transition to singlestep Breedplan, Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) is currently reestimating genetic parameters for those traits recorded by society members and used in the Breedplan evaluation. “This involves running the pedigree and performance data through specific
analytical tools to determine how much genetic variation is being expressed in the observed variation for a trait,” says Brad. “In other words, we are estimating the amount of genetic variation which can be identified in the Hereford Cattle Society population for the traits recorded by society members.” Traits including calving ease, gestation length, birth weight, weaning/yearling/ final weight, mature cow weight, scrotal size and ultra-sound results will be incorporated into the Breedplan evaluation, ensuring all aspects of the evaluation are informed by the data. It is worth noting that in mid-October 2017, ABRI launched the first multicountry Single-Step Breedplan evaluation for the Hereford breed in Australia and New Zealand,” continues Brad. “Since that time, EBVs have continued to change for individual animals when genomic information is included, but the average change in EBVs remains close to zero. “That’s because some animals show an increase in EBV, while others move in the opposite direction, meaning the net change is approximately zero. The degree of change in EBVs depends on many factors, including the quantity and quality of records for the trait, the quantity and quality of genotypes and the number of animals with both genomic and performance data recorded.” Genomic information for the genetic evaluation is provided from Weatherbys in the form of thousands of genetic markers, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In general, each SNP has very little or no significant effect on the trait by itself, meaning the underlying genetic variation is a function of the total of all SNP effects. In the move to single-step Breedplan,
Brad Cook however, at times changes have been seen in EBVs which seem larger than anticipated from adding genomic data to the analysis, explains Brad. He says: “This raises the interesting question of whether there could be certain SNPs which have a largerthan-expected influence on the trait. It is for this reason that ABRI recently collaborated with the Hereford breed in Australia to investigate whether certain SNPs were associated significantly with birth and weaning weight records in the breed. “This work is a continuation of the International Hereford Project undertaken by ABRI, in which the Hereford Cattle Society is a key contributor. In this study, we identified a small number of SNPs accounting for a significant proportion of the direct genetic variance in birth weight and to a lesser extent, weaning weight. “We have now expanded this research to include four international Hereford populations, all of which engage in ABRI’s commercial services. This includes the UK’s Hereford Cattle Society and represents an opportunity for ABRI to assist the society in making more meaningful use of their investment in genomic technology.”
HEREFORD BEEF | 31
32 | HEREFORD BEEF
Hereford Beef still performing for Waitrose With an additional product added to Waitrose’ No. 1 range, Hereford Beef is doing well for the retailer, reports Dovecote Park. Hereford Beef lines are still performing for Waitrose, says Karen Howarth, category and marketing manager at Dovecote Park. She explains: “Hereford Beef sales continue to perform well in Waitrose, with growth in both value and volume in the latest year driven by steaks and joints. The poor weather during the summer, when compared to 2020, resulted in a disappointing burger performance during those key months.” On the back of the success of Hereford Beef, October 2021 saw the launch of the new Waitrose No. 1 Hereford dry aged steak meatballs, which are a 300g pack containing 12 meatballs. Karen says: “Online reviews from customers are positive with a number of five-star reviews that focus on the delicious taste. This product is a perfect addition to our Waitrose No.1 dry aged Hereford Beef range, enabling shoppers to buy a wide range
of Hereford Beef products from their local Waitrose store.” Looking more widely, demand in retail remained extremely strong in the first half of the year with lockdown restrictions still in place, explains Karen but adds this did start to ease as hospitality venues re-opened and the public began to visit restaurants and bars with family and friends once again. She says: “As the year progressed, different challenges, such as labour shortages and ingredient and packaging lead-times, have impacted all aspects of
the industry. “Shopper habits have also changed during the year, as customers have begun to return to stores to carry out their grocery shopping. Online sales at a total grocery level equate to approximately 13 per cent of all grocery spend, with many shoppers now purchasing larger shops less often. “Within Waitrose, online sales remain strong and we continue to see shoppers buying beef online – particularly mince and steaks,” she explains. Demand for Waitrose Entertaining lines continues to be ahead of prepandemic levels, as many shoppers now realise the wide range of products on offer. While shoppers may be returning to stores, their habits haven’t quite returned to ‘normal’, Karen states. Instead, shoppers are generally visiting stores less often and buying more when they are there. Karen says: “Shoppers are visiting store less frequently, which may be due to shoppers still feeling cautious in busy places and wanting to restrict the number of visits they are making, or perhaps they are now spending more time meeting friends and family rather than shopping for groceries. Whatever the reasons, it’s important that when shoppers visit a Waitrose store, we ensure there are plenty of products for them to choose.”
HEREFORD BEEF | 33
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34 | SOCIETY NEWS
Rebel Kicks wins European title The show season of 2021 is one Tom and Di Harrison will not forget, concluding with winning the Champion of Europe title. Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 from Northumberland breeders Tom and Di Harrison was judged Champion of Europe before being placed third in the world-wide stage of the competition. This competition is organised by South African cattle man PJ Budler who now lives in Texas and is the first ever cattle judge to evaluate a national show on all six continents. It is judged by an international panel which this year included Non Thorne of Studdolph Herefords, Pembrokeshire. Having won titles at many summer shows this summer, Rebel Kicks was previously named joint UK poll bull and reserve bull of the year in 2019, which was the last time the titles were awarded due to the global pandemic. Born in April 2018, it is by Danish-bred SMH King Size 87K, the 2019 sire of the year and out of Romany 1 Dawn D1 M6. In the show ring, Keadyview’s Steven O’Kane is usually found on the halter, with Tom and Di saying the two have a special relationship. With the winners announced on Facebook, Tom and Di along with Steven O’Kane and Helen Morgan are heading to Texas in February to collect their prize money at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, to be presented in the cattle ring before the invitational sale. Commenting on Moralee Herefords’
L-R Tom Harrison, Rebel Kicks and Di Harrison success, Tom says: “It is beyond our wildest dreams and shows what Rebel can do on an international stage on top of all the interbreeds he won in 2021, while competing against the continentals and demonstrating the swing towards native-bred cattle. “Rebel’s calves are now really hitting the ground, including Valuabull which was the male champion at Agri Expo. His calves are exceptional and without doubt the best we have ever produced, showing he’s a true breeder, not just a show pony.” Following her judging experience, Non Thorne says: “It was a wonderful privilege and honour to be asked to judge the
tenth edition of the Champion Hereford of the World competition and to be part of the panel which selected the final representative of each area to compete. “It is always interesting to see the Hereford breed from all over the world. Being a photographic competition, it posed its own challenges, having to look beyond the quality of the image, at the animal itself. I was delighted by the standard of the representatives and had no hesitation in the placing of my top three. “There was no doubt Rebel Kicks’ power and presence made him a worthy winner of the Champion of Europe title. Congratulations to all.”
HEREFORD BEEF | 35
Dunbia tackles sustainability After reporting on its sustainability credentials in the 2021 Hereford breed journal, Dunbia’s Sarah Haire explains the company’s new Farm Green programme. Sustainability is at the forefront of Dunbia’s agenda and the leading UK beef and lamb supplier has been working tirelessly to strategically put in place emission reduction plans across its operations, says Sarah Haire, group head of agriculture at Dunbia. One pillar which has been critical in the building of its climate and sustainability plan is supplier engagement, which has seen Dunbia create an exciting new sustainable farming programme, Farm Green, explains Sarah. Farm Green aims to transfer knowledge and inspire the farming community to reach shared sustainability goals with content aligning to their five sustainability pillars: environment, animal health and welfare, animal feed, meat quality and sustainable supply chains. Working in collaboration with industry bodies, academic partners, Young Farmers' Clubs and colleges, key information and resources are being disseminated through Dunbia’s social media and digital platform to reach its audience of beef and lamb suppliers and customers. Sarah comments: “A lot of time and effort has gone on behind the scenes in developing the Farm Green programme to ensure relevance and materiality in delivering key knowledge transfer and learning events for our suppliers. “We appreciate our role in helping suppliers to prepare for the policy changes ahead, and we hope this programme will reach far and wide, in highlighting opportunities for improvement and understanding of key sustainability themes.”
Sarah Haire Launched in November 2021, the programme has already organised two webinars hosted by leading industry representatives, Breedr and AHDB. The aim of these webinars, explains Sarah, is to provide their supply base with the resources and simple tools which inspire sustainable farming, and the first step being data collection on farm.
production and Dunbia’s Farm Green programme offers a route for this to be shared on a wider scale across their UK supply and customer base. A key advantage of the Farm Green programme is the opportunity for farmers to stay connected with the rapidly changing industry requirements which we are facing.
She says: “Breedr hosted an excellent session on helping farmers to understand how recording simple metrics can result in significant savings, both financially and environmentally. “Following from this, AHDB then hosted an informative session on its business review tool and how it can be used to predict the effects of reductions of BPS payments on their business, review their business resilience and the use of their KPI express tool. Upcoming topics will explore carbon calculators in greater detail as well as sharing information from various ongoing projects.”
Across the supply chain, Dunbia also collaborates with wider industry groups such as Red Tractor, AHDB, WRAP, the European Roundtable for Beef Sustainability and the UK Cattle Sustainability Platform, which is chaired by Sarah Haire. Dunbia are firm believers of the need to work together to deliver the ambitious targets set in both government policy and their customers’ own ambitions with regards to ‘net zero’. Dunbia are actively involved in conversations and workstreams which will encourage the transition to better practices on farm to meet industry expectations.
The company already works directly with key farmers to demonstrate best practice in sustainable livestock
For more information on Farm Green, look out for posts on the Dunbia Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
36 | SALES
7,200gns top at new Shrewsbury venue On its inauguration at its new Shrewsbury venue, the Hereford Cattle Society’s spring parade and sale saw trade rocket, setting a new society female record average at £3,934 which cleared at 93 per cent, with an overall sale clearance of 95 per cent. At the society spring parade and sale conducted by Halls’ Jonny Dymond, a sound average and clearance of 91 per cent was enjoyed in the bull section. A top call of 7,200gns was made by Martin Jenkins for 24 month old Barwise 1 Samson MO 0835 from Carolyn Fletcher, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria and will join the Gloucestershire-based Appleridge herd. Qualifying as a superior carcase sire, this Moeskaer Online 1444 son has a terminal sire and selfreplacing indexes in the top 1 per cent, and lies in the top 5 per cent for growth, eye muscle and retail beef yield. It is out of Barwise 1 Grace K2, and is the female line responsible for producing the 2018 UK Hereford sire of the year Barwise 1 Lancer. Haven Tarzan from EL Lewis and son, Dilwyn, Herefordshire saw the hammer fall at 6,800gns to Francis Elmore of Essmore Herefords, Co Louth, Ireland. October 2019-born, it is the first son to be offered by the 2018 National Show champion Mara President and is out of Haven Louisa 65th, one of the strongest cows for the Lewis family who celebrate 200 years of breeding in 2022.
Barwise 1 Samson from CS Fletcher sold for 7,200gns Making the journey south from Glasgow, George and Sophie Harvey’s 16 month old Harveybros 1 Thomas-The-Tank changed hands at 6,400gns and joins JL Forsey’s purchases from the day. By Normanton 1 Laertes, interbreed
champion at the Royal Highland and Royal Welsh shows, it is out of Harveybros 1 Crocus N5. It sits in the top 1 per cent for retail beef yield and top 5 per cent for gestation and calving ease daughters.
Haven Tarzan from EL Lewis and son sold for 6,800gns
SALES | 37
Travelling across from Co Down, John and William McMordie’s Solpoll 1 Trooper heads to Gloucestershire with HA Colburn following a call of 6,200gns to join the Crickley herd. It is a grandsire of the renowned Panmure 1 Henry and a Solpoll 1 Perfection son which was top price at the 2019 spring sale at 8,000gns. At 18 months old, it lies in the top 1 per cent for 200, 400 and 600 day weights, scrotal size and terminal sire and self-replacing indexes. Another from Carolyn Fletcher, this time the 21 month old Barwise 1 Tamerlane BN 108, sold for 6,200gns to G and A Speed, Carhampton, Somerset. By Barwise 1 Nabucco, it is in the top 1 per cent for 200 and 600 day weights and retail beef yield and top 5 per cent for eye muscle and calving ease daughters.
Harveybros 1 Thomas-The-Tank from G and S Harvey sold for 6,400gns
Nick Griffiths, Penkridge, Staffordshire sold Grifford 1 Try at 5,500gns to Sarah Hawkins, Bosbury, Herefordshire while Classic 1 Scorpio from Richard Edwards and Emma Smith, Leigh, Wiltshire was knocked down at 5,200gns to Jans Boomaars, Woldingham, Surrey. Topping the lively heifer trade was Glenvale 1 Polly 721 from TG, EI and EN Thorne, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire at 5,200gns, after 40 years of privateonly female sales for the breeders. April 2019-born, this Netherhall 1 OZ Daffy M024 daughter was sold served to Vexour 1 Palmer. It was purchased by HS and I Griffiths and partners, St Davids and returns to Pembrokeshire as the purchasers re-enter the breed.
Solpoll 1 Trooper from J and W McMordie sold for 6,200gns
Another heifer from the same home was Glenvale 1 Polly 712, selling at 4,600gns. From the same female line which performs so well for the breeders, and paternal sister to the top price, it was served in January to Fisher 1 Rancher R483 and was also purchased by HS and I Griffiths and partners. Also realising 4,600gns was Dendor 1 Keepsake 22nd from DE, ED and AL Jones, Caersws, Powys. March 2019born, it is a daughter of Bakgard 1 Keno 1178 which stood Royal Welsh supreme champion in 2017. The heifer sold incalf to Dendor 1 Moonshine which was the 2018 Royal Welsh and Royal Three Counties’ supreme champion. It went home with J Porter of Whites Herefords, Bridgewater, Somerset.
Barwise 1 Tamerlane from CS Fletcher sold for 6,200gns
38 | SALES
Grifford 1 Try from NJ Griffiths sold for 5,500gns
Glenvale 1 Polly 721 from TG, EI and EN Thorne sold for 5,200gns
Glenvale 1 Polly 712 from TG, EI and EN Thorne sold for 4,600gns
Dendor 1 Keepsake 22nd from DE, ED and AL Jones sold for 4.,600gns
Vicky Weller, Porton, Newport sold 12 month old Porton House 1 Sansa at 4,150gns on her public auction debut. By Moralee 1 Rosco KS R9, it is out of Porton House 1 Poppy and was purchased by JL Forsey, Bridport, Dorset. Next in the money was April 2020born Coley 1 Mynte 531 from Heather Whittaker, Halifax, selling at 4,100gns to W Milner, Much Wenlock, Shropshire. With a pedigree packed with Danish breeding, it is by Moeskaer Vegas 1451
and out of Bondes 1 Mynte. Other top prices included Riverdean 1 Diane from B Birch and G Brindley and NJ Griffiths, Weston, Staffordshire selling at 3,800gns to P Murdock, Kilmore, Co Armagh and Rempstone 1 Fashion D559 from M Ludgate, Thame, Oxfordshire at 3,700gns to B Nicholls, Parracombe, Devon. In the for sale only female section, every animal sold. The top price was
Coley 1 Mynte 531 from H Whittaker sold for 4,100gns
gained by 13 month old Black Hall 3 Joy from Jenny Pudge, Kings Pyon, Herefordshire which is a British Polled Hereford and was purchased at 2,350gns by MA Quiney and SM Spears, Moretonhampstead, Devon. Auctioneers: Halls Averages: 14 show heifers, £3,934; 31 bulls, £4,027; 7 for sale only females, £1,493
Riverdean 1 Diane from B Birch and G Brindley sold for 3,800gns
SALES | 39
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40 | SALES
Heifer trade hot at autumn sale The trade on heifers remained strong at the society’s autumn parade and sale, with show heifers averaging £3,327. The sale leader was Sky High 1 Miss Staffordshire from Boomer Birch and Graham Brindley which sold for 7,000gns. Demand for females remained strong throughout the Hereford Cattle Society’s autumn sale, with show heifers averaging £3,327 and clearing to 96 per cent. The day’s proceedings concluded with two reduction sales which saw a consignment of seven females from Staffordshire-based Sky High Herefords owned by Boomer Birch and Graham Brindley with a total clearance at an average of £6,315. Peaking at 7,000gns, Sky High 1 Miss Staffordshire lead the day’s trade which was purchased by Will Medforth, Llanrug, Gwynedd along with the following lot, its daughter, Sky High 1 Staffordshire Lass at 6,500gns. The Sky High entries saw Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 967 hit 6,800gns, with Steven O’Kane putting in the winning bid on behalf of a client. The consignment also included Sky High 1 L’amour Lucy which sold at 6,200gns to G and A Redmayne, Kendal while the hammer went down at 5,800gns for Sky High 1 Lady Leshurr to A Newton, Antrobus, Cheshire and 5,400gns for Sky High 1 Demeter to an undisclosed buyer.
Sky High 1 Miss Staffordshire from B Birch and G Brindley sold for 7,000gns while its calf sold separately for 6,500gns
Sky High 1 L'amour Lucy from B Birch and G Brindley sold for 6,200gns
SALES | 41
First lot through the ring, Harveybros 1 Crocus S6 from George and Sophie Harvey, Balfron, Glasgow, started things off with a bang at 5,500gns, selling to Bosolo Farms, Isle of Arran. By the legendary Normanton 1 Laertes, its full sister Crocus Tiara was reserve female champion at the Royal Highland Showcase this year. April 2019-born, it was sold AI’d to Wirruna Matty M288. Moorside 1 New Dawn 4th from G and MC Shepherd, Preston met strong demand, selling at 5,500gns to Ian Wilkinson of Redstroke Herefords, Inchture, Perthshire at 18 months of age. By Hoghton View 1 Gold Mine, it is out of a home-bred female from two Moorside-bred parents. The purchaser took home two other Moorside females on the day, having also purchased Moorside 1 Julia 4th at the 2020 Designer Genes sale for 5,600gns.
Harveybros 1 Crocus S6 from G and S Harvey sold for 5,500gns
At 5,300gns, Milovaig 1 Lady Jane 2nd sold to Tom and Di Harrison, Mickley, Northumberland. This March 2020born heifer is by Shraden 1 Perestroika and out of a home-bred Solpoll 1 Ferrari daughter. The breeders had travelled to the society sale with their first females offered at public auction to mark their 25th year within the breed, selling three females to average £3,800. Dendor 1 Echo 39th, the only female entry from DE, ED and AL Jones, Caersws, Powys sold to a top call of 4,600gns from Saltire Herefords’ Willie and Pauline Wason, Kinglassie, Fife. The youngest show heifer entered at just nine months old, it is by Dendor 1 Nairobi, the 2018 National Poll Show supreme champion, while its dam, Dendor 1 Echo 36th was reserve champion at the National Calf Show in the same year.
Moorside 1 New Dawn 4th from G and MC Shepherd sold for 5,500gns
TG, EI and EN Thorne, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire were named 2021 National Herd of the Year the night before and led Glenvale 1 Sara 730 through the ring to a top call of 4,200gns. September 2019-born, it is by AI bull Netherhall 1 OZ Daffy M024 and out of a Bosa 1 Hereward daughter. It was purchased by B Nicholls, Parracombe, Devon. In the for sale only female section, trade topped at 4,000gns for another from G and MC Shepherd, this time Moorside 1 Jane 19th, which sold to A Whitfield,
Milovaig 1 Lady Jane 2nd from D and S Smith and son sold for 5,300gns
42 | SALES
Bronington, Shropshire. It is a daughter of the 13,000gns Coley 1 Pilot and out of Romany 1 Jane A51 E66. Not far behind at 3,600gns was herd mate Moorside 1 New Dawn 5th, which is another Pilot daughter but this time out of a daughter of Australian sire Injemira Advance Z080 and was part of Ian Wilkinson’s purchases. Rempstone 1 Fashion E436 from M Ludgate, Thame, Oxfordshire sold for 3,300gns to Jim Speirs of Pepperstock Herefords, Luton and is out of Kinglee 1 Fashion 3045, which goes back to the Costhorpe herd. There was less demand for bulls on the day, with Barwise 1 Tango MU T1139 from Carolyn Fletcher, Appleby-inWestmorland, Cumbria, leading the trade at 4,000gns, having previously taken the top price at the spring sale at the same venue. With a good set of figures, including a calving ease direct index in the top 1 per cent, this bull sold to commercial man Mark Spendlove, Northamptonshire to use on British Bluecross cows.
Dendor 1 Echo 39th from DE, ED and AL Jones sold for 4,600gns
The hammer went down at 3,500gns for Free Town Talent from RA Bradstock and partners, Tarrington, Herefordshire. November 2019-born, this bull is by Irish-bred sire Moyclare Quinlan and out of a Mara Humorous-bred daughter. It was purchased by N Hooper, Leigh Sinton, Worcestershire. Also selling at 3,500gns was Vexour 1 Theodore from Jan Boomaars, Surrey, which was purchased by ELL and CE Evans, Talybont, Dyfed. Several other bulls sold for 3,000gns.
Glenvale 1 Sara 730 from TG, EI and EN Thorne sold for 4,200gns
The reduction sale of Harold Hatt’s Basingstoke-based Weybrook herd saw the senior section of his herd’s females go through the ring, with 19 lots averaging £1,995. The price leader from this breeder was Weybrook 1 Dawn 16th, a Romany 1 Kryptonite daughter, which sold to CMG Sutton Scott Tucker, Bowden, Devon. Averages: 22 show females, £3,327; 11 bulls, £2,989; 11 for sale only females, £2,401; 7 Sky High females, £6,315; 18 Weybrook females, £2,106. Auctioneers: Halls
Barwise 1 Tango MU T1139 from CS Fletcher sold for 4,000gns
FEATURE | 43
Sales 2022 Monday 7 February Stirling
Tuesday 8 February Dungannon
Friday 4 March Carlisle
Saturday 9 April Shrewsbury
Tuesday 19 April Dungannon
Tuesday 21 May Carlisle
Friday 30 September Carlisle
Saturday 15 October Shrewsbury
Tuesday 6 December Dungannon
herefordcattle.org
44 | HEREFORD BEEF
OVERSEAS | 45
Pebworth 1 Tiffany Nick & Lucy Holdsworth Little Meadows Farm, Pebworth, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 8XE 07894074041 nlholdsworth99@gmail.com
ALDERVILLE HEREFORDS
Est. 1969
Above: Alderville 1 Dover at 16 months. Sire: Solpoll 1 Lawman, Dam: Alderville 1 Dorothy 38th Members of the HiHealth Herdcare Scheme Many thanks to all our customers in the past year.
D. J. Deaville, Model Home Farm, Alderwasley, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 2SQ Tel: David 07999 527108
Email: alderville@w3z.co.uk
46 | SOCIETY NEWS
Chatting with Jonny The year 2021 saw the Hereford Cattle Society’s inaugural spring and autumn sales at its new official sale venue, Shrewsbury Auction Centre, run by Halls. Members have become accustomed to the face in the rostrum, Jonny Dymond. Here, he gives opinion, personality and some of his background. Tell us a bit about your background and roles prior to joining Halls I was brought up on a Cornwall Council dairy-holding where my parents still farm over 100 dairy cows and followers. I was always the livestock man on the farm and thoroughly enjoyed the genetic aspect of the business, selecting AI bulls, following cow families. This passion has expanded from dairy into a number of beef breeds, obviously including Herefords. I attended Harper Adams from 2006 to 2010, working at Kivells in Devon and Cornwall from 2008 to 2013, followed by Wright Manley/Marshall at Beeston Castle Auction from 2013 to 2017. After this I joined Halls and following six months as senior auctioneer, I became site manager and in 2019, a shareholder in the business.
Jonny Dymond will no doubt have an opinion of which I am. I know first-hand how tight the margins are in farming and my passion comes from maximising the price for every animal which comes under the hammer.
Is there an element of your job you particularly enjoy? I love being in the rostrum. I don’t have to deal with the queries and questions from the office while I’m up there.
When you’re not in work, what do you enjoy doing? I enjoy shooting in the season with my springer spaniel Molly. I also enjoy the rugby, supporting England and whoever is playing Wales.
Why are you passionate about your job?
What has been your favourite moment or animal sold while official auctioneer for the society?
I just love it. There is no buzz like the one from a good day’s business in the market. I have watched auctioneers and I have watched bid takers; the members
The breed has given us some great moments in 2021 including the Claxton sale, Weybrook reduction and of course the Sky High sale in the autumn fixture.
However, my favourite moment would have to be selling Haven Tarzan for 6,800gns in the spring sale. If you were there or watching online, I’m sure you will remember it.
Have you enjoyed your time so far being associated with the breed? It’s an honour to be the Hereford Cattle Society’s official auctioneer. The members are fantastic people who are passionate about ‘our breed’.
What are your hopes for the future for Herefords at Halls? I hope to have a five-figure bull in the near future, and perhaps 150 head at a society sale.
Any tips or messages for members? As the home of the breed, I would advise all to seek out the best of British before looking around the world for new bloodlines. There are a lot of very good foreign genetics out there, but for me they cannot compete with what is bred in the UK for the most part.
SOCIETY NEWS | 47
MAXSTOKE POLL HEREFORDS BVD Accredited Herd Bulls and Females occasionally for sale
Mill Farm, Maxstoke, Coleshill, Warwickshire B46 2QA Tel: 01675462183 or Mob: 07854258111 Email: mill-farm@btconnect.com
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48 | HERD COMPETITIONS
Midlands and East Anglia HEREFORD BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION PUTTING TOP QUALITY HEREFORDS ON THE MAP
BEDFORDSHIRE 1
Jim Speirs, (P) ‘Pepperstock’ Pepsal End Farm, Pepperstock, Luton, Bed. LU1 4LH. 07979463480 Email: speirs77@btinternet.com
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BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 2 3
D. & A. Briggs, ‘Blackwell’ (P), Blackwell Farm, Latimer, Chesham, Bucks HP5 1 TN. Tel: 01494 762190/07970492785. Email: farm@davidbriggs.com Sarah Cowle ‘High Hedges’ 15, Station Road, Quainton, Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 4BW. Tel: 01296658310/07770666887. www.high-hedges-quainton.co.uk Email: high-hedges-quainton@outlook.com
CAMBRIDGESHIRE 4 5 6
F.W. Cook & Son. ‘Albany’ Albany Farm, Fen End, Over, Cambridgeshire. CB24 5NE. 07818632353 / 07771333303. info@albanyfarm.com www. albanyfarm.com Daniel Fabb & Helen Parr, ‘The Fabb Herd’ Wilsons Orchard Farm, Fenside Road, Warboys, Cambs PE28 2TY. Tel: 07584035080. Email: helen@fabbherd. com. Web: www.fabbherd.com Karen Froud ‘Oldwest’, 13 Hill Row, Haddenham, Ely, Cambs CB6 3TQ. Tel:07787576798. Email: p_kfroud@hotmail.com.
7 22 8 12
DERBYSHIRE 7 8
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Reydon Cattle Company ‘Reydon’ (P), John Little Farmers, The Farm, Rettendon Place, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8DR. Tel: 01268767175/07858378501. www.reydoncattle.com. Email: luigimunday@ gmail.com.
HERTFORDSHIRE
10 Mrs. L. Jackson, ‘Sparkwood’ Woodrow Farm, Wigginton, Tring, Herts HP23 6HT. Tel: 01442 823005. Email: lesleyjackson1@hotmail.co.uk Web: www. sparkwoodherefords.co.uk
LEICESTERSHIRE
11 P. Cobley, ‘Kinglee’ (P), Stanton Farm, Broughton Road, Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire, LE9 4JA. Tel: 01455 272810107738 110102. Email: pete. cobley@cobleytransport.co.uk 12 TD. & WT Livesey, ‘Normanton’ (P), Manor Farm, The Hollow, Normanton Le Heath, Leics LE67 2TJ. Tel: 01530 264683/07710386329. Email: tlivesey@ liveseybros.co.uk 13 Newtoncroft Farms, ‘Newtoncroft’ Croft Farm, Newton Harcourt, Leicester, LE8 9FH. Tel: 01162 259387 Email: ncf450@btinternet.com.
LINCOLNSHIRE
14 SA & VJ Elwess, ‘Elwess’ (H) Manor Farm, Common Lane, Heapham, Gainsborough, Lincs DN21 5XB. Tel: 01427 838208. Simon: 07825446321. Victoria: 07764740540. Email: simon@elwess.com. victoria: elwess@hotmail. com. Web: www.elwessherefords.co.uk.
NORFOLK
15 Chris Blaxell, ‘Bittern Herefords’ White Lodge Farm, Southrepps Road, Antingham, North Walsham, Norfolk NR28 0NW. Tel: 07768 171979. Email: chris@bitternherefords.co.uk. 16 Robert Fowell. ‘Bure Valley’ Orchard Farm, The Common, Itteringham, Norwich, Norfolk. NR11 7AP. 01263587285 / 07947126053. rafowell@afiweb. net 17 Philip & Laura Vincent, ‘Pulham’ (H & P). White House Farm, Coles Common, Pulham Market, Diss, Norfolk IP21 4XT. Tel: 01379 676906 Philip 07771697866, Laura 07767838208. Web: www.pulhamherefords.co.uk. Email: philiprjvincent@hotmail.com / laura363@btinternet.com 18 Jonathan Wells & Partner, ‘Wellhart Poll Herefords’, Lethbridge House, Rogers Farm, Norwich Road, Costessey, Norwich, NR5 0LB. Tel: 07703126768. Email: leisafreeman2@gmail.com.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
19 RN & MA Borwick ‘Mara’ (H), No1 Preston Lodge Farm, Preston Deanery, Northampton NN7 2DS. Tel: 01604870246/07886030801. Email: bobborwick@ maraherefords.co.uk. Web: www.maraherefords.co.uk
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20 24
D. J. Deaville, ‘Alderville’ (P) Model Home Farm, New Road, Alderwasley, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 2SQ. Tel: 01629822402/824070 Mob: 07999527108. Email: alderville@w3z.co.uk D.D. Rowley & Partners, ‘Hollowseal’ (P), Hollows Farm, Sandy Lane, Netherseal, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE12 8BU. Tel: 01827 373293/07724743611. Email; carol@ hollowsealherefords.co.uk Web: hollowsealherefords.co.uk
ESSEX 9
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30 2728 31
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20 R.G. Elliott &Son. ‘Norborough’. Norborough Lodge, Brockhall, Northampton. NN7 4LA. 07508624376. Tom.elliott82@outlook.com 21 Thornby Farms - Miss AE. Barlow, ‘Thornby’ (P), Thornby House, Thornby, Northampton, NN6 8SJ. Tel: 01604740295. Email: thornbyfarms@btinternet. com Peter Moyes - 07767 353205. Email: petermoyes@btinternet.com
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
22 JW & R Johnson, ‘Real’ (P), 110 Bridle Road, Burton Joyce, Nottingham, NG14 5FP. Tel: 01159 313184 Web: www.Realpollherefords.co.uk. Email: realpollherefords@hotmail.com.
OXFORDSHIRE
23 M.J. Ludgate, ‘Rempstone’ (P), Scotsgrove Farm, Scotsgrove, Thame, Oxon OX9 3RX. Tel: 07725558051. Email:jludgate@outlook.com. Web: rempstoneherefords.co.uk. 24 Megan Trinder, ‘Islip’ (P) Manor Farm, Islip, Kidlington, Oxon OX5 2SQ. Tel: 07768816637. Email:megantrinder@hotmail.co.uk.
RUTLAND
25 JWE & SL Bevin, ‘Shorne Hill’, ‘Shipleyhill’, Shorne Hill, Ridlington Road, Braunston, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8DB. Tel: 07860819554/07711616944 Email: louise.bevin@hotmail.co.uk
SUFFOLK
26 Owen Smith Farming, ‘Clement’ (H). Briar Cottage, School Lane, Bromeswell, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 2PX. Tel: 01394460408 and 07885 594143. Email: owensmithfarming@live.com.
WARWICKSHIRE
27 Monica Brown, ‘Happy Herefords’, Herberts Farm, Saddledon Street, Tysoe, Warwickshire CV35 0SH. Tel: 07770770976. Email: info@happyherefords. co.uk. 28 Nick & Lucy Holdsworth, ‘Pebworth’ Little Meadows Farm, Pebworth, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 8XE. Tel: 01789 721972/07894074041 Email: nlholdsworth99@gmail.com 29 CM & MD Jones, ‘Maxstoke Herefords’ (P), Mill Farm, Maxstoke, Coleshill, Warwickshire B46 2QA. Tel: 01675462183/07854258111. Email: mill-farm@ btconnect.com. 30 RP. Mann, ‘Spinney / Ufton’ (H), Ufton Hill Farm, Ufton, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV33 9PL. Tel: 01926 612208/07739280645. Email: goldlinestud@btconnect.com 31 Mike & Caroline Shaw, ‘Thornysure Herefords’ Wharf Farm, Darlingscott Road, Ilmington, Nr Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire CV36 4JA. Tel: 01608682556 / 07968486823. Email: thornysure@gmail.com.
Hon. Secretary: Peter Moyes, Lodge Farm, Welford Road, Thornby, Northampton NN6 8SL. Tel: 07767 353205 Email:petermoyes@btinternet.com www.meahba.co.uk
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 49
Midlands and East Anglia active again Midlands and East Anglia Hereford Breeders’ Association held an inperson AGM and its herd competition in 2021. Midlands and East Anglia Hereford Breeders Association (MEAHBA) saw reduced activity in 2021, but were lucky to hold a live AGM and enjoy two summer shows. The stock judging competition and farm visit were unable to be held as a live event, however for the second year, a successful virtual competition took place. Helen Parr of Fabb Herefords, provided a series of photographs to view online. This year the association invited UK Hereford Youth to join the competition and 15 members took part, joined by 21 MEAHBA members. Glasgowbased George and Sophie Harvey of Harveybros Herefords acted as master judges, with the overall winner being Mike Shaw, followed by Steve Edwards in second place and Peter Cobley and Kate Dicken in equal third. As the association was unable to hold its normal young handler of the year competition, the Highhedges Trophy was
L-R Mike Church, Lucy and Nick Holdsworth and Peter Moyes awarded to the highest placed MEAHBA young member, Finlay Soutter. It is hoped 2022 will see the return to the association’s evening event in May, which Pete Cobley has kindly offered to host. The association was pleased to hold its herd competition again this year and saw 19 members enter the three classes, which were ably judged by Richard McInnes. Richard is a very experienced stockman, having latterly
worked with the continental breeds, before opting for a less physical life as a mineral salesman. As a young man, he worked with Billy McIndoe’s Herefords in Scotland and later moved south to the poll herd of Julius Meinl. Speaking at the AGM, Richard reminded members the Hereford cow’s prime purpose is to rear a calf, and breeders must make sure to retain her ability to produce ample milk to do this. The overall winners were again the Pulham herd of Philip and Laura Vincent, after being placed first in the medium herd section. Pepperstock Herefords from Speirs Farms repeated their previous success, winning the large herd section. Karen Froud’s Oldwest Herefords led the small section.
Herd competition results Best herd, Philip and Laura Vincent Small herd, 1st Karen Froud, Oldwest; 2nd Nick and Lucy Holdsworth, Pebworth; 3rd, Rob and Casey Norman, Hickling
Michael Church, representing the Oldwest herd, receiving their award from Richard McInnes
Medium herd, 1st Philip and Laura Vincent, Pulham; 2nd, Pete Cobley, Kinglee; 3rd, Mike and James Ludgate, Rempstone
50 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Large herd, Gary and Jim Speirs, Pepperstock; 2nd, David Deaville, Alderville. 3rd Tim and Will Livesey, Normanton Best heifer under one year old, Philip and Laura Vincent, Pulham Diadem 6th Best heifer under two years old, Mike and James Ludgate, Rempstone Bonny Lass Best cow suckling a calf, Pete Cobley, Kinglee 1 Polly 554 Best bull calf under one year old, Philip and Laura Vincent, Pulham Vulcan Best bull under 30 months, Philip and Laura Vincent, Solpoll 1 Sympa Best stock bull, Pete Cobley, Cleland 1 Nelson Congratulations to all prize winners and thank you to all members entering their herds. The association looks forward to 2022, as Shorthorn breeder Simon Farmer has accepted the invitation to judge and would encourage all our members to enter to showcase the quality of Herefords within the MEAHBA area. The association would like to congratulate Philip and Laura Vincent, Pulham Herefords for representing the MEAHBA area and being placed second overall which is a great result in this prestigious competition, against seven other area winners. Only Ashbourne and Henley shows took place within the area. Henley had an improved entry from previous years,
where association secretary Peter Moyes judged. Congratulations to the champions, Spartan Herefords and Clive and Paula Bidmead at Henley, and Radbrook Herefords at Ashbourne. We were able to hold a live meeting at Pebworth by kind invitation of Nick and Lucy Holdsworth in October. The meeting unanimously supported the election of Alan and Joy Pittam as joint presidents for 2022, for the contribution they had both made over many years to the success of the association. Alan and Joy had earlier in the year been presented with a painting by Paula Bidmead, and a cheque from members. Michael Church, Ryan Coates and Peter Moyes were elected as chairman, vicechairman and secretary. The committee remains the same except for Les Vesty standing down and Sarah Cowle joining. The association was pleased Paul Sneyd, Mark Roberts and Phil Allman travelled from Hereford to join the day. Paul introduced himself and gave his thoughts on the future of the Hereford Cattle Society. A very useful discussion followed on many topics, which gave members the opportunity to ask many varied questions. Following a tasty lunch, members were able to visit the Pebworth Herd despite the rain, and very much enjoyed seeing how Nick and Lucy had built this herd in a relatively short time. Our thanks to them, and the delicious cakes to finish the day. One of the low points in the association’s year was losing a long-
Philip and Laura Vincent receiving the best herd trophy at the AGM from society president, Mark Roberts
standing member in Andrew Sebire, Lower Hurst Herefords. The association was very disappointed to receive Tim Livesey’s resignation from the society council in March, to be followed by Philip Vincent’s in June. The association would like to thank them both for the amount of time they spent representing the area and their contribution to the Hereford Cattle Society. Members welcomed Sarah Cowle and more recently Mike Shaw on their election to the society council. We look forward to them continuing to represent the areas members of the Hereford Cattle Society and the MEAHBA as council members have in the past. It was great to see so many Midlands and East Anglia breeders attend the HCBA Christmas Calf Show with some great successes at with some great successes. Spartan Herefords took the supreme and female champion title and the reserve supreme and reserve female champion spot being won by Normanton Herefords. Meanwhile Pulham Herefords took the male championship and Rempstone Herefords won the reserve male title. Maxstoke Herefords and Pepperstock Herefords also won red rosettes and Beth Vincent was champion young handler. As the Covid restrictions hopefully continue to be lifted and a more normal way of living begins to return, members look forward to a less restricted 2022 and a return to summer shows and events and meeting up with friends old and new.
Stock judging winner, Mike Shaw, receiving his trophy from Sarah Cowle
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 51
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52 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Vincent victorious again in Midlands and East Anglia Having now taken three successive herd competition wins in the Midlands and East Anglia region, Philip and Laura Vincent’s Pulham herd of poll and dehorned animals had another successful year in 2022. The Pulham herd, owned and run by Philip and Laura Vincent, Pulham Market, Norfolk has won the Midlands and East Anglia herd competition for the third successive time before being announced as runner-up in the national competition. Having only qualified for the bi-annual national competition once before, Philip and Laura were extremely proud to be awarded this accolade by judge Pat Stanley.
L-R Philip Vincent, judge Pat Stanley and Laura Vincent been producing some fantastic cattle
The Vincents run both de-horned and poll females, keeping the breeding separate where possible.
with great shape for them. Notable
Their senior poll stock bull Appel 1 Kaboom, a Solpoll 1 Lawman son, has
sons exported to France and most
progeny include two daughters exported to Denmark, two daughters and two recently Pulham 1 Vigilant which sold
Pulham 1 Vigilant, a Appel 1 Kaboom son, sold to Lower Hurst Herefords
to Lower Hurst Herefords, Derbyshire. The Vincents have no plans to move Kaboom on, instead they purchased Solpoll 1 Sympa during lockdown to use on daughters. Sympa was judged best junior bull in the Midlands and East Anglia herd competition and was a firm favourite with judge Richard McInnes. Richard McInnes was also a fan of the Pulham calves, awarding the best bull calf to Pulham Vulcan, a Shiloh-Farm Elite son and best heifer calf to Pulham Diadem 6th. Pulham Diadem 6th was the Vincent’s entry into the 2021 Designer Genes Sale, which went on to set a new female price record at 13,000gns. This heifer was sired by Pulham Ranger, a bull exported to JJ Farrell, Trillick Herefords and Padraig and Catherine McGrath, Kye Herefords, Ireland. A first prize winner at the National Hereford Calf Show in Shrewsbury 2018, Philip and Laura believe Ranger to be one of the best bulls they have bred to date. They were delighted when the renowned Irish breeders wanted to take him across the
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 53
Three times consecutive winners of the Midlands & East Anglia Herd Competition - 2018, 2019 & 2021 National Herd Competition Runner-up 2021
Pulham Diadem 6th
Sold for 13,000gns DGS 2021 UK Female Breed Record
Solpoll 1 Sympa Best Junior Bull MEAHBA Herd Competition 2021
De-horned & Poll Bulls, Females, Semen & Embryos For Sale Philip & Laura Vincent 01379 676906
www.pulhamherefords.co.uk www.pulhamherefords.co.uk
Philip - 07771 697866 philiprjvincent@hotmail.com Laura - 07767 838208 laura363@btinternet.com
SAC SAC Elite Elite Health Health Herd Herd
White House Farm Coles Common Pulham Market Diss IP21 4XT
Thank you to all our customers. Visitors always welcome.
54 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
water, but couldn’t let him go without taking semen for their own use first. Diadem and full brother Pulham Va Va Voom, sold to pedigree breeders James and Ellen Lake, proving this was a wise move. Philip, Laura and family, along with stockwoman Hannah, have missed the live show ring, but have had considerable success in the National Hereford Club virtual shows. They were awarded female and reserve female champion in the 2020 competition with two home bred cows, Pulham Pansy 15th and Pulham Dowager 2nd, in addition their stock bull Shiloh-Farm Elite won its class and was awarded reserve male champion. They won the female championship again in 2021, this time with Clipston Pansy B3 bred by Rodney and Rose Westaway. Pulham’s Pansy, Diadem and Tiara families originated from Clipston females and Philip and Laura were delighted to win with the recently purchased Clipston heifer. Rod and Rose were among the first Hereford breeders
Clipston Pansy B3, female champion, National Hereford virtual show 2021 Philip and Laura met when starting
females. Philip and Laura teamed up
the Pulham herd in 2007 and their
with Edward and Ben Lewis, Haven
bloodlines have had a profound effect
Herefords to purchase Influential, along
on the Pulham herd.
with Australia’s Graham Genetics, for
Philip and Laura are excited to be using
AUS$42,000 at the National Hereford
semen from Mawarra Influential on the
Show and Sale, Wodonga, Victoria where
majority of their autumn calving horned
Influential was a class winner.
Thornby 1 Rosealind sired by Moeskaer Keno 1452
and her heifer calf sired by Thornby 1 Sebastian DOB 02/12/2020
SALES | 55
Claxton dispersal tops at 3,300gns The Claxton dispersal sale held in May 2021, saw a top call of 3,300gns by a homebred cow and calf outfit Trade topped at 3,300gns at the dispersal of the Claxton herd of pedigree Herefords on behalf of Mr and Mrs J Heathcote at Shrewsbury Auction Centre. Comprising of 149 head, the sale was led by Claxton 1 Countess, a 2014-born Coston 1 Mike daughter with its Bittern 1 Dambuster sired steer calf at-foot, selling at 3,300gns to RD Livestock, Eccleshall, Staffordshire. There was a small number of cows with heifer calves and 2017-born cow Claxton 1 Harebell, realised 3,000gns and sold with Bittern 1 Fabulous sired twin heifer calves to S and S Murray, Pattingham, Staffordshire. This was followed by a trio of cows with heifer calves at-foot selling at 2,500gns. Firstly 2012-born Claxton Ruby C, again secured by S and S Murray followed by two 2014-born cows Claxton 1 Sabrina and Claxton 1 Mirriam which both sold to G Quant and son of Newton Abbot, Devon. Pedigree cows with steer calves
Claxton 1 Countess led the trade at 3,300gns at-foot sold readily between 1,600gns and 1,900gns. The in-calf cows were an impressive show and topped at 2,600gns for Claxton 1 Anna , another 2014-born daughter of Coston 1 Mike, due in July to Fabb 1 Pure Force which sold to the Spartan herd with GC and SL Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. At 1,900gns was cow Claxton 1 Anne Boleyn, due in June to Bittern 1 Fabulous. This Reydon 1 Jack Pot daughter travels to North Wales to Vaynol Estates, Bangor. The same buyer secured Claxton 1 Foxglove, due in July to Fabb 1 Pure Force for 1,800gns. Maiden heifers met a buoyant trade, as per the current market trend within the breed. A top call in the section of 2,550gns was made for a wonderful heifer, Claxton 1 Esme. Sired by Dambuster, this dark stylish heifer was secured by RD Livestock. At 2,200gns was Claxton 1 Blondy by online purchaser Mark Voss, Somerset. Not far behind at 2,100gns was Claxton 1 Kirsty, a Reydon 1 Leo Daughter, which sold to A Wright, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire.
Auctioneers: Halls Averages: 32 cows and calves, £1,883.44; 21 in-calf cows, £1,635; 6 in-calf heifers, £1,645; 21 bulling heifers, £1,615; 35 yearling heifers, £724.80.
56 | FEATURE
Pedigree herd compliments arable system
FEATURE | 57
Based near Luton, Hertfordshire, Pepperstock Herefords is run with commerciality at its core, and has to fit into the farm’s wider business. Although only becoming society members 15 years ago, the Pepperstock herd is now one of the largest in the country. However these cattle are just one string to Speirs Farms’ bow which also incorporates a 1,214 hectare (3,000 acre) arable operation. Jim Speirs is the face of the cattle business and can often be seen at Hereford events around the country, having also judged the 2018 society autumn show and sale. Purchased by the family 10 years ago after decades as tenants, Pepsal End Farm near Luton has always been home to cattle, with the Speirs family in dairying until 2011. However with an expanding arable enterprise, the routine work of dairy farming was found to be limiting the growth of the crops side of the business and so the decision was made to cease milking cows. As the dairy cows began to be phased out in 2010 and 2011, and not wanting to be without cattle, Herefords were purchased in their place. Having always used a Hereford bull in their dairy system, and in recognising the breed’s docile nature, the natural choice for Jim and father Gary was to keep these cattle. “We wanted something easily managed and a breed which does well off grass, with low maintenance and docility. The society’s membership also seemed particularly friendly,” explains Jim. “We did use an Angus on our Herefordcross cows at one stage and they definitely got more flighty, which reassured us we had made the right decision in the Hereford. I don’t worry at all when I am around the Herefords, no matter what I am doing - tagging
58 | FEATURE
calves or anything. We have 100 acres of grazing in one field so we need to have the cattle calm to be able to get them in.” Jim explains how he built the foundations of the herd. He says: “In 2011 I went through the Hereford journal and looked for breeders within an hour’s drive from home whose adverts pictured animals wearing rosettes. “Dad and Mum went to Wrights’ at Ely in 2006 and purchased a Badlingham bull and a Hermitage Marina and Hermitage Pearl heifer. We returned to the farm for their dispersal sale in 2012 and purchased four more heifers." Jim set about building a pedigree foundation herd, making considered purchases, including from Fiona Woollatt’s Hedges herd, Reydon
L-R Jim, Ernie, Albert and Sophie Speirs At the same time, there were Herefordcross females, which had been produced in their dairy herd, coming to a bulling age and Jim was looking for a sire to use
“Muck is definitely the main advantage of the cattle to the arable business” Herefords, Harold Hatt’s Weybrook herd and eight heifers from Boundless Herefords of Barry Myers and eight heifers from Kinglee Herefords. Jim says: “At this stage it was difficult to get a stamp on the herd as you start with a bit of a pick and mix. When building the herd though, I was particularly drawn to big cows.”
on them. This resulted in the purchase of Kinglee 1 Gangster, which he adds when fully grown was ‘huge’. A number of Hereford-cross females are still bred out of his commercial suckler cows and the heifer calves this year sold out. These commercials though are now being phased out in favour of the pedigrees.
On top of its success in pedigree circles, the Pepperstock herd also plays a key function at Speirs Farms in the form of muck provision for use in the farm’s arable production. In return, the farm’s cattle sheds provide useful temporary grain storage for the arable business, with grain sold by the time of housing, and the stores bedded down for the winter. He says: “Muck is definitely the main advantage of the cattle to the arable business, especially after the ban on neonicotinoids. Where we use the muck to establish the oilseed rape, we never have a failed crop. The cabbage stem flea beetle are not an issue on the mucky ground, and the crop gets away well.” Muck is only made use of on owned ground or land in long term rental agreements. Adding three year grass leys for grazing or silage production into the rotation also aids the control of black-grass and brome. Jim explains that at Pepsal End they are relatively on top of weeds,
Cow families at Pepperstock • Mink – go back to the Weybrook Mink line
• Jade – originally purchased from Barry Myers, Boundless Herefords
• Venus – two different families but Calves are turned out ahead of spring drilling
both go back to Costhorpe
FEATURE | 59
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60 | FEATURE
helped by the fact the farm still utilises the plough. Jim’s bull purchases continued in 2013 in the form of Bosa 1 Howzat from Gerald Blandford, Bosbury, Herefordshire. Jim says: “We kept Howzat until he was eight years old. He was really shapey and easy calving on heifers. Kinglee 1 Gangster and Bosa 1 Howzat bred the first Pepperstock calves.” A Kinglee 1 Gangster son, Pepperstock 1 Kingsley, was another particularly influential bull for Jim and was out of Boundless 1 Venus 1064, a cow which is still at Pepperstock after 11 years. The first time Kingsley left home was to the Midlands and East Anglia Hereford Breeders’ Association calf show where it won its class. Jim says: “A breeder tried to buy Kingsley as I came out the ring but I refused. Instead, I showed him through 2014 and 2015 and was breed champion at Hertfordshire Show. In 2015, Kingsley was senior male champion at the Three Counties Show, reserve senior male at the National Poll Show and reserve male at Bucks County. “He also won the stock bull category in the Midlands and East Anglia herd competition. Then I kept him and used him.” Jim won the large herd category of the Midlands and East Anglia Hereford Breeders’ Association herd competition in 2016, 2017 and 2021 which he
The cattle operation works well alongside the arable business describes as encouraging and an indication the herd is moving in the right direction. In 2016, Pepperstock also placed third in the National Herd of the Year Competition, as judged by George and Ionwy Thorne, Milford Haven,
At the same sale, Jim purchased the top price bull Barwise 1 Mach One, an easy calving bull from Carolyn Fletcher, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria for 6,600gns which bred a good top into his next crop of calves.
“A breeder tried to buy Kingsley as I came out the ring but I refused” Pembrokeshire. The first animal he sold, 15 month old Pepperstock 1 Butterfly N293, sired by Kingsley, took the grand female championship at the 2017 society spring show and sale at Hereford and was purchased by Derbyshire-based W Shaw for 4,100gns to join the Welburn herd.
“That spring sale was a very memorable day for me,” says Jim. “I am glad I hung on to Kingsley to produce daughters like the Butterfly heifer. “Generally, half of the bulls we produce go for pedigree use, while half go to commercial herds. I sold a lot of bulls off Howzat and Kingsley. In 2021, we have sold 12 bulls and it was also a great year for selling heifers.”
Pepperstock beef Jim also has a passion for the beef produced by his Hereford cattle. Having developed a butchery room, 12 animals per year are killed and packed in this way, only leaving the farm to be killed. An animal is split into 22 boxes, and each box is currently priced at £110, meaning each beast generates £2,420, though it will cost £400 to butcher. Jim also makes biltong, a form of dried, cured meat that originated in southern African countries.
FEATURE | 61
SPEIRS FARMS LTD
PEDIGREE POLLED CATTLE
Pepperstock 1 Orchid V707 Pepperstock 1 Rebellious Herd Sires: Pepperstock 1 Rebellious Kinglee 1 Romeo, Rockafella 1 Trevor AI Sires: Kinglee 1 Hero, SMH King Size Panmure 1 Nugget, Romany 1 Distiller
For Sale: Bulls, Maiden Heifers, In-calf Heifers
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62 | FEATURE
Another advantage of running the cattle and arable businesses alongside each other is the availability of straw. Jim says: “All spring and winter barley straw is baled for bedding. We always bale more straw than needed and then make any arrangements to sell the surplus. Generally in this area of the country, the grass dries up so we then feed out through July and August. “We are making use of grass, and using only a small amount of purchased feed.” A home mixed blend is fed of molasses, barley and minerals. Creep feed is introduced to calves as the grass dries up. Weaned calves are fed approximately 2.5kg a day and the fat cattle are finished just on silage from the short-term leys. “We do all our own mill and mixing and have our feeder wagon still from the dairying days which we mix blends in,” he says. Jim explains there are few cattle in the area, but in recent years there has been more of a move towards keeping suckler cows. But, he concludes there is no great competition for grass. “There is lots of grazing available in our area of the country, and we also graze the Luton Hoo estate,” he says. “We have got more grass than we need and we make baled silage and sell surplus as hay. There are a lot of horse liveries in the area and so we sell a lot of
Farm facts • Gary, Jim and Jim’s mother Angela are partners
• Two full time staff • Two extra employees at harvest time
• 1,214ha (3,000ac) combinable crops
• Five farms rented and three on contract farming arrangements
• 182ha (450ac) grassland • The herd is a member of the Biobest health scheme, and is accredited free of BVD, vaccinated and tested for IBR and lepto
The Speirs were looking for a breed which does well on grass hay in this way.” Jim adds: “In terms of both grass and cropping ground, we haven’t really gone looking for it, people have come to us." The family runs 182ha (450ac) of grassland, but only 40ha (100ac) of that is more intensively farmed. “We have tried renewing some of this grassland but the old grasses just take over again.” “The Herefords do very well on some of these poorer areas of grassland. Even in 2018 when everything was burnt off, they were doing well on not a lot.” Pepsal End is now home to between 250 and 300 head of cattle and 100 females were calved in 2020. Jim explains he is looking for females with a lot of milk, adding he will cull females if they aren’t milky enough and also if they haven’t got a good temperament. “Fertility is another thing I will cull for. I only give them the one chance. I need to calve in the winter when the arable side is at its quietest,” he says. Calving starts in mid-December, beginning with those put to AI, which both Jim and Gary are able to carry out. The rest calve in the months of January to March, and then they are turned out as attention needs to move on to spring drilling. “Because of our previous experience in dairy farming, we are able to AI ourselves and are good at spotting heats”, Jim says.
Jim and Gary have been using semen from Romany 1 Distiller, Panmure 1 Nugget, Kinglee 1 Hero, Solpoll 1 Dynamite and Panmure 1 Henry. Heifers are calved at two years of age but they have to be big enough, says Jim. Those not suitable for breeding enter the fat shed, which holds about 40 growing animals. The herd’s replacement rate is kept at about 10 per cent and this year’s heifers are running with bull Rockafella 1 Trevor. He also says that grades are continuously improving, with more and more R4Ls coming back on the kill sheet. Cattle kill out at 360 to 400kg and he tries to get them to 800kg live weight. This means when being paid to 410kg, he is keeping to this cut-off, if a killing out of 55 per cent is assumed. Cattle are finished on silage with access to mineral licks, which has greatly reduced costs. The cost of silage is calculated at £1 per head per day and Jim explains that in trying to finish his stock on grass, he saved £6,000 in feed in 2020. “I find the finishing process very interesting and I am always working costs out. I am also now working towards creating a spreadsheet so I can identify which are my most profitable cows,” explains Jim. “I do use EBVs to an extent but when I am buying and planning replacement heifers the final decision always comes down to what I would like to see in the field. I want to keep cows we enjoy looking at and we aren’t far away from that now.”
FEATURE | 63
NORMANTON HEREFORDS BREEDING CHAM IONS SINCE 2003
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MANOR FARM THE HOLLOW NORMANTON LE HEATH LEICESTERSHIRE LE 7 2TJ W LI ESE 07791917382 WLI ESE LI ESE BROS CO UK C SOUTTER 079 81 3 1 ,
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64 | FEATURE
New dairy farmer making use of Hereford breed
FEATURE | 65
Hereford bulls play a key role in Northamptonshirebased Oliver Williams’ dairy herd which he established with his wife Jo in 2014. The Northamptonshire-Cambridgeshire border isn’t the first place which springs to mind when it comes to dairy farming but Oliver Williams says it is an ideal location for his new build site. Having left school at the age of 16, for a long time Oliver worked on other farms, including dairy units where he discovered a passion. Clearly motivated and keen to progress his own business, some 10 years ago Oliver sat down with his wife Jo and put together a 20 year plan for the future. He says: “We asked ourselves, why milk other people’s cows when we could milk our own?” Although Oliver is the first in the family to pursue a career in dairy farming, the family has run Windy Barn Farm since 1918, having originally moved from South Wales, and since this time has mainly farmed beef and arable. Without the competition from a local livestock keeping community for additional grazing and the area’s supply of straw and close proximity to ports, the farm’s location poses nothing but advantages for dairy production. Over time Oliver changed his farming strategy to focus on optimising turnover per hectare on the 101 hectare (250 acre) farm. Now milking 350 Holstein cows plus followers, Oliver originally started his farming journey by breeding pedigree Herefords, under the Rosehip prefix, and built up a herd of 100 cows, purchasing foundation stock from some renowned breeding lines, including Clipston, Haven and Dendor. On changing farming policy, the Herefords were sold and purchased by Karl Oyston, the ex-chairman of Blackpool Football Club who was involved in the breed for a short time.
66 | FEATURE
However, the breed still holds a place in both Oliver’s system, and in his heart. After spending £2 million on putting in the infrastructure for the dairy unit, Oliver and Jo have been milking the Rosehip herd of pedigree Holsteins since 2014 and have consequently expanded their farmed area to 283ha (700ac). Oliver explains: “It is easier to find land to graze over here than some of the more livestock dense areas of the county, and there is a selection of short and long term cropping agreements available. “There are also greater margins to be made in this area of the country. We are in a position to take waste commodities, we don’t have problems getting our hands on straw and we can get rid of slurry freely. We also operate with much larger field sizes here, as opposed to some of the more traditional milk producing areas and are nearer ports for feed.” Still with a love of pedigree Herefords, the use of these sires is at the centre of their dairy operation. He comments: “I have had a couple of Angus bulls over the last few years, but the Hereford calves do really well for us.”
Bulls are purchased from Robert Wilson, Kelso To accelerate the growth of the dairy herd, cows were imported from Germany as well as 140 from Staffordshire, and 100 from Scotland in 2017. At present, 60 per cent of Holsteins are home-bred and also carry the Rosehip prefix, following in the footsteps of the Herefords. Genomics are utilised and the top 50 to 60 of the year’s heifer crop are put on to a 12 week sexed Holstein semen programme while the remaining half are put to Hereford bulls.
To build up the dairy herd, sexed Holstein semen has been utilised to fast track the growth of the herd and therefore milk supply and 120 pedigree Holstein heifer calves are had every year.
Hereford bulls have been used to mop up, and a local farmer likes to take the Hereford-cross females as suckler cows, due to their motherability and quiet temperament. All Hereford heifers are sold as breeding stock while steers are fattened.
Oliver says: “We had some good years using sexed semen and bred 280 heifers, and now have a total of 600 head of cattle here.”
Having known Robert Wilson of Romany Herefords, Kelso for some 15 years, he has built up a trusted relationship and is a repeat purchaser of his bulls.
Oliver says: “I consistently purchase bulls from Robert Wilson in Kelso, and we have created a great and trusted supply in that respect. Over the last 12 weeks, two young bulls have served 70 heifers and are now sweeping up AI heifers. Those bulls will be kept for four or five years. “When I am selecting a bull, I start by looking at its figures. The first time we had one of Robert’s bulls, we went up to Scotland to make the purchase. Since, I have trusted Robert to send to us what we need for our job here and we have not been disappointed yet. He usually sends videos of what he thinks might suit us here and I do like to have sight of its head size and shoulder width. “You get what you pay for and I want a good bull to last. They are well looked after here and get their feet trimmed twice per year.” Oliver says there is a lot of demand for Hereford-cross females and an amount of people have asked if he would consider selling six month females as commercial suckler females. “Having seen how well the Holstein-cross Hereford cow works, we are now also looking to keep some of our Herefordcross females to build up a suckler herd of 30 to 40 of these females,” he says. Oliver adds: “We want a bull on the easier side of both calving ease indexes seeing as some of these females are going for suckler systems.” The milk price was low in 2015 and 2016 but a sustainable level has now been found, and Oliver says he is now working to refine his system in response to that.
Oliver Williams
He says: “We are working to establish three streams of income to future proof
FEATURE | 67 CHURCHLANDS-HEREFORDS.COM
CHURCHLANDS ESTATE 1 REMITAL SUPERDUTY
The Churchlands Herd has just finished celebrating its 50th anniversary The Churchlands Herd
As a result of modern breeding, assessment techniques and traditional showing activities, the herd today boasts a string of national show awards. It is owned and founded by Philip English and his mentor and ‘guardian angel’ was Oscar Colburn who of course founded the Polled Hereford Breed. That friendship inspired him to use Oscar Colburn’s genetic guidelines. The genetics have been drawn internationally from Canada, USA, Australia and Denmark. They have pursued ease of calving, high milking volume, weight gain and the herd has produced an overall Polled female champion 2004 and overall male champion in 2006 and 2007.
Churchlands Genetics – Semen & Embryos
Nurtured in the heart of our beautiful, rural Oxfordshire estate, the Churchlands Herd goes from strength-to-strength with each and every generation of showstopping Herefords.
We have semen available from Churchlands Estate 1 Batavia (overall male champion in 2006 and 2007) and six younger bulls 14 to 24 months immediately available for sale carrying outstanding genetics. For more information, please visit the Hereford Cattle Semen page on our website www.churchlands-herefords.com or call us on 07831 446421. Embryos are also available and can be purchased on a contract basis.
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68 | FEATURE
our business in the form of milk, arable cropping and beef, of which Hereford sires are a big part. Now we have built the milking herd up, we want to go totally Hereford over everything.” There are four dairy farms left in Cambridgeshire, and Oliver says they need to run a system which competes commercially focusing on maximising output per hectare on the back of a low input. He says: “A 300 to 400 head dairy herd in cash terms is 3,000-4,000 acres of arable ground. We don’t use in-parlour feeders, and no cake is fed. With a fairly local mill, rape is fed as a straight with grass silage in the TMR. We want to get as much production from the cows as we can from as little as possible.” In June and July, the heifers go out to graze while milking cows are in all the time. Four cuts of silage are taken. Oliver says: “When silaging, I like to leave a long stubble length to generate regrowth. That suits our system and our farm. We can farm grass in this area of the country and we can push it, but it doesn’t grow well enough to rotationally graze. “The Hereford does well around here on this dry ground and have great growth rates. A lot of people put Herefords down due to some connotations of the past, but the modern breed will compete with anything. A good Hereford bull’s progeny will equal that of a continental.” Calving inside from May to October, and with a calving interval of 390 days, heifers calve at 24 months old. Making use of World Wide Sires’ Cow Manager programme, Oliver can keep on eye on
Oliver is pleased with his Hereford-cross calves the herd, both in terms of heats and health problems via activity monitoring from his phone. He says: “We let cows calve wherever. The cow and calf are then penned up, and the cow is given a fresh cow drink, while the calf receives eight litres of colostrum over two feeds. From there they go to fresh cows’ milk, taken from a group of freshly calved cows. If calves don’t want to suck, they are tubed.” The herd is quarterly tested for IBR, leptospirosis, Johne’s and BVD. The herd’s location also means they are on four yearly TB testing. They are a closed herd, with the added advantage of being three miles from their nearest cattle keeping neighbour. Milking through a 30:30 Westfalia herringbone parlour, the parlour and other infrastructure was installed in 2014. Cows are averaging 10,100 litres per year at 4.2 per cent fat and 3.45 per cent protein. An Arla farmer and owner, Oliver is also on a subsidiary contract with Tesco,
meaning they get an extra 1.1p on top of their standard milk price, with the requirement of data input. In a bid to become more environmentally sustainable and future-proof, soya is no longer fed, which also earns more points on the retailer contract. Quarterly scoring is carried out, covering mobility, cow cleanliness, antibiotic usage, mastitis and carbon. Oliver explains he is now looking to stabilise his business’ position by reducing the number of lactations per cow while also concentrating on breeding from the top end of the herd. Looking to the future, Oliver believes many farmers who are trying to minimise costs in the form of purchased feeds are starting to see the growth and fast finishing attributes of the Hereford. Commerciality is at the core of everything Oliver does being very cost conscious and business orientated. Oliver comments: “I don’t think farming is some sort of divine right. I am in a commercial industry and like any sector, if there is not enough money left at the end of the day, you shouldn’t carry on.”
Farm facts • 283 hectares (700 acres) farm of which 101ha (250ac) is owned
The farm produces its own dairy replacements
• 81ha (200ac) winter wheat • 81ha (200ac) rye grass leys • 202ha (500ac) maize • 350 Holstein cows plus followers • 600 head of cattle • Three full time employees
SALES | 69
Pebworth cow tops Halls’ spring sale At Halls' sale in the spring of 2021, Pebworth 1 Nancy and its calf from Warwickshire based Nick and Lucy Holdsworth was top price at 3,250gns. Pebworth 1 Nancy from Nick and Lucy Holdsworth, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire led the day’s trade at Halls’ Hereford sale which sold with its heifer calf to OEM Jones and EM Roberts, Llangynin, Carmarthenshire for 3,250gns. By Eldersfield 1 Barrichello H717, the five year old cow is out of Pencombe 1 Helen 181 and sold with its fifth calf, Pebworth 1 Vanity, at-foot. The calf is sired by Dendor 1 Smokin’ Joe, a son of Dendor 1 Nairobi, which stood supreme champion at the National Poll Show in 2018. Generating the top call in the bulls was 15 month old Glenvale 1 Entertainer from TG, EI and EN Thorne, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire which sold to Jackie Cooper of Rimini Herefords, Preston, Lancashire for 3,100gns. By stock bull Vexour 1 Palmer, a Solpoll 1 Landmark son, it is out of a home-bred Angela cow, sired by Bosa 1 Hereward. Not far behind at 3,000gns was 20 month old Maxstoke 1 Raymond from DP Jones Agricultural Contracting, Coleshill, Warwickshire. By Pepperstock 1 Norman, it is out of Maxstoke 1 Helen 513 and sold to LEM Stephenshon, Bromyard, Herefordshire. At the same money was Newtoncroft 1 Teeno from Newtoncroft Farms, Newton Harcourt, Leicestershire. March 2020-
born, this bull is by Solpoll 1 Hollywood and out of Newtoncroft 1 Truelove 231 and went home with volume buyer CH Forrester, Wem, Shropshire. Again at 3,000gns, four year old stock bull Panmure 1 Pudding from TD and WT Livesey, Normanton-leHeath, Leicestershire, was secured by B Chilman, Presteigne, Radnorshire. Out of Panmure 1 Plum F15, a female line which does so well for Scottish breeders JM Cant and partners, it is by Dendor 1 Leota, a son of Solpoll 1 Gilbert. Parkapella 1 Thor from Scott Coates, Dingestow, Monmouthshire realised 2,700gns and sold to Ian Markham, Castlethrope, Buckinghamshire and travels with an impressive pedigree, being a son of Moeskaer Upgrade and out of Panmure 1 Plum N3. From Gwyndaf Davies, Lampeter, Ceredigion, May 2017-born bull Creuddyn Madog sold for 2,500gns to TE and A Davies and sons, Saron, Denbighshire. Out of Border Roulette J1, it is by Free Town Baron, a son of Australian-bred Yarram Pompeii V055. Within the dispersal of the Wrekin View herd of Graham Brown, Wolverhampton, a strong run of cows and calves topped at 1,750gns for Wrekin View 1 Ruby which sold to Nigel Owens of Mairwen Herefords, Carmarthenshire. Born in 2017, it is by Panmure 1 Garfield and out of a homebred, Solpoll 1 Ferrari daughter. It sold with bull calf Wrekin View 1 Viscount, sired by Pebworth 1 Parker. At 1,650gns was Wrekin View 1 Lola, another Garfield daughter, which sold to Barry Cambridge, Winterbourne Down, Gloucestershire. It was joined by Wrekin View 1 Lottie and its heifer calf at 1,600gns. Wrekin View 1 Reanna with
its bull calf and Wrekin View 1 Roxy, again with a bull calf, both sold to ER Thomas, Eglwyswrw, Pembrokeshire at the same money. Elsewhere, Bosbury 1 Rosa 43 from Sarah Hawkins, Bosbury, Herefordshire realised 1,750gns, changing hands to Somerset-based M Voss and was joined by herd mate Bosbury 1 Priscilla 36, with the hammer going down at 1,500gns. A run of females from Ian Braithwaite, Bridgnorth, Shropshire met a top bid of 1,500gns for Highfields P. 1 Orange 18th. By Wirruna Justin J13, it is out of a home-bred Dorepoll 1 13P Patriot daughter and was purchased by S and S Murray, Wolverhampton. The reduction of Telford-based AD Beaman’s Triacre herd topped at 1,520gns for fourth calver Free Town Grateful 933, bred by RA Bradstock and partners. It is by Cornish-bred Hustyn Scotty and sold with its Fabb 1 Redwood son at-foot. Averages: 25 pedigree bulls, £,1961; 21 cows and calves, £1,566; 3 in-calf heifers, £1,037; 22 maiden heifers, £1,049; 7 incalf cows, £973. Auctioneers: Halls
70 | SALES
Kinglee cow and calf leads autumn Hereford day Halls’ autumn Hereford day saw Kinglee 1 Oyster Girl 418 from Pete Cobley head up the day’s sale, selling at 3,100gns. At Halls’ autumn Hereford day, first animal through the ring and the day’s top price was nine year old cow Kinglee 1 Oyster Girl 418 from Pete Cobley, Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire with its Cleland 1 Nelson sired bull calf, Kinglee 1 Vanguard at-foot. A Leo’s Pride 1 Ellis daughter, it is out of another Kinglee female by Dorepoll 1 93N Nationwide and has been again running with Nelson. It sold at 3,100gns to A and P Massey, Bury, Lancashire to join their pedigree herd. The run of females from DRA Fabb, Warboys, Cambridgeshire peaked at a call of 2,700gns for Fabb 1 Keepsake Remy which sold with its heifer calf Fabb 1 Keepsake’s Wendy to G and R Watkins, Little Hereford, Shropshire. Its calf is by Romany 1 Prince BL P41, a Barwise 1 Lancer son. From the same home, Moeskaer Donna 1463 headed north with Graham Shepherd to join his Preston-based herd. By Canadian sire Square-D Tortuga 953T, it is a Danish import itself, being out of ABG Moeskaer Donna 879. It sold with its heifer calf Fabb 1 Donna’s Vail, which is another Romany 1 Prince daughter. At the same money, Fabb 1 Eudora Rosemary was purchased by new breeder MJ Sharlot, Weston under
Taymar 1 Trailblazer from S Taylor and D Marsh sold for 2,200gns Wetherley, Warwickshire. It sold with bull calf Fabb 1 Workaholic at-foot. The top bull price on the day at 2,400gns was secured for Dendor 1 Tyson from DE, ED and AL Jones, Caersws, Powys. A son of the 2018 National Poll Show champion Dendor 1 Nairobi, it is out of a home-bred daughter of the three times UK sire of the year, Solpoll 1 Gilbert. It sold to BS Newth and son, Shepton Mallet, Somerset. Lord Harvey’s 1 Winston, bred by Harvey Cloke, realised the highest bid out of a small run of bulls from P Scoreby’s dispersal of the Nottinghamshire-based Scorbell herd, selling at 2,250gns to Shaun Greves-Jones, Canon Bridge, Herefordshire. By Bakgard 1 Keno 1178 which was champion at the 2017 Royal Welsh Show, Winston itself stood reserve grand male and junior male champion at Builth in 2019.
Not far behind at 2,200gns was the 2021 NEHBA bull of the year, Taymar 1 Trailblazer from S Taylor and D Marsh, Leyland, Lancashire. By Pulham Powerhouse, it is out of Northern Irishbred Richmount 1 Nina and sold to Harvey Cloke, Brecon, Powys. Another from Fabbs’ run, this time Moeskaer Alma 1589, sold at 2,100gns to M Voss, Hinton St George, Somerset. By Remitall Pilgrim 93P, it is out of another home-bred female from the Andersen family. It sold with its heifer calf Fabb 1 Alma-Viginia at-foot. The dispersal of the Wenlock herd, peaked at 2,000gns for Wenlock Iris 59th, bought by Brewster Farms, Penkridge, Staffordshire. March 2019born, it is by Free Town Henry and out of a Wenlock-bred Dieulacresse Biddulph daughter. Auctioneers: Halls
FEATURE | 71
72 | HEREFORD BEEF
Research shows pasture-fed beef high in omega-3 Work at Newcastle University shows grassfed beef could be legally recognised as a source of omega-3, providing many human health benefits. A research paper published in the scientific journal Future Foods, suggests certified grass-fed beef could be recognised legally as a ‘source of longchain omega-3 fatty acids’, following work carried out at Newcastle University. In humans, these omega-3 fats have anti-inflammatory properties and a deficiency contributes to a wide range of adverse mental and physical health conditions, including coronary heart disease. However, a major weakness of many modern diets around the world is a shortage of these types of fatty acids, exacerbated by excess omega-6 fats. “While differences between organic and conventionally reared beef have been studied before, this is the first record of the extra benefit from cattle fed 100 per cent forage diets throughout their entire life,” says lead researcher Gillian Butler. “We found that Pasture for Life beef has more than 40mg long-chain omega3/100g of the meat. This means certified farmers could make a nutritional claim when selling their beef, as it qualifies as a ‘source for omega-3 fatty acids’ under European Food Standards.” Non-organic and organic sirloin steaks were bought from two supermarkets
during May and June 2019. These were compared with steaks from cattle from two farms certified Pasture for Life, meaning they were 100 per cent pasture-fed. Steaks from animals kept primarily for vegetation management, also known as conservation grazing, all of which were 100 per cent pasture-fed, were also included in the study, which considered the fat composition of each steak. “The results show clear differences between the concentration of the good long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the not-so-good omega-6 fatty acids in the meat between the cattle diets.” They confirmed that feeding grains and cereal by-products produces less omega-3 fatty acids in the meat and more of the less desirable omega-6 fatty acids. The ratio of the omega-6 to omega-3 is also much poorer for grainfed beef at 7:1 compared to a healthier
2:1 for beef from 100 per cent pasturefed cattle. “This research clearly shows that what animals eat has a direct impact on the quality of the meat which consumers eat,” says Jimmy Woodrow of the Pasture-Fed Livestock Association, which lies behind the Pasture for Life meat and dairy certification standards. “The fatty acids we need to eat more of, occur in far higher concentrations in meat from animals fed just on diverse pasture and forage. “This is exciting news. The scientific evidence is increasingly backing up what our farmers are doing and shows their meat is of the highest nutritional quality for people to eat.” The paper, ‘Forage-fed cattle point the way forward for beef?’ is published in ‘Future Foods – A Dedicated Journal for Sustainability in Food Science’.
HEREFORD BEEF | 73
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74 | SALES
Halton reduction peaks at 3,200gns With a total clearance and packed ringside, the reduction sale of the Halton herd of David and Iris Boothman, Skipton, North Yorkshire peaked at 3,200gns for cow Halton 1 Dora and calf at-foot, selling to P Tindale, Haltwhistle, Northumberland. The four and half year old cow is a Solpoll 1 Ferrari daughter, out of Halton 1 Amber, which is by Coley 1 Josh, the first stock bull purchased when the herd was established ten years ago and has been running with Coley 1 Sullivan. Its December 2020-born heifer calf, Halton 1 Georgia, is a daughter of Hoghton View 1 Cameron, the second stock bull acquired by the Boothmans. Two further cow and calf outfits each made 2,800gns. First up was the April 2016-born Halton 1 Clara, another by Coley 1 Josh, which sold with its Marchborn Cameron heifer calf, Halton 1 Clara H1 to Brian Barrett, Sowerby, West Yorkshire.
Next at that money was Redshaw 1 Silver 4th, a five-year-old cow bred by Martin Coates, Widdale, Hawes. The Romany 1 Lightning Bolt daughter and April-born Cameron heifer calf, Halton 1 Silver H4 was knocked down to John Bell, Newtonle-Willows, Merseyside and has again been running with Cameron. Five other cow and calf outfits sold for 2,000gns and over, twice hitting 2,500gns. Halton 1 Foxglove, a March 2019-born daughter of Barwick 1 Iggy and May-born Coley 1 Sullivan sired bull calf, Halton 1 Harry, sold for 2,500gns to Stuart and Janet Fisher, Southwaite, Carlisle, who also claimed another of the cow and calf outfits at 2,400gns. Other heifer and calf sales included one at 2,100gns, while the two 2019-born in-calf heifers also sold well at 2,100gns and 2,000gns. Maiden heifers peaked at
Halton 1 Dora and its calf at-foot sold for 3,200gns
1,850gns twice for two March 2020-born daughters of Cameron. The December 2016-born Hoghton View 1 Cameron, a product of imported semen from the Australian sire Wirruna Daffy D1, has left a strong stamp on the Halton herd and was included in the sale, selling at 2,200gns and travels with Arfon Lloyd, Ffordd Trefriw, Conwy, who was a volume purchaser on the day. A Cameron son, the March 2020-born Halton 1 Garfield out of the Halton 1 Clara, also went under the hammer, finding a new home in West Yorkshire with B Keegan, Queensbury. Averages: 2 stock bulls, £2,205; 11 cows with calves, £2,429.31; 4 heifers and calves, £2,283.75; 2 in-calf heifers, £2,152; 11 maiden heifers, £1,789.77. Auctioneers: CCM Auctions
SALES | 75
NORTH OF ENGLAND HEREFORD BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION President: Mr Bernard Rimmer
Chairman: Mr Phillip Massey
Honorary Secretary: Mrs Jackie Cooper, Pollards Farm, Howick Cross Lane, Penwortham, PR1 0NS Tel: 07960 994 376 Email: nehbasecretary@gmail.com Facebook: North of England Hereford Breeders Durham West Yorkshire CORNRIGGS HEREFORDS: Mr Harry Elliott, Low Cornriggs Farm, Cowshill, Weardale, Co. Durham DL13 1AQ Tel: 01388 537600 Mobile: 07760 766794 Email: cornriggsfarm@btconnect.com www.cornriggsfarm.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/henry.elliott STARLIGHT POLL HEREFORDS: Mr. Stuart Hall, Plough Farm, Haswell County Durham DH6 2AZ Tel: 01915 208158 Email: ploughfarm@icloud.com BETHANFIELD HEREFORDS: Bethan Hutchinson, Field House Farm, Greatham, Billingham TS23 3TQ Mobile: 07903 415044 Email: bethan3012@hotmail.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/bethanfieldherefords AUCKVALE HEREFORDS: W & R Kemp & Sons, Wigdon Walls Farm, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham DL14 0LN Tel: 01388 603395 Mobile: 07803 692545 Email: wigdonwalls@talktalk.net Facebook: www.facebook.com/auckvaleherefords
Northumberland
CHOLLERTON HEREFORDS: Jessica Anderson, Chollerton Farm, Chollerton, Hexham NE46 4TQ Mobile: 07954 164050 Email: jess.pazzi@hotmail.com FOURSTONES HORNED HEREFORDS: R A Armstrong, East Fourstones, Fourstones, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 5DX Tel: 01434 674242 Email: ra-armstrong@outlook.com WANSBECK HEREFORDS: Ailsa Dickinson, Three Farms, Harle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE19 1TY Tel: 01830 540278 Email: a.ilsa@hotmail.co.uk MALLOWBURN HEREFORDS: Davie and Kate Dickinson, Chattlehope House, Catcleugh, Newcastle upon Tyne NE191TY Tel: 07881 379 809 Email: chattlehope@gmail.com Cumbria MORALEE HERERFORDS: Tom & Di Harrison, The Old Potato House, Eltringham Farm, Mickley, Stocksfield, Northumberland NE43 7DF Isle of Di Mobile: 07962 076853 Mann Tom Mobile: 07962 076 854 Email: moraleeherefords@gmail.com www.moraleeherefords.co.uk
BARWICK POLL HEREFORDS: Mr E Warner & Mrs C Burnell, 12 Abbott Close, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3AZ Tel: 07977 317 506 / 0777 399 4625 Email: christine.burnell@googlemail.com STONER POLL HEREFORDS: Mr Brian J Boulton, Stones Farm, Wainstalls, Halifax, HX2 7UJ Tel: 01422 240573 Mobile: 07399 178888 (Brian) Mobile: 07903 325341 (Lauren) Email: stoner1lauren@hotmail.com BLAKELAW POLL HEREFORDS: Mr J. B Henry, 33 Deep Lane, Clifton, Brighouse, Halifax, West Yorkshire HD6 4HF Tel: 01484 716 544 Mobile: 07860 555 128 HALL GREEN HEREFORDS: James Siddall, Lower Hall Green Farm, Hall Green Lane, Rishworth, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire Tel: 07517562280 Email: hallgreenherefords@btinternet.com COLEY HEREFORDS: Miss Heather Whittaker, Coley Walks Farm, Norwood Green, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 8RD Tel: Andrew Hughes 07861 899 646 Mobile: 07811 207 244 (Heather) Email: coleywalks@tiscali.co.uk
South Yorkshire Northumberland
WELL HILL HEREFORDS: Mr Alan Crooks, Well Hill Farm, Well Hill Road, Greenmoor, Sheffield S35 7DP Tel: 07957 543 646 Email: alancrooks1@live.co.uk
Lancashire Durham
N. Yorkshire
HOLLYVALE POLL HEREFORDS: A & P Massey, Hollins Mount Farm, Bury, Lancashire BL9 8AS Tel: 0161 766 3320 Tel: Phil Massey 07878 665309 Allen Massey 07917 324 471 Email: phil_massey@hotmail.co.uk
NEW DAWN HEREFORDS: Mr Matthew Rollason, Hill Top Farm, Mill Lane, Great Harwood, Lancashire, BB6 7UQ Mobile: 07794 458798 North Yorkshire Email: matthew_rollason96@ Lancashire BLACKWOOD HEREFORDS: Stephen Tate, White Lodge E. Yorkshire outlook.com Farm, Green Lane, Easingwold, York YO61 3ER Facebook: www.facebook.com/ W. Yorkshire Tel: 01347 823 190 Mobile: 07964 753079 newdawnherefords Email: Stephen@thetates.me.uk www.blackwoodherefords.co.uk Instagram: newdawnherefords WHITEHILL HEREFORDS: Mark and Gemma Dobson G. Mancs RIMINI POLL S. Yorkshire Raikes Farm, Hartlington, Burnsall, Skipton, North Yorkshire HEREFORDS: Mrs Jackie BD23 6BX Cooper, Pollards Farm, Howick Tel: 01756 720210 Mobile: 0777 992 0202 Cross Lane, Penwortham, Email: whitehillherefords@hotmail.co.uk www.whitehillherefords.co.uk Cheshire PR1 0NS HANSON HEREFORDS: DK & DK Hanson, Bay View Farming Co, Mobile: 07960 994 376 Bay View Farm, North Street, Flixton, Nr. Scarborough, North Yorkshire Email: mootoyoutoo77@gmail.com YO11 3UA PINMOOR POLL HEREFORDS: Mr Gary Hall, Nursery Cottage, Knowsley Mobile: 07852334503 Park, Prescot , L34 4AE Tel: 07710 193 013 Email: gary_hall@ntlworld.com Email: david@hansonherefords.co.uk Web: www.hansonherefords.co.uk EVETER HEREFORDS: Mrs E Jackson CASTLE PARK HEREFORDS: Hazel Thompson, Woodview, 4 Station Road, Lostock Bridge Farm, Ulnes Walton Lane, Ulnes Walton, Leyland, Lancs, PR26 8LT Helmsley,York YO62 5BZ Mobile: 07881 581072 Mobile: 07815 790880 Email: eveter@outlook.com Email: hazelmorrison11@btinternet.com Facebook/hazelmorrison BARBERN POLL HEREFORDS: Mr & Mrs B & B A Rimmer, Holmefields Farm, East Yorkshire Off Long Lane, Scorton, Preston, Lancashire PR3 1DB Mobile 0771 425 4564 Email: barbara.rimmer@hotmail.co.uk KIPLINGCOTES HEREFORDS: AM & SV Soanes, Wallis Grange, Kiplingcotes, Market Weighton,YORK YO43 3LX Sarah Soanes, Tel: 07970416334 or HOLMEFOLD HEREFORDS: Maddy Scott 01430810664 Holmefold Farm, Tower View, Belthorn, Blackburn BB1 2PD Email: sarahvsoanes@gmail.com Web: kiplingcotesherefords.co.uk Tel: 07462 950 206 Email: maddyscott1997@gmail.com Facebook.com/HolmefoldHerefords Cumbria TAYMAR HEREFORDS: S R Taylor & D Marsh, 6 Jane lane, Hesketh Farm, Midge CARLETON HEREFORDS: N & L Cummings, Hall Carleton farm, Saltcoats, hall, Leyland, Lancashire PR26 6TQ Holmrook, Cumbria CA191YZ Tel : 07740193866 & 07860636605 or Matt Taylor 07832480355 Mob 07581488378 Email neil.cummings@btinternet.com Email: moocowdebs@yahoo.co.uk Facebook:Taymar livestock BARWISE HEREFORDS: Mrs Carolyn Fletcher, Barwise Hall, Appleby in HOGHTON VIEW HEREFORDS: S & E Walker, Lane Side Farm, Blackburn Old Westmorland, Cumbria CA16 6TD Road, Hoghton, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 0SG Tel: 01768 353430 Mobile: 07711 415694 Email: info@barwisepedigreecattle.com Tel: 01254 852187 Mob: 07814 056943 Email: steven@hoghtonviewherefords.co.uk NETHERHALL HEREFORDS: Nether Hall Farm Ltd, Nether Hall, Mansergh, Website: www.hoghtonviewherefords.co.uk Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria LA6 2EW facebook.com/hoghtonviewherefords / instagram: hoghtonviewherefords Tel: 015242 73927 Mobile: 07808 050030 Email: netherhall@hotmail.co.uk POPPLEMIRE HEREFORDS: T K Robinson, Greaves Farm, Popplemire Lane, Greater Manchester Old Hutton, Kendal, Cumbria LA8 0NA Tel: 01539 722444 Mobile: 07711 967932 Email: gbbears@hotmail.co.uk LEO’S PRIDE POLL HEREFORDS: B & J Ellis, Bores Farm, Chorley Road, Worthington, Wigan, WN1 2XJ Mobile: 07967 741 492 Cheshire Email: bettyhereford@outlook.com BRADMORE HEREFORDS: Mr. John Morris, 1b Wrenshot Lane, High Legh, HARTSHEAD HEREFORDS: Miss Helen Mills, Little Lees Farm, Hartshead, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6NQ Ashton under Lyne OL6 9AA Mobile: 07446 273512 Mobile: 07711 506020 Email: bakersfield2@hotmail.co.uk Email: helen-rachel@hotmail.co.uk HALLWOOD POLL HEREFORDS: R & R I Shaw, Hallwood Farm, Badgers Rake WYTHEN POLL HEREFORDS: Wythenshawe Community Farm, c/o Allen Lane, Ledsham, South Wirral, Cheshire CH66 8PF Massey, Wythenshawe Park, Wythenshawe Road, Wythenshawe, M23 0AB Mobile: 07885 438 993 (Ian) Mobile: 07774 469 896 (Robert) Tel: 0161 946 0726 Mobile: Allen 07917 324 471 Email: robertshaw1102@gmail.com CRAWFORD HEREFORDS: Rebecca and Chris Abbott, Moorside Farm, WALROSE HEREFORDS: Mr Sam Walton, Weaver Dairyhouse Farm, Stocks Hill, Hobson Moor Road, Mottram, Cheshire SK14 6SG Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 4EE Tel: 07388 034502 Email becabbott@outlook.com Tel: 07840 638877 Email: farmersam_123@hotmail.com www.crawfordherefords.co.uk
76 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
North of England attends several shows After what seemed like a decade of being locked away on-farm, in spring 2021 North of England Hereford Breeders’ Association (NEHBA) members started to sense a taste of ‘normality’.
“It has been an enormous privilege and opportunity for me to visit so many great herds in our region, all with excellent cattle which has made my final deliberations even more difficult.
Members were luckier than in some areas, by having a number of shows to attend, for exhibitors to compete at show and club levels. After a period away from these activities, members are now more aware of the importance of conversation and informing visitors about the great Hereford breed.
“In each of the categories I wanted to find a herd with a consistent group of breeding cows that demonstrated good phenotypic traits including milking ability, udder structure, locomotion and carcase conformation. I have balanced this with the adoption of genetic technologies, a clear set of breeding objectives and a sound understanding and relationship with their target markets and buyers, be they pedigree or commercial.”
The Great Yorkshire Show saw a rather different format this year, with reduced visitors and extending to four days. The breed stand was positioned opposite the Hereford ring and cattle sheds. The association’s new marketing coordinator, Sam Walton of Walrose Herefords, kicked-off proceedings on the Tuesday and reported a successful footfall, which was very encouraging considering the beef breeds weren’t yet on the site. This was also the society’s first chance to show off the new show stand materials. Visitors, exhibitors and members commented positively and was very encouraging. Massive thanks go to Matthew Rollason, of New Dawn Herefords, who accepted the invitation to judge the NEHBA herd competition and travel the length and breadth of the North of England, viewing, note taking and deliberating on the cattle he saw. The year 2021 also saw the National Herd of the Year Competition, of which the NEHBA herd winner was Auckvale Herefords. A massive congratulations goes to the Kemp family, who also went on to take place position in the national competition. Results of the NEHBA herd competition can be seen below. Commenting on his travels around the North of England, Matthew said:
Congratulations must also be extended to Carolyn Fletcher for taking the prestigious honour of becoming the 2022 Hereford Cattle Society president. NEHBA are sure Carolyn will have a tremendous time visiting many breeders, events and shows during this time. The association is keen to meet up at our AGM in early 2022 and set about pursuing new ideas for further breed promotions.
Best bull calf, S and E Walker, Hoghton View 1 Jackpot
NEHBA points competition 2021 Female of the year, E Jackson, Eveter 1 Demelza 4th Reserve female, E Jackson, Eveter 1 Demelza 5th and R and E Jackson and S Taylor and D Marsh, Solpoll 1 Starlet T5 from Exhibitor-bred female of the year, E Jackson, Eveter 1 Demelza 4th Reserve best exhibitor-bred female, E Jackson, Eveter 1 Demelza 5th Bull and exhibitor-bred bull of the year, S Taylor and D Marsh, Taymar 1 Trailblazer Reserve and reserve exhibitor-bred bull of the year, H Whittaker, Coley 1 Vincent Senior young handler, Ryan Shaw
Herd competition results Overall, W and R Kemp and sons, Auckvale Small herd, 1st, E Jackson, Eveter; 2nd, M Sedman, Whitby; 3rd, GJT, V and K Parkinson, Dovewood Medium herd, 1st, Mr and Mrs B Rimmer, Barbern; 2nd, S and E Walker, Hoghton View; 3rd, G Hall Pinmoor Large herd, 1st, W and R Kemp and sons, Auckvale; 2nd, Mr and Mrs D Kelly Netherhall, 3rd, CS Fletcher, Barwise Proven stock bull, CS Fletcher, Moeskaer Ultra 1582 Best heifer calf, Mr and Mrs B Rimmer, Barbern 1 Babs 554
Sam Walton with Peter Wright, from television series The Yorkshire Vet
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 77
Junior young handler, Eva Jackson
Pedigree Poll Hereford Cattle
Semen, Bulls and females for sale Steven and Lizzie Walker Lane Side Farm | Blackburn Old Road | Hoghton Preston | Lancashire | PR5 0SG 07814056943 01254 852187
UK SEMEN
WORLDWIDE SEMEN
Hoghton View 1 Jackaroo (P) AI ET {DLF IEF HYF}
www.hoghtonviewherefords.co.uk
Hoghton View 1 Endure (P) AI ET (Imp Can) {DLF IEF HYF}
steven@hoghtonviewherefords.co.uk
NETHERHALL
HEREFORDS
‘DON’T MAKE IT DIFFICULT MAKE IT PROFITABLE’
www.netherhall-herefords.co.uk 07808050030
78 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 79
80 | SHOWS
Reserve interbreed for Rebel Kicks at Harrogate Hot on the heels of its win at the Royal Highland, Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 went on to stand reserve interbreed champion at the Great Yorkshire. In a glimpse of normality as the sun shone on exhibitors at the Great Yorkshire Show, Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 from Tom and Di Harrison, Mickley, Northumberland impressed again and was tapped out as reserve interbreed champion by George Young, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.
Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 from T and D Harrison
Having already stood interbreed champion at Devon County and native interbreed at the Royal Highland Showcase this year, as well as interbreed junior bull at the 2019 Royal Welsh, Rebel Kicks is no stranger to the ring. Led by Steven O’Kane, this impressive bull is by Danish-bred SMH King Size 87K, the 2019 sire of the year and out of Romany 1 Dawn D1 M6. Born in April 2018, it also stood poll bull of the year and joint bull of the year in 2019, as announced at the 2019 society annual dinner. This senior bull also made up one half of the interbreed native champion pair alongside class winner Coley 1 Nova 351 from Heather Whittaker, Halifax, West Yorkshire. Following Rebel Kicks through the male championship and into the reserve
Coley 1 Vincent from H Whittaker
SHOWS | 81
82 | SHOWS
supreme spot was junior bull Coley 1 Vincent from Heather Whittaker, as judged by Des Kelly, Co Tyrone. September 2020-born, this Fabb 1 Northern Star son is out of Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 591, which is a daughter of the Canadian-bred Remitall Super Duty 42S. It was also selected as junior champion. Heading up the female championship was Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 which is another animal already successfully shown this summer from Tom and Di Harrison. April 2019-born, Pippa is again by the prolific SMH King Size 87K which has bred many champions for the Harrisons. Out of Coley 1 Pippa 356, its dam stood breed champion at the Royal Highland in 2017.
Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 from T and D Harrison
Hollyvale 1 Leyla 7th from Allen and Phil Massey, Bury, Lancashire was selected as reserve female champion and also won the youngest heifer class. October 2020-born, it is by stock bull Netherhall 1 Jack P517 and out of a home-bred female, sired by Dendor 1 Leroy. The September 2019 to March 2020born bull class was led by Oxfordshirebased SC and GL Hartwright’s Spartan 1 Typhoon. This February-born bull is a son of Solpoll 1 Perfection, bred by Northern Irish breeders John and William McMordie, and purchased at the 2019 society spring show and sale for 8,000gns, before winning multiple show prizes. Coley 1 Nova 351 which went on to stand champion in the Blythewood native pair champions was given the red ticket in the senior cow class. Six years old, it is by Blakelaw 1 Calzaghe, the 2012 UK bull of the year and one of the breeder’s first purchases within the breed.
Spartan 1 Typhoon from SC and GL Hartwright
The journey from Bath paid dividends for young breeder Will Awan who won the January to March 2020-born heifer class with Kinglee 1 Miss 639, bred by Peter Cobley, Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire. Out of a Kinglee female, this March 2020-born female is by Cleland 1 Nelson which carries Danish breeding on its paternal side. In the group of three, SC and GL Hartwright came up trumps again with trio of Solpoll 1 Perfection sired animals. The pairs competition was won by Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 and Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11.
Coley 1 Nova from H Whittaker
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84 | SHOWS
Kinglee 1 Miss 639 from W Awan
Champion pair from Tom and Di Harrison
Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 was reserve interbreed
Interbreed native pairs champions
Mallowburn Herefords From the Northumberland hills
Introducing our new Junior Stock Bull Keenagh Orlando bred by Edwin & Robert Jones, Co Longford, Ireland
Heifers regularly for sale Visitors welcome David & Kate Dickinson Chattlehope House, Catcleugh, Newcastle upon Tyne NE19 1TY email: chattlehope@gmail.com tel: 01830 or 07881 379809
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Pilot flies to the top at Westmorland Record priced poll bull Coley 1 Pilot added the Westmorland Show championship to its name in 2021. Leading the Hereford section at Westmorland Show and taking the breed champion title was Coley 1 Pilot from Graham Shepherd, Preston, tapped out by Jack Henry of Blakelaw Herefords, West Yorkshire. Purchased for a record poll bull price of 13,000gns at the 2018 Designer Genes sale, it was also named Hereford Champion of Europe and UK Hereford bull of the year. Born in January 2017, it is out of Romany 1 Ishbel D1 M11 and by Coley 1 Maverick. Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 from T and D Harrison, Northumberland stood reserve champion. An animal now known to most, it has had a good deal of success across the country this summer. Senior female champion at the National Poll Show, it is April 2019-born and by the 2019 UK sire of the year, SMH King Size 87K, and out of Coley 1 Pippa 356. This season, the heifer has already been named reserve native interbreed champion at Staffordshire County, reserve breed and female champion at Devon County, female champion at the Great Yorkshire and reserve breed champion at the Royal Highland Showcase.
Coley 1 Pilot from G and MC Shepherd
The Harrisons also took first place in the pairs class with Moralee 1 Vandal RK V16 and Moralee 1 Villian RK V17, both by Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12, which was interbreed champion at Devon County, native interbreed champion at the Royal Highland Showcase and reserve interbreed champion at the Great Yorkshire. Coley 1 Vincent, another familiar animal on this summer’s show circuit stood
Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 from T and D Harrison
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Results (Judge: J Henry, W Yorkshire) Champion, G and MC Shepherd, Coley 1 Pilot; reserve, T and D Harrison, Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 Pair of animals, 1st, T and D Harrison; 2nd, E Jackson; 3rd, BG Hutchinson Bull born on or before 31 December 2019, 1st, G and MC Shepherd, Coley 1 Pilot; 2nd, S Taylor and D Marsh, Taymar Trailblazer; 3rd, BG Hutchinson, Coley 1 Sebastian Bull born on or after 1 January 2020, 1st, Heather Whittaker, Coley 1 Vincent; 2nd, CS Fletcher. Barwise 1 Tortuga; 3rd, S Taylor and D Marsh, Taymar 1 Valentino The winning pair from T and D Harrison first place in the 2020-born bull class. September 2020-born, it was reserve supreme and junior champion at the Great Yorkshire Show before standing reserve junior male champion at Moreton. A Fabb 1 Northern Star son, it is out of Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 591, a
daughter of the Canadian-bred Remitall Super Duty 42S. Eveter 1 Demelza 5th from Emma Jackson, Lancashire took the red ticket in the junior female class. A Normanton 1 Laertes daughter, it is out of Barbern 1 June 349, bred by Barbara and Bernard Rimmer.
Heifer born on or after 1 January 2019, 1st, T and D Harrison, Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11; 2nd, S Taylor and D Marsh, Solpoll 1 Scarlet; 3rd, BG Hutchinson, Romany 1 Ishbel Heifer born on or after 1 January 2020, 1st, E Jackson, Eveter 1 Demelza 4th; 2nd, E Jackson, Eveter 1 Demeliza 5th; 3rd, Phillip Massey, Castle Mount 1 Lilac
BA R B E R N P O L L E D H E R E F O R D S B a n d BA R i m m e r
Barbern 1 Babs 554
Bulls and heifers for sale enquires welcome
Judged the Best heifer calf in the 2021 NEHBA Herd Competition also 1st in the medium Herd category
Holmefields Farm, Off Long Lane, Scorton, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 1DB Barbara’s Mobile 07936515794 Bernard’s Mobile: 07714 254564 Email: barbara.rimmer@hotmail.co.uk or bernardrimmer48@gmail.com
Visitors always welcome.
TB4
BVD accredited
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Hartwrights headup Royal Lancs It was the turn of SC and GL Hartwright to lead the Hereford classes at the Royal Lancashire Show with Spartan 1 Duchess T95, making the long trip from Oxfordshire worthwhile. Led by Katherine Shaw, February 2020born heifer Spartan 1 Duchess T95 from SC and GL Hartwright, out of Ruckmans 1 Orange 1332, stood Champion at the Royal Lancashire Show. It is by Panmure 1 Henry son Solpoll 1 Perfection, purchased at the spring show and sale at Hereford in 2019 for 8,000gns from Northern Irish breeders John and William McMordie. Directed into the reserve position by judge James Ludgate, was male champion Twinshock 1 Paddys Boy from Phil Martindale, Bolton. Born in March 2020, it is by the prolific Fabb 1 Northern Star, which is a son of the Canadian Square-D Tortuga 953T. Its dam Herberry 1 Lucy Belle, a Dendor 1 Kohinoor daughter, went through the Designer Genes ring at 7,000gns in 2019, in-calf to this young bull.
Spartan 1 Duchess T95 from SC and GL Hartwright female champion. A Normanton 1 Laertes daughter, it is out of Barbern 1 June 349, bred by Barbara and Bernard Rimmer.
carries Australian blood on its paternal side, it is out of Northern Irish-bred Richmount 1 Nina.
S Taylor and D Marsh, Leyland, Lancashire, were handed the red ticket in the senior bull class with Taymar 1 Trailblazer. By Pulham Powerhouse which
The senior cow class was led by Hallwood 1 Oyster Shell from Cheshirebased R and RI Shaw with its heifer calf, Hallwood 1 Pearl, at-foot. By Hallwood 1
Reserve male was another from the Hartwrights, in the form of Spartan 1 Typhoon which has already won classes this summer at the Great Yorkshire and Shropshire County. It is another sired by Perfection which won the 2019 Devon County and Royal Bath and West breed championships. From Emma Jackson, a local to the show, Eveter 1 Demelza 5th followed the Spartan heifer through its heifer class and into the position of reserve
Twinshock 1 Paddys Boy from P Martindale
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Knight, it is out of Kinglee 1 Oyster Girl 495, a daughter of Kinglee 1 Jowett. There was further success for Emma Jackson in the 2019 heifer class. Eveter 1 Gin 2nd, by Haven Hotspur, was shown with its Panmure 1 Henry sired heifer calf, Eveter 1 Gin 3rd V27, at-foot. In the pairs, it was again Hartwrights who came out on top, with their champion Spartan 1 Duchess T95 and stable mate Spartan 1 Amy 3rd T97. In the overall young handlers’ competition, Hereford young breeders performed well, with Katherine Shaw of Hallwood Herefords placing second, brother Ryan Shaw in third place and Eva Jackson of Eveter Herefords in fourth position.
Spartan 1 Typhoon from SC and GL Hartwright
Results (Judge: J Ludgate, Thame) Champion and female, SC and GL Hartwright, Spartan 1 Duchess T95, reserve and male, P Martindale, Twinshock 1 Paddys Boy; res male, SC and GL Hartwright, Spartan 1 Typhoon; res female, E Jackson, Eveter 1 Demelza 5th T21 Bull born before 31 December 2019, 1st, S Taylor and D Marsh, Taymar 1 Trailblazer Bull born on or after 1 January 2020, 1st, P Martindale Twinshock 1 Paddys Boy; 2nd, SC and GL Hartwright, Sparton 1 Typhoon; 3rd, H Whittaker, Coley 1 Vincent
Eveter 1 Demelza from E Jackson
Cow or heifer born before 31 December 2018, in-calf or with calf at-foot, 1st, R and RI Shaw, Hallwood 1 Oyster Shell; 2nd, P Martindale, Auckvale 1 Janet 1756R Heifer born on or after 1 January 2019, 1st, E Jackson, Eveter 1 Gin 2nd; 2nd, T and D Harrison Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11; 3rd, S Taylor and D Marsh, Solpoll 1 Starlet T5 Heifer born on or after 1 January 2020, 1st, E Jackson, Spartan 1 Duchess T95, SC and GL Hartwright; 2nd, Eveter 1 Demelza 5th T21; 3rd, H Whittaker, Coley 1 Lily 561 Best pair of animals, 1st SC and GL Hartwright; 2nd, R and R I Shaw; 3rd, S Taylor and D Marsh
Taymar 1 Trailblazer from S Taylor and D Marsh
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Harveys lead Carlisle May sale George and Sophie Harvey topped the trade at Harrison and Hetherington’s May pedigree beef day, with Harveybros 1 Turbo-Tam. Bulls led the Hereford section at Harrison and Hetherington’s pedigree beef day in May, with Harveybros 1 Turbo-Tam from George and Sophie Harvey, Balfron, Glasgow generating the top call of 4,000gns. Sired by Normanton 1 Laertes, this September 2019-born bull out of Harveybros 1 Crocus H3 crosses the border back to Scotland with WD Adams and son, Wigtown, Wigtownshire. Not far behind at 3,800gns was Kingshaugh 1 Question from TW Hutchinson, Forest-in-Teesdale, Co Durham, which travelled to Newcastleupon-Tyne with GS Eggleston. June 2019-born, this Gouldingpoll 1 Gold Spice son is out of a home-bred female, sired by the Canadian JSF 271 Dice ET 10M.
Harveybros 1 Turbo-Tam from G and S Harvey sold for 4,000gns 1 Jane 20th from G and MC Shepherd, Woodplumpton, Lancashire which sold to Kevin Davidson, Saline, Fife. By the record breaking 13,000gns Coley 1 Pilot, it is out of a home-bred daughter of the widely recognised Moorside 1 Joseph. At 1,700gns, Kingshaugh 1 Tess, a female
offering from TW Hutchinson, sold to K Percival, Leyburn, North Yorkshire. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington Averages: 4 bulls, £3,753.7; 2 females, £1,942.50
Adding to Eggleston’s purchases at 3,500gns was Harveybros 1 Tiesto, another Harvey-bred sire. Born in December 2019, it is again a Laertes son and out of a Crocus female which do so well for the breeders. Craigdhu 1 Macduff from Margaret Galbraith, Sandilands, Lanarkshire saw bids to 3,000gns, and sold to AK Hill Agri Contracts Wishaw, Lanarkshire. By the popular Normanton 1 Laertes, is out of Romany 1 Jane and was born in October 2019. Heifers met a more selective trade which peaked at 2,000gns for Moorside
Kingshaugh 1 Question from TW Hutchinson sold for 3,800gns
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In-calf recipient generates 4,000gns at Whittle dispersal The Whittle herd dispersal topped at 4,000gns for a recipient carrying a Rebel Kicks cross Coley 1 Clara 418 calf.
was purchased at the 2018 Designer Genes sale for 7,500gns, and was one of the first daughters of Solpoll 1 Kentucky Kid to sell at auction.
The Whittle dispersal sale took place in December 2021 on behalf of Lancashire's N and G Robinson (Whittle AG).
Next in the money was seven year old cow Dendor 1 Anna Mary 26th, purchased at 3,500gns by B and M Chilman, Presteigne, Radnorshire. Purchased by the Whittle family at the 2016 society show and sale at Hereford where it stood female champion, it is by Solpoll 1 Gilbert, the three times UK sire of the year and out of a home-bred Hawkwsbury 1 Prosper daughter.
A Hereford-cross cow carrying an embryo of the sire Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 and dam Coley 1 Clara 418 sold at 4,000gns, purchased by Steven O’Kane on behalf of a client. Due in January 2022, a 50 per cent interest in the dam
Born in 2015, Normanton 1 Jurana 9th was knocked down to S Hudson, Whittington, Shropshire at 2,500gns. Bred by TD and WT Livesey, it was purchased at the 2017 spring show and sale for 2,550gns and is by Alvian
1 Emperor and out of a home-bred Hollowseal 1 Wombat daughter. Another in-calf recipient sold at 2,400gns to M Voss, Hinton St George, Somerset who was a volume buyer on the day. By Coley 1 Pilot, which sold for 13,000gns at auction, it again has the dam of Coley 1 Clara 418. Frenchstone P. 1 Molly 349 realised 2,700gns, and again travels to Presteigne with the Chilmans. By Moeskaer Magnum 1404, it is out of Dendor 1 Molly 21st. Frenchstone P. 1 Capri sold at 2,200gns to G and A Redmayne, Kendal, Cumbria. By Dorepoll 1 499 High Society and out of Frenchstone P. 1 Daffodil, which is by Lowesmoor 1 Abram. Auctioneers: Halls
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At home with the Kemps
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Breeding some of the most notable animals in recent times, the Kemp family has experienced some exciting moments within the Hereford breed and in 2021 placed third in the National Herd of the Year Competition. Watching his computer screen while heifer Auckvale Curly 1831S sold at the 2020 Designer Genes sale got his heart racing, says John Kemp who runs Auckvale Herefords together with brother Tom, sister-in-law Catherine and nephew William near Bishop Auckland, Co Durham. Having sold for a then European horned female record of 10,000gns, it is one of the most successful animals the family has bred to date. There are several animals which come to mind when you think of the Kemp brothers. This horned female is just one which after a heated bidding war between online and phone bidders was consigned to Tom and Di Harrisons’ Moralee herd. Sold at 23 months of age, the heifer was sired by Auckvale KingMaker 1265K. Purchasers Tom and Di Harrison say they were on the hunt in the autumn of 2020 to find a herd addition which they liked as much as Coley 1 Pippa 356, one of their first purchases within the breed. They say they wanted to add another horned female to the herd and quite unusually for the Harrison pair, they agreed it should be Curly. Since, it has produced heifer calf Moralee Curly EC V30, having been bought in-calf to Ervie Classic S30, a bull from John Douglas’ renowned herd, based in Wigtownshire. Now back in-calf to SNS Generator 28X, it will be flushed by the breeders. Although having commenced breeding Herefords in the 1970s, the Kemps really started to concentrate on the breed in the early 1990s and today are recognised as one of the country’s top breeders.
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Cow families at Auckvale • Curly – purchased from the Border herd
• Lively – originally purchased from the Westwood herd by Catherine’s family
• Janet – purchased from John Douglas
• Beauty – purchased from Stan Quan
• Peach - purchased from John Douglas
• Pansy – purchased from Stan Quan L-R John, William, Tom and Katherine Kemp Setting the tone for the years to come, the Kemp family came away from their first National Hereford Show at Tenbury Wells in 1998 with both the junior male and female champion titles. Their male
time on ships around the world assisting with the location of oil. the family well aware of the commercial benefits the breed brings. As time went on, the breeders developed a name for themselves and in 2003, ceased dairy farming altogether.
“We are really pleased with how Muttley has bred for us. His daughters are hard working” champion was Auckvale Redoubtable while Auckvale Beauty took the female championship, and both were Salbri Loftus progeny. Loftus, bred by Mannon Lewis, Anglesey, has been a particularly influential sire at Auckvale, and was a son of Border Bugatti, bred by breed stalwart Stan Quan, Herefordshire. Originally dairy farmers, Hereford bulls were used on the Kemps' cows, with
Running 121 hectares (300 acres) across two farms, the two brothers have for a long time worked in tandem, making joint decisions and travelling the world to enjoy international events while hunting for new genetics. Now, they are joined by Tom’s son William who has recently entered the farming partnership after returning from many years working in the oil industry, spending great amounts of
Today, the Kemps run 100 cows across Wigdon Walls and Brafferton farms, and aim to produce medium sized, functional females with power and strength, and driving between them in the field is an impressive show. It is not just individual animals from Auckvale which impress. From 2004 to 2014, the Kemp family won six consecutive North of England Hereford Breeders’ Association herd competitions and are thrilled to have won it again in 2021. Within the herd, John says he has a particular soft spot for the Lively family, and it is clear to see why. Auckvale Lively 1058H, two-time horned female of the year, has now had nine calves, living up to the renowned functionality of Auckvale cattle and the Hereford breed. This female was born in spring 2011, and is by Auckvale Broadside,
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100 cows are run across two farms a Canadian imported embryo by AR Adams Expansion 266M and out of GH Ruby ET 92M.
female at Royal Cornwall and took a second prize at the Royal Bath and West in the same year.
Despite their successes and thrills, the Kemps are now edging away from horned breeding towards the poll strain, saying the market demands these cattle, although some horned animals will continue to be bred every year to satisfy these purchasers.
A son of the three-time UK sire of the year, Solpoll 1 Gilbert, Dendor 1 Muttley is the first bull the brothers have bought in 20 years, with many previous herd sires entering the country as embryos.
The family has already experienced success within the poll strain. The summer of 2019 saw Auckvale 1 Curly 1725R stand breed champion at the Royal Welsh Show. Again, John and Tom watched online as Adam Bowen and parents Lyn and Leslie from Nelson, Glamorgan moved to the fore of the line-up with this female, judged by Ian Shaw of Cheshire-based Halwood Herefords. Another Designer Genes success, the female was purchased by the South Wales family for 7,300gns. Out of Auckvale Curly 1271K, it is by Dendor 1 Muttley and also stood reserve breed champion at Shropshire County, reserve
John says: “We are really pleased
John adds: “A lot of our older cows are particularly big, but we are now focusing on a more medium sized cow, while retaining that power and strength. We just don’t need cows quite that big.” Some of the cow families at Auckvale have been established for many years, including the Curly line which first joined the herd from Stan Quan’s Border herd
“Showing is a bit of fun and our shop window” with how Muttley has bred for us. His daughters are hard working.” No females have been bought since the 1990s. Having run Friesian cows in their dairy herd, Hereford-crosses were initially also run as a suckler herd but the commercial cows have nearly been phased out with the decision to go entirely pedigree.
in 1995. The Lively family first arrived at Auckvale via Catherine’s family in the form of Brusselton 1 Lively Lucinda, the dam of which came from Clive Davies’ Westwood herd and was by Free Town Maximus. This cow bred Auckvale King-Maker 1265K which has been used widely in the herd, including their record breaking horned female.
Recent herd sires • Mawarra Outstanding L140 (Imp AUS) – sired by Allendale Anzac E114
• Auckvale 1 Ramesses 1711R– sired by Normaton 1 Laertes
• Auckvale 1 Revolution 1784R (Imp CAN) – sired by TH 89T 743 Untapped 425X
• Dendor 1 Muttley – sired by Solpoll 1 Gilbert and purchased from DE, ED and AL Jones
Dendor 1 Muttley is the first bull purchased in 20 years
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Tom, John and Catherine Kemp have been keen attendees of the World Hereford Conference and take a great interest in the leading breeding programmes around the world. While in Canada in 2012, the conference took the Kemps to the Copper Creek Ranch in British Columbia where they saw a cow which they really liked, WLB 36N Beth, owned by the breeders’ daughter Cayley Brown. The female was shown at the World Hereford Conference show where it went on to be female champion before winning Canada’s National Show and then best female in the Hereford Champion of the World competition. John says they saw Cayley at Western Agribition after the conference and arranged a flush from the daughter of the Beth cow, CB 122L Lady B 227Z, which they saw on its dam which they admired so much while in Canada in 2012. This female went on to follow in its mother’s footsteps also winning the Hereford Champion of the World female title. Unfortunately though, the flush wasn’t as successful as the family had hoped and so they were offered a share in WLB 36N Beth’s daughter and maternal sister to Lady, CBB 4R Iggy 511C, and three flushes have been had by two different bulls following its purchase. The Beth family is now one of the most newly established at Auckvale and the family is keen to see what it produces. All heifer calves are registered with the society along with the majority of bull calves. Embryos are put into the lower end of the pedigree heifers and depending on their calving and
motherability, will map out whether these recipients remain or leave the pedigree herd. As a rule, Auckvale females calve outside. Lying on the east of the country, the farm has benefitted from dry winters but weather conditions of the past few winters have made outwintering unviable. As a result, actions are currently being taken to improve and expand the farm’s winter housing to make a winter inside more manageable. Heifers are calved at two to two and a half years old, and John says they rarely pull a calf. Calving takes place mostly in spring between March and May, though some females will calve in the autumn to ensure bulls are always available for sale at a good range of ages. Weaning then occurs at nine months of age. The Kemps are some of the longest standing suppliers to the Dovecote Park Hereford Beef scheme and have been routinely sending cattle to kill at the processor’s Pontefract site. Bullocks which don’t reach the Kemps’ standards for breeding are sent to kill, but this is decreasing all the time and currently 30 to 40 per year leave the farm in this way. Some bulls are also finished and sold through Darlington Mart, which now enjoys a new site with updated facilities. Deciding which bulls to retain is based on a myriad of reasons including its dams’ milking ability, locomotion and markings. John adds: “I wouldn’t keep a bull if I was not happy with its feet or if its mother
The Beth family is one of the newest families at Auckvale
New cow families • Miss Trina – purchased from T Bar K, Saskatchewan
• Dominette – purchased from Jay and Janice Berry, Wyoming
• Beth – purchased from Cayley Brown, British Columbia had a particularly hard calving. We certainly take EBVs into account when selecting stock but an animal has got to look the part as well.” The Kemps operate their pedigree herd with commerciality at heart. John says: “Showing is a bit of fun and our shop window but we don’t have the time to do too much of it. If we do show, these animals are treated no differently to the rest of the herd. Customers don’t want something which is stuffed full of concentrates and pushed. “For a long time now, we have been trying to continuously improve the milk in our females and breed good feet and legs, while also making good use of grass. We don’t creep feed our calves so we need milky mothers. “Auckvale Advance 790E added a lot of milk to the herd’s females which came over from Wyoming as an embryo from the Berry family. This bull was the sire of King-maker who also bred daughters with tremendous amounts of milk.” John concludes: “There is no other breed which performs like the Hereford.”
There is a focus on milkiness within the herd
Auckvale
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Visitors always welcome Powerful easy calving bulls and beautiful females for sale
Senior Sire Dendor 1 Muttley At 7 years old W & R Kemp and Sons Wigdon Walls Farm Bishop Auckland Co. Durham, DL14 OLN
Tel: John 07803692545 William 07970721503 Tom 07803692600 wigdonwalls@talktalk.net
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98 | SALES
THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND
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Some of the leading herds in the country are in our area and the undermentioned breeders would be delighted to see you. A prior appointment would be appreciated. BERKSHIRE 1. A.E. Nesbitt Farms Ltd., Titcomb-Cleland (P) Herd, North Standen House, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 0QZ. Tel: 07788 412098 Fax: 01488 686832 Email: hello@nesbittfarms.co.uk 2. Mrs. Pam Noel & Mr R. Snelling, Sarabande Herefords, Long Meadow, Shurlock Row, Reading RG10 0PL. Tel: 01189 343323 Mobile: 07976 692543 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 3. D. Briggs, Blackwell (P) Herd, Blackwell Farm, Latimer, Chesham, Bucks HP5 1TN. Tel: 01494 762190. Email: farm@davidbriggs.com DORSET 4. Les Gould, Baybridge Herefords, Lower Breach Farm, West Orchard, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 0LL Tel: 01258 472417 Email: gould121@btinternet.com. GLOUCESTER 5. M.L. & D.J. Jenkins, Appleridge (P) Herd, Appleridge Farm, Hystfield, Stone, Berkeley, Gloucestershire GL13 9LJ. Tel: 01453 511635. Mobile: 07785 388408 Email: martinljenkins@aol.com HAMPSHIRE 6. Mr M. Osmond, Broadgate Herd, Gastons Farm, Five Bells Lane, Nether Wallop, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 8EN Tel: 07970 484 677 Email: contact@gastonsfarm.com 7. Mr Julian Neagle, Velmore Herd, 1 Velmore Farm Cottages, Bournemouth Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, SO53 3HF. Tel: 07736 830536 Email: jneagle@tiscali.co.uk 8. Mr T Yaldren Banjos Poll Hereford: Long Park Farm, Long Park, Crawley, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2QE 07850024412 longparkfarm@hotmail.com 9. E and J Lake, Borovere, 1 Ragmore Farm Cottages, Froxfield, Petersfield, Hants, GU32 1DE. 07936 373996, jameslake1988@gmail. com 10. Tom Hewitt Potkiln Herd: Field House, Hursley, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2LE 01962 775203 07803165333 hewitttom@ hotmail.com 11. Harold Hatt, Jason & Priscilla Miller, Weybrook (P),Sherborne St John, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9LH Tel: 01256 850083 Email: jasonandcil@hotmail.co.uk ISLE OF WIGHT 12. Mr & Mrs P Bradley, Crockers & Northwood Herds, Crockers Farm, Cowes Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5TP. Tel: 01983 525878. Email: crockerslively@gmail.com 13. M & J Morris, Whitelane Herefords, Apesdown Farm, Rowridge Lane, Calbourne, Isle of Wight, PO30 4HS. Tel: 01983 531234/07791 537890 Email: mikedm.whitelane@gmail.com
14. David Thurman, Brambles Herefords: Brambles Farm, Brambles Lane, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, PO40 9SS 07887658816 tthurmandavid@aol.com KENT 15. Mrs. S.I. Purchese, Lynsore (P) Herd, Court Lodge Farm, Manns Hill, Bossingham, Nr. Canterbury, Kent CT4 6EB. Tel: 01227 709330 Email: soniapurchese@yahoo.co.uk 16. Jan Boomaars, Vexour Herd: Hampkins Hill Road, Chiddingstone, Kent, TN8 7BB 01883 653064 07500706695 www.vexour.com mart1nsal@yahoo.co.uk 17. Fidelity Weston, Romshed, Romshed Farm, Underriver, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0SD 01732 463372, romshead@weald.co.uk 18. Charlie Basley, Phantom Herd, Landway Farm, Basted Lane, Crouch, Kent, TN15 8PY Tel: 01732 886002 Fax: 01732 887466 Email: enquiries@ghostmotors.co.uk OXFORD 19. S.C & G.L Hartwright Spartan Herd: Grove Farm, Milton Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4DP Luke Murphy: 07341440766 SPARTAN.HEREFORDS13@GMAIL.COM SURREY 20. Nigel, Ann & Tim Metson, Coverwood (P) Herd, The Old Farmhouse, Coverwood Farm, Peaslake Road, Ewhurst, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 7NT. Tel: 01306 731101 Email: farm@coverwoodlakes.co.uk 21. B., H. & M. Myers, Boundless (P) Herd, Boundless Farm, Boundless Road, Brook, Nr. Godalming, Surrey GU8 5LF. Tel: 01428 683077. 22. M.J. Burton, Westgate (P) Herd, Stumblehole Farm, Leigh Surrey, RH2 8PY. Tel: 01293 862607 SUSSEX 23. R. Hutchings, Fisher (P) Herd, Fisher Farm, South Mundham, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 1ND. Tel: 01243 262252. Mobile: 07881 944394 24. Nick Wren, Cathedral (P) Herd, Cedars Leggatts Farm, Old Park Lane, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 8AP Tel: 01243 572732 Fax: 01243 576899 Email: Nick@scarterfields.co.uk WILTSHIRE 25. Michael Clark, Lowesmoor (P) Herd, 4 Hyam Cottages, Bristol Road, Malmesbury, SN16 0RA 07929637573 01666823732 mikeclaklowesmoor@btinternet.com 26. Mr & Mrs M G S Gibson, Stitchcombe (P) Herd, Durnsford Mill House, Mildenhall, Marlborough, SN8 2NG. Tel: 07850 859824. Email: hello@ grovefarmstitchcombe.co.uk 27. JR JK & RJ Pike, Bromham (P) Herd, Mrs J Pike, Durlett Farm, Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2HY. Tel: 01380 850412/ 07891 386484, richardjohnpike@icloud.com 28. R Edwards & E Smith Classic Herd: Westfield, 31 Malmesbury Road, Leigh, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN6 6RH 07772495913 07979496365 premiercattleservices@gmail.com
Nicholas Williams, 3 Trindledown Cottages, North Standen Road, Hungerford, Berkshire, RG17 0QY. Tel: 07977 135624. Email : sehbasecretary@gmail.com www.southofenglandherefords.co.uk
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 99
South of England looks to the future Like many area associations in 2021, the South of England Hereford Breeders’ Association did not have a full programme of events, but was helped by the power of technology. After such a turbulent 2020 like many other associations, most of the South of England Hereford Breeders’ Association’s (SEHBA) plans were cancelled, but with the benefits of modern technology, they were able to keep members informed and had their first online AGM in autumn 2020. As the country slowly emerged from lockdowns, it was sadly too late to implement a lot of the early 2021 plans and therefore it was wonderful to see so many old and new members out and about showing at the later 2021 shows. All that hard work and preparation during ever changing rules and regulations cannot be easy so well done to them all. It gives an opportunity for the viewing public to see livestock production at its best and to give an education on the high standards that are adhered to by the breeders. This keenness from breeders continued with a bumper entry of 22 herds in the 2021 herd competition. This made for some difficult decisions for judges Nick and Lucy Holdsworth of Pebworth Herefords and the clubs thanks goes to them for giving up so much of their time and for travelling far and wide while judging the competition. The winners were announced with trophies presented at the autumn AGM, kindly
The AGM was held at Grove Farm, Wiltshire hosted by Mr and Mrs Gibson of Stitchcombe Herefords at Grove Farm, Wiltshire. The association extends its thanks to Martin Gibson and his team for hosting this event as well as all his work as association treasurer. A mention should be made, and congratulations offered, to long term association members Sarabande Herefords, who are celebrating 50 years of breeding Hereford cattle. They have had many triumphs in the show ring as well as winning the SEHBA’s Hereford of the year an impressive 26 times. The association congratulates Pam and Robert and hope Sarabande’s success continues for many years to come. The association would also like to extend its thanks to Michael Clark and Martin Jenkins, both of whom continue to represent the association at council, and to outgoing chairman, Nick Wren, for all his work over the last four years. Lastly thank you to Nicholas Williams who continues to work tirelessly for the SEHBA. Every association needs a good secretary and SEHBA is very fortunate to have Nick on board. The association
has high hopes for the future and a full programme for 2022.
Herd competition results Overall winner, M and D Jenkins, Appleridge Large herd class (over 35 females calved at date of entry), M and D Jenkins, Appleridge; 2nd, B, H and M Myers, Boundless; 3rd, Mr and Mrs Gibson, Stitchcombe Medium herd class (16-34 females calved at date of entry), 1st, SC and GL Hartwright, Spartan herd; 2nd, R Hutchings, Fisher; 3rd, Harold Hatt, Weybrook Small herd class (Up to 15 females calved at date of entry) 1st, A E Nesbitt Farms, Cleland; 2nd, R Edwards and E Smith, Classic; 3rd, C Baseley, Phantom Warehead Cup for the best stock bull, SC and GL Hartwright, Solpoll 1 Perfection Hawstonfold Salver for best 12-15 month heifer, R Edwards and E Smith, Classic 1 Tia Maria
100 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Lincoln Rose Bowl for best 12-15 month old bull, R Hutchings, Fisher 1 Trigger The Fern Nichols Tankard for best spring bull calf, D Thurman, Brambles Conspiracy David Trott Tankard for best spring heifer calf, C Baseley, Phantom 1 Polly Cindy Hewlett Trophy for the Judge’s Choice Award, M and D Jenkins, Appleridge 1 Bluebell 111 South of England Hereford of the Year 2021, SC and GL Hartwright, Spartan 1 Duchess T95 Stockman of the Year, Luke Murphy, Spartan Brodnyx Trophy for best young handler, Sam and Charlie Lake Junior Young Handler award, Darina Jackson The Wilson Quaiche (For services to the association), Martin Gibson
GROVE FARM, STITCHCOMBE
Stitchcombe Herd of Pedigree Hereford Cattle HIGH IN D HEIFER EX S & BULLS BEING SOLD in 2022
AHDB Be
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2016
Mildenhall, Marlborough SN8 2NG MARTIN GIBSON - 07850 859 824 Mike Sinden, Herdman - 07977 571 672 hello@grovefarmstitchcombe.co.uk
www.grovefarmstitchcombe.co.uk
Most Im p Herd A roved ward ard
This is aw
ed to:
Mr & Mr
sMGS Gibson Stitchco mbe He rd For the Hereford Reward ing the bre ed genetic beef produc merit of
er their herwho has most improv d over the last yea ed the r.
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 101
BOUNDLESS POLL HEREFORDS B. & H. & M.R. Myers
Farm Assured
Breedplan Recording
BSE & TB Free Herd • 4 Year Testing Period Member BioBest High-Health Herdcare Scheme BVD Accredited Free Herd
Sires in use
Boundless 1 Tylar • Vexour 1 Percy Heifers and Bulls available for sale Boundless Farm • Boundless Road • Brook • Nr. Godalming • Surrey GU8 5LF • Tel/Fax: (01428) 683077
email: boundlessherefords@btopenworld.com VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME •
STOCK ALWAYS FOR SALE
102 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Appleridge ahead in South of England Gloucestershire-based Appleridge Herefords represented the South of England in the National Herd of the Year Competition. It was a great honour for the Appleridge herd be awarded the South of England herd of the year, says Martin Jenkins. He says "After winning the South of England large herd of the year, the herd put us forward to the national competition in 2021. “It is a team effort at Appleridge. I am ably assisted by my son Steve, worker Tom, wife Debbie, daughter Sarah and daughter-in-law Jane whenever extra hands are needed.” Since commencing breeding Herefords in 2004, the Jenkins family has run the cattle along a commercial format. Between March and May, 42 cows and six two year old heifers gave birth to 49 live calves. “They have all got to earn their keep and calves are only creeped in the last three to four weeks before weaning,” says Martin. “It was nice that judges Nick and Lucy Holdsworth commented several times about the milkiness of our cows and
L-R Steve and Martin Jenkins and Pat Stanley the quality of our calves. We were also delighted to be awarded the best Hereford suckler trophy for our 11 year old home-bred cow, Appleridge 1 Bluebell D111.” This cow is out of Derryswood 1 Bluebell and by Fisher 1 Envoy. All the female lines at Appleridge are homebred and have a long track record for their temperament, ability to breed heifers to calf at two years of age,
carcase quality, longevity and quality of milk enabling us not to creep until before weaning, “We only purchase bulls that can fulfil these criteria and increase our carcase quality,” says Martin. “At present our stock bulls are Pulham 1 Remitall whose calves we have been very pleased with, and Barwise 1 Samson MO 083S whose first calves are due in March 2022. “We aim to sell our young bulls at 18 to 24 months to commercial suckler herds and crossing bulls to dairy herds with the best going to pedigree breeders.” In-calf heifers are generally sold privately and the breeders have also exported to Europe.
Heifers calve at two years old at Appleridge
Martin continues: “We only sell animals we would be happy to keep ourselves. We blood test all our females for neospora as we believe that it is important to keep this out of the herd. "Any surplus cattle which do not make the grade are sold as stores or fat from the farm, or box meat.”
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 103
Martin says the herd is run with commerciality in mind The herd is not regularly seen in the show ring as the family also runs an agricultural contracting business which leaves little time for preparation and staying away from home at a busy time of year.
Martin concludes: “We would like to thank all customers of Appleridge cattle, and hope they do the job required and enjoy them. Although we were not in the top three in the
ORE POLL HEREFORD S N S LY Breeding quality Herefords
Sire used in 2021: Lynsore 1 Tictok
National Herd of the Year Competition this year, the judge Pat Stanley gave us very complimentary comments on our cattle and how we do things here at Appleridge.”
APPLERIDGE HEREFORDS
Winners of the 2021 South of England herd competition
Pedigree young bulls and breeding females usually for sale. EBV recorded
Many thanks to all our buyers. Winners of S.E.H.B.A. small herd competition 1st 2016 2nd 2017 1st 2019 Visitors always welcome
Court Lodge Farm, Bossingham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 6EB Tel 01227 709330 Mobile Sonia 07778057902 Email soniapurchese@yahoo.co.uk
Martin Jenkins Appleridge Farm, Stone, Berkeley, GL13 9LJ 07785 388408 martinljenkins@aol.com
104 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
CLASSIC POLLED HEREFORDS SCORPIO
Premium Cattle Health scheme members S.A.C.
Breedplan Recorded
Sold April 21 to be new herd sire at Vexour Farms R. Edwards & E. Smith
Westfield, 31 Malmesbury Road, Leigh, Swindon, Wiltshire SN6 6RH
Stock usually for sale Follow us on Facebook
Richard: 07979 496365 Emma: 07772 495913
Email: premiercattleservices@gmail.com
Sarabande Herefords Est 1971
LOOKING BACK ON 50 YEARS OF BREEDING HEREFORDS Some of our most memorable achievements as a small herd: • 26 times winner of South of England Hereford of the Year between 1980-2010 • 3 times female Champion at Royal Show with 3 different cows, winning the Canadian Rose bowl outright • 3 times Elite beef breeder interbreed Champion at the Royal Show • 4 times Interbreed beef recorded class at South of England Show As well as achieving many championships at Shows in the South of England – Surrey County, Herts County, Kent County(18 times), South of England, Bucks County, Newbury (Royal Berkshire), Edenbridge, Romsey, Thame, New Forest, Egham, Alresford, Bishops Waltham and Wokingham. We always enjoyed showing and doing well as an advert for our small herd especially at the two major shows – The Royal Show and the National Horn Show (Tenbury). We have made many life-long friends through Herefords in Great Britain and around the World. Many thanks to all our friends and customers over the years. AND WE STILL ENJOY BREEDING HEREFORDS.
Stock bull Fisher 1 Midas
Both by Midas Sarabande 1 Emma 68 (Pictured at 8 Months)
Bulls usually for sale.
PAM NOEL & ROBERT SNELLING,
Sarabande 1 Jumbo (Pictured at 7 Months)
Long Meadow, Shurlock Row, Reading, Berkshire RG10 0PL Mobile: 07976 692543
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 105
FISHER
KNOWN FOR EASY CALVING, HIGH GROWTH RATES AND CARCASS VALUES Member of Hi-Health Herdcare Farm assured - Breedplan recorded herd
Fisher 1 Prospect
P464 EBV 41 Now with M.Ludgate at Rempstone to whom we wish every success. Contact
Fisher 1 Valentino
V533 at 6 months EBV 33 D.O.B. 28/01/21 by Prospect ex F.1 Eva N433, sire: Bondes Hubert
Reg Hutchings on 07881 944394 or 01243 262252 E-mail: rj_hutchings@yahoo.com
106 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Proud to be Official Auctioneers for the Hereford Cattle Society
SHREWSBURY AUCTION CENTRE Bowmen Way, Battlefield, Shrewsbury SY4 3DR Specialist Pedigree Auctioneers of; Dispersal Sales Reductions Sales On Farm Sales
CONTACT US hallsgb.com/auctions
@hallslivestockandmachinery
market@hallsgb.com
01743 462 620
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 107
EDITED SAC ACCR HI HEALTH
LOWESMOOR
BREEDPLA N RECORDED
Lowesmoor 1 Ronaldo, sire of these two heifers, has certainly left his mark with good calving ease and a +17 for milk.
Lowesmoor 1 Kinella 66
Lowesmoor 1 Amethyst 73
Herd Sire: GLENVALE 1 EMERSON Producing bulls and females with all the right traits to perform
Michael Clark 07929 637573 Reuben Saunders 07747 612363 Manor Farm, Garsdon, Malmesbury SN16 9NN Email: mikeclarklowesmoor@btinternet.com
Sales 2022 Monday 7 February Stirling
Tuesday 8 February Dungannon
Friday 4 March Carlisle
Saturday 9 April Shrewsbury
Tuesday 19 April Dungannon
Tuesday 21 May Carlisle
Friday 30 September Carlisle
Saturday 15 October Shrewsbury
Tuesday 6 December Dungannon
herefordcattle.org
108 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
CORNWALL
F.C & F.J. &R.P. Hawke Nanscient,Hustyn & Breock Herds (Horned) Hustyn Farm, Burlawn Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7LD Tel:01208 815834 MrRHobbs KeaHerd (Polled) Higher Larmer Farm, Kea, Truro, Cornwall TR3 6AP Tel:01872 273037 Email rogerhobbs0 l@gmail.com
Mr &Mrs V Hall ChegwiddenHerd (Polled) Chegwidden Farm, St Levan, Penzance TR19 6LP Tel:01736 810516 Mob:07831834013 Email hall@chegwiddenfarm.com Mrs AnnaPascoe-Old VenenHerd Cannalidgey Villa St Issey , Wadebridge Cornwall PL27 7RB Tel:01208368451 Email:anna.old@nhs.net
Mr &Mrs J Olds DowranHerd (Horned) Dowran Far, Dowran St Just, Penzance Cornwall TR19 7RS Tel 01736 788736 Email john.olds@btintemet.com
Mr Alan &Mrs AnnMiller AlannaHerd (Horned) Mena Farm, St Dennis St Austell PL26 8BB Tel 01726 824643 Email ajm2426@aol.com Web www.alannaherefords.com
RWJ &MM Williams AnhayHerd Anhay, St Martin Helston, Cornwall TR12 6DY Tel:01326 231417 Mob:07737 492235 Email:rwjwilliams@btintemet.com
DEVON Mr JamiePalmer Roister BridgeHerd Rolster Bridge Farm Harbertonford Devon TQ9 7SS Tel:01803 732265 Mob:07595959363 Email:jpalmer1985@hotmail.co.uk Phillip and Chris Caunter HollystoneHerd Stonehills Farm, Harbertonford Totnes, Devon. TQ9 7UA Tel:01803 732621/07971733451 ccaunter@btintemet.com MrM Goddard BryonyHerd Bryony Hill Farm, Winkleigh, Devon EX19 SSW Tel:01837 83647 Email:martin@silverlineuk.co.uk Mr SC Luxton ChamberlainsHerd Chamberlains Farm Brampford Speke Exeter, EX5 5DR Tel 01392 841094 Email:stuart@stuartluxton.co.uk Miss ElisabethPierce LillibethHerd Cowlings Farm, Huntsham, Tiverton, Devon EX16 7LZ Tel:01398 361471 Mob:07808 874274 Email:e1isabethpierce09@gmail.com
Jack & Gemma Burgess ClarenceHerd Way Cottage, Way Farm, Shillingford Tiverton, Devon, EX16 9BD 7483 816300 jburgess@dsfire.gov.uk AG, LE & AA Gifford TwilightHerd (Horned) StarlineHerd (Polled) Whitebear Farm, Milton Damerel, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7NZ Tel:01409261284 Mob:07799261634 gifford.whitebear@gmail.com
Mr Stuart White Summer Farm, Witheridge Tiverton Devon EX16 8NZ Mob:07885 331026
DORSET
JL & JL DeGreeff PencastleHerd Hill Farm, Salwayash Bridport, Dorset DT6 SHU Tel:07795 435071 Email:j_4c@hotmail.com Mr &Mrs Les Gould BaybridgeHerd (Polled) Lower Breach Farm West Orchard, Shaftesbury SP7 0L Tel 01258 472417 Email:gould121@btintemet.com MrM JHarris HilfieldHerd (Horned) Dowerfield Farm Long Bredy Dorchester Dorset DT2 9AB 01308 482837 / 07974 810806 mjharris.remedy@btintemet.com MrR AMitchell Lanscombe herd (Polled) Higher Henley Farm Buckland Newton, Dorchester Dorset DT2 7BL Tel 01300 345292 Email:jachenleyfarm@aol.com
SOMERSET Mrs I Jennings CornbelHerd (Polled) Roche Farm Barrington Hill Broadway Ilminster TA19 9LW Tel 01823 480321 Email isobelatroche@hotmail.co.uk Angela Kerslake & KeithPrettejohn NicholashayneHerd Nicholashayne Farm Sampford Arundel, Wellington , Somerset TA21 9QY Email agk66@live.co.uk Tel 01884 849121
Mr J &MrsRMoorhouse CatoHerd (Polled) James Barton, Stogumber, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3TL Tel 01984 656292 Email info@catopollherefords.com
SOMERSET Cont.. MrM&D Lury Castlewood (P) Polled herd Oakleaf(H) (H)Homed Hornedherd herd Oakleaf Castle Farm, Buckland St Mary Nr Chard, Somerset TA20 3JX Tel 01460 234394 Email marcus@lury.co.uk Miss KRolls WoodcloseHerd Wood Close Farm Pear Ash Lane, Penselwood Somerset BA9 8LX Tel 01747 841233 Email:katherine_rolls@hotmail.com
WILTSHIRE SOUTH GLOS Mr EMills SevernvaleHerd (Horned) Sevemlea House Church Farm, Northwick Pilning, BRISTOL BS35 4HE Tel:01454 632309 Email: edwardmillsmuddy@hotmail.com Mr&Mrs J LPike& Son BromhamHerd (Polled) Durlett Farm, Bromham Chippenham SN15 2HY Tel 01380 850412 Email: richardjohnpike@icloud.com Mrs D &Mr DRobinson VelleyhillHerd (Polled) Boyds Farm, Gastard Nr Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 9PT Tel 01249 713146 Email:dereksallyrobins@aol.com
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Visit the South West - 'The Stockyard of England'
Where you can be assured of a warm welcome while viewing good Hereford Cattle
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 109
Gould elected South West chair After the long lockdown the South Western Hereford Breeders’ Association is reawakening, and held an in-person AGM in 2021. The South Western Hereford Breeders Association began the year with its AGM held at the Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster which saw a good turnout of breeders and friends old and new. Chairman Les Gould says: “I went along to meet up with some old friends and pick up a bit of silverware and came home as chairman. This is just to help bed-in Colin Layzell, the newly elected vice-chairman. “Although not active in the association recently, Colin is a walking encyclopaedia on the breed and its history and Les says he is confident that he will work hard to help our very competent and hard-working secretary
Angela Kerslake make a success of the association.” The association extends its congratulations to the Mitchell family on once again winning both the Barclays and the Caldicott cups for the male and female Herefords winning the greatest number of points at shows within our area. Plans are afoot to hold two farm walks and demonstrations at different ends of the South West in 2022 and any enthusiast of the breed is invited to attend and meet up with others of the same interest.
Herd competition results
L-R Paul Sneyd and Ellen Layzell
Overall, RA Mitchell, Lanscombe Reserve, M Harris, Hilfield Overall stock bull, L Gould, Richmount 1 Peppermint
Best stock bull (small herd), L Gould Best bull calf, L Gould Best heifer calf, L Gould
Large herd, 1st, JD and RA Moorhouse, Cato; 2nd, GHA and Mrs MU Faull, Trelissick; 3rd, Paul and Trish Earley, Spyway
Novice (judged by Jonathan Moorhouse) Novice, 1st, E Layzell, Farmlay Herd; 2nd, A J Calloway, Kingshedge
Best stock bull (large herd), GHA and Mrs MU Faull
Best stock bull (novice), A J Calloway
Best bull calf (large herd), PR and CA Caunter Best heifer calf (large herd), - JD and RA Moorhouse Medium herd, 1st, RA Mitchell, Lanscombe; 2nd, M Harris, Hilfield; 3rd, R Robinson, Velleyhill Best stock bull (medium herd), RA Mitchell Best bull calf (medium herd), M Harris Best heifer calf (medium herd), RA Mitchell
L-R Paul Sneyd and Les Gould
Small herd, 1st, L Gould, Baybridge; 2nd, J and G Burgess, Clarence; 3rd, G Simpson, Gilmar
L-R Paul Sneyd and Jonathan Moorhouse
110 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Lanscombe leads South West herds competition The Dorset-based Lanscombe herd run by the Mitchell family won the South West herd competition to qualify for the National Herd of the Year Competition. Roger and Valerie Mitchell founded the Lanscombe herd 52 years ago with the purchase of their first Hereford bull, Benhur, from Major North’s Tiverton herd. This bull was shown successfully and then sold at Hereford Market for 1,000gns in 1969. At this time, a small number of females were run alongside the family's dairy herd with Lansombe Curly and Mary being shown at local shows and
L-R: James Greensill, Sally, Roger, Valerie, Christopher and Joanne Mitchell numerous bulls purchased out of Hereford Market and sold to dairy farmers in the area.
Once the dairy herd was sold, the Herefords became the main priority with Moigne Regina purchased from the late Peter Miles’ dispersal sale, Butcombe Jewel from the late Tony Venner and Bransgore Jane out of the store ring at Shaftesbury Market. These three females, together with further Bransgore lines, have formed the basis of the herd of 30 females now found at Higher Henley Farm, near Dorchester. The most noteworthy bulls of recent years have been Free Town Nick, Kiddles 1 Haslebury, Bromham 1 Vim, Brangwyn 1 Emperor, Lanscombe 1 Maxamillion and Vexour 1 Phantom.
Stock bull, Vexour 1 Phantom
Sally Mitchell says: “These sires have all contributed to producing bulls with strength and a depth of colour and feminine female lines which we have aimed for in the Lanscombe herd.”
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 111
True to the breed, the cows are managed on a grass-based system with only baled silage fed when housed during the winter, the youngstock are given creep in the early stages and then all weaned together with the potential show cattle given no preferential treatment until they are selected in April in preparation for the early shows. Only very selective female purchases have been made with the last being Snipelands 1 Ripple purchased from Sedgemoor Auction Centre in 2008 which produced Lanscombe 1 Maxamillion and Lanscombe 1 Lizzy which both did well in the show ring.
The Lanscombe herd is based near Dorchester
Other females of note in the herd are Lanscombe 1 Mille, a Butcombe Jewel granddaughter, which produced Pixie and Roxy; Lanscombe 1 Lexie, a Fisher 1 Jane granddaughter, which gave Olive and Queenie and in turn producing the show heifers Solitaire, Bethany and Beatrice. Numerous bulls have been sold to various herds to include Lanscombe 1
Oliver to Nicholashayne, Lanscombe 1 Rudolph to Free Town and Lanscombe 1 Orkney to Dendor which sired the Poll Show winner Dendor 1 Nairobi.
year old. He went on to take breed championships at the Royal Bath and West, Royal Cornwall and Royal Berkshire shows.
Sally says: “Showing is very much a family passion with three generations now involved. Lanscombe 1 Maxamillion was our most prolific show winner. Having been shown as a yearling, he was sold and purchased back as a three
“Our latest stock bull Vexour 1 Phantom has produced some great offspring and has matured into the bull we hoped he would be and we are looking forward to seeing his daughters come into the herd.”
Farmlay Farmlay Herefords Herefords
SEVERNVALE HEREFORDS
Est. 1994 Est. 1994
Bywood Farmhouse,Honiton, Honiton, Devon, EX14EX14 4SS 4SS Bywood Farmhouse, Devon, “Countess”
Calves due this year by Severnvale Valentine, Clipston Krespian and Philip Action
StockStock for for sale visitor’s welcome saleand and visitor’s welcome @farmlayherefords @farmlayherefords
Ellen Layzell T: Ellen 07713 465218 Layzell E: ellenklayzell@gmail.com
T: 07713 465218
E: ellenklayzell@gmail.com
Colin Layzell
T: 07840 232270 Colin Layzell
E: colin@colinlayzell.co.uk
T: 07840 232270
E: colin@colinlayzell.co.uk
Somerwood Rondo + Severnvale Countess 12
Many thanks to our 2021 customers including females to Hendra, Tibbs Cross & Twilight herds
STOCK FOR SALE 2022
Edward Mills 07914205626 01454632309 Church Farm Northwick Pilning Bristol
112 | SHOWS
Rebel kicks on at Devon County Making the long journey from Northumberland worthwhile, Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 was interbreed champion at the 2021 Devon County Show. Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 from Tom and Di Harrison, Mickley, Northumberland was selected by judge Colin Hutchings, Dulverton, Somerset as interbreed champion at Devon County Show, pipping a Limousin heifer to the top spot. Also taking the breed championship, the bull already had 2021’s Royal Highland Showcase native interbreed title to its name and stood interbreed junior bull at the Royal Welsh Show in 2019. Born in April 2018, it is by Danish-bred SMH King Size 87K, the 2019 sire of the year and out of Romany 1 Dawn D1 M6. With a string of accolades to its name, Rebel Kicks was named joint poll bull of the year and reserve bull of the year in 2019.
Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 from T and D Harrison the reserve breed and female champion titles. April 2019-born, Pippa is another by the prolific SMH King Size 87K which does so well for the Harrisons. It is out of Coley 1 Pippa 356 which stood breed champion at the Royal Highland in 2017, a daughter of Australian sire Days Calibre G74. Keith noted the heifer was ‘really lovely’, being ‘very classy’.
Reserve female champion was selected as Moralee 1 Kylie KS T29, again from the Harrisons. Another King Size daughter, it is out of Moralee 1 Kylie, which is out of the Harrisons’ original Kylie female. Kylie KS T29 is a full sister to Kylie KS S11 which was overall champion at the Christmas Calf Show at Shrewsbury in 2019, and junior champion at the National Poll Show in the same year.
Tasked with the Hereford judging, Keith Jempson, Banbury, Oxfordshire described the bull as ‘fantastic’, being full of style and fleshing, with a tremendous temperament and being good on its legs. Success was also had in the exhibitorbred group of three championship for the Northumberland breeders, with Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks taking the reserve position with stable mates Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 and Moralee 1 Kylie KS T29. Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 had already won
Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 from T and D Harrison
SHOWS | 113
Results (Judge: K Jempson, Banbury) Supreme and male, T and D Harrison, Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12; reserve and fem, T and D Harrison, Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11; res male, RA and VA Mitchell, Lanscombe 1 Barnaby; res fem, T and D Harrison, Morale 1 Kylie KS T29 Cow with calf at-foot or heifer, born on or before 2018, 1st, P Martindale, Auckvale 1 Janet 1756R Heifer born on or before 1 January and 31 May 2020, 1st, RA and VA Mitchell, Lanscombe 1 Bethany; 2nd, William Awan, Kinglee 1 Miss 639 Calf born on after 1 June 2020,
1st, T and D Harrison, Moralee 1 Kylie KS T29; 2nd, RA and VA Mitchell, Lanscombe 1 Beatrice; 3rd, P Martindale, Auckvale 1 Victor 2048V Bull born on or before 31 December 2019, 1st, T and D Harrison, Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12; 2nd, RA and VA Mitchell, Vexour 1 Phantom Bull born on or between 1 January and 31 May 2020, 1st, RA and VA Mitchell, Lanscombe 1 Barnaby; 2nd, P Martindale, Twinshock 1 Paddys Boy Pair of animals, 1st, T and D Harrison; 2nd, RA and VA Mitchell Group of three, 1st, T and D Harrison; 2nd, RA and VA Mitchell
Harry Mitchell of Lanscombe Herefords was intermediate young handler champion class was led by Lanscombe 1 Bethany from RA and VA Mitchell, Dorchester. By Vexour 1 Phantom, it is a grandson of the renowned Panmure 1 Henry and placed
The reserve male title was given to Lanscombe 1 Barnaby from RA and VA Mitchell, Dorchester, Dorset. February 2020-born, it is by Vexour 1 Phantom and out of Lanscombe 1 Lexie, a Bromham 1 Vim daughter, and was first in the junior bull class.
Auckvale 1 Janet 1756R from Phil
second to Rebel Kicks in the senior bull
Martindale, Blackrod, Lancashire led the
class. It is out of a home-bred dam, sired
senior cow class. Purchased at the 2020
by Brangwyn 1 Emperor.
Designer Genes sale for 5,900gns, it is three years old and by Dendor 1 Muttley. The January to March-2020 born heifer
In the young handlers, Harry Mitchell of Lanscombe Herefords stood champion handler in the intermediate section.
Lanscombe Herefords WINNING SOUTH WEST HERD 2021
RA & VA Mitchell Henley Farm Dorchester Dorset 07889 389830 Visitor always welcome Stock for Sale Pictures By Country PictureGirl By Country Media Girl Media
Pictures By Country Girl Media Lanscombe 1 Beatrice Lanscombe 1 Barnaby
114 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
OAKLEAF(H) & CASTLEWOOD(P) HEREFORDS AUTUMN CALVED COWS WITH CALVES AT FOOT
MANY THANKS TO OUR CUSTOMERS, WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO HAVING WELL MANNERED FULLY REGISTERED WARRANTED BULLS AND FEMALES FOR SALE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR SIRES IN USE: WEYBROOK 1 DESIGNER - SARABANDE 1 ENVOY CASTLEWOOD 1 PRINCE - FREE TOWN 1 RUFFIAN
SELECTION OF THE SPRING 2022 SALE BULLS IN FROM THE WET ENJOYING A FIRST TASTE OF SILAGE
MARCUS & DAVID LURY
Castle Farm, Buckland St. Mary, Chard, Somerset. TA20 3JX Tel: 01460 234394 Email: marcus@lury.co.uk Web: www.lury.co.uk VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME
by Kinglee 1 Hero and her calf Cato 1 Olga 810 by Cato 1 Rollo
Cato 1 Olga 632
104692 @catopollherefords.com
ouse use Jonathan Moorhouse Tel: 01984 656292 22 orhouse 692 692 Mob: 07714 104692 56292 jmoorhouse@catopollherefords.com opollherefords.com topollherefords.com
JOHNES Level 1 /
JOHNES JOHNES Level Level 1//BVD BVD Free Free JOHNES Level 1 /1BVD Free
Cato 1 Olga 632 by Kinglee 1 Hero and her calf Cato 1 Olga 810 by Cato 1 Rollo
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CATO POLL HEREFORDS CATO POLL HEREFORDS CATO CATO POLL POLL HEREFORDS HEREFORDS
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Twilight Horned and Starline Poll Herefords
Bromley 1 Veyron
Auckvale 1 Regan Stock for sale by Bromley 1 Veyron, Barwise 1 Ranulph, Haven Kermit, Haven Ricki, Corlismore Ted, awaiting calves from Auckvale 1 Regan, Auckvale 1 Troopador, Fisher 1 Nomad, FreeTown Trooper and Twilight Belgrave.
Visitors welcome
Alan, Linda and Alex Gifford Whitebear Farm, Milton Damerel, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7NZ
Tel: 01409 261284 Mobile: 07799 261634
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Change of chairman for National Hereford Club At the annual general meeting of the National Hereford Club, held virtually in November, Philip Vincent announced that after three years as chairman it would be time for him to step aside for someone new, and so it was previous vice-chairman Tony Bradstock who was elected to the position. Tony, along with his father Richard Bradstock and stockman Gerald Cox, is responsible for the well-known Free Town herd of around 70 pedigree breeding females on their 202 hectare (500 acre) mixed farm comprising grassland, arable land and cider orchards at Tarrington in Herefordshire. Upon being elected chairman of the club, Tony commented that although this was a first for him, it would be a privilege to take on the role.
David Makin was newly elected as vice-chair, Sarah Cook continues as club secretary alongside Sarah Cowle as entries secretary and treasurer, with Michael Church and Edward Lewis also carrying on in their respective roles as show organisers for the muchanticipated National Hereford Show at Tenbury Wells on Saturday 6 August 2022. The club also plans to resume its other regular meetings for next year, to include the 2022 AGM and herd visit on Saturday 4 June, kindly hosted by the Whitlow family and including a tour of their superb HighHouse herd near Abbot’s Morton, Worcestershire. Further details of all club activities for 2022 will be available in due course, and new members are always welcome.
L-R Tony Bradstock with Nick Hewer at the National Hereford Show 2019
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Pulham and HighHouse top online horned show Achieving 200 entries forward for the second year running, the National Hereford Virtual Show allowed Hereford cattle registered in the horned section of the herd book to be showcased. The task of judging fell to Aled and Jen Jones of Dendor Herefords, Wales; Anselm Fitzgerald of Grianan Herefords, Republic of Ireland and Erica Haliday of Ben Nevis Angus, Australia, who were all separately asked to place every animal in each class and to make their final selections from the winners to decide the male and female championships, which were also contributed to by a public vote. Taking the male championship and receiving a £150 feed voucher kindly offered by NHC Virtual Show sponsor Manor Farm Feeds was Drumatee Rocket from JR Whitlow and family of HighHouse Herefords, Worcester. Spotted as a calf by the Whitlows as a potential future herd sire, Rocket was purchased at the NIHBA premier show and sale at Dungannon back in February 2020 from breeder John Conlon, County Armagh. Sired by two-time winner of the best stock bull award in the NIHBA herd competition, Cill Cormaic Nevada, and out of Drumatee Blossom 813, it was consistently popular with both with the public and judges. Erica Haliday praised Drumatee Rocket for having ‘natural thickness through the lower part of his hindquarters and being muscled closely to the hock.’ The overall female champion came from the largest class of the competition with 29 entries forward, for cows born between September 2015 and August 2018. It was Clipston Pansy B3, owned by
Drumatee Rocket from JR Whitlow and family PRJ and LR Vincent, Norfolk, and bred by R and R Westaway, Market Harborough, which triumphed with its January 2021born calf Pulham Pansy 28th at-foot. As her choice for female champion, judge Erica Haliday praised the animal. She said: “She is a stunning female who best combines structural correctness and natural thickness with an extra special quality element; mostly this is in her beautiful fine skin which indicates softness, doing ability and carcase quality.” Clipston Pansy B3 is sired by the renowned Irish bull Moyclare Malcolm bred by M Molloy, Offaly and is out of Clipston Pansy K15. As winners of the female championship, the Vincent family received a Moocall calving sensor kindly
sponsored by Moocall. Following a remarkably successful showing of entries from the Dieulacresse herd, yielding top-five placings for eight of their animals across seven classes, the competition finished with both the reserve male and reserve female championships awarded to home-bred animals from Messrs Spooner, Leek. In the male ranking it was Dieulacresse Tic Tac, winner of the January 2020 to August 2020 bull class, which took the reserve male champion title. Erica Haliday described it as a ‘standout bull for quality with a flawless combination of natural thickness and correctness, as well as having balance and sire appeal’. This bull’s pedigree is full of quality
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male champion in 2019 at the same event. Having been placed first in its class as a calf in last year’s competition, it was Hayestone Wyandot T135 bred and owned by AG Cork, Wolverhampton, which took the top spot this time in the April 2020 to August 2020 heifer class. Sired by Miss H Cork’s Hayes Phoenix, bred from the widely successful Badlingham Blossom family, and out of Dovemount Wyandot K1.
Clipston Pansy B3 from PRJ and LR Vincent breeding including grand-sire Mara Humorous bred by RN and MA Borwick, a prolific producer of show winners, and itself a winner of the HCBA best stock bull and progeny award in 2016. Winning the reserve female championship was Dieulacresse Dowager 41st also from Messrs Spooner; winner of the most senior female class of the show for cows born in August 2015 or before. Born in October 2014 and with January 2021-born heifer calf Dieulacresse Dowager 56th at-foot, this cow is by the prolific Australian AI sire Mawarra After Shock, of which the EU semen rights are jointly owned by the Dieulacresse and Haven herds.
first and second in the hotly contested section for heifers born September 2019 to December 2019. Pipping its stable mate to the post was Boycefield Curly 27th, sired by Lisrace Lumberjack 18th and out of home-bred Boycefield Curly 7th. W and R Kemp and sons, Bishop Auckland rose to the top of the January 2020 to March 2020 heifer class with Auckvale Lively 1971T. A heifer with a show-winning pedigree, it is out of Auckvale Lively 1058H, senior female champion at the 2018 National Hereford Show at Tenbury Wells, and sired by Auckvale Kalgoorlie 1322K, reserve senior
This cow was described by judges Aled and Jen Jones as a ‘good smooth cow with very little waste on her and an excellent udder’. Among the further class winners, it was also a well-rewarded effort for D Thurman of the Brambles herd, Isle of Wight, who not only scooped the first and second prizes in the September 2018 to August 2019 female class with Brambles Luna and Brambles Ophelia respectively, but also achieved topfive placings in the eldest two female classes and the January 2020 bull class, all with home-bred stock. Class winner Brambles Luna is sired by Haven Neptune by EL Lewis and son. Also experiencing double success in one class were J and L Lewis of Boycefield Herefords, Dilwyn, Herefordshire, placing
Dieulacresse Tic Tac from Messrs Spooner
Pulham Blossom 29th from PRJ and LR Vincent took first place in another well-supported class, this time for heifers born between September 2020 and December 2020. A daughter of the previous year’s reserve male champion of the NHC Virtual Show, Shiloh-Farm Elite bred by H and S Murray, Westmeath, its dam Pulham Blossom 23rd, also descended from the Badlingham Blossom family. The winner of the youngest female class of the competition was Broughan Jubilee, bred and owned by S Curry, Armagh, Northern Ireland. Born in March 2021 and just five months old at the time of judging, this promising young calf, along with herd mate Broughan Juniper which placed second in this class, is by Gurteragh Aristocrat 758, bred by M O’Keefe, Cork. Back to the male standings, and it was perhaps no surprise that Haven Rover, owned by DJ Makin, Hereford caught
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which stood first in the September 2020 to December 2020 bull calf class. Standing second was Pulham Va Va Voom, also exhibited by breeders PRJ and LR Vincent, fighting off close competition in the form of two Haven calves from EL Lewis and son, Haven Virtual and Haven Voltage.
Dieulacresse Dowager 41st from Messrs Spooner the eye of the judges in its bulls born in December 2017 or before class. A son of Haven Lamborghini, male champion in the 2020 Virtual Show and twice senior male champion at the National Hereford Show in 2017 and 2019.
to December 2019 bull class with Free Town Truman in first place, Free Town Talent in second place, and having bred the fifth-placed Free Town Tiger, exhibited by owners Robert and Nicola Birchall of the Deanery herd, Stafford.
Another herd which is never far from the top of the line-up is that of RA Bradstock and partners, Free Town, Tarrington who dominated the September 2019
It was Pulham Vanguard, owned and bred by PRJ and LR Vincent, Norfolk and sired by former National Hereford Show junior male champion Pulham Powerhouse,
The final class of the show was for the youngest of the male section, won by DC Smith and son, Talog with Marchborn Laxfield Silverado. Sired by Laxfield Wilberforce and out of Laxfield Silver 11th. DC Smith and son also took the second placing in this class with Laxfield Condor. The National Hereford Club would again like to thank sponsors Moocall and Manor Farm Feeds for their continued support, and also the many exhibitors who took time to contribute to the competition, presenting such an outstanding selection of cattle for the judges to contemplate in every class. Special thanks also go to the international panel of judges for the event: Aled and Jen Jones of Dendor Herefords; Anselm Fitzgerald of Grianan Herefords and Erica Haliday of Ben Nevis Angus.
Results (Judge: A and J Jones, Caersws; Anselm Fitzgerald, EIRE; Erica Haliday, Australia) Cow, in-calf or with calf at-foot, born on or before 31 Aug 2015, 1st, Messrs Spooner, Dieulacresse Dowager 41st; 2nd, J R Whitlow, Haven Dowager 170th; 3rd, B Vincent, Pulham Princess Pansy 4th Cow, in-calf or with calf at-foot, born on or between 1 Sept 2015 And 31 Aug 2018, 1st, PRJ and LR Vincent, Clipston Pansy B3; 2nd, Free Town Gigi, RA Bradstock and partners; 3rd, PRJ and LR Vincent, Pulham Blossom 23rd Heifer, in-calf or with calf at-foot, born on or between 1 Sept 2018 and 31 Aug 2019; 1st, D Thurman, Brambles Luna; 2nd, D Thurman, Brambles Ophelia; 3rd, G and T Morton, Trillick Charm Heifer, born on or between 1 Sept 2019 and 31 Dec 2019, 1st, J Lewis, Boycefield Curly 27th; 2nd, J Lewis, Boycefield Louisa 38th; 3rd, PRJ and LR Vincent Pulham Pansy 22nd Heifer, born on or between 1 Jan 2020 and 31 Mar 2020, 1st, Auckvale Lively
1971T, W and R Kemp and sons; 2nd, PRJ and LR Vincent, Pulham Hazel 17th; 3rd, RA Bradstock and partners, Free Town Deft Heifer, born on or between 1 Apr 2020 and 31 Aug 2020; 1st, G Cork, Hayestone Wyandot; 2nd, B Vincent, Beckhall Princess Katie; 3rd, AG, LE and AA Gifford, Twilight Ceres 688 Heifer, born on or between 1 Sept 2020 And 31 Dec 2020, 1st, PRJ and LR Vincent, Pulham Blossom 29th; 2nd, PRJ and LR Vincent, Pulham Diadem 6th; 3rd, EL Lewis and son, Haven Thrush 74th Heifer, born on or between 1 January 2021 and 30 April 2021, 1st, S Curry, Broughan Jubilee; 2nd, S Curry, Broughan Juniper; 3rd, Messrs Spooner, Dieulacresse Dowager 56th Bull, born on or before 31 December 2017, 1st, DJ Makin, Haven Rover; 2nd, G and T Morton, Pulham Providence; 3rd, Oxton Farm, Auckvale Panache 1639P Bull, born on or between 1 January 2018 and 31 August 2019, 1st, JR Whitlow, Drumatee Rocket; 2nd, DJ
Makin, Border Salerno S19; 3rd, D Thurman, Haven Sherlock Bull, born on or between 1 September 2019 and 31 December 2019, 1st, RA Bradstock and partners, Free Town Truman; 2nd, RA Bradstock and partners, Free Town Talent; 3rd, S Cowle, Highhedges Trehangr Bull, born on or between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2020; 1st, Messrs Spooner Dieulacresse Tic Tac; 2nd, EL Lewis and son, Haven Theo; 3rd, S Curry, Broughan Ice Bull calf, born on or between 1 September 2020 and 31 December 2020, 1st, Pulham Vanguard, PRJ and LR Vincent; 2nd, PRJ and LR Vincent, Pulham Va Va Voom; 3rd, EL Lewis and son, Haven Virtual, Bull calf, born on or between 1 January 2021 and 30 April 2021, 1st, DC Smith and sons, Laxfield Silverado; 2nd, D C Smith and sons, Laxfield Condor; 3rd, Messrs Spooner Dieulacresse Vernon
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UK breeders invest in AUS$42,000 bull Hereford bull, Mawarra Influential, was purchased by a syndicate including two UK breeders for AUS$42,000. Haven and Pullham Herefords made the purchase from the National Hereford Show and Sale, Wodonga.
EL Lewis and son of Haven Herefords, Herefordshire and PRJ and LR Vincent of Pulham Herefords, Norfolk teamed up with Australia’s Graham Genetics to purchase the bull online from the National Hereford Show and Sale, Wodonga, Victoria where it was a class winner. With a particularly strong demand for Hereford cattle in the UK currently, Influential ticked all the boxes for the breeders for phenotype and strong EBVs backed up by excellent growth and eye muscle raw data. Edward Lewis says: “Influential’s sire
Mawarra Influential was purchsed for $42,000
Evolution was seen by my son Ben at Mawarra Herefords in 2017. I saw him for myself as a calf in February 2020 prior to the World Hereford Conference in New Zealand and noted him as a top prospect. “When Phillip Vincent and I saw how he had progressed into a standout young sire, we knew the opportunity could not to be missed, but we had to bid strongly to beat off tough competition.” Semen from the bull will be used within these two well-known herds where these new outcross genetics are welcomed for future production.
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Traditional Hereford Breeders’ Club Promoting the Original Population of Hereford cattle
ADVERTISING • HERD VISITS • DISCUSSION & ADVICE
Contact Club Secretary Helen MacLeod 01531 650086 | helmac2@btconnect.com
www.traditionalherefords.org
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Traditional Hereford Club host summer meeting The Traditional Hereford Breeders' Club held a summer visit, providing an opportunity for members to meet up and enjoy a herd visit.
Farmed extensively and incorporating liquid seaweed products and aeration techniques to enhance soil and plant health, the grass-based farm comprises permanent pasture meadows with mixed grasses, wildflowers and herbs grazed by the cattle to produce Traditional Hereford Beef sold direct to the consumer.
The annual summer herd visit of the Traditional Hereford Breeders' Club was kindly hosted by Nicki and John Beavan of Parsons Hall Farm, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire in July.
Invited to speak to the group was Dave Edwards of Edwards Agricultural Supplies, who explained the role that seaweed and other natural products play in soil fertility, and how they had been used alongside ground aeration at Parsons Hall to maximise the health of
Chairman - Leslie Cook Vice-chair - Susie Woods Hon secretary - Helen MacLeod Hon treasurer - Sarah Cowle Publicity team - Sarah Cook, Helen MacLeod, Susie Woods, Glenn Pritchard Census and records compiler Willem Van Beele the old grass leys. The farm also offers its magnificent buildings for hire as events and filming venues, along with
The day saw a very well-attended morning meeting of the club held in the magnificent tithe barn adjacent to the farmhouse at Parsons Hall, one of England’s oldest historic Cruck timber frame buildings dating back well over 700 years and sympathetically restored by the Beavan family using traditional skills and materials. At the meeting, positions of office were elected having been postponed from the usual AGM date earlier in the year, and this was followed by lunch in the beautiful grounds and garden of the house, after which the group were taken on a tour of the Parsons Hall herd of Traditional Hereford cattle.
The Beavans' farm is home to a historic Cruck timber frame building Treeopia, a luxury treehouse holiday retreat featuring some of renowned cabinet maker John Beavan’s own bespoke handmade pieces from his workshop on the estate.
Members had time to catch-up
The club would like to thank Nicki and John Beavan for providing such a wonderful welcome and for hosting a tremendously interesting visit for all. Thanks also go to the many club members who attended the first inperson meeting of the THBC for well over a year, and to Dave Edwards from Edwards Agricultural Supplies along with Paul Sneyd, Mark Roberts and Phil Allman from the Hereford Cattle Society for coming along to meet the membership.
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Cook controls Traditional classes at Shropshire Travelling across the country from Cambridgeshire, FW Cook and son led the Traditional section at Shropshire County Show. At a blistering Shropshire County Show, Albany Liliana from FW Cook and son, Fen End, Over, Cambridgeshire navigated its way to the champion Traditional Hereford position, as judged by Richard Bradstock, Tarrington, Herefordshire. An in-calf heifer, it was born in September 2019 and is by the 2017 Royal Three Counties Show Traditional champion Albany Lincoln. Also named exhibitor-bred champion, it is out of Albany Lulu by Boresisle Lawrence.
Albany Liliana from FW Cook and son
Standing reserve was Midford Spotlight 1st from Will Awan, Bath, who also won the native interbreed that day with his Hereford champion from the main classes. Another with Boreisle breeding, this time on the maternal side, it is by Darmon Hickory, which is a Laxfield Hustle son. Heading up the male section and awarded the junior championship was March 2020-born Hockerwood Zeus from Patrick and Esther Lynn, Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Out of an Albany-bred Langridge Sovereign daughter, it is by the Llandinabo Zest son, Carpenters Zorro.
Midford Spotlight 1st from W Awan
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Carpenters Morgan from Helen MacLeod, Worcestershire was tapped out as reserve male champion. The same age as the male champion and out of a Llandinabo Zest daughter, it is by stock bull Shefford Monarch, a grandson of Free Town Kendal which sold for 17,000gns in 1976.
Results
FW Cook and son were also victorious in the 2020-born heifer class with Albany Sioux, a maiden heifer born March 2020, sired by the 2017 Royal Three Counties Show Traditional champion, Albany Lincoln. The breeders were successful in the pairs competition with Albany Liliana and Albany Laramie given first place.
Male and junior champion, P and E Lynn, Hockerwood Zeus; reserve male champion, H MacLeod, Carpenters Morgan
Heifer born in 2020, 1st, FW Cook and son, Albany Sioux; 2nd, FW Cook and son, Albany Laramie; 3rd, H MacLeod, Carpenters Laura
Any age bull, 1st, P and E Lynn, Hockerwood Zeus; 2nd, H MacLeod, Carpenters Morgan; 3rd, P and E Lynn, Hockerwood Zoom
Pair from one exhibitor, 1st, FW Cook and son, Albany Liliana and Albany Laramie; 2nd, P and E Lynn, Hockerwood Zeus and Hockerwood Zoom
(Judge: R Bradstock, Tarrington) Cow in-calf born in 2018 or before, 1st, W Awan, Midford Spotlight 1st
Supreme, female and exhibitor-bred champion, FW Cook and son, Albany Liliana; reserve supreme and reserve female champion, W Awan, Midford Spotlight 1st
Heifer born in 2019, 1st, FW Cook and son, Albany Liliana; 2nd, FW Cook and son, Albany Oyster Girl 22nd
Find your nearest association or club Dyfed Hereford Breeders’ Club Secretary: Liz Roderick, The Bank Farm, Scurlage Castle, Scurlage, Reynoldston, Gower, Swansea, SA3 1BA tombankfarm@ aol.com Hereford Cattle Breeders’ Association (West Midlands) Secretary: Emma Davies, 33 Windmill Lane, Inkberrow, Worcestershire WR7 4HG
emmajadedavies@hotmail.co.uk
Midlands and East Anglia Hereford Breeders’ Association Secretary: Peter Moyes, Lodge Farm, Welford Road, Thornby, Northampton, NN6 8SL
petermoyes@btinternet.com
North of England Hereford Breeders’ Association Secretary: Jackie Cooper, Pollards Farm, Howick Cross Lane, Penwortham, Preston, PR1 0NS
nehbasecretary@gmail.com
Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders’ Association Secretary: Mark Moore, 51 Glassdrummond Road, Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone, N Ireland, BT69 6DE North Wales HBA/Clwb Henffordd Gogledd Cymru Secretary: Audrey Morgan, Fardre Farm, St George, Abergele, Conwy, LL22 9RT
mark-moore@hotmail.co.uk
morganfardre@btconnect.com
Powys Hereford Breeders’ Club Secretary: Glenn Pritchard, The Sidings, Railway Goods Yard, Station Houses, Tir-Phil, New Tredegar, Caerphilly, NP24 6ES gpritcharf@gmail.com Scottish Hereford Breeders’ Association Secretary: Margaret Galbraith, Millmoor Farm, Sandilands, Lanark, ML11 9TW
margaret.stewart123@btinternet.com
South of England Hereford Breeders’ Association Secretary: Nick Williams, 3 Trindledown Cottages, North Standen Road, Hungerford, RG17 0QY sehbasecretary@gmail.com South Western Hereford Association Secretary: Angela Kerslake, Nicholashayne Farm, Nicholashayne, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9QY southwestherefordassoc@gmail.com Traditional Hereford Breeders’ Club Secretary: Helen Macleod, Carpeters Farm, Berrow, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6JJ
helenmac2@btconnect.com
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Traditional Herefords drive grass-fed beef
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Traditional Herefords bring a number of advantages to first generation farmers and butchers, the Francis brothers. A passion for quality meat, native breeds and regenerative agriculture has been the driving force for first generation farmers Jon and Nick Francis. Running Paddock Farm shop in Brailes on the border of Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, the retail outlet takes its name from the small paddock at the Francis brothers’ parents’ home where they ran their first two pigs, along with a goat, while growing up. The business began with the brothers breeding, fattening and directly selling Tamworth pigs to restaurant customers. As the viability of this operation became apparent, Jon and Nick took on a butchery unit at a local farm, used by the previous owners to supply farmers’ markets. This registered cutting room came with one part-time butcher, which six years on has increased to eight fulltime staff. At the same time, Jon and Nick secured a farm business tenancy on Lord Northampton’s estate, sub-let by an arable farmer, and stocked the ground with pigs to be used as a break crop in the rotation. Jon explains: “We have totally funded our business off our own backs and bank loans. We weren’t very secure in our position as tenants but Lord Northampton was very supportive and interested in our holistic approach to farming. “A lot of people could have questioned our methods of keeping outdoor pigs on Warwickshire clay, and we are very grateful to Lord Northampton for the opportunity to do so. The first thing we wanted to do to create a naturally grown pig.” Jon explains the Tamworth is related to the original English wild boar with a lot of intramuscular fat and a dark meat. Extensively run on grass, the brothers' pork was popular with chefs.
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Nick Francis (centre) and the Paddock Farm Shop butchery team The pride Jon and Nick take in the growing, hanging and cutting of their pigs has earned them places on wellknown chefs’ menus, including Raymond Blanc’s, where Paddock Farm supplies the breakfast sausage, and Heston Blumenthal is also a regular customer.
“With the beef, we are capturing sunshine through photosynthesis to grow grass, catch carbon and produce high quality meat which is all positive. We want to be custodians of the land to improve its fertility and quality,” he adds.
“There is sometimes a huge knowledge gap between chefs and farming and livestock production” Jon describes that over time he and his brother realised there was also a market for high welfare beef. The addition of an extra species though presented its own challenges to these first generation farmers.
Regenerative farming, a buzz word of the moment, refers to the practice of farming with biological principles, and the brothers follow these methods, which continue to gather increasing momentum.
Jon explains: “When we were keeping just pigs, we were keeping solely monogastrics, but when we introduced the cattle, we were dealing with ruminants for the first time. Contrary to the pigs, the cattle do not need to be fed concentrates.
Now tenants of 49 hectares (120 acre) occupying part of Aylesmore Farm, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, Jon and Nick have worked hard to build their customer base. A lot of the ground the Francis brothers rent is ‘ridge and furrow’, an ancient method of land
management which is common in their corner of the Cotswolds. Some of these ridges are six feet high. Nowadays, 50 restaurants are supplied each week (around 80 in total), and the shop’s van heads to London twice per week laden with produce. The brothers endeavour to try and educate these chefs and customers about their farming practices, and welcome visitors in this regard. Jon comments: “There is sometimes a huge knowledge gap between chefs and farming and livestock production, and it is in our interest as farmers to try and bridge this.” Having a market place is so important, he says, while also creating employment. The shop is promoted through a newsletter which goes out every other week and Jon says this is a really effective tool. After six years of shop and butchery, the business now employs seven butchers along with a cook while the farm occupies two other members of staff. “A business needs time to build a
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reputation and quality creates repeat purchases,” he comments. Jon himself learnt how to butcher from those he has employed over time, and has now subsequently taught others and is a great supporter of apprenticeship schemes. Market aware and future conscious and in response to the current questions which hang over the environmental impact of beef production, the brothers aim to grow 100% grass-fed beef, but Jon says to do so they require the correct genotype. Over time, a number of beef breeds have been trialled but they are now confident they have found what their system and market require. He says: “We have had many breeds here, but Herefords, and particularly the Traditional, suit our system the best. The more modern Hereford tends to have a larger frame to finish. The Traditional, with its smaller frame size and easy-fleshing ability makes it easier to take to finish and carries the ideal characteristics for us with sufficient back fat cover, and instramuscular fat.” Jon says in his experience, the Traditional Herefords only weigh slightly less than the more modern type, but adds the weight is carried in the right places. He explains: “Our restaurant clientele requires an eight ounce steak with a good thickness. To achieve this, we want something with a smaller eye muscle area, contrary to modern breeding.” Jon states that if he was selling
deadweight, he would seek a bigger carcase, but for their butchery, a 300kg carcase is ideal, although hard to obtain. Cattle are being sent to kill at 550kg, and visual assessments are made to ensure a sufficient fat cover. One beast is sold through the shop each week and cattle are brought off-farm for the restaurant. The brothers have also been sourcing Kiwi-cross Hereford stores. Jon is excited to get stuck into building up his Traditional breeding herd. He says: “Because I am not taking over anyone else’s herd but starting from scratch, we are starting with a completely blank canvass.”
Farm facts • 49 hectares (120 acres) rented permanent pasture, 25 hectares (62 acres) temporary grass leys
• Total of 110 cattle, including 65 pedigree Traditional Herefords and 21 Hereford-cross Kiwi style dairy
• 40 sow breeding herd – equalling 300 pigs
• Killing 12 pigs per week mix of breeds currently in residence on the farm, the Herefords are certainly the best for docility.
“We have had many breeds here, but Herefords, and particularly the Traditional, suit our system the best” Plans now are turning to keeping solely Traditional Herefords as Jon says that is the only way he will be able to guarantee his beef is totally grass-fed and says he is looking to breed the ‘ultimate grass convertor’. Although members of the Pasture Fed Livestock Association, they are not yet certified and are still looking to develop their grass-fed system. With the need to be an effective grass convertor, Jon is very confident the Traditional is the most suitable animal for their system and adds, out of the
The brothers are confident the traditional Hereford suits their system
This reduced stress, he says, helps to keep a favourable pH level of the meat, thus aiding the setting of the carcase. Unset carcases won’t age well as the water content is too high limiting rigor mortis and resulting in a darker meat, he explains. Jon adds: “You can only hang an animal with good amount of fat cover.” Steak meat is hung for 35 days and carcases for 21 days, and the farm shop benefits from access to a local abattoir just five miles away.
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The shop stocks Hereford beef To produce their grass-fed beef, mob grazing has been adopted and Jon has become a great advocate of the practice and regularly keeps up with other likeminded farmers on a mob grazing Whatsapp group. Taking a non-selective grazing approach, cattle are kept at a high density per acre, with cattle therefore maintaining competition to graze.
by trampling or grazing to improve soil structure with the addition of organic matter. “In the summer we are running 90 cattle on 0.6 acres per day, working through a 45 to 70 day rotation. If animals are grown on 100 per cent grass they won’t get over fat under 30 months,” explains Jon.
“We want cattle to eat the whole plant and using this method, they will graze thistles, nettles, docks. We have a plate meter, but it won’t measure a high enough sward for what we are doing here,” he says.
Jon says there is an interesting future with livestock as part of the arable rotation. Renting ground off an arable farmer as part of arable rotation to increase the ground’s phosphorus levels, the brothers work as part of a team with the land owner and their agronomist.
When mob grazing, paddock sizes vary through the year which eliminates selective grazing, and cattle graze to a lower cover. Jon says they will eat all plants ahead of them and wants cattle to flatten the paddock either
“We monitor cattle health on performance but also via the muck produced. I look for a nice layered cow pat with a dip in its middle. This means the animal is receiving enough protein and fibre.”
Straw and muck from the deep beds is composted and windrowed in the spring and the muck is turned when it reaches 50ºc, as measured by a thermometer. A muck heap which is too big won’t get hot on the edges, he says. This is then used on the shop’s market garden and is utilised as compost and not manure as the nutrients will then be more stable, minimising leaching. Cutting 24ha (59ac) each year of haylage, fields are taken out of the rotation and grazing platform for mowing, and different fields are chosen each year. Jon says: “Working with nature is chaotic and keeps changing. We have a low cost of production therefore low input while creating a high-value product using a native breed, doing what it does best. “I would like to see UK beef production to get to a point where grass-fed beef does not need to attract a premium over grain fed beef to make it viable.”
Chickens
Chickens are used to clean up parasites left by the cattle
The farm is also home to 250 chickens which follow the cattle through the rotation, cleaning up any parasites. Three days behind the cattle, they will pick fly larvae to eat and reduce fly burden while also scratching out manure, which goes into the ground, resulting in a clean pasture.
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 131
Traditional semen exported to USA A shipment of 250 straws of Margarita Sebastian, bred by the Hodson-Walker family, Derbyshire has been exported to the USA and received by a group of four American breeders who collectively run 600 cows. In addition, 200 straws of Margarita Sensation were purchased by one of these breeders. This importation of Traditional-bred semen will be used across four different US states, including North Dakota, Kansas, Missouri and Montana, which all have very diverse climate and forage types, ranging from abundant lownutrient grazeable forages to areas of sparse amounts of nutrient dense forages. This is the first shipment of UK Hereford semen to the USA since 2008, when 300 straws of Atok Socrates were exported. One of the purchasers, Steven Pollestad, North Dakota, said: “All of us involved with the importation were interested particularly in Traditional Hereford bloodlines because of their ability to convert forage more efficiently. “This efficiency results in more pounds of beef produced per acre or hectare of pasture without resorting to the added expense of using creep feed, or other grains to increase cattle weights while they are on pasture. Drought conditions, such as what we now have here in much of the US, make efficiency traits even more important.” Roger Hodson-Walker and his family keep 20 females in their Derbyshirebased Margarita herd and explained representatives from the group visited the UK to look at Traditional cows. The Americans jointly funded a synchronisation programme, with Free Town Kendal as the chosen sire, to
Margarita Sebastian from R Hodson-Walker produce bull calves for semen collection for export. Kendal was purchased by EL Lewis and son, Dilwyn, Herefordshire in 1976 and sold for a then record price of 17,000gns. Roger says: “The purchasers were looking for animals to out-winter on the range and to perform on a forage-based diet, and they believed the Traditional Hereford was particularly well placed for this task. “The Americans travelled across the country looking at Traditional females to breed bulls from for semen collection and settled on five from our herd which had been among our original animals when establishing the herd.” A group of females from the Margarita herd were chosen for synchronisation including purchases from Peter Talbot’s Baytal herd and Les Cook’s Albany herd which were the eventual dams of the bulls. Roger explains the purchasers were particularly helpful in ensuring the right
procedures were undertaken. To export to America, semen must be free of Schmallenberg, and as such, the timing of semen collection was vital. From this mating, three bull calves were produced. Photographs were sent to the American breeders throughout their development, and the group of breeders chose two bulls. Semen was collected in the winter of 2020, before any challenge from midges. Steven says: “My colleagues and I are excited about our recent importation of Traditional Hereford semen from the Hodson-Walker family, and we are looking forward to seeing the results of the use of these genetics blended with our own Hereford bloodlines. “I am very pleased to have been able to locate and obtain Traditional Hereford genetics which are essentially the foundation genetics of the Hereford breed.” The semen is also on sale in the UK via UK Sire Services.
132 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Jenny Pudge Treasurer
David Makin Chairman
Richard Bradstock President
Andrew Whitlow Vice Chairman
Emma Davies Secretary
SW Quan & CO – BORDER – 01981570231 / 07714291362 M & M Roberts – BROMLEY – 01981540717 / 07980834266 DC Seabourne – HOLME LACY – 01432870808 / 07967208818 RG & MD Thomas – RISBURY – 01568760443 T Verdin – GARNSTONE – 07966440857 G & R Watkins – HOLLYBUSH – 01584711323 WD Wiggin – PARLIAMENT – 02072198175
HEREFORDSHIRE G Blandford & Son – BOSA – 01531640209 / 07817707745
SHROPSHIRE
R A Bradstock & Partners – FREE TOWN – 01432890238 / 07734200508
RCG & EC Lywood – HEATH HOUSE – 01547530149
E Budd – DARLING BUDDS – 01981550007 / 07774926659
AR Owen – CHURCH PREEN – 01694771249 / 0797115597
S Coates & I Coates – PARKAPELLA – 07525426190
P & E Williams – ALDEROAK – 01743741755 / 07843238039
EC & MM Everall – ASHLEY MOOR – 01568780266 APG Goodwin – HONEYBROOK – 01568720331 TJ & BM Goodwin (C Powell) – ROUGHMOOR – 01544327434 / 07867800788 S Hawkins – BOSBURY – 01531640405 / 07813796053
L Hobson – ELDERSFIELD – 01452840169 GCE Holborow – ROSEMOOR – 01886821226 / 07966130853 EL Lewis & Son – HAVEN – 01544318255 / 079747446
WORCESTERSHIRE N Hooper – HOOPER - 01886832273 J Walker – DOCKLOW/HYDE – 01886 821892 / 07974307566 JR Whitlow – HIGH HOUSE – 01386793880
STAFFORDSHIRE
JW Lewis – BOYCEFIELD – 01544318946 / 07767863377
CH Brown & Son – WREKINVIEW/HAYES – 01902372982
DJ Makin – ADZOR – 01432830241 / 07961033283
C McCreath – LONGRIDGE – 01785715050 / 07866540127
J Pudge – BLACKHALL – 01432830361 / 07985078581
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 133
HCBA gets back to normality Hereford Cattle Breeders’ Association ran some successful events in 2021 in a bid to get back to normality. With 2020 being a year we would all very much like to forget, the Hereford Cattle Breeders Association (HCBA) looked forward to 2021 to try and return to some normality. However due to Covid-19 rules and restrictions the association’s AGM had to be held via Zoom, which is believed to be the first in the association’s history. Luckily, the association’s committee managed to conduct this without any hiccups. David Makin, Andrew Whitlow and Jenny Pudge were all re-elected into their positions as chairman, vicechairman and treasurer with Emma Davies enthusiastically taking on the secretary role from Maddy Roberts, who had kindly stepped in previously as honorary secretary. Richard Bradstock once again took up the role as association president.
The Christmas Calf Show organising commitee. L-R Phil Williams, Hazel Timmis, Alison Allman, Melissa Roberts, Becky Davies, Caroline Davies, Emma Davies, Maddy Roberts and Andrew Whitlow Making up for lack of events in the previous year, as soon as it was practical and safe to do so the association held its first social of the year. This was warmly hosted by Scott and Isabel Coates on their farm in Monmouthshire. After viewing the herd of Hereford cattle of which there was an excellent stock bull and quality cows, members got to the business end of the trip – a tour and tasting session of their new sheep’s cheese enterprise. This involved
HCBA held a supper in Shrewbury Auction Centre the evening before the calf show
a look around at the milking parlour and cheese making facility, finishing off with an excellent sampling of the various cheeses they produce. It was great to see so many familiar faces and some new. Many thanks to the Coates for hosting. As we progressed through the year, we saw the return of the area herd competition. This was judged by prominent Limousin breeder Richard Bartle who had the task of judging over 20 herds covering all corners of the HCBA area. The results evening was held at Eldersfield Herefords by Lorraine Hobson, with farm manager Daniel Goodman giving a great insight into the system they run which focusses on utilising grass in a rotational grazing system. This gave everyone on the tour food for thought on how to best manage cattle on a grazing platform and really gain the ‘white face advantage’ which Herefords have when it comes to performing well on grass-based systems. Richard Bartle was very encouraged by what he saw when judging and added some comments on how the
134 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
competition could be further advanced with the addition of more classes, which the association will consider for 2022. Many members entered once again in the National Hereford Club’s virtual show in place of the National Show at Tenbury, which unfortunately could not take place again this year. Many notable herds in the HCBA did very well including Dieulacresse, Boycefield, FreeTown and Haven with John Whitlow's High House herd taking the male championship for stock bull Drumatee Rocket. Making the most of the late summer evenings, the association held a social at Ray and Jenny Pudges’ farm in Herefordshire. Breedplan performance scanner and recorder Jim Barber came and gave a demonstration of how the scanning measurements for an animal’s carcase EBVs are recorded. He also did a brief run down on how the data is interpreted as well as some useful tips to members on how to get the most out of the whole Breedplan system. His main points were to keep recording consistent, honest and accurate.
A huge thanks goes out to all exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers and spectators who supported the Christmas Calf Show in 2021. The HCBA is extremely grateful for the fantastic efforts made by all. It was a real credit to all people involved within the breed and a great representation of pedigree Hereford cattle. The show committee worked tremendously hard to ensure the event was a success, and are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the Christmas Calf Show 2022. The HCBA Facebook page was also relaunched this autumn to build up a following on social media to inform people of the association’s activities. So far feedback has been very positive and this is something we will continue to grow in the future as it is a simple, instant and free way of marketing. On a final note, the committee thanks all members, new and old for their involvement with the association and would like to encourage more Staffordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire herds to get involved.
Herd competition results Overall herd, Free Town, RA Bradstock and partners Small herd, 1st, Heath House, R and E Lywood; 2nd, Longridge, CFP and SH McCreath; 3rd, Buckenhill; 3rd, MF Gray and Miss L Crowther Medium herd, 1st, Boycefield, JW Lewis; 2nd, High House, JR Whitlow; 3rd, Rough Moor, T and M Goodwin and C Powell Large herd, 1st, Free Town, RA Bradstock and partners; 2nd, Hyde/Docklow, J Walker; 3rd, Eldersfield, AJ and LR Hobson Stock bull and progeny, 1st, Solpoll 1 Lawman, EL Lewis and son; 2nd, Romany 1 Redemption, G and R Watkins; 3rd, Drumatee Rocket, JR Whitlow Bull calf, 1st, Bosbury Vladimir V70, S Hawkins; 2nd, Hollybush Victory, G and R Watkins; 3rd, Heath House Voldermort, R and E Lywood Heifer calf, 1st, Havenfield 1 Lady Lynda 3rd, EL Lewis and son; 2nd, Rosemore 1 Blossom, GGE Holborow; 3rd, High House Dowager V22, JR Whitlow
Boycefield Herefords Practical, Hard Working, Natural Cattle
Main Herd Sires: Lisrace Lumberjack (Pictured Above), Yarram Unique T160 & Boycefield Congo
Boycefield Pinky 33rd & Curly 33rd Sired By Lisrace Lumberjack
James & Billy Lewis, Boycefield Farm, Hereford HR4 8JF Tel: 01544 318946 / 07767863377 Email: jameslewis4@btconnect.com
@BoycefieldFarm
Boycefield Louisa 38th Sired By Lisrace Lumberjack
Est. 1976 Est. 1976 Senior Sires
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 135
REAL has value, value,and addswill value and be willinalways be in d QUALITY hasQUALITY value, holds value,holds adds value always demand. Est. 1976
stock always for sale Visitors always wel g stockYoung always for sale Visitors always welcome REAL QUALITY has value, holds value, adds value and will always be in demand. Young stock always for sale
Senior SiresSenior Sires
Visitors always welcome
Senior Senior Sires Sires
Moyclare Quinlan
Mara Paramount Junior Sires
Moyclare Quinlan
Moyclare Quinlan Moyclare Quinlan
Junior Sires
Mara Paramount
Mara Paramount Mara Paramount
Junior Sires Junior Sires
Dieulacresse Tic Tac at 15 Dieulaccresse Tic Tac at months 15at months old Dieulacresse Tic Tac 15oldmonths old
First in his class, Male Champion and Reserve Breed Champion Shropshire show 2021. First in his class, Male Champion Reserve Breed Champion atat Shropshire show 2021. rst in his class, Male Champion andand Reserve Breed Champion at Shropshire show 2021 First Firstininhis hisclass classand andMale MaleChampion Championininthe theVirtual VirtualTenbury TenburyShow. Show. Half Herefords. Halfshare sharesold soldto toHaven Haven Herefords. First in his class and Male Champion in the Virtual Tenbury Show. HalfDieulacresse share Dieulacresse sold to Haven Herefords. Also using Dieulacresse Rossiter and Knockmountagh Rebel Also using and Knockmoun Rebel 22nd Tic Tac atgh 15 months old Dieulacresse TicRossiter Tac at 15Knockmountagh months old First in his class, Male and Reserve Breed Champion show at Shropshire n his class, Male Champion andChampion Reserve Breed Champion at Shropshire 2021. show Thank you to our many pedigree and commercial customers for purchasing bulls and females. We wish you all the very best of luck with Tenbury your cattle breeding. bre Tenbury First inMale his class and Male Champion in the Virtual Also using Dieulacresse Rossiter and Knockmountagh RebelShow. 2nd First in his class and Champion in the Virtual Show. share sold to Haven Herefords. Half share soldHalf to Haven Herefords. MESSRS SPOONER nd
Well Farm Upper Hulme Nr Leek Staffordshire ST13 8UD Tel: 01538 300331 Mobile: 07968 622950 (Anthony) 07891 969268 (Adam) E--mail: twinkle239@hotmail.co.uk
k you to ourAlso manyusing pedigree and commercial customers for purchasing and2nd fem Dieulacresse and Knockmountagh Rebel lso using Dieulacresse Rossiter andRossiter Knockmountagh Rebel 2nd bulls We wish you all the very best of luck with your cattle breeding. Farming at over 1,000ft 00ft above abo sea level to provide e stock that t work for you
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Haven Herefords
136 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
The Lewis Family celebrates 200
years of breeding Hereford Cattle in 2022
The Past, The Present and....
Haven Tarzan
Havenfield 1 Tyson
- Sold for £7,140 to Essmore Herefords - 2021 HCS Spring Sale
- Top 1% Terminal & Self Replacing Indices - First calves looking promising
The Future
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 137
Here come the girls -
Heifers to be offered in Bicentenary Sale 2022 Haven Kingpin EST.1822
Sire: GH Adams 144S Bulge 138W th Dam: Haven Splendour 25
Not forgetting the boys Semen sold to Irish Hereford Society’s Breed Improvement Scheme. Photo at 20 months, 910kg
Haven Hotspur
UK Semen Available
Sire : Mawarra Vice Admiral Dam: Haven Curly 72nd Senior Male Champion National Horned Show Tenbury 2015 Owned jointly with P.R.J. & L.R. Vincent
Haven Kermit Sire: Haven Cavalier th Dam: Haven Thrush 64
Mawarra Influential Q162
Supreme Hereford Champion National Horned Show Tenbury 2014 He is in the top 1% of the breed Self-‐ Replacing -and “Excepti depth and Terminal Sonal ire indices.
Yarram Unique P160
- Bought for $42,000 at Wodonga National with Graham Genetics & Pulham Herefords.
carcase attributes bred out of unquestionably the best cow at Yarram Park” - Jeremy Upton
OTHER SIRES INCLUDE:
E. L. Lewis & Son
!Horned: Haven Cavalier (Semen for sale), Haven Lamborghini, Mawarra After Shock, Knockmountagh Marshall. !Polled: Romany 1 Lawbreaker, Days Calibre G74.
Thank you to all our customers this year. Visitors always welcome.
Edward, Carol and Ben Lewis, The Haven, Dilwyn, Hereford, HR4 8JB Tel: 01544 318255 Mob: 07974744660 Email: edward@havenherefords.co.uk Web: www.havenherefords.co.uk Tel: 01544 318255 Mob: 07974744660 Web: www.havenherefords.co.uk Email: edward@havenherefords.co.uk E.L.Lewis & Son Edward, Carol and Ben Lewis. The Haven, Dilwyn, Hereford, HR4 8JB
138 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Free Town in front in West Midlands One of the oldest homes of the breed, RA Bradstock and partners’ Free Town herd won the West Midlands region’s herds competition in 2021. Set in the fertile Frome Valley between rolling hills, Hereford cattle have grazed the pastures of Free Town Farm under the same family’s ownership for over 110 years. Now run by father and son Richard and Tony, the 65 cow herd forms an integral part of the mixed 202 hectare (500 acre) farm, with permanent riverside pasture and rotational herbal leys running alongside arable, cider fruit, tack sheep and mixed woodland, all complimenting each other well. A cornerstone of the breeding programme is to retain the Hereford breed’s strong maternal characteristics, including milk, docility and longevity, which have ensured the success of the breed in so many diverse conditions around the world. The Bradstocks use natural service predominantly, but this is complemented by semen from their own AI flask, including sires of their own breeding, allowing them to select suitable genetics for consistency. The herd is founded on strong female lines, with only a handful of females
L-R judge Pat Stanley, Richard and Tony Bradstock having been introduced since Percy Bradstock purchased his original females from his uncle in 1906. Since then, the herd has won an unmatched nine English Royals as well as an unbeaten 11 National Hereford Show breed championships at Tenbury Wells, most recently with 10 month old heifer Free Town Decree, taking supreme in 2017. Even more recently, the herd has continued to succeed in the show ring having taken supreme champion
The herd consists of both horned and poll breeding
at Kington Show 2019 with Free Town Plenty, which, along with Decree, was by one of the herd’s recent sires Mara Humorous, which left a mark throughout the current herd, producing structurally very correct, smooth fleshing cattle with great breed character. The current senior herd sire is Boycefield Stormzy which is a Lisrace Lumberjack son and was purchased after being judged bull calf champion at Kington Show in 2019. Moyclare Quinlan from
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Ireland is still being used to provide progeny with great thickness and style, while its son Free Town Talent also ran with a small selection of females this summer. Free Town Truman, by Free Town Premier which won a strong class in the National Hereford Show 2021, was also used on a group of heifers this summer. The current poll sire Weybrook 1 Director is a son of Romany 1 Kryptonite and has been used to add growth and muscling to the herd’s poll females. Tony says: “The herd currently is split approximately 75 per cent horned and 25 per cent poll, having recently re-expanded their poll lines, predominantly by using poll bulls on selected horned females. In doing this, we are aiming to retain the important maternal qualities and breed traits of our established horned lines, yet providing a polled alternative”. In addition, fifth generation family member Jinnie already has her own small sub-herd, started from the Dendor Lilac Wine female line.
The Free Town herd is one of the oldest in the country The herd calves equally in autumn and spring blocks to extend the availability of bulls for sale all year round and allowing them to calve heifers by 30 months of age. Richard says: “We believe calving at 30 months to be the ideal age, minimising the amount of concentrate feeding of the yearling to get her to a suitable bulling weight, but bringing her into
production before she puts on too much body condition at calving”. Currently the herd sells around 10 to 15 pedigree bulls a year to local and international customers, along with a similar offering of females off-farm. With what is seen to be a continued resurgence of the Hereford breed in the UK beef market, it is hoped that the demand continues.
RISBURY HEREFORDS
Risbury Sailor Contact Robert Thomas, Risbury Court, Risbury, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0NG 01568 760443/07494 672 139 email: rgmdthomas@btinternet.com
140 | SALES
Sky High females hit 7,000gns at reduction sale Making up part of the society spring parade and sale, the Sky High reduction sale with Will Medforth putting in a top bid of 7,000gns. Sky High 1 Miss Staffordshire from Boomer Birch and Graham Brindley, Weston, Staffordshire lead the trade at the herd’s reduction sale, hosted at the society’s autumn sale, selling at 7,000gns to Will Medforth, Llanrug, Gwynedd. By the renowned Canadian sire Remitall Super Duty 42S, this November 2018born female is out of Dendor 1 Jennefer 15th, the twice female of the year title winner. Calving at two years old, Staffordshire carries robust performance figures with growth traits ranking in the top 1 percent of the breed, and has been running with Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman. Next to be sold was its daughter Sky High 1 Staffordshire Lass, which follows its dam with the same Gwynedd-based buyer. It is a Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman daughter and together with its mother, the outfit grossed 13,500gns. Forced to sell due to a loss of ground at home, the Sky High herd has experienced a good amount of success since its inception in 2010, and witnessed 100 per cent clearance of its seven lots forward, which averaged £6,315. Next in the money at 6,800gns was Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 967, a three year
Those involved in the Sky High reduction sale old cow purchased by Steven O’Kane on behalf of a client. By Fabb 1 Northern Star, it was sold with its heifer calf Sky High 1 Lady Lambo at-foot which is a Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman daughter. Not far behind at 6,200gns and selling to G and A Redmayne, Kendal was Sky High 1 L’amour Lucy. Sired by Spurstow 1 Super Duty, it is paternal brother to the top price and out of Romany 1 Lucy RE L21, a daughter of another Spurstowbred sire. The June 2019-born daughter is a maternal sister to the record priced female and National Calf Show champion, Sky High 1 Lancome Lucy, and Agri Expo calf champion Sky High 1 Luscious Lucy. Sky High 1 Lady Leshurr went at 5,800gns to A Newton, Antrobus, Cheshire. It is the first daughter to be offered for sale from Sky High
1 Shawshank Redemption and is a daughter of Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 967 which also sold that day. Eight year old Alderville 1 Diane and heifer calf Sky High 1 Demeter realised 5,400gns, bid by Steven O’Kane on behalf of a client. Diane is sired by Dorepoll 1 93N Transatlantic, which is bred from Remitall stock on either side of its pedigree. The calf is another Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman daughter. Purchased by L Davies, Oswestry, Shropshire, Alderville 1 Lady Lynda and heifer calf Sky High 1 Lady Lush sold at 4,400gns and had been running with Grifford 1 True Player. Averages: 7 females, £6,315 Auctioneers: Halls
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142 | SHOWS
Pippa picks-up Staffs Championship At Staffordshire County Show, it was Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11’s time to take the limelight, with Spartan 1 Typhoon in the reserve spot. Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 from Tom and Di Harrison was victorious in the breed championship at Staffordshire County Show, continuing a successful summer despite a reduced show circuit. The heifer was tapped out by Jack Henry, West Yorkshire in the breed judging, before named as reserve native champion the following day by Jim Barber, Cheshire. April 2019-born, it is yet another by the prolific SMH King Size 87K and out of Coley 1 Pippa 356 which stood breed champion at the Royal Highland in 2017, a daughter of Australian sire, Days Calibre G74. Together with Spartan 1 Typhoon from SC and GL Hartwright, this heifer also made up one half of the winning pair of animals.
Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 from T and D Harrison
Reserve and male champion was Clares 1 Stafford from M and C Whieldon, Eccleshall, Staffordshire. Born in May 2019, it is by Cogent’s Netherhall 1 Oz Daffy M024 and out of Romany 1 Dawn H12 M55 and won the senior bull class at Shropshire County Show in the previous month. Spartan 1 Typhoon from SC and GL Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire stood reserve champion, and also did well at Shropshire County where it won its class, and has since taken the reserve male title at the Royal Lancashire Show. It is a son of Solpoll 1 Perfection, purchased at the 2019 society spring show and sale
The champion pair of Herefords
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for 8,000gns from Northern Ireland’s John and William McMordie and went on to win the 2019 Devon County and Royal Bath and West breed championships. R and RI Shaw, Cheshire, produced the reserve female champion with heifer Hallwood 1 Oyster Shell. By Hallwood 1 Knight, it is out of Kinglee 1 Oyster Girl 495, a daughter of Kinglee 1 Jowett and won its senior cow class at the Royal Lancashire. Another from the Shaws, Hallwood 1 Carefree Girl, led the March 2019 to March 2020-born heifer class. October 2019-born, this female is sired by herd sire Vexour 1 Ned, a son of Solpoll 1 Landmark, and out of a home-bred female. SA Jones and CH Corbishley, Cheshire moved to the fore in the junior heifer class with Sandlow 1 Delilah. By Rempstone 1 Mines-A-Double E432, it is out of Silvertrees 1 Dalcota, bred by A Davies.
Results (Judge: J Henry, Brighouse) Champion and female, T and D Harrison, Moralee 1 Pippa KS R12; reserve and male, M and C Whieldon, Clares 1 Stafford; res male, SC and GL Hartwright, Spartan 1 Typhoon; res female, R and RI Shaw, Hallwood 1 Oyster Shell Pedigree bull born before 1 July 2019, 1st, M and C Whieldon, Clares 1 Stafford Pedigree bull born on / after 1 July 2019 and before 1 March 2020, 1st, SC and GL Hartwright, Spartan 1 Typhoon Cow or heifer born before 1st March 2019 with a calf at-foot or in-calf, 1st, R and RI Shaw, Hallwood 1 Oyster; 2nd, H Wilson, Bosa 1 Laurel 994; 3rd, M and C Whieldon, Black Hall 1 Poe
Heifer born on/after 1 March 2019 and before 1 March 2020, 1st, T and D Harrison, Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11; 2nd, R Stubbs, Butterhill 1 Tequilla; 3rd, G Llewellyn and D Sharman, Moralee 1 Ruth KS Heifer born on/ after 1 March 2019 and before 1 March 2020, 1st, R and RI Shaw, Hallwood 1 Carefree Girl; 2nd, SC and GL Hartwright, Spartan 1 Duchess; 3rd R Stubbs, Butterhill 1 Sweetpea Female born on or after 1 March 2020, 1st CH Corbishley and SA Jones, Sandlow 1 Delilah; 2nd, G Llewellyn and D Sharman, Harvest 1 Alice; 3rd, SC and GL Hartwright, Spartan 1 Polly Group of three animals, 1st, SC and GL Hartwright; 2nd, G Llewellyn and D Sharman; 3rd, M and C Whieldon
Hooper Herefords Est - 2003 Nigel Hooper – Lower Sandlin Farm, Leigh Sinton, Nr Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 5DN BVD Accredited, Member of the HiHealth Herdcare Scheme Young Bulls, Hiefers plus selection of Cows usually available
Contact Nigel on 07498 944125 or 01886 832273 Email – hooper732@btinternet.com
144 | FEATURE
Lewis family celebrates 200 years
FEATURE | 145
The Lewis family has been involved in the Hereford breed for six generations, and in 2022 celebrates a bicentenary of breeding the red and white cattle. Not many farming families can make claims like these Herefordshire-based breeders: the oldest herd of Herefords in the world to be continuously owned under the same family name; exports to 24 different countries and a heavy influence on the Hereford breed globally. The Lewis’ story starts way back in 1822 when Thomas Lewis founded his herd of Herefords. Before the creation of prefixes or herd names, at this time not even the first volume of the herd book had been published, which followed in 1846. At the end of the 19th century, the influx of British-bred cattle to the United States of America was gathering pace. In the boom years of the 1880s, a good number of Lewis-bred animals were exported to the USA. Purchased by breeders Gudgell and Simpson in 1881, among these sales were Anxiety 4th from Stocktonbury and Dowager 6th from Thomas Lewis, with the latter the most influential, and together they became the cornerstone of the Hereford breed in the USA. The policy of Gudgell and Simpson was to line breed their early imports, and their most notable achievement was the breeding of Prince Domino in 1914, regarded as the greatest bull in the early development of the North American Hereford which went back to both Anxiety 4th and Dowager 6th seven times. Prince Domino and its sons appears in pedigrees around the world and also played a part in the creation of the American Line One programme. Thomas’ nephew James (senior) Lewis moved from The Woodhouse in 1888 when he married Margaret Bray, whose grandfather quite fittingly was a nephew of Benjamin Tomkins, regarded as the founder of the Hereford breed.
146 | FEATURE
L-R Ben, Carol, Edward, James, Lucinda and Billy Lewis On leaving The Woodhouse, a dispersal sale was held, which saw 133 head of Hereford cattle sold.
which founded the Tiny and Thrush families which are still very prominent with the Haven herd today.
On relocating though remaining in Herefordshire, they set up home at The Haven, Dilwyn and continued breeding Herefords for the next 40 years. One of the cows which travelled with James from The Woodhouse was Teresa 2nd
The Lewis family were always just traditional Herefordshire farmers, while the likes of dukes and lords were showing at the Royal at that time. One of the most influential bulls purchased during the time James was at the
helm was Leyburn from Allen Hughes, Wintercott, Leominster. An outstanding son of this well-regarded bull was Turgot which stood champion at the 1917 Hereford show and sale, selling to Messrs Liebigs of South America for 2,000gns. Adding to the significance of this bull, as son Edward (senior) was away at the First World War, James’ daughter Gwen brought out the bull and was the first lady to ever do so in Hereford Market. It was roughly at this time that herds, including that of the Lewis family, started putting the herd name before the animal name, making it a prefix.
Havenfield Eclipse, bull of the year 1964 and decade
In 1928, as the developed economies of the world lay in depression, Edward (senior) took over The Haven from his father James (senior) when he married. In the first decade of his time in charge, it was a case of survival, while the price of pedigree cattle was at its lowest for over a century. However, Edward (senior) endeavoured to preserve the standard of his herd and managed this by acquiring Free Town Bodyguard in 1946, which moved the herd into the spotlight. At the first February show and sale
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after the Second World War at Hereford Market, Haven Victory, a son of Free Town Bodyguard, sold to Senor Duggan of Argentina for 1,900gns, while another son, Haven Broadside, was the first bull to make 1,000gns at the Hereford April sale, selling to the Duke of Newcastle. At this time Edward (senior) was also fortunate to rent the neighbouring farm, Henwood, from his uncle George Bray, and these additional pastures enabled the herd to double its size in the forthcoming years. In 1949, Edward's (senior) son Leslie and daughter Sybil joined their father to form EL Lewis and son, the name associated with the business at The Haven today. This newly formed partnership’s first purchase was Shucknall Favourite which proved to be one of the best sires within the breed for nearly a decade and progeny was almost unbeatable in the show ring. During this period, The Haven also purchased some top female families, including the Pinky, Prunella and Julia lines from The Vern and Lady Lynda and Martha bloodlines from Tarrington. Leslie had been stricken by polio when in his teens and was the only survivor of 13 admitted to Hereford hospital that week. Since then, he had always walked with a stick, and although not able to do a lot of physical work, he became a master of marketing and built up an export business which no other herd of any breed ever matched, nor probably will.
Solpoll 1 Lawman is the current herd sire for the Haven herd Lewis and son’s first Royal supreme champion. In 1958, Haven Nobility stepped up as senior herd sire and bred three Royal Show victors. Haven Showman took the reserve grand male title at the 1963 Royal and Haven Tommy which won the junior class at the three main shows in 1963 and was purchased by Bar Pipe Ranch, and became a top sire in Canada. Havenfield Eclipse stood reserve supreme and grand male at the 1964 Royal as well as being bull of the year and then of the decade. Haven Showman took the Royal
The old established herd of The Haven really hit the forefront at the 1952 Kington Show, a key event within the breed at the time, where they took the grand male and grand female titles with Haven Lion and Haven Crocus, which later combined to produce Haven Postman. The double championship was again taken the following year at Kington, with Haven Cottage Rake and Tiny 16th. Edward (senior) was elected as president of the Hereford Herd Book Society in 1956 and won the first ever herd of the year award in the same year, due to the great influence of Shucknall Favourite. Vron Gaffer followed in the footsteps of this herd sire at The Haven and was a son of Vern Drummer, and again left a mark, breeding many successful animals. Another bull of the year, this was EL
L-R Edward, Leslie and James Lewis
Highland Show supreme championship in 1963 before heading up the winning interbreed team, being the first time the Herefords had done so, and has been won only once since. A very noteworthy sire, Showman also sired three successive Royal Show female champions, including female of the year, Havenfield Regina 2nd which stood reserve in the Burke Trophy with Havenfield Eclipse in 1964. Showing his worth even more, by 1970, 63 sons and daughters of Showman had been exported overseas. Leslie Lewis is admired for the sheer volume of exports achieved at The
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Haven Farm facts • 162 hectares (400 acres) • 55 ha (135ac) cider apples – supplying Bulmers/Heineken, Westons and Magners
• 2.8ha (7ac) Fuggles hops • 40ha (100ac) arable – wheat, barley and oats
• 60 pedigree females
Hereford bull sale, Edinburgh, February 1960 - L-R Ted Hewitson, Leslie and Edward Lewis. Credit: The Scottish Farmer Haven, with 323 live cattle exported to 21 different countries between 1956 and 1976. Through the sixties, Haven cattle were selling very well, and were all moving through Hereford Market. There had been a healthy level of competition between the herd at The Haven and Captain de Quincey’s Vern herd which dispersed in 1966. In front of a packed ring from all corners of the world following de Quincey’s death, E L Lewis and son purchased Vern Rooti for 12,000gns which went on to sire Avon Priam, a Royal Show champion and 1971 bull of the year. Haven Evolution then took the 1972 bull of the year title, while Haven Frontier won the accolade in 1973. Success continued through this decade and in 1974, Haven Oyster Girl 36th, grand female champion at the Royal Show, sold for a British record price of 6,500gns to Bert Reyes of San Antonio, USA. The following year, BP Silver Standard Tommy 128G was purchased for $10,000 at the Bar Pipe sale in Alberta, Canada, and was out of a daughter of Haven Tommy,
bringing these genetics back home to Herefordshire. BP 55C Britisher 1M was later purchased in 1982 from the same Canadian breeders for $26,500. A British record price, Free Town Kendal, was purchased by the Lewis family in 1976 for 17,000gns. Between 1976 and 1981, six very successful annual production sales were held at the family’s Boycefield Farm, with 700 pedigree cattle going through the ring, many finding homes in the UK, but a great number were exported. Not only did these sales fuel the success of the Lewis’ herd, but also helped to put the Hereford breed in the limelight. At the third Haven sale in 1978, opened by TV personality Ted Moult, new breeders paid high figures peaking at
12,000gns for Haven Lumberjack, by Nuelands Giles, purchased by John Leroy from Kent along with six heifers. The second highest price paid was 9,000gns for Haven Nugget, sired by the Canadian bull, BP Tommy 128G. At the same sale, Haven Pearl 2nd broke the female record price at 6,600gns, selling to George Hughes, the owner at Hampton Court, Herefordshire, who that day bought six heifers totalling 19,650gns. At the following year’s sale, George Hughes again paid a new British record when purchasing Haven Performer for 22,000gns, along with Haven Pirate by BP Tommy for 15,000gns and eight heifers for 15,800gns. Another record breaker at 1980’s Haven sale was made for Haven Reign On, knocked down at 27,000gns to Jim Cross of Canada who ran the Bar Pipe Ranch, where the Lewis family was a repeat purchaser. This male price record remains in place to this very day.
Boycefield Farm facts • 121ha (300ac) • 250-300 North Country Cheviotcross mule ewes
• 28ha (70ac) arable ground • Building up to 40 pedigree Hereford females
Lisrace Lumberjack is the herd sire at Boycefield Herefords
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major supreme championship to be won by the herd since Haven Great Heart at the Three Counties 20 years earlier. Its dam, Haven Patch 73rd, had won the female championship at the Royal Welsh Show the previous year. In 1995, the year which Leslie passed away, Edward and wife Carol moved to The Haven while brother James and his wife Lucinda moved to Boycefield Farm. In 2003, the business split with Edward and Carol continuing the Haven prefix, while James and Lucinda bred under the Boycefield herd name, which had been previously utilised as the Lewis family’s poll herd name.
Haven Lion, male champion at the 1954 Kington Show The 1981 Haven sale saw Haven Samson by Hi Standard Brit Lad 26G top the trade at 20,000gns. The Lewis family retained a half share while semen went three ways to B and H Herefords, Canada; RC Atkin, Utah and the Zambian Government Developments. In 1984, at the age of 21, Edward (junior), Leslie’s son, joined the partnership to become the fifth generation of the Lewis family to breed Hereford cattle. He had success in his own name with EBL Haven Tiny which took the grand female championship at the Royal Show in 1984. In the same year, Haven Trafalgar was supreme champion at the National Hereford Show at Tenbury Wells. Such was the recognition of quality of Haven-bred cattle, in 1986 a £10 premium scheme commenced offered by the Somerset-based Mid-West Calf Group for Haven sired calves. In 1987 Haven cattle headed to Germany, making it the 26th country to be exported to. The following year in 1988, a unique written auction took place, to celebrate 100 years at The Haven. Leslie was responsible for the importation of semen of SNS Generator
Haven cow families • Dowager • Curly • Lady Lynda • Louisa • Splendour • Prunella • Tiny • Thrush Poll: • Ruby • Lucy • Stardust
28X, which became a widely-known bull, and arguably a breed changer, having sired three of the top price bulls at Calgary 1992. The National Show of 1996
From here on in, Haven champions were being brought out more and more, with the help of stockman Mike Chandler, with the first National Show champion of the 21st century yet another Havenbred bull, this time Haven Smurf, a son of Haven Leopold and grandson of SNS Generator 28X.
“Today the cattle have to fit into our system. They have to be easily managed and cannot take up too much of our time” saw three top prize winners exhibited from The Haven, all by SNS Generator 28X. Leslie can also be credited for master-minding the National Hereford Show, established in 1983 which has run at Tenbury Show ever since, where now son Edward has stepped up as show organiser, leading on sponsorship.
Haven Wizard stood champion at the Three Counties Show in 2005, with onlookers noting its similar type to the Haven animals of former years, despite little home-breeding in its pedigree. Now farming in his own name, James
Edward comments: “My father Leslie brought Generator semen into the country which helped move the breed forward and bring it into the modern era. He strived to find the best genetics, and not only did they benefit our cattle at The Haven, but also the wider breed. “In the 1980s, the whole system went against the breed with cheap grain which suited the production of continental breeds but the circle has come back around and meat quality and flavour along with grass-feeding is playing an increasingly important role.” Haven Joker, a Generator son, took the supreme championship at the 1993 Royal Welsh Show. This was the first
The Haven is also home to seven acres of hops.
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Boycefield cow families • Curly • Louisa • Pinky • Acorn • Purport took the reserve overall champion title with Boycefield Congo at Kington Show in 2006. Congo went on to stand reserve male champion at the Royal Show in 2007. Today, it is thought The Haven is one of the only two true traditional Herefordshire farms still in operation, with a mix of Hereford cattle, cider fruit and hops. The other farm in mind is Sarah Hawkins’ The Farm in Bosbury. Edward explains: “Today the cattle have to fit into our system. They have to be easily managed and cannot take up too much of our time.” Nowadays, Edward farms with son Ben at The Haven where they keep 70 cows while James works with his son Billy at Boycefield Farm, just up the road, where they run 30 cows and won the 2021 HCBA medium herds competition. With a similar eye for stock, the two herds have recently bought semen from Yarram Park Unique P160 from Australia. Ben visited the Mawarra herd while in Australia following the completion of his degree from Reading University and in 2021 Edward and Ben purchased Mawarra Influential as part of a syndicate alongside PRJ and LR Vincent, Norfolk and Australia’s Graham Genetics for
Both Ben and Billy have a keen interest in regenerative agriculture and mob grazing AUD$42,000 out of the Wodonga National Sale, where it was a class winner. Ben comments: “The cattle at Mawarra are run under a hard selection process, partly due to the environmental conditions. This means it is a good destination for genetics for us as they are proven through performance.” Edward continues: “Today the Hereford has better live weight gains and maternal characteristics which puts the breed in a great position for the future. Everything about the animals has improved which we see when using old semen which we remember as producing some leading animals but now just doesn’t compare to the breeding of today.” Although Haven Herefords are regularly spotted in the show ring, Edward says he finds the biggest sense of achievement to be when customers return to The
Haven having already purchased stock which has performed well for them. Ben adds: “We find there are cows which stick in our mind more than bulls. The Dowager, Lady Lynda and Splendour lines have been particularly influential for us.” “We don’t tend to show females as we like them to be at home doing the work,” adds Edward. “One of the most important shows for us now is the Christmas Calf Show at Shrewsbury Auction Centre. We see it as a barometer of the herd to see where we are, with both the horned and poll strain coming head-to-head. It is a proper national show. “We have had two male champions at the HCBA Christmas Calf Show: Haven Neptune and Havenfield 1 Robin Hood. We have won the grand male championship at the National Show a total of nine times.” Although synonymous with horned breeding, some poll animals were acquired by the family in the 1960s, and over the past six or seven years, the poll strain has been reintroduced with 10 cows residing at The Haven, mainly based on Dendor, Romany and Solpoll breeding. Edward says: “Having a number of poll animals gives a choice to buyers and provides us a challenge. At the end of the day, all strains of the breed are Herefords.”
James and Billy also run a flock of sheep and arable ground alongside their herd
Edward and Ben consider the best poll stock bull they have bought as Solpoll 1 Lawman which was born in 2013 and is a Panmure 1 Henry son.
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At The Haven, 95 per cent of bulls are sold off-farm, and Edward says they like to show purchasers the whole farm and the system they are running.
Bi-centenary sale To celebrate the Lewis family’s 200th year of breeding Herefords, Haven and Boycefield Herefords will be holding a sale of heifers on Friday 1 July at The Haven. Jonny Dymond of Halls will be conducting the sale and the family looks forward to welcoming visitors to one of the true homes of the breed.
Up the road at Boycefield, James and Billy are working to increase cow numbers, aiming for 40 cows, all of which are horned. Calving takes place both in spring and autumn at an equal split, with the spring calvers getting on with it outside. James says: “I like an animal with a nice level top, which is kind to the eye and hassle free.”
calves. All males are kept entire and breeding decisions are made at 15 months. Anything which doesn’t make the grade is finished and sold through ABP at Shrewsbury they both like to keep the pedigree bar high.
In recent years herd sires at Boycefield have included the Irish-import Corlismore General 700 and Lisrace Lumberjack 16th, purchased from Northern Ireland’s David Wilson. James and Billy feed home-grown oats, while their wheat goes for milling. They grow bird feed and legume rich pastures and have 8ha (20 ac) in the mid-tier option of the ELMS scheme. Both herds register most of their heifer calves and roughly half of their bull
Largely fuelled by their forward-thinking sons, both brothers have gone down rotational grazing routes with both Ben and Billy keen on pursuing a regenerative farming approach. At Boycefield, Billy says: “The cattle are kept in appropriate groups and moved every 48 hours. The aim is to enter a paddock at 4,000+kgDM/ha covers and
come out at around 2,500kgDM/ha. The paddock is then rested for 30 to 50 days before being grazed again.” Ben says: “We like to move the cattle on to higher covers so there is not too much stress. We have over seeded clover, plantain and chicory, with these adding to both protein and mineral levels, as well as creating more resilience in the sward, especially in the drier weather.” Edward says keeping pedigree Herefords makes farming interesting and adds a challenge. He says: “Through attending the World Hereford Conferences and visiting people in the UK and overseas, we have been lucky enough to meet a lot of people in the ‘Hereford family’ and have had a great deal of enjoyment out of the breed.” James concludes: “Both Edward and I find it very satisfying to have our sons working alongside us. Moving forward with Ben and Billy involved in both Haven and Boycefield, we are safe in the knowledge our breeding will continue for the sixth generation.”
The Farm, Bosbury Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 1NW
Office: T: 01531 640405 E: admin@thefarmbosbury.com Sarah Hawkins T: 078137 96053 E: sarah@thefarmbosbury.com
Hawkins Farming hawkins_farming
Young Bulls and Heifers For Sale, Visitors Welcome Office: T: 01531 640405 E: admin@thefarmbosbury.com Sarah Hawkins T: 078137 96053 E: sarah@thefarmbosbury.com
BioBest HiHealth Herdcare Scheme, BVD & achieved, Johnes – Level 2 Sold: Bosbury 1 Saurez
Youngstock forHeifers sale, Young Bulls and welcome ForVisitors Sale, Visitors Welcome Biobest Scheme, BioBest HiHealth HiHealth Herdcare Herdcare Scheme, BVD achieved, Johnes Level2 2 BVD&accredited, Johnes –-level
Stockbull: Grifford 1 Try
152 | SHOWS
Spartan strikes supreme at Christmas Calf Show Spartan 1 Polly T122 from SC and GL Hartwright was tapped out by Jim Barber as supreme champion at the HCBA Christmas Calf Show. Spartan 1 Polly T122 from SC and GL Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire stepped into the supreme position at the HCBA Christmas Calf Show at Shrewsbury Auction Centre. With stockman Luke Murphy on the steering end, this September 2020-born heifer also took the grand female title, adding to the reserve junior female champion accolade it won at the National Poll Show this summer. Out of Ruckmans 1 Polly 1306, it is by Solpoll 1 Perfection which the breeders purchased at the 2019 spring show and sale for 8,000gns and won the breed championships at Devon County and the Royal Bath and West in the same year.
Spartan 1 Polly T122 from SC and GL Hartwright
In his role as judge, Jim Barber described the heifer as ‘feminine and balanced’ while being ‘long and full of meat’ with ‘great commerciality’. Following Polly through its class and the female championship into the reserve supreme spot was Normanton 1 Fistulina 34th V631 from TD and WT Livesey, Normanton le Heath, Leicestershire. Three days younger than the supreme, it is by Panmure 1 Pudding which was purchased for 4,000gns at the 2018 society autumn show and sale. Jim said his reserve supreme was of
Normanton 1 Fistulina 34th V631 from TD and WT Livesey
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Results (Judge: J Barber, Cheshire) Champion and female, SC and GL Hartwright, Spartan 1 Polly T122; reserve and res fem, TD and WT Livesey, Normanton 1 Fistulina 34th V631; male, PRJ and LR Vincent, Pulham Victory; res male, M Ludgate, Rempstone 1 Venom N597
Pulham Victory from PRJ and LR Vincent a similar stamp to the champion and moved with great mobility. Leading the male section and taking the grand male title was Pulham Victory from PRJ and LR Vincent, Pulham Market, Norfolk. September 2020-born, it is by the Irish-bred Shiloh-Farm Elite and out of Pulham Blossom 16th which is a Haven Hotspur daughter. Nearly 12 months old, Rempstone 1 Venom N597 from M Ludgate, Thame, Oxfordshire stood reserve grand male, led by Joe Clark. It is by Solpoll 1 Nobility and out of Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 911 which is by Remitall Super Duty 42S. Elsewhere in the classes, Speirs Farms
Rempstone 1 Venom N597 from M Ludgate
took the red ticket in the November to December 2020-born bull calf class with Pepperstock 1 Vesuvius. A son of SMH Kingsize 87K, it is out of Pepperstock 1 Tamerisk which is a daughter of stock bull Kinglee 1 Gangster. Displayed on the Royal Welsh Winter Fair stand, Dendor 1 Virginian from DE, ED and AL Jones, Caersws, Powys headed up the March to April 2021-born bull calf class. By the 2018 National Poll Show supreme champion Dendor 1 Nairobi, it is out of Dendor 1 Jano 18th. Another from Hartwright’s stable, Spartan 1 True Love V127, owned and exhibited by LD and LL Powell, Penpedaorheol,
Best pair of bull calves owned by exhibitor, 1st, DP Jones Agircultural Contracting; 2nd, T and D Harrison; 3rd, G and R Watkins Best pair of heifer calves owned by exhibitor, 1st, SC and GL Hartwright; 2nd, T and D Harrison; 3rd, A and P Massey Bull calf born September/October 2020, 1st, PRJ and LR Vincent, Pulham Victory; 2nd, H Whittaker, Coley 1 Vincent; 3rd, S Taylor and D Marsh, Taymar 1 Valentino Bull calf born November/December 2020, 1st, Speirs Farms, Pepperstock 1 Vesuvius; 2nd, P Cobley, Kinglee 1 Victorious; 3rd, SC and GL Hartwright, Spartan 1 Victorious Bull calf born January/February 2021, 1st, M Ludgate, Rempstone 1 Venom N597; 2nd, M Ludgate, Rempstone 1 Vincenzo N600; 3rd, S and E Walker, Hoghton View 1 Jackpot Bull calf born March/April 2021, 1st, DE, ED and AL Jones, Dendor 1 Virginian; 2nd, J Twose, Beca 1 Viking; 3rd, DE, ED and AL Jones, Dendor 1 Vegas Ranger Heifer calf born September/ October 2020, 1st, SC and GL Hartwright, Spartan 1 Polly T122; 2nd, TD and WT Livesey, Normaton 1 Fistulina 34th V631; 3rd, H Whittaker, Coley 1 Lily 561 Heifer calf born November/ December 2020, 1st, LD and LL Powell, Spartan 1 True Love V127; 2nd, B Vincent, Beckhall Princess Bella; 3rd, MF Gray and L Crowther, Buckenhill 1 Brownie V329 Heifer calf born January/February 2020, 1st, M Ludgate, Rempstone 1 curly N604; 2nd, J Evans, Evans 1 Baileys Valentine; 3rd, H Whittaker, Coley 1 Lucinda Heifer calf born 2-22 March 2021, 1st, DE, ED and AL Jones, Dendor 1 Lilac Wine 37th; 2nd, T and D Harrison, Moralee 1 Pippa RK V21; 3rd, L Carr, Coley 1 Marigold Heifer calf born 23 March-21 April 2021, 1st, W Awan, Midford 1 Ruby 2nd; 2nd, T and D Harrison, Moralee 1 Mink RK V24; 3rd, S Jones, Sandlow 1 Tatu’s Tonic
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Mid Glamorgan, won the November to December 2020-born heifer class. Again a Solpoll 1 Perfection daughter, it is out of Cathedral 1 Stephanie, and carries Dorepoll breeding on both sides of its pedigree. Rempstone 1 Curly N604 from M Ludgate took the top spot in the January to February 2020-born heifer class. By Solpoll 1 Nobility, it is out of Rempstone 1 Curly C453. With a packed ring of baby heifers, Dendor 1 Lilac Wine 37th from DE, ED
and AL Jones won the 2 March to 22 March 2021-born class. Another by Nairobi, it is out of a home-bred Bakgard 1 Keno 1178 daughter. The final class of the day, the younger half of the split baby heifer class, was won by Midford 1 Ruby 2nd from Will Awan, Bath. With two Dendor parents, it is by Naiorbi and out of the SMH Euro 30E daughter, Dendor 1 Ruby 17th. The pairs classes saw DP Jones Agricultural Contracting, Maxstoke, Warwickshire lead the bull calf section
while it was another red ticket for the Hartwrights in the heifer pairs class. The young handlers classes were very well supported and judged by HCBA vice-chair Andrew Whitlow of HighHouse Herefords. The junior class was won by 15 year old Beth Vincent of Beckhall Herefords, Pulham Market, Norfolk who went on to take the overall championship. First time exhibitor, 24 year old Alex Newton of Thellow Herefords, Antrobus, Cheshire won the senior section and stood reserve overall.
Pepperstock 1 Vesuvius from Speirs Farms
Dendor 1 Virginian from DE, ED and AL Jones
Rempstone 1 Curly N604 from M Ludgate
Dendor 1 Lilac Wine 37th from DE, ED and AL Jones
Midford 1 Ruby 2nd from Will Awan
L-R Andrew Whitlow, Beth Vincent and Alex Newton
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Awan wins Shropshire County native interbreed On the way home from a successful trip to the Great Yorkshire, Kinglee 1 Miss 639 won its first supreme championship of the season at Shropshire County Show. Having already had a successful trip to Harrogate earlier that week winning its heifer class, Kinglee 1 Miss 639 from Will Awan, Bath reigned in the ring at Shropshire County Show, winning native interbreed and breed champion with Mark Chandler, Shropshire sorting the classes. Bred by Peter Cobley it was purchased in a private deal in late 2020 from the Leicestershire-based breeder. Out of a Kinglee female, this March 2020-born heifer is by Cleland 1 Nelson which is paternal brother to Bakgard 1 Keno, breed champion at the 2017 Royal Welsh Show.
Kinglee 1 Miss 639 from W Awan DE, ED and AL Jones, Caersws, Powys took both the reserve male and female championship titles and together went
In reserve was Dieulacresse Tic Tac from Anthony Spooner, Upperhulme, Staffordshire. This April 2020-born horned bull is sired by Free Town Nucleus, a son of Marra Humorous and out of a home-bred Haven Governor daughter from the Babette family. As per tradition at the show, the male and female champion, Dieulacresse Tic Tac and Kinglee 1 Miss 639, went into the interbreed pairs championship where they triumphantly stood reserve.
Dieulacresse Tic Tac from Messrs Spooner
on to win the pair class within the breed. Dendor 1 Triple H, an April 2020-born bull, stood reserve male champion. The
156 | SHOWS
young bull is by Dendor 1 Nairobi, the 2018 National Poll Show champion and out of a home-bred Echo female. Dendor 1 Jano 21st was selected as reserve female and is also sired by Dendor 1 Nairobi. It is out of SMH Euro 30E a sired female and was also born in April 2020. The most senior bull class on display was led by Clares 1 Stafford from M Whieldon, Eccleshall, Staffordshire. Born in May 2019, it is by Cogent’s Netherhall 1 Oz Daffy M024 and out of Romany 1 Dawn H12 M55. Free Town Talent from RA Bradstock and partners, Tarrington, Herefordshire won the July to December 2019-born bull class. November 2019-born, it is by Irish sire Moyclare Quinlan and out of Free Town Distant, a Marra Humorous daughter. Not yet home after a class win at Harrogate, Spartan 1 Typhoon from
SC and GL Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire came out on top of the January to March 2020-born bull class. It is a son of Solpoll 1 Perfection, purchased at the 2019 society spring show and sale for 8,000gns from Northern Ireland’s John and William McMordie and went on to win the 2019 Devon County and Royal Bath and West breed championships. With its calf at-foot, Hallwood 1 Oyster Shell from R and RI Shaw, Ledsham, Cheshire was the favourite in the senior cow class. By Hallwood 1 Knight, it is out of Kinglee 1 Oyster Girl 495 which carries Cobley breeding on either side of its pedigree. Another from the Hartwrights, this time Spartan 1 Jen 2nd, took the red prize card in the July to June 2019 heifer class. This is a Moralee 1 Pie Man daughter and is out of a cow bred from the Jen family at Englefield Herefords, Reading. The next heifer class up saw Hallwood 1
Carefree Girl, again from R and RI Shaw, go to the fore. Born in October 2019, it is by Vexour 1 Ned which goes back to the well-regarded Panmure 1 Henry. From Daniel and Elizabeth Milner’s Callaughton herd, Much Wenlock, Shropshire, Coley 1 Mynte 531 stood at the head of the junior heifer class and went through the ring at the spring show and sale at Shrewsbury to a top call of 4,100gns. With a pedigree packed with Danish breeding, it is by Moeskaer Vegas 1451 and out of Bondes 1 Mynte. Mirroring the result at Harrogate, a trio of Solpoll 1 Perfection sired animals from SC and GL Hartwright lead the groups of three. In the young handlers, Katherine Shaw of Hallwood Herefords took the overall championship, fighting off stiff competition.
Stock for sale Visitors always welcome The Oaks, Alderton, Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury, SY4 1AP
SOCIETY NEWS | 157
UKHY still strong With a number of opportunities for young handlers this summer at shows across the county, UK Hereford Youth looks to increase activity in 2022. The year was a challenging one with the current pandemic restrictions not easing, but that hasn’t stopped UK Hereford Youth and its members participating in events or young handler competitions when allowed. It was a slow start to the year but by mid-summer the show season was well away. This was a great opportunity for our members to get their white coats on and fly the flag for the breed. It has been a successful year on the show front with members taking the young handler championships at Devon County Show and Great Yorkshire, with representation high in all age categories. At each of the
few other shows that were staged at least two young members were present. This kept a continuous spotlight on our youth group. The skill and competency shown by all our members across all young handler events was not to be missed and certainly got other breeds talking. Making new friends is not easy in the current climate but that didn’t stop the Irish Hereford Breed Society reaching out. UK Hereford Youth had a wonderful, online meeting where the Irish Society discussed their own youth group and future plans. Part of this discussion was focused around the re-naming of their programme. Ownership was given and each member had to choose an already presented name through votes. They settled on Next Gen Herefords, and UK Hereford Youth looks forward to meeting up with them in the coming months. Part of the UKHY programme is to inspire and educate the next generation and educate not only already existing breeders but new ones too. Membership has still been growing and this was evident at the recent HCBA Christmas
calf show which witnessed the highest ever number of young breeders actively taking part in the young handler’s section. It was amazing to see and the ability they demonstrated in keeping inexperienced cattle quiet was a credit to themselves and the breed. Next year sees events already scheduled. There will be the annual workshop where members are invited to come along, learn new skills, meet new and old friends and learn about our breed. November will see UK Hereford Youth’s first ever charity ball. This will be a night of fun, fancy clothes and fundraising. Please keep your eyes peeled for further details on these events. We enter 2022 yet again in uncertain times. However, one thing is for certain: UK Hereford Youth is an ever-growing membership of talented, driven and highly motivated group of individuals who will continue to learn under our more senior members, not only thriving but developing our breed and taking it places for future generations to come.
158 | SALES
New female price record set at Designer Genes A new Hereford female price record was set at Designer Genes 2021 at 13,000gns. The sixth annual Designer Genes sale at Shrewsbury Auction Centre saw a new female price record set for the Hereford breed, with 13,000gns paid for Pulham Diadem 6th from PRJ and LR Vincent, Pulham Market, Norfolk. Following a bidding frenzy, the September 2020-born heifer was knocked down to A Whitfield, Wem, Shropshire. A class winner at the virtual National Hereford Show 2021, it is by Pulham Ranger which sold to Ireland and out of Clipston Diadem M12. In all, 13 lots of Hereford females from 12 consignors sold to average £5,645.77, with a clearance of 86 per cent.
Pulham Diadem 6th sold for 13,000gns
The second highest bid of the day at 10,200gns was made by L and L Bowen, Nelson, Glamorgan for Dendor 1 Ruby 37th from DE, ED and AL Jones, Caersws, Powys. Sired by former Royal Welsh Show champion Gouldingpoll 1 Moonshine, it is the first daughter from Dendor 1 Ruby 25th to ever sell which is a maternal sister to Dendor 1 Ruby 29th, the 2018 female of the year. Next in the money was Auckvale 1 Beth 2023T from W and R Kemp and sons, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham which sold at 7,000gns and joined the Pulham heifer in A Whitfield’s acquisitions. Crowned senior female champion at Agri Expo 2021, this heifer was the first
Dendor 1 Ruby 37th sold for 10,000gns
SALES | 159
Pulham Diadem 6th from PRJ and LR Vincent sold for 13,000gns female ever sold from the Kemps’ Beth family and goes back to WLB 36N Beth 452S which was the champion female at the 2012 World Hereford Conference in Canada and a former Hereford Miss World. G and MC Shepherd, Woodplumpton, Lancashire sold August 2020-born Moorside 1 Dawn 2nd at 6,000gns to John Mooney and heads back to its home county. Sired by 13,000gns Coley 1 Pilot, it is out of a daughter of the former Canadian national champion bull CCR Stamina.
time horned female of the year, Auckvale Lively 1058H. Having also won supreme championship at the HCBA Christmas Calf Show that morning, Spartan 1 Polly T122 from SC and GL Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire was knocked down
at 4,000gns to LD and LL Powell, Penpedaorheol, Mid Glamorgan. Sired by the 8,000gns Solpoll 1 Perfection, it is out of Ruckmans 1 Polly 1306. The first of three females to sell for 3,800gns was Bosbury 1 Laurel 46 from S Hawkins, Bosbury, Herefordshire, adding
From first time consigner, W Awan from Bath was January-2021 born Midford 1 Kate 2nd which saw a top call of 5,200gns made by Gwyndaf Davies, Felinfach, Ceredigion. It is by noted sire Panmure 1 Henry and out of Moralee 1 Kate 2nd which sold at Designer Genes 2017 for 6,200gns. The second heifer entered from the Kemp family was Auckvale Lively 1971T and realised 5,000gns, selling to N Hooper, Malvern, Worcestershire, incalf to Ervie Classic S30. A daughter of Auckvale Kalgoorlie 1322K which stood senior male champion at the National Hereford Show 2019, it is out of two-
Auckvale 1 Beth 2023T from W and R Kemp and sons sold for 7,000gns
160 | SALES
to A Whitfield’s purchases of the day. It sold in-calf to Grifford 1 Try which the breeder purchased at the 2021 society autumn sale for 5,500gns. A Netherhall 1 Oz Daffy M024 daughter, it is out of Bosa 1 Laurel 1053 and carried one of the best EBV profiles in the sale. At the same money was another Coley 1 Pilot daughter, Fardre 1 Maple V216 from GH Morgan, Abergele, Conwy which sold to W Milner, Much Wenlock, Shropshire. The Maple cow family is one of the most prolific lines at Fardre and stems back to some very successful Canadian genetics. Again at 3,800gns, Coley 1 Clara 575 from H Whittaker, Halifax, West Yorkshire was purchased by J and E Logan, Fountainhall, Galashiels. It is the first ever daughter to sell from female of the year Coley 1 Clara 418, a half share of which sold at Designer Genes 2018 for 7,500gns. The youngest entry in the sale was Porton House 1 Amethyst 1st from Paul Moyle and Vikki Weller, Porton, Newport which sold for 3,600gns to J Torrance, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire. This February 2021-born daughter of Dendor 1 Sherlock is out of Ashley Moor
Moorside 1 Dawn 2nd from G and MC Shepherd sold for 6,000gns 1 Amethyst 33rd, bred by EC and MM Everall. Another heading north with J Torrance was Bosbury 1 Rosa 52 from S Hawkins, which was secured for 2,500gns. Again by Netherhall 1 Oz Daffy M024, this heifer is in the top one per cent for eye muscle and beef yield, and top five per cent for IMF, carcase weight and both breed indexes.
Robert Allcock, Hine Heath, Shropshire sold Burmill 1 Dowager 22 to a top call of 2,000gns, made by G Davies and is a daughter of renowned sire Dendor 1 Kohinoor. Auctioneers: Halls and Dowbiggin Marketing Averages: 13 heifers, £5,645.77
Midford 1 Kate 2nd from W Awan
Auckvale Lively 1971T from W and R Kemp and sons
Spartan 1 Polly T122 from SC and GL Hartwright
Bosbury 1 Laurel 46 from S Hawkins
SALES | 161
Tel. 01584711323 / 07596489648
Hollybush Poll Herefords Greg & Ruth Watkins
Pulpits Farm, Little Hereford, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 4AU
Hollybush Eva family mother and daughter with their sons Victory and Victor Both by Romany 1 Redemption sire below.
BVD Accredited;
Member of HiHealth Herdcare Scheme;
Johnes- Level one
Triacre Herefords The Graziers Choice
Quality breeding stock always for Sale Contact: Alan on 07974 081476 or by Email: agrotron61@gmail.com
162 | SALES Visi t spor s and t arr ange d
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NORTHERN IRELAND HEREFORD BREEDERS ASSOCIATION THE HOME OF QUALITY HEREFORDS www.herefordni.co.uk
Date for 2022 National Show Saturday 11 June 2022 at Armagh Show SHOW AND SALE DATES 2022 (Dungannon Farmers Mart) Native breed sale Tuesday 8 February Native breed sale Tuesday 19 April Native breed sale Tuesday 6 December
Secretary: Mark Moore, 51 Glassdrummond Road, Aughnacloy, Co. Tyrone, BT69 6DE Mob:07966876575 Email: mark-moore@hotmail.co.uk Chairman President Treasurer William McMordie - 07891903243 David Smyth - 07808078117 Stephen Baxter - 07752392229
CO.ANTRIM
MONEYCROMOGUE HERD
T Andrews 0289334437618 Ballyfore Road Larne BT40 3NF
J & R Tuft 07891787486 114 Ballinderry Road Upper Ballinderry Lisburn BT28 2NW
BALLYPALLADY HERD
CO.ARMAGH
MOUNTVIEW HERD
S Cherry 07779036556 77 Ballymartin Road Templepatrick BT39 0BS
DOREPOLL HERD
JE RI & W Haire 07887675649 02890825215 41 Divis Road Dundrod Crumlin BT29 4UB
UMGOLA HERD
S Baxter 07752392229 02837524606 22 Monaghan Road Armagh BT60 4DA
DRUMATEE HERD
J Conlon 07753471873 02837551488 27 Gossford Road Markethill BT60 1QD
BOGHILL HERD
DRUMNAMETHER HERD
HOCKLEYPOLL HERD
RICHMOUNT HERD
F A & E Kerridge 02894433780 9 Connor Road Parkgate Templepatrick BT39 0DY
PJ Cully 07892408279 11 lough Road Drumnamether Tandragee BT62 2HQ
The Leader Family 02890824899 63 Knockcairn Road Dundrod Crumlin BT29 4UE
J Graham 07984458007 42 Richmount Road Portadown BT62 4JQ
ROSELODGE HERD
K Greenaway & W Conn 07801844723 23 Derryvinney Road Portadown BT62 1SX
E McCorry 02894454104 50B Crumlin Road Ballinderry Lisburn BT28 2JZ
CHARIS HERD
J McMillan 07764533348 17 Garvaghy Hill Potrglenone BT44 8EE
HOLESTONE HERD
Brian Mawhinney 07715033702 21 Strand Road Doagh Ballyclare BT39 0RF
BALLYNACAIRN HERD
John Moore 07511510919 47 Shilanavogy Road Broughshane Ballymena BT42 4PD
SIX MILE HERD
Riverside Farm 07860349913 46 Station Road Doagh Ballyclare BT39 0QT
CORDONUTH HERD
R & J Shaw 02825891462 16 Kellswater Road Randalstown BT41 2PF
DRUMSHANBO HERD
J & G Small 07836701782 23 Creeve Road Randalstown BT41 3LW
HILLTOP HERD
TULLYRAINE HERD
S Forsythe 07725518064 8 Boggle Hill Road Tullyraine Gilford BT63 6IF
DERRYGAVAD HERD
C Halliday 02838852684 07598135648 21 Derrygavad Road Annaghmore Portadown BTT62 1ND
BLACK WATER HERD
S & N Heatrick 00353879969640 003534788119 Argonnell Midletown BT60 4HR
GRACELAND HERD
NANCY HERD
G & T Morton 07761979806 11A Madden Road Armagh BT60 3LN
SWEET BRIAR HERD
Jenna Hunter 07706873733 20 Derrycughan Road Markethill Co. Armagh BT60 1 RW
BROUGHAN HEREFORDS Shane Curry 86 Ennislare Road Armagh BT60 2PU
FARNALOY HEREFORDS Rebeccah Millikan 76 Farnaloy Road Madden Armagh BT60 3LR
BALLYTRUE HEREFORDS
Philip Murdock 07761930655 57 Grange Rd Loughgall BT61 8NX
CO.DOWN
LUSKY HERD
AJ Farms 07968754976 57 Saintfield Road Killinchy Newtownards BT23 6RL
WOODVALE HERD
A & A Armour 07748796818 77 Begney Hill Road Dromara Dromore BT25 2AP
LESSANS HERD
P Auret 07808923894 126 Monlough Road Saintfield BT24 7EP
KILLYGONEY HERD
R & J Irvine 07818888877 02837507005 115 Ballymoyer Road Whitecross BT60 2JN
G Christie 02897561770 9 Drummond Park Ballynahinch BT24 8GE
KINNEGO HERD
W Connolly 02897511530 17 Pear Tree Road Saintfield BT24 8YB
C Kerr 07956656588 67 Annesborough Road Kinnego Lurgan BT67 9JD
GROVEHILL HERD
W Morrow & Son 07855829420 02838330777 160 Mahon Road Portadown BT62 3SG
PEARTREE HERD
CLOUGHREAGH HERD
J Convery 02830837239 11 Chancellors Road Newry BT35 8PR
BALLYNAHINCH HERD
J Coulter 58 Dromara Road Ballynahinch BT24 8JW
FEATURE | 163
DRUMADONNELL HERD
MAYTOWN HERD
ROUGHAN HERD
GRANSHA HERD
TULLYAH HEREFORDS
TULLYMORE HERD
BOLEY HERD
CO.TYRONE
THORNBANK HERD
Robin Fee 02833744016 14 Drumgooland Road Ballyroney Banbridge BT32 5HB David Gibson 07772108061 27 Slievenaboley Road Dromara Dromore BT25 2EH J Henning 07739611220 02840632020 180 Castlewellan Road Cabra Newry BT34 5EX
GLENMOUNT HERD
J & A Henning 02837507743 07484301681 17 Keadymore Road Mountnorris BT60 2UH
LISOLA HERD
J Martin 07745080388 02897511132 34 Lisdoonan Road Saintfield BT24 7HH
BROOKFIELD HERD
R & P McClenaghan 02890427945 72 Ballymiscaw Road Holywood BT18 9RW
BALLYCRUNE HERD
Dianne McMinn Johnston 07835696101 22 Main Street Bessbrook Co. Down BT35 7DJ Aaron McVerry Tullyah Road Beleeks Newry BT35 7QP
CASTLEPOLL HERD
C & M Beatty & Son 02885557349 49 Leaney Road Castletown Dungannon BT70 1 SL
TIRELUGAN HERD
P Beatty 07789644772 02885556700 15 Tirelugan Road Aughnacloy BT69 6DB
KILLYMONNAN HERD
J Black 02882841961 14 Killyliss Road Fintona BT78 2DL
CANDLEFORD HERD
R Black 02882841746 10 Rodgers Road Tattykeel Omagh BT78 5DD
DRUMGOLD HERD
A McMordie 07890042168 Belfast Road Ballygowan Newtownards BT23 6NA
Peter Collins 02887784609 105 Moy Road Dungannon BT71 4DV
SOLPOLL HERD
Ivan Elliott 02886762012 24 Sessiagh Road Cookstown BT80 8SN
BALLYMULLY HERD
KILLYCURRAGHPOLL HERD
RIVER-DALE HERD
AJJ Glasgow 02886751305 Springhill Killycurragh Cookstown BT80 9LR
LISNAREE HERD
B & K Holland 07940397088 100 Moneymore Road Cookstown BT80 9UU
CORRIEWOOD HERD
A & S Irvine 07764204410 02889561735 4 Derryallen Road Trillick BT78 3RZ
MONEYDARRAGH HERD
D Kelly 07802520011 02887752990 7 Dergenagh Road Ballygawley BT70 2JY
GLASSDRUMMOND HERD
R A Knipe 07702341681 5 Donnellys Hill Road Benburb Dungannon BT71 7NL
MAGHERKNOCK HERD
D McCrea 22 Ballybeeny Road Bready Strabane BT82 0DF
M Murdock 02840631301 25 Shinn Road Newry BT34 1PB J & V Peters 02843770824 07850578060 10 Dundrine Road Castlewellan BT31 9EX J Purdy 02843767169 23 Grove Road Annalong Newry BT34 4XB A Rea 07828489414 02897561084 62 Glassdrumman Road Ballynahinch BT24 8TW
HOLLAND HERD
PALLAS HERD
MULLIN HERD
HILLSIDE HERD
TAMNABRADY HERD
D Smyth 07808078117 0289263932 65 Creevytennant Road Ballynahinch BT24 8UJ
CULLAMORE HERD
CARNEY HILL HERD
ANNAGHBEG HERD
BARNBURN HERD
CONDUFF HERD
J & K Taggart 02891862345 07715906009 34 New Road Carrowdore Newtownads BT22 2HB B & G Watson 07990517766 64 Templeburn Road Crossgar BT30 9NG
R Stewart 11A Bush Road Dungannon BT71 6QG
KIRLISH HERD
K Thompson 15 Kirlish Road Drumquin BT78 4PY
SESSIAGH HERD
N Shaw 07966795243 16A Lisgobban Road Dungannon BT71 7PT
BENBURB HEREFORDS
CO.FERMANAGH
A & T Campbell 07742575680 35 Kittymittan Road Ballinamallard BT94 2FW
McMordie Family 07836362029 02897511181 3 Riverdale Lane Saintfield BT24 7JG
SILVERFORD HERD
KILLYMITTAN HERD
GRALLAGH HERD
J & W McMordie 07866125959 02897528222 Solitude Belfast Road Ballygowan Newtownards BT23 6NA
H Stewart 22 Cavandarragh Road Castlederg BT81 7NZ
Alan Shaw 17 Lisgobbin Road Dungannon Co Tyrone BT71 7PT
I & G Browne 07901856063 47 Screeby Road Fivemiletown BT75 0LF
SOLITUDE HERD
C & R Pogue 07860402673 02837549649 54/58 Milltown Road Benburb Dungannon BT71 7ND
CLOGHER VALLEY HERD
C McCord 07709390346 271 Ballynahinch Road Annahilt Hillsborough BT26 6BP R McKnight 07720533711 10 Grallagh Road Rathfriland BT34 3PD
A J Patton 45 Annaghilla Road Roughan Augher BT77 0BS
R McKenna 07979522053 5 Aghindarragh Road Augher BT77 0EU M & L Moore 07966876575 02885557317 51 Glassdrummond Road Aughnacloy BT69 6DE R Morrow 02885557360 39 Rehaghey Road Aughnacloy BT69 6EU
BENAUGHLIN HERD
G & W Burleigh 07970430065 02866348414 43 Carran Road Beighy Kinawley BT92 3BG
GLEBE HERD
M & J Doonan 02867751844 Drummons Glebe Roslea BT72 7NU
CORCREEVY HERD
N Hudson 07780912961 8 Raw Road Brookeborough BT94 4GE
NEWTOWNBUTLER HERD
T Mohan 02867737071 Corlatt Newtownbutler BT92 8ER
CORRABACK HERD
R M Richmond 02867748333 Killynick Aghalane Enniskillen BT92 9HJ
LISRACE HERD
D Wilson 02867751666 Lisrace Magheraveely Enniskillen BT92 6PP
KILLYVILLY HEREFORDS
Niall Elliott 16 Cloghtate Road Hilltop Killyvilly Enniskillen BT744AJ
CO.LONDONDERRY BELLSHILL HERD
I & J McFadden 02879469861 07590983899 46A Bellshill Road Castledawson Magherafelt BT45 8HG
MAGHERACASTLE HEREFORDS T Nevin 02870868407 129 Cashel Road Coleraine BT51 4HW
BREEGEPOLL HERD
G Workman 10 Movenis Hill Road Garvagh Coleraine BT51 5LZ
164 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Northern Ireland breeders keep active Northern Irish Hereford Breeders’ Association (NIHBA) managed to get to Balmoral Show as well as run some of its normal activities. With 2021 starting off with Covid restrictions in place, the Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders’ Association (NIHBA) was unsure how things would unfold for the Hereford calendar. As the year progressed, although no regular show season was enjoyed, NIHBA members were able to get together at various Hereford events Northern Ireland’s premier sale in February set a new record average of £3,477 returned for nine bulls with a total clearance rate and a new individual record price of 5,500gns for Graceland 1 Silas from R and J Irvine, Whitecross, Co Armagh. April saw another 100 per cent clearance rate for Hereford bulls at Dungannon Farmers’ Mart which averaged £2,853. Leading the trade was Thornbank 1 Romeo from Hunter Stewart, Co Tyrone
L-R Mark Moore, NI Hereford Breeders' Association; Garth McConville from Flynn and Co; James Graham, president of the NI Hereford Breeders' Association; Liz McCarragher, Air Ambulance NI; Harry Burke, Burkes Tractors; Neill Acheson, Animax and Keith Freeburn, Freeburn Farm Feeds which was sired by the home-bred Thornbank 1 Mighty Man and sold for 3,100gns. In August 23 herds entered the annual herds competition under the astute eye of Gary McKiernan of the Corlismore herd, based in Cavan. The top spot went to John and William McMordie of the Solpoll herd while taking three of the four calf awards was John Conlon and his Drumatee Herd as well as placing runner-up in the large and overall herd.
John and Karen Taggart of Carneyhill Herefords took best medium herd while the Kinnego herd of Ciaran and Peter Kerr took best small herd. Gary said the quality of cattle was high, having seen some great animals and thanked the committee for the opportunity to judge the competition. The annual barbecue and results evening was hosted by James Graham and family of Richmount poll Herefords. WD Meats kindly provided steaks for the barbecue. The chosen charity, Air Ambulance, received over £3,000 raised on the night. September brought a new time of year for RUAS Balmoral Show. The weather was favourable and it was great to see exhibitors and their stock back in the show ring after such a long time. The NIHBA is grateful for all its members who took the time and made an effort to be part of the show.
L-R Raymond Pogue, councillor Tim McCelland, Bradley Graham and Robin Irvine at the Royal Ulster Winter Fair
It was unprecedented for the same family to take the top four titles and
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 165
congratulations go to John and William McMordie of the Solpoll herd on this fantastic achievement at Balmoral. The father and son team won the male and female championships and took both reserve titles before going on to take the native and reserve overall interbreed beef performance championship at the event. Finally, to round off a good week for the breed, on the show’s final day, a group of breeders pulled together and took the native-bred group of five title ahead of a strong field. November brought the return of United Feeds Calf Show in Dungannon Farmers Mart. For the first time, the show was run in conjunction with the NI Shorthorn Club, and was judged by Catherine Smyth of Ardmulcan Herefords, Navan. She said it was such a pleasure to be given the role and congratulated the exhibitors for bringing out such a great display of cattle. On the day, the junior and male championship titles went to the Lisrace herd of David Wilson and junior and female champion titles went
to the home of Robin and James Irvine and the Graceland herd. Jonny Mitchell took the senior and overall young handler award. In December a centre price record was set at Dungannon of 5,200gns to Robin Irvine’s Graceland herd for a maiden heifer. With a small entry of bulls, John and William McMordie topped the section at 3,000gns. Numbers were down at the Royal Ulster Winter Fair both in terms of exhibitors and visitors but with an improved milk price, there was an optimism of how a Hereford sire could add value to the dairy herd with many of those using continental breeds showing appetite to switch to the Hereford breed in the new year. NIHBA president James Graham says: “Going forward into 2022 and beyond, beef systems will focus on fertility, feed efficiency, early maturity and eating quality. The cattle which will produce the qualities required will breed younger, perform well on grass and forage, be ready for slaughter at an early age and
L-R David Smyth receives the president's plaque from James Graham consistently deliver an end product with the succulence and flavour which cannot be reproduced by any meat substitutes. That’s why as breeders we must seize the unique opportunity to advance the breed.”
GRACELAND HEREFORDS
Graceland 1 Verity
Graceland 1 Silas
Female Champion at N Ireland Calf Show
Sets new NI record selling to AI Services
Thanks to Edward Thompson and the late Mrs Ann Riley - our purchases from Blakesley Herefords have been very influential at Graceland. Blakesley 1 Nobility is leaving excellent calves and was judged best Stock Bull in the NI herds competition. R & J Irvine, 115 Ballymoyer Road, Whitecross, Co. Armagh, BT60 2JN Tel 07818 888877 email robin-irvine@outlook.com
166 | SHOWS
McMordies have best Balmoral yet In 2021, Balmoral Show was staged at the end of the summer show season, as opposed to being one of the first shows of the year. Here, the McMordie family of Solpoll Herefords had an exceptional show. Solpoll 1 Starlet M19 from John and William McMordie, Ballygowan, led the honours at Balmoral Show which was held in September in 2021 rather than its usual May date. Judged by Devon cattle breeder Jeff Thomas who travelled from Cornwall, it lay host to 29 entries from 10 different exhibitors. Six and a half years old, this McMordiebred cow is a daughter of the renowned Panmure 1 Henry which has already sired three Balmoral-winning daughters. Its dam is a Solpoll 1 Dynamite daughter and carries Canadian breeding on either side of its pedigree. Shown with its heifer calf at-foot, Jeff Thomas described the female as a ‘good, strong, powerful cow with real style’, adding it had ‘bred and fed a real good calf’.
Solpoll 1 Starlet M19 from J and W McMordie of another Starlet female and Henry daughter. In the interbreed performance recorded championship, this bull was tapped out as champion by well-known Kilrea-based Limousin breeder Paul
In the interbreed championship, this cow went on to be placed third by judge John Elliot of Rawburn Angus, Kelso. John said: “All three females put on a maternal masterclass and on another day the Hereford could have won the show.” In the final interbreed class of the week, the native team of five, consisting of cattle from the Haire family, John and William McMordie, Marcus Murdock, Stephen Cherry and Andrew McMordie took first prize. The reserve Hereford champion was from the same stable and came in the form of Solpoll 1 Triumph which also won the junior championship. March 2020born, it is by Moeskaer Mentos and out
Solpoll 1 Triumph from J and W McMordie
Rainey, having already taken the native title. During the breed judging, Jeff commented the bull was a ‘good type of bull’ with ‘excellent feet’ being ‘thick and
SHOWS | 167
1 Starlet T4 and Solpoll 1 Starlet M19. Marcus Murdock took the pairs class with two Romany 1 Lawbreaker progeny. A duo of Solpoll animals placed third in the interbreed pairs competition from John and William McMordie. The Hereford group of three also placed third in the interbreed and was made up of Solpoll and Ballypallady animals. A Hereford-cross heifer named Hetty from JCB Commercials, Newtonwards, Co Down led the native sired commercial class, bred by Aaron Quigley and out of a British Blue dam. Solpoll 1 Real Good from J and W McMordie full in its plates and nice across its top’.
calf show last year.
McMordies were back on top in the senior bull class, won by Solpoll 1 Real Good, out of another Panmure 1 Henry daughter, but this time by Canadianbred NBG 69T The Wonderer 36R 3W.
The 1 January to 30 June 2019 heifer class was taken by Magheraknock Niki S2 from David Smyth, Ballynahinch, Co Down. By Free Town Mentor, a Mara Humorous son, it is out of a home-bred female, sired by Border Quaestor H5, bred by Stan Quan, Herefordshire.
Success continued for the McMordie family in the 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2019-born heifer class where the reserve female champion was also found in the form of Solpoll 1 Starlet T4. Born in October 2019, it is a daughter of the show’s champion, Solpoll 1 Starlet M19. It is sired by Solpoll 1 Promoter, which is a son of the Canadian-bred FCC Twenty X 20X and was also reserve native and reserve overall interbreed beef performance champion. This heifer was also a class winner in the NIHBA virtual
The 2020-born heifer class was won by Stephen Cherry’s Ballypallady 1 TigerLily, a January-born Dorepoll 1 60G Chinook daughter. It is out of Boghill 1 Nicola, bred by FA and E Kerridge, Templepatrick, Co Antrim and by Trillick Hotspur, bred by Ireland’s JJ and C Farrell. The group of three class was again taken by John and William McMordie, with the trio made up of Solpoll 1 Triumph, Solpoll
Results (Judge: J Thomas, Cornwall) Champion and female, J and W McMordie, Solpoll 1 Starlet M19; reserve and male, J and W McMordie, Solpoll 1 Triumph; res fem, J and W McMordie, Solpoll 1 Starlet T4; res male, Solpoll 1 Real Good Cow or heifer, born on or before 31 December 2018, in-calf or with calf at-foot, J and W McMordie, Solpoll 1 Starlet M19; 2nd, JE and RI and W Haire, Dorepoll 1 Sally 611; 3rd, JE and RI and W Haire, Dorepoll 1 Catalina 641 Heifer, born on or after 1 January 2019, and on or before 30 June 2019, in-calf or with calf at-foot, 1st, D Smyth, Magheraknock Niki S2, Heifer, born on or after 1 July 2019, and on or before 31 December 2019, 1st, J and W McMordie Solpoll 1 Starlet T4; 2nd, JE and RI and W Haire, Dorepoll 1 Classic Kim 672 Heifer, born on or after 1 January 2020, 1st, S Cherry, Ballypallady 1 Tigerlily; 2nd, P Murdock, Moorside 1 Evita 10th; 3rd, S Cherry, Ballypallady 1 Top Notch Bull, born prior to 1 April 2019, 1st, J and W McMordie, Solpoll 1 Real Good; 2nd, JE and RI and W Haire, Dorepoll 1 639 Perfection Bull, born on or after 1 January 2020, 1st, J and W McMordie, Solpoll 1 Triumph; 2nd, S Johnston, Maytown 1 Mario; 3rd, S Johnston, Maytown 1 Churchill Group of three animals, 1st, J and W McMordie; 2nd, M Murdock
Solpoll 1 Starlet T4 from J and W McMordie
168 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Solpoll controls Northern Irish result McMordie breeding is found throughout the United Kingdom and after winning Northern Ireland’s herd competition along with a string of recent show and sale triumphs, recent years have been some of the best yet at Solpoll. Since the McMordies last won Northern Ireland’s herd competition, and as such reported in the 2017 breed journal, most aspects of their Solpoll herd and breeding programme have remained the same. The father and son team still aim to produce a consistent level group of calves from every crop and every stock bull. From 2015, most of the youngstock for sale were by Panmure 1 Henry. John and William had always liked his maternal grandsire Solpoll 1 Brigadier which they sold as a calf and after winning the Highland Show the following year, buying Henry was very appealing. John and William say it certainly was the right bull at the right time. William says: “We knew he would suit our cows and he certainly left his mark here and in the other herds that bought semen and progeny. We had 78 Henry sons born here, eight of which were culled for various reasons. The remaining 70 sons sold to average £4,257; a figure which would sit well for any sire in any breed. “His daughters now make up a large part of the herd and progeny from these daughters have left the top priced bulls in Dungannon in both 2019 and 2020 by different sires.” Two purchases in Denmark, in the form of Moeskaer Upgrade and Moeskaer Mentos were also stock bulls here from 2015 to 2019. Both sires are said to have clicked well at Solpoll with Upgrade’s daughters now making up the large part of the young cow herd.
L-R judge Pat Stanley, William and John McMordie Upgrade’s first grandson Sonic sold to Ireland-based Progressive Genetics in 2020, with two sons, Sultan and Spike selling to Genus the same spring. Mentos’s first calf equaled the Northern Ireland record price in Dungannon February 2019 at 5,100gns, with the best son to date being Triumph, the 2021 Balmoral male champion. During the 2012 World Hereford Conference in Canada, one bull in particular stood out to the McMordies
- FCC TwentyX. Semen from this bull unfortunately was not exportable but Harvie Nylon 94Y stood out as our type of female with more frame, level topline, less gut and the conformation the McMordies look for. This female was placed down the order at the show and a flush was purchased after a few years of trying to get a deal done. The resulting flush left the McMordies with bull Solpoll 1 Promoter.
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 169
SOLPOLL
Trailblazer Trooper Top Gun
L & L Bowen HA Colburn J F Protheau Wales England France
EST. 1953
Talisman Tevez Tuxedo J Conlon N. Ireland
HC Thomas MH Farms Wales N. Ireland
6 ‘T’ bulls at 10 -17 months, sold to average £6068 to the above breeders: Triumph
Starlet T4
Native & Native & Reserve Interbreed Beef Interbreed Beef Performance Performance Champion Bull Champion Heifer Balmoral Show Balmoral Show
T4 Embryos sold for export
Thanks and best wishes to all our customers for cattle, semen & embryos this year JOHN & WILLIAM MCMORDIE SOLITUDE, BALLYGOWAN, NEWTOWNARDS, CO.DOWN, N.IRELAND BT23 6NA Tel: 028 97528222 John: 07866125959 William: 07891903243 E-mail: johnmcm@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.solpollherefords.co.uk
170 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
top placings with our four home-bred entries. I don’t know if its accurate or not but it was put to us that it is probably the first time in history it has ever happened at a major Royal Show. it was a great success furthered by being placed third in the interbreed champion of champions later in the week.” The McMordies’ current calf crop is sired by Promoter and Herberry 1 Herbert, which the breeders unfortunately lost after a year’s use through injury, but left a good crop of calves, with heifers winning their class in the herds competition and in the NIHBA Calf Show. The ‘W’ crop will have several ET calves born, mostly by the New Zealand sire Otapawa Dr Jekyll and will help to increase the herd to closer to 70 calves compared to 52 last year. Solpoll 1 Promoter William says: “More than just an outcross pedigree, Promoter has been easy calving on heifers and we are delighted with how his progeny are performing. He is our main stock bull now and most of the cows will calf to him this year. “His first nine sons, mostly out of heifers, have averaged £4,039, with his first calf Spark selling to Progressive Genetics in 2020. His daughter, Starlet T4 was reserve female champion at the 2021 Balmoral to her dam. Her full sister Starlet V16 was senior female champion at the 2021 calf show.”
Dendor successive females of the year awards; Nobility which sired this year’s Agri Expo champion for Rempstone and Perfection, the progeny of who would surely have won the sire of the year award for Spartan, had there been a full show season.” Like for every herd, the last couple of years have been very different for Solpoll and at times difficult but particular highlights would have to be the selling of two of their best ‘T’ bull calves and the 2021 Royal Ulster Show.
The last few years has seen an increased demand for bulls, females, semen and embryos. William says 2020 was probably the herd’s best year’s trade ever, despite it being mainly home sales.
True Grit had that something special about him from the minute it was born explains William with every visitor that saw him asking was he for sale but in July, at 10 months old, sold for £13,000 to Clipston Herefords.
He says: “In 2020 we sold 30 bulls which was the first time we did so since pre-BSE when most of our bulls went to Southern Ireland to meet the demand for poll bulls. These 30 averaged £3,586, selling to all types of breeding operations, and though we have not had as many bulls to sell in 2021, we have still seen an increase in the average price.
William continues: “We wanted Trailblazer to be in Shrewsbury to show off Promoter’s progeny but in January 2021 he sold for £10,000 to join the Bowendu herd in South Wales. We would like to say a big thank you to the Westaway and Bowen families for their purchases and we are sure these bulls will be heard of again.
“While we do not have any chance to compete in the British show ring, we rely on the animals we sell doing it for us through their progeny. This has included Solpoll 1 Gilbert with five
“The 2021 Royal Ulster was one of those shows which our cattle just seemed to be what the judge was after. We took female and reserve and male and reserve and junior champion, the five
William concludes: “Well done to the herds which took the top three places in the herds competition. It was pleasing to know they all had some of our breeding in their herds as stock bulls, with sons of Landmark, Lawman and Gilbert in use in their herds. “The future is bright for the breed and we look forward to what the future holds for it and our increasing family as we approach our 70th anniversary in 2023 when we may try to hold some form of a sale to mark the milestone.”
Solpoll 1 Viscount sold at 11 month old to Greg and Ruth Watkins, Shropshire
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NIHBA herd results announced Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders’ Association was pleased to hold its annual barbecue in 2021, where it announced John and William McMordie of Solpoll Herefords as its overall herd competition winners. Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders’ Association (NIHBA) barbecue was held on Saturday 14 August at the Portadownbased Richmount herd of club president James Graham, where a great crowd of breeders had gathered. Here, the Richmount herd was viewed, the results announced of the herds competition
Garth McConville from Flynn and Co Accountants, judge Gary Mckiernan, Alan Shaw from WD Meats with the medium herd section winners with 23 herds competing for the various awards. Judge Gary McKiernan from the very successful Corlismore herd in Cavan said that the quality of cattle was high across
the nation. Having seen some great cattle, he enjoyed his task and thanked the committee for asking him to judge. Coming out on top and taking the prestigious award for Northern Ireland
L-R Garth McConville from Flynn and Co Accountants, John Conlon reserve herd champion, judge Gary Mckiernan, William McMordie NI herd competition winner and Alan Shaw from WD Meats
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herd of the year 2021 was John and William McMordie of Solpoll Herefords, Ballygowan who have since represented Northern Ireland in the overall UK competition. They achieved this by taking three of the four calf awards firstly with Solpoll 1 Dainty V7 taking best autumn-born heifer calf. From one of the herd’s best cows, this female’s brother was best bull calf in the 2017 herds competition. V7 is from a very promising first crop of calves sired by Herberry 1 Herbert. Taking best autumn-born bull calf Solpoll 1 Viscount is sired by current stock bull Solpoll 1 Promoter which has already 40 calves in the herd. Its full brother sold for £10,000 in February 2021 while its dam is a full sister to the 2019 Hereford spring sale champion, Solpoll 1 Perfection. In the spring-born calves, the best spring-born heifer was Solpoll 1 Duchess V23. By Australian sire Wirruna Lennon, its dam is a two-time Tullamore Show female champion. In reserve was the Drumatee herd of John Conlon, Markethill, and the judge remarked of the quality of stock. Taking best in the medium herd section was John and Karen Taggart Carrowdore, Newtonards. In a fiercely competitive small herd section the Kinnego herd of Ciaran and Peter Kerr Lurgan took first place and then cemented their placing with the award for best spring-born bull calf with Kinnego 1 Valentino. Taking the best stock bull was Robin
Garth McConville from Flynn and Co Accountants, judge Gary Mckiernan, Alan Shaw from WD Meats with the small herd section winners Irvine, Whitecross, Co Armagh with Blakesley 1 Nobility. Having already been shown successfully, it impressed the judge to take the award.
Herd competition results
The NIHBA would like to thank all sponsors supporting the event. These include WD Meats for providing the tremendous steaks for the barbecue, Burkes of Cornascriebe, Freeburn Farm Feeds, Animax Tracesure and lastly Flynn and Co Accountants, Portadown for sponsoring the herds competition awards.
Reserve, John Conlon, Drumatee
This year’s charity was the Air Ambulance and the sum in excess of £3,000 was collected for charity. The NIHBA wished to congratulate James Graham and family for the tremendous effort they put into hosting a very successful event and bringing all those interested in Herefords together.
Overall, John and William McMordie, Solpoll
Small herd, 1st, Ciaran Kerr, Kinnego; 2nd, Marcus Murdock, Lisnaree; 3rd, Nathanial Shaw, Sessiagh Medium herd, 1st, John and Karen Taggart, Carney Hill; 2nd, Trevor Andrews, Mountview; 3rd, Robin Irvine, Graceland Large herd, 1st, John and William McMordie, Solpoll; 2nd, John Conlon, Drumatee; 3rd, David Wilson, Lisrace Autumn-born bull, 1st, John and William McMordie, Solpoll 1 Viscount; 2nd, Trevor Andrews, Mountview 1 Kojo; 3rd, Ciaran Kerr, Country Crest Jack Autumn-born heifer, 1st, John and William McMordie, Solpoll 1 Dainty V7; 2nd, Alan Shaw, Benburn 1 Juliet; 3rd, John and William McMordie, Solpoll 1 Duchess V14 Spring-born bull calf, 1st, Ciaran Kerr, Kinnego 1 Valentino; 2nd, John and William McMordie, Solpoll 1 Vagabond; 3rd, John and Karen Taggart Carney Hill 1 Viceroy Best spring-born heifer calf, 1st, John and William McMordie, Solpoll 1 Duchess V23; 2nd, Ciaran Kerr, Kinnego 1 Valentina; 3rd, Lauren and Shane Curry, Broughan Jubilee
L-R Mark Moore, Evelyn Mckiernan, judge Gary Mckiernan and NIHBA president James Graham
Best stock bull, 1st, Robin Irvine, Blakesley 1 Nobility; 2nd, Ivan Haire, Dorepoll 1 Perfection; 3rd, John and William McMordie, Solpoll 1 Promoter
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Record set at February Dungannon sale A new record average of £3,477 after a 100 per cent clearance was set at the premier sale at Dungannon Farmers Mart, while a record top price was also established. Leading the day’s trade at the February sale at Dungannon Farmers Mart, was Graceland 1 Silas from Robin and James Irvine, Whitecross, Co Armagh. This bull changed hands for 5,500gns to AI Services NI stud in Co Antrim, to help meet the ever-increasing demand for Hereford semen. This June 2019born Blakesley 1 Nathan son sits in the top 20 percentile for weight and eye muscle figures and is out of a homebred female, sired by Greenyards 1 Dougie.
Graceland 1 Silas from R and J Irvine sold at 5,500gns
Next in the money at 4,300gns was the youngest bull forward, Brookfield 1 Teddy from Roy and Pat McClenaghan, Holywood, Co Down which went home with T McAuley, Ballmoney, Co Antrim. A superior carcase sire, this Moorside 1 Joseph son also sits in the top five per cent for eye muscle and retail yield figures. At 3,800gns, and first animal through the ring, was Solitude 1 Sunshine from Andrew McMordie, Ballygowan, Co Down which sold to A Porter, Omagh, Co Tyrone. This 23 month old is by Moeskaer Upgrade and out of Solitude 1 Helen G131, which is a Solpoll 1 Dynamite daughter.
Brookfield 1 Teddy from R and P McClenaghan sold at 4,300gns
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Solitude 1 Sunshine from Andrew McMordie sold for 3,800gns
River-Dale 1 Spartacus from the McMordie family sold for 3,600gns
Not far behind was River-Dale 1
Londonderry for 3,600gns. Another
Spartacus from the McMordie
superior carcase sire, this May 2019-
family, Saintfield, Co Down, selling
born Panmure 1 Henry son is out of a
to JA Humphrey, Coleraine, Co
home-bred female.
Averages: 9 bulls, £3,477 Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart
Sales at Dungannon 2022 Tuesday 8 February Dungannon
Tuesday 19 April Dungannon
Tuesday 6 December Dungannon
herefordcattle.org
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All bulls sell in April The spring sale at Dungannon Farmers Mart yielded another 100 per cent clearance for Hereford bulls following on from the record-breaking February sale. Leading the trade at the April sale at Dungannon was rising three year old Thornbank 1 Romeo selling at 3,100gns to join the Clogher Valley pedigree Herd of Ian Brown, Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone. Bred by Hunter Stewart, Co Tyrone, it was sired by the home-bred Thornbank 1 Mighty Man and out of a home-bred Solpoll 1 Dynamite daughter.
Thornbank 1 Romeo from Hunter Stewart sold at 3,100gns
Following closely behind at 3,000gns was the youngest bull, Solpoll 1 Telstar, in the sale at 15 months old and from John and William McMordie, Co Down. By Moeskaer Mentos, it is out of another Solpoll 1 Dynamite sired dam and sold to John Wauchob, Co Tyrone.
at 2,900gns from Roy and Pat McClenaghen, Co Down. Qualifying as a superior carcase sire, this Moorside 1 Joseph son is out of a Wirruna Daffy sired dam.
Alex Ferguson, Co Tyrone purchased the 19 month old Brookfield 1 Thor
The first bull into the ring, Corraback Nilo, sold at 2,700gns for Mervyn
Solpoll 1 Telstar sold at 3,000gns
and Henry Richmond, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. Sired by Kye Rodge and out of a Ballyaville Don dam, it travelled back to Co Fermanagh with John Gilleece. Average: 6 bulls, £2,853 Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers’ Mart
Brookfield 1 Thor sold at 2,900gns
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Irvine leads December sale At the December native breeds sale at Dungannon Farmers Mart previous records were blown away. At Dungannon's December native breeds fixture, a top price of 5,200gns was paid for the female champion, one of a strong draft of quality heifers from the Graceland herd of Robin Irvine, Whitecross, Co Armagh.
Graceland 1 Teresa sold for 5,200gns
Graceland 1 Teresa impressed judge Alwyn Armour for its style and femininity and went on to be secured for Andrew Nevins’ Magheracastle herd based near Coleraine. Teresa comes from a family of record breakers as its dam, Graceland 1 Rosie, is maternal sister to Graceland 1 Silas which sold to AI Services in the premier sale in February for 5,500gns. Sired by herd stock bull Blakesley 1 Navajo which has produced four daughters which have sold to average £3,176. Patrick Fitzsimmons purchased two of these heifers, Graceland 1 Tina and Thelma to form a new herd with the final heifer Graceland 1 Tessa selling to the
Benburb herd of Alan Shaw, Dungannon, Co Tyrone. A small number of bulls forward saw Solpoll 1 Trademark from John and William McMordie take the championship and sell for the top price of 3,000gns. A son of Moeskaer Mentos, it is a maternal brother to the 2021 Balmoral Show reserve champion and sold to Arnold Mitchell for his suckler herd at Cookstown, Co Tyrone. Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart Averages: 4 heifers, £3,176; 1 bull £3,150
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Re-printed by kind permission of Farm Week
Times gone by in Northern Ireland by Paul Callaghan ‘No agricultural show is complete without a strong muster of the beefy white-faced breed’ recorded one of the old farming journalists from a bygone age. Many readers of the Hereford journal will have had their own experiences in showing cattle down through the years in both sun and rain. When the sun is shining it ‘adds to the fun’ in somewhat contrast to those times, with the water running down the backs of their necks, livestock exhibitors have had to suffer for the cause. Northern Ireland’s Hereford breeders are well used to showing cattle in all weathers. Back in the 1930s one of our pedigree breeders had quite an outing at a particular show staged in Coleraine, Co Londonderry. This event, billed as the North Derry Agricultural Show, was in fact, somewhat married by atrocious weather. When it comes to Northern Ireland’s pedigree cattle breeding history, old herd books provide us with sound fact-based information. Back in the 1930s, when increasing numbers of our farmers were getting into pedigree beef cattle with the Scotch Shorthorns, some nice registered beefy white-faced Herefords could have been seen near the small village and townland of Dervock, County Antrim. When it comes to its general history, Dervock stands out as the location of Conacher’s farm where James McKinley lived, whose grandson was William McKinley (1853-1901) 25th president of the United States of America. Farm Week, however, marks the link between the Co Antrim village of Dervock with its pedigree Hereford history. Opening old herd books of Hereford cattle dating back to the 1920s and 1930s
we can read the names of some pedigree animals owned by Dr James McKane Taylor of Lisnick, Dervock, Co Antrim. For example, the 56th herd book published in 1926 contains details on some five cows breeding at Lisnick, Dervock at that time and these were Ballybogy Dora, born 22 May 1919; Beauty, born 13 February 1915; Diana, born March 1922; Fair Lady, born 15 January 1921 and Leah in 11 January 1918. Although the cattle were in Lisnick, their registered owner’s address as recorded in this old book’s directory of breeders was Cymmer, Port Talbot, Wales. The reason for this was, while owning land and cattle in Dervock, Dr James McKane Taylor MD himself worked as a medical practitioner in Wales from around 1912 up to the time of his death on 2 June 1951. Paying tribute to Dr Taylor at the time of his death, the British Medical Journal presented readers with a little insight into the personality of this man, affectionately known as Tip Taylor. Describing him as a ‘real, true Irishman’ it stated, ‘a certain roughness of speech and manner really hid a kindness he was very shy of expressing’. Reading their description, one gets the distinct impression that although Dr Taylor would not have been one to tolerate fools gladly, and despite being somewhat direct at times, he possessed some real, qualities as a man of, shall we say, the old school. Whether actually exhibited by a family member or stock person, during the 1920s and 1930s pedigree Hereford cattle owned by Dr Taylor were paraded at our provincial shows which, rather neatly, brings us to that aforementioned North Derry Agricultural Show at Coleraine on Thursday 13 June 1935. In the run-up to this event honorary secretary JF Hunter would have been
keeping an eye on entries and as show day approached it was all shaping up quite nicely. There would be some great attractions including a guess the weight of the pig competition and not only that, but this event was going to be attended by the NI minister of agriculture and the permanent secretary. All that was needed was good weather. Well now, reader, without elaborating too much we can report that the good folks (including our then minister of agriculture) got ‘freak weather’ rather than ‘good weather’. According to newspaper reports torrential rain came and if organisers thought it would pass quickly, they were wrong. As people sought shelter in the grandstand the rain was soon replaced with hailstones which were ‘bigger than peas’. These hailstones deafeningly pounded the iron roof of the grandstand, and it was later reported that in another part of the showground, ‘grooms had difficulty in quieting restive horses’. How the other breeds down on the cattle lines reacted to all of this we cannot report suffice to state that with the Hereford’s wonderful temperament, we can be pretty sure these lovely beasts took it all pretty much in their stride. As the hailstones fell, Dr Taylor’s pedigree Hereford females Molly and Heather Dew would have been pretty much chilled out. As people left Coleraine on that day back in 1935, they may have had wet clothes and have looked as if they’d been pulled through a hedge backwards. That was the downside, on the upside however, they had had a lovely opportunity to see a muster of great Hereford cattle belonging to the beefy white-faced breed.
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Wilson wins male championship at NI calf show The United Feeds Calf show was held in conjunction with the NI Shorthorn Show in 2021 and saw David Wilson take the male championship, with Robin Irvine leading in the females. The NIHBA United Feeds Calf Show saw a tremendous show of calves at Dungannon Farmers Mart held in conjunction with NI Shorthorn Club with classes alternating between the two breeds. Judge for the event was Catherine Smyth Ardmulcan Herefords, Navan, County Meath. Speaking after the event, Catherine said it was an honour to be asked to judge the calf show adding the display of cattle was a credit to all exhibitors in attendance and thanked the NIHBA committee members for their hard work in organising the event.
Lisrace Loneranger 6th from David Wilson
Junior and male champion was Lisrace Loneranger 6th from David Wilson, Magheraveely, Co Fermanagh out of the home-bred dam Lisrace Blossom, a Ballyaville Lifeliner daughter. Born in January 2021, it is by Knockmountagh Master, imported from Ireland from E McKiernan. The female champion, Graceland 1 Verity from Robin Irvine, Whitecross, Co Armagh also came from the junior section. Born in March 2021, this heifer calf is a daughter of Brookfield 1 Romeo
Graceland 1 Verity from Robin Irvine
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which stands in AI Services and out of Blakesley 1 Minnie which made its way over the water from Towcester, Northamptonshire. Reserve male champion was found from the winner of the September to October 2020-born bull class and was Country Crest Jack from Ciaran Kerr, Craigavon, Co Armagh. Sired by Moyclare Phoenix and out of Ballyville Isa, it was purchased as a stock bull from Irish breeders M Hoey to join the Kinnego herd. Jack was part of a strong team forward from the Kerrs who also took a win in the first class of the day, the exhibitor owned pairs, which had eight quality entries. David Wilson saw more success in taking the reserve female champion title with Lisrace Bridge Girl 24th which led the January and February 2021 born heifer class. Again, with a home-bred dam, it is another by Knockmountagh Master.
Country Crest Jack from Ciaran Kerr
The senior female champion, Solpoll 1 Starlet V16 from J and W McMordie, Ballygowan, Co Down, was found in the November to December 2020-born class. A Solpoll 1 Promoter daughter, it was previously shown on its dam Starlet M19 when winning the Balmoral championship this September. The reserve senior female champion also came from the same class with the Normanton 1 Laertes daughter, Benburn 1 Alice 5th from Alan Shaw, Dungannon, Co Tyrone. It is out of a Shraden 1 Alice daughter which was purchased at the 2019 society show and sale for 5,000gns from Shropshire-based breeders MJ and HM Timmis.
Lisrace Bridge Girl 24th from David Wilson
Solpoll 1 Starlet V16 from John and William McMordie
Benburb 1 Alice 5th from Alan Shaw
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Umgola 1 Lawman from Stephen Baxter
Sessiagh 1 Vin Diesel from Nathaniel Shaw
Solpoll 1 Starlet V11 from John and William McMordie
Tullymore 1 Shrek from Raymond and Stewart Pogue
L-R Judge Catherine Smyth, Keziah Shaw, Jonny Mitchell and James Graham
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The reserve senior male champion was the first prize winner from the November to December 2020-born bull class, Umgola 1 Lawman from Stephen Baxter, Armagh. A Solpoll 1 Lawman son, it is out of Umgola 1 Sissy which is sired by the Irish-bred Dernaroy 1 Impact. The reserve junior male champion spot went to Sessiagh 1 Vindesil from Nathaniel Shaw, Dungannon, Co Tyrone. Born March 2021, it is another son of Normanton 1 Laertes and out of Sessaigh 1 Olga, which is by the Australian-bred AI sire Wirruna Daffy D1. The September to October 2020-born heifer class provided another win for John and William McMordie with Solpoll 1 Starlet V11, a daughter of Herberry 1 Herbert and out of Solpoll 1 Starlet P2. The most junior bull class saw Tullymore 1 Shrek take victory for Raymond Pogue, Benburb, Co Tyrone. The youngest calf forward, being born on 31 May 2021, it was by Tullymore 1 Nixen, a son of Moyclare Lieutenant and out of Glenside Naomi.
Young handlers
their cattle and Dungannon Mart for the use of the yard for the event.
Results Grand and junior male, David Wilson, Lisrace Lone Ranger 6th; reserve grand male champion and senior male, Ciaran Kerr, Country Crest Jack Reserve senior male, Stephen Baxter, Umgola 1 Lawman Reserve junior male, Nathanial Shaw, Sessiagh 1 Vin Deisel Junior and grand female, Robin Irvine, Graceland 1 Verity; reserve junior and grand female, David Wilson, Lisrace Bridgegirl 24th Senior female, John and William McMordie, Solpoll 1 Starlett V16 Reserve senior female, Benburb 1 Alice 5th, Alan Shaw Pair of animals, 1st, Ciaran Kerr; 2nd, John and William McMordie; 3rd, J and K Taggart Overall young handler, Keziah Shaw; res., Jonny Mitchell
Heifer born September and October 2020, 1st, John and William McMordie, Solpoll 1 Starlet B11; 2nd, John and William McMordie, Solpoll 1 Dainty V4 Bull born November 2020 and December 2020, 1st, Stephen Baxter, Umgola 1 Lawman; 2nd, Raymond Pogue, Tullymore 1 Tiny Tim Owner; 3rd, Nathanial Shaw, Sessiagh 1 Van Gogh Heifer born November 2020 and December 2020, 1st, John and William McMordie, Solpoll 1 Starlet V16; 2nd, Alan Shaw, Benburb 1 Alice 5th; 3rd, Alan Shaw, Benburb 1 Juliet 1st Bull born January and February 2021, 1st, David Wilson, Lisrace Lone Ranger 6th; 2nd, James Graham, Richmount 1 Viking; 3rd, Ciaran Kerr, Kinnego 1 Valentino Heifer born January and February 2021, 1st, David Wilson, Lisrace Bridgegirl 24th; 2nd, Ciaran Kerr, Kinnego 1 Valentina; 3rd, Stephen Baxter, Umgola Chi Chi Bull born between March and April 2021, 1st, Nathanial Shaw, Sessiagh 1 Vin Deisel; 2nd, Robin Irvine, Graceland 1 Victor; 3rd, Alan Shaw, Benburb 1 Superduty
The young handlers saw the entries split by age into two classes, with the senior section and overall award won by Jonny Mitchell and the junior section led by Keziah Shaw who then took the overall reserve title.
Junior young handler, 1st, Keziah Shaw; 2nd, Charlie Baxter Senior young handler, 1st, Jonny Mitchell, 2nd, Bradley Graham; 3rd, Nathanial Shaw
Heifer born between March and April 2021, 1st, Robin Irvine, Graceland 1 Verity; 2nd, John and William McMordie, Solpoll 1 Duchess V23; 3rd, Philip Murdock, Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 200
The NIHBA would like to thank United Feeds for its continued support of this event, all the exhibitors for bringing out
Bull born September and October 2020, 1st, Ciaran Kerr, Country Crest Jack
Bull born May 2021 onwards, 1st, Raymond Pogue, Tullymore 1 Shrek; 2nd, Nathanial Shaw, Sessiagh 1 Venice
Members of NIHBA showing their appreciation for United Feeds continued support of their calf show
182 | SHOWS
Awan advances to champion at National Poll Show Although numbers were down slightly on a normal year, a great display of the breed circulated the ring at Moreton-in-Marsh Show, with the crowd looking on as judge Richard Edwards sorted through the classes. At the 2021 National Poll Show, Kinglee 1 Miss 639 stole the show and strode into the supreme champion spot with owner and exhibitor Will Awan of Midford Herefords, Bath, in only his fifth year of society membership. Also intermediate female champion, this heifer was first seen by the young breeder at a visit to the Kinglee herd of Pete Cobley, Leicestershire in November 2020 and says three weeks after the visit he made contact to arrange its purchase. Born in March 2020, it is a daughter of Cleland 1 Nelson which is sired by Moeskaer Keno 1222. The maternal side of its pedigree carries Leo’s Pride, Panmure and Hawkesbury breeding.
Kinglee 1 Miss 639 from W Awan Pembrokeshire with breeders TG, EI and EN Thorne, this heifer was purchased privately by the young couple in October 2020 as a six month calf to join their
25 female Milovaig herd in Ardersie, Inverness which this year celebrates its 25th birthday. By stock bull Lowesmoor 1 Nasser, sired by Dorepoll 1 499 High
Judge Richard Edwards commented this heifer was just his type, being a “beautiful colour” and “just what a Hereford should look like”. On their first appearance at the National Poll Show, Calum Smith and Anna Wilson, Inverness took the reserve spot with Studdolph 1 Barbie 754, with Iona Smith on the halter, mirroring the intermediate championship. Having started its life in
Studdolph 1 Barbie 754 from D and S Smith and son
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Society, it is out of a Studdolph-bred female, sired by Weybrook 1 Duke and is the most successful animal carrying the Studdolph prefix to compete at a National Poll Show yet. The junior female title was handed to Coley 1 Lily 561 from Heather Whittaker, Halifax. October 2020-born, it is by Panmure 1 Henry son, Gouldingpoll 1 Goldspice, and out of Grangefell Carol Lily 753 which carries Ervie breeding on both sides of its pedigree. Spartan 1 Polly T122 from SC and GL Hartwright, Oxfordshire which stood reserve to the Coley heifer in its class, took the reserve position in the junior female championship. Sired by the 8,000gns Solpoll 1 Perfection, it is out of a Ruckmans’ Polly female, which goes back to the Fisher herd.
Coley 1 Lily 561 from H Whittaker
Already with a collection of successes this summer, Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 from Tom and Di Harrison, Mickley, Northumberald stood senior female champion. April 2019-born, it is by the 2019 UK sire of the year, SMH King Size 87K, and out of Coley 1 Pippa 356, which was breed champion at the Royal Highland in 2019. This season, this heifer has already been named reserve native interbreed champion at Staffordshire County, reserve breed and female champion at Devon County, female champion at the Great Yorkshire and reserve breed champion at the Royal Highland Showcase. Following through the class and into the reserve senior female position was Bowendu 1 Isabella Rose and is a daughter of the Hollyvale 1 Northern Star which stood reserve supreme champion at Moreton in 2017. It is out of Dendor 1 Holly 7th, a daughter of Solpoll 1 Gilbert, the three times UK sire of the year.
Spartan 1 Polly T122 from SC and GL Hartwright
Class sizes were reduced in the bulls section, but some quality animals circulated the ring. Another Kingleebred animal, this time from Pete Cobley himself took the grand male title after winning the junior championship. November 2020-born Kinglee 1 Victorious was tapped out and as per the supreme champion, is a Cleland 1 Nelson son, out of Kinglee 1 Star 371, a Leos Pride 1 Ellis daughter. Wining the reserve grand male title and heading up the intermediate male championship was Spartan 1 Typhoon
Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 from T and D Harrison
184 | SHOWS
from SC and GL Hartwright, another of this show season’s most successful animals, having stood reserve champion at Staffordshire County, reserve male at the Royal Lancashire and winning its class at Shropshire County. Another by Solpoll 1 Perfection, it is out of Hawkesbury 1 Volcano daughter, Panmure 1 Plum K19. Taking the senior male champion title was Hoghton View 1 Jackaroo from Steven and Lizzie Walker, Preston. A son of the Aus$95,000 Minlacowie Jubilant J123, a bull bred by JJ Honner and sons, South Australia, Jackaroo is out of Dendor 1 Anna Mary 30th, a SMH Euro 30E daughter. Taking the reserve senior male champion title was Taymar 1 Trailblazer from S Taylor and D Marsh. Born in October 2019, it is by Pulham Powerhouse, a bull of Clipston Tiara R16 which was the 2015 horned female of the year. It is out of Northern Irish-bred Richmount 1 Nina, purchased from James Graham.
Bowendu 1 Isabella Rose from L and L Bowen
Twinshock 1 Paddy’s Boy from Phil Martindale, Bolton was tapped out as reserve intermediate male champion with Steven O’Kane on the steering end. Reserve champion at the Royal Lancashire Show, it is March 2020born. By Fabb 1 Northern Star, it is out of Herberry 1 Lucy Belle which went through the Designer Genes ring in-calf at 7,000gns in 2019. Heather Whittaker added the reserve junior male title to her show-wins, with Coley 1 Vincent, led by Andrew Hughes. September 2020-born, it was reserve supreme and junior champion at the Great Yorkshire Show. A Fabb 1 Northern Star son, it is out of Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 591, a daughter of the Canadian-bred Remitall Super Duty 42S.
Kinglee 1 Victorious from P Cobley
DE, ED and AL Jones, Caersws, Powys took the red tickets in both of the group of three classes, with the progeny group sired by Dendor 1 Nairobi, while SC and GL Hartwright took the pairs class. Spartan Herefords’ Luke Murphy was presented the Ted Hewitson cup as the stockman responsible for the herd with the most points gained. In Friday night’s young handlers’ competition, judged by Joshua Briggs, 15 year old Finlay Soutter won his first overall title, while sister Isla won the senior class and eight year old Mia
Spartan 1 Typhoon from SC and GL Hartwright
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Shaw won in the juniors’ class. Finlay was again triumphant in Saturday’s competition, judged by Nick and Lucy Holdsworth, winning the overall title and his intermediate age group. Mia Shaw again won her age group, while Will Awan led the senior class.
Results (Judge: R Edwards, Swindon) Champion and female, W Awan, Kinglee 1 Miss 639; reserve and res fem, D and S Smith and son, Studdolph 1 Barbie 754; male, S and E Walker, Hoghton View 1 Jackaroo; res male, S Taylor and D Marsh, Taymar 1 Trailbalzer Group of three animals by the same sire, 1st, DE, ED and AL Jones; 2nd, SC and GL Hartwright; 3rd, RA Mitchell
Hoghton View 1 Jackaroo from S and E Walker
Group of three animals to include both sexes, 1st, DE, ED and AL Jones; 2nd, SC and GL Hartwright; 3rd, RA Mitchell Pairs, 1st, SC and GL Hartwright; 2nd, DE, ED and AL Jones; 3rd, TG, EI and EN Thorne Cow born before 31 August 2018 with calf at-foot, 1st, TG, EI and EN Thorne, Glenvale 1 Polly 617; 2nd, M Ludgate, Rempstone 1 Dowager V424; 3rd, R and RI Shaw, Hallwood 1 Oyster Shell Heifer born on or between 1 January and 31 August 2019, 1st, T and D Harrison, Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11; 2nd, L and L Bowen, Bowendu 1 Isabella Rose; 3rd, T Jarvis, Valley View 1 Sparkle
Taymar 1 Trailblazer from S Taylor and D Marsh
Heifer born on or between 1 September and 31 December 2019, 1st, R and RI Shaw, Hallwood 1 Carefree Girl; 2nd. S Taylor and D Marsh, Solpoll 1 Starlet T5 Heifer born on or between 1 January and 28 February 2020, 1st, SC and GL Hartwright, Spartan 1 Duchess T95; 2nd, RA Mitchell, Lanscombe 1 Bethany; 3rd, RA Mitchell, Lanscombe 1 Bella Heifer born on or between 1 March and 31 March 2020, 1st, W Awan, Kinglee 1 Miss 639; 2nd, DE, ED and AL Jones, Dendor 1 Jano 21st; 3rd, M Ludgate, Rempstone 1 Bonny Lass BN566
Twinshock 1 Paddys Boy from P Martindale
186 | SHOWS
Heifer born on or between 1 April and 30 April 2020, 1st, D and S Smith and son, Studdolph 1 Barbie 754; 2nd, DE, ED and AL Jones, Dendor 1 Holly 12th; 3rd, M Ludgate, Rempstone 1 Curly BN583 Heifer born on or between 1 May and 31 August 2020, 1st, TG, EI and EN Thorne, Glenvale 1 Angela 767; 2nd, TG, EI and EN Thorne, Glenvale 1 Polly 764; 3rd, FJ Wood and sons, Pepperstock 1 Leslie V706 Heifer born on or between 1 September and 31 October 2020, 1st, Miss H Whittaker, Coley 1 Lily 561; 2nd, SC and GL Hartwright, Spartan 1 Polly T122; 3rd, DP Jones Agricultural Contracting, Maxstoke 1 Helen 750
Coley 1 Vincent from H Whittaker
Heifer born on or after 1 November 2020, 1st, R Coates, RTC 1 Terri 440; 2nd, R and RI Shaw, Hallwood 1 Pearl; 3rd, Miss H Jackson, Hudley 1 Luna Bull born on or between 1 January and 31 August 2019, 1st, S and E Walker, Hoghton View 1 Jackaroo Bull born on or between 1 September and 31 December 2019, 1st, S Taylor and D Marsh, Taymar 1 Trailblazer Bull born on or between 1 January and 28 February 2020, 1st, SC and GL Hartwright, Spartan 1 Typhoon; 2nd, RA Mitchell, Lanscombe 1 Barnaby Bull born on or between 1 March and 30 April 2020, 1st, P Martindale, Twinshock 1 Paddy’s Boy; 2nd, DE, ED and AL Jones, Dendor 1 Triple H; 3rd, T and D Harrison, Dendor 1 Tecwyn
Finlay Soutter won both of the young handlers competitions
Bull born on or between 1 May and 31 August 2020, 1st, P Walker, Crackleybank 1 Terminator; 2nd, S Jones, Sandlow 1 Taxman; 3rd, SC and GL Hartwright, Spartan 1 Tropic Thunder Bull born on or between 1 September and 31 October 2020, 1st, Miss H Whittaker, Coley 1 Vincent; 2nd, P Cobley, Kinglee 1 Vandyke; 3rd, L and L Bowen, Bowendu 1 Viagra Bull born on or after 1 November 2020, 1st, P Cobley, Kinglee 1 Victorious; 2nd, DP Jones Agricultural Contracting, Maxstoke 1 Van; 3rd, T and D Harrison, Moralee 1 Vandal RK V16
Luke Murphy of Spartan Herefords won the Ted Hewitson cup
HEREFORD BEEF | 187
New agency for Hereford Beef Seed Group has been appointed to take on the Hereford Beef digital marketing campaign after impressing council members with its proposals. Hereford Cattle Society has entered a contract with a new digital marketing agency, Seed Group, following a competitive pitching process.
In late 2021, a number of digital marketing agencies were invited to pitch for the contract to market Hereford Beef, with the brief of creating a more cohesive, engaging and on-brand social experience for stakeholders and consumers across all of Hereford Beef’s social channels. Seed is a Herefordshire-based agency and specialises in the food and drink sector, working alongside many agricultural and rurally-based brands and organisations. Paul Sneyd, director of operation at Hereford Cattle Society, says: “Due to their location, Seed has a passion for the
Hereford breed and pride in its history. “During the bid phase they demonstrated a clear understanding of the important work our farmers do and the importance of raising awareness for Hereford Beef across the UK and beyond. “During 2022 they will be delivering a number of seasonal campaigns across our social media channels aimed at raising awareness and educating on our high ethical, sustainable, and quality standards.” Seed are also keen to make use of social content, or news from members so please use the hastag #onlyHerefordBeef if using social media.
188 | SHOWS
Ludgate champion at Agri Expo It was the turn of Thamebased MJ Ludgate to move to the fore at Agri Expo 2021 with heifer Rempstone 1 Curly N604. Rempstone 1 Curly N604 from MJ Ludgate, Thame, Oxfordshire stood supreme, grand female and junior female champion in the Hereford section of Agri Expo, hosted by the Scottish and North of England area associations. Born in January 2021, it is by Solpoll 1 Nobility, a Panmure 1 Henry son, which the Ludgates describe as the most consistent bull they have ever used and also sired Rempstone 1 Pansy N513, the top price at the 2019 autumn society sale at 4,200gns. Judging, Panmure Herefords’ Abbie Anderson described her champion as the sort of heifer she likes, being "big and powerful with a cracking head". It was the grand male and junior male champion which found its way to the reserve supreme spot in the form of Moralee 1 Valuabull RK V19 from T and D Harrison, Mickley, Northumberland. March 2021-born, it is by Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 which did so well on this year’s summer show scene. Its dam is the Harrisons’ original Pippa, Coley 1 Pippa 356, which won the Royal Highland Show in 2017.
Rempstone 1 Curly N604 from MJ Ludgate Staying in the limelight, Ludgate’s Rempstone 1 Venom N597 was tapped out as reserve grand male. Another by Nobility, this time it is out of Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 911, purchased from Ireland’s Matthew Goulding.
won by Bishop Auckland-based W
The senior female championship was
Kemps own a share of in Canada.
and R Kemp and sons with Auckvale 1 Beth 2023T. By stock bull Auckvale 1 Ramesses, it is out of Auckvale 1 Beth 1791R, an embryo imported from Canada, bred from CBB 4R Iggy 511C which the
Abbie again praised this animal for its power, and added it had ‘great length with plenty of potential’. Commenting on the quality of juniors on show, Abbie placed Moralee 1 Pippa RK V21 as reserve junior and reserve grand female. Born in March 2021, it is a full sister to the Harrisons’ grand male champion.
Moralee 1 Valuabull RK V19 from T and D Harrison
SHOWS | 189
Reserve senior female champion was Bethanfield 1 Lisette 080 from Bethan Hutchinson, Billingham, County Durham. By Coley 1 Petrus, which Bethan showed for Heather Whittaker at the 2018 Royal Highland, before purchasing for her own use. Coley 1 Vincent from Heather Whittaker, Halifax, West Yorkshire, took the senior male championship, having already stood reserve supreme and junior champion at the 2021 Great Yorkshire Show. A September 2020-born embryo calf originating from Gouldingpoll Herefords’ programme, it is a Fabb 1 Northern Star son, with Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 591 as its dam, which the Gouldings say is their most successful female.
Moralee 1 Pippa RK V21 from T and D Harrison
Reserve senior male champion was Saltire 1 Vinnie from WP and K Wason, Kinglassie, Fife. A Laertes son, it is out of Baldinnie 1 Cathy 40th, which is a Baldinnie 1 Orient daughter.
class. Sired by SMH Kingsize 87K, it is out
Fellowhills 1 Viking from Jimmy Hodge, Horndean, Berwick-upon-Tweed led the November to December 2020-born bull
also stand top of the line up in the group
of Fisher 1 Cheerful J364. In the pairs class, Tom and Di Harrison won the red ticket, before going on to of three class, with a trio of Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 sired progeny.
From Jimmy Hodge, Fellowhills Kris won the commercial class at nine months old. In the young handlers, Isla Soutter of Normanton Herefords took the overall young handler title after winning the senior section. In the junior class, Grace Denning was handed the red ticket.
190 | SHOWS
Bethanfield Lisette 080 from B Hutchinson
Rempstone 1 Venom N597 from MJ Ludgate
Saltire 1 Vinnie from WP and K Wason
Auckvale 1 Beth 2023T from W and R Kemp and sons
Coley 1 Vincent from H Whitttaker
T and D Harrison won the pairs class
Isla Soutter won best overall handler
Grace Denning won the junior young handlers class
SOCIETY NEWS | 191
Merchandise
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Cap £8
Ladies polo shirt £10.68
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Unisex padded gilet £42
Bobble hat £9.48
Unisex Oxford shirt – blue £29.95
Apron £15
Unisex Oxford shirt – white £29.95
Ladies Oxford shirt – blue £28.95
Unisex short sleeve shirt Ladies short sleeve shirt Ladies short sleeve shirt – white £28.95 – blue £29.95 – white £29.95
Unisex padded showerproof jacket £54
Ladies padded showerproof jacket £54
Ties £10
Visit herefordcattle.org/merchandise to order your Hereford clothing
192 | SHOWS
SCOTTISH HEREFORD BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION 1. W Andrew
ARRANVIEW (P&H) Oaklea, Auchincruive, Ayr KA6 5HS Tel: 01292 521067 Mob: 07785 721330
2. PM & NJ Brown
BOSOLOPOLL Clachaig, Kilmory, Isle of Arran KA27 8PG Mob 07703 323 526 Email:dbrown1820@aol.com
3. J A Cameron & Son
BALDINNIE (P) Balbuthie, Kilconquhar, Leven, Fife KY9 1EX Tel: 01333 730210 Email: j.cameron@farming.co.uk Web: www.baldinnieherefords.co.uk
13. Kenny Lang
20. S Scott & G Dunbar
14. Messrs Mitchell
21. Ian Skea
SCOTTBAR Mosslands Farm, Beattock, Dumfriesshire DG10 9PX Mob: 07734 787 033 or 07834 394 128 Email georgemerlin03@gmail.com
WELLHEAD Wellhead Farm, Cleghorn, Lanark ML11 7SW Tel: 01555 870 223 Mob: 07843 605 861 Email: a-lang@btconnect.com
BENNACHIE (P) Glenbervie, Dalriach, Kemnay, Inverurie Aberdeenshire AB51 5LP Mob: 07733111493
KNOWEHEAD Knowehead Farm, Sorn, Mauchline, Ayrshire KA5 6JJ Tel: 01290 553646 Email: mitchell.hillbilly@gmail.com
22. D & S Smith & Son
26
MILOVAIG (P) & TOROVAIG (H) Ballochneil Cottage, Turnberry, Ayrshire KA26 9NE Tel: 01655 331796 Mob: 07710 570944 calum@arn-ltd.com
4. J M Cant & Partners
23. C Smith & A Wilson
PANMURE (P) Easter Knox, Arbirlot, Arbroath, Angus DD11 2PZ Tel: 01241 871660 Mob: 07974 705430 Email: easterknox@btinternet.com
16
5. Philip Close
23
BALSAR Littleton Farm, Turnberry, Girven KA26 9JS Mob: 07773 463 776 Email: clop20@aol.com
21
25
6. A.J & I.M Dunbar
DRUMBOY (P) Springholm, Drumclog, Strathaven, Lanarkshire Tel: 01357 440544 Gavin Dunbar: 07892715465
2
18 19 10 27 7 13 9 1 29 14 5 22 24
17 28
9. M Galbraith
CRAIGDHU (P) Millmoor Farm, Sandilands, Lanark ML11 9TW Mob: 07706 237524 Email: margaret.stewart123@btinternet.com
10. G & S Harvey
HARVEYBROS (P) 100 Buchanan Street Balfron, Glasgow G63 0TQ Tel: 01360 440504 George: 07810 807824 Sophie: 079 844 52306 Email: george-harveybros@outlook.com
11. J O Hodge
FELLOWHILLS (P) Horndean, Berwick-Upon-Tweed TD15 1XN Tel: 01289 3826678 Mob: 07967 643129
12. Janice Laird
ST. CLEMENTS WELLS (P) St Clements Wells Farm, Wallyford ,East Lothian EH21 8QN Tel: 01316 692584 Mob: 07850 226994
12
24. Andrew & Serena Sykes
KILEEKIE (Traditional Horned) Kileekie, Crosshill, Maybole, Ayrshire KA19 7PY Tel: 01655 740510 Mob: 07798 622879 Email: andrew_sykes@msn.com Web: www.kileekie.co.uk
25. Molly Stuart
3
8
15 11
30 20
8. Rockness Livestock
Peter Eccles - ROCKNESS (P) Carlaverock Farm, Tranent, East Lothian Tel: 01875 610266 Mob: 07503 925917 Email: rocknessherefords@icloud.com
6
4
GREENFORD (P) Greenford, Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire AB51 0HB Tel: 01651 872040 Office: 01651 872888 Mob: 07831 273664 Fax: 01651 872069 Email: sales@grampian-steel.co.uk
7. G and M Dunbar
MILOVAIG (P) The Workshop, Wester Cairnglass, Ardersier, Inverness IV2 7QS Calum: 07538083338 Anna: 07837199603 calum.smith0792@gmail.com
31
15. David Morrison
North Falaknowe, Coldingham, Eyemouth TD14 5TZ Tel: 01361 840 257 Mob: 07766 406 042 Email: david@jamesbrownandco.com
16. G D Poyser
COXON Cummerton Farm, Pennan New Aberdour Fraserburgh AB43 6JE Tel: 01346561444
17. S & H Reaper
PITCAIRN (P) 57, Warwick Close, Leuchars, St. Andrews, Fife Tel: 01334 458036 Mob: 07739 550746
18. Andrew Rennie & Son
RED RIDING (P) Hood Farm, Cambuskenneth, Stirling FK9 5NL Tel: 01786 472786 Mob: 07802 360325
19. F B Sangster
BADENKEP (H) & FS (P) Badenkep Farm, Buchlyvie, Stirling FK8 3NT Tel: 01360 850531 Mob: 07979 093031
GLENLIVET Lettoch Farm, Braes of Glenlivet, Ballindalloch Banffshire AB37 9JQ Tel: 01807 590 242 Email: kelly.lettoch@gmail.com
26. Drew Thomson
Beafield, Sandy, Orkney KW17 2LB Tel: 01857 600339 Email: ladybank@btinternet.com
27. J B Torrance
KNOWETOP (P) Knowetop Farm, Quarter, Hamilton ML3 7XQ Tel: 01698 284268 Mob: 07957 149943
28. W, P & K Wason
SALTIRE (P) Redwells Farm, Kinglassie, Lochgelly, Fife KY5 0UD Tel: 01592 881740 Mob: 07779 591447 Email: saltireherefords@btinternet.com
29. B, E & B Welsh
ROUNDSHAW (H) Roundshaw, Auchinleck, Cumnock, Strathclyde KA18 3JN Tel: 01290 421541 Mob: 07817 289923
30. J R B Wilson & Sons
ROMANY (P) Cowbog, Kelso, Borders TD5 8EH Tel: 01573 440273 / 01573 440278 Mob: 07980 253496 Email: cowbog@aol.com Web: www.romanyherefords.co.uk
31. Harrison & Hetherington Ltd Auctioneers Borderway Mart Rosehill, Carlisle, Cumbria CA1 2RS Email: Heather.P@borderway.com Tel: 01228 640924 Mob: 07714 761311 Web: www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk
“HEALTHY CATTLE IN REAL CATTLE COUNTRY” Anyone will always be welcome
Give a Ring, send an Email, tell us which Airport, Station or Ferry -- we’ll be there! CHAIRMAN: George Harvey, 100 Buchanan Street, Balfron, Glasgow, G63 0TQ Tel: 01360 440504 Mob: 07810 807824 Email: george-harveybros@outlook.com SECRETARY: Margaret Galbraith, Millmoor Farm, Sandilands, Lanark ML11 9TW Mob: 07706 237524 Email: margaret.stewart123@btinternet.com
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 193
New Scottish secretary
Chairman – George Harvey Vice-charman – Jimmy Hodge Secretary/treasurer – Margaret Galbraith Honorary president – Margaret Cameron
With a new secretary at the helm, the Scottish Hereford Breeders’ Association’s activities have been hampered, but members continue to have good success at home and further afield. Margaret Galbraith became secretary of the Scottish Hereford Breeders’ Association in 2020, just before the country was put into lockdown and the virus went on the rampage, Margaret got into the breed some five years ago when she was given a heifer called Jane from the Romany herd as a gift for a very special birthday from her partner George Brown and his family. She now has three cows, two heifers and two bulls. Nevertheless, Margaret and the rest of the committee have tried to keep the Scottish members engaged during this time with virtual competitions, newsletters and phone calls. I hope it’s safe to say we are getting back to some sort of normality towards the end of 2021. The Hereford is a great native breed and produces meat that is second to none and a lovely temperament that makes them easy to work with. It is the association’s job to promote this in Scotland and encourage local beef and dairy farmers to make use of the Hereford. It is the association’s ambition to see more sales of Hereford cattle at auction markets in Scotland. There was great uncertainty as to whether the Royal Highland Show would
Abbie Anderson go ahead. It did, but the format was very different from previous years. The classes were limited and only exhibitors were at the showground. Judging was watched by many online and judge Abbie Anderson was very efficient and thanks goes to her for a job well done. The numbers were down compared to a normal year but the quality was still there with 13 month Harveybros 1 Crocus Tiara from father and daughter team George and Sophie Harvey taking reserve female and leading the junior female class. Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 from Tom and Di Harrison was tapped out as native interbreed champion, the highest accolade it could achieve due to the event’s format.
high standard. Results are opposite but a special mention goes to Molly Stuart who took the male champion with Glenlivet 1 Hero and also female champion, Greenford 1 Loretta. Molly is 16 years of age and fairly new to the breed. J and M Cameron of Balbuthie took reserve male and female with Baldinnie 1 Carlin and Baldinnie 1 Cathy 69th respectively and congratulations go to them. By far the association’s largest event this year, with over 100 attendees, was a visit
It was decided the annual Scottish National Show would not go ahead as it looked like most of the Scottish agricultural shows would be cancelled for yet another year. However, the virtual competition was again held and was a great success. David Leggat was the judge and did not have an easy task with 52 entries from members far and wide including stock which would not normally be shown in the show ring and again was of a very
Molly Stuart
194 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
to Balbuthie Farm by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Cameron. It felt like coming out of late hibernation and was so enjoyable to see so many members there. There was a short presentation by John Cameron about his Open Farm project with a purpose-built reception building, with meeting rooms and catering facilities that will be used to build a ‘better understanding’ between producers and their end customers. This was followed by stock judging with the overall winner being Sam Parsons, joint second to Jamie Harvey and Hugh Ironside and Kelly Stuart taking third place. This event was ably judged by Tom and Di Harrison. This was followed by a farm tour of the Baldinnie Hereford herd and commercial cattle, where the stock and husbandry are second to none. Thanks must go to John and Margaret Cameron for having the association and the work put in not only by them but their stockmen James and Andy and secretary Wilma.
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This was followed by a barbecue with Hereford beef burgers supplied by Pete and Nicky Brown Bosolopoll from Arran. The winners of the herd competition were announced which was judged by Tom and Di Harrison and the association is grateful they came to Balbuthie to present the prizes. The only traditional Hereford herd entered was the Kileekie herd and they took second prize in the small herd section.
judged again by Abbie Anderson who did a brilliant job and kept proceedings moving along. Thanks go to the the competitors who took part and Davidsons Animal Feeds and Hereford Cattle Society for its sponsorship. Margaret Galbraith thanks Hereford House staff for their help while secretary, saying they have been invaluable as well as association chairman and vicechairman and members of the SHBA.
The society’s autumn show and sale saw success for George and Sophie Harvey with Harveybros 1 Crocus S6 which sold for 5,500gns and Calum Smith and Anna Wilson with Milovaig 1 Lady Jane 2nd which sold for 5,300gns.
Herd competition results
Conditions for Agri Expo were far from great with some competitors not making it from south. Proceedings kicked off with a dinner at The Auctioneer near the market the night before. The food was excellent, as was the service. Numbers were down but that was to be expected considering the year we have had but competition was still fierce. This was
Large herd and overall, John and Margaret Cameron, Baldinnie Herefords
Overall herd, John and Margaret Cameron, Baldinnie Herefords Small herd, Ian Skea, Bennachie Herefords
Stock bull, Billy Andrews, Knockmountagh Chief Heifer calf, John and Margaret Cameron, Baldinnie 1 Kay 38th
Panmure Panmure PANMURE
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Easter Knox Farm, Arbirlot, Angus DD11 2PZ J.M Cant Arbroath, & Partners
Easter Farm, Arbirlot, Arbroath, Angus 2PZ Audrey:-Knox 01241 871660 Mob:07974705430 Email:-Angus easterknox@btinternet.com Easter Knox Farm, Arbirlot, Arbroath, DD11DD11 2PZ
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SALES | 195
Ervie bulls to £5,000 At the 2021 sale of Ervie bulls held at Mains of Airies, near Stranraer, the trade topped at £5,000. Since their first on-farm sale of Hereford bulls in 2010, the Douglas family have come to expect new and repeat commercial Hereford bull customers from the length and breadth of the UK to converge on their farm near Stranraer for their annual spring bull sale held each February. The Line One Hereford genetics used in the Ervie breeding programme since 2005 have seen increasing demand from commercial beef farmers in recent years. Reinforcing the sale, the bulls also enjoy a strong demand from a growing number of dairy farmers valuing them for their good feet and high fertility as well as docility, ease of calving and good sale demand for the progeny. Each year, the outwintered sale bulls are presented completely naturally and catalogued with both EBV and in-herd performance data. Due to the pandemic, online bidding and prospective internet buyers were able to view live streaming of the bulls in the sale ring as well as video footage of the bulls walking.
Wigbay 1 Index 192671 sold for £5,000 One son of Ervie RL1 Achiever 151973 had the highest actual adjusted 200-day weight for his year group and sported an excellent set of EBV figures. It is a heifer’s first calf from the Achievement D family.
192584 sired by Ervie LI Achiever 162152 and out of Beauty E991 and was knocked down to another repeat buyer, Graham Park, Gretna. A further four bulls sold over £3,000.
Third highest price on the day was £3,600, with two bulls receiving this top bid. First at this price was Ervie Advance 192606, sired by Evie L1 Achiever 162044 and from the Unitarian family. Once again, with high EBV figures, it sold to long-term repeat buyer James Campbell, Galashiels.
The rising two year old bulls met with good demand, due to producers seeking the well-bred, unpampered bulls on offer. Buyers were successful from as far north as Orkney and as far south as Somerset. Prices ranged from £1,800 to £5,000.
At the same money was Ervie Advance
Leading the day’s trading at £5,000 was Wigbay 1 Index 192671 which sold to repeat buyers, David and Maggie Kelly, Netherhall Herefords, Kirkby Lonsdale. This long, thick and correct bull was sired by the poll Danish bull Heart Index 273U and out of Ervie Lisette 162114, a top daughter of Ervie LI Achiever 91151H. The bull carries indexes of +89 for 400day weight, +5.3 for eye muscle, terminal index of +49 and a self replacing index of +59. A bull much sought after at £4,200 was Ervie L1 Achiever 192633, purchased by Alan Anderson, Towford, Jedburgh for his newly formed Towford Hereford herd. This long, dark, upstanding, straight Line
Ervie L1 Achiever 192633 sold for £4,200
Auctioneers: Dumfries Auction Mart Averages: 36 bulls, £2,680
196 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Camerons come first in Scotland JA Cameron and son and its Baldinnie herd are synonymous with the Hereford breed in Scotland and were pleased to win the Scottish herds competition in 2021. "It was indeed a great honour to win the Scottish Hereford herd of the year competition," comments John Cameron of the Baldinnie herd, based in Fife. He says: “The Hereford breed has played a big part in our cattle husbandry over the years. “At a time when we were finishing all our calves, we were dealing with Waitrose through their processors Dovecote Park. Waitrose introduced a premium price for all prime cattle sired by a registered Hereford bull. As well as premium price, we were able to negotiate a fixed price per kilo for steers and heifers for the season. So it was obvious that the Hereford was going to have an important role to play in our livestock business.” John continues: “We were then running some 800 Simm/Luing cows and heifers which were mostly out-wintered or in cattle shelters, so it became clear we
L-R James Musgrave, Andy Shaw, Pat Stanley, John Cameron were going to require a considerable number of registered Hereford bulls.
necessary bulls to earn us the Waitrose premium.
“My wife Margaret, who was an active partner in the farming business, was always looking for a specialist role so we took the decision to set up a pedigree herd of Herefords to provide the
“And just to show it was a family run affair, we called the herd Baldinnie after the name of my mother’s house in Elie.” "The establishment of a pedigree Hereford herd was one of his better decisions", says John. Apart from making a sensible contribution to livestock profitability, it also opened a new world of interest and friends as he went on to meet a whole circle of friends and colleagues in the Hereford Cattle Society and eventually became one of the two Scottish members of the society’s council. John explains: “These council meetings at Hereford made me realise that apart from the experience I gained by listening to some of the most able Hereford breeders in the country, I also gained many respected and valued friends and colleagues.
Baldinnie females
“To attend these council meetings or pedigree sales in Hereford became an
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 197
occasion I eagerly looked forward to. I always remember buying my first bull in Hereford. I was accompanied by my great friend and fellow breeder, the late Sandy Campbell of Kinnellar. “When I eventually purchased the bull of my choice, the auctioneer, not knowing who this stranger was, knocked the bull down to ‘the man sitting next to Sandy Campbell’. My friends from Scotland never let me forget about that sale. “After some time, the council did me the ultimate honour of electing me as their president which gave me the opportunity to attend functions and shows in many parts of the world.” John says the highlight of the show ring for the Baldinnie herd was the winning of the prestigious Burke Trophy at the Royal Show in 2002. He continues: “For me however the privilege of winning the Scottish herd of the year award both last year and this year are memories that I will forever cherish. Thanks must go to my friend Sandy Campbell who I have already mentioned and my good friend from
Baldinnie 1 Carlin Canada, Wib Donaldson, whose herd's genetics are still to be found in the Baldinnie herd.
input from these three people and my
“Along with the enthusiasm and knowledge of my wife Margaret, the
successful, but more importantly so
staff over the years have made my association with Hereford cattle so enjoyable.”
BALDINNIE POLL HEREFORDS SAC Premium Cattle Health Scheme Bulls and Heifers Always Available
Baldinnie 1 Ruth 17th
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John and Margaret Cameron Balbuthie, Kilconquhar, Leven, Fife KY9 1EX. Tel: 01333 730210 • Email: j.cameron@farming.co.uk
MANY THANKS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS
198 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Native interbreed for Rebel Kicks An exhibitors-only show in place of the usual Ingliston fixture, the Royal Highland Showcase saw Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 stride into the native interbreed champion position. Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 from Tom and Di Harrison, Mickley, Northumberland impressed at the Royal Highland Showcase, an exhibitors-only show in place of the usual Ingliston fixture. Dubbed the ‘ringside favourite’, it was tapped out as native interbreed champion, the highest accolade it could achieve due to the event’s format.
Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 from T and D Harrison
Born in April 2018, Rebel Kicks is no stranger to the limelight having won the interbreed junior bull championship at the Royal Welsh Show in 2019. By Danish-bred SMH King Size 87K, the 2019 sire of the year, it is out of Romany 1 Dawn D1 M6 and was awarded poll bull of the year and joint bull of the year in 2019. Semen from the bull is available for private purchase. Tasked with judging, Abbie Anderson of Panmure Herefords, Arbirlot, Tayside commended the bull for its locomotion and balance, having also named it her senior male and male champion. Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 also performed for owners and breeders Tom and Di Harrison and was named reserve breed champion, having already taken female and senior female champion earlier that day and made up one half of the reserve champion native pair alongside Rebel Kicks.
Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 from T and D Harrison April 2019-born, it is yet another by the prolific SMH King Size 87K which does so well for the Northumberland-based breeders. It is out of Coley 1 Pippa 356 which stood breed champion at the Royal Highland in 2017, a daughter of Australian sire, Days Calibre G74 daughter.
Reserve female and leading the junior female class was 13 month Harveybros 1 Crocus Tiara from father and daughter team George and Sophie Harvey, Balfron, Glasgow. From the family’s renowned Crocus family, it is by Normanton 1 Laertes, which stood interbreed champion at the Highland in 2016.
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This heifer is a three-quarter sister to Harveybros 1 Crocus Rose which was champion at the National Poll Show in 2019 before being named reserve poll female of the year. Second place in the junior female class was Moralee 1 Kylie KS T29, another from Tom and Di Harrison. A King Size daughter, it is out of Moralee 1 Kylie, which is out of the Harrisons’ original Kylie female, bred from the Ishbel family, known so well at the Wilsons’ Romany herd. Kylie KS T29 is a full sister to Kylie KS S11 which was overall champion at the Christmas Calf Show at Shrewsbury in 2019, and junior champion at the National Poll Show in the same year.
Harveybros 1 Crocus Tiara from G and S Harvey
Competing solely against stable-mate Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 in the senior female class, Moralee 1 Mink KR S4 took second place. October 2018-born, it is by Cornriggs 1 Knight Rider, a son of the Canadian influenced bull Spurstow 1 Victor, and carries New Zealand blood on its maternal side. Its dam is Moralee 1 Mink 2nd, by Romany 1 Lawbreaker RE L23 and out of Romany 1 Mink D1 H48. From H Whittaker who has taken three breed championships out of the last five at Royal Highland shows, Coley 1 Teddy was reserve male, and lead a very strong class of junior bulls. March 2020-born, this young sire carries Danish blood on both sides of its pedigree, being by Moeskaer Vegas 1451 and out of Solbakkens Marrigold. Standing in second place to Whittaker’s bull was Dendor 1 Tecwyn, another from Tom and Di Harrison, but bred by DE, ED and AL Jones, Caersws, Powys. March 2020-born, it is by Dendor 1 Nairobi which stood champion at the 2018 National Poll Show and out of Dendor 1 Anna Mary 16th.
The Harrisons' pair stood reserve native champion
Results (Judge: Abbie Anderson, Tayside) Supreme, male and senior male champion, T and D Harrison, Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12; reserve, female and senior fem champion, T and D Harrison, Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11
Res male and junior male, H Whittaker, Coley 1 Teddy; res junior male, T and D Harrison, Dendor 1 Tecwyn Res fem and jun fem, G and S Harvey, Harveybros 1 Crocus Tiara; res junior fem, Moralee 1 Kylie KR T29
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Hereford breed suits share farming set-up
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With a history of managing Limousins, Iain Wilkinson has in recent years been introduced to the Hereford and says the breed is definitely the right one for his farming systems. Aside from the many other benefits, it was the superior eating quality of Hereford Beef that was one of the main factors involved in Perthshire-based Iain Wilkinson’s decision to invest in the breed. “It’s important to me to be producing something that I am proud of and that’s certainly the case with Hereford Beef. The flavour is outstanding. We’ve actually got friends who had stopped buying beef because they couldn’t get the quality they were looking for and they’re back eating it again after trying Hereford,” says Iain, who is based at Balgay, Inchture, Perthshire with his wife Jennifer, a local vet. Having managed the cattle herd for the Alexander family at Mains of Mause, Blairgowrie for 25 years, Iain moved to Balgay in 2017, where he works a shared farming agreement with owners Iain and Sheena Graham. On the 405 hectare (1,000 acre) farm, Iain manages 100 cows for the Grahams and runs 80 cows and 480 ewes of his own. He also contract manages the arable side of the business, which includes 304ha (750ac) of winter cereals and oilseed rape, plus he rents a further 162ha (400ac) of upland ground through seasonal lets while contract managing 400 ewes on another holding. Iain had worked with a Limousin-based suckler herd at Mains of Mause, but first became keen on the Hereford breed in 2015, after attending the Ervie bull sale in Stranraer. “I was blown away by the Hereford cows at Ervie due to their temperament, ease of management and ability to put on flesh off grass,” he explains.
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Iain was so impressed that he returned later that year and bought five cows from Ervie, establishing his Redstroke Hereford herd. Then, in February 2016, he purchased the bull, Ervie Advance 141836. “My plan was to use the bull on the pedigree cows I had bought from Ervie and Limousin cows which I already had. Then, when this opportunity came up at Balgay, I decided to go down the Hereford route when expanding my own herd. “I visited Robert Parker’s Drumdow herd and was very impressed with his cattle and he had used a lot of Ervie bulls, crossing with the Angus to produce Black Baldy calves. That was a big influence on my decision to increase my Hereford numbers too,” says Iain. Building up the herd, Iain worked away crossing the Hereford over his own cows and the Balgay cows, buying resultant Black Baldy female calves from the Balgay herd, to use in his own.
Iain Wilkinson runs a commercial herd of Hereford sucklers and Redstroke Herefords them as young as possible and from different bloodlines, looking particularly at legs, udders and tops. I’m aiming for a moderate sized cow that is easy to keep and still produces the carcase size that the market wants.”
“I really like the Black Baldy females” “I really like the Black Baldy females. They are fertile, with good feet and udders and have longevity too,” he says. Within the pedigree Herefords, Iain had been getting far more bull calves than heifers, so he went back to Ervie in 2020 and bought 10 more heifers. The pedigree numbers now sit at 22 cows and six in-calf heifers. “With the females, I’ve tried to buy
Having used the Ervie bull heavily on the pedigree and commercial cows, Iain recently bought a new stock bull, Netherhall L1 Planet 643. Carrying Line One breeding it started out as an embryo from the Holden herd in Montana and Iain has high hopes for him after seeing his progeny at Netherhall. The 60 commercial cows are now all put to the Hereford or Limousin bull, a native and continental-cross that Iain thinks
works well. He selects some of the heifer calves to keep for replacements and the rest are finished on-farm. “All the finished cattle are sold to ABP at Perth, with the steers away at between 12 to 18 months. They are fattened on a home-grown barley and silage-based ration. The last batch of 20 Hereford and Hereford-cross steers went at an average weight of 349.5kg at 15.3 months,” explains Iain. “I’m considering moving towards a grass-based finishing system. It would take longer to finish the cattle, but I think the Herefords would do well on that type of set-up. At the moment, it makes sense to get them away a bit quicker, when we have the sheds here anyway, and the home-grown feed.” Heifer calves are finished later, at between 18 and 22 months. They come in off grass for their second winter and are given ad-lib good quality silage, plus a little grain if needed. Pedigree heifers and bulls that are not being kept for breeding or selling privately, are also finished. Iain has been selling some of that beef boxed to local customers, which has proved very popular. “Anyone who has tried our Hereford Beef has loved it. I’m a big steak fan, but I rarely have one when we go out now – they’re never as good as what I can get at home.”
Redstroke Douglas 226 hides Netherhall L1 Planet 643
Calving takes place in the spring at Balgay, throughout April and May, all inside, which helps with management for
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ERVIE LINE ONE
J & J. S. DOUGLAS
Mains of Airies, Ervie, Stranraer, Scotland, DG9 0RD
ERVIE HEREFORDS 2022 SPRING BULL SALE Thursday 10th February at the farm. See website for details. Operating a herd line-breeding programme, selecting for high natural yearling performance & uniformity.
Sale feature - Ervie Advance 202830
“The Ervie Type”
We focus on high-maternal economically important traits.
www.ervieherefords.co.uk Introducing our straight Line One
Check on our website for up-to-date sales and breeding cattle throughout the year. importinformation from B &onDour Herefords,
Tel. 01776854226Kansas, or e-mail johndouglas@agriplus.net USA. We look forward to your enquiry. Visitors always welcome by appointment.
Ervie RL1 Achiever 151966N
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Farm facts • Share farming agreement with owners Iain and Sheena Graham
• 405 hectare (1,000 acre) farm • Manages 100 cows for the Grahams • Runs 80 cows and 480 ewes of his own
• Contract manages the arable side of the business, including 304ha (750ac) of winter cereals and oilseed rape
• Rents 162ha (400ac) of upland Iain says the Black Baldy female is fertile, with good feet and udders Iain, who is often carrying out the cattle work on his own. They are back outside as soon as they’re up, have sucked and tagged. The females are mainly served naturally, but this year, a few heifers were AI’d to the poll bull, Hoghton View 1 Jackaroo. At recent society sales, Iain has also purchased a number of poll heifers, favouring breeding from Graham Shepherd’s Preston-based Moorside herd. These have included Moorside 1 Jane 17th and Moorside 1 New Dawn 4th by Hoghton View 1 Gold Mine and Moorside 1 Julia 5th ad Moorside 1 New Dawn 4th which are both by the record price poll bull, Coley 1 Pilot. “I’d like to go down the poll route, so I’m trying out a few to see how it goes. If I can maintain the quality of my stock,
The Hereford is now key to Iain's system
while having poll cattle, it would be ideal.” The aim at Balgay is to make the best use of the land available and paddock grazing allows Iain to better utilise the grazing acres, although it does create extra work.
ground
• Contract manages 400 ewes on another holding “Everything has its role to play. The bedding straw from the cattle is reapplied to the fields, so the cows play an important regenerative part in the arable ground rotation. We are busy
“The Hereford is a breed that can do well on a low-input system” “We’re always looking at ways to reduce inputs and the Hereford is a breed that can do well on a low-input system. There are no creeps outside and the calves receive no extra feeding until they come inside in November,” says Iain.
with the arable side of the business and with lambing in the spring too, so the cows need to perform what we need them to do, without causing extra work, which is proving to be the case with the Herefords,” he adds.
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206 | SHOWS
Griffiths and Harrisons lead Stars of the Future At Stirling-based United Auctions, Nick Griffiths led the senior classes of the Hereford section with Grifford 1 Princess, while Moralee 1 Mink RK V24 from Tom and Di Harrison led the juniors. Grifford 1 Princess from Nick Griffiths, Penkridge, Staffordshire was selected as senior and senior female champion at the Stars of the Future held at United Auctions, Stirling. September 2020-born, it is a Normanton 1 Laertes son, and out of Coley 1 Clara 315, a daughter of Blakelaw 1 Calzaghe.
Grifford 1 Princess from NJ Griffiths
Judging was Panmure Herefords’ Audrey Anderson, who commented on the high quality of calves forward. Leading the junior section was March 2021-born Moralee 1 Valuabull RK V19 from Tom and Di Harrison, Mickley, Northumberland. Having already taken the grand male title at Agri Expo, it is by Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 which did so well on this year’s summer show scene. Its dam is the Harrisons’ ‘original Pippa’, Coley 1 Pippa 356, which won the Royal Highland Show in 2017. Saltire 1 Vinnie from Willie and Pauline Wason, Kinglassie, Fife took the reserve senior and senior male champion titles. Born in October 2020, it also did well at Agri Expo, being named reserve senior male champion. Another Laertes son, it
Moralee 1 Mink RK V24 from T and D Harrison
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is out of Baldinnie 1 Cathy 40th, which is a Baldinnie 1 Orient daughter. Sky High 1 Miss Allure from Nick Griffiths and Boomer Birch and Graham Brindley took the reserve junior and junior female championships. Out of Dendor 1 Jennefer 15th and by Dendor 1 Kohinoor, a SMH Euro 30E son, it is February 2020-born. From Strathaven-based Gavin Dunbar, February 2020-born Drumboy 1 Vindicator 1103 won the reserve junior male champion accolade. Home-bred, it is by AI sire Fabb 1 Northern Star, and out of the Danish-bred Moeskaer Kashmir 1655. Another from the Harrisons’ stable, this time Moralee 1 Mink RK V24, won the reserve junior female champion title. Out of Romany 1 Mink DL L24, it is again by Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12.
Saltire 1 Vinnie from WP and K Wason
Results (Judge: Audrey Anderson, Angus) Senior and senior female, NJ Griffiths, Grifford 1 Princess; reserve and senior male, WP and K Wason, Saltire 1 Vinnie Junior and junior male, T and D Harrison, Moralee 1 Valuabull RK V19; res junior and junior fem, NJ Griffiths and B Birch and G Brindley; res junior male, G Dunbar, Drumboy 1 Vindicator; res junior fem, Moralee 1 Mink RK V24
Moralee 1 Valuabull from T and D Harrison
Sky High 1 Miss Allure from NJ Griffiths and B Birch and G Brindley
Drumboy 1 Vindicator from G Dunbar
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Re-printed by kind permission of The Scottish Farmer
Breeder of our time Turning out championwinning stock year on year is an achievement in itself, but to find success in more than one breed is what makes George Harvey a notable cattle ‘breeder of our time’. Here, he related to The Scottish Farmer about a successful career in the world of pedigree cattle breeding and his choice of best breeders. What’s your background? I was born in Balfron some years ago and was brought up there and somehow ended up back there. My father, Jimmy, was an AberdeenAngus cattleman with the Balfron, Haymount and Gaidrew herds and, as a school boy, I worked at Gaidrew until the herd dispersed in 1968. After I left school, I served an engineering apprenticeship in Glasgow, which led me to doing some work in Germany and London. During my time in London, I met my wife, Maggie and after some years I managed to convince her that Scotland was the place to be, so we moved back home to set up a foot trimming business and livestock enterprise with my brothers, John, Jim and Eddie. We went to Carlisle to purchase our first Limousin female from Robert Graham, in the form of Graham’s Ballerina. As John was the past stockman there at the time, the interest in Limousin cattle was already there on his part and he knew the cows well. We then decided one breed wasn’t just cutting it, though, so went up to Perth Bull Sales to buy an Aberdeen-Angus. On that day the Angus females had
L-R Eddie, Beth, John, Sophie and George Harvey been making too much money, so we decided to buy a Hereford and ended up purchasing Panmure 1 Crocus 3 from the Cant family and to this day, all our Herefords relate back to this animal. After a few years of John and I being together, John decided to go back to being a stockman as he was before, so I continued with the foot trimming business and the cattle, with John still helping at shows, as well as giving advice along the way.
Hereford heifer, Harveybros 1 Crocus Rose. Both of these animals will stick in my mind forever. But what was the best animal that you’ve ever seen? Again there are two animals that stick in my mind, first would be the Charolais cow, Kilkenny Celia, and then the Simmental cow, Darshams KitKat. If you could change one thing about your breed what would it be and why?
One of the main events for me used to be Smithfield, where pure-breds used to out-rule the cross-bred cattle in numbers. In 1990, my first year showing, we took three pure-bred cattle to Smithfield: the Hereford, Harveybros 1 Crocus K2; the Limousin, Harvey’s Dancer and the Galloway, Ben Lomond. That same year was also my first attempt at showing at the Royal Highland Show and I’ve never missed a Highland since.
With the Limousins, the main problem is that too many people have forgotten the purpose of a cow. They are starting to lack milk and go too hard muscled in some females.
Which was the best animal that you’ve ever bred?
You’re most abiding memory?
For me there are two heifers that stand out. I have to mention my Limousin heifer, Harvey’s Atique and Sophie’s
In the Herefords, their lack of popularity, especially in Scotland, is one thing I’d like to change. As a breed, they are very much under-rated and they have better quality than people would give them credit for.
I have loads. However, the one that really sticks in my mind is winning the Kings Cup at Smithfield with Read All About It, a home-bred Galloway steer. There was
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refords
orge & p e H vey Harveybros 1 Crocus S6 Sold For 5,500gns To Nicky and Pete Brown, Arran
Harveybros 1 Thomas-The-Tank sold for 6,400gns to JL Forsey, Dorset
orge: 07810807824
p e: 07984452306
Ema : p e.h veyy@
k. m
210 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Harveybros 1 Crocus Rose won the championship at the 2019 National Poll Show a small crowd of supporters sitting in the corner of the ring that day that went through seven bottles of vodka before lunch time as well. You wanted to hear the cheer when I was tapped out. Biggest disappointment in your career? There have been a few over the years but nothing is more disappointing than losing a calf at calving time. That still gets to me. Most influential person in your career? My father, my brothers, John and Jim, and outside of the family, Jim Donald.
Another would be Major Walter. He is still at the top of the tree after all these years.
Breeders’ Club and being elected onto the main Hereford council are also great achievements of mine.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Anything you would go back and change in your career?
Ask as many questions as possible and watch how the winning stockman do it. Biggest achievement? Helping my wife, Maggie, produce three children – Jamie, Sophie and Beth - even if they get their stubbornness from me. Following in the distance in the last couple of years, I would say being chairman of the Scottish Hereford
What’s been your favourite sale to attend over the years and why?
Any hobbies or interests away from farming? I have a love for rugby. Jamie and myself have season tickets at Murrayfield and I like to follow the Glasgow Warriors, but it’s mainly another excuse to get a few beers.
Oh definitely Perth at the old market. The bar at the old market was something else. United Auctions definitely missed a trick by not building a bar like it at Stirling.
What’s the future of the breed in your opinion?
Your choice of best breeder ever? One would be Alasdair Houston as he was incredible with every breed he was involved in, whether that be Simmentals, Charolais or the Angus. Just a true gentleman and breeder all round.
I think I’ve been very lucky in life and there isn’t much I would change. I’ve not got loads of trophies but through life experiences and changes in my career path, I’ve done everything in life I have wanted and worked with some of the best stockman, herds and cattle in the country over the years.
L-R Garry Patterson and George Harvey
I think the future for both Herefords and Limousin is bright. There is still a market for both in the food chain and the young stockmen and women that are coming through are professional and they’ll make it happen.
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212 | FEATURE
Future for Herefords in large scale suckler unit
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Dumfriesshire-based family, the Walkers, are working to expand their suckler system while keeping the environment at the forefront of their minds. With the environmental impact of beef farming under constant scrutiny, it’s more important than ever for UK beef systems to be as efficient and sustainable as possible. It’s these factors which lie at the forefront of the Walker family’s farming philosophy across their three units in Dumfriesshire, where they have successfully integrated the Hereford breed into their set-up in recent years. Michael Walker manages the running of the three neighbouring farms in Sanquhar – Drumbuie, Knockenjig and Tower – alongside his brother Stuart and parents Tina and Jim, a former NFU Scotland president. This year is the family’s 100th in Drumbuie Farm, while Tower was added to the enterprise in 1992 and Knockenjig in 2015. In all, the team, which includes a further six full-time staff, farm 1,821 hectares (4,500 acres), home to 2,500 Blackface and Mule ewes and 700 suckler cows. The cattle system has changed considerably in the past six years, since the expansion of the business to include Knockenjig. Cattle numbers have doubled in that time and the steadings have been updated to ensure that calving can all take place in the spring, entirely indoors. Fitting all the cattle with EID tags has allowed the Walkers to develop a comprehensive performance recording system, aiding them in their quest to retain only the most sound and efficient cattle for breeding. They breed all their own replacements consisting of 120 to 130 per year, with the females in the herd a mixture of Angus, Simmental and Hereford-crosses. There are also a herd of both pedigree Angus and Charolais kept for breeding bulls to use on the herd. Heifers are AI’d
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to calve at two years old to an Angus sire, while second calvers are AI’d with either Simmental or Hereford semen. Which bull the remainder of the cows go to, depends on whether they’re in a breed cycle for breeding replacement females or terminal cycle, or producing calves for selling. Michael says: “We controlled internal drug release (CIDR) synchronise 400 cows each year to tighten the calving period as much as possible, with all bulls pulled out at the end of July. Calving starts the second week in February, until the middle of May, but with the high number of conceptions through AI, we’re calving around a third of the herd in 10 days.” After calving, the cows are summered at grass, while the heifers go on to a paddock rotation on ground fit for silage making.
Herefords play a key part in the Walkers' system based on many factors including feet, temperament and weaning efficiency. They have found that the Herefordcrosses tick all the right boxes. Michael explains: “There is a huge difference between feeding a 750kg
“we’re looking to increase the Hereford numbers – achieving a moderate sized, easy calving cow” “It took a fair bit of time and effort to set up the paddock grazing, but it works really well, saves on feed costs and is a great way to best utilise the grass – we can grow plenty of grass here in the summer,” adds Michael. To suit their ground and minimise feeding bills, the Walkers aim for a medium sized cow and use their recorded data to select females
cow compared to a 650kg cow. The Herefords are reaching 694kg at mature cow weight, so they are a perfect size for us. Last year, our 20 Hereford heifers all pelvic scored between 2.5 and 5 (moderate to excellent). This is one of the main reasons that we’re looking to increase the Hereford numbers – achieving a moderate sized, easy calving cow.”
The family started using Hereford bulls in 2014 and currently have three among the team of stock bulls. The current sires in residence come from the Romany, Badlingham and Vexour herds, with birth weight and 200 and 400-day weight figures being some of the main selling points. “At the moment, we’ll keep around 20 Hereford-cross heifers to join the herd each year and sell 30 to 40 Herefordcross bullocks. They sell from 380 to 500kg at between eight and 11 months, with 1.2 to 1.3kg average daily weight gains recorded over the past few years,” says Michael. Going forward, the team are looking to finish more calves on farm, having mainly sold them as stores until now. The tight calving period allows for uniform batches of calves, which are normally sold at 10 to 11 months old, weighing 400kg. The majority are sold to regular buyers, straight off the farm, with some going to Stirling Mart. Michael adds: “We’re planning to finish a lot of the calves at 14 to 15 months, going forward. With the system that we now have in place, we’re able to work out exact finishing costs and with the genetics we are using our aim is to make it as cost effective as possible.”
The farm is home to Romany, Vexour and Badlingham bulls
Before coming home to join the family business, Michael spent a year in Australia, initially visiting his sister, Alison, who lives in Sydney and then working on beef units out there. This experience opened his mind to modifications that could be made to the business to make it as productive and manageable as possible. Between spending time working out there and also visiting family,
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both Stuart and Michael have used subsequent trips to adapt ideas from overseas to large scale beef farming in the UK. “We brought home a lot of ideas from Australia. All the cattle are now fitted with EID tags, which saves a huge amount of time when running them through the handling system and allows us to easily access and record information. We also switched to full TMR, which means we can now manage what the cows are eating more effectively. This saves on feed costs and has improved overall herd health,” Michael explains. “We also looked at the way in which we utilise our grass and the impact that has environmentally in terms of carbon sequestration. We’ve brought in more technology to the day-to-day running of the business to allow us to be much more efficient with the use of our time but also the products we are using on farm,” he says. “We are very much focussed on prevention rather than cure, which is a works far better strategy for the long-term health of the cattle and profitability of the business. Foot health is paramount and the cattle have their feet trimmed annually, whether they desperately need it or not,” adds Michael. The team is very particular about hygiene; especially keeping pens clean during calving time and are mucked out once a week as a rule. “We have made a lot of changes to the way we do things in recent years and
The Walkers say Herefords tick all the right boxes a lot of it has meant more work initially for the staff. However, they’ve noticed themselves the improvements and it all saves time in the long-term and cuts down on future issues.”
the EID tag and can measure exactly what that animal has eaten. The cattle are weighed when they go into the trial and weighed again at the end. With this information, we can accurately work out
“We have made a lot of changes to the way we do things in recent years” With the future in mind, the Walkers have recently invested in GrowSafe technology, a system developed for large-scale units in the States, which measures the individual feed intake of each animal and uses that to work out the overall feed efficiency of that animal. GrowSafe feed troughs have been installed initially at Knockenig. Michael explains: “The feed troughs read
the feed conversion and efficiency of each animal, by the weight gain per kilo of feed eaten. We can turn around 80 animals every 42 to 50 days through the system. “Every calf born in 2021 will go through that shed. We’re also DNA testing the entire herd, so we can use the information we’ve gained and follow the genotypes to help achieve the most efficient cow herd. Cattle that are most feed efficient, also produce less methane, which is a major factor in the current climate debate.” In this pursuit for efficiency, Michael says they plan to continue to increase the Hereford numbers, as they’ve found the breed suits the herd’s ethos and they also achieve strong prices as cull cows at the end of their journey.
Micheal and Stuart Walker run 700 cows
“The Herefords work well in our system; they do the job that we need them to. Feed efficiency is one of their best traits, so we’ll certainly be continuing to integrate them into the herd,” adds Michael.
Herefords in Wales
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North Wales Hereford Club
www.welshherefords.co.uk 2
Secretary: Mrs. Audrey Morgan, Fardre Farm, St George, Abergele, Conwy, LL22 9RT Email: morganfardre@btconnect. com
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1
4
5
3
1. GM Graham GAZANNA (P)
Salbri, Amlwch, Ynys Mon hereford@salbriherefords.co.uk 01407 710565 07769 653063
Quarter Park, Martletwy, Pembs suejames18S@gmail.com 07779 917185
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1 Tyn y Coed, Gwydyr, Llanrwst eilldh.h@wernvets.co.uk
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39. A John LAX
4. GH Morgan FARDRE (P)
Fardre Farm, Abergele, Conwy morganfardre@btconnect.com 01745 833012 07712 861867
5. H, D & CL Owen BODWYN (P) 33 48 3943
6. HOGIA BRYN AWEL (P)
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51 50 46 44 47 34 36 40 39 35 38 36
Glenllwyd, Brecon harveysherefords@gmail.com 01874 636674
8. VB Collins KATHLEA (P)
The Paddocks, Upper Kathlea, Abergavenny
9. A & G Crow RHYDRI (P)
Pantglas Farm, Rudry, Caerphilly gillian@crowmarketing.co.uk 02920 747720
10. A Davies GELLL (P)
Gelli Farm, Hirwaun, Aberdare alungwynd@hotmail.com 01685 811705
Glyn Farm, Painscastle, Builth Wells peterholtrop@btinternet.com 01497 851622
16. PH James CROSSFOOT
Crossfoot Farm, Clyro, Herefordshire crossfootherefords@eral.net 01497 820145
Yr Hafod, Pontyberem, Llanelli, Carmarthen 07843 055888 nigelowens@wru.wales
42. LD & LL Powell BRYNHEATH (P) Rhos Farm, Penpedaorheol, Mid Glamorgan. rhosplastics@aol.com 07769 219379
43. E Rees TREFOCHLYD (P)
28. Mrs HC Thomas ROSECOTT (P)
44. OEM Jones & EM Roberts CYNIN
Gwastadgoed, Caersws, Powys dendorherefords@btinternet.com 01686 688266 07974 416527
19. J Lawrence and sons BRYNSIDE Bryn Farm, Glascoed, Usk, Monmouthshire 07949110201 mathlawrence7@gmail.com
20. C Lewis & P Parfit HIRFYNYDD Rhys-y-pwllau Farm, Seven Sisters, Neath. cerysannlewis@outlook.com 01634 701321
21. JD Phillips ONNEN
Nantyronnen, Sennybridge, Brecon 01874 636677
23. G Pritchard ABER-LLIA
15. PE Holtrop GLYN (P)
41. N Owens MAIRWEN (P).
18. DE ED & AL Jones DENDOR (P)
12. JH Evans & Son BWLCHLLYN (P)
Glyntywarach, Babel, Llandovery barrygoodall63@googlemail.com 01550 720649
29 8 20 24 10 42 27 32 19 23 9 28 17 25
Pentre Farm, St Clears, Carmarthen 07866 047174
Trefochlyd Farm, Croesgoch, Pembs euros@trefochlydpolledherefords. co.uk 07817 995903
Meity lsaf, Trecastle, Brecon iwandaviesmeity@hotmail.com 01874 638889
14. FG Goodall GLENROSE (P)
7 13
Bwllfa Farm, Cwmdare, Aberdare lukeandwilliam@yahoo.co.uk 01685 870990
Tyn-y-Coed Farm, Bonvilston, Cardiff hello@tyn-y-coed-lodge.com 01446 781256
Tynllyne, Llanigon, Hay on Wye tynllyne@outlook.com 01497 847342
Cae Cotterall, Llangorse, Brecon brynlygatehouse@yahoo.co.uk 01874 658302
11 21
40. R Morgan SANCLER
27. L Smith BWLLFA (P)
22. L & A Price TYNLLYNE (P)
13. DL Gatehouse CAECOTTRELL
41
14
15 31 16 22 30
Lacques Fawr, Llanstephan, Carmarthen anthonyjohnlax@hotmail.co.uk 01267 241244
17. WS Jones & Son TYN-Y-COED (P)
11. I Davies CREINOG (P)
Dollys Farm, Llanidloes evansdollys@pc-q.net 01686 412694
26
45 37
Powys Hereford Breeders Club
7. HJ Cloke LORD HARVEY’S (P)
The Estate Office, Saundersfoot, Pembs david.burnhill@hean-castle-estate. com 01834 813538 07483 150253
38. EJT James CLEDDAU (P)
3. G & E Mathews CARNEDDAU
Secretary: Mr. Glenn Pritchard, The Sidings, Station Houses, Tir-Phil, New Tredegar NP24 6ES 07903 021680 gpritcharf@gmail.com
36. The Hean Castle Estate HEAN (P)
Greenway Cottage, Oxwich Green, Gower, Swansea 01792 390170 angelahowellflowerfairy@hotmail. co.uk
2. M Lewis SALBRI
3 Meusydd LLydain, Bryniau Hendre Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6EA 01407 720445 07771 538698
Penrhiwgoch, Ferryside, Carmarthenshire ferrycabin@aol.com 01267 267044 07807 774336
37. RA & AW Howell LUNDY (P)
Groes Faen Bach, Holywell, Flintshire 07789 797639
Cefn du lsaf, Gaerwen, Ynys Mon manonangharad@hotmail.com 07796 508322 01248 422692
35. Messrs Griffiths PENRHIWGOCH
The Sidings, Railway Goods Yard, Station Houses, Tirphhil, New Tredegar, Caerphilly 07874919227 gpritcharf@gmail.com
24. T Pritchard BERTHLLWYD (P) Springfield, Hirwaun Rd, Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taff gpritcharf@gmail.com 01685 814582
25. G & S Pryce ANROCH (P)
48 Cardiff Rd, Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan pryce48@hotmail.com 02920 515090
26. T Small CAMLAIS (P)
17 Llys Pencrug, Llandeilo, Carmarthen toby.small@breconbeacons.org
No 1 Rose Cottage, Verity Court, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan 07903021680 helenchristinethomas@hotmail.com
29. KTJ Vater & LJ Garratt VATER
Penparc Farm, Llangynin, Carmarthenshire elizabethmroberts@outlook.com 01994 231460 07813 902380
C/O JCA Vater & Son, Mill Farm, Abergavenny lindagarratt@brooksplace.wanadoo. co.uk 01873 840562
45. TDJ Roderick BRANGWYN (P)
30. IT Williams SCALDING (P)
46. DC Smith & Son LAXFIELD
31. TDR Williams WINDYCREEK (P)
47. AJ, AE & MG Thomas PREMIER (P)
Scalding, Llyswen, Brecon ivorthomaswilliams@gmail.com 01982 560208 Plaswarren, Clyro, Herefordshire 01497 851642
Dyfed Hereford Breeders Club
Secretary: Mrs. Liz Roderick, Bank Farm, Scurlage Castle, Scurlage, Reynoldston, Gower, SA3 1BA 01792 390389 tombankfarm@aol.com
32. L & L Bowen BOWENDU (P) Tydu Farm Nelson Treharris adam@bowencontracting.co.uk 07973 932773 01443 450314
33. R,J and T Chinn CELYNFACH
Hollybush Farm, Mathry, Pembrokeshire 01348 831825 tpchinn@hotmail.co.uk
34. D Gibby SARN (P)
Bethesda, Narberth, Pembs dafgibbs8@gmall.com
The Bank Farm, Scurlage Castle, Gower tombankfarm@aol.com 01792 390389 Blaenffynnon, Talog, Carmartheshire s.701smith@btinternet.com 01994 484765 07966 053606
Clyncemaes Farmhouse, Clarbeston Road, Pembrokeshire premierpolledherefords@gmail.com 07809 622168
48. G Thomas CHURCH VIEW (P) Church View, Mathry, Pembs glynn_thomas@btinternet.com 07811 356145
49. TG, El & EN Thorne STUDDOLPH GLENVALE ASHDALE (P) Studdolph Hall, Milford Haven, Pembs. ionwy.thorne@hotmail.co.uk 01437 890240
50. J Twose BECA (P)
Maenhir Farm, Login, Carmarthenshire. josephtwose@hotmail.co.uk 07870 269738
51. R Welch FALCONDALE (P) Bryneinon Fm, Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire. bryneinon@aol.com 01558 650200
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Dyfed Club able to meet again Dyfed Hereford Breeders’ Club was able to carry out some of their usual activity, including the Pembrokeshire Show The year 2021 is another to forget but there were a few highlights and members were lucky to be able to keep in touch, discuss society matters and organise events via Zoom meetings. Paul Griffiths was quiz master for an online entertaining quiz which was won by the James family of the Cleddau herd, the final score helped along by Eifion’s knowledge of Tractor Ted. Eifion also received a Blue Peter badge when he wrote to the programme telling them all about his Herefords and how much he enjoys looking after them. Everyone was excited that the Pembrokeshire County Show was going ahead and the show committee must be congratulated for their wonderful effort. Club members must be thanked for supporting the show with six herds present. The judge was Mathew Gray of Herefordshire-based Buckenhill Herefords and he selected Beca 1 Tinkerbell from Joseph Twose as his champion and Bowendu 1 Viagra from L and L Bowen in reserve. The cow class was won by Glenvale 1 Polly 617 from the Thorne family. A few members travelled further afield to different shows with very pleasing results and cattle sales have also been good throughout the year. In July, Ian, Susan and Eifion James of the Cleddau herd hosted the AGM. It rained all afternoon but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirit. The family provided a first class lunch which was thoroughly
Supporters at Pembrokeshire Show enjoyed by everyone. The meeting was held after lunch with Russell Howells elected chairman and Paul Griffiths as vice-chairman, with the secretary and treasurer re-elected. During the meeting it was announced that Studdolph Herefords had won Wales herd of the year judged by Gerald Blandford with Bowendu and Santa Maria herds joint second and the Hean herd third. Following the meeting, members ventured out to see the Cleddau herd which was a joy to see and very chilledout enjoying the attention. Later that afternoon, the club was invited by Tony Cadogan to visit the Newshipping herd just a few miles down the road. This herd again was well worth seeing and a credit to the owner. Members were grateful to be given the opportunity to view these lovely herds. During the society’s annual dinner in Shrewsbury it was announced that the Studdolph herd won the National Herd of the Year 2021 judged by Pat Stanley, which was a great honour for them. In November the club’s annual dinner was held at the Royal Ivy Bush Hotel in Carmarthen when the winners of
the Dyfed herd competition were announced the judge this year John James from Llandovery.
Herd competition results Overall herd, E Rees, Trefochlyd Large herd, 1st, E Rees Trefochlyd; 2nd, L and L Bowen, Bowendu; 3rd, Tony Vasami, Santa Maria Small herd, 1st, Eifion James, Cleddau; 2nd, Joseph Twose, Beca; 3rd, Tom Roderick, Brangwyn Best new herd in last three years, Nigel Owens, Mairwen Best stock bull, 1st, E Rees, Dendor 1 Tennents Extra; 2nd, L and L Bowen, Solpoll 1 Trailblazer Best home-bred cow and calf, 1st, Tom Roderick, Brangwyn 1 Nova; 2nd, Joseph Twose, Beca 1 Rosie Best home-bred bull calf, 1st, L and L Bowen, Bowendu 1 Viagra; 2nd, Nigel Owens, Mairwen 1 Ulster Best home-bred heifer, 1st, Joseph Twose, Beca 1 Jubilee Vogue; 2nd, E Rees, Trefochlyd 1 Ariel 19th
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Thornes win Herd of
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the Year
As the Thorne family reflects on what can only be described as a ‘year they’ll never forget’, George, Ionwy and Non look back at their successes in 2021, and over time. Looking back on the past 75 years of breeding Hereford cattle, both horned and poll, George Thorne, his wife Ionwy and daughter Non can’t quite believe the year they have had. With a successful return to the sale ring after 40 years of not selling females at a society sale, a welcome return to a show season, a number of exciting private sales and being crowned National Herd of the Year, the family has certainly worked hard to put the Hereford breed on the map, not only in Wales, but throughout the UK. Farming what George describes humbly as a ‘45-cow, small grass farm’ at Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire, it’s pretty clear that Hereford cattle run through the veins of this family. Admitting that even in the darker times of livestock farming, George has never wavered from breeding Herefords and has remained true to his family’s passion for the breed. The herd, which was established in 1946 by George’s father Walter, ran then under three inclusive prefixes – the Studdolph horned herd, the Ashdale British Polled herd and the Glenvale poll herd. Prior to the growth of the Hereford herd, Dairy Shorthorns were in residence at Studdolph Hall Farm, but the few early Hereford purchases soon grew and by the early 1960s reached 80 cows, making it one of the largest horned herds in the UK. But in 1979, George’s father made the decision to disperse the Hereford herds. A changing attitude to beef production due to the popularity of continental breeds, coupled with a diminished demand for the horned Hereford meant a change in focus was required. However, in a bid to keep the bloodlines alive, George bought a cow and an in-calf heifer back out of the sale for himself.
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“The cow was purchased in-calf to a British Polled bull which in turn established our successful Queen family,” recalls George. The herd then grew through the 1990s with the purchase of poll females from the Dendor, Costhorpe, Mandalay and Lowesmoor herds.” George admits there was never any doubt in his mind as to whether he’d carry on with the breed. After all, he is an avid Hereford fan and at just four years old proudly paraded his red and white painted sock lamb to give his father a run for his money on an on-farm viewing day. “I simply had to get in on the action,” highlights George with a wry smile on his face. Anyone who has visited the Studdolph herd over the years, as well as recently, will know it certainly carries a stamp, with a focus on long cows with great udders, plenty of milk and natural flesh through the second thigh.
Stock bull, Vexour 1 Palmer producing a cow Ashdale 3 Queen F2, which calved at 18 months old and then went on to have 12 calves before leaving the farm at 18 years of age. The Queen family, one of Non’s favourites, also goes back to Jonathan Fox.
“It’s often the Ashdale British Polled females that catch the eye of those visiting the herd” Over the years the family has had many successes with various stock bulls. Having widely used AI in the early days, the first stock bull to arrive at Studdolph was Vorn 1 Jonathan Fox, by the Canadian import sire, Aqua Hollow Talent 24K. This bull was responsible for
Then a real game changer for the herd arrived in the form of Bosa 1 Arnold, a bull bred by Gerald Blandford. “He had tremendous depth and a great body and was incredibly well respected by fellow breeders and continental
breeders alike when he represented the breed on the society stand at Beef Expo at Malvern,” explains George. Arnold also went on to win the interbreed title at Pembrokeshire Show. Another quality female producing giant of the herd was Weybrook 1 Duke and again a former interbreed winner at Pembrokeshire Show. Having been tapped out by judge Roger Birch, he commented in the ring when giving his reasons: “That bull can move, he left the rest standing.” Next up and still hitting the headlines at the moment is Lowesmoor 1 Nasser. “Non and I went to the Three Counties Show on the lookout for a bull and we both agreed on this lad,” comments George. “He’s certainly bred well for us producing three females sold privately this year.” Now leaving his mark on the herd is current senior stock sire, Vexour 1 Palmer. Purchased at a spring society sale, Palmer has bred well for the family producing some of the more recent show and sale success stories, but ultimately it is the bull’s easy temperament that is one of his most loved characteristics.
The herd is home to 45 females
Strong family lines are something that the family strives for and there’s no doubting there are some key influencers in the herd, including the Angelas, Kylies, Doris, Saras, Queens and of course the Pollys which have hit the headlines this year at both shows and sales. The quality
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of these girls helped to give the Thorne family its first National Herd of the Year title in 2008. “It’s often the Ashdale British Polled females that catch the eye of those visiting the herd,” explains Non. Commenting on the difference behind the prefixes she says the Ashdale British Polled herd represents 20 per cent of the overall herd size with that extra thickness and second thigh, something the commercial man often remarks on when purchasing bulls privately at home. Explaining the origins of the British Polled genetics, George says the first British Polled animal was born in spring 1951 as a result of one Galloway bull put to a number of Hereford cows.
The whole of Studdolph Hall Farm is down to grass
“This year it meant even more. We never thought with the quality in the running we would stand a chance” “Interestingly, if this is the case our British Polled cattle have fantastic hair and a little attitude, so who knows that could just be the Galloway influence coming through even after all those years.” The Studdolph herd now resides under the ownership of Non and was gifted to her once the last of the original Studdolph horned females died out along with the purchase of two females from the Dendor herd as a Christmas present. And it is Non’s enthusiasm, drive and passion for the breed that saw a return to the sale ring after 40 years of not selling females at a public auction.
referee and recently established Hereford breeder, Nigel Owens, as well as the sale of a heifer from the Barbie family to Inverness-based Calum Smith and partner Anna Wilson. This stylish girl then flew the flag for Studdolph breeding at the National Poll Show, picking up the reserve breed championship ribbons. “It’s fantastic to do well with your own genetics at shows and sales, but any breeder will admit it’s even better to watch other breeders do well with your genetics,” reckons George.
“We felt that while we had a strong commercial audience at home, it was time to offer a few select jewels in the crown at public auction,” she says.
However, the icing on the cake for the family without doubt is being crowned the National Herd of the Year title having come through as Welsh herd of the year. This accolade is a huge honour for the family, particularly as the overall final was judged by Pat Stanley of the noted Blackbrook Longhorn herd.
So, April 2021 saw the start of the family’s year to remember with the sale of two heifers from the Polly family at 5,200gns and 4,600gns. The Polly family then picked up class winning rosettes at the National Poll Show.
The family admit they were shocked to come third in 2006, so much so that Ionwy and Non went to the dinner as a mark of respect for winning the Welsh region, but they were over the moon to be called out as third in the final.
Meanwhile, 2021 has also seen private sales of females to international rugby
“They called me late at night with the results. I was that happy I felt like
jumping out of bed and getting in the car to join them,” comments George. Two years later in 2008 the family won the award, again to the family's shock and then were runners up in 2010. “This year it meant even more. We never thought with the quality in the running we would stand a chance,” he adds. Outside of competitions and sale ring success, Non is now following in her father and grandfather’s footsteps as a Hereford council member. Alongside her fulltime role as an agricultural consultant for Brown and Co, the passion she has for the breed certainly follows in her family’s footsteps. “It’s important to bring a younger perspective to council meetings as well as fly the flag for the Welsh region,” comments Non, who is now in her second term on council and is the youngest ever female council member, although she has many years ahead of her to match the 30 years served by her grandfather and 33 years by her father. Non is also proving her worth as a judge on the show circuit having gained experience at the Agri Expo calf show in Carlisle and the Irish Calf Show at Tullamore, as well as a stint in Finland. George also reflects on the pleasure he has gained from stepping in a judging ring with one of his top highlights being asked to judge the National Horned Show in 2003, the year he was society president.
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Farm facts • 69 hectares (170 acres) • 45 breeding cows • Operating under the Studdolph poll, Glenvale poll and Ashdale British Polled prefixes
• Vexour 1 Palmer – current stock bull • 2021 National Herd of the Year winners
“I also had the honour of judging the National Herd of the Year Competition in 2016 which proved to be a thoroughly rewarding experience getting to see the best of the herds in the UK,” he adds.
“In the early days exporting Hereford cattle was the norm and I was fortunate to travel to South Africa twice, even on Christmas Day on one occasion. Ionwy and I have also been fortunate to make many friends and acquaintances through this wonderful breed as well as some hilarious memories, some of which you couldn’t possibly print,” he laughs.
Along with judging in the UK, George has travelled to various parts of the globe for his Hereford passion.
Looking to the future, the family are already busy planning next year’s sale offerings and possible show teams, but
“With 130 cattle forward for judging, I was the first Welsh or English judge to be asked, with the task usually falling to an international judge,” he explains.
still remain modest and humble with regard their recent accolades. But with the Welsh routes remaining strong, Non admits ‘a cheeky breed championship win at the Royal Welsh’ would certainly create the need for another memorable Thorne family Hereford party.
Cow families at Studdolph Hall • Angela • Kylie • Doris • Sara • Queen • Polly
Functional fertile Bulls and Heifers Guaranteed Breedplan Performance Recorded HiHealth herdcare • Cattle Health Scheme
Maenhir, Login, Whitland, Carmarthenshire, SA34 0XE Tel: 07870269738 Email: josepht wose@hotmail.co.uk
Visitors always welcome
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Powys Club reflects after quiet year Without any activities in 2021, Powys Hereford Breeders Association reflects on its history and those involved. The idea of forming a Powys Hereford Breeders’ Club was first proposed in early 1978 by prominent breeders within the mid Wales area. The first meeting of the executive committee took place on 2 October 1978 at the George Hotel in Brecon and it was decided the club would be formed to promote Hereford cattle within the Powys area. Various functions and sales
Members at annual presentation dinner
L-R Tommy Williams and Tracey Jones, former club secretary
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were arranged to do this with much success and the older members still reminisce about these get-togethers at club events and meetings. Along the way, a number of venues have been used for meetings, including the Wellington Hotel and Bishops Meadow in Brecon and the Griffin Inn in Llyswen and more recently Rhosgoch Golf Club. As the breed lost its popularity during the 1980s and 90s, the club
membership dwindled but due to the resurgence of the Hereford and the continued hard work of members, the club has grown considerably over the last 20 years and now attracts 50 plus members to its functions. Although the club’s activities haven’t been the same due to Covid, members are certain the club will return as strong as ever once things settle down and members look forward to meeting up with each other when it’s safe to do so.
Presidents • EL Pryce 1979-82 • I Davies 1982-83 • J Prytherck 1983-84 • FL Jones 1984-85 • AR Morgan 1985-05 • D Jones 2005-2019 • J Hodges 2019 • Mrs A Watkins 2019 to present
Chairmen • AR Morgan 1979-80 • WH Gwillim 1980-81 • Roderick 1981-82
• EP Powell 1982-83 • GD Jones 1983-84 • BS Jones 1984-85 • JB Jones 1985-86 • WR Owens 1986-89 • TDR Williams 1989 to present
Secretaries • D Evans 1979-89 • WR Owens 1989-94 L-R Glenn Pritchard, Gareth Jones, John Phillips and Glenville Goodhall at Tyn-yCoed herd visit
• Mrs T Jones 1994-2008 • G Pritchard 2008-present
L-R Morris Powell, two ringside spectators and Austin Morgan at the 1979 Royal Welsh Show
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Herefords and dairy herd run in unison
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Joseph Twose and his family milk a herd of Holsteins in west Wales in which the Hereford plays an important role. Taking pride of place on Joseph Twose’s kitchen windowsill is a striking photograph of a Hereford heifer, evidently enjoying the attention while posing for the camera. Beca 1 Tinkerbell, a March 2020-born heifer, is gazing down the lens shortly after winning the breed championship at the 2021 Pembrokeshire County Show. “We knew she was a smart animal but we were completely blown away at winning because we were competing against some very established herds,’’ recalls Joseph, still smiling at the memory. Also working on the family’s dairy farm, Joseph bought the foundation stock for the Beca herd when he was just 20. He had recently returned to the family farm, Maenhir, at Efailwen, Pembrokeshire, after graduating with a degree in agriculture from Gelli Aur College, Carmarthenshire, joining his parents, Joe and Elinor, grandparents, Joe and Rosemary and his uncle, aunt and cousin, Richard, Jennifer and Iwan, in the day-to-day running of the business. The core enterprise is dairying, with milk produced from a herd of high yielding Holsteins, and Hereford sweeper bulls have been used on the dairy herd at Maenhir for more than 10 years. A home-bred bull, Beca 1 Smarty-Pants which is a Laertes son is currently used on the heifers, running with them after a cycle of synchronised breeding in conjunction with sexed semen. Romany 1 Romeo, purchased at a society sale at Carlisle in 2019, is turned in with the low yielding cows after 120 days. The benefits of using a Hereford are many, explains Joseph. “The Hereford is easy calving and the breed can be easily identified and so there is never any doubt that the calf is a Hereford. When you go to sell the calves, the buyers want them because of the available beef schemes,” he says.
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The dairy herd calves all year round, but with a flush of heifers calving in the early autumn to provide a level supply profile for the farm’s milk buyer, First Milk. All cross-bred calves are now sold directly to private buyers from the farm at six to nine weeks, when they can command anything from £250 to £320, or more. The aim of establishing the beef herd was to produce sweeper bulls to use on the herd, thereby enhancing biosecurity by closing the system, and to sell surplus progeny. In establishing his Beca herd, five yearling heifers were sourced from Hereford Cattle Society sales, with Joseph opting for poll lines to remove the need for dehorning as the progeny would be used on the home herd or sold to dairy farmers. “I didn’t have a massive budget to go out and buy 15 animals straight away and to spend it on animals that would be show
Hereford sweeper bulls have been used for more than 10 years His criteria is a medium-framed animal, easy fleshing and with plenty of milk to rear calves to 50 per cent of mature weight at weaning. Among those foundation animals was Blackhall 1 Portia, bought for 1,600gns
“By breeding our own stock I have learned a lot including the type of cow that works on this farm” winners, but that wasn’t our aim. We just wanted a functional type of cow and we have done that by scaling up gradually,’’ explains Joseph, who runs the herd with support from his partner, Alice Gibson. “By breeding our own stock I have learned a lot including the type of cow that works on this farm and what I want in a cow.”
which continues to reign as the herd’s top performer by producing a succession of exceptional calves. Now a six year old cow, Joseph describes this female as the backbone of the herd. “She produces thick set calves and has tonnes of milk to rear them to weaning weight.”
To make the system sustainable he calculated that he needed between 15 to 20 cows and so numbers grew, with some notable buys including Fisher 1 Eva, purchased for 4,000gns. The herd now numbers 16 females and has the prefix Beca, a name synonymous with the Efailwen area and which has its origins in the Rebecca Riots, a series of protests undertaken by farmers and agricultural workers in west and mid Wales in response to levels of taxation. The Hereford was Joseph’s breed of choice for multiple reasons, not least for its easy calving traits, but its ability to produce vigorous calves, and the beef price premium it attracts. He was also struck by the docility of the breed. All breeding in the beef herd is achieved through artificial insemination because the scale doesn’t justify the economics of buying the high value bull that Joseph would want to use on the herd, he says. AI means he can utilise genetics from selected sires, with an emphasis on calving ease and milk production. Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman is a favourite and Fabb 1 Northern Star was used on all heifers this year. “Northern Star possesses tremendous EBVs in the areas we are focusing on, such as calving ease and short gestation, as well as being a stylish, correct bull,” says Joseph.
The farm is home to the Beca pedigree Hereford herd
In 2021, AI sire Moeskaer Waterloo was introduced for the first time.
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The weights and other estimated breeding values (EBVs) including calving ease are recorded. Breeding stock are sold to private buyers direct from the farm with Joseph’s biggest market for bulls being the dairy industry, but he plans to enter some into society sales in 2022. His ideal cow is one weighing 700kg while being functional and milky and producing thickset calves that perform well off grass.
Maenhir Farm is home to a herd of high yielding Holsteins “We wanted to introduce some new lines and his dam was really milky with good conformation and calving ease,’’ Joseph explains. Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman has produced some exceptional calves for him. “His calves are just phenomenal, thick set and of all the calves, they achieved the highest weights this year,” he says.
at three months, six months and at weaning at 10 months. Weaning weight is consistently at 50 per cent of mature cow weight.
Utilising grass Grazing is also a priority in the Twose family’s dairy herd and high quality silage forms the basis of the total mixed ration (TMR).
AI takes place in a 10 week block and Joseph brings the breeding stock in every morning to chalk their backs.
The family all have their own areas of responsibility in the dairy side of the business and for Joseph it is nutrition.
“It is quite intensive for the first five weeks and then it eases off,” he says.
“We try to utilise as much grass as we can,” says Joseph.
The herd calves in the spring with the aim of having a calving spread from the end of January to mid-April to maximise grass utilisation. This wasn’t quite achieved in 2021, with calving both starting and finishing two weeks out of synch, but Joseph is confident he will hit that target in 2022.
Joseph achieves this through paddock grazing and with a system of creep fences that allow the calves to forward graze.
Age at first calving is 24 months and Joseph says heifers calve down easily at that age without getting too big. “By calving at two years we are not keeping an unproductive animal for longer than we have to and in terms of performance the calves are no different to those born to a more mature cow,” says Joseph. Taking this approach is the reason he has quickly built cow numbers. Calves are weighed at birth, and again
“We have worked out a system that works for here,” he explains. “We bought some fencing posts designed for horses a couple of years ago, they are about four inches taller than standard cattle posts and this allows the calves through but not the cows. “This system promotes growth in the calves while keeping condition down on the cows. “We can grow grass well, it is the ground conditions that are the pinch points for us in the spring and autumn,’’ says Joseph. “We don’t
Registered with a high herd health scheme, the Herefords have their own block of grazing land. In the first three years, the herd was out-wintered because there wasn’t sufficient housing but a shed once used as sheep accommodation has since been renovated to make it suitable for cattle. “Out-wintering worked really well in the first year but winters are now definitely wetter,” says Joseph. create smaller paddocks until April when the ground is less prone to poaching.” Creep feed isn’t introduced until six weeks prior to weaning because they receive ample nutrition for growth from milk and grass. A desire to produce high quality silage was the reason the family stopped growing wholecrop and rape and became an all-grass system. Four cuts are taken and the family do all the harvesting work themselves to give full control of quality. “It means that whenever we get a break in the weather we can go and get the best quality silage,” says Joseph. Around 161ha (400ac) is taken at both the first and second cuts, 142ha (350ac) for the third and 121ha (300ac) for the last cut of the year. The 2021 crop analysed at an average of 11.5 per cent ME, 16 per cent protein, 40 per cent dry matter and a D-value of 71. The silage goes into the TMR with either soya or NovaPro, sugar beet, ground maize or rolled wheat and brewer’s grain. No concentrates are fed in the parlour.
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Farm facts • 283 hectares (700 acres) farmed • 420 Holsteins • 9,200 litres average annual milk yield
• 4.45 per cent butterfat and 3.37 per cent protein
• 500 Lleyn ewes The calves are housed after weaning from 1 November but the cows stay outdoors for another month, grazing the silage ground. The dairying side of the business is seeing the benefits of using Herefords as sweeper bulls. The herd is inseminated with sexed semen for the first two services with a synchronised insemination programme is used on the heifers and the bulls are then turned in.
Hereford-cross calves are sold privately and wherever he needed help.’’ Joseph twice won the young handlers competition at the Pembrokeshire County Show and three years ago
“By calving at two years we are not keeping an unproductive animal” When Joseph is not on the farm he enjoys exhibiting the Hereford cattle at shows with Alice. His interest in showing cattle
he won that accolade at the HCBA Christmas Calf Show in Shrewsbury.
started when he supported his friend, Ben
Joseph explains: “It’s all about showing
Reynolds, a Welsh Black and Aberdeen
the animal off and keeping an eye on the
Angus breeder, in the show ring.
judge.
“He taught me everything I know about
“But, because I learned all that from Ben,
showing. I would help him out at the
when we are both competing against
Royal Welsh and Haverfordwest Show
each other one of us comes first or
second to the other because we have the same style.” When it comes to success in the show ring, it is the progeny which Joseph has bred himself which wins the prizes, not animals he has bought. “We have had really good success with the animals we have bred,” he says. “In the first few years we would get perhaps a third or a fourth place at Haverfordwest Show then two years ago we went to the Hereford Cattle Breeders’ Association Christmas Calf Show and took second with a bull, Beca 1 Samlet.’’ His full sister is the championship winning Beca 1 Tinkerbell. Although showing is rewarding, for Joseph it is a hobby as herd profitability is his main focus. He has spent the first five years building up numbers and his aim now is to improve the herd further and to tighten the calving block. “I’d like a more uniform herd, one I can inseminate to a specific type of bull and get calves which match in conformation and size. At the moment we have two or three types.” Joseph is very grateful to his family for giving him the opportunity to have a go at establishing a beef herd.
The herd is based in Carmarthenshire
He says: “Not everyone would have been given the opportunity to give it a go at such a young age. I hope I have repaid them by doing a good job in the first five years.’’
FEATURE | 233
234 | SHOWS
Griffiths back on top at Welsh Winter Fair One of the most popular prime stock shows in the UK, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair returned to Llanelwedd in 2021, with its usual Hereford classes. Standing champion in the Hereford section at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair was steer Penrhiwgoch Progress 508 from Messrs Griffiths, Ferryside, Pembrokeshire, with Will Griffiths on the steering end. Home-bred, it is by Border Napier N57 and out of Penrhiwgoch Binks Rachelia 220 which also carried Border breeding on its maternal side and was born in May 2020. The Griffiths family also won the steer championship in three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018. In the sale on Tuesday afternoon, this steer passed through the ring to a top call of £2.31/kg and weighing 702kg, it grossed £1,621.62, selling to Douglas Willis, a butchery business in Cwmbran, Torfaen. The reserve champion and reserve steer position was also secured by the Griffths family, again with a home-bred beast, this time Penrhiwgoch Progress 516, another Border Napier N57 son, born in June 2020. Weighing 656kg, it sold for £2.48/kg, amounting to £1,626.88, bid by J and S Wareham, Broadoak, East Sussex. July 2019-born Celynen Envy 2nd from Alun Richards, Pumpsaint, Carmarthenshire led the heifer section. Born a twin to a male, it is by Windycreek 1 Notary and out of Blackwell 1 Envy. The breeder was also successful at the 2018 Royal Welsh Winter Fair, where they won the heifer championship and reserve in 2019. The sale saw R and S Rattray, New
Will Griffiths with champion steer Penrhiwgoch Progress 508 Cross, Ceredigion pay £2.36/kg for the heifer, and at 638kg it grossed £1,505.68. The reserve heifer rosette was handed to Scott Coates, Monmouth with February 2020-born Parkapella 1 Serena 1447. By Moeskaer Upgrade, it is out of Nanhoron 1 Serena 10th and weighed 590kg. It sold at £2.36/kg, totalling £1,392.40 to butchers ER East and son located on Brecon high street who are keen supporters of the breed. The society stand was busy throughout the course of the show with members, interested parties and prospective new members. Thanks must go to the Jones family of Dendor Herefords, Caersws, Powys for once again supplying stock for display on the stand. Two bull calves were loaned in the form of Dendor 1 Vivian and Dendor 1 Virginian.
Dendor 1 Virginian is by Dendor 1 Nairobi which was the supreme champion at the National Poll Show in 2018. Dendor 1 Vivian is by Gouldingpoll 1 Moonshine which stood supreme champion at the Royal Welsh Show in 2018 as well as making up one half of the Fitz Hugh Trophy winner with stablemate Dendor 1 Ruby 29th.
Results (Judge: C Pennie, Montgomery and T Lyon, Bourne) Champion and steer, Messrs Griffiths, Penrhiwgoch Progress 508; reserve and res steer, Messrs Griffiths, Penrhiwgoch Progress 516 Heifer, A Richards, Celynen Envy 2nd; res heifer, S Coates, Parkapella 1 Serena 1447
SHOWS | 235
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236 | SHOWS
Twose takes championship at Pembrokeshire Pembrokeshire County Show was one of the few shows which went ahead in Wales in 2021. Beca 1 Tinkerbell from Joseph Twose, Whitland, Carmarthenshire took the champion position at Pembrokeshire County Show, which was run as an exhibitors-only event. March-2020 born, this heifer is by the prolific Normanton 1 Laertes and out of Black Hall 1 Portia, bred by Herefordshire’s Jenny Pudge, which carries Auckvale breeding on its paternal side. It also took the red ticket in the most junior female class. Given the task of judging was Matthew Gray, Bromyard, Herefordshire. He described the heifer as "stylish, with a lot of potential", adding it had "great depth and width through the loin" with good colouring and markings, catching his eye as soon as it walked in the ring.
Beca 1 Tinkerbell from J Twose
The reserve spot was claimed by Bowendu 1 Viagra from L and L Bowen, Nelson, Glamorgan, having already won the bull born before January 2020 class that day. October 2020-born, it is a son of Panmure 1 Nugget which the breeders purchased from Paul Moyle and Vicky Weller, Newport, having already made the journey south from breeders JM Cant and partners, Tayside. It is out of the Irish-bred Herberry 1 Lucy Sky which was purchased for 7,000gns at the 2019 Designer Genes sale. Matthew said the young bull had "great muscularity in its loin and the hind
Bowendu 1 Viagra from L and L Bowen
SHOWS | 237
Results (Judge: M Gray, Bromyard) Champion, J Twose, Beca 1 Tinkerbell; reserve, L and L Bowen, Bownedu 1 Viagra Bull born after 1 January 2020, 1st, L and L Bowen, Bowendu 1 Viagra; 2nd, TG, EI and EN Thorne, Ashdale 3 Elwyn Female born before 1 January 2020, 1st, TG, EI and EN Thorne, Glenvale 1 Polly 617; 2nd, TG, EI and EN Thorne, Ashdale 3 Queen 708; 3rd, L and L Bowen, Bowendu 1 Isabella Rose Female born after 1 January 2020, 1st, J Twose, Beca 1 Tinkerbell; 2nd, TG, EI and EN Thorne, Glenvale 1 Angela 767; 3rd, J Twose, Beca 1 Toffee
Glenvale 1 Polly 617 from TG, EI and EN Thorne quarter". He said although it was a young
The senior female class saw Glenvale
Ledley, a son of Solpoll 1 Gilbert. Out of a
male, it had a lot to offer, with great
1 Polly 617 from locals TG, EI and EN
home-bred female from the Polly family
breed character, and had won a tough
Thorne move to the fore. This October
which does so well for the Thorne family,
class.
2016-born female is sired by Dendor 1
its dam is a Bosa 1 Arnold daughter.
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Polled Est 2011
238 | SHOWS
Herefords shine at English Winter Fair There was success for the Hereford breed across the board at the English Winter Fair which returned to its usual Bingley Hall fixture for 2021. At the English Winter Fair, TD and WT Livesey, Normanton le Heath, Leicestershire, won the Hereford section for the fourth consecutive year and took the reserve native-bred championship with the October 2019-born Normanton 1 Jews Ear 35th. It is a Normanton 1 Laertes son and out of Normanton 1 Jews Ear 5th. Going through the ring at the end of the day, it sold for £2.74/kg, weighing and was purchased by Lee Machin of Manifold Valley Meats, Staffordshire. The Livesey family led the Hereford steer class and won reserve Hereford
Normanton 1 Jews Ear 5th from TD and WT Livesey champion with Normanton 1 Telepathic. Born in October 2019, it is by Normanton 1 Laertes and out of Normanton 1 Jurana 8th. Weighing 680kg it sold to R Pearson and son at 248p/kg. Sky High 1 Miss Allure from Nick Griffths
and Boomer Birch and Graham Brindley, Staffordshire took the supreme spot in the National Pedigree Calf Show, hosted annually at the English Winter Fair. Richard Rettie, Perthshire had travelled south to judge, and said this heifer caught his eye as soon as it came into the ring. Born in February 2021, it led the junior heifer calf class and followed hot on the heels of its success as junior champion at Stars of the Future. By Dendor 1 Kohinoor, it is a son of Danish-imported SMH Euro 30E and out of Dendor 1 Jennefer 15th, the two times Hereford female of the year which is a daughter of Solpoll 1 Gilbert, the three times UK sire of the year.
Sky High 1 Miss Allure from N Griffiths and B Birch and G Brindley
Tom and Di Harrison, Mickley, Northumberland also had a National Pedigree Calf Show class win with Moralee 1 Villain RK V17 winning the native and continental junior bull class. A Rebel Kicks son, it is out of Moralee 1 Kylie which is bred from Romany Herefords’ Ishbel family.
SHOWS | 239
Harvey Heath mother Nicola Beardsley with winning carcase In the carcase hall, the supreme and native champion carcase was from Hereford Cattle Society young breeder, 15 year old Harvey Heath, Derbyshire. Sired by Tydesmoor 1 Jubilee, it is out of a home-bred pedigree British Blue cow. Weighing 550kg live, it was 320kg when
Isla Soutter won the John Yates Trophy
cold and graded as R4L. The carcase was sold at £5.70/kg to P Parkin Butchers, Howden, East Yorkshire. Isla Soutter of Normanton Herefords also won the young handlers championship along with the John Yates Memorial Challenge Trophy,
Finlay Soutter parades the ring at Bingley Hall
presented to the person showing the most professionalism in the presentation and handling of their stock, which every stockperson at the show was automatically entered in. Finlay Soutter, also of Normanton Herefords, won his young handlers class.
240 | SOCIETY NEWS
Exports continue in 2021 Once again 2021 saw UK Herefords exported into Ireland, Europe and further afield, with both live exports and semen certificates published by the society. From the mid-Wales home of DE, ED and AL Jones, Dendor 1 Greta 31st was one of the animals to travel across the Irish Sea following purchase by Anslem Fitzgerald, Co Westmeath at the 2020 Designer Genes sale at 5,600gns. Sired by former Royal Welsh Champion Bakgard Keno 1178 and from the famed Greta line, it sold in-calf to Gouldingpoll 1 Moonshine. D Dolan, Co Offaly purchased Solitude 1 Tyson from A McMordie, Co Down. A Solpoll 1 Promoter son, it is out of Solitude 1 Duchess P924. Sky High 1 Shawshank Redemption from B Birch and G Brindley, Staffordshire also headed across the water to the home of W Ryan, Co Tipperary. A Remitall Super Duty 42S son, it is out of Dendor 1 Jennefer 15th, the two times Hereford female of the year. As a calf, this bull won the reserve senior and senior male championships at Stars of the Future 2019 at United Auctions. From the same stable and full sister to the aforementioned bull, Sky High 1 Miss Viva-La-Juicy joined V Brennan and R Hunt in Co Tipperary. Solpoll 1 Top Gun from J and W McMordie, Co Down travelled the other way, joining Jean-Francois Protheau in France, who is head of international relations for Hereford France. A son of the 8,000gns Solpoll 1 Perfection, it is out of a home-bred Starlet female.
Sky High 1 Shawshank Redemption bred by B Birch and G Brindley Solpoll 1 Real Good from the same home sold to S McKiernan, Co Cavan. By Danish bull NBG 69T The Wonderer 36R 3W, it is out of Solpoll 1 Dainty N11.
Semen exports were good for the year 2021, including the first shipment to the USA in a number of years from R HodsonWalker (see page 131).
Selling through the society’s spring sale at Shrewsbury Auction Centre was Haven Tarzan from Herefordshire’s EL Lewis and son which sold for 6,800gns to Francis Elmore of Essmore Herefords, Co Louth, Ireland. October 2019-born, it is the first son to be offered by the 2018 National Show champion Mara President and is out of Haven Louisa 65th.
Bred by Mr and Mrs D Kelly, Cumbria and residing at Cogent, 30 straws of Netherhall 1 Oz Daffy M024 were received by G Genes Diffusion GMBH, Germany.
Staying in Ireland, Co Offaly’s M Molloy imported Free Town Tribute to join the Moyclare herd, with its sire being Moyclare Quinlan, and out of Free Town Gracious, a Border Benefactor D62 daughter.
From the same breeder, 30 straws of Netherhall 1 Jack P602, another Cogent bull, was also sent to the same purchaser. A smaller shipment of 10 straws of Netherhall 1 Matty S098 was sent by Cogent to G Genes Diffusion GMBH, Germany. Standing at Genus, 30 straws of Fisher 1 Rancher R483 bred by RJ Hutchings, West Sussex was purchased by Animal
SOCIETY NEWS | 241
Breeders Association of Estonia. Another Genus bull, 50 straws of Solpoll 1 Spike bred by J and W McMordie travelled to Germany to PIC Deutschland. Owned and bred by Cambridgeshirebased DRA Fabb, 20 straws of Fabb 1 Pure Force was again purchased by Genes Diffusion GMBH, Germany. Another bred by Fabbs, but owned by Jamie Palmer, Devon, Fabb 1 Rory September, saw 100 straws sell to CRV Holdings BC, The Netherlands, which also purchased 100 straws of Moorside 1 Santana from G and MC Shepherd, Preston. Both miniature Herefords, 20 straws of both Chater Valley Chance and Chater Valley Chai from M and L Gough, Kyle travelled to M Middag-Dreissen, The Netherlands. Taking the short journey to Ireland, 500 straws of Sky High 1 Take-a-Chance, owned by Cogent and bred by B Birch and G Brindley was purchased by Eurogene AI Services, Co Tipperary.
Solpoll 1 Spike bred by J and W McMordie
Sales 2022 Monday 7 February Stirling
Tuesday 8 February Dungannon
Friday 4 March Carlisle
Saturday 9 April Shrewsbury
Tuesday 19 April Dungannon
Tuesday 21 May Carlisle
Friday 30 September Carlisle
Saturday 15 October Shrewsbury
Tuesday 6 December Dungannon
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242 | OBITUARIES
Biggar’s Hereford association by Clive Davies Shock, was the experience that moved around the beef cattle world as the news of Donald Biggar’s passing at the end of January 2021 became known. At just 68 years of age, this leading personality of beef cattle breeding died unexpectedly. He was of the lineage of one of the greatest cattle raising families that have been known. Running their grassland farms near Castle Douglas, Donald had progressed from where his forefathers had left things, always with a view of improving the situation and taking-on the challenges presented. Established by Walter Biggar, himself a world respected cattleman, Grange Galloways and Chapelton Beef Shorthorns were joined by a Hereford herd in 1976. Foundation females were selected from leading herds, BC, Crickley, Grafton, Lowesmoor and Ridgeway among them. A succession of half a dozen bulls were imported from Louada Farms of Wib Donaldson, Saskatchewan, Canada. The Louada female herd was highly regarded and the influx of these bulls brought to Britain a concentration of the bloodlines of American, Glen Klippenstein. Undoubtedly, these breeding combinations fast tracked the Chapelton poll Hereford herd to great success. The combinations of animals, the judgement, plans and skills of Donald and his father, James, together with the unquestionable talent of herdsman Robert Grierson, enabled the UK Hereford scene to enjoy some top-class cattle and their use to promote their section of the industry by this highly professional team. Chapleton bulls were in demand and have influenced leading herds throughout the Hereford Cattle Society’s hinterland. Bulls such as Ambassador, Fanfare, Field Marshall, Heritage, Highlander, Juryman, Kinsman,
Logic and Merlin plus many others have made their mark. As well as attaining top prices, the Biggars were twice awarded the championship at the breed’s premier sale and twice won the Royal. Their leader in 1988 was Louada 930K Sensation which took the supreme beef breed championship. The champion of 1990 was Louada 856 Voyageur 105W and its son Fanfare stood reserve male champion and went on to win the junior interbreed performance class. Since then Voyageur has produced nearly 700 head of offspring to appear on the breed’s database and so must rate as one of the most utilised bulls within UK Hereford herds. Chapleton Herefords were sold-on in 1999 but it is the case that the project was an unqualified success and has left its mark. It wasn’t only the cattle breeding element that Donald brought to the breed. His tireless work in supporting breed activity at sales, shows and within the administration of the breed was outstanding.
L-R Donald Biggar and Princess Anne at the 1996 Royal Show
Many have commented since his loss at his method when attending committee meetings. He was in the main quiet, but just at the right time said a few words, usually the last ones spoken and this invariably brought a consensus which carried the day. He was a great professional as a judge in the show ring. Never egotistic but efficient and decisive and was always able to pass on a constructive comment. He served on the Hereford Cattle Society council for many years and was breed president in 1996 during which time the celebrations of 150 years of publication of its herd book were arranged. He had also served as president of the Shorthorn Society, chair of Royal Smithfield Club and chaired QMS, Scotland’s levy body, at a very critical time, in addition to many other appointments.
Although the Herefords had moved on before the turn of the century, tragedy struck soon afterwards when the family’s livestock were lost during the foot and mouth outbreak of 2001. This included the demise of the world’s oldest Galloway herd, the Grange herd first registered in 1846. But dusting down, Donald showed all of his spirit and reinvested. The farms now run pedigree herds of 80 cows of Beef Shorthorn and Aberdeen Angus. These breeding herds supply the genetics to maintain over 200 head of home-bred commercial cows. The scene is set for future Biggar generations to do their bit. Emma and her family Jamie, Rachael and Duncan will make their mark, but how fortunate the Herefords were to have been part of the story and Donald’s life.
OBITUARIES| 243
Remembering Richards by Clive Davies On 16 April 2021, at the age of 83 years, Herefordshire lost one of its best farmers, innovators and benefactors. Although not born in the county, Clive, during the latter part of his life put his heart and soul into supporting his local and wider communities, and will be greatly missed. Born William Samuel Clive Richards in Walsall, he attended Bishop Vesey Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield and was always grateful for the rounded education that he enjoyed. He qualified as a chartered accountant in Birmingham and spent around 50 years in The City of London. During that time, he formed and took on business ventures that were very successful. At a relatively young age he was appointed as financial director of NM Rothschild and sons. In 1983 he and wife, Sylvia, moved to Lower Hope Farm and Estate, Ullingswick, Herefordshire, and so began their farming career. It was an outstanding farm but was taken to even greater levels by the couple with their sound business acumen. From 1994, innovative fruit growing was undertaken, specialising in cherries for which the estate team have gained national awards. In 1987 the first pedigree Herefords were purchased. Initially a handful of promising beasts were sourced from the Kingsland and Vorn herds to form a show team, then later in the year more foundation stock was added from other such successful herds as Butts, Costhorpe, Dendor, Grafton, Panmure and Windycote. A special relationship was formed with Derek Vaughan of Kingsland whereby the established Canadian-born sire, Gold-Bar Profile 15G 102P RM was made available. The herd’s development was built around his input and subsequently he was awarded the breed’s sire of the year award from 1986 to 1990 inclusively. All of the other major
Clive Richards breed awards were regularly displayed at Lower Hope. Although Clive and his team were strong supporters of the breed at home, two bulls arrived from Canada. Known as Dynasty and Derby, between them from 1989 to 1992, they took most of the breed’s top awards and really established the Lower Hope herd as a major player. They were each judged supreme champion at the National Poll Show and stood Royal champion. In 1991 a successful and extremely wellpresented reduction sale gave fellow breeders the opportunity to share in the genetic base established. The Lower Hope and Marsh Court herds continued to be very supportive of breed activity throughout the nineties, topping the
prices at many sales, creating exports, and again won Hereford bull of the year in 1998 and they continue to grace the pastures at Lower Hope. Clive, with Sylvia’s support, will also be long remembered for his unfailing patronage of so many activities and organisations in and around the community. So much of his backing will go without being credited, such was his modesty. His encouragement and advice through many contacts over the difficulties of the past two years or so have been highly praised. The ‘Yellow Book’ National Garden Scheme has benefited through opening the garden that they made from scratch. There was support to the Young Farmers Clubs
244 | OBITUARIES
movement, Herefordshire Federation having been extremely grateful for the loan of the annual rally site on many occasions. Then the arrival of the lifesized bronze bull in Hereford city centre and support to the magnificent Hereford Cathedral; such projects will be forever grateful for his interest. Most schools in Herefordshire have benefitted from Clive’s interest in education, and locally other projects such as St Michael’s Hospice, The Music Pool, Sea Cadets, and scanners named ‘Clive’ and ‘Sylvia’ in Hereford Hospital. Further afield the charity has supported the education and outreach work of The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Childhood Bone Cancer Research, Cobalt scanners, The Army Benevolent Fund and many others, some
overseas such as an orphanage in India. Clive sometimes stated that, ‘he had made a few bob’, but he was incredibly generous in ensuring that others benefited. This charitable work that commenced in 1986 will now be continued by Sylvia and her fellow trustees through the Clive Richards Foundation in an aim to support education, healthcare, heritage and arts. Clive’s achievements have not come along without effort but at the right times he knew the benefits of promotion and publicity. When Hereford United were due to play their football game against Tottenham Hotspur, they were refused permission to parade their club mascot Hereford bull, Free Town Kudos, in White Hart Lane. Safety was probably
the issue. Together with some helpful individuals and outfits, Clive arranged for herd sire, Free Town Kudos to make a visit to Rutters China Shop in Hereford, to prove the docility of the animal to those who refused him. However, although having such a busy lifestyle he was a family man and leaves three children and four grandchildren. On 4 January 2018 he was awarded the Knighthood of the Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great, by Pope Francis and in the New Year’s Honours List in 2020 he was made a Commander of the British Empire. Through his actions, support and generosity, Clive has been one of the great people of the Hereford breed, the county and places beyond. We salute the life, work and friendship of Clive Richards.
Looking back on the life of Lady Avon by Clive Davies It was announced in November 2021 that The Countess of Avon had passed at 101 years. On many occasions she would accompany her late husband, The Right Honourable, The Earl of Avon KG, MC (Anthony Eden, former prime minister) on Hereford breed duties when he served as breed patron from 1968 until his death in 1976. They ran the Avon herd in Wiltshire from 1961 until the Earl’s health dictated it should be dispersed in 1975. Many memorable cattle were bred and a good number exported. The herd bred the 1971 Royal Champion in the form of Avon Priam, sired by Vern Rooti. The bull had been purchased by the Lewis family of The Haven as a yearling and developed to have a great show ring career. Avon Cassio was used widely through AI following being purchased by Avoncroft Cattle Breeders after top results when involved with a 1966 Harrogate Central Performance Test. Born Anne Clarissa Spencer-Churchill, she was brought up in London before
schooling at Hatfield Heath in Essex. Most of her early adult years were spent travelling around Europe studying art. She returned to London from Bucharest just before the commencement of the Second World War. During war time she worked in the foreign office where her future husband was secretary of state from 1940 to 1945, the mid-term of his three such appointments. Post war, Clarissa worked in the film industry and in publishing. Although she had known The Earl of Avon, since she was 16 and had met on many occasions it wasn’t until 1951 that they were wed in a ceremony at Caxton Hall. The wedding reception was held at 10 Downing Street, the residence of her uncle, Winston Churchill. The couple would later occupy that address during Eden’s premiership, 1955 to 1957, this period being politically very difficult which included the climax of the Suez Crisis. Retiring from mainline politics and citing his reason of ill-health, the Edens spent most of their time at Alvediston Manor, near Shaftesbury. The couple enjoyed the rural lifestyle,
Lady Avon the garden and the farm. The Hereford cattle were a satisfying diversion from public life and Lord Avon, supported by Clarissa took great pride in the time of being the cattle society’s patron. It is claimed that she quoted, ‘he was always able to pick out a good animal for stud. They all looked the same to me.’
OBITUARIES| 245
Looking back at Margi’s life by Clive Davies Solemn messages moved around the Welsh border region and further afield in April 2021 at the sudden passing of Margi James of Crossfoot, Clyro, Powys. During her lifetime, Margi had been an effervescent personality within her homeland and beyond and an outstanding advocate of Hereford cattle. Back in 1919, her paternal grandfather, Morgan T Jones established a Hereford herd at Sugwas, near Hereford. It was founded with some top bloodlines and by 1932 had exhibited a home-bred female champion at the English Royal. During the early years of the 1940s a very successful run of prize-winning and top selling bulls came from the herd. Most of these were sired by Vern Quarto, a son of Tarrington Punch. In 1949 Margi was born and throughout her younger years she would have watched the family’s success continue and not least the winning of another Royal female champion in 1955. This was Sugwas Oyster Lassie 5th and when paired with the unbeaten and highly valued, Penatok Crusader, the pair were awarded the Burke Trophy - the first time for the Hereford breed. Her grandfather’s brother ran the Treworgan herd near Ross-on-Wye and from 1940, her uncle Richard Morgan Jones ran the Rose herd at Clehonger. All were extremely successful and for Margi, growing up, there would be no escape from Hereford cattle talk, action and achievement. This would be not from just one side of her family. Her maternal grandfather was only Harry Griffiths of Tarrington fame, considered the greatest breeder of all time, son of William and father of Geoffrey. What a pedigree. Margi attended Penrhos School, North
Margi James Wales, as did her mother, and then to Hereford Art College followed by time at Queens Secretarial College, London. At all of these places she would become the life and soul of the outfit, refining skills, making friends and influencing with her personality. But, for all of the social life, travel and achievement it was Hereford cattle, farming and rural lifestyle that was in her heart. Margi returned to Herefordshire in the early 1970s and got practically involved in those favoured activities. For the next 20 years or so the Sugwas herd name would be regularly cropping up in the lists of significant cattle. These included Money Moon, the female champion at the 1972 Three Counties Show, its son, Huntsman runner-up at the Royal Show of 1974 and Sugwas Jaguar, the supreme champion at the 1977 Royal.
Margi would have long discussions with her father, Geoffrey, about the cows and possible mating choices. In fact, when North American bloodlines were introduced through AI, this would have been an important task. It resulted in more success with a run of Sugwas bulls that were in great demand by fellow breeders. Not least, Sugwas Benjamin, proving to be one of the most successful British-born sires of the breed through the 1990s and beyond. In 1985, Margi married Patrick James and they made their home at Crossfoot, Herefordshire a farm just in Wales overlooking the Wye Valley. The couple set to work, developing a Hereford herd, using many bloodlines derived from Sugwas and often introducing Australian-born sires. Margi’s visits to Australia and the connection with her regular contacts
246 | OBITUARIES
that had emigrated there, like her uncle Richard and the McIndoe family who had left Scotland in 1988, gave her first hand insights to the successful bloodlines down-under. A very hard knock came along in 2001 with the loss of her cattle through the foot and mouth control, but Margi and Patrick took on the task to rebuild which was successfully done. The next generation, Harry and Polly were raised within the great surroundings that Crossfoot offered and the life that it brought. As well
as devotion to Hereford cattle and all the other livestock around the farm including horses, lurchers, cats, ducks and chickens, Margi followed music, sport and particularly art. Undoubtedly developed from the talents of Grandfather Griffiths, Margi’s skills with textiles, paint and sculpture were impressive and a lasting tribute.
other people around the world from whatever previous contact. But, for all of her interests and activities, the one constant and life-long activity has been with the world of Hereford cattle, including her association with cousins Bradstock at Free Town and long-time friend and companion, Barbara Norman at The Leen.
Margi will be much missed, especially by her family at Crossfoot, including her granddaughter, also brothers, Raymond at Sugwas and Hugh, farming in Shropshire, but clearly by so many
In bereavement, Margi would often advise people that it would result in another star in the sky. Now, there is another bright star, that will be forever twinkling.
The life of Howell Havard by Clive Davies Back in April 1944 a bull calf was born at Cwmbrynich Farm, near Sennybridge. This was to be the start of a long association with the Hereford breed for the Havard family. The breeder was William Havard and while he died in 1967, Hereford cattle formed a growing part of the family’s farming activity. By 1955, his son Howell had taken on the near-by Cefnbrynich Farm and with the aid of 15 or so cows from his father’s herd, he established his own. This grew in numbers and achievement over the following half dozen years and beyond. The bull Cefnbrynich Adventure, born in 1957, was well-celebrated, bringing success to the fledgling herd by taking prizes in world renowned livestock country at the Welsh border shows as a calf. The rising seven month old beast travelling to events in the back of a Morris van. Adventure was used very successfully within the Cefnbrynich herd, producing a succession of prize winners and top selling cattle. Its son Diplomat was reserve champion of the yard at Hereford in October 1960 and Enterprise a top seller the following autumn, realising 500gns and 650gns respectively.
Both William and Howell were involved with the British Polled Hereford project. William bred the first of their polls, a bull calf named Havard 3 Beau Geste, born in March 1959, as a fourth generation animal within the programme. The bull was later successfully used by both breeders to develop their herds that grew to more than 10 cows by the mid 60s when Howell had taken control of the cattle. But unlike in many situations, of the poll stock starting to dominate the breeding activity, this did not happen for the Havards, nor many other Hereford breeders in the vicinity, simply because of the marketplace.
regularly dealing with customers from Denmark and Sweden.
During the 1950s and 60s many breeding herds used the vaccine Strain 19 to protect their breeding females from abortion due to brucellosis. When the Scandinavian countries became regular buyers into the 1970s, their animal health requirements dictated that stock should not have received the vaccine.
As well as achieving much himself, he had judged at the Hereford bull sales in the early 1970s, was a strong supporter of the local agricultural organisations, the Young Farmers Clubs and his community more generally.
With so many cattle breeders in Breconshire having never used the vaccine, hundreds of females and many bulls were being shipped across the North Sea from the county and surrounding area. This was lucrative business and especially for Howell,
For all of Howell’s adult life, he was a great advocate of the Hereford breed and particularly so around his own patch, one of the great strongholds of the white faces and this being the case since the famed Sir David had been born at Newton Farm, Brecon in 1845. Through thick and thin, he was always in touch with the progress being made and very much so into his senior years when like many, he was encouraged by the advancement of the breed in recent times.
At his passing at 93 years the extended family that he leaves have much to be proud of. They are all carrying on good work nurtured from that mould. We can acknowledge the long life, the dedicated work and great success of Howell Havard, the Breconshire man and enthusiastic agriculturalist who created the path that others might follow.
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Associations and clubs around the world World Hereford Council – secretary general - Larry Feeney Email: worldherefordcouncil@gmail.com
Member countries
American Hereford Association Jack Ward, Executive Vice President Box 014059, 1501 Wyandotte, Kansas City, Missouri, 64108-1222, USA Phone: 1-816-842-3757 Fax: 1-816-842-6931 www.hereford.org/ Email: aha@hereford.org
Asociacion Argentina Criadores de Hereford Manuel Obarrio 2948, C1425CQB - Buenos Aires, Argentina Mr. Augustin Arroyo, General Manager Phone: 54-11-4802-1019 Fax: 54-11-4802-1019 Email: info@hereford.org.ar www.hereford.org.ar
Herefords Australia Ltd.
Lisa Sharp General Manager Locked Bag 7, Armidale NSW 2350, Australia 16 Uralla Road, Armidale NSW 2350 Australia Phone: 02 6772 1399 Mobile: 0447 949 650 Fax: 02 6772 1615 www.herefordsaustralia.com.au Email: lsharp@herefordsaustralia.com.au
Canadian Hereford Association
Mr. Stephen Scott, Executive Director 5160 Skyline Way N.E., Calgary, Alberta, T2E 6V1, Canada Phone: 1-403-275-2662 Fax: 1-403-295-1333 www.hereford.ca Email: stephen@hereford.ca
Irish Hereford Breed Society
Ms. Louise Callan, Acting Secretary Harbour Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland Phone: 353-44-48855 Fax: 00-353-44-48949 www.irishhereford.com Email: irishhereford@gmail.com
Kazakhstan Hereford Association
Kenesary 40, Street Business center “7th Continent” office 1206, 1205. 12 Floor 010000, Nur-Sultan city, Kazakhstan Phone: +7 7172 279 002, +7 7172 279 996, +7 771 532 002. www.herefords.kz Email: info@herefords.kz, director@herefords.kz
New Zealand Hereford Association Inc. Mrs Posy Moody, General Manager Hereford House, Box 503, Feilding, New Zealand Phone: +64 6323 4484 www.herefords.co.nz Email: manager@herefords.co.nz
Norway Hereford Association
Mr. Inge G. Kristoffersen, President Storhamargata 44, 2317 Hamar, Norway Phone: +47 915 45 613 www.hereford.no Email: post@hereford.no Email: inge.g.k@online.no
The Norwegian Breeding Association
Danish Hereford Association
Storhamargata 44, 2317 Hamar, Norway Director: Halvor Nordli Phone: +47 952 90 855 Fax: +47 62 53 82 41 Email: tyr@tyr.no
Animal Breeders Association of Estonia
Oficina de Registro Genealogico de la Asociación Rural del Paraguay Ing. Carlos Pedretti, Ruta Transchaco Km. 14 ½ Mariano Roque Alonso, Asunción, Paraguay Phone: 011-595-21-754412 E-mail: secretaria@orzarp.org.py
President, Knud Erichsen Skibstedgaard 0045 40196310 www.hereford.dk Email: skibstedgaard@skibstedgaard.dk General Manager: Tanel Bulitko Hereford Director: Mr. Aigar Suurmaa 79005, Rapla County, Estonia Phone: 372-4873-181 Fax: 372-4890-680 Hereford Director: Mr. Aigar Suurmaa Phone: 372-742-1575 Fax: 372-742-2879
Finnish Hereford Association
Chairman:Kai Pastell Innilantie 113, 37500 Lempaala, Finland www.hereford.fi Email: hereford@hereford.fi
German Hereford Association
c/o Carsten Schmit Neuer Kamp 38, 30900 Wedemark, Germany Fax: 49-5130-925023 www.hereford-germany.de Email: info@hereford-deutschland.de
Dutch Hereford Association
Paraguay Hereford Association
South African Hereford Breeders Society Contact: Liezel Grobler P.O. Box 20165, Willows, BFN 9320, South Africa Phone: 051 410 0958 Fax: 086 218 8246 www.hereford.co.za E-mail: liezel@studbook.co.za Promotions: Lizette Vermaak Phone: 082 412 2868 Email: herefords@vodamail.co.za
Swedish Hereford Association
Magnus Johansson, Chariman Hollstorp Hagalund, 355 91 Växjö, Sweden Phone: +46 470 749 461 or +46 768 303 600 www.hereford.nu Email: magnus.johansson@hereford.nu
Swiss Hereford Association
Henk Kuipers Horstingerend 7, 7843 TE Erm, The Netherlands Tel. 0591-564135 www.hereford.nl Email: henkensonjakuipers@kpnplanet.nl
Walter Faessler, President Interessengemeinschaft Schweizer Herefordzuechter, c/o Walter Faessler, Barenegg, 9633 Baechli-Hemberg Switzerland www.swisshereford.ch Email: barenegg.hereford@bluewin.ch
Dr. Istvan Marton, General Manager H-7400 Kaposvar, Denesmajor 2, Hungary Phone: 36-82-3-16-610 Fax: 36-82-510-046 www.mhagte.hu, www.hereford.hu E-mail: hereford@t-online.hu; info@mhagte. hu
Mr Paul Sneyd, Director of Operations Hereford House, 3 Offa Street Hereford, HR1 2LL U.K Phone: +44 1 432 272 057 Fax: +44 1 432 377 529 www.herefordcattle.org Email: postroom@herefordcattle.org
Hungarian Hereford Association
Hereford Cattle Society (UK)
Sociedad Criadores de Hereford del Uruguay Dr. Alejandro Costa Irigoyen, President Mercedes 855 Esc 605 CP 11.100, Montevideo, Uruguay Phone/fax 0059 2908 7579 - 2901 0437 www.hereford.org.uy Email: info@hereford.org.uy
Non-member countries
Associação Brasileira de Hereford e Braford Luciano Augusto Sperotto Terra, President Av. General Osório 1094 Caixa Postal 483, Bage - RS - Brasil Phone: 55 (xx)(53) 3312 8726 Fax: 55 (0xx53) 3242 1332 www.hereford.com.br www.braford.com.br Email: hereford@braford.com.br
Asociacion de Criadores de Hereford de Chile Fernando Schuck R, President Casilla (P.O. Box) 703, Osono, Chile Phone: 56-64-234388 Fax: 56-64-238408 E-mail: fschuck@surnetlibre.cl
Czech Republic Hereford Association
Czech Beef Cattle Association KAMIL MALÁT, CEO Těšnov 17, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic Phone: +420 221 812 865 GSM: +420 724 007 860 email: info@cschms.cz
Association Hereford France
Pascal Bastien, President 10 rue de la fontaine, 57170 BAGNEUX, France Phone: +33 615177610 Pascal Bastien Email: pascal.bastien@orange.fr www.hereford-france.com International contact (English speaking ) Jean-François Protheau Phone: +33 614037229 Email: jfprotheau@yahoo.fr
Hokkaido Beef Cattle Club
c/o Yuji Ikeda - Shintoku Animal Husbandry Experiment Station Tokiwa 5-46, Shintoku-cho Hokkaido, T088 2313, Japan Phone: 1566-4-5321 Fax: 1566-4-6151
Mexican Hereford Association
Octavio Bermudez, President Bosque de Yuriria 2701-2, Fracc. Sicomoros Chihuahua, Chih. 31260, Mexico Phone: 52-410-7493
POLSKI ZWIĄZEK HODOWCÓW I Producentów Bydła Mięsnego (Polish Association of Beef Cattle Breeders and Producers) ul. Rakowiecka 32, 02 - 532 Warszawa Poland NIP 527-20-04-291 Phone: (+48 22) 849-19-10 Fax: (+48 22) 849-32-32 www.bydlo.com.pl E-mail : bydlo@bydlo.com.pl
Herd Book Society of Zambia Hereford Breed Section Mrs. Joan Holmes, General Manager P.O. Box 50146, Lusaka 15101, Zambia Phone/Fax: 260-1-251149
Zimbabwe Hereford Society
Mr. Phil Rogers, Chairman P.O. Box FM80, Famona, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Phone: 263-09-229-588 Fax: 263-09-74839 Email: herefordzw@hotmail.com
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Irish Society moves into new era As Larry Feeney retires, the Irish Breed Society moved into 2021 with a string of successful events. After 40 years of working for the Irish Society, Larry Feeney retired as secretary in March 2021. Larry, having a wealth of knowledge and experience in Irish and world agriculture and the pedigree breeding of Herefords, has been more than dedicated to the breed during his time and the society knows he will bring the same values to his new post as World Hereford Council secretary general.
Irish Hereford premier autumn sale 2021
Corlismore Caesar 092 sold for €5,300 five star terminal bull also has five stars for carcase weight and carcase conformation. It was sired by Allowdale
The premier autumn Hereford show and sale was held on Saturday 16 October in Tullamore Mart. The show was a nice addition after a long 18 months with none permitted and a chance to allow breeders to get back to showcasing their breeding stock ahead of the sale. Taking on the task of judging the first Hereford show connected to a sale since 2019 was Michael Molloy of Moyclare Herefords, Offaly. The sale was a flyer with the average sale price resting at €3,000 for the bulls and 22 out of the 30 head exhibited moving onto greener pastures. Thanks are extended to Irish Hereford Prime who supported the sale as usual by awarding €250 to the buyers of each bull sold for €3,000 and over. Top of the sale was the earlier crowned male champion; Corlismore Caesar 092, bred by Sean and Gary McKiernan of Corlismore Herefords, Cavan. This
Appel 1 Skygazer sold for €3,500
Rory 594 and bred from a Cill Cormaic Leo dam. Caesar sold to a fellow breeder in Donegal for €5,300.
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Top price heifer sold for €3,500 and went for the final lot of the day and the reserve female champion, Appel 1 Skygazer, bred by John Appelbe of Appel Herefords, Cork. Skygazer is bred from an excellent cow and a Solpoll 1 Lawman daughter which was national Hereford champion 2018 and the new stock bull for the Haven Hereford herd in the UK. In general, bull sales this year turned out to be very successful for breeders with home sales excelling, the season starting earlier than usual and prices remaining consistently good – all positive signs of the demand that exists for Hereford sires.
Supreme champion with Paddy Hickey, IHBS chairman Joe O'Connor and judge Robin Irvine
National Hereford Show 2021 The National Hereford Show 2021 was held on Sunday 12 September on the grounds of the Annaharvey Equestrian Centre, Tullamore. After a tough 18 months for everyone, the society was determined to make a go of a near normal National Show 2021 to enable breeders to showcase their stock and to view animals belonging to other breeders as well as giving breeders a chance to get out and about and meet each other again. The show was a huge success all round with over 90 of the 110 cattle catalogued exhibiting on the day. The society and the wider membership were delighted that Robin and James Irvine of Graceland Herefords, Armagh, accepted the role of judging at the show. James judged the junior and senior young handler classes and Robin judged the cattle classes thereafter.
Junior young handler Jack O'Connor with judge James Irvine The Genetic Gems Hereford heifer sale was held on the Saturday also after the calf show and was a great success. Eight
of the 13 heifers sold to a top price of €9,000 and the average price sat at €4,400.
National Hereford Calf Show 2021 and Hereford Weekend The National Hereford Calf Show 2021 was held on Saturday 20 November in Tullamore Mart. After missing the physical event in 2020, this year’s calf show was back with a bang and turned out to be a great success all round. The competition was held as part of the very successful Hereford Weekend in Tullamore whereby the Next Gen Hereford Youth competition was held on the Friday evening followed by the calf show classes on the Saturday morning.
Female champion and reserve supreme champion for Verionica Brennan and Raymond Vere Hunt with Lorena Hutmacher Saez de Ibarra, IHCS chairman Joe O'connor and judge Robin Irvine
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Senior young handler Niall Jones with judge James Irvine
Supreme male champion Keenagh Rio from Robert Jones
The society would like to thank Mark Moore of Annahbeg Herefords, NI, who took on the task of judging the large entry of pedigree calf classes and did so with great skill and tact. National Hereford Calf Show female champion 2021 was awarded to Herberry 1 Lucy Ray ET, bred by Veronica Brennan and Ray Vere Hunt, Tipperary. This five star replacement heifer is no stranger to the winner’s enclosure and in 2021 was crowned national Hereford reserve champion 2021, national Hereford female champion 2021 and national Hereford heifer of the year 2021. Lucy Ray then went on to top the Genetic Gems Hereford heifer sale when selling to Northern Ireland for €9,000. National Hereford Calf Show male champion 2021 was awarded to Keenagh Rio, bred by Edwin and Robert Jones, Longford. This four star replacement bull is easy calving and is sired by one of our very own breed improvement scheme bulls, Pute Nascar N13.
Next Gen Youth competition 2021
Supreme female champion from Veronica Brennan
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South African trade buoyant Beef prices have been rising in South Africa while Hereford bull sales continued across the country to a strong clearance. South African livestock farming has received a considerable boost from the country’s economy throughout 2021. Beef prices have risen steadily with all classes of livestock benefitting. The main benefactors are the sellers of weaned calves, which have shown excellent results from autumn to late spring, mainly taken up by the feedlot industry. The stud breeders have had a quiet time with the constraints of Covid-19 shutting down all show activities. Bull and cow sales, however, continued and were held under strict Covid-19 regulations. In all, 12 Hereford stud sales were held, and all-time high average prices and clearances were attained for both males and females. The following are the top prices (January 2022 - R = 0,045) for bulls for the year 2021: - Kevlynn Herefords – R115,000 - KRM Herefords – R125,000 - Locheim Herefords – R260 000 Average bull prices of total sold – R53,451 Clearance – 98 per cent
Locheim New Kid sold for R260,000 The demand for Hereford breeding stock has increased over the past few years, resulting in a positive outlook for the breed in South Africa. Thanks to the purity of the breed and due to its genetic distance from popular female lines such as Zebu type breeds and breeds indigenous to Africa, the Hereford breed remains in high demand in cross-breeding programmes. South African Herefords are also making good progress with its genomic programme, despite the current population size of the breed within
the country. After good initial progress over the past three years in the establishment of reference populations for the South African Hereford breed, the significant amount of additional hair samples received in 2021 will allow the genetic experts of the stud book to continue with their work to build a set of genomic breeding values for the South African Hereford population. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the association’s annual general meeting and council meetings have taken place virtually which was a new innovation for the society and has been well received by all. The society has held photo competitions regularly and good participation with excellent pictures being received from both stud and commercial breeders. The society is planning a judge/selector’s course in February 2022 and the national championships which should have taken place last year will be held in May 2022 together with an interbreed elite beef bull growth test class.
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Beef sector strong down under The Australian beef sector is enjoying a positive period at present with prices and consumption on the up. The year 2021 was extraordinary for the Australian beef cattle industry. Key price cattle indicators, like the EYCI (eastern young cattle indicator) broke through the 1,000c/kg territory in July and stayed around there (or further north of this) for the balance of 2021. Clearance rates have been exceptionally strong, as have prices, with Herefords one of several breeds breaking long held bull price records this year and setting new benchmarks for averages achieved at on-property and multi-vendor sales alike. The strong prices reflect the double effect of national herd-rebuilding efforts and favourable seasonal conditions across key production areas. In Australia, Herefords have long been recognised for performance on grass and with grass plentiful, the association witnessed much interest in breed. The suitability of Herefords for grainfed production systems and the global market options this presents also supported demand. In the north of Australia, there was a swing back to cross-breeding with producers from large Santa Gertrudis, Droughtmaster and Brahman operations securing Hereford bulls in autumn and spring sales. In addition to supporting sales, 2021 saw Herefords Australia focus efforts on the development of its five-year strategic plan. Among a range of activities, the association critically assessed the strengths of the breed. A key strength is that all the major profit drivers in commercial beef businesses can be addressed by Hereford cattle including fertility, low cost of production, eating quality, yield, livestock longevity and market option diversity. Marketing activity promoting the
Injemira Robert Redford Q287 sold for a record price of AUS$160,000 in 2021 strength of the breed against those key profitability and productivity drivers has been a focus this year and is a key feature of our strategy moving forward. Such activity needs to be supported by solid data, evidence, and case studies and these too will be prioritised for investment as part of the plan. On the research and development front, 2021 saw the completion of the Hereford Beef Information Nucleus (BIN) project. The BIN project has operated over multiple phases and a 10 year time span and has made a significant contribution to the Hereford reference population. A range of traits from birth through to slaughter were recorded. The key focus traits of the BIN project were abattoir carcase and chiller, meat quality, feed efficiency and structural soundness traits. For these traits, the BIN animals represent the largest proportion of Hereford data available. Covid-19 and related restrictions continued to present challenges for members and staff for much of the second half of the year, including the cancellation of the National Youth Expo, several Royal Shows and other face-to-
face workshops. Some activities were held online, including the ‘empowering future breed leaders’ seminar series. Targeting youth who have an interest in the beef cattle industry but are unsure about education, training, and career opportunities, the fourpart series attracted many viewers, generated positive media coverage and membership inquiries. Herefords Australia also coordinated advocacy activities, securing critical exemptions from the government, and allowing the continuation of on-farm property sales at the height of the Covid-19 restrictions. Closing out the year, the ANZ (one of Australia’s largest banks) commodity report highlighted that price rises for beef went up more than any other food category in Australia in 2021. Consumption also rose. After several tough seasons due to drought, flood, anti-red meat activism, it has been great to not only see livestock producers being rewarded for their efforts but also to witness consumer appreciation and willingness to pay more for the highquality beef produced.
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Argentinians hold many shows and sales The Argentina Hereford Breeders Association was founded on 3 November 1924 as a non-profit organisation with the aim of supporting and improving its members and Hereford breeders’ businesses, and participating in activities related to the cattle raising industry in the country and abroad. At present the association has more than 500 members from different parts of the country comprising of breeders, feeders, students and technicians, representing a valuable integration of the production chain. Among them there are 300 active herds which apart from pedigree animals, have registered 250,000 ‘pure registered’ males and females and VIP* females, which are the base of the continuous genetic progress of the commercial cattle herd.
Grand champion bull in the 34ª. National Hereford 2021 Show at Azul, Buenos Aires province from Mario R. Sívori of Don Rodolfo ranch. Genetic adviser, S. Sillero.
The country of Argentina, including one of its greatest industries, the cattle business, has had to adjust and take steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and follow guidelines since March 2020.
during 2021 the association held its autumn National and Patagonian shows and was present at 50 local shows, while also supporting 60 Hereford pure-bred sales.
However, its 52 million cattle maintained their levels of calf production, while the 42 million inhabitants sustained its annual consumption of around 52 kgs (115 pounds) per person and about 800,000 tons of high quality beef were exported to different countries of the world.
The association was also able to carry out several virtual training activities including the judging school, technical talks and the promotion of crossbreeding with Hereford as one of the main tools to increase the efficiency of pasture beef production.
Argentina covers 3 million hectares and is the fifth largest country in the world. It is home to two well-defined livestock areas, the famous ‘humid pampas’ with a temperate climate which suits Hereford and Angus and the subtropical region which is more accommodating to the Brangus and Braford, as well as several other minor cattle breeds. Despite these limitations, Hereford was the only breed to hold its National Show in 2020 in Patagonia, with excellent pedigree and commercial results and
allows the exhaustive evaluation of the main performance traits of economic and zootechnichal interest through calculation of indexes and EPDs. In 2020, the EPDs elaborated in the PanAmerican Group analyses were released for 1,592 pure-bred sires and 188 superior sires. PanAm evaluation is the first genetic evaluation in the world that involves Hereford populations in USA, Canada, Uruguay and Argentina.
The pedigree registrations which in Argentina are carried out by Sociedad Rural Argentina, a private entity, remained at similar levels as previous years with 3,778 heads as a total figure, been 1,907 of them males and 1,871 females. Hereford breeders in Argentina use genetic evaluations to improve their production rates. The Genetic Evaluation Programme (PEG) was launched in 1991, almost 30 years ago and is a powerful tool which helps breeders with efficient, unbiased selection. The PEG
The average Argentinian consumes 52kg beef annually
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Hereford influence grows in US Demand and prices for Hereford bulls are on the up in the States, while the association remains active, pursuing new initiatives. “As commercial cattle producers look to add more cross-breeding to increase fertility, longevity and disposition in their herds — all strengths of Hereford cattle — our members are seeing increased bull demand,” says Jack Ward, American Hereford Association (AHA) executive vice-president. Through the end of May, the average price of registered Hereford bulls, reported to AHA, were 19 per cent higher year-over-year with five per cent more bulls sold. These bulls are the product of new and enhanced genetic selection tools, driven by AHA’s whole herd total performance records. For instance, AHA incorporated genomic information into its suite of maternal traits. Female genotypes accounted
Demand for Hereford bulls is increasing for almost 60 per cent of the 25,000 genotypes submitted to the organisation during the fiscal year. “That speaks to our breeders’ commitment to really get the most out of the females they’re keeping,” says Shane Bedwell, AHA chief operating officer and director of breed improvement. “The performance trend for breed maternal traits increased 20 to 25 per cent over the last three years and up to 30 per cent.”
AHA members also continue leading the breed to significant strides in other economically relevant traits, including carcase. “We’ve made incredible improvements in post-weaning growth and end product merit,” Shane says. “That’s evident in the number of cattle in the Hereford breed achieving US department of agriculture choice quality grade and higher.” Hereford superiority in feed conversion and cost of gain are driving more commercial producers to utilise AHA programmes, like Hereford Advantage, to add value to Hereford and Herefordinfluenced calves. At the same time, US breeder interest in Hereford is on the rise. AHA memberships and cattle registrations continue to increase during the organisation’s current fiscal year.
The Fed Steer Shootout took place for its fifth year
“The real excitement within our breed and within our membership is in its growth,” Jack says. “That growth is a by-product of breeder commitment to genetic improvement and to embrace the necessary tools to build ever more
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predictable genetics that serve their customer’s production, performance and end product needs. That includes meeting consumer needs. It’s all encompassing.” With consumers in mind, Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) celebrated its 25th anniversary. It is the only Hereford Beef brand in the industry owned by the alliance of local Hereford farmers and ranchers which comprise the AHA. The brand continues to grow as it delivers on its promise of delivering a consistently reliable and flavorful beef eating experience. In a blind taste test, conducted as part of a 2019 Kansas State University study, CHB premium (upper two-thirds of USDA choice quality grade) rated higher than USDA prime quality grade beef from non-breed specific programmes. “Those results are a testament to the high standards and uncompromising genetic integrity of CHB,” Jack says. “Hereford breeders and commercial users of Hereford genetics are providing consumers with the highest quality product possible. Because of these efforts, consumers can be confident they are getting the best quality beef for their dollars while supporting their local Hereford breeders and commercial cattle producers.” The National Junior Hereford Association (NHJA) continues working to help its members gain broad-based knowledge and experience in and outside of the breed. As an example, this year, 41 NJHA members from 15 states fed steers at HRC Feed Yards of Scott City, Kansas,
as part of the fifth annual Fed Steer Shootout (FSS). Participants enter individual steers or pens of three. They monitor the progress of their steers via monthly performance updates from the feedlot. Ultimately, the champion cattle are the most profitable ones. Participants follow industry best practices for herd health, weaning protocols and beef quality assurance (BQA). They have the opportunity to receive BQA certification. “One of the great things about the Shootout is the amount of information NJHA members receive,” says Trey Befort, AHA director of commercial programmes. “For instance, the feeding and carcase data they receive can help them make genetic improvement decisions at home, ultimately making a better product for the industry. “It is important to have events like this so young leaders like myself get handson experience at feedlots, and to share this knowledge with our peers at school and ultimately promote agriculture’s mission, which is to feed the world in a healthy, safe, wholesome way,” says Haley Mouser of Bemidji, Minnesota, an NJHA member. The Shootout also serves as example of how industry partners are helping AHA and NJHA expand member opportunities. The following are two such examples. Last year, Merck Animal Health (MAH, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada) announced a five year partnership with AHA to provide education about the importance of animal health programmes in
maximising cattle genetic potential. Through the partnership, MAH leads educational sessions at the AHA’s annual membership meeting and conference, as well as at the association’s in-person and online educational opportunities. Another example is the partnership between Neogen Genomics (NG) and AHA, which gives AHA members expanded access to NG expertise at in-person AHA-sanctioned conferences and other meetings, as well as via online events and resources. Expanded educational opportunities are another way AHA is helping members continuously improve Hereford genetics for breeders and for commercial users. “No matter where you drive in the US, you find Hereford cattle. They’re adaptable, they work hard. They’re efficient,” Shane says. “Our beef cattle industry needs efficient cattle to maintain and improve sustainability, including producer profit potential. Hereford genetics thrive in these areas,” Jack says. “Producers want it all. They can use today’s Hereford genetics and take advantage of those opportunities.” The American Association is looking forward to hosting the World Hereford Conference in October 2025. It will be in Kansas City, Missouri, held in conjunction with the annual American Royal Livestock Show, one of the largest and most notable in the nation. Working dates for the conference are 21-26 October, but AHA will refine the schedule as it finalises plans, including pre-conference and post-conference tours.
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NZ Herefords lead progeny test Herefords performed in New Zealand in a multibreed progeny test while strong sale prices and genomics were also on the agenda in 2021.
the global pandemic NZ Herefords were thrilled with the latest Beef + Lamb Genetics Progeny (BLG) test results.
With few things to sing about having
Steers and cull heifers are assessed on their carcase traits while replacement
had another disruptive year thanks to
The BLG beef progeny tests have been running since 2014 and are designed to compare bulls under New Zealand commercial farming conditions. A panel selects the best bulls from those nominated for each breed with a mix of both international and domestic semen used.
NZ Hereford Youth are seeing a surge in membeship
heifers are tracked for their maternal characteristics. So for Hereford bull, Limehills Streaker 150368, to be ranked first place for rump fat and first for Intramuscular fat (IMF) highlights how well New Zealand breeders are selecting for carcase traits. Another New Zealandbred Hereford bull, Orari Gorge Patton 150051, ranked first for eye muscle area, third for rib fat and second for IMF while Ardo Ajax ranked second for eye muscle area. NZ Herefords’ overall trend is a gradual increase in IMF, with a greater increase in eye muscle area.
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Adoption of SNP testing Despite a slower SNP DNA service due to Covid disrupting the mail services, NZ Hereford breeders are embracing technology with more studs genotyping either their whole herds or selecting a year-born group. NZ Hereford breeders have transitioned from microsatellite DNA testing in 2019 to SNP DNA testing in 2021, with the majority requesting the NZ Hereford bundle which includes 100K SNP DNA panel, poll test and genetic defects testing along with parent verification.
Change in export regulations Exporting livestock contributes to New Zealand’s economy and is valued by the country’s trading partners, however this year the New Zealand government declared live exports will be banned in April 2023. While NZ Herefords are only one link in the chain, the heifers it exports are managed under the Codes of Welfare published by the New Zealand National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and played part in the process this year by inspecting and providing certificates for nearly 8,000, Hereford heifers which were exported to China. While NZ Herefords does not take a particular view point on live exports, it does regard the practice as an additional market for its members.
Limehills Stardom 190168 sold for NZD$25,000.
National Seed Stock Sale The 2021 National Hereford Seedstock Sale ran under a new format, selling bulls by a Helmsman auction located at Orlando Country, which is a lovely venue on the outskirts of Palmerston North. It saw vendors swinging at golf balls prior to the sale as opposed to previous years when they were walking among the bulls. During the lead up to the sale, bulls could be viewed online, or in-person at the vendors’ studs. Prior to the sale, Marc Greening, principal of Injemira Beef Genetics from Southern NSW, Australia, judged the bulls remotely using the videos, photos and data for each entry. He gave an extremely detailed announcement of his results in a video shown to everyone in attendance at Orlando Country which was also live streamed. He explained he selected
bulls on phenotype and then looked at the data to see if there were any outliers which may skew his decision. He felt all bulls for sale were very ‘industry focused’ to meet the grass-fed market with ‘plenty of shape, carcase and yield with structural soundness and good overall appeal’ along with strong data. He announced the grand champion as Ardo Fargo 9008 owned by Morrison Farming, awarded for his ‘standout for shape, carcase and style complete with the data package’. Marc then announced his reserve champion, Matariki Mandela, owned by Matariki Hereford stud, commenting on its real ‘structural soundness with smooth front-end’. Both bulls were sold later in the sale however it was Limehills Stardom 190168 which topped the sale at NZD$25,000. Autumn private bull sales averaged up to NZD$10,000 while the spring yearling bull sale’s highest average was NZD$3,800.
NZ Herefords Youth NZ Herefords Youth was fortunate to be able to hold a development forum in the South Island which included a tour of Xcell Breeding Services, where many of the youth members watched their first extraction of semen.
National Seedstock Sale prize giving saw Jack Murray receiving the reserve champion title for Matariki Mandela
Farm tours, a structural assessment module and an opportunity to listen and quiz a careers panel filled the remainder of the weekend. As a result of the World Hereford Conference, NZ Herefords Youth is experiencing its highest level of interest in recent years and hopes to run another development weekend this coming year along with a leadership and personal development module.
258 | OVERSEAS
Canada re-brands Across the Atlantic, the Canadian Hereford Association launched a new brand in 2021 while also enjoying some inperson events. ‘Better Your Beef’ the new Canadian Hereford brand was officially launched at the 2021 Canadian Western Agribition to a national and international audience. Bold and fresh, it is a message that resonates within the Canadian cattle industry. “At its core, the campaign proudly recognises the Hereford as a maternal, efficient, safe and profitable powerhouse,” comments Canadian Hereford Association (CHA) executive director, Stephen Scott on the message which will be the cornerstone of Hereford promotion across Canada for the foreseeable future. The new brand identity was launched simultaneously across a multitude of platforms during Agribition week. It included a new print advertising campaign, the unveiling of a new website, social media campaign and tradeshow booth, and has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response. The re-brand is the culmination of a two year process at the CHA board level to formulate a strategic plan that will reinvigorate the Hereford breed in the Canadian livestock industry and lead to increased demand for Hereford and Hereford influenced genetics. The breed strategy is a new long-term plan, complete with breed improvement goals for the whole breed to accelerate improvement on specific traits while maintaining the things Hereford is recognised for in the industry. Furthermore, the new breed strategy will encourage breeders to capture more
data, especially regarding carcase and residual feed intake. CHA president Nels Nixdorff believes the new strategy will empower breeders by encouraging them to select sires to improve their programmes and that this in turn will open even more economic opportunities for the entire breed. “The re-brand has a direct link to the commercial cattle industry and we need to expand our market in the commercial industry,” says Nels. Young breeders will be another focus within this plan and Bonanza, the National Junior Show, will continue to be the premier Hereford event for the Canadian Junior Hereford Association. Provincial restrictions surrounding Covid-19 forced a relocation of Bonanza in 2021 and the show was subsequently hosted in Alberta
with on-site participation from five provinces and an online component that enabled youth across Canada to participate. Agricultural events in Canada are slowly returning and although there were regional exceptions, many livestock shows, and sales resumed normal activity as the year progressed. On the positive side, the Alberta Hereford Association launched a new two day Hereford event in Red Deer and the National Hereford Show in Regina at Agribition was well attended. Many provincial field days were also held over the summer months. Sales have remained strong across the country and Canadian breeders have been very resourceful pivoting to online sales and adapting to local health restrictions as they forged ahead marketing their programmes.
OVERSEAS | 259
Juniors join Danish board Similarly to many other countries all over the globe, Denmark spent a lot of the year under Covid-19 restrictions, making it hard to organise events for Danish Hereford members. Hereford juniors on the board The first event the association held was in June when the Danish Hereford Association managed to carry out its annual general meeting where a new board structure was created. Members requested juniors members were included in the running, work and management of the association. So 2021 become a historical year where junior members got a permanent seat on the board, as elected by other junior members. It was a good step forward to secure the flow of future board members.
Regional activities July was a great month in terms of social activities. Many regions have made a great effort to make some interesting herd visits. The northern region visited a Limousin herd and had a walk in a beautiful area before visiting another herd, where they enjoyed a barbecue. Region Fyn had a visit to two Hereford herds in Jylland where the focus was about how to manage a Hereford herd or productive soil and to show new breeders how it can be managed.
Grand champion Hundyr Mandix Region West-Central Jylland also visited two herds with focus on managing a Hereford in more extensive areas. The Region East visited a herd which runs on an extensive area with the meat sold through their own organic farm shop close to Copenhagen. Members have bene lucky to enjoy some really great places to visit and to hear about all the different ways to manage the great breed, the Hereford.
Shows The association was pleased a number of shows went ahead in 2021 before Covid-19 again forced the government to set up new national restrictions. One show held was in the northern region. There were 12 Hereford cattle comprising of four bulls and eight females. Here, the champion Hereford from Nordbæk Herefords also managed to win the interbreed pairs competition which was a really great achievement as there was strong competition from all the other breeds.
Another show was held in the Region East and was a bit bigger with 41 Hereford cattle forward, consisting of seven males and 34 females. Also here the general quality was satisfying, particularly among the females. The Danish Hereford Association really hopes it will be able to welcome UK breeders to either Herning or Roskilde shows in 2022.
Nordic Breeding Cooperation The last couple of years the breeding society managers in Finland, Sweden and Denmark have worked hard to make a system to manage the breeding in the three countries in a better way and are working to be able find and compare breeding values across borders. Even though there are some challenges in making this work, the Danish Association is really looking forward to the system being in place and says it will continue to work with the Swedish and Finnish associations to improve the Hereford breed in the Nordic countries.
260 | OVERSEAS
Quality bulls at Norwegian sale Norway’s annual sale took a hybrid format in 2021, and saw a pleasing standard of bulls entered. The year 2021 has been a challenging one for the Norwegian Hereford Association due to Covid-19. The association’s activity and communication with the members has almost entirely been digital. In addition, the bull sale in April went digital. In November, the association managed to meet physically at its annual meeting where attendees visited the Staur test station for young bull calves. At the Staur test station in 2021, 13 Hereford calves were evaluated, which are likely to become qualified as breeding bulls of the 2023 season. Four of the bull calves are from the embryo programme, and their test results are very promising.
The embryo programme started in 2020 with the importation of embryos from Canada to gain new genetics to the Norwegian Hereford population. As earlier mentioned, the annual bull auction at Staur went online and the best Hereford bulls sold for €7,500. The Norwegian Hereford Association was satisfied with the results and the quality of the bulls this season too. In 2021, semen was collected for artificial insemination from the Hereford bulls 71127 Per P of Skjatvet and 71128 Pedro pp of Postmyr. The Hereford bull 71127, sired by the American bull MF No Wastin Time, was the test winner of the season with good growth and high feed intake and is likely be easy calving, with good breed characteristics. The other bull 71128, by Netherhall 1 Oz Daffy M024 has extremely good phenotype and is homozygous poll. The bull carries average calving ease figures,
good production and has potential to pass on good motherability. The association is still looking for new genetics to add to its breeding programme, but are also excited about this year’s young bull calves at the test station at Staur. The Norwegian Angus Association has succeeded with branding their products in the Norwegian market, and the Norwegian Hereford Association is working towards promoting its own brand of Hereford Beef during 2022. The Hereford picture of the year is an annual photo competition in the Norwegian Hereford Association. The winner picture of 2021 shows Hereford cows on the island Bastøy in Oslofjord, the island has 228hectares (563acres) cultural landscape. On Bastøy there are 20 Hereford cows, a herd of sheep and horses grazing the island. The farm manager on the island, Knut Thujord, took the winning picture.
OVERSEAS | 261
German milestone Despite another unusual year for the German Hereford Association, the organisation celebrated its 30th year. German Hereford breeders were looking forward to 2021 and hoping that things returned to a little bit more of a normal, but this was not the case. The association therefore worked to find new ways for people to buy cattle. The year started with the bull sales in the various areas of Germany which were carried out in a hybrid format, meaning some of the buyers attended in person, but at the same time they also could participate online.
At these sales, Hereford bulls forward averaged €4,200. A new German Hereford record price was made for Samori which is a son of the bull Samson II bred by Agrar GmbH Biesen, which sold for €9,500. At the National Beef Cattle Sale, four Hereford heifers were offered for sale and averaged €2,375. The top seller was the 2019-born heifer Belladonna, a daughter of the bull Samson II which sold for €2,900. In August 2021, the German Hereford Association celebrated its 30th anniversary. As part of this celebration, the German Hereford Association celebrated with a National Calf Show on the farm of the Ebenbeck family in Bavaria. With 20 cattle entered, it was judged by Konrad Wagner from the Bavarian Beef Cattle Association and Walter Fässler of Swiss Herefords. The
German price record, Samori, sold for £4,200
day started with a boat trip on the River Donau to the monastery Weltenburg where members stopped for lunch. After returning to the farm, visitors saw the Hereford herd of the Ebenbeck family. The judging took place in the afternoon. The winner of the female class was a 2020-born heifer carrying Canadian breeding, from breeder Martin Rösch. The winner of the bull class was Tyler, a son of the bull Tuesday from breeder Rinderzuchtbetrieb Elbaue Wiegand/ Schubart. The prize giving ceremony took place in the evening and chairman Monika Spechtmeyer honored members for their long-standing membership. The German Hereford Association is looking forward to next year and hopes to return to some sort of normal.
262 | SOCIETY NEWS
Shows and events 2022
Please be aware event dates are subject to Covid-19 restrictions and it is advised the organisers are contacted before travelling. FEBRUARY 6-7
Stirling bull sale
Stirling, Stirlingshire
01786 473055
8
Native breed sale
Dungannon, Co Tyrone
02887 722727
Spring show and sale
Carlisle, Cumbria
01228 406230
9
Hereford spring show and sale
Shrewsbury, Shropshire
01432 272057
19
Native Breed Sale
Dungannon, Co Tyrone
02887 722727
11-14
Royal Ulster (Balmoral)
Lisburn, Belfast
02890 665225
14
Ayr County
Ayr, Ayrshire
08452 011460
14
Notts. County
Newark, Nottinghamshire
01636 705796
20-21
Native breed sale
Carlisle, Cumbria
01228 406230
28
Shropshire County
Shrewsbury, Shropshire
01743 289831
28
Heathfied and District
Heathfield, East Sussex
01435 864587
28
Beef Expo
Darlington Farmers Mart
01434 601005
28-29
Hertfordshire County
St Albans, Hertfordshire
01582 792626
31-1 June
Suffolk County
Ipswich, Suffolk
01473 707110
1-2
Stafford County
Stafford, Staffordshire
01785 258060
2-4
Royal Bath and West
Shepton Mallet, Somerset
01749822200
3-4
Ballymoney (North Antrim)
Ballymoney, Co Antrim
07713519928
3
Northumberland County
Hexham, Northumberland
01434 604216
4
Rutland County
Oakham, Rutland
01572 757110
9-11
Royal Cornwall
Wadebridge, Cornwall
01208 812183
10-12
South of England
Ardingly, W Sussex
01444 892700
11
Cumberland County
Warwick-on-Eden, Cumbria
01228 812601
11
NI National
Armagh, Co Armagh
02837 522333
17-19
Royal Three Counties
Malvern, Worcestershire
01684584900
18
Ballymena
Ballymena, Co Antrim
07718478413
21-22
Royal Cheshire County
Knutsford, Cheshire
01565 650200
22-23
Lincolnshire County
Lincoln, Lincolnshire
01522 522900
23-26
Royal Highland
Edinburgh
01313 356200
26
Derbyshire County
Elvaston, Derbyshire
01332 793068
29-30
Royal Norfolk
Norwich, Norfolk
01603 748931
30 – 2nd July
Devon County
Exeter, Devon
01392 353700
2
Hanbury Countryside
Redditch, Worcestershire
07841 499660
9
Newport
Newport, Shropshire
01952 810814
10
Ashby
Heather Coalville, Derbyshire
01283 229225
12-15
Great Yorkshire Show
Harrogate, Yorkshire
01423 541000
MARCH 4 APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
SOCIETY NEWS | 263
16
Castlewellan
Castlewellan, Co. Down
02840 638087
18-21
Royal Welsh
Builth Wells, Powys
01982 553683
23
Antrim
Antrim, Co Antrim
07899 746542
26-28
New Forest & Hants. County
Brockenhurst, Hants.
01590 622400
29-30
Border Union
Kelso, Roxburghshire
01573 224188
3
North Devon
Barnstaple, Devon
01769 573852
4
Burwarton
Burwarton, Shropshire
01746 787535
4
Honiton
Honiton, Devon
01404 41794
4
Scottish National
Inverness, Highlands
01463 870870
5
Fishguard
Fishguard, Pembrokeshire
07729 359296
6
Dumfries and Lockerbie
Annan, Dumfries and Galloway
01461 201199
6
Brecon County
Brecon, Powys
01874 611881
6
Garstang
Garstang, Lancs.
07867 313346
6
National Hereford Show
Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire
01584 810818
9-10
Anglesey County
Holyhead, Anglesey
01407 720072
11
Okehampton and District
Okehampton, Devon
01837 659965
17-18
Pembrokeshire County
Haverford West, Pembrokeshire
01437 764331
17
Gillingham and Shaftesbury
Shaftsbury, Dorset
01747 823955
18
Denbigh Show
Denbigh, Denbighshire
01352 712131
20
Ashbourne
Ashbourne, Staffordshire
01889 507497
25
Melplash
Melplash, Dorset
01308 423337
28-29
Edenbridge & Oxted
Lingfield, Surrey
01737 645843
1
Bucks. County
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
01296 680400
3
Alresford
Winchester, Hants.
01962 738748
3
National Poll Show
Moreton-in-Marsh, Oxfordshire
01608 651908
3-4
Dorset County
Dorchester, Dorset
01305 264249
10
Kington
Kington, Herefordshire
01544 340598
10
Romsey
Romsey, Hants.
01794 517521
10
Usk
Usk, Monmouthshire
01291 690889
30
Autumn show & sale
Carlisle, Cumbria
01228 406230
15
Autumn show and sale
Shrewsbury, Shropshire
01432 272057
28
Agri Expo
Carlisle, Cumbria
01228 460230
19-20
English Winter Fair
Stafford, Staffordshire
01785 258060
22
Royal Ulster Beef and Lamb Championships
Lisburn, Belfast
02890 665225
28-29
Royal Welsh Agricultural Winter Fair
Builth Wells, Powys
01982 553683
6
Native breed sale
Dungannon, Co Tyrone
02887 722727
8
Royal Ulster Winter Fair
Lisburn, Belfast
02890 665225
10
HCBA Christmas Calf Show
Shrewsbury, Shropshire
07944519860
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
264 | ADVERTISERS' INDEX
AB Europe
Artificial breeding services
73
Lewis and son, EL
Haven
AHDB
Levy board
23
Lewis, JW
Boycefield
134
Ascaris
Caterers
39
Livesey, TD and WT
Normanton
63
Barlow, AE (Thornby Farms)
Thornby
54
Ludgate, M
Rempstone
44
Beaman, AD
Triacre
161
Lury, M and D
Oakleaf/Castlewood
114
Bovela
BVD vaccine
MacGregors
Livestock photographers
Bradstock and partners, RA
Free Town
141
McMordie, J and W
Solpoll
Caisley
Cattle tags
31
Cameron and son, JA
Baldinnie
Cant and partners, JM
Panmure
Castle House Hotel
Hotel
Clark, MJ
Lowesmoor
Cobley P
Kinglee
Cogent Breeding
AI services
Deaville, DJ
Inside back cover
136-137
5 169
Midlands and East Anglia Hereford Breeders’ Association
48
197
Mills, E
Severnvale
111
194
Mitchell, RA
Lanscombe
113
Moorhouse, JD
Cato
115
Myers, B, H and MR
Boundless
101
National Beef Association
Membership body
27 107 71
21
Back cover
North of England Hereford Breeders’ Association
75
Alderville/Aldersley
45
Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders’ Association
162-63
Dickinson, D and K
Mallowburn
84
O’Kane, S and Morgan, H
Keadyview
Douglas, J and JS
Ervie
Owen Smith Farming
Clement
47
Dovecote Park
Beef processors
33
Paragon Vets
Veterinarians
43
Dunbia
Beef processors
4
Purchese, S
Lynsore
103
Edwards, R and Smith, E
Classic
Rees, E
Trefochlyd
237
English, PT
Churchlands Estate
67
Rimmer B and B
Barbern
Farmers Guardian
Magazine
61
SAC Premium Health Scheme Health scheme
Fletcher, CS
Barwise
83
Scottish Hereford Breeders’ Association
192
Genus
AI services
Shepherd, G and MC
Moorside
85
Gibson, M
Stitchcombe
Smith, C and Wilson, A
Milovaig
205
Gifford, AG, LE and AA
Twilight/Starline
116
Smith and sons, DC
Laxfield
229
Halls
Auctioneers
106
Smith and sons, DC
Butley
Harden, DJ
Nanhoron
233
Snelling and Noel
Sarabande
Harrison, T and D
Moralee
78-79
Hartwright, SC and GL
Spartan
51
Harvey, G and S
Harveybros
209
Speirs, J
Pepperstock
61
Hatt, HA
Weybrook
105
Spooner, TA
Dieulacresse
135
Hawkins, S
Bosbury
151
Thomas, RG and MD
Risbury
139
Hereford Cattle Breeders’ Association
132
Thorne, TG, EI and EN
Studdolph/Ashdale/Glenvale
231
Hi Health Herdcare (Biobest) Health Scheme
117
Thornton Breakers
Vehicle breakers
39
Hodge, J
Fellowhills
211
Traditional Hereford Breeders’ Club
122
Holdsworth, N and L
Pebworth
45
Twose, J
Beca
222
Hooper, N
Hooper
143
Vincent, PRJ and LR
Pulham
Hutchings, RJ
Fisher
105
Wales clubs
Irvine, R and J
Graceland
165
Walker, S and E
Hoghton View
77
Jenkins, M
Appleridge
103
Watkins, G and R
Hollybush
161
Jones, DE, ED and AL
Dendor
235
Weatherbys
Laboratory services
29
Jones, DP
Maxstoke
47
Weller, V
Porton House
Kelly, D and M
Netherhall
77
Whittaker, Miss H
Coley
Kemp and sons, W and R
Auckvale
97
Williams, P & E
Alderoak
156
Layzell, C and E
Farmlay
111
Wilkinson, I
Redstroke
203
203
104
Inside front cover 100
South of England Hereford Breeders’ Association South Western Hereford Association
229
87 33
59 104 98 108
53 216
223 81
AFTER THE ONE-TWO PUNCH OF PI REMOVAL AND BIOSECURITY, YOU’LL WANT TO KEEP YOUR GUARD UP AGAINST BVD. A DISEASE WITH AN IMPACT OF OVER £40 PER COW PER YEAR1. SPEAK TO YOUR VET ABOUT HOW THE UK’S MARKET 2 LEADING PROTECTIONYOU’LL AGAINST BOTH 2, WITH JUST ONE JAB3. AFTERBVD THEVACCINE ONE-TWOPROVIDES PUNCH OF12PI MONTHS’ REMOVALPROVEN AND BIOSECURITY, WANT TO BVD KEEPTYPE YOUR1 AND GUARD UP AGAINST BVD. used as part of a comprehensive approach to BVD including culling of PIs and biosecurity. A DISEASE WITHANWhen IMPACT OF OVER £40 PER COW PER YEAR1. SPEAK TO YOUR VET ABOUT HOW THE UK’S MARKET 2 Yarnall and Thrusfield (2017) Vet Record doi: 10.1136/vr.104370 2. Kynetec (2019) BVD sales data by value. Full year 2018 3. For References: 1. LEADING BVD VACCINE PROVIDES 12 MONTHS’ PROVEN PROTECTION AGAINST BOTH BVD TYPE 1 AND 2, WITH JUST ONE JAB3. active immunisation of cattle against BVDV-1 and BVDV-2, to prevent the birth of persistently infected calves caused by transplacental infection. When asforpart of a comprehensive approach to BVDliveincluding culling of PIs andstrain biosecurity. Bovela lyophilisate andused solvent suspension for injection for cattle contains modified BVDV-1, non-cytopathic parent KE-9: 104.0– 106.0 TCID50, modified live BVDV-2, non-cytopathic parent strain NY-93: 104.0–106.0 TCID50. UK: POM-V. Further information available in the SPC or References: 1. Yarnall and Thrusfield (2017)UKVetLtd, Record 10.1136/vr.104370 2. Kynetec BVD sales data by value. Full year 2018 3. For from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health RG12doi: 8YS, UK. Tel: 01344 746957. Email:(2019) vetenquiries@boehringer-ingelheim.com. Bovela is immunisation of cattle against BVDV-1 andVetmedica BVDV-2, toGmbH, prevent the under birth oflicence. persistently infected calvesIngelheim caused byAnimal transplacental infection. aactive registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim used ©2019 Boehringer Health UK Ltd. All rights Date of solvent preparation: Jul 2019. AHD12633. Responsibly. Bovelareserved. lyophilisate and for suspension for injectionUse for Medicines cattle contains modified live BVDV-1, non-cytopathic parent strain KE-9: 104.0– 106.0 TCID50, modified live BVDV-2, non-cytopathic parent strain NY-93: 104.0–106.0 TCID50. UK: POM-V. Further information available in the SPC or from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd, RG12 8YS, UK. Tel: 01344 746957. Email: vetenquiries@boehringer-ingelheim.com. Bovela is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under licence. ©2019 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: Jul 2019. AHD12633. Use Medicines Responsibly.
MakE BVD history MakE BVD history
1|
SIRE: WIRRUNA LEDGER L285
MAWARRA SHOWTIME P277 (PP) SIRE: OAK DOWNS LAWLOIT L75 DAM: MAWARRA MISS TITANIA 054
MAWARRA HUGO P190 (H) SIRE: YARRAM UNIQUE F181 DAM: MAWARRA MINERVA 1009
NETHERHALL 1 MATTY S098 SIRE: WIRRUNA MATTY M288 DAM: WIRRUNA VICTORIA G7
DAM: WIRRUNA OYSTER GIRL L334
WIRRUNA LENNON L102 SIRE: ALLENDALE ANZAC E114 DAM: WIRRUNA MADAM H55
SKYHIGH 1 TAKE A CHANCE (P) SIRE: REMITALL SUPER DUTY 42S DAM: DENDOR 1 JENNIFER 15TH
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