“Cows and calved heifers are also linear classified which helps me look at the animal more acutely taking into account each part of the cow rather than seeing her as a whole. If there is a repeating fault in the animals I know to look for a bull that might improve this weakness. I was generally pleased with the outcome from the first classification assessment and most had a respectable score for their age.
“Whilst Scotland and the UK as a whole is not self-sufficient in beef production, I also believe that demand worldwide for quality Scotch beef will continue to grow leaving us in the strongest possible position in these uncertain times.”
“We also take herd health very seriously; both herds are members of a CHeCS scheme and we annually test for Johne’s, IBR, Lepto and BVD.” Shona says demand for Beef Shorthorn continues to escalate from both the pedigree and commercial sector. Grandtullybrae bulls have been sold in to both pedigree and commercial herds as far and wide as Pappa Westry to Norfolk. Meanwhile, the suckler herd has focused on Beef Shorthorn genetics. “We tried various Continental bulls however they didn’t fit for various reasons including impact on cow size and calf growth rate. Furthermore, Beef Shorthorn sired stores were commanding market prices similar to Continental crosses whilst Beef Shorthorn cross heifers were starting to make inroads as suckler replacements, consequently we decided to replace the Continental bull with a Beef Shorthorn which has enabled us to produce a medium size cow, improve temperament and increase milk and motherability. “It’s these qualities and the ability to economically produce beef which are giving us and other suckler producers confidence in the sector at time when we really don’t know exactly what lies ahead in terms of support and trade opportunities,” she says.
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Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal 2020
Pedigree Beef Shorthorn heifer with four month old calf at foot
