Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal - Volume 21, 2025

JOURNAL 2025

Wenmar Beef Shorthorns

Breeding cattle, Semen and embryos

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society

Promoting

Volume 21, 2025

The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Society Pavilion, Avenue M Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth Warwickshire CV8 2RG

Head Office:

t: +44 (0) 02475 099146 e: info@beefshorthorn.org w: www.beefshorthorn.org

For registrations and transfers: t: +44 (0) 2477 103406 e: registrations@beefshorthorn.org w: www.beefshorthorn.org

Scottish Charity No. SC010218

Editor: Clive Brown

Photographic credits: Adrian Legge Photography; Agri Images; Farmers Guardian; Farm Images; MacGregor Photography; Robert Smith Photography; Isla Campbell Photography; Melissa Irvine Photography; Tim Scrivener; PA Images; Graham Miller; Emi Thornber; Richard Lloyd; Mullagh Photography

Acknowledged contributions from: Scottish Farmer

Journal design: Ghost Design www.ghostds.com

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in articles where the name of the author is published are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society. Follow us:

@ShorthornUK

@Beef_Shorthorn

@ beef_shorthorn_society @beefshorthornsociety

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Welcome to the 2025 Journal

Welcome to what has turned out to be a bumper edition of this years Journal, perhaps indicative of the level of activity within the society and the growing significance of the breed within the commercial beef sector. The latter is backed up by the fact that all the main breeding companies have sourced additional Beef Shorthorns for their studs over the last twelve months or so.

One of the things that I have come to appreciate in my time with the Society is that it is the people that make it, and we have tried to reflect that in this edition. On the people side we were sorry to see Rusmi, Rebecca and Natasha leave the Charolais Society office and wish them all the best for the future. Ed Harvey left his marketing role but situations like this do give the opportunity to review what is needed going forward, to best serve the membership and make the Society fit for the future, and I am glad to say the Board have agreed to do that.

Continuing the people theme, I was pleased that we have been able to introduce a Board Apprentice scheme, recruiting three great apprentices. You can learn more about them in

This is my second and final report as President in what has been another challenging year for agriculture but a year of great progress and success for Beef Shorthorns.

I can report that the Society is in a healthy financial position – the best it has been in terms of wisely invested reserves and funds to use toward future strategy and improved services for our members.

The Society has continued to improve its governance so Members can be assured that decisions on how money is used are made sensibly and legally. This is important when working on behalf of our growing membership. We launched the Board Apprentice Scheme and have now got younger Members getting involved and learning new skills.

We have focused effort and resource onto Development days - which everyone enjoys so much - and on the successful Sales and Shows supported by the Society. This year I was honoured to represent the Society at the Royal

this Journal but one of their biggest contributions is to help shape the initiative going forward.

The ongoing appeal of the breed is illustrated by the fact we have welcomed 69 new members over the last 12 months and the showring continues to act as a shop window for the breed with numerous interbreed successes around the country, with the highlight being an historic win in the prestigious Burke Trophy.

I am always grateful to all members that support our activity and owe particular thanks to Charles and Sally Horrell for not only judging the National Herd Competition but then, together with family and staff, hosting the Development Day where we were pleased to welcome our Patron, The Princess Royal, as well as more than 120 members.

Finally, I must give a personal thank you to Ellie, Morna, Kate, Rebecca and Claire who have all contributed to another busy but successful year. We look forward to the next one as we welcome a new president and some of you will be travelling to Canada for the World Conference.

Clive Brown Operations Manager

Highland, Royal Welsh, Great Yorkshire and the National Show at Westmorland. The quality of cattle going forward is better than ever. These successes continue to promote the breed as a credible and mainstream commercial choice.

We were hugely grateful to HRH Princess Anne for visiting the wonderful Development Day hosted so generously by Charles and Sally Horrell. This was another fantastic success combined with the presentation for the National Herd Competition.

Sales have returned great publicity for the breed. Commercially, prices have been strong as the National Herd size reduces and supply becomes more focused. However recent announcements on Agricultural Property Relief and other budget measures have threatened to dampen market confidence. This all strengthens the case for the Beef Shorthorn, a low input breed that delivers on any ground or system, and which makes commercial sense for beef suckler and cross breed production.

Tim Riley President

Directors

The Society's current board of directors, shown below and opposite, cover the whole of the UK. They are here to represent members and you’ll find their contact details below.

Patron

HRH The Princess Royal

President Tim Riley t: 07812 075568

e: stoneyroyd@icloud.com

Vice-President John Scott

t: 07770 863506

e: john.scott@fearnfarm. com

Northern England

Stuart Currie t: 07506 470175 e: stuartccurrie@icloud. com

Simon Bradley-Farmer t: 07739 035667

e: simonshorthorn@gmail. com

Alistair Gibson t: 07823 334910 e: aj.gibson@live.com

Mark Severn t: 07768 211717 e: marksevern40@aol.com

Southern England

Tim Coles t: 07811 165104

e: silsonbeefshorthorns @gmail.com

Fraser Hugill t: 07502 425266

e: fjhugill@yahoo.co.uk

Mary Cormack t: 07792 998019

e: marycormack@live. co.uk

James Fanshawe t: 07802 794553

e: jhd.fanshawe@gmail. com

Kenny Mair t: 07384 890092 e: kwfmair@gmail.com

Robert Taylor t: 07540 636251 e: robert@gilbertfield. co.uk

Northern Ireland

Richard Henning t: 07730 762905 e: richard.henning @lakeland.ie

Jane Landers t: 07769 638606 e: bargaly.shorthorns@ gmail.com

Ela Roberts t: 07879 844799 e: elamair@hotmail.co.uk

The Hon. Gerald Turton t: 01845 537932 e: upsallestate@outlook. com

Major John Gibb t: 01575 582736 e: glenislashorthorns @yahoo.co.uk

Scotland

Honorary Life

Wales

Long Term Strategy for Beef Shorthorn

Vision:

Our vision is for the Beef Shorthorn to become the native beef breed of choice.

We envision a future where the Beef Shorthorn breed is recognised for its exceptional quality, versatility, sustainable production, and cross breeding credentials. By promoting and nurturing the breed’s traditional characteristics, we aim to establish the Beef Shorthorn as the preferred choice among beef producers, consumers, and the wider beef industry.

Mission:

Our mission is to actively promote and develop the Beef Shorthorn breed and Society, ensuring its long-term success and sustainability.

We are committed to preserving and improving the breed’s genetic integrity, while encouraging responsible breeding, husbandry, and management practices. By fostering collaboration among breeders, farmers, and industry stakeholders, we strive to enhance the breed’s reputation, increase its market share, and secure its position as a leading native beef breed.

Strategy:

1. Breed Development and Improvement:

• Collaborate with experts to continuously improve the Beef Shorthorn breed’s genetics, health, and productivity.

• Encourage responsible breeding practices, emphasising traits such as fertility, docility, and carcase quality, to meet the evolving demands of consumers and the industry.

• Support breeders in data collection and performance evaluation as well as accessing advanced technologies and tools for genetic selection, including genomics, to accelerate the breed’s improvement.

2. Education and Promotion:

• Develop a youth development programme to support, encourage and educate the breeders of the future.

• Organise workshops, webinars, and training sessions to provide breeders and others interested in the breed with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful Beef Shorthorn breeding, cross breeding, and management.

• Be efficient and professional in communicating actions taken to promote the breed. Develop the organisation on behalf of its members and create development and connection opportunities for current and future members.

• Foster a strong sense of community among Beef Shorthorn breeders, encouraging knowledge sharing, collaboration, and mutual support.

• Promote the Beef Shorthorn breed as a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice for quality meat production, low management input and landscape enhancement as well as being ideal for cross breeding strategies.

• Develop a membership package that also encourages engagement with commercial producers and others with an interest in the breed.

3. Collaboration and Networking:

• Collaborate with marketing and communication professionals to implement targeted promotional campaigns that highlight the breed’s quality, versatility, and sustainability.

• Establish partnerships with key stakeholders, including agricultural organisations, industry associations, and governmental bodies, to advocate for the breed and promote its benefits.

4. Market Expansion and Positioning:

• Identify and target specific market segments that value sustainable production methods, positioning the Beef Shorthorn as the ideal choice for a variety of beef production systems.

• Participate in industry activity, technical events, and agricultural/trade shows to showcase the breed’s attributes and establish strong market presence.

• Work closely with beef processors, retailers, chefs and consumers to promote the Beef Shorthorn breed’s superior meat quality, flavour, and culinary versatility.

5. Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship:

• Promote sustainable farming practices among Beef Shorthorn breeders, emphasising responsible land management, conservation, and animal welfare.

• Highlight the breed’s inherent qualities, such as strong maternal traits, adaptability, and efficient forage conversion, as contributions to sustainable beef production.

• Collaborate with environmental organisations and regulatory bodies to ensure the breed’s compliance with evolving sustainability standards and support initiatives that align with the breed’s values.

By implementing this comprehensive vision, pursuing our mission, and executing the outlined strategy, we believe we can position the Beef Shorthorn breed as the native beef breed of choice over the next ten years.

A busy Time for Beef Shorthorn Board Apprentices

Kirsty Leigh, 28; Millie Birch 27 and Ruth Bleakley, 31 have been involved in the Beef Shorthorn Board Apprenticeship Scheme since its launch in early 2024. During this period they have been shadowing Board members and getting involved with various tasks, events and discussions at Board level. In January 2025 they will represent the Society at the British Cattle Breeders Club Conference. We caught up with the three ladies to find out what the highlights have been for them since being involved with the Board and their own personal achievements.

Millie Birch

Area: Staffordshire

Herd: Highsky

“It’s not just been Shorthorns keeping us busy as we welcomed a new heifer calf for 2024 in human form - Tweedie Blanche Birch arrived in early June and has settled into life perfectly despite keeping us even more busy than we were.

Our herd still remains of five females with no additional purchases this year, but we have successfully flushed our foundation cow Caramba Erin’s Kiss and have pregnancies confirmed. We also have some exciting embryos due later this year from our show cow Highsky Erin’s Enchantment, who had a fantastic show season with her calf at foot, Highsky Tomahawk and her first embryo daughter, Highsky Enchantments Empress.

Enchantment was shown at four shows this season, winning breed Champion at all four and winning two Interbreed Championships. She also successfully teamed up with fellow breeders to be part of the Champion Interbreed group of four at the Royal Bath and West, part of the Champion Burke Trophy Interbreed pairs at Royal Three Counties, Reserve Interbreed Fitzhugh pairs and Interbreed group of five at the Royal Welsh.

We are delighted to have sold Highsky Tomahawk privately as a calf at foot to Kirsty Leigh a fellow Apprentice member and two heifer calves Highsky Carolines Highness and Highsky Madeline’s Monique to new breeders ‘Future pedigree livestock.’

In between babies and show circuits I have found my involvement with the Board Apprentice Scheme valuable. The meetings have been great, you learn so much from fellow members. I never appreciated how much work goes on behind the scenes until now and the knowledge, experience and discussions with all the Board members is invaluable.

Personally, I would like to see a continued focus on encouraging new members and engaging the youth members, something that has improved greatly the last few years and looks set to continue. I think as a Board and Society it’s important to continue with regular workshops, building the social media and online presence and implementing regular feedback channels for all members to voice their opinions.

The exposure I’ve gained into industry topics has been brilliant and I would encourage any other fellow young breeders to get involved with the Society if they can as it’s a great way to learn from experts within the breed and a hub to bounce new ideas to progress the breed for both current and new members.”

Kirsty Leigh

Area: Worcestershire

Herd: Follyfox

“Since joining the Board Apprenticeship Scheme I have had a busy summer period and have managed to increase my herd numbers slightly. I purchased some new family lines from the Stanfordpark and Longfield herds and I’m really proud to have secured Highsky Tomahawk from fellow Apprentice, Millie Birch as a new junior stock sire - the first natural born calf from the famous cow, Erin.

My aim is to get out on the show circuit in my own right next year after a really successful couple of years showing with Tina Russell and Simon Bradley-Farmer, whom I’m really thankful to for the support and guidance on my Shorthorn journey so far.

My time as a Board Apprentice has been really interesting. The Board has got a great range of personalities and a variety of people that have wonderful strengths in different places. I’m part of the Marketing committee, who are working on some exciting projects coming up.

I was delighted to be involved with the development of the new merchandise for the Society, with a brand-new range out, and we’re still looking to add and change things to keep it fresh and current. It’s also been great to be able to report back to the main Board meetings and hear from other sub committees about what they are working on. Beef Shorthorns are in an exciting place right now.

In terms of what I would like to see progressing within the Society and something I hope I can help push forward is continuation of connecting our members together through visits and forums. 50% of Shorthorn members have very small herds, including my own, and farming can be a lonely place. We benefit greatly from getting out on farms, meeting fellow breeders and seeing other herds to help benchmark within our own herds. Forums would also allow us to speak to fellow members without travelling as for many, getting away from the farm isn’t always easy, so it’s important to cater for everyone. The Beef Shorthorn Society is about the people, so I’d like us to keep developing that.”

Ruth Bleakley

Area: Northern Ireland

Herd: Ballaghneed

“My herd Ballaghneed Shorthorns has expanded this year with the successful purchase of Cherryvalley Wee Woman from Cherryvalleys record-breaking online sale. I am looking forward to getting her in calf and seeing what genetics I can add to my herd from the purchase going forward.

I’m intending on maintaining herd size as it is a mixed farm, so we have certain land restrictions. Autumn calving is underway with nine cows calving to stock bull Croft Paddy and two heifers to Canadian bull Crooked Post Compass.

During the summer I managed to get out to some of the shows having a successful season with two maiden heifers, Ballaghneed Special Sadie and Ballaghneed Sweet Samantha both bringing home the rosettes.

The Board Apprentice Scheme for me has been very informative. It’s great to sit in a room full of people so passionate about the breed and see what they’ve been doing to help continue to develop it. I think sometimes members don’t understand the amount of work that is being done behind the scenes so it’s great to be involved and do my part.

I would encourage all young people to get involved should the opportunity arise. To be surrounded by likeminded people and see their passion for the Society and the breed has been a great encouragement for me as a relatively new shorthorn breeder.

STRATHE NDRICK STRATHE NDRICK

Strathendrick Rhinestone Cowboy EX92

Herd sire at Headlind 1st Prize RHS & GYS 2024

Grovewood Jackson

Current herd sire former Stirling Bull Sale Champion

Strathendrick Powerhouse

Stirling Bull Sale Champion May 2022

Nestled in the hills north of Glasgow and 20 minutes from Stirling Mart.

Robert Taylor

A relatively newly established herd which focuses on ease of fleshing, top lines, udders and temperament. Visitors

Nether Glinns, Fintry, Glasgow

G63 0LP 07540 636251 robert@gilbertfield.co.uk

OAKES PEDIGREES

A celebration with Shorthorn Beef

The annual dinner at Stirling in February saw over 100 members and friends of the society came together at Stirling Court for what is for many the feature weekend of the Beef Shorthorn year to enjoy good company as well as some excellent Shorthorn beef, once again provided by Woodheads.

Raymond Kennedy showed that he was a man of many talents as he piped in the haggis, as well as keeping us all entertained later in the evening, and John McCulloch, after a little encouragement, once again did a great job of addressing said haggis.

Breed stalwarts Major John Gibb and the Right Honourable Gerald Turton were recognised for their services to the breed with a small presentation

The positive tone continued with the awarding of the trophies from the afternoons show with the Stephens family collecting the main silverware

and one of our own stars of the future, Iona Park, presenting the two major winners with handmade commemorative rosettes.

A fitting end to a positive day and a good time was had by all.

haggis.

Team work during the carving skills test.

Guests enjoyed the sound of the pipes.

Reserve champion success for Natalie Hynd.

Grant Stephen collects the trophy for the senior bull.

Gerald Turton and John Gibb were recognised for their service to the breed.

Champion junior bull went to Upsall.

Balgay took the honours for the female classes.

A collection of silverware for the Stephen family.

The Brothers Colling Shorthorn Memorial Cup

The Brothers Colling Trophy is awarded to the overall champion animal at the national show and its impressive appearance always generates a lot of interest and questions about its history. The following provides a little bit of background

(Reprinted from the Darlington & Stockton Times, June 1923).

This Trophy, illustrating the story of the world-famous achievement of these two brothers, has been inspired by the early English Founders’ Cups, in which symbolism is bent to the purpose of design.

Beginning at the foot, one sees the land providing the starting point for all above it. The convention of furrow, rig and root make a particularly dignigied pattern, from which rise trunk and branch, encircling a golden bowl, representing a cornfield in stook – a happy rendition of the popular symbol of successful agriculture.

At this point the Brothers Colling step in and take up their positions as flanking ornaments, forming the handles. Great attention has been paid to the statuesque qualities of these men. The one – ROBERT – debonair, tall and squire like, contrasting with his brother CHARLES – a stocky, characteristic north-countryman,

2024 Trophy winners, Evans & Price with judge Jane Landers.

standing as it were, guardians of the fame of the shorthorn breed. The eye is immediately led up to their crowning achievement-the Bull “Comet” a vital piece of modelling, executed specially for the designers by an animal sculptor, who in his day won the Travelling Scholarship of the Royal College of Art.

The manifold qualities of silver as a metal have been fully exploited, the textures varying between oxydised and white, grained and burnished, whilst discreet use has been made of gold and

enamel, producing a brilliant yet soft ensemble. The cup will eventually take rank with the nation’s finest specimens of trophy work.

The designers, Messrs Harrison & Son, The County Goldsmiths Ltd, Darlington, have shown great public spirit in working for beauty rather than intrinsic gain, using the occasion as an opportunity for putting the seal of honour to an epoch in agricultural history which has been waiting about a century for recognition.

The height of the cup is 37 ½ inches and weight of silver used 375 ozs. Time occupied in making about 1000 working hours. Although it is proverbial to speak of the impossibility of pleasing everybody, yet not a single adverse opinion has been levelled against this Cup and members of the silver trade have been the most generous in their praise. The commission was placed in the designers hands as a result of competition by invitation.

High-class silver design is the special metier of HARRISON & SON

THE present head of the firm is a grandson of the founder, JOHN HARRISON, who, two years after Stephenson had made railways a practical proposition, opened shop to almost immediately take rank as one of the foremost businesses of its kind in the country. It has never lost for a moment its ideal of THOROUGHNESS. With a wonderful Library of Plate Literature and a consumate knowledge of the craft it is ready to vie with the world in artistic production and invites enquiries wherever fine work is required. Reasonable prices are its sine qua non

“The County Goldsmiths Ltd” Darlington

Our Membership

The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society is pleased to welcome its newest members and extends best wishes for their success in all their endeavours. We are confident they will enjoy a warm reception at Society and Regional club events.

For useful information and a full list of breeders in your area, please visit our website at https://www.beefshorthorn.org/the-society/find-a-breeder/

NB: If your details do not appear in these listings but you would like to be featured in future Member’s directories, please ask the Society office for a GDPR permission form. This data represents a 12-month period running from 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2024

Member

SCOTLAND

Reece Simmers BACKMUIR Scotland

Marshall Walker Farms BRUXIE Scotland

James Currie CARLINSIDE Scotland

Sarah Jane Green GREENALL Scotland

R W Wyllie & Co HAYHILL Scotland

Peter Buckland HEBRIDEAN Scotland

Tom and Ally Nelson HIGHKILBRIDE Scotland

David Glover KINTAIL Scotland

R and E McMillan LITTLEGRENACH Scotland

NORTH ENGLAND

JD and JA Holgate ALIANN North England

James Thompson ASH North England

Charles Adcock COPPICE North England

Michael Hodgson CUMBLANDS North England

L Driver and Son DEANHOUSE North England

Craig Fell FELL North England

Christopher Page FOULNESS North England

Thomas Ellison GREENRIGGS North England

Greenroots Farming GREENROOTS North England

OG and RL James HODDER North England

Beth Foster LAMMAS North England

H Carr and Sons LEEGATE North England

J M Grant and P A McDonnell LONGBRIDGE North England

J Stead MIDDLEMOOR North England

Muncaster Estate MUNCASTER North England

R & D Milner SILVERDALE North England

William and Emma Benson SIZERGH North England

J L Cloughton and Sons STAGSFELL North England

Sir Richard Sutton Limited SUTTON North England

Whissendine Farms Ltd WHISSENDINE North England

G & A Robinson WIDEWATH North England

Nicholas Bond AIDANSFIELD South England

Nicolas Wallace BARKWAY South England

Miss I Rainey and Mr D Charlton BATESMOOR South England

Peter Hayford BEARSCOMBE South England

Mr T and Mrs E Tibbenham BECKVIEW South England

The Benacre Company BENACRE South England

Mrs Jean Hadley CHESTERTON South England

Johan Christofferson c/o Ellie Baudains DEWLISHESTATE South England

Fairview Farm FAIRVIEW South England

Freddie Parker and Julian Day HONEYHILL South England

F & J Hambidge Farms Ltd IRONDOWN South England

RT and EL Popham LINHAY South England

J & D Moores LINLEY South England

Vicarage Farm (Quinton) Ltd LOWERQUINTONS South England

Jody Baxter LUCALF South England

H J Trudgian and Partners SAVATH South England

J & N Saunders TABLEOAK South England

Mrs Phillida Hurn WICKMERE South England

Craddock Farms WILLMOOR South England

MD and KE Lanfear WOODSTON South England

WALES

Bowen Farms BOWENDU Wales

Jayden McLachlan KERRYCROY Wales

NORTHERN IRELAND

W A Archbold BALLYEARL Northern Ireland

Mr Gary Quinn MANSE Northern Ireland

John Reid MILLFARM Northern Ireland

Johnston Irwin OONA Northern Ireland

MK Holdings PENINSULA Northern Ireland

Raymond George Johnston PHEASANTSREST Northern Ireland

Name Herd Prefix Region

Member Name Herd Prefix Region

SOUTH ENGLAND

In remembrance

The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society was saddened to hear of the passing of these esteemed members and supporters of the breed over the past year. These individuals were not only valued for their contributions to the Society but also for their unwavering passion and dedication to the Beef Shorthorn breed. Each played an instrumental role in advancing the breed's legacy, leaving an indelible mark on the Society and its members. Their absence is profoundly felt, and they will be fondly remembered for their commitment, camaraderie, and the inspiration they provided to the Beef Shorthorn community. The Society extends its heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones, honouring the remarkable contributions of these cherished friends.

Donny Calder, Grandtullybrae herd

Eileen Reynolds, Vale Meadows herd

Interested in joining the Society

Marigold Christian, Woolacombe herd

Peter Brittain, Petley herd

Membership in the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society offers numerous benefits to those passionate about the breed.

Members gain access to a network of like-minded breeders and enthusiasts, fostering valuable connections and opportunities to exchange knowledge.

The Society provides plenty of resources to help make informed breeding decisions along with market insights, and updates on industry trends.

Members also enjoy Society shows, sales, and regional events, where they can showcase their cattle, learn from others, and promote their herds. Additionally, the Society's e-bulletins offer members-only content, from technical guidance to the latest news, helping members stay informed and supported in their breeding endeavours.

Through these resources and a shared commitment to the breed, members contribute to and benefit from a strong community dedicated to advancing Beef Shorthorns.

To join us download a membership from at https://www.beefshorthorn.org/the-society/ membership/

Fred Andrews, Holstead herd

Betty Farrell, Ricketstown herd

Current

Membership in Electoral Regions

Scotland

The North of England

The South of England Wales Northern Ireland

This data represents a 12-month period running from 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2024

Marigold Elizabeth Christian

11/04/1944-19/05/2024

Well what can be said about Gold, a larger than life character whose friendship and love will be missed by so many. It would be fair to say Marigold had a love for animals and at any point of her life would have a menagerie at her side. Cats, dogs, chickens, sheep, goats, donkeys to name but a few of the creatures that meant so much to her.

It’s to our fortune that her love of animals turned to cattle, originally keeping husband Mickeys’s purchases to form a motley crew of commercial cows. But  there was an itch still to scratch - that was to be something pedigree.

Marigold duly set about the creation of the Woolcombe Valley herd of Simmentals followed by the Woolcombe herd of Beef Shorthorns, both herds producing extremely successful stock for both the Christians and those fortunate enough to purchase from them. The pedigree herds snowballed while the commercial herd took a backseat but there were always a few favourites kept to cross. This helped to fuel the friendly rivalry between Mick and his Simmentals and Marigold’s beloved Shorthorns over which were better - Shorthorns obviously won!

A trip to Woolcombe - or latterly Hope Farm - was something of a treat for anyone, whether there to judge, look to purchase or just a catch up with one of the kindest and warmest individuals you could meet in life. A visit was never to be forgotten with great hospitality and guarantee of a laugh and best of all the sight of a herd once seen never forgotten.

Marigold’s eye for stock saw a herd built from foundation cattle bought from Glenisla, Mountbenger, Tarant, Holtlodge,  Moreby, Upsall and Dunsyre to name a few.  Every one matured to a type that you’d be sure had come from the same herd, whichever end of the country they originated from .

The Woolcombe herd’s prowess and fame continued to blossom and flourish and soon the herd was known nationwide as a worthy visit for those looking to start within the breed or add something special to existing herds. No mean feat for a herd that had never shown or sold at a society sale. The annual herd competition

whether the Southern Club or South West often  saw Woolcombe animals gaining rosettes and in some cases sweeping the board in classes.

Marigold was often seen at any gathering where cattle were the topic and in particular was fond of a trip to Perth and latterly Stirling to see what caught her eye. She’ll forever be affectionately remembered as “that woman from Dorset with all the donkeys“ - her other big passion.

It is with great sadness that we lost a true character of the breed this year, one of the old guard as it were. However we can take some comfort in the fact that the Woolcombe herd continues under Mick’s steady hand with help from the family, especially the grandchildren who were doted upon by Marigold. With this in mind, we can be sure Marigold is smiling down upon us watching her legacy live on.

God speed Gold

Luke Anthony  Effledge house

David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award

Well- known face in the Beef Shorthorn world, Richard Rettie was recognised for his hard work and dedication to turning out Pedgiree stock by being awarded the David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award at Agri Expo 2024.

From a farming family with a long tradition of pedigree livestock showing success, Richard Rettie has been associated with some of the UK’s most respected cattle breeders and leading bloodlines throughout this career in the industry.

The judges responsible for choosing Richard as this year’s winner agreed fully with the summary in his nomination: “Richard is a master at his profession. He has earned the trust of the pedigree cattle industry throughout the UK and has a vast number of Customers who rely on his ability to produce Pedigree Cattle to the animal’s full potential.

“He is always the first to credit his wife, Carol for making their success possible, and we all hope very much that they will continue to push the standards of showing ever higher and with ever greater success. They support the industry and the agricultural community, and they are a wonderful inspiration to the next generation of breeders and showers.”

His first breed win came in 2006 with Beef Shorthorn cow, Holmeere Georgia Rose, for Mark Holmes. In 2007, the same team won again with Holmeere Alastair and a year later their season was dominated by champion stockbull Cairnsmore Thrasher.

As well as winning the Great Yorkshire with Cairnsmore Thrasher in 2008, Richard was also presented with the John Miller Perpetual Challenge Trophy at the Royal Highland Show, awarded to the Stockperson who makes the

best presentation of their stock and the greatest contribution to fostering goodwill in the stock lines.

Over 20 years at the Royal Highland Show, Richard’s Dyke Farm team have produced two Hereford champions, six Beef Shorthorns, including the World Shorthorn Congress in 2010, one Aberdeen Angus (home-bred, but brought out for Donald Rankin, from Skye), and reserve Angus twice, once from their own herd, with a Lincoln Red bull.

In 2019 Richard brought out two National show champions at the Great Yorkshire Show, together with reserve champion Aberdeen Angus and reserve junior champion with their own homebred. 2024 highlights so far include winning the Breed Championship with a Beef Shorthorn heifer for Tom McMillan at both the Royal Highland and Great Yorkshire Shows, and numerous Championships at one day shows including Perth and Turriff.

Richard was overcome by this completely unexpected accolade and said: “David Tomlinson was a mentor and an inspiration to me early in my career, and this is a very great honour to receive his award for doing something that I love. It makes me feel old, but I am absolutely overcome to have received such a prestigious award.”

Richard was presented with this coveted award by Managing Director Scott Donaldson in the main show ring during the 2024 Borderway Agri Expo on Friday 1st November.

SOWERBY PARKS

Stock Bull - Son of Crooked Post Drover

Heifer Calf Clipper 1842 sired by Royella Rockstar Calf Volcano of Upsall first son of Rooster of Skaillhouse

Stock Bull - Son of Chapelton Lionheart

The Ups and Downs of being a Shorthorn Breeder

Fewer people have seen more highs and lows of the Beef Shorthorn breed than Liz Lang and Campbell Graham who have experiences with the breed dating back to the late 1940s.

Liz, who has the lowest active account number on the Society database was originally associated with the well-known Fingask herd where her late father was stockman from the late 40’s until his passing in 2011.

“I worked alongside my father from a young girl right up until 2011 where Beef Shorthorns and Suffolk sheep were a strong focus. After my father’s passing in 2011 my husband purchased some heifers from Fingask for me which I established my Rosebank herd with,” says Liz.

Over the years Liz has seen many developments within the breed but says the biggest change which she felt helped move the breed towards what we know today was the introduction of Maine -Anjou genetics to help widen the gene pool.

Shorthorn Championship at the first Stirling Bull Sales in 2009 with Fingask Angus which sold for 7,000gns.

“We had a number of families which made their stamp at Fingask but the ones that stick out were the Augusta, Lancaster Rosette and Crocus families.

“For me, some of my fondest memories are Perth Bull Sales in 1972 where we achieved Champion that day, winning the Royal Highland Show with Fingask Crocus who was out of a cow, Woodhead Crocus N1 that was bought from the late Ian Henderson’s Woodhead herd and winning three female classes and first and second prize yearling bull in the same year at the Royal Show.”

Having hardly missed a Perth Bull Sales growing up, another monumental moment for Liz and her father was when they achieved the Beef

“It hasn’t always been easy for the breed, especially through the late 70’s into the early 80’s where cattle weren’t easily sold. For us at Fingask we focused on trying to use the right genetics and bulls from the Upsall, Uppermill and Stockdale prefixes, made a strong mark.

“We also invested in genetics from abroad with my father importing Scotsdale Havalock from Canada and then later using Scotsdale Tradition within the herd which Campbell Graham imported.”

Liz became the first female President of the Beef Shorthorn Society in 1992/93 and has visited countries such as New Zealand and South Africa for the World Conferences.

She highlights, “As someone who has seen the breed change over the years, I feel it’s in a good place at the moment, but we need to ensure the breed continues to produce animals that have strong breed characteristics, locomotion and easy fleshing types.”

“For anyone thinking about getting involved in the breed I would say look for the best genetics you can and invest in them and don’t be afraid to ask questions. We should all work together as breeders to ensure we are producing a consistent product,” she concludes.

Someone else who has plenty of experience within the Beef Shorthorn breed is Campbell Graham (Aucheneck Estates) who served on the board alongside Liz and helped contribute to a large pool of genetics still found in many herds today.

“Growing up with suckler cows which were two turns Angus one turn Beef Shorthorn provided an experience of reading cattle as you saw them, with no weighbridges or dates of birth to go by back then,” highlights Campbell, who’s late father was the first to import Angus cattle.

“It was my father who really got me into breeding as one of my jobs as a young boy was to dig a ditch for cows to let a bull serve them - the era of belt buckle cattle.”

Shorthorn bulls used back then were mostly Morphie, Pennan or Calrossie influenced but after Campbell’s father died in the late 70’s he invested more within the breed and started a small herd of 100% Beef Shorthorn, with the breed at the time having a very small genetic pool.

“I joined the Society and bought cows from Ardbennie and Upsall reductions but by then Beef Shorthorns had become classified as a rare breed. I imported Scotsdale Tradition, 100% Beef Shorthorn and he went on to win Great Yorkshire Show and Royal Show.” To build the herd Campbell imported 51 females and three bulls, all 100% Beef Shorthorn from Alberta.

“I was elected President in 1989-1991 when the UK hosted the World Conference and breeders from across the globe visited our farm.

“During that period, council introduced percentages, and the pedigree certificate was redesigned. I was appointed Secretary to the Society in 1991 with the work being done by staff in my Glasgow business. 1992 then saw the move to Stoneleigh and the appointment of John Wood-Roberts as Breed Secretary.”

He adds; “By 2000, my cow numbers had increased to 600 with the breeding policy being 120 Beef Shorthorn cows put to Beef Shorthorn bulls, 120 Beef Shorthorns crossed and 360 cross Beef Shorthorns on other farms. That meant all calves sold had a Beef Shorthorn dam or Beef Shorthorn grand dam.

“Downsizing in 2020 halved our cow numbers and it is interesting to note that UK passports were introduced in 1996 with our first calf 001 born February 1997 and calf 10,001 in March 2023. Adding to that the 20 previous years means by 2025 our herd will have probably produced over 18,000 calves many of which have had a strong Beef Shorthorn genetic pool.

Campbell concludes; “Breeders must remember what the breed is about. Head, top line, under line, ease of fleshing, hair, width, locomotion and temperament, none of which are in captured in an EBV which is why I don’t rely on them, nor do my store finisher customers as it is beef we produce. Height does not matter as daylight never turned scales.

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Bill Bruce presented the Sir William Young Award

The Sir William Young Award, presented by the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), recognises exceptional contributions to livestock breeding. It celebrates the legacy of Sir William Young, whose service to Scottish agriculture continues to inspire the industry. Bill Bruce was honoured with this prestigious award in 2024 for his dedication and success in breeding cattle, setting an excellent example for future breeders.

Bill’s achievements include introducing the Maine Anjou breed into his Balmyle Shorthorn herd, which many believe helped save the breed. His consistent success and commitment to excellence have made him a role model in the livestock industry.

Bill is still actively involved in the running of the longestablished Perthshire family business, Bruce Farms and their renowned herd of Charolais cattle.

I spent a morning with Bill recounting over his experiences and successes with the Balmyle Shorthorn herd and Bill later provided his account of the herds history.

Many breeders in Beef Shorthorns today will likely not realise the very dire predicament the breed was facing in the 1970’s. And if it was not for Bill Bruce and others introducing and daring to use Maine Anjou genetics, we would likely have a very different breed today.

James Cameron Trainview Livestock

BALMYLE SHORTHORNS

1972 – 1990 by Bill Bruce

The Balmyle Shorthorn herd was formed in 1972 with the purchase of 120 females from beef and dual-purpose herds throughout Britain. About 25% were from six traditional Shorthorn herds such as Uppermill, Morphie, Kair etc and 75% were from ten dual-purpose herds from the north of

England, most notably John Harrison’s Gainford herd which were exceptionally big fleshy milky cattle.

I had always been an admirer of the Shorthorn breed and from leaving school I regularly attended the Shorthorn

February bull sales in Perth (the Shorthorn annual prize giving and dance was an event in itself and a bull once appeared on the dance floor!) The number of bulls rapidly dwindled (the dance ceased) and they were becoming smaller and fatter and no longer a viable crossing sire. The dual-purpose Shorthorns continue as a breed on its own, but they are not bred to produce terminal sires.

The traditional Scottish Shorthorn was no longer the great improver and was very nearly in the rare breed category, but the genetics were there, they had been a great breed and had been exported all over the world. On a visit to the Paris show I came across the Maine Anjou breed which is a direct descendent of the original Durham Shorthorn. There was quite a variation in the breed from large fleshy beef animals which had similar weight gains to Charolais, and also some dual-purpose herds which were milked.

I was a member of the original buying group who went to France to select 200 females and about 15 bulls to be imported into the UK along with the many other continental breeds that were being imported at that time. Charolais, Simmental and Limousin were the most sought after breeds but the Maine Anjou was less popular and after the short lived but lucrative trade with the USA the breed did not establish itself in this country. I visited all the breeders who had purchased the original intake of 15 bulls, they were all for sale, I was able to purchase an outstanding bull called Egidius. I mated all my 120 newly purchased shorthorn heifers with Egidius either by AI or natural service, the resulting calves were a real mixture, some were outstanding and some were very small and dumpy, culling was severe and the dams of all the poor calves were slaughtered and not put back to the bull, these included most of the traditional beef Shorthorns. After 2 or 3 crops I had an excellent herd of cross bred Maine Anjou Shorthorn females.

Brunton Dickler was purchased for the top price at the Perth Bull Sales, followed by Pennan Tiger another traditional Scotch beef Shorthorn. Those bulls were mated to my herd of first cross Maine Anjou/Shorthorns, nearly all by the outstanding Egidius. Thereafter, home bred bulls were used. Notably Balmyle Universe who was overall winner of the MLC beef recorded class at the Royal Highland against 30

bulls of all breeds. Although there was an initial resistance from traditional beef Shorthorn breeders, they were all experienced stockman and soon realized the infusion of Maine Anjou blood resulted in a very much improved Shorthorn, faster growing and smoother fleshed in place of the lumpy fat of the traditional animal and lots of breed character, we had been very fortunate in the choice of Egidius the new great improver!

Many herds eventually purchased a Balmyle bull and Friar Thomson, whose father had been stockman at Morphie for umpteen years had Shorthorns in his blood and was an expert at producing cattle for show and sale. We had a long run of success with our “improved improvers” and were champion or reserve champion at the Perth Bull Sales for eight years between 1981 and 1988.

Most notable of the Balmyle bulls, was “Crackle,” purchased by John Doughty and Champion at the Royal Show three times in succession. “Express,” sold to Major John Gibb of Glenisla for 5,200gns, was the top price of all breeds in 1986. “Timebomb” was purchased by the late Donald Bigger of Chapelton and champion at the Royal Highland Show (there were four Balmyle bred bulls in the senior line-up that year). “Zeus” was champion in 1987, purchased by James Playfair Hannay and used extensively in the breed.

The small infusion of fresh blood and hybrid vigor brought about by the Maine Anjou (albeit descendant of the original Durham Shorthorn) helped arrest the decline of what had been one of the great breeds of cattle. Today, with numbers steadily increasing, the Shorthorn is once again back to where it belongs. Edigius.

Expanding genetic options

Martyn Moore has had an involvement with Beef Shorthorns for over thirty years and is particularly well known for the importation of new genetics. Here he looks back on some of that activity, highlighting the successes and giving a bit of advice to any members looking to do similar.

Iwas first introduced to embryo transfer in the early 1990s by the late Harry Coultard from Yorkshire, I did limited work then with donor cows always going residential at Harry’s practice in Yorkshire. At that time I flushed both Highland Cattle and Beef Shorthorns, but the Highlanders were a little less suited to the process in those early days.

My first Shorthorn that I flushed was a very large cow from the Irania family, I purchased her at the Moncriefe herd dispersal in Perth. She was a barren cow at the time, and friends thought that I was crazy. I shipped her straight to Harry Coultard from the sale, and she produced us good embryos resulting in some excellent calves. Harry used Hereford crosses as recipients at that time and sold them PD’d in calf with an embryo at 70 days, they were shipped straight from Harry’s facility to our farm at Meary Voar on the Isle of Man. The recipient Hereford crosses were excellent milky mothers, they calved easily and always reared us a good calf.

I visited Canada at around the same time to review what they had to offer, my first trip was to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. I only decided to go to the Winter Fair at the last minute so I just threw a few clothes into a suitcase and away I went. I was sat next to a lady on the flight there from Toronto and being friendly asked her what the weather was like at this time of the year, she

replied minus 10 with 8 inches of snow when she left a few days earlier, my first port of call when I arrived in Toronto was to a shopping centre for a good warm winter coat!

The Royal Winter is a great show to visit and I met lots of exhibitors and found a few people to visit after the show had finished. On that first trip I visited Scotsdale and Shadybrook Shorthorns and viewed lots of cows, the vast majority at that time were leggy compared to our UK Shorthorns and mostly red beasts. I did not purchase any embryos on that visit but I did make lots of new friends and future contacts.

I dispersed my Shorthorns before I left the Isle of Man in 2004, and spent the next 5 years regretting my decision.

In 2009 I purchased Woodstock Bower Farm with 100 acres near Tenbury Wells, and decided to get back into Shorthorns with stock sourced from Gerald Turton at Upsall and Charles Lowther along with some of my old bloodlines from David Rutherford at Aylward. I also purchased a share of a bull, Podehole Beefeater with my old friend the late Jack Ramsay at Stirling for a then record

price. I bred the bull’s mother when I was on the Isle of Man, so I was fully aware of his genetics. I loved the bull, but my pocket still tightens up when I remember the price we paid!

Soon after that spend I decided to go back to Canada and see how things had changed out there since my visit in the 1990s, I visited the Winter Fair again in Toronto and Agribition in Regina in 2010 and 2011. They had changed their Shorthorns a lot over 15 years reducing their size, but most importantly focussed on improving udders and targeting on calving ease and locomotion.

My view was that the Canadian Shorthorn cattle could blend well with our UK Shorthorns.

During my first visit to Agribition I met Grant Alexander, who became my business partner and very good friend. Grant and I shared a group of donors residing at his farm in Saskatchewan, our shared ownership agreement worked very well

for us both over the years. Grant and I purchased some very good donor cows from Shadybrook farms in Quebec, too many to mention individually but probably the best donor being SBF Scotty’s Maid 48Z.

I also purchased embryos from Shadybrook, two of my favourite embryos being from Sutherland Janet 42W and SBF Perfect Millie 19A. In eastern Canada we also purchased a donor cow Breathtaker May 28D from Hill Haven and numerous embryos going back to their matriarch Hill Haven Breathless 13U.

Sutherland Janet 42W

SBF Scotty's Maid 48Z

The majority of our genetics originated in western Canada, namely from Crooked Post, Muridale, Saskkvalley, Glenford latterly Prospect Hill and of course Horseshoe Creek. In my humble opinion the most consistent herd of Shorthorns that I visited on my visits to Canada were owned by Glen and Ryan Bender at Glenford Shorthorns, a tremendous herd and I enjoyed my time meeting, chatting and being interrogated by Glen who was a perfect gentleman once you got past his interrogation.

Unfortunately Glen has passed since my last visit to see their cattle, the Shorthorn world has lost a true gentleman and great ambassador for the breed. Also during my trips across the pond I visited Waukaru Shorthorns in the US, they have a herd worthy of mention. I have developed a new female line from embryos that I collected from one of their great cows Waukaru 12H Melita Rose 5021, breeding her to Crooked Post Stockman 4Z produced me a very strong female line. Another Waukaru cow to mention is Red Nan 1049, if Carlsberg had produced cattle, she would have been one of theirs, the perfect cow in my opinion when she was in her prime.

I have talked very little about semen, but as they say the bull is half the herd. I found a very strong source for semen that I imported at Crooked Post, bringing into the UK Drover, Tobias and Super Mario. I also brought in semen from a Shadybrook bull Qantas who is 100% Australian. In my experience importing semen is a long term venture and one you are required to invest heavily in, cross your fingers and most importantly be patient.

I have enjoyed my time importing embryos and semen from Canada, and have made some wonderful friends over the years. A bit of advice if I may, anyone considering importing genetics, do your homework first and find yourself a good partner across the pond.

Waukaru Red Nan 1049

Waukaru 12H Melita Rose 5021 Photo September 2015

Hill Haven Breathtaker May 28D

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From Farm to Fabric

As a Society we are always keen to support our younger members and this year we were delighted to be able to present the champions and reserves at the National Show with rosettes produced by one such member. Read on to hear a little more of her story.

Growing up on a farm in North Yorkshire, I was surrounded by the charm and tradition of rural life.

My dad, Ian Park looked after the renowned Upsall Herd of Beef Shorthorns, and from an early age, I found myself drawn into the world of livestock shows.

After leaving Upsall in 2017, I’ve been involved in helping my dad with his own business - Ian Park Livestock Services, which focuses on prepping pedigree cattle for various shows and sales. Attending the shows and sales with him, my experience grew, and I am delighted to be asked to now show cattle for other breeders.

Over the years, I’ve earned a number of rosettes in young handler competitions, each one a source of pride. I was really interested by the designs of the rosettes, often wondering how they were made.

One evening, while scrolling through TikTok, I stumbled upon a livestream of a woman making rosettes. Instantly hooked, I was eager to try it myself.

Lacking ribbon at home, I got creative and made rosettes out of paper— something I still have today!

A few weeks later, on my 13th birthday, my mum surprised me with a rosettemaking starter kit, and from there, my passion grew.

Before long, an unexpected opportunity arose; we bought a business from a

gentleman who had spent over 20 years crafting rosettes and was ready to retire.

Soon, orders from his loyal customers began rolling in, and through word of mouth, my little venture flourished.

Now, just a year on, after making thousands of rosettes for various shows including agricultural shows, dog

shows, vintage vehicle shows, foxhound shows, the hound trailing association, and various breed societies, I am thrilled to have an influx of orders already lined up for 2025.

With the success of the business, I’m hoping to take the next step and purchase my own small herd of Beef Shorthorn cattle—a full-circle dream that ties back to my childhood roots.

I am constantly grateful for the support and kind words from customers, and I never take for granted the incredible journey I’ve been on.

Every day, I am thankful for where I’ve come from and what lies ahead.

Iona Park of Pedigree Rosettes.

Passion drives Derriaghy dream

A passion for Beef Shorthorns born out of helping other breeders at shows and driven by her college lecturer has seen Lisburn, Co Antrim-based breeder Leanne Green quickly rise to the top.

Leanne’s passion for cattle stems from her early involvement helping her father with his finishing cattle, accompanying him to sales at weekends and being around their farmyard at home.

“I was always out and about with daddy, getting involved and going off to market with him when he was buying or selling cattle. Our family has always been involved with cattle, with my great-grandfather having won numerous titles at Allams back in the 1930s,” she explains.

However, initially Leanne took a different career path, training as a hairdresser and spending the first 13 years of her working life in that profession. “Then I had a eureka moment and decided I wanted to be involved in farming.

“I spent eight years studying full time doing various agricultural courses at Greenmount, CAFRE, and graduated from Queens University with a BSc in Agricultural Technology with Professional Studies in 2022. It was while at Greenmount that my interest in Beef Shorthorns began,” says Leanne.

“Whenever I’d have to give a presentation or do an assignment, I’d do something dairy related and more than likely involving Holsteins

which were an early passion of mine. My livestock lecturer, David Alexander who runs the Craigfaddock herd, said I needed to broaden my horizons and spend more time studying the beef industry.

“As a result, I started to take an interest in Beef Shorthorns and began helping a few local herds at shows here in Northern Ireland. James Rea, now stockman at Chapelton, was in my year at Greenmount, so I had another connection to the breed through him,” she adds.

Leanne says she increasingly was drawn to the breed due to its docile nature and ease of management.

“They’re just great cattle to work with, easy, content and with a great nature.”

With a desire to have a more active involvement Leanne set her mind to starting her own herd. May 2019 was the turning point when she spotted a heifer for sale in Carlisle, Uppermill Lovely Leanne EX90.

“I just decided I had to have her. It seemed like fate that such a well-bred heifer shared my name. I managed to

buy her and that was the start of the Derriaghy herd,” says Leanne.

Now working at AFBI, Hillsborough, as part of the dairy technical research team, Leanne has continued to grow her herd, buying Balnabroich Lovely Maya VG86, a Meonhill Charlie Chaplin daughter and then heading to Stirling in February 2023 to buy Aberdona Rothes Rainbow from Richard and Carol Rettie.

“She’d had great success at the Stars of the Future calf show the previous autumn and was another heifer I was just certain I needed for the herd.”

Adding further strength to the Derriaghy prefix and bringing Leanne some of her greatest success so far was the acquisition of stock bull Bethlehem Malton EX95. Bred in Co Westmeath by Thomas Fox, Malton had originally been purchased by David Alexander for his Craigfaddock herd, Leanne bought Malton from David and has taken him to new heights ever since.

“Now classified EX95, he’s a real gentle giant and has had an exceptional show career in the last couple of years. In 2023 he was male champion and reserve overall at Balmoral before going on to be overall champion at the 2024 National Show.

“Topping that off, he was named Beef Shorthorn champion of Europe and then reserve champion of the world last winter.”

His success hasn’t been limited to summer shows, though, with Malton named best stock bull in the Northern Ireland Beef Shorthorn herd competition for the last three years, underlining his quality and the influence he is having at Derriaghy.

Keen to promote her small herd whenever she can Leanne aims to exhibit at the Northern Ireland Beef Shorthorn calf show at Dungannon each November, taking her first cattle there in 2021 and coming away with the female championship and the reserve overall championship that year with Derriaghy Lovely Priscilla.

“That was the first time I’d ever shown any of my own cattle and was such a thrill to do so well,” she explains.

The 2024 Northern Ireland Calf Show saw further success, with Derriaghy Rothes Vogue winning the junior heifer class and going on to be female champion and the scooping the overall championship.

Away from the show ring Leanne is strict on herd health, with the herd a member of the AFBI Cattle Health Scheme and accredited for Johnes, IBR, Leptospirosis, Neospora and BVD. “It’s an important part of my herd management to know the herd’s health status and ensuring I minimise the potential impact of disease.

“I won’t allow any other cattle into the yard, the risk of bringing in disease is too great and I want to protect the herd from any unnecessary risk,” says Leanne.

Looking to the future this passionate advocate for the breed is keen to continue improving the quality of her herd, but not through significant expansion. “I don’t want to grow the herd much larger than it is now, I just want to continue getting better every year.

“So far, I’ve managed to keep improving, largely thanks to being selective with my foundation purchases and being able to buy Malton. I’ve also had some success selling bulls too, with Derriaghy Samson heading across to England to join the Longfield herd

and several young bulls sold at home to local commercial herds.”

However, with Bethlehem Malton EX95 having been used for the last few years Leanne says a new stock bull is next on the horizon to keep the herd moving forward. “Bluetongue restrictions are making things difficult on that front as we can’t get anything in from the mainland.”

Quick to acknowledge the support she has received from those involved in the breed locally, Leanne says the help and guidance of Ian Rea has been invaluable. “Ian’s my go to for show and sale preparation and general herd management.

“Ultimately, for me the herd is a hobby, but it’s also a passion and something I wouldn’t be without. Alongside my work at AFBI I also relief milk for a local dairy herd every evening and at weekends as well as doing freelance hairdressing too.

“All of that is to be able to ensure I can do the best I can for my cattle. Whatever they need I buy for them and I wouldn’t be without them,” adds Leanne.

Montgomery Herd host Welsh Development Day

A fantastic day was had by all who attended the Welsh Development day on Sunday 4th August, by kind permission of John and Anne Humphreys, and a big thank you to them and the Welsh Club for organising, and all those who helped on the day.

More than 50 members and friends had an enjoyable and informative day, with workshops and sessions on; classification from Meurig James, clipping/trimming demonstrations and preparing cattle for shows and sales from Mark Severn and Tina Russell, Stock judging classes with explanations of the breed characteristics for retaining stock Stanford Park Beef Shorthorns, Grassland management with David from Agrii and Kirsty Leigh, Information on the elite beef scheme with Morrisons Woodhead Bros and all followed by a farm tour to see some more great Beef Shorthorn cattle and some excellent Welsh scenery.

Thank you to the event sponsors: Wynnstay Agriculture, Farmers’ Union of Wales, Shearwell UK, NFU Cymru

Thank you to those that donated gifts towards the raffle: Caegwyn Farm Supplies Ltd, APS farm supplies, CCF Farm & Country - Gwlad a Fferm, Mole Valley Farmers, Dairy Spares, Norbrook, Roy Thomas Farm Supplies Ltd, S Jones & Sons Animal Feeds, Tithebarn Ltd

Welsh day cattle.

Travelling in style.

Selection

Classification workshop.

tips and Morrisons update from Amanda.

Our hosts for the day.

Beef Shorthorn Stalwarts

Welcome HRH the Princess Royal to Breed Development Day

It was a picture-perfect day for the Beef Shorthorn Development Day in September with Charles and Sally Horrell, along with son Harry, welcoming HRH the Princess Royal to Pode Hole Farm with over 100 fellow breed enthusiasts in attendance.

The day saw a jam-packed schedule with breeders travelling the length and breadth of the country to hear from a number of experts covering topics on performance recording, linear classification, soil health and pelvic scoring.

The afternoon of events started off with the attendance of HRH the Princess Royal, where she was welcomed by the

Horrell family to the farm, which has been home to the renowned Podehole herd since 1997 before joining guests to present this year’s National Herd Competition award to winners, Geoff and Chris Riby from the Stonehill herd, Yorkshire.

HRH the Princess Royal acknowledged breeders for their hard work and dedication which has resulted in a vast

development of the breed over the last number of years as well as highlighting the work alongside Morrisons, helping make the Beef Shorthorn one of Britain’s fastest growing native breeds.

Guests were then spilt into four workshop group with HRH the Princess Royal overlooking various parts of each workshop during the tour of the farm with Charles and Beef Shorthorn president Tim Riley.

Sally Horrell said “It was a real privilege to welcome HRH the Princess Royal to Podehole with her enthusiasm and knowledge of the breed being apparent throughout the day.

“It was lovely to see her speak with fellow breeders and show interest in their different herds, businesses and passions as well as what we do here at Podehole.”

Chairman of the Scottish Beef Shorthorn Club Vic Watson said: “We were delighted to be welcomed to

Podehole for the Development Day as part of our Scottish Club tour in the area and it was great to see the herd, which is undoubtably one of the top Beef Shorthorn herds in the country.

“Charles and Sally are a credit to the breed along with stockman Roy and always make time to speak to new and old members.”

Guest speakers for the day included Seth Wareing and Harriet Bunning from AHDB who discussed the benefits of performance recording and genomics; Ian Robertson from Hutchinson’s highlighting soil health and growing grass; Freddie Watchorn from Farm Veterinary Solutions who demonstrated the benefits of pelvic measuring heifers prior to calving and Meurig James from NBDC who did a demonstration on linear classification.

“Our development days are events designed to provide education and support for our members, supporters of the breed and industry professionals who are involved with or interested in Beef Shorthorn cattle,” says Operations Manager of the Beef Shorthorn Society, Clive Brown.

“The aim of these events is to improve the overall quality, productivity, and sustainability of the Beef Shorthorn herds by sharing knowledge and innovations. Additionally, they foster networking and collaboration amongst breeders, helping to advance the breed’s reputation and commercial success in the beef industry.”

The afternoon of workshops was then followed by a scenic evening walk through the highly respected herd of cows at Podehole where Charles, Sally, Harry and stockman Roy joined members discussing genetics used in the herd, changes being made to the age of heifers at calving, technology introduced to help herd management and challenges of grass growth on the reclaimed quarry land the cows’ graze.

“We have been asked what makes the herd ‘tick’ and the truth is it’s the team’s passion for the breed and the

job, its being very objective about the cattle, culling hard and never looking with rose coloured spectacles,” highlights Sally.

“Never being afraid to make a change if things haven’t worked as expected which they don’t always. We try to breed cattle we like to look at and that suit our environment.”

Clive Brown concludes: “It was a fantastic day at Podehole from start to finish and we could not have done it without the hard work from the Horrell family and the team at Podehole.”

The day was rounded off with a social evening where family, friends and members enjoyed a delicious evening meal and refreshments including Shorthorn beef and homemade flavoured gins!

Stonehills Shorthorns comes up top in National Herd Award

Building a herd of top-quality animals is a skill that can take years of patience and careful management and for Geoff and Christopher Riby, this was recognised with the National Herd Award for 2024 being awarded to their Stonehills Beef Shorthorn herd.

The presentation of the award was done during the recent Beef Shorthorn Development Day at the renowned Podehole herd in Cambridgeshire, where judges of the National Herd Award for 2024, Charles and Sally Horrell along with son Harry, welcomed HRH the Princess Royal to Podehole Farm with over 100 fellow breed enthusiasts in attendance.

The afternoon of events started off with the attendance of HRH the Princess Royal, where she was welcomed by the Horrell family to the farm,

which has been home to the Podehole herd since 1997 before joining guests to present this year’s National Herd Award to Geoff and wife Jackie.

Finalists for 2024 included the Fearn, Croft, Blackbrook, Stonehills, Hannington, Standfordpark and Danycraig herds, who were representing their respective regions from across the UK. Established in 2022 during the society’s bicentenary celebrations, the award scheme sponsored by Pedigree Sales Online Livestock Auctions has been ran over an initial three-year period.

Commenting on her judging role, Sally Horrell said, “With such a range of management systems and availability of forage the judging was anything but straightforward.  All the herds had stock to be proud of and they were a credit to the breed. Ultimately it came down to where we would go to replenish our herd in the event we needed to restock and our champion herd had all the attributes we would be looking for.”

Stonehills has been home to Pedigree Beef Shorthorns for the last 20 years when Geoff decided to invest in the breed after previously milking cows.

“We decided to give Shorthorns a try as we were looking for a breed that could utilise permanent pastures that were part of stewardship schemes and were easy to manage,” says Geoff who today runs the business alongside Chris.

Influential herds that Geoff purchased females from at the beginning included, Westmoor, Upsall, Glenisla, Chapelton and Glengloy. Today, 60 Pedigree Beef Shorthorns are run at Stonehills alongside a herd of Lincoln Red, which are put to the Beef Shorthorn bull. The family also run a livery, flock of pedigree Texel, Beltex and Polled Dorset sheep and have recently installed a vending machine near the local village where they sell homegrown Beef Shorthorn beef.

“We are thrilled to have won the National Award for 2024. It’s always great to win a show or do well at a sale but usually it’s with one or two of your best animals. For the herds competition you need a strong type and uniformity running through your entire herd and we are proud that this was recognised by Charles and Sally in our herd.”

Geoff concludes, “It was a great privileged to be invited to Podehole to accept the award which was presented by HRH the Princess Royal. The Development Day was a fantastic event, and it was great to see members from across the UK in attendance. Credit must be given to Charles, Sally, Harry and the rest of the team at Podehole who put a lot of hard work and dedication in to make it such a success.”

Cows and Calves Stonehills.

National Herd Competition Judges Report 2024

By Charles and Sally Horrell

After taking top spot in the Pedigree Sales sponsored National Herd Awards for the first two years of the competition, Charles and Sally Horrell were tasked with identifying the 2024 winners.

The National Herd Competition is a prestigious competition, and we felt privileged to be asked to carry out the judging in 2024. There were seven finalists from the area clubs. We would like to thank all the herd owners for their hospitality and for taking the time out of busy schedules to show us around. It was much appreciated.

Our first visit was to the Croft herd in Trillick, Co Tyrone where we were met by Richard Henderson and two of his sons Isaac and Charlie. The sun managed to make an appearance in what had been a very wet time in the west. The cows were in good order despite the very wet ground and the bull Cherryvalley Strongman stood up well over his cows and he had some great calves coming through. Good youngstock with great top lines. Thanks must go to Society Director Richard Henning for transporting us around in good time to catch our flight!!

A lovely cow Stonehills.

From NI we progressed to Sue Parry’s Danycraig herd at Bridgend, S. Wales. A small herd but with emphasis on progressing the cows to linear classify excellent which showed in the quality of the cattle. The herd calves at two using mainly AI bulls and they were strong calves on the ground which boded well for the future.

Heading east our next call was at Stanford Park owned by Mr & Mrs Stoneham where we were shown around by Simon Farmer and Tina Russell. A very commercially focussed herd here with a large number of stock having been sold during the past year. Calving at an average of 27months the cows were working well. Some showy calves ranging from January born to late spring. A strong bunch of yearling bulls.

Only a short trip to our fourth visit at Charles Horton’s Hannington herd. A very impressive group of yearling heifers were our first call. Again this herd were calving at two. This herd was also performing well commercially with a strong yard of steers almost ready to go. Grand stock bull Lawyer of Upsall leaving his mark on the herd with mostly April calves on balanced cows with tidy udders.

A flight up to Inverness brought us to the Fearn herd of the Scott family. The mature cows were thickset and fleshy but still with plenty of growth and this followed through in the youngstock. A number of stock bulls being used over the 100 cows leaving some very smart calves to pick from. Good yearling bulls and heifers were pleasing to the eye and those that were for sale would be an asset to any herd.

Our penultimate visit was to the Riby family’s Stonehills herd in East Yorkshire. The cow herd comprised of lovely feminine females with length and great top line with smart calves mostly by

Yearling heifers Hannington.

Nice group of roans Danycraig.

Heifer calf Blackbrook.

Glenisla Nobleman at foot. The cows had size and flesh without being over strong. Calving at two the heifers were running with a smooth, fleshy Mineshop Patents Leader son. Many animals here that picked themselves out.

Our final visit was to the Blackbrook herd of Andrew Thornber and daughters. A slightly different emphasis on the herd here with classic pedigree breeding lines being actively sought. The cows were wide and in excellent order. With a market for the calves being kept in mind and good youngstock being kept on. A newer herd which will feature strongly now and as it evolves.

With such a range of management systems and availability of forage the judging was anything but straightforward.

All the herds had stock to be proud of and they were a credit to the breed. If we had been judging individual animals all would have had clear winners in the herd and were good ports of call for foundation stock.

The competition has no strict guidelines for judging and our preference in a herd is for a balance of the stock throughout with lengthy, feminine females with great breed character and doing a good job of their calves. The youngstock need to be showing that they will mature out well with the stock bulls leaving a stamp on their offspring. There was much deliberation between us and it was a very close competition at the top. Ultimately it came down to where we would go to replenish our herd in the event we needed to restock and our champion herd had all the attributes we would be looking for.

The team at Podehole were delighted to be asked to host a Society Members Development Day in September and it was an honour that Society Patron HRH The Princess Royal accepted the Society’s invitation to present the National Herd Award at that event.

Our Champion herd Stonehills were very worthy winners. Congratulations to Geoff, Jackie and Chris Riby and family.

Cows and calves Croft.

Young bulls Stanford Park.

Young bulls Fearn.

STONEHILLS

STOCK BULLS USED 2024

Stonehills Beef Shorthorn: proven fit for the future

By Liz Snaith

Stonehills herd performance (ave)

• 400kg heifers at first bulling

• Two-year-old age at first calving

• 98% heifers calve within first four weeks

• 90% cows calve within nine weeks

• 96% calves reared

• 800kg mature weight

• Nine calves reared per lifetime

“W

hether you chose to farm a pedigree or a commercial suckler herd, then going forward every animal should carry Beef Shorthorn genetics,” says Geoff Riby. who has successfully tried and tested the breed for more than two decades on his family’s mixed unit.

Why? “Because we’ve proved the breed thrives on the grazing, without any supplements; even in winter our herd flourishes solely on a diet of silage taken from traditional leys. Beef Shorthorn is easy to work with and easy care, the breed has a quiet temperament which really suits us since we have a very busy farm

FACT FILE

The Riby family: Geoff and Jackie, and Christopher and Anna, Stonehills Farm, Fraisthorpe, East Yorkshire

1,250 acres – owner occupied tenanted mix inc 250 acres grazing including organic

40 cow Beef Shorthorn Stonehills pedigree nucleus herd

40 Beef Shorthorn commercial cows crossed to a Salers bull; progeny sold store or retained for replacements

40 Beef Shorthorn cross Lincoln Red cows crossed to Salers; progeny retained for replacements, sold store or finished

100 ewe pedigree flocks: Texel, Beltex and Poll Dorset

that also supports arable and sheep enterprises, and we have a hectic family life - Christopher and Anna have three young children.”

While various aspects of the beef farming sector appear uncertain, Geoff firmly believes that Beef Shorthorn has a rosy future. “For starters, our cattle have proved to be conducive to the grazing land we’ve had in a Countryside Stewardship Scheme and

being a native breed, Beef Shorthorn will continue to be eligible for the new SFI schemes.”

Furthermore, he is confident that quality cattle will remain in demand. “That’s our focus, breeding quality Beef Shorthorn, and we’re aware that quality always sells. The breed has real commercial value, if we can keep its fleshing ability.”

Chris, Anna, Jonny, Ottilie, Geoff, Wills and Jackie Riby.

The Ribys established their Stonehills herd back in 2004 following a business decision to disperse their 30-year-old dairy enterprise and replace with one that was easier to manage with minimal labour requirements. “We started off with Continental cross dairy sucklers and for easy calving we introduced a Westmoor bull. We were so impressed with his calves that we thought Beef Shorthorn was the way we should go and the rest is history,” Geoff explains.

“Since then, we’ve developed a nucleus herd focused on breeding for the pedigree sector and retaining just half a dozen promising bulls each year along with selected females that are either retained as replacements or sold for breeding purposes, while the remainder are transferred to the commercial herd and to achieve some hybrid vigour we introduced the Salers bull.

“Over the years, we have identified bulls and cows that consistently breed and rear quality calves that grow into strong breeding cows which has subsequently resulted in the herd comprising five serious cow families including the Lovely, one of the first we introduced from the Preston family, from nearby Moreby Hall and that has proved to be particularly good.”

In fact, it was a bull bred from the Lovely family which helped to raise the herd’s profile. “We had the honour of selling Stonehills X Factor by Elliot Bodacious and out of a Lovely dam in 2012 for 7,500gns. He went to Donald Biggar, Chapelton, and was one of the first to go to a pedigree herd.

“Since then, we have invested in various herd sires which have bred well including Tofts Prince Grenadier and the 14,000gns Jason of Upsall, out of the much admired Clipper of Upsall. In 2023, we sold three bulls to pedigree breeders to average £8,750 with the leading Stonehills Revelation by Faughill Ivan at 12,000gns to

the Podehole herd. In the last two years we’ve helped to establish new herds including for Sir Tatton Sykes, Sledmere Estate.

“Our current herd sire, the 10,000gns Glenisla Nobleman, selected for his breeding and maternal traits, is starting to leave some promising progeny; so far, we’ve sold one of his sons, Stonehills Sloan Square for 6,500gns to the Langalbuinoch herd and we have a smart young bull, Stonehills Tonker that we have high hopes for.”

Stonehills is now completely closed to new females in order to maintain its high health status following the last purchased over 10 years ago from Glengoy and Willingham, however when selecting new herd sires they must be bred from cow families that consistently offer good sound conformation, growth, fleshing ability,

a

quality carcase and longevity and with a good calving record, Christopher explains.

“These bulls have to be reared in such a way that is conducive to our low input foragebased system while they must also have character and temperament. Milk and mothering ability are without a doubt important too.”

He continues: “While we also use Breedplan data when we’re considering a new bull – it’s a guide, yet we wouldn’t be ruled by it, however we would never consider him unless he was in the breed’s top 25% for selected traits. We take in calving ease and growth and are particularly keen on scrotal size, a reflection of his daughter’s potential fertility. Linear Classification also provides a good indication of his maternal family.”

While commercial farming and family life are a priority at Stonehills, the Ribys keep in touch with the showring. “It’s quite important as a showcase,” says Geoff. The herd was initially recognised in the showring in 2010 when Elliot Bodacious took both the Royal Highland and World Conference Show championships. Then there’s the Great Yorkshire, being a Yorkshireman, it’s the one show he says he would hate to miss and quite fittingly it was a

Bodacious daughter, Stonehills Foxyfox that took supreme championship at the first ever Beef Shorthorn National Show hosted by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

However, securing the society’s 2024 National Herd Competition overall championship proved to be the icing on the cake for the Ribys. “We were thrilled. Since we were competing against some very, very good herds, this award had to be our biggest accolade.”

Judges, Charles and Sally Horrell of the Podehole herd commented: “The Stonehills females were lengthy, deep and wide yet feminine, with great breed character and they were doing a good job of their calves while the youngstock were set to mature out well. Overall, this herd had all the attributes we were looking for.”

Pure Beef Shorthorn beef reigns supreme

Home reared pure Beef Shorthorn branded beef has pride of place in Christopher and Anna Riby’s new business development. Called Stonehills Farm Pantry, it features an on farm vending freezer and chiller positioned outside one of their steadings located on the edge of Barmston village.

“We’re offering a range of cuts from the freezer, and within days of opening we knew the beef was going to be a success. Customers were amazed at pure Beef Shorthorn’s superb eating quality and we were soon getting repeat buyers. We are targeting selling 15 carcases a year, along with up to 40 lambs.” The chiller stocks complementary locally sourced produce including eggs, milk, bread and ready meals.

Both Christopher and Anna are passionate about their home reared, grass-fed beef and lamb.

“We wanted to add value and do something different, but we didn’t want to be tied down to a shop, so we kept looking for the next opportunity,” he explains. “Anna did a huge amount of research and we agreed on farm vending was the way to go. So far, so good.”

Uppermill Shorthorns Herd Profile

The Porter family acquired the Uppermill beef shorthorn herd in July 2006.

The herd was to be dispersed in September of that year, but was purchased as a whole from Stuart Durno. This left the oldest beef shorthorn herd, which started in 1882, to live on in the breed.

James Porter was friends with Robbie Minty who was the former head stockman at Uppermill for many years and had played a big part in the establishment of the herd and the breed. James first started his own beef shorthorn herd in 2005 by purchasing females from the Trunley herd and Westerbleaton dispersal sale. Robbie was delighted that we had purchased the Uppermill herd, thereby keeping it intact, and he would often come over to visit to see how the herd was progressing.

James had his first beef shorthorn champion with Uppermill Laird at Perth bull sales in 2007 and since then, the herd has won various champion accolades at shows and sales. The Uppermill herd had won the coveted Momar trophy four years in a row, on a points based system, showing at the four Royal shows.

James has purchased various stock bulls from different herds over the

years, with the most dominant ones to date having been, Dunsyre Demetri and Glenisla Jackpot. Both these bulls have played a part in the herd’s breeding program, resulting in many show and sale prize winners.

The current stock bulls at Uppermill are Perfection of Skailhouse, whose second crop of calves are on the ground and look very promising with true breed character, and Uppermill Legacy, a junior herd sire whose first crop of calves are due spring 2025.

On our farm at Gill Hall Estate, we also run a pedigree Aberdeen Angus herd “Old Glenort Angus” which we established in 1997. In this herd, James crosses the pure Aberdeen Angus females with a beef shorthorn bull to create a blue-grey cross that makes a great suckler replacement for our commercial herd. Given that the beef shorthorn is a maternal breed, they calve unassisted and finish well on grass.

With a keen eye on our carbon footprint at Gill Hall, the beef shorthorn has a part to play in our commercial beef herds and James is always looking at new ways to cut costs and be more efficient on the farm.

Going forward James is planning an on-farm production sale, consisting of bulls and females of both pedigree breeds as he feels this is the way to go for his herds which are fed on a low concentrate diet that is preferred by the majority of his repeat customers.

Senior herd sire Perfection of Skailhouse.

Junior herd sire Uppermill Legacy.

Established in 1882, the Uppermill Shorthorn is the oldest in the UK and is renowned for its high quality cattle.

James Porter 028 9260 7333

james@gillhallestate.co.uk www.gillhallestate.com

UK500538 600529 (senior herd sire) Perfection of Skailhouse

SIRE: Chapelton Lionheart

DAM: Millie Floss 11 th of Skailhouse

UK9042012 0999-6 (picture taken at 7 months)

Uppermill Broadhooks Benya

SIRE: Glenisla Jackpot

DAM: Uppermill Broadhooks Brownie

UK9042012 0856-3 Uppermill Lovely Loretta

SIRE: Uppermill Billy Boy

DAM: Uppermill Lovely Lissue

UK9042012 1012-5 (picture taken at 7 months) Uppermill Blythesome Jaffa

SIRE: Perfection of Skailhouse

DAM: Uppermill Blythesome Jilly

UK9042012 1000-7 (picture taken at 7 months)

Uppermill Lillian Bunny 5

th

SIRE: Perfection of Skailhouse

DAM: Uppermill Lillian Bunny

UK9042012 0926-3 (yearling heifers)

Uppermill Secret Sasha

SIRE: Perfection of Skailhouse

DAM: Uppermill Secret Shadow

UK9042012 0996-3 (picture taken at 7 months)

Uppermill Lincolnshire

SIRE: Perfection of Skailhouse

DAM: Uppermill Lovely Leana

2nd UK9042012 1002-2 (picture taken at 7 months)

Uppermill Secret Stash

SIRE: Perfection of Skailhouse

DAM: Uppermill Secret Shadow

Stephen with Arturo Vierheller former Argentinian minister of Agriculture

Stonmour Miranda Scarlet Stonmour Miranda Vixen-Lee

Stonmour Kingston General

One Farm, Two herds, One family spanning over 100years

Stephen and Linda of Stonmour Shorthorns, Wharf Farm, North Somerset, situated on the bank of the Severn Estuary, a summer haven, but as harsh as the highlands in winter, continuing the love and dedication with a small herd of 100% Beef Shorthorns are a testament that keeping traditional breeding is still needed and there is a niche in the market for these moderate sized sweet natured cattle.

Wharf Farm was bought into the family in 1918, and Gilbert Blake returned to the farm in 1924, where he proved himself as a dedicated breeder of champion Canaries and then Greyhounds. He then started his journey with the Shorthorns, first registering in the 40s the Kingsey pedigree dairy shorthorns, but being Dual Purpose he would also fatten for stores. The Dairy Shorthorns dominated the performance markers of quality and quantity of the milk yield, compiling a long list of regional and national awards. The cow Kingsey Musical 3rd broke the world record for lifetime production giving 210,875lb (approximately 95000 litres) with 8086lb of butterfat with 12 calves and outstanding performance, winning at many shows including the Dairy Show Olympia, London. The Kingsey Herd won its 1st Supreme Championship title with Kingsey Barrington 8th in 1964 and the first of seven gold cup titles starting the same year.

The Stonmour Herd was founded by Mrs Thelma Blake after her marriage in the early 60s, wanting her own breeding alongside her husbands herd, and her Dairy/ Dual Purpose shorthorns stood on their own merit as award winning cattle. The last milk churns left Wharf Farm in 1979, and Stonmour Shorthorns became a suckler herd. In the 80s Stephen returned and actively started the beef breeding program, following guidance from the Beef Shorthorn Society. The Stonmour

Shorthorn herd have registered solely with the Beef Shorthorn Society ever since though we still retain the Kingsey herd with a couple of Dairy Shorthorns. The Stonmour Herd have enjoyed show success throughout the southern region including Breed Champion, Male Champion, Female Champion, Show Champion or Supreme Champion at The Three Counties, Royal Cornwall, The Royal Welsh and Devon County shows on numerous occasions, plus local shows and the well respected Herd competitions.

Home breeding has been proven at Wharf Farm with a closed herd, and using select bulls via AI. Their eligibility researched and their bloodlines traced using The Coates Herdbooks and data bases of Shorthorn societies globally, has ensured that the original population blood lines remain, it also keeps the family lines clean and interbreeding to an absolute minimum. It was the early 1980s that a working relationship was formed with both the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and UK Sires, both parties understanding the importance of maintaining the OP breeding of the shorthorn. This was the fundamental building blocks of what the herd was to become. Throughout the 80s, 90s and early 2000s foundations continued to be built, highlighting a need to preserve the heritage pure shorthorn within UK farming circles. Competitive showing continued to bring success throughout the 90s.

Bring the past into the future.

In 2012 the collaboration with the RBST finalised a work program, using AI straws and pairing the genetically proven original population shorthorn cows with the historical semen from the archived tanks held at the RBST. The objective was to reintroduce the traits lost over the years by choosing bulls, that had 100% pure genetics showing the depth, width and frame from the OP shorthorn, with the first progeny hitting the ground in 2013. Since the initial calves on the ground, the RBST have several Stonmour bulls in their tank in a regenerative program and embarked on embryo collections. Currently we are working with semen from 1958 to 1972

The Maine Anjou improver bloodlines were introduced in the 1970s across the shorthorn breed, aiming to modernise the breed and increasing the size of the shorthorn, this changed the breed from the short, blocky animal of the 1950’s and the 1960s. Wharf Farm, with the Stonmour herd, have continued to breed by using old genetics, thus keeping the traits of hardiness, long lived, fertile, maternal and docile temperament and as per the Beef Society guidelines the Pedigree certificates are proving that being 100% BSH they have no Maine Anjou in them.

Our Beef Shorthorns are raised solely on a grassbased system and may take longer to mature through natural growth but from it we feel that this efficient easily managed compact framed animal has a longevity and functionality that shows in the quality of the herd.

The focus on functionality and longevity means we do not calve in until the heifers are nearing three years old. The natural growth leads to easy calving, with weights averaging between 43-49kg for first time heifers with no calving difficulty, and self-care when out on grass.Beef Shorthorns are an ideal suckler cow and with well marbled meat. We consider our beef to be naturally salted from grazing the shoreline giving an excellent quality meat cut!

We have had some significant bulls from home breeding and one that stands out is Stonmour Thundercloud. True to the breed he was a gentle giant, his showing results included over 100 championship wins and his semen sales and distribution grossed over £200,000, going

worldwide Even to this day his progeny are winning championships across the globe!

There is an ongoing worldwide interest in Stonmour Shorthorns with visits from shorthorn breeders and societies from as far afield as America, Canada, Spain, Brazil, Argentina and Australia for both embryos and semen exports.

Going forward, we feel we have achieved above and beyond the targets that we set ourselves for the breeding of Beef Shorthorns that uphold the traditional values of these amazing cattle, although initially questioning the viability of a herd consisting of animals proven to be 100%.

Currently we have two stock bulls, Stonmour Kingston General and Stonmour Hamilton Duke, 40 breeding females, 35 calves at foot from this year and the followers for replacements! We are currently also actively researching and locating heritage straws of bulls that fit our criteria!

As we write this article our Senior bull, traceable back to the iconic Bapton herd, is now looking for pastures new, due to the retention of his daughters, and with us collecting from him in Autumn 2024.

We are a very small farm and our breeding style of animal is not for everyone, which we understand and fully respect. We admire the more modern style of shorthorns, they are a commercial necessity in today’s market and required to financially survive, however our smaller more compact beasts meet the needs of the smallholders who can handle the cattle with ease and have the pleasures of this tremendous heritage British breed.

100 Years, 100 Shorthorns all 100%

The late, great Thelma Blake

Mischief and calf.

Snowy and calf. Larkhays Peta with calf. Millerston Irania Novelty.

Fearn Godfather progeny achievments

His 2019 born crop of bulls averaged £7600 for 7

Elliot Estelle 695, sold for 16,000gns as a calf at foot with her mother and then went on to claim many calf show championships

Fearn Rembrandt sold for £9800.

Burnside Redbull, Junior Champion

Fearn Godfather

Stirling Feb 2023. Sold for 11,000gns

Fearn Strauss at stud with Cogent

Glendual Sammy, Stirling 2024 Feb Champion, sold for 21,000gns

For more info on Godfather and other bulls semen please get in touch.

30 years of breeding easy fleshing, quiet natured, hardy cattle which will go and thrive in any environment.

Fearn Godfather 2y/o with her Rembrandt heifer calf

Fearn Farm heading towards 30 years of Beef Shorthorn

THE SHORTHORN JOURNEY

Fearn Pedigree Beef Shorthorns have put their stamp on many herds across the UK over the last three decades and as they head into a fourth, the Scott family have high hopes and ambitions for the herd to continue to make their mark.

“The first Beef Shorthorn genetics arrived at Fearn in 1995 when we bought some cows from the Calrossie dispersal,” says John who at the time was just 21 and heading off on his travels to New Zealand.

“I remember going to see the herd with Fiona before we left and agreed with Dad on which ones to buy and from there our love for the breed grew. The MacGillivray’s at Calrossie not only allowed us to invest in some great genetics but also became great mentors for me in the early years.”

Today, 100 Spring calving Pedigree Beef Shorthorns make up the main cattle enterprise at Fearn, where they are all outwintered on a grass/ forage system before coming indoors for calving.

Over the years John has not only invested in genetics to develop the herd but has also become involved within the Society, which he believes is important for the development of the breed.

“I’ve met so many good friends within the breed over the years, in the early days we were such a small society and as new breeders you were welcomed with open arms. The late Donald Bigger, visited Fearn and bought a bull and some recipient commercial heifers from us after the Foot and Mouth outbreak when he was starting to build his herd back up.

“It was on that visit that Donald gave us the encouragement to make the move and sell our first bulls at Perth Bull Sales.”

He continued “I’m glad we listened to him as the first bull we sold at Perth was Fearn Scotsman which sold for 11,000gns to Bill and Jane Landers Cairnsmore herd.

“Donald is an example of just one breeder who not only gave his time to the breed, but to the people within it, it’s vital that we continue to do that both now and in the future.”

Society Duties

John first joined the Beef Shorthorn Society Board when he was 27, carrying out a few years of duties before stepping back to concentrate on growing the business at Fearn as well as his family who were young at the time.

Rejoining the board in 2021 and taking on the Vice Presidency role in 2023, John now feels he can give back to the breed from his learnings over the last number of years.

“Since my last term on the board a lot has happened within the Society. The breed has become mainstream again as people have reconnected and recognised the attributes that the breed brings in terms of docility, femineity and eating quality to name a few.

“Performance recording has helped push this forward along with cow classification which I personally feel is a real benefit to help build a functional herd.”

Heading into 2025, John has high hopes for the continued growth of the breed and Society and hopes he can support the team of staff, directors and members who put a lot of time and dedication in to promoting the breed.

“One of the highlights for me since rejoining the board has been the rebranding process. It’s something I was passionate about implementing and was proud to be part of the team that worked hard to achieve the outcome. It’s important that we have a strong identity which people connect with, I look forward to seeing new merchandise being proudly worn by members and breed supporters,” highlights John.

Looking ahead

“As we move into the new year in which I hope to represent the Society as President I’m looking forward to continuing to work on various projects that are currently underway and start to make inroads on some new targets.

“I’ve enjoyed working alongside Tim as his Vice, our skill sets have complimented each other, I look forward to building that relationship with whoever is appointed to support me. Our board is very able, we have a diverse skill set which allows us to handle most situations, as I have said before the most important thing is the breed, we have a responsibility to it and any decision we make is made for the good of the breed.”

He continues: “If you’re passionate about something and able to, I feel you should try do your bit, for me it’s about giving back to a breed that has done so much for me. It is a commitment and does take a bit of time but hopefully that time and commitment those of us on the board make is helping to drive the breed forward. We don’t get every decision right and its vital that we learn as we go, learning from what doesn’t work as much as from what does.”

“The breed is in a good place, but it needs to be with the challenges the beef industry is facing. We need to be prepared for the future so of course there is still work to do yet but we are up there and moving forward.”

John is a real believer in youth and with son James along with siblings Izzy, Lexie and Archie all doing their bit at Fearn, he is keen to ensure the future generation of Shorthorn breeders are supported. “At home we encourage the kids and our young team to take responsibility, James takes a lead on breeding decisions and has a passion for shorthorns just like myself and dad have developed over the years.”

“Harnessing the energy of youth is something we need to do more with, and I want to be there as a facilitator to encourage younger members to come forward and share their ideas. The three ladies currently involved in the Board Apprenticeship Scheme are great characters and I am keen to do more with the scheme going forward.”

Another area in which John hopes to develop is the commercial market share for the breed. “I think we are really good at representing the breed in show rings and Society sales, we’ve seen that with the highest entry of cattle the past few years at the Highland Show and some successful bull sales. However, there is still growth to be had in the commercial market share and I am keen to drive this forward.”

Fearn Beef Shorthorns

Over the last 29 years there has been some changes to the way the herd of Shorthorns have been run at Fearn but two of the key areas John has always had a focus on is getting the right genetics to ensure cattle are easy fleshing and building a high health status.

In 2020/2021 during Covid, John took the opportunity to look at the way he marketed his bulls, and the decision was made to introduce a ‘Great from Grass’ online sale.

“We had always spoke about developing an onfarm sale for our cattle as we had been doing it for a number of years with the sheep and had some great success,” states John.

“However, with Covid restricting things during 2020/2021 it made us turn to the online element and think differently about the way we were going to sell our stock.

“It’s easy to do what you’ve always done but I think in today’s world and with a shrinking market we need to try being proactive and think of new ways to sell our product.

“At Fearn we wanted to stop hard feeding which needed to be done in the run up to bull sales in order to get the stock fit enough and try to adapt a system whereby we could sell our animals in their ‘working clothes.”

The sale staged through the Yourbid Online Auction System is now into its third year and offers a selection of bulls and heifers suitable for breeding from both the Pedigree Beef Shorthorn and Luing herds from Fearn.

“It’s harder with bulls compared to rams and we haven’t got it right yet”, says John. “But each year we have changed things slightly, improved on areas and I’m hopeful that we will achieve what we want to. We know we are producing a sought-after product as we have had repeat custom and the feedback from buyers has been very positive. We are also seeing progeny from our genetics being successful in the show and sale ring.”

This year, Beef Shorthorn bulls sold to £6000 twice, with Fearn Tyrant selling to Jock and Fiona Gibson of Edinvale, Forres while Fearn Tweed was purchased by Rattray Estate managed by Calum Clark.

Bulls are all natural and weigh between 700-750kgs at the time of sale. All relevant health tests and semen tests are done prior, so the bulls are ready to go straight to work.

John concludes: “2025 marks 30 years in the Shorthorn breed at Fearn and the team here are looking forward to celebrating the milestone and hope to have many more enjoyable and successful years.”

FACT FILE

Overview

• Family run 4th generation farm John and Fiona (5th generation - James, Izzy, Lexie and Archie) John’s parents James and Janet

• Main unit at Fearn 1160 acres with 780 acres rented and 500 acres contract farmed.

• Five full time employees, plus seasonal staff

Cattle

• 100 pedigree Beef Shorthorn with a small selection of BSHx cows and heifers all calving spring.

• 60 pedigree Luing cows and heifers all calving spring.

• Breeding bulls – 20 pedigree Shorthorns sold annually through Yourbid sale and privately.

• Most cattle outwintered on feed pad and others on dry stubble fields. Cows only come in for calving a few weeks prior and then go out straight after they calve.

• Finished cattle sold to ABP and Woodhead’s, Morrisons, to receive the Beef Shorthorn Premium.

Sheep

• 1000 pedigree ewe flock

• 1300 cross ewe flock

• Aberfield, Texel, NZ Suffolk, Romney & Beltex tups

• Annual Great from Grass ram sale,180 tups sold annually through Yourbid sale and privately.

• Lambing – pedigree 15th March and commercial 5th April.

• Lambs sold store or finished and sold to local butchers and Morrisons.

Arable

• Laureate spring barley grown for malting

• Forage crops inc – stubble turnips, forage rape, fodder beet, swedes, kale

• Silage (3000t pit) and hay made each year in round bales

• Main machinery work by local contractor

Environmental

• 40,000m of hedging planted in the last 10 years.

• 100 bird boxes on farm.

• Three ponds created.

• Grass margins & species rich grassland.

Agritourism

• Highlands and Islands Monitor Farm

• Renovated old mill now providing accommodation to sleep up to 14

• Just bought a neighbouring pub which John and Fiona hope to renovate and use as a way to showcase the work done at Fearn to locals and tourists through providing homegrown beef and lamb as well as décor to highlight the ‘farming journey’.

Other

• 2 windmills.

• Biomass boiler used to produce heat to farm cottages and grain dryer.

• Gallagher Electric Fencing agent.

1st calves by HC HOLLYWOOD 6H Canadian AI

Glenisla Vancouver (P)

Glenisla Viking (P)

Glenisla Desiree V784 (P)

Beef Shorthorn adds value to Bailie family farm

Croobview Beef Shorthorns was formed in 2007 by the Bailie Family who farm alongside the beautiful rolling hills in Dromara, County Down. Denise Bailie and her late father Stuart had a love of the breed which is now shared with her son Uel and his young family.

The herd stands at around 35 cows and followers, which are run on a commercial management basis. The main herd calves down between February and May with the heifers being brought into the herd at approximately 2 ½ years of age in the Autumn.

The Bailie’s have enjoyed success in the show ring over the years with their highlight being Reserve Junior Female Champion at the Royal Highland Show in 2016 with their homebred daughter of Chapelton Typhoon “Croobview Jellytot”. This heifer proved to be a solid performing cow producing several highly regarded females that remain in the herd today.

Local shows and sales have regularly been attended since the herds formation, and this has led to the Croobview name becoming highly regarded throughout the country. Both new and established breeders have sourced breeding stock from this herd, a fact that Denise takes pride in. In addition to this the Bailies have forged great friendships through their love of Beef Shorthorn cattle.

Keen to add value to the farm, Denise was encouraged by her father to consider selling beef boxes as they were producing more meat

than they required for their own use. They knew that the feedback on their produce was already exceptional as Denise had given different cuts to family and friends to sample at home. This gave them the confidence to open Croobview Meats in 2020, operating from a renovated building on the farm. The word quickly spread that there were premium quality Beef Shorthorn cuts of beef available, and sales rocketed as customers were blown away by the taste and flavour.

The Bailie family are now delighted to report that their client base is far reaching through word of mouth, and now extends to all of Ireland, with previous customers having visited from Scotland and Spain!

Most of the cattle marketed through Croobview Meats comes from their own pedigree herd, with all males castrated and kept through to finish. These are commercially run on their holding of approximately 50 acres, with concentrates being fed in the three months prior to slaughter. The optimum age for slaughter is around 19 months, at which point they will kill out around 330 kilos and grade R for conformation and 4’s for fat level. What makes Croobview Meats unique is that they only use pure bred Beef Shorthorn cattle, with additional stock sourced from other breeders if

demand is high. Being mindful of their carbon footprint Denise uses a private abattoir which is located close to the farm. The cuts of beef are vacuum packed, labelled and frozen for sale in the quaint butchers’ shop on the farm, and a local delivery service is available for customers if required.

Denise with the support of son Uel and his wife Laura, has plans to expand this thriving business to keep up with demand. “We initially never could have dreamed of the success that Croobview Meats has turned into, from humble beginnings we now feel the time is right to drive it forward to the next level” explains Denise.

“Work has already commenced to erect a new livestock house which will facilitate increased stock levels and our ability to produce a steady supply of prime beef sustainably on our own farm. Our aim is also to have our own butchery on site which will not only let us hang our own beef for 30 days but will also allow us to offer more fresh beef on a regular basis.”

The future certainly looks bright for this enterprising family, who have put their heart and soul into Croobview Meats!

Sledmere herd hits the ground running

A desire for docile, attractive cattle to graze in front of the historic Sledmere House led the Sledmere Estate’s livestock manager Rich Clifford to purchase the Estate’s first Beef Shorthorns three years ago.

Since then, the herd has grown to 40 pedigree cows, with plans to increase total cow numbers to 75 in due course.

“We had been running a commercial suckler herd before that and some of those cows are still here, but as they are culled they’ll be replaced by pedigree cows to expand the Shorthorn numbers,” he explains.

Initial purchases came from the Appleton herd dispersal, with a stock bull purchased from Geoff Riby’s Stonehills herd and a handful of cows and calves bought at the same time.

“This bull, Stonehills Pilot, a Jason of Upsall son, has done a great job and continues to breed well for us. We also retained a bull calf out of one of the Appleton cows, with this being a Pode Hole Rockstar son. And latterly we’ve bought more cows from Steve and Gilly Johnson’s Gilven herd at Huby.”

Rich says the breed has fitted in well at Sledmere, with the aim being to breed cattle which can thrive off the forage that can be grown on the Estate without the need for bought-in concentrates.

“The superior foraging ability of the breed is a great asset and combined with its docility has made them a super fit for what we wanted from the herd,” he explains.

With a total of 500 acres of grass on the Estate, alongside 2500 acres of arable cropping, the cattle are managed alongside 550 commercial ewes and a 600-head herd of red deer which are run in a traditional deer park.

A background in butchery has given Rich an insight into the type of cattle required by the trade and he is aiming to sell more homebred beef through the Estate’s farm shop and café as well as at seasonal events on the Estate.

“Last year we put half a dozen cattle through the shop and café and I’m keen to grow a boxed beef scheme in due course, but that all takes time and I want to ensure we do it properly.

“The quality of the beef coming from the Shorthorns is tremendous and knowing how

they’ll kill out is a great way of learning how best to manage the cattle to best suit the needs of the retail trade,” says Rich.

“We send the carcasses to a local butcher to be hung and cut and he’s doing a great job for us. At the moment we’re also selling any surplus bulls through Selby Market, with anything not suitable to be sold for breeding finished at home on a barley and forage-based diet.

“One we sent recently was an 18-month-old bull which weighed 782kg live and came to £2224, with several buyers commenting on the quality of him.”

Aiming to keep management simple, Rich houses cattle in late October or early November, choosing to bring cows and calves in together, giving calves time to adapt to their new environment.

“We then vaccinate the calves a week later, then give the vaccine 14 days to build immunity before weaning calves. They’re also creep fed ahead of housing to ensure they’re adjusted to the change of diet before they come inside.

“All of that, as well as housing weaned cows and calves side-by-side makes for a relatively stress free and simple weaning process which avoids the usual growth checks that can be seen,” he says.

With most of the herd calving in spring Rich prefers to calve inside to better manage cow condition ahead of calving. “Cows calving outside have the chance to get too fit before calving and that can lead to problems. Having them inside ensures cows remain fit and that calves don’t get too big ahead of calving.

“We do have a handful of bought-in autumn calving cows which I’m working to bring back to spring calving, but that will take a bit of time.”

Having sold a small number of bulls for breeding already the aim is to further grow bull sales both from home and at sales as the herd develops in the next few years. “I’d also like to start showing and Steve Johnson has been very helpful in getting me on the right track for that. We picked out a couple of heifers to show this year, but didn’t get the time to take it any further, so hopefully we’ll be able to get out and about next year.

“However, I’ll only take stock to shows or sales when I believe they’re good enough and I’m my own harshest critic, so they’ll need to be right before I step in a show ring!”

Having been at Sledmere for 11 years Rich says the development of the Shorthorn herd is a project he’s looking forward to driving forward in future with the help of his assistant Indie and the support of his wife Laura.

“The friendliness and helpfulness of fellow Beef Shorthorn breeders has been exceptional over the last few years and their willingness to give up their time to advise and help has really given me the confidence in what I’m doing,” he adds.

“Developing beef sales as well as breeding stock sales and building the herd’s reputation is my aim for the next few years and with the support I’ve received so far I’m sure it will be an enjoyable project.”

(P).

Derwentwood Tessa 25 (P)

Derwentwood Velocette (P)

New Herd Sire Podehole Rockmaster (P)

Derwentwood Vincent (P)

Derwentwood Tessa 24 (P)

You can purchase a selection of branded merchandise in our online store at https://www.beefshorthorn.org/the-society/merchandise/ All prices include VAT.

Maternal matters for commercial sucklers

Making the most of Beef Shorthorn maternal traits along with the premium prices on offer for Shorthornsired prime cattle are key for Shropshire-based suckler herd owner Simon Bedell.

Farming on the Welsh border at Bishops Castle, Mr Bedell and his father before him had run a pedigree Limousin herd since the breed was first introduced to the UK, with the Wintles herd being among the eldest two still in existence.

“Back in the 1960s my father experimented with a variety of breeds, having used native breeds including Beef Shorthorn, he tried both Charolais

and Limousin, settling on the Limousin for its easy calving and carcass qualities,” he explains.

“I’d carried on with the Limousins, running both purebred and crossbred Limousin sucklers and using Limousin bulls across them. I was selling everything as suckled calves or yearling stores at Bishops Castle and enjoying a good trade.

“However, the increasing issue of TB locally made me nervous of both buying in replacement crossbred heifers and also not being able to sell stores if the herd got shut down. Added to that I was looking for an easier calving on the pure Limousin heifers to maximise calf viability,” he explains.

“I went to the Beef Shorthorn for all of those reasons and, allied to that my late father had always said if he was to go back to a native breed it would be the Shorthorn, so it made sense from all angles.”

And, while the herd, thankfully, hasn’t suffered a TB outbreak, the ability to finish Shorthorn crosses at home is something that Mr Bedell has relished, particularly as prime beef prices have increased in recent years.

“In addition, as per my original plan, the Beef Shorthorn cross heifers are making excellent cows on the harder ground of this upland system which runs from 750ft above sea level up to 1200 ft and crosses over the Welsh border at the highest point,” he explains.

These Shorthorn crosses are particularly suited to much of the land farmed around the edge of Bishops Castle which is criss-crossed by a network of footpaths. “Historically, I increased sheep numbers to use this ground. However, these fields were becoming sheep sick, so I had to look for something else.

“The more docile nature of the Beef Shorthorn cross cows means they are well suited to this land. They aren’t bothered by walkers or dogs and can be safely grazed there without any worry.”

Another benefit of the Shorthorn crosses is the ability to calve heifers at two years old, compared to two and a half or three years old with the Limousins, he says. “Spring calving these Shorthorn cross heifers at two years old is working well. I was putting them back to a Limousin bull, with the maternal traits of the Shorthorn really shining through in the way they grow their calves.

“In recent years I’ve been putting the Shorthorn x Limousin second calvers and older to a British Blue bull to give them a little extra conformation to attract premium prices as store cattle,” says Mr Bedell.

“However, there are a number of measures of quality and high conformation isn’t everything, the maternal traits coming from the Shorthorn, as well as the ease of calving and calf vigour allied

with their excellent foraging ability are just a few other measures of quality,” he explains.

With cows outwintered on fodder beet and forage rape, having a cow which can thrive in this system is crucial, he adds. “The Shorthorn crosses do really well in this system, with the pure Limousins faring well, but the Limousin crosses out of dairy cows have always struggled and have usually had to be housed instead, increasing costs.

“The outwintering system is one I’ve operated for the last 25 years to keep costs down and maximise output from forage. Round bale hay or silage is fed via ring feeders alongside the forage crops from November through to calving in mid-March,” adds Mr Bedell.

To maintain cow condition going into the winter calves are offered creep from early September, with this being a blend of homegrown barley and oats alongside a protein pellet.

“Once calves are housed, they’re fed crimped barley and silage to grow them on prior to sale. All Continental-sired steers are still sold as suckled calves or yearling stores, with just the Shorthorn steers finished at home.

“The TB situation locally is more contained, thanks in part to licensed badger culling, so I’ve much more confidence in being able to sell stores. However, I like having the option to finish some cattle and getting the whole of the pie when it comes to the Shorthorn crosses is quite pleasing.”

And with the upland nature of the farm Mr Bedell says limiting cow size has become more important in recent years. “I’m aiming for a 580600kg cow which can wean a calf that is 50% of its bodyweight. I want cows that can grow a good calf that will go and thrive for the next person in the chain.

“Finishing my own Shorthorn cross steers is helping me see what’s working and I’m regularly

achieving 350-360kg carcass weights, with mainly R4L grades. I do get the odd U4L when they’re out of British Blue-sired heifers, but the R4Ls are the aim across the board.”

Aiming to meet the needs of processor Woodhead Bros wherever he can Mr Bedell is conscious to ensure he uses a mineral drench containing selenium. “Selenium in the diet helps increase shelf life and the farm is selenium deficient anyway, so it works from every angle.

“All cows are bolused with an Iodine, Selenium and Cobalt bolus. This is particularly important ahead of the winter as brassicas can be low in iodine,” he adds.

Mr Bedell adds that the addition of the Beef Shorthorn to his herd has played out as he had hoped. “The resulting heifers and cows are easy calving, docile, great forage converters and milky. You couldn’t ask for more in a herd!”

The growing influence of the Beef Shorthorn will continue in the herd, as he looks to increase cow numbers to 160, while reducing sheep numbers back to 500-ewes. “That should help the ground which has become sheep sick and the rising beef trade, both for prime and store stock has given me some extra confidence,” he adds.

Beef Shorthorns Fit the Bill at Lour

Scottish Farmers Susan Myles, together with Photographer Rob Haining, paid a visit to Lour Estates to see how Beef Shorthorns had enhanced their livestock enterprise.

Situated just on the outskirts of Forfar, you will find Lour Estate. Sprawling at just over 2000 acres, the business is based around arable and seed potato enterprises but is also home to 180 suckler cows.

With the livestock bred purely for the commercial market, Lour had a history of working with a mix of continental breeds, primarily Charolais. It was through stockman Liam Walton that the idea of introducing native Beef Shorthorn genetics was born.

“I have always been interested in Shorthorns as a breed, and with all the livestock being finished on farm we would have to buy in 30 to 40 maiden heifers every year.” Liam explained, “It was getting harder and harder to find good quality heifers to buy in so we decided to buy a Shorthorn bull to breed our own maiden heifers that we could use ourselves.”

The first foray into Shorthorns was through the purchase of the bull Tofts Weldon at the Stirling Bull Sales in 2018. This was then followed by an Upsall bull in 2019 and from then the Estate cemented its use of the Shorthorns with the breed representing half of their current stock bulls.

“This coincided with the reduction in weight limits for finished animals,” said Kerr Howatson, estate manager. “When using other bigger framed breeds, they were not finished when they reached the maximum weight, whereas Shorthorns are and grade far better.”

“We are now using Shorthorns and crossing them with Simmentals to create the perfect suckler cow and it is working a treat,” said Liam. “Hopefully by using this mix of genetics we can select the best animals to keep for breeding and sell the rest. That’s where I want to go with it anyway, and we have had people interested in them as breeding heifers.”

For Liam, it’s the strong fertility and easy calving traits from the Shorthorn that has really solidified it as the breed of choice.

“It’s like night and day compared to using continentals. Here at Lour we have a bit of steep ground we bull on and the Shorthorns have performed tremendously on it. Our Upsall bull went out on his first year and didn’t miss one cow.” He continued: “We used to have caesareans all the time with the bigger breeds and now since adding in the Shorthorns we have barely had any. We have not had a caesarean for a single cow bred to Shorthorn bar one.”

It’s not just calving, Shorthorn’s mothering ability has also proved successful at Lour. “They just don’t need all the extra attention; the calves are quickly suckling away no problem. We had 30 sets of twins last year which was a nightmare at

FACT FILE

Farm size: Just over 2000 acres outside Forfar, Angus.

Livestock: 180 commercial suckler cows.

Arable: 1300 acres comprising of spring barley, wheat, oil seed rape, winter barley and 345 acres of seed potatoes.

Team involved: Stockman Liam Walton, Estate manager Kerr Howatson, Michael Murray, Michael Hiddleston, Lee Balfour, Jarek Havran, Liam Smith, and Jill Whiteside.

Beef Shorthorn, Simmental and Angus bulls are used at at Lours

the time but fortunately they came from good mothers, and some were able to rear both calves without needing intervention.”

The females are kept as breeding heifers with all the males fattened under 16 months on a barleybased feed. Deadweights are currently averaging 405kg and selling at £2000 per animal.

“The figures speak for themselves,” explained Kerr. “We have found Shorthorns finish much quicker than previous breeds so we can get them away much earlier than we used to and we are getting a better price for them.

“The Shorthorns appear to be performing across the board which is good as we were worried about introducing a native breed here and how that would affect the livestock system.

“The cost difference of moving fat bulls in late June/early July compared to the end of August can be approx. £220 per head, so bulls that finish earlier and grade out better with a better return per head can only be a positive.” Maiden heifers that are kept for breeding are bulled at two years to calve at three. This allows for them to develop more milk and be ready to calve. Bulls go out in April and May for ten weeks for mid to end of February calving the following year.

“We have usually got the bulk of the cows covered by April but there’s always a few that need tidied up in May. Another positive about the Shorthorns is that gestation period is shorter than continentals, so the process is streamlined in comparison. The ease of calving also helps as the cows are able to get in calf much faster when they haven’t had a bad calving.” Liam said.

Lour Estate maintains an impressive herd of approximately 180 beef cows, reflecting a significant focus on livestock production as part of their farming operations. The herd consists of well-managed, high-quality breeding stock, selected for their ability to thrive in the estate's conditions and produce strong, healthy calves each year.

With all the silage grown on the estate, this forms the basis for all feed rations. Barley grown on the estate is milled and mixed with Rumitec 35 and fed to the young bulls.

Cows are given a dry mineral when they are housed up until Christmas when they are switched to Harbro Super Suckler mineral pre calving.

“All the stock goes inside in October with the aim of the cows getting out end of April or beginning of May after they calve, weather permitting of course!” explained Liam.

Lour has 250 acres used for grassland and growing silage. Arable is the biggest area at the estate with 1300 acres used to grow spring barley, wheat, oil seed rape, and winter barley, alongside 345 acres for seed potatoes.

The estate has also invested in several holiday lets, a sawmill, and renewable energy including ground source, wind turbines, and solar panels.

“Here at Lour the cattle fit very well in the business and that has always been the aim.”

Kerr said: “Liam is mostly working with them himself with added help from the team when he needs and during calving we enlist the help of a student.”

Looking to the future, Liam is excited to see how the Shorthorn genetics will improve the herd.

“I hope to get to the stage where we can pick and choose the best ones to keep and get into the market of selling breeding females. Saying that, the Shorthorns are some of the most docile cattle I’ve worked with, they have such a good temperament.

“As much as there was some hesitance from the management about introducing natives into the herd, the numbers have proved that we can have confidence in the breed, and they are right for the system here at Lour.”

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

Best investment? Self-locking barriers.

Favourite thing about working with cattle? Seeing what type of animal you are going to get at calving time, especially the Shorthorn when they can come out that nice roan colour.

Something you can’t live without? Good cattle handling system and my calving cameras.

Words you live by? Always be safe don’t get too complacent when working with cattle.

Where do you see the future working with Shorthorns? The confidence in them is here now so we will keep progressing with the Shorthorn Simmental crosses and flush out some of the other breeds.

Farm manager Kerr Howatson and Stockman Liam Walton.

Scottish farm based in the hills of Perthshire

Catering for commercial and pedigree producers.

Stockbull, Cowford Rancher (Canadian ET –Muridale Penny x Muridale Buster 14K)

Senior Stockbull, Coxhill Magnum

Stockbull, Cowford Rawhide (Canadian ET – Muridale Mocha x Muridale Buster 14K)

Daughters of Rancher – Cowford Tessa Tequila & Cowford Augusta Tiffany (maiden heifers)

Picture taken summer 2023 – Daughter of Magnum, Cowford Secret Swift Rena with her heifer calf, Cowford Secret Swift Treacle

First calved heifer – Cowford Clipper Safia with her bull calf, Cowford Vancouver sired by Rawhide

Junior stockbull, Cowford Ripper – First crop of calves born spring 2024.

Cowford Saskatchewan (Canadian ET – Muridale Penny x Muridale Buster 14K) Used for the first time summer 2024.

Cowford Secret N26 with her heifer calf, Cowford Secret Swift Vanity sired by Ripper.

New junior stockbull - Meonside Salvador purchased at Stirling Bull Sales, February ’24. First crop of calves due spring 2025.

Simplicity key for Kislingbury herd

Warwickshire-based Roger and Tom Elliott have a single philosophy when it comes to management of their Kislingbury pedigree herd; keep it simple.

Running a total of 200 cows, about a third of which are pedigree Beef Shorthorns and with a further 50 heifers coming in to the herd in 2025, the aim is to have a herd of cows requiring little intervention.

“We graze a total of 1000 acres of grass with another 100 acres of arable on top of that and have 1300 ewes alongside the sucklers, so time is a precious commodity,” explains Tom who manages the stock on a day-to-day basis with the assistance of two part-time freelance workers.

“We also finish about 1000-head of bought-in stores every year at a local finishing unit on a bed and breakfast basis, so I’m away buying cattle most weeks. I need to know that when I’m not here the cattle can take care of themselves. If one calves while I’m away I need to know she’ll calve unaided and the calf will get up and suck quickly,” he explains.

Founded in 2009 the Kislingbury herd was originally based on cattle sourced from the Gaddesden herd, with most of these being bred from Croxtonpark and Loch Awe lines.

“These were great cows and to this day many of the best breeding lines in the herd go back to one cow in particular, Loch Awe Cara Jenna.”

More recently, the Elliotts have purchased another whole herd, buying the Althorp herd from the Spencer family. “We were offered the chance to buy the herd, lock, stock and barrel and felt it was too good an opportunity to turn down.

“Based on animals purchased from the Tofts herd there are some great bloodlines within the Althorpe herd and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do with them,” adds Tom.

On the male front Tom says bull selection has evolved over time. “In the early days of breeding Shorthorns we used a few different bulls, but over time we’ve narrowed down on the type that works for us and now, more often than not, any purchased bulls will come from similar breeding lines or families to ensure consistency of type and performance.”

Three bulls from the Upsall herd have made their mark, with these being Upsall Emblem, Glacier and Lachlan. “They all produced great females and have helped move the herd forward.

“Following that we bought a Dunsyre bull, Dunsyre Nebula which again did a great job and complemented the females from the Upsall bulls. We also used a few homebred bulls, from our best lines, looking to lock in some of the best traits within the herd,” he explains.

“When we know a breeding line works for us, we tend to stick with it and exploit it as much as we can. Our most recent bull purchase came from the Fearn herd, with this one being by Dakota of Upsall, a similar male line to our previous Upsall bulls, but with an outcross female line.”

Running alongside herds of both Aberdeen-Angus and Hereford, the Beef Shorthorns are managed on a simple system aiming to sell breeding bulls from home as two-year olds.

However, the father and son duo are highly selective when it comes to bulls they take through to selling age, being critical in their choices. “We have built a reputation for selling bulls that will last well and produce easily calved progeny with

good vigour and an ability to thrive in foragebased systems.

“We’re at the stage where most of the herd is polled, another added bonus when it comes to selling bulls as it is one less thing for our customers to have to worry about.

“We genotype the best of the bull calves, so we have that information on them when selecting which to keep for sale and which to finish instead,” says Tom.

Calving in spring and summer, all bull calves are left entire, with calving taking place outside to reduce disease pressure and allow cows to calve more naturally. “Creep feed is introduced to calves from mid-August onwards to keep condition on cows as grass quality declines through the autumn. We don’t aim to push calves by creep feeding, just reduce the pressure on cows.

“Calves are then weaned in November and go back out to grass when conditions allow. Once calves do come in they’re wintered on fodder beet and silage with homegrown barley fed to maintain growth,” he explains.

Aiming to calve at three years old, for their second summer heifers run at grass to be grown on.

“We used to calve at two, but our current system isn’t right for it, as we graze a lot of permanent pasture, we’d need better pasture to grow them well enough to calve at two.”

For the bulls, anything which is being kept to grow on for sale goes out to grass for its second summer with a small amount of feed offered to keep them going forward. “Anything we don’t want to take forward as a breeding bull goes to the bed and breakfast finishing unit and is generally ready for slaughter at 14-15 months old.

They’re usually sold liveweight at Ludlow market, aiming for 680-720kg liveweight.”

Selling bulls from home means they can be grown on more naturally, meaning they, potentially, last longer for their buyers, says Tom.

“I don’t have the time or inclination to prepare bulls for sale and selling them from home is a much less stressful experience for both man and beast!”

Across the herd the aim is for balance and structure, with cows requiring management intervention often culled to aid the overall aims of the business. “We want easy to manage, medium sized cows. They have to rear a good calf off grass alone and winter on hay with no supplementary feeding. They have to have good feet and udders, we don’t want to be foot trimming cows or their progeny at any point.

“For those reasons we select against Myostatin in any bulls we use as that adds the potential for difficult calvings which neither we nor our customers want. On top of that, we’re keen to use homozygous polled bulls wherever possible. It is the future,” he adds.

KISLINGBURY BEEF SHORTHORNS

Profit begins with a live calf.

Kislingbury Spencer

Sired by Lachlan of Upsall . Homozygous Polled

Dunsyre Nebula

Sired by Belmore Uptown.

Kislingbury Showsley

Sired by Glacier of Upsall. Homozygous Polled

Fearn Remus

Sired by Dakota of Upsall

Visitors always welcome by appointment . Young stock bulls available spring 2025!

R.G Elliott & Son

Navigation Farm, Longdown Lane, Willoughby, Warwickshire, CV23 8AG

Tom; 07508 624376

Beef Shorthorn adds to the perfect criss-cross recipe at Corskie

The Green family from Corksie, Fochabers are no strangers to the Pedigree world, breeding the long-established and renowned herd of Corksie Simmentals. But the main driving force behind the cattle enterprise at Corskie is the 359 head of cross cows, in which the Beef Shorthorn plays a key role.

“Our suckler herd of 539 cows and 92 in calf heifers consists of 180 Pedigree Simmental cows, 38 in calf heifers and 359 Simmental-cross cows and 54 in calf heifers,” says Laura Beattie, who is responsible for the cattle enterprise in the family partnership.

“We had previously worked a different native breed for several years over the Simmental cows to add in some native blood but got “dun” coloured calves which we felt didn’t give the same value compared to red and white coloured. In October 2011 at Stirling, Dad happened to walk past the Beef Shorthorns and spotted Cougar of Upsall who stood out to him, and he decided to give him a try. We were so pleased with the calves that we decided Shorthorns were the route to go down.”

“We keep it very straight forward, using a simple criss-cross system which helps with knowing parental lines. Any

Shorthorn heifers out of the Simmental cows go back to the Simmental bull and any Simmental heifers out of Shorthorn cows go to the Shorthorn bull.”

Cross cows are split into groups calving from August to October and Mid-March to May. Recently autumn born cross steer calves have been left entire and sold dead weight direct to an abattoir at 13 months old, with heifers being kept for replacements. The spring calving cross cows produce yearling store calves which are sold at Untied Auctions, Huntly and replacement heifers for the family’s own closed herd. Any surplus heifers are sold to other suckler cow herds with Laura highlighting that the hi-health status makes them much sought after. Any not suitable for breeding are finished off farm.

“Our finished bulls are averaging around 2.19kgs from weaning to finish and killing out at an average of 399kg dead. Maiden heifers sold privately off farm averaged £1925, and our batch of steer calves (101) sold at Huntly in spring 2024 averaged

£1414.60 a head with an average weight of 488kgs,” highlights Laura.

Iain Green is a regular attendee at Stirling sales, both as a judge and a purchaser.

Over the last few years Laura and her father Iain have selected Beef Shorthorn bulls, mainly from Stirling Bull Sales with the first key focus on health status.

“We are a hi-health herd so won’t look at a bull if the health status isn’t right,” states Laura. “We then go by eye, looking for a bull that is easy fleshed, with plenty of length and width and square behind. From a commercial point of view the first few Shorthorn bulls we bought the EBV’s weren’t really considered but now that we have a small herd of Pedigree Beef Shorthorns, we do focus on them more, alongside myostatin, but health and the look of the bull are the main priorities.”

Since using the Beef Shorthorn at Corskie, Laura and Iain have noticed a number of benefits including cow weights reducing by up to 100kgs and maximising milk production which has resulted in no creep feed now being used on Spring born calves.

“We are really pleased with the system we are now using, and calves seem to be quick to their feet with great hybrid vigour,” Laura continues.

“We’ve also found that the fertility of cows has been excellent since crossing with some great PD results. We are quite ruthless, with anything not in calf going, so it’s important for us to get maximum fertility. All the bulls are semen tested before the start of each season and again, we have found we have had no issues with fertility in the Shorthorn bulls bought to date.”

She concludes: “We feel the Shorthorn breed has improved dramatically over the last number of years both in quality of cattle and the health standard, hopefully as a breed it can keep continuing to do this. We also think it is important to not get too hung up on myostatin and allow the buyers to make the decision when purchasing stock.”

FACT FILE

Overview

• Family partnership with Iain Green and three daughters, Laura, Jemma and Hannah involved with day to day running alongside Iain’s parents, Jimmy and Nan

• Employs 3 pig-men, 3 stockworkers, 6 general workers, 1 foreman, 2 mechanics 38 lorry drivers and 5 part time office staff

• Farm 5819 acres consisting of three blocks of land, 1949 acres of which are owned with the remaining acreage contract farmed

Cattle

• Eight pedigree Beef Shorthorn cows with the aim to slowly increase

• 180 pedigree Simmental cows and 38 in calf heifers

• 359 Simmental cross cows and 54 in calf heifers

• Simmental and Beef Shorthorn bulls used

• Autumn born cross male calves left entire and sold dead weight direct to abattoir at 13 months old

• Spring born steer calves sold as yearling store calves at United Auctions, Huntly.

• Any surplus heifers sold privately to other sucker cow herds or any not fit for breeding finished on farm

Sheep

• 680 Mule ewes crossed with Texel tups

• Lamb finished off farm

• Wintering hoggs kept from October to April

• Small flock of Pedigree Texel’s

Arable

• 279 acres winter barley (used for piggery)

• 2432 acres of spring barley (malting)

• 270 acres of winter wheat (used in distilling or as feed)

Other

• 360 sow indoor breeding herd producing pigs through to bacon which is restocked with high health gilts bought from JSR

• UK-wide bulk haulage business, employing 38 lorry drivers

• 12000 meters of hedging and fenced more than 15500 meters of water margins, not only to improve the farm but to enhance the wildlife habitat

• Constructed a pond for wildlife and have taken part in several years of RSPB bird monitor programmes

Glendual Sammy Overall Champiom at Stirling Bull Sales February 2024, purchased for 21,000gns

Millerston Ramsay

Overall Champion at Stirling Bull Sales February 2023,

Unlocking the benefits of bale grazing

Bale grazing originated in North America and is a grass and hay outwintering system for cattle that is seeing increased interest from UK farmers as a method of reducing costs. Katie Evans, AHDB Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager, explains more.

Bale grazing involves setting out hay bales onto pasture ahead of winter and feeding in a planned, controlled manner using electric fencing. The practice is well suited to dry, cold winters seen in North America but more and more farmers are adopting the practice over here.

Budgets are tight with soaring costs, especially given the bad winter we had last year impacting feed and bedding costs. If done well, bale grazing can bring significant cost savings. As part of the Pasture for Life Innovative Farmers project which is collecting data on bale grazing, we have commissioned a report on the economics of bale grazing to help you decide if this a system you could adopt on your farm.

Cost and benefits of bale grazing will be unique to each farm and will depend on the wintering system you already use. Broadly speaking we have seen that reduced labour and bedding costs are the biggest difference between housing cattle and bale grazing over winter.

Laying out bales as soon as they are made reduces handling and storage costs and depending on your housing set up, fuel and labour costs are at least halved. With straw costs soaring, this provides opportunity for big savings when not using it for bedding. Good-quality hay

will meet the nutritional needs of dry cows so there are savings associated with making hay instead of silage, especially if you are also buying in straw to balance a silage diet. Empty sheds that would have otherwise been used for housing also present an opportunity for extra income.

It is also important to consider the benefits that can’t be so easily measured. Farmers taking part in the Innovative Farmers field lab project said that added benefits to bale grazing for them included a better work/life balance, gaining more enjoyment in the day-to-day job and creating a more sustainable way to run their cattle took the pressure off the rest of the business.

They also reported an increase in diversity, seeing more insects and wildlife on farm thanks to the introduction of new species into the grass sward. All of this can help farmers align what they are doing with their personal values.

Case study – Claire and Sam Beaumont

Claire and Sam Beaumont returned to Claire’s 188-ha home farm in 2017 after a spell working in London as engineers. They currently have a herd of 66 Beef Shorthorn animals of varying ages, with the cows calving at the end of April. Sam and Claire are aiming to have 100-head of cattle

in the next few years. They are taking part in the Innovative Farmers project.

The farm consists of 33 ha of top fell, 430 metres above sea level. This is heather moorland and grazed by four fell ponies in summer. Below this is a 90-ha area of rough grazing and wood pasture, where the herd spends most of the winter on deferred grazing. On the lowest ground, there are 65 ha of meadows managed on long 60-to-90-day grazing rotations throughout the summer.

Sam explains: “Using this system I am thinking about what and where the animals will graze all year round. Bale grazing strategies differ on different farms. For us, it gives the cows something different to eat when the wood pasture has done its job and allows the meadows to get growing.

“I work out how much to give and where to place the bales using a free farming app and I move them between 8:00 and 9:00am every morning. It is a fluid and flexible process, which allows us to balance our family life and other commitments. It is also good for me – I like the physical activity needed to roll out the bales.”

The Beaumont’s have noticed changes in sward composition, with more taller grasses like cocksfoot and more legumes and wildflowers such as red clover, ox-eye daisies and plantains and soil health is improving too.

They have also seen their costs reduce significantly, from £375 per head when the cattle

were housed down to about £30/head this winter and the cattle are healthier than ever.

Bale grazing has also ‘given’ Sam and Claire the old shed back where they now salt and store hides for leather.

“We are passionate about maintaining the natural landscape and enriching the wildlife in this beautiful place,” says Claire.

“Cattle offer opportunities to do this. We can revitalise the grassland while producing very high-quality food. Using a low-cost system, which includes outwintering, allows us to do this and make a profit.”

The Economics of Bale Grazing report draws together management and financial information from seven farms across the UK who are currently bale grazing. It highlights where cost savings can be made before you apply a cost:benefit analysis to your own system. As always, when looking outwards at other farms, this report shows what’s possible, rather than what’s probable.

To read the full report Economics of Bale Grazing, visit ahdb.org.uk

Sam and Claire continue to increase their Beef Shorthorn numbers

Herd selection for growth, prolificacy, carcass quality and to thrive under low input conditions.

All animals sire verified (four generations of calves parent verified) and Myo and Polled tested.

PCHS/CHECS Johnes Level 1, Neospora Level 2, BVD and IBR accredited, Lepto tested free.

Some of the 2024 heifer calf crop

Senior Herd Sire: Redbull of Skaillhouse SRI +62 STI +55 MI +27 Semen Straws available

Junior Herd Sire: Muiresk Tiger Roll SRI +53 STI +58 MI +32 Semen Straws available

Beef Shorthorn ClassificationA Valued Tool for Members

Beef Shorthorns were the first beef Society to offer subsidised classification to members. Darren Todd, R&D Manager at NBDC gives a brief overview of results.

Since the introduction of the service in 2015, over 11,000 Beef Shorthorns have been scored by NBDC classifiers. As well as an overall score, animals are grouped into classes, with cows classed from Poor (P) for those below 65 points, up to Excellent (EX) for those scoring 90 points and over. Heifers are restricted to a best class of VG (80 to 85 points). The breakdown of animals scored per class in each year is shown in Figures 1 and 2.

An increase in the proportion of VG heifers over time is noticeable in in Figure 1, compared with a corresponding reduction in G and F heifers. Similarly, the proportion of excellent cows (figure 2) has increased over time, with fewer in the GP category.

Some 160 stock bulls have been classified since this was introduced as an option, with 135 scoring EX and among those, eight bulls have achieved EX95.

Figure 2 Cows (2nd calf and over) scored per class per year

Figure 1 Heifers (1st Calf) scored per class per year

Meurig James explains the finer details of classification to our patron.

The full picture; bull purchasing, with all the information!

By Harriet Bunning & Seth Wareing - AHDB

Picture the scene: You’ve made the decision to buy a new bull and you’re at the sale or show or farm. How do you decide which one to buy?

If you’re looking for something that’s going to put a bit more size or shape into your herd, you can look at them to get a good idea of what their calves might be like. In the showring, the biggest bull with the best conformation tends to take the top prize. This means farmers have done a good job at breeding cattle with higher carcase weights and EUROP scores.

But what if your goal is breeding more productive heifers? Can you look at a bull and tell if his daughters will calve at two, produce a calf every year and

ensure that calf survives to weaning?

A good start would be to look at his mother or sisters. If he was his mother’s fifth calf in seven years, then he’s probably carrying some good maternal genetics. This approach is good when the information is available, but it’s hard to get the full story for all bulls.

There is another way, which takes all the information from BCMS from all animals and measures the quality of a bull’s genetics – AHDB’s National Beef Evaluations. This is especially important when looking at female production.

The information that comes from BCMS tells us how long an animal lives, when they calve, and how many calves they have in their lifetime. When this is collected on a national scale and combined with the cattle’s family tree, it can highlight the animals that will breed the best suckler cows. Our National Beef Evaluations (NBE) measure the genetic quality of all breeds and even crossbred cattle. We use pedigree information from all the major beef breed societies, including Beef Shorthorn and milk recording schemes, combined with BCMS data on performance for three maternal characteristics.

Characteristic Definition

Maternal

Age at First Calving

Productive Lifespan

Calf survival

Carcase

The age in days of a heifer when she has her first calf

The number of calves produced by a cow in her lifetime

The probability that once a calf has been tagged, it will still be alive at 10 months of age.

Days to Slaughter Age at slaughter, measured in days

Carcase Weight Cold carcase weight

Carcase

Conformation

Carcase Fat class

ADCG (Average daily carcase gain)

EUROP conformation score

EUROP fat score

A measure of carcase growth rate, equal to the kg carcase weight per day of age at slaughter

Our carcase evaluations only use data supplied by abattoirs (from over 14 million animals), rather than performance recorded data from pedigree breeders.

There are many benefits to this:

• More data with less effort

BENEFIT - We use data that is already collected, rather than requiring performance recording by breeders.

• Commercially applicable

BENEFIT - We use data from crossbred and dairy-beef animals alongside pedigree beef.

• Relevant measures

BENEFIT - Our measures directly affect profit. Value at finishing depends on carcase weight and EUROP score.

Cost to finish depends on days to slaughter and carcase growth rate.

How to use NBE

Results are displayed on our website in a chart. Each characteristic has a bar which shows the genetic quality, with bars further to the right typically showing a higher score. That means this bull scores well for carcase weight and growth, but his low score for productive lifespan means his daughters are likely to produce fewer calves than the average.

Why doesn’t my animal have any results?

We only publish results when we have enough data to produce a reasonably accurate score. We continue to collect more data from BCMS, breed societies and abattoirs and publish new results three times a year, so your animal may get results soon.

So next time you’re headed to a sale or farm to buy your next bull, go armed with all the available information, rather than just what the sellers want you to know. For more information about NBE and to look up your cattle, visit:

https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/national-beefevaluations

What’s coming next for NBE?

We are continuing to update NBE, bringing new data together to improve our measures of genetic quality.

• We’re expanding to include new characteristics, such as:

• Cow mature size

• Tb resistance

• We are also combining characteristics to create EnviroBeef, a measure of the genetic potential to reduce the carbon footprint of suckler beef, which we hope to launch in the next 12 months.

Improving Your BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance Star Ratings

ABRI Extension Services

With the quantity of performance data submitted to BREEDPLAN a key factor underpinning the accuracy of BREEDPLAN EBVs, Beef Shorthorn breeders are encouraged to submit performance data for all traits that are of economic importance to them and/or their bull buying clients. The BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance product has been developed to assist breeders quantify the amount of pedigree and performance data that they record for each calving drop. This article will describe the Completeness of Performance product, outline how the Completeness of Performance star rating is calculated, and provide some strategies to assist Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society members improve their star ratings in the future.

The BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance Product

The BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance product assesses the quantity of pedigree and performance

Catriona Millen.

information that has been submitted to BREEDPLAN by an individual seedstock herd. There are two components, being:

1. A BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance Report. This is produced annually for all BREEDPLAN herds in the July analysis, and also in each analysis that the member has submitted performance data for.

2. A Completeness of Performance star rating. This is updated annually for all BREEDPLAN herds in the July analysis.

Understanding the BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance Star Rating System

The star rating for each BREEDPLAN herd is calculated based on the proportion of calves within the herd born in a fixed 5 year period that have performance recorded for each trait. Currently this is the 2018-2022 calving drops (as the 2023 and 2024 drops are not yet old enough to have been fully performance recorded for all traits). Each herd receives a star rating on a 0 to 5 scale (including half stars), where five stars is considered the gold standard.

Each herd receives a total score out of 200. For the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society, members are allocated a maximum of 50 points for animal data,

a maximum of 50 points for weight traits, a maximum of 40 points for ultrasound scan traits, a maximum of 45 points for birth traits and a maximum of 15 points for fertility traits. Within each of these trait blocks, points are allocated for individual traits. For example, the 50 points for weight traits is made up of a maximum of 12.5 points for each of 200, 400 and 600 day weights, and mature cow weight. The total points you receive, up to the maximum, is determined by the percentage of calves recorded for the trait in question. The total score out of 200 is then converted into a star rating, using the system shown in Table 1. The full scoring system, including maximum points allocated for each trait, can be found on page 20 of your Completeness of Performance report, which is available to download via

your member services area on Internet Solutions.

Table 1. Each BREEDPLAN herd receives a total score out of 200, which is then converted to a star rating between 0 and 5.

Improving Your BREEDPLAN

Completeness of Performance Star Rating

The strategy that an individual Beef Shorthorn breeder can take to improve their Completeness of Performance Star Rating will vary from herd to herd. However, once you have downloaded your most recent Completeness of Performance report from your member services area on Internet Solutions, you should firstly turn to page 6 of your report to get an understanding of your total score in each of the trait blocks.

The example shown below in Figure 1 is of a 3 star Completeness of Performance herd, which has received 48/50 points for Animal Details, 20/50 points for Weight Traits, 0/40 points for Scan Traits, 40/45 points for Birth Traits and 2/15 points for Fertility Traits. While it may be possible for this herd to make some improvements in their recording for animal details and birth traits, to make the greatest impact on their future star rating, they would be best to focus on improving their recording for weight, scan and fertility traits.

Once you have an idea of the traits blocks you can concentrate on to make the greatest impact on your star rating, head to the graphs further along in your report. These graphs outline the percentage of each calving drop which have been recorded for each trait. In the case of our example herd, the graphs show that they are doing a reasonable job of recording 200 and 400 day weights for each calving drop; however, there is scope to improve their recording of 600 day weights (including pregnant heifers) and also to start recording mature cow weights (at the same time as collecting 200 day weights on the cows’ calves). Additionally, they are not recording any ultrasound scan data on any of their calves, so, if carcase attributes are of importance to them and/or their clients, this is one area where they may wish to begin collecting performance data. Finally, the graphs show that they do not consistently collect scrotal circumference measurements on their male calves each year. In this situation, it would be recommended to buy a self-tensioning tape (e.g. Reliabull) and collect scrotal circumference measurements on their bull

Figure 1. An example of a 3 star Completeness of Performance herd, showing their total score for each trait block.

calves each year when they are around 400 days of age (and already in the yards being measured for their 400 day weights).

Another thing to look out for is any ‘gaps’ in the data. For example, in Figure 2, the breeder routinely collects 200 day weights on the majority of their calving drops each year. However, there is one year where only around 40% of the calves have received a 200 day weight. This may be a case where the 200 day weights of both heifer and bull calves have been collected, but only one sex has had the 200 day weights submitted. In such situations, it is highly recommended to find and submit the missing data for analysis in BREEDPLAN.

Figure 2. Identifying ‘gaps’ in your performance recording can highlight performance data that you have collected but has not been submitted.

Additional Resources

The ABRI Extension Services team has published two short videos, each approximately 10 minutes in length, which provide further detail on understanding BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance and improving your BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance star rating. These are available via our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@ ABRIExtensionServices).

Congratulations to 4.5 & 5 Star Completeness of Performance Herds for 2024

4.5 Star Herds

Mr I J Rickatson – BREAKHEART

Strathisla Farms - CARDEAN

Mr J W Biggar - CHAPELTON

Duncan MacGregor Ltd - CORRIE

N and A Hunter - DERWENTWOOD

G & M Smith - DRUMSLEED

Mark and Louise Day - INCLINEVIEW

Mrs. E.C. Robertson - PENTLAND

Harry Horrell - PODEHOLE

Messrs. C. Macadie and Sons - SKAILLHOUSE

Mr & Mrs M Stoneham - STANFORDPARK

Mr Tim Riley - STONEYROYD

5 Star Herds

Alistair Clark and Sons - DUNCANZIEMERE

J Scott & Partners - FEARN

Gerard Te Lintelo - MAYFIELD

Polled Versus Horned

Since the beginning of 2023 any bull that is claimed to be polled on its registration must be tested to establish its true polled status. However, interpreting the polled information on a pedigree certificate can be a challenge for some so Board member Kenny Mair shares his view on the subject.

Homozygous Polled

An animal which is homozygous polled will only produce polled offspring even if it is mated with a horned animal.

Hetrozygous Polled

A heterozygous polled animal carries one copy of the polled gene and one copy of the horned gene. The offsprings polled status will depend on the status of the other animal.

When mated to a homozygous polled animal – 100% chance of polled offspring.

When mated to a heterozygous polled animal – 75% chance of polled offspring and 25% chance of horned offspring.

When mated to a horned animal – 50% chance of polled offspring and 50% chance of horned offspring.

Horned Animals

A horned animal carries no copies of a polled gene.

When mated to a homozygous polled animal – 100% chance of polled offspring.

When mated to a heterozygous polled animal – 50% chance of polled offspring and 50% chance of horned offspring.

When mated to a horned animal –100% chance of horned offspring.

Polled Genes

There are two types of polled genes in Beef Shorthorns, the Celtic gene and the Friesian gene. Both are mutations coming from different ancestors however they mean the same thing. It is possible for an animal to carry copies of both genes at the same time.

When viewing animals on the database a polled Celtic and polled Friesian will appear if the animal has been tested which all fully registered bulls born 2023 onwards will be if they are registered as polled. It will be displayed like the following:

POLLED_CELTIC-N/Pc

POLLED_FRIESIAN_51D-N/Pf

To figure out an animal’s status, the letters following Celtic and Friesian are the important bit.

• N – Non carrier

• Pc – Carrier of the Celtic polled gene

• Pf – Carrier of the Friesian polled gene

To figure out if an animal is homozygous polled, heterozygous polled or horned the following table will explain how the results will look. Again, it does not matter which polled gene an animal carries, they both mean exactly the same thing.

Pc/Pc Homozygous Polled

Pf/Pf Homozygous Polled

N/Pc Hetrozygous Polled

N/Pf Hetrozygous Polled

N/N Horned

Carries 2 copies of the Celtic gene

Carries 2 copies of the Friesan gene

Carries 1 copy of the Celtic gene

Carries 1 copy of the Friesan gene

Carries no copies of either gene

‘W’ is the Year Letter for 2025

No room for passengers

Jill Hunter, Harbro Beef & Sheep Nutritionist

It is well documented fertility is the number one driver of productivity and profitability in suckler herds and a pedigree herd should be the ideal place to strive for perfection in all aspects, including fertility as there is access to the very best genetics. AHDB report over 60% of cost and emissions derived from suckler produced beef comes from keeping the cow herself. It is easy to let a cow slip a few weeks or months because of her past progeny success and the hope she might produce the one you’ve been waiting for. However, when you adopt a purely commercial lens, this isn’t possible, and every cow must earn her place.

As we recognise fertility is key to sustainability and profitability, there are a few areas to focus on, to help fine tune fertility from a nutrition and management perspective:

Heifers: Typically, bulling heifers are well managed, and pregnancy rates are good but the challenge comes when trying to get them back in calf for the second time. Any cow needing assistance at calving will need extra time to recover before she starts cycling again. Pelvic measuring heifers and removing the smallest 10% is a sure way to continually improve the calving ease of your females. Then bull maiden heifers 21 days ahead of the main cow group to allow them more time to recover and regain body condition once calved. Keep calved heifers separate from the main herd throughout the summer and feed them well as they are being asked to rear a calf, repair after calving, prepare for bulling then maintain a pregnancy, all while still growing themselves.

Bulls: Half the job of getting cows in calf is down to the bull. Semen production takes around seven weeks, meaning close attention to detail is needed around stock bulls, whether serving the cows naturally, through artificial insemination or embryo work. We should look carefully at their mineral supplementation and consider the benefit of additional antioxidant support along with omega 3, which is proven to support semen quality, which is why the Stockman’s Choice range was designed alongside Glasgow Vet School with this in mind.

Cow body condition: It is important to be mindful of the change in cow condition throughout the year and our team have been trained to body condition score cows to support this. Cows which carry excess body condition year-round become lazy and less likely to cycle normally. Keep cows fit, active and make them work for you. It is well understood in the dairy industry how the diet a cow is fed before calving

has more impact on her milk production and fertility than the ration she is fed after calving, meaning it is crucial to plan the ration alongside your nutritionist, if you want to maximise milk production and early calf growth.

Mineral supplementation: Minerals in grazing and forage differ between geographic areas and even farm to farm. At Harbro we regularly test forages to ensure products continue to meet requirements of high performing animals. Investing in fertility by putting your herd on a suckler cow mineral programme will cost around £35 per cow for the year. Super Suckler SEC is the base of our mineral programme and focuses on:

• Supporting immunity through supplying selenium as Sel-plex, meaning it gets into colostrum and milk to help newborns keep warm, boost immune system and get calves off to a good start.

• Looking after cow and calf health by having the right level of vitamin E and antioxidants, along with magnesium and calcium to avoid grass staggers, slow calvings and retained cleansings.

• Boosting fertility by including the right level of copper, from a source which has a positive impact on rumen health and is not affected by molybdenum

Our focus is on maximising homegrown feeds, choosing quality products led by science and innovation, then backing it up with the best advice. Our team are on hand to help evaluate current feeding regimes, assess body condition and match a mineral programme to your herd, should you wish to fine tune and find the next marginal gain. After all, fertile, productive and profitable cattle are what the commercial buyers want to buy. Leave the passengers behind and fill your herd with stock which meet the mark when supported in the right way.

· Aids strong bulling activity

· Boosts cow health

· Aids easy calving

· Promotes calf development

· Boosts calf vitality and immunity

· Improves colostrum quality/quantity

Secure the future of your herd by giving your calves the best possible start in life. Super Suckler is available in 25kg or 100kg buckets, or as powdered minerals or in cow rolls.

Speak to your Harbro specialist, or visit us instore.

www.harbro.co.uk farming@harbro.co.uk

FEARN STRAUSS P

SIRE: FEARN GODFATHER P

DAM: FEARN FAIRY CLIPPER L1551 P VG89

For more information

Cogent’s exclusive portfolio of Beef Shorthorn sires offers the modern day breeder an unrivalled combination of pedigree, performance and power. Influenced by globally respected polled bloodlines, the range boasts eye catching phenotypes and high-ranking breed indexes.

Sexed Semen: Driving Genetic Progress in Beef Shorthorns

Since its introduction in the late 1990s, sexed semen technology has advanced significantly. Initially more popular in the dairy industry, it is now playing a key role in shaping breeding strategies within the beef sector.

According to AHDB, as of April 2024, sexed semen accounted for 84% of all dairy semen sales, up from 76% in 2023. This shift is also becoming more apparent in the UK beef suckler sector.

With current advancements, sexed semen now offers fertility rates comparable to conventional semen while producing over 90% of calves of the chosen gender. Its use in beef farming is helping breeders accelerate genetic improvement, streamline herd management, and boost economic returns.

Accelerating Genetic Improvement

By using sexed female semen, Shorthorn breeders can produce more heifers from their best breeding animals. This approach speeds up genetic progress, particularly for key maternal traits like milk, daughter calving ease and maternal indexes. It allows farmers to focus on passing on desirable genetics and traits within their herd.

The addition of male sexed semen also presents exciting opportunities for pedigree herds. It allows breeders to select specific females for producing the next generation of elite sires. For suckler producers selling suckled calves, store cattle, or even finishing on farm, it offers the ability to increase the volume of faster-growing, potentially more valuable, male progeny in the herd.

Greater Breeding Flexibility

Using sexed female semen on top-performing females helps breeders produce replacement heifers more efficiently. This approach frees up the rest of the herd to be mated with terminal sires, which improves both maternal and terminal traits within the herd.

Improved Biosecurity

One major advantage of sexed semen is its role in supporting a closed herd. By producing replacement heifers from within their own stock, breeders can reduce the need to bring in external animals. This not only lowers the risk

of introducing diseases but also strengthens the overall health status of the herd.

Economic Considerations

While sexed semen is more expensive than conventional options, the potential economic returns can more than make up for the cost. Six great reasons to consider the use of sexed semen in your herd are:

• Targeted breeding of your next generation of replacements from desirable female lines

• Faster genetic improvement within the herd

• Easier calvings, as heifers’ calves are on average smaller than bull calves.

• Maximised value from every calf born in your herd.

• Healthier, more productive herds, less disease risk.

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from the beef sector.

Challenges and Best Practices

Sexed semen comes with its own challenges, particularly if not managed carefully. To maximise conception rates with sexed semen, Shorthorn breeders should:

1. Use sexed semen on heifers, as they typically have higher fertility rates.

2. When used on cows, select those with excellent fertility, good health and no injuries.

3. Employ skilled AI technicians or follow excellent DIY AI protocols.

4. Follow effective synchronisation protocols when adopting fixed timed AI.

5. Maintain strong animal health and nutrition management.

Case Study: Stanford Park Farm

Simon Bradley-Farmer, manager of a 700acre mixed farm near Oxford, has been at the forefront of adopting sexed semen technology in the 150-strong pedigree Beef Shorthorn herd at Stanford Park Farm. Coming from a dairy background, Simon has been using sexed semen since its inception in the late 1990s. He started using it specifically for Beef Shorthorns in 2014 when Cogent released the first Beef Shorthorn female sexed semen available in the

UK. Integrating this technology into his breeding programme has yielded remarkable results.

Key Outcomes:

1. Improved Conception Rates: Simon regularly achieves conception rates around 65% with sexed semen, demonstrating significant technological advancements in recent years.

2. Enhanced Herd Management: Using sexed female semen on maiden heifers has resulted in easier pregnancies and calvings. Firstcalved heifers rearing heifer calves perform better, getting in calf easier for their second calf and maintaining better condition at weaning, compared to those rearing bull calves.

3. Economic Advantages: The farm has developed a lucrative market for pedigree breeding heifers, significantly increasing revenue compared to selling store bullocks. Using semen in general and synchronisation, helps them keep a much tighter calving pattern, which is also financially beneficial.

4. Breeding Strategy Optimisation: Simon uses sexed semen on 40-50 breeding females annually, allowing for targeted breeding and the use of slightly harder calving sires on heifers while still ensuring easier calvings with female calves.

5. Increased Genetic Diversity: Through AI and sexed semen, the farm has used up to 21 different sires in a single breeding season, vastly expanding genetic diversity compared to traditional stock bull limitations.

While Simon is a strong advocate for sexed semen, he notes some limitations. The current range of Beef Shorthorn sires available with sexed semen is still restricted, which can limit breeding choices. Simon emphasises that genetic makeup must still

match breeding goals; they won’t use a sire solely because sexed semen is available. The release of new Beef Shorthorn sires with sexed female semen in the future will provide more genetic options and allow for more strategic choices.

The benefits of breeding more females, achieving quicker genetic improvement of female lines, and having the flexibility to easily change genetics year to year have been advantageous to his operation. His experience showcases how sexed female semen can enhance Beef Shorthorn breeding programmes, offering both management and economic benefits.

“Why wouldn’t you use it?” Simon asks, highlighting the technology’s potential to revolutionise breeding programmes in the Beef Shorthorn industry.

Looking Ahead

As the technology continues to evolve and becomes more widely available, sexed semen is likely to play a bigger role in beef breeding. Male sexed semen is already being used more to produce quality beef calves in the dairy sector and gaining interest in the UK suckler herd.

For breeders, sexed female semen is a powerful tool to enhance genetics, improve herd biosecurity, and optimise breeding programmes. Though challenges remain, careful management can lead to significant rewards. As sexed semen technology advances, it will undoubtedly become an even more important part of Beef Shorthorn breeding in the UK.

BRADHILL SHORTHORNS

EST. 2016

BASED IN THE HILLS OUTSIDE OF BURNLEY Strong Cow Families with high Classification

Member of SRUC Premium health scheme, BVD accredited, IBR 1st qualifying test passed, Johnes Level 1 , TB4

you to

our

Bradhill Augusta Celeste EX90 From the heart of the Augusta line.

Steve Swales Dairy Ltd

Stonehouse Cote Farm, Bacup Road, Cliviger, Burnley, Lancs BB11 3RL t: 07904 229075 e: srswales@aol.com

Bradhill Princess 3 EX93(2E) Carrying her 5th Calf. Dam of Royalty sold to Cairnsmore.

Gilven Butterfly Morgan EX93 Foundation cow of our Butterfly line pictured carrying her 6th Calf.

Stonehouse Sapphire and her Bradhill Royalty heifer calf Stonehouse Sapphire Venus 2nd in their class in the herds competition

Stonehouse Sapphire Verity by Bradhill Royalty 2nd in her class in the herds competition

STONEHOUSE SHORTHORNS

Betsy Violet by DRS Super Mario

3ND PLACED SMALL HERD IN THE NORTHERN CLUB HERDS COMPETITION

Jessica Swales - the herd is run alongside the Bradhill herd Stonehouse Cote Farm, Bacup Road, Cliviger, Burnley, Lancs BB11 3RL

t: 07739 998952 e: jmswales030295@aol.com

Stonehouse buttercup and her DRS Super Mario bull calf who has just been sold for breeding Follow us on social media Jess Swales Stonehouse_shorthorns

Stonehouse

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Beef Shorthorn Regional Club Contacts

As a Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society member, you are very welcome to join one of the regional clubs. Each one offers an array of activities focused on learning and sharing information, together with various social activities. Here are the contact details for the various clubs, please feel free to get in touch with the officers.

Scottish Beef Shorthorn Club

‘Scottish Beef Shorthorn Club Events Page’

Chairperson: Calum Clark t: 07480 853187 e: calumclark1975@hotmail.co.uk

Vice-Chair: Cathryn Williamson t: 07816 322280 e: cathrynw54@gmail.com

Secretary: Rosemary Dickie t: 07887 737040 e: rosemarydickie@farming.co.uk

Treasurer: Kenny Mair t: 07384 890092 e: kwfmair@gmail.com e: sbsc2012@hotmail.com

Northern Ireland Beef Shorthorn Club

‘N.I. Beef Shorthorn Club’

Chairperson: Colm McGuigan t: 07703 008292 e: colm_loaded@yahoo.co.uk

Vice-Chair: Ule Bailie t: 07742 465875 e: begney@hotmail.co.uk

Secretary: Eileen Cairns t: 07816 525456 e: nibeefshorthornclub@gmail.com

Treasurer: Tom McGuigan t: 07801 063164 e: nishorthorntreasurery@gmail.com

Northern Beef Shorthorn Club

‘North of England Beef Shorthorn Club’

Chairperson : Tom Richardson t: 07855 485829 e: northernbeefshorthornclub@gmail.com

Vice-Chair: John Wilson t: 07365 108940 e: northernbeefshorthornclub@gmail.com

Secretary: Caroline Ivinson t: 01768 881343 e: northernbeefshorthornclub@gmail.com

Treasurer: Andrew Ivinson t: 07570 390226 e: northernbeefshorthornclub@gmail.com

North East Beef Shorthorn Enthusiasts

‘North East Beef Shorthorn Enthusiasts’

Chairperson: Gerard te Lintelo t: 07717 131388 e: telintelo@tiscali.co.uk

Vice Chair: Paul Braithwaite t: 07746 663113 e: Juaulbeefshorthorns@gmail.com

Secretary: Maureen McCulloch t: 07775 891372 e: maureen_mcculloch@hotmail.co.uk

Treasurer: Rose Thompson t: 07983 581502 e: rosethompson9@hotmail.com

Central Beef Shorthorn Club

‘Central England Beef Shorthorn Club’

Chairperson: Sally Horrell t: 07932 052524 e: centralshorthorn@gmail.com

Treasurer: Andrew Wright

Southern Beef Shorthorn Club

‘Southern Beef Shorthorn Breeders Club’

Chairperson: Tina Russell t: 07711 810534 e: tinashorthorn@gmail.com

Vice – Chair: Bex Broad t: 07565 340680 e: bexbroad04@gmail.com

Secretary: Steve and Joni Davies t: 07733 105990 e: steve@bloomfieldhatchfarm.co.uk

Treasurer: Penny Lownds t: 01962 775210 e: office@homefarmhursley.com

Wales & Borders Beef Shorthorn Club

‘Wales & Borders Beef Shorthorn Club’

Chairperson: Emily Jones t: 07975 611191 e: jonesgarnwen14@gmail.com

Vice Chairperson: Gareth Price t: 07707 510108 e: Talsarn@icloud.com

Secretaries: Gill & Peter Jones t: 07977 265331 e: jonesgarnwen@aol.com

Vice Secretary: Catrin Price t: 07815 289410 e: Catrintalsarn@yahoo.co.uk

Treasurer: Sue Parry t: 07854 307275 e: Sparry63@me.com

South Wales & Mid Western Beef Shorthorn Club

South Wales & Mid Western Beef Shorthorn Club

Chairman: Alma James t: 01437 731610

Chairperson: Alma James t: 01437 731610

Secretary: Huw Evans t: 07976 328177

Huw Evans t: 07976 328177

Treasurer: Martin Reynolds t: 07966 371558 e: martin.shorthorn@gmail.com

Martin Reynolds t: 07966 371558 e: martin.shorthorn@gmail.com

Scottish Club

The club started its New Year with a social at Stirling Golf Club before the Stirling bull sale when an enjoyable evening was had by the members and £50 was raised for RHET.

A barbeque was held by the Club on the Saturday night of the Royal Highland Show week and a most enjoyable meal was had by those who attended and the sum £212.65 was raised for RHET.

The Club’s summer visit in July was to Dye Clark’s Leeburn herd and Allan Jackson’s Headlind herd. Dye and Elizabeth provided us with a welcome cup of coffee and cakes before we went into trailers to go on a tour of the herd, during which Dye gave us an insight into the breeding of the cattle as we went through each field starting with cows and calves, in-calf heifers, bulling heifers and finishing with a pen of young bulls in the shed.

The cattle looked extremely well and this was a tribute to the Clarks’ breeding policy as during this miserable summer the fields had still not dried out.

We saw a Texel tup lamb that had been Champion at Carnwath Show the day before, along with a few Bluefaced Leicester lambs. Some members nipped off to see more of their tup lambs, while the rest of us tucked into burgers and a drink of our choice.

We then moved to Headlind where we finished lunch with amazing strawberry meringues, traybakes etc….. kindly provided by Senga.

However, after everyone had finished eating, Allan took us for a walk round his cattle. The cows and calves were looking really well, with Tofts Atlas in all their breeding. As we moved onto the youngstock we saw some of his show cattle and moving back to the steading we saw a selection of Allan’s young bulls and some that were in for livery. A nice end to a wonderful day.

Our weekend away was to the Peterborough area and on starting to arrange our itinerary we discovered that it was the same weekend as the Beef Shorthorn Society’s Development Day, with the added bonus of HRH Princess Anne attending.

We had an extremely interesting afternoon with Princess Anne meeting all the finalists in the National herd competition. The Fearn herd was our representative this year and Kirsty Clark represented John Scott and family as they were all busy trying to get the harvest finished.

Four very interesting workshops followed before a most enjoyable walk round the cattle. We finished the day by

being asked to join the Horrell family BBQ for their end to a great day.

We visited six more herds in the area, and they were very impressive in their own ways showing the versatility of our breed as the farms had a large variety of soil and weather conditions, to farm with. The hospitality from all our hosts was second to none.

club would like to thank Jack Gates, Vellum herd; Charles, Sally and Harry

The

Horrell, Podehole: Chris Nye,

Herd competition winners 2024; Left to right Allan Jackson and Senga Hamilton-Guy Headlind herd – Overall Champion, Danny and Jayne Wyllie (Judges), Jock Currie (Miltonlockhart), Front row James Rae, Chapelton (Overall Reserve Champion) and Robert Taylor (Strathendrick)

Croxton Park – Scottish Club weekend away

Little Downham, Ely Chris Nye’s Mineshop herd – Scottish club weekend away

Mineshop herd; Mrs Bowker and Omer Hassouneh manager of Coxtonpark herd; Tom Elliot, Kislingbury herd; James Fanshawe, Lucombe herd; and Andre Vrona, Langhams.

The Club’s AGM was held at Stirling Market on Sunday 20th October where a large attendance of members congregated. Calum Clark was elected as chair and Cathryn Williamson as vice chair. Kenny Mair and Rosemary Dickie were re-elected as Treasurer and Secretary. Emma McAlister and Matthew Thomson have another year to do, and James Rea was re-elected. New committee members are George Irving, Dye Clark, Fiona Davidson and Victor Watson is ex officio.

The Club held its Annual Prizegiving and Social night with a large turnout of members and friends. The charity competition was to guess the average price of the heifers at the sale and the winner was Lizzie Harding who was spot on with her answer of £3068, who received £30 and £172 was sent to RHET.

The Longtown Prize, which again was generously sponsored by John Thomson of C & D Auction Marts Ltd, was presented by Matthew Thomson. These prizes are for the best supported summer shows which this year were all in the Northeast of Scotland. Results as follows:

Echt: Fiona Davidson with Fordie Taskmaster

New Deer: Alison Watt with Strathisla Spark

Black Isle: Andrew Anderson with Headlind Sultan

Turriff: Alison Watt with Strathisla Spark

Tarland: Alison Watt with Strathisla Spark

The Club’s annual herd competition was judged my Danny Wyllie ably assisted by his wife Jayne, who navigated and kept him on time. Danny gave a resume of his thoughts and then announced the results.

Group heifers standing on a hill – Day visit at the end of July to Dye Clark’s Leeburn herd showing in calf heifers that were absolutely stunning.

Cow with calf at foot

Champion: John wood & Rory Lawson - Wells Midge 8th Small herd

Wells Midge 8th Strathendrick Princess Miltonlockhart Maroon Lancaster Liz 22nd of Skaillhouse

Stock Bull

Champion: James Biggar - Chapelton Nomad Small herd

Rhinestone Cowboy(Headlind) Ardoyne Mortlach Coxhill Ridley(Balnespick) Chapelton Nomad

Heifer born in 2022 with calf at foot

Champion: James Biggar - Chapelton Duchess 7468

Small herd

Auchmore Snowdrop Blackjack Foxhill Sally Miltonlockhart Star Chapelton Duchess 7468

Heifer born in 2022 in calf

Champion: Grant Stephen – Dunsyre Daisy Gretta 19th

Small herd

Drumsleed Stacey Dunsyre Daisy Gretta 19th(Glendual) Miltonlockhart Sweetheart Skaillhouse Tulip 62nd

Heifer Born in 2023

Champion: B3i Farms Marshall G Bailey – Craigeassie Tessa

herd

Headland Tilly Craigeassie Tessa Shawhill Dewdrop Tasmin Skaillhouse Tulip 22nd

Registered Bull Born in 2023

Champion: Grant Stephen – Glendual Titan

Drumsleed Troy Glendual Titan Muiresk Turra Skaillhouse Tremendouse

Heifer Calf Born in 2024

Champion: G & M Smith – Drumsleed Vogue Small herd

Drumsleed Vogue Rattray Venus Balnespick Valentina Chapelton Gem

Bull Calf Born in 2024

Champion: Allan Jackson & Senga Hamilton Guy - Headlind Vavoom

herd

Headland Vavoom Rattray Viper Shawhill 200161 Chapelton Vermeer

HERD COMPETITION

Champion: Allan Jackson & Senga Hamilton Guy Reserve: Chapelton James Biggar

herd

Trailer at Andre Vrona’s Langham’s herd tour on the Scottish club weekend away

Tulip 61st of Skaillhouse

Podehole Rock Nebula

Balquhadly Beef Shorthorns

At home at the foot of the Angus Glens

Class of 2024

Against all odds, 2024 was the year our boys made us proud. The respect the boys commanded was phenomenal. Thank you to all the purchasers, and everyone who helped to make the team succeed.

Spitfire

Salamander Salazar Sandpiper

Northern Ireland

Cherryvalley Herd comes out on top in Beef

Shorthorn Herd Competition

Northern Ireland Club members recently enjoyed their Annual Awards Dinner at the Greenvale Hotel, Cookstown. As is now customary a roast dinner of “Croobview” Shorthorn Beef was followed by the presentation of awards for the annual herd competition.

This year the competition judging was in the capable hands of Tommy and Patrick Beirne from County Leitrim. After four long days of judging and many miles covered the judges were very impressed with the standard of cattle across all categories and commented on the strength of entries both from newer and more established breeders.

Champion large herd and overall Champion Herd for 2024 was the Cherryvalley Herd owned by Dr Peter Fitzgerald and managed by Mervyn Robinson. The Club wish Cherryvalley every success as they go forward to represent Northern Ireland in the National Herd Competition.

The Champion small herd for 2024 was Croft Shorthorns owned by Richard Henderson.

The commercial herd category was won by the Fitzsimons family, Bawnforth, Ballynahinch with Kenny Hopper, Cookstown as reserve.

Prizewinners from the small herd category (from L- R) Emmett McNulty - Gillaroo Herd, Tommy Beirne (judge), Leanne Green (Derriaghy), JP McFadden, (Linhill herd), Richard & Isaac Henderson (Croft), Kyle Hopper (Aghalun), Stephen Keenan (Roscor), William Burleigh (Benaughlin), Ian Stewart, Glassmullagh herd

Prizewinners in the large herd category (L-R) Tommy Beirne (judge), Richard Henning (Mullaglass) Willow McGuigan (Cooper), Rachel Bleakley (Ballaghneed), Alan Cosgrove (Finn), Mervyn Robinson (Cherryvalley herd)

Commercial Category Prizewinners (L-R) Tommy Beirne and Patrick Beirne (judges), Tom and Barry Fitzsimons, Kenny Hopper, William Burleigh, Laura and Sophie Bailie.

The Club greatly appreciates the ongoing support of our judges and our members at various Club events throughout the year. Please follow NI Beef Shorthorn Club on Facebook for information on upcoming events. New members are always welcome - membership forms can be obtained by emailing nibeefshorthornclub@gmail.com.

CROFT BEEF SHORTHORNS

Our breeding program at Glebefarm is built on the foundations of an ever increasing base of EX cows and sires.

In 2024 we acquired three new females from exceptional cow families which we believe will be a great addition to our rapidly expanding herd.

We value the breeding ability of our cows not by estimation but on what we know, independently verifying this through classification.

Three exceptional females joining the Glebefarm herd: Cherryvalley Thriving, Caramba Tilly and Caramba Tequila.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW STOCK SIRES 2024 SIRES

Burnside Thor and Galla Sonic both come from strong cow families and will be a great fit for our breedy females.

BEEF SHORTHORNS

GALLA SONIC (P)

Northern Club

We’ve had a fairly busy year up north, with nine herds visited, a successful herd competition completed an excellent annual dinner and presentation evening staged and plans under way for our calf show. We have picked up quite a number of new members throughout the year demonstrating the continuing interest and enthusiasm for the breed.

Things began in early July when we rolled up to Cliviger near Burnley to look around the Bradhill and Stonehouse herds owned by Stephen and Jess Swales respectively. The cattle looked well for early in the year with some good female lines consistently breeding well. The youngstock looked particularly well pointing to some exciting times to come. Scones and cakes were served up, surely the best way to pass a Sunday afternoon.

Many club members have been out showing this summer with great success both within the region at local shows as well as all around the country. Most notably at the National show hosted by Westmorland Agricultural Society the Ward family won the female championship with their fantastic cow Kimrina Nina, while at the Great Yorkshire Show the Wilsons of Runley Mill gained the male championship with HighSky Silverside who then went on to be part of the winning Blythewood pairs. The club’s trophy for the best yearling heifer competed for at the Great Yorkshire Show was won by Steph Ryder.

In mid-August more than 30 members made the journey north for our weekend away in Scotland. We visited four herds starting at Glenisla then moving down the valley to Eastmill. On the second day we began at Balnabroich and then went across to the Willingham herd. Proof again that the Beef Shorthorn breed can thrive whatever the system. As usual the hospitality shown to us was second to none, thanks once again to all our hosts.

The Blackbrook herd hosted us in September, they were the winners of the herd competition in 2023. We had a tremendous turn out of about 100 members and friends. We started off in a field of strong well grown heifers before moving on to view the main herd. The cows were consistent, well fleshed and milky with some powerful bull calves and feminine heifers at foot. After a good feed we went up the road to the Highlee herd where again we saw some excellent cows with very good calves at foot and good young stock following on.

In October we had our annual meeting at the Moorcock in Eggleston. The afternoon began with a look around the Pikestone herd, the cattle here are hardy and hardworking, delivering environmental benefits on an upland farm.

After cakes we moved on to the Moorcock. A brief AGM saw our chairman Martin Grayshon step down to be replaced by Tom Richardson, thanks to Martin for all his hard work over the years. An excellent meal and a hard-fought quiz were followed by the presentation of the herd competition awards by this year’s judge Mary Cormack. A great night of socialising was then had, thanks to all at the Moorcock for looking after us so well.

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all our members for making this such a friendly, inclusive and energetic club, here’s looking forward to 2025.

CLASS 1 - Registered Cow with calf at Foot

1ST S Ryder RYDEN ROWAN & RYDEN VIMTO MEDIUM HERD

1ST K Ward KIMRINA NENA & KIMRINA VINCENTE LARGE HERD

1ST A Thornber & daughters MILLERSTON IRANIA NESS & BLACKBROOK VICTOR

EXTRA LARGE HERD

1ST M & J Souter DENTAGTE CARA K1 & DENTAGTE CARA T370

1ST

2ND J Wilson & J Dunning HIGHSKY SILVERSIDE

1ST S & G Currie BEAUTRY

1ST T Riley STONEYROYD

2ND S Ryder RYDEN

3RD J Swales STONEHOUSE MEDIUM HERD

1ST J & H Gibson WHITEROSE

2ND M & T Severn HIGHLEE

3RD S & G Currie BEAUTRY

LARGE HERD

1ST A Thornber & daughters BLACKBROOK

2ND J Wilson & J Dunning RUNLEYMILL

3RD A & C Ivinson SANDWICK

EXTRA LARGE HERD

1ST M & J Souter JODAME

2ND P Coates BARWOOD

3RD A & D Gibson CUTTHORN OVERALL 2024 CHAMPION HERD  A Thornber & daughters BLACKBROOK

SHORTHORNS

ANDREW THORNBER & daughters

CONSECUTIVE CHAMPIONS

We are delighted to be awarded ‘Overall Champion Herd in the No h of England 2024’.

A family favourite is Blackbrook Heathermaid Rosa, who continues to excel each year - pictured this Autumn alongside her heifer calf.

We would also like to thank those who have visted and purchased from our herd this year.

HEATHERMAID ROSA

BLACKBROOK

We have a small selection of livestock for sale. Vistors are always welcome.

HIGHLEE PHOENIX

North East Enthusiasts Club

As we’ve only been running a year, it was nice to start the year off with a social lunch at the Gavel Café, Thirsk Mart where all our members enjoyed a lovely lunch and a chance to meet other members and enthusiasts and talk ‘Shorthorn’!

In May, a new BSH sale was held at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart. This was mainly a pedigree female sale aimed at the commercial buyer. It was a very successful new venture with a 100% clearance of females.

Next up was the Great Yorkshire Show where some of our members exhibited at and we were delighted to sponsor a class for livestreaming.

Our herd visit this year took us to the home of the Stonehills herd, courtesy of the Riby family who were winners of our 2023 herd competition. We saw a great show of stock and young stock with a quality selection of young bulls on show. A lovely lunch was provided for us by Mrs Riby and family which was much appreciated. As Geoff is one of our members, a huge congratulations goes to all the family for winning the 2024 National Herd Competition.

For something different, we held a charity stock judging at Upsall Shorthorns by kind permission of the Rt Hon Gerald Turton. Allan Jackson was the judge on the day with everyone trying to judge the 8 shorthorn classes and a novelty class of 4 blackface sheep which tested a lot of people! It was a good, fun day and all the money raised was

divided between two charities, The RABI and The Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Our herd competition was in the first week of September and was judged by Mr Danny Wyllie ably helped by his wife Jane. The results of the competition are at the end of this report.

Our first AGM was held in October and was well attended by most of our members and new members who enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the Gavel Café.

A huge thank you goes to all our sponsors throughout the year who have so kindly sponsored us which has allowed us to build up funds and make this a group for everyone whose input is welcome.

New members very welcome and can contact us at northeastshorthorns@hotmail.com

results

GRINKLE Beef Shorthorns

Winners Thompson GRINKLE.

NEBSE herd Winners.

BREEDING WITH THE FUTURE IN MIND

Combining UK genetics with carefully selected north-American and Australian genetics

We breed animals to thrive commercially on grass-based low input systems and calf our heifers at 24 months of age.

Semen and embryos now for sale

5-STAR GOLD STANDARD BREEDPLAN PERFORMANCE RECORDING

HIGH HEALTH – MEMBER OF PCHS

A big thank you to all our customers over the last year

PLEASE CONTACT GERARD TE LINTELO FOR WITH ANY ENQUIRIES OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VISIT MAYFIELD:

Leazes Lane, Wolsingham, County Durham, DL13 3DR

info@mayfieldbeefshorthorns.co.uk www.mayfieldbeefshorthorns.co.uk

Central Club

This year’s spring visit was kindly hosted by Mr & Mrs Bowkett at Croxton Park, St Neots. The day started slightly cloudy and damp but by the time we arrived at the farm the skies had cleared. A good crowd of about 35 members attended.

We were met by Farm Manager Omar Hassouneh and his wife Tina. After an introduction to the organic farming policy on the Croxtonpark Estate together with an update on the evolvement of the herd we set off around the cattle. All the bull calves were steered and sold through the market, females were kept as replacements or sold privately on farm. In the first field was a strong group of cows with calves at foot running with the impressive stock bull Breakheart Pioneer. He was certainly stamping his calves with shape and flesh.

The next stop was a group of yearling heifers sired by Pioneer and Podehole Rock Legion. An even bunch well grown and lengthy thriving on some great old park pasture grazing. Several real stunners in the group including some British White heifers – another breed kept by the Bowketts.

After circumnavigating a field waiting to be cut for silage(a great crop by the looks of things) we viewed another good group of cows with spring calves at foot equally as good at the first group running with a new young bull.

Our final field held some exceptional in calf heifers which were an absolute picture and it will no doubt be exciting to see their calves on the ground.

We returned to the yard to a lovely spread for lunch which was very welcome. An update on Society matters from Director James Fanshawe included a request for breeders to send in more data for the ABRI recording. A vote of thanks to Omer, Tina and team and to the Bowketts rounded off the visit.

The club did not hold an autumn event this year instead using the Society Open Day at Podehole as a chance to meet up with other members.

Our Club is very casual – we do not have a membership fee but if anyone in our area is interested please get in touch by emailing centralshorthorn@gmail.com and we will keep you informed of what we are up to. All welcome.

Lunch at Croxton Park. Welcome at Croxton Park by Omer.

What an incredible honour to be invited to judge the Central England annual herd competition.

Anybody who wants to see Beef Shorthorn cattle, with diverse genetics but retaining the ethos of the breed performing well, would be well advised to visit the herds.

From the driest lands in the East to the wet land in the West of the region, the cattle were coping admirably.

Our quest was to reward the “MODERN BEEF SHORTHORN” good growth, width and fleshing, neat udders with plenty of milk, good locomotion, and an attractive head!!

The overall impression we took away from the region was one of excellent Pedigree cattle suitable for enhancing the breed and most importantly great commercial cattle, easy calving, kind temperaments and hitting the spec at the abattoir. That said just remember, if it’s not good enough for your herd, send it for slaughter rather than sell it for breeding..

On the other hand if it is surplus to your requirements and a good example of the breed, take your time and prepare it for sale, keep in mind the

“ EYE” of the PURCHASER

We received a warm welcome and exceptional hospitality from start to finish. THANK YOU

John & Mary Reynolds

Yearling Heifers Croxton park.

Mineshop Cherry K125 (P) EX92 (EX2)

Mineshop Princess Meconopsis (P) EX90

Mineshop Janet N278 (P) EX92 (EX2)

Mineshop Phoenix (P) EX92

Mineshop Indestructable (P) VG89

Southern Club

What a busy year for The Southern Beef Shorthorn club with lots of members supporting brilliant events. We have all had a successful year showing. Exceptional cattle from the South were spotted bringing back prizes at The Royal Highland Show, The Great Yorkshire Show, The Royal Welsh, as well as success at the Southern shows.

The Longfield herd had a successful day at The National Show Westmorland with Blackbrook Taro an exciting young bull with a great future, Coxhill Wheat P630 and Longfield Broadhooks Tina, all winning their classes. Longfield also won the pairs class.

It is encouraging to see the younger generation coming through with some great cattle. Younger members Becky and Matt Broad, Oliver Fry and Luke Curtis all held their own amongst experienced stock people.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t hold our calf show at South of England showground, due to Bluetongue rearing its ugly head. This a massive shame as it always showcases top quality calves which excite everyone for the future. Hopefully, it will be back next year as it is a great chance for us all to have a catch up.

Following the fantastic development day at Podehole that members attended, we had an interesting day at Mineshop looking at exciting genetics and lovely cattle. Thank you to Chris Nye and team for welcoming us and providing great refreshments.

Bobby Landers kindly took a week out of his busy schedule to judge herds across the South, he clocked up many miles starting in Devon, travelling up through, Wiltshire and Dorset. The following day he was in Hampshire where he saw three herds.

He went on to Kent and East Sussex . Next were five herds in West Sussex. He finished travelling back towards home seeing a couple of herds in Oxfordshire. He saw many cattle from old herds and new.

This was followed by a fun prize giving and lunch in Stockbridge at the end of November. Well done to all the prize winners thank you all for entering making the event such a success. A massive thank you to Bobby for your excellent judging and time.

Retiring Chairman John Fry, presenting Large Herd Champions the Hansford Herd.

Champion Medium Herd the Longfield Herd, newly elected Chairperson Tina Russell.

Small Herd and Overall Champion Herd, the Treventon Herd.

Iwas absolutely thrilled to be asked to judge the Southern Herd Competition and I have to say it was a pleasure to undertake the task.

It was a very difficult task due to the amount of quality cattle put on show and I do mean it sincerely when I say that the cattle and the breeders are an absolute credit to the Beef Shorthorn breed.

Southern Herd Competition

There was a great showing of cattle in all different types of systems and really showing the versatility of the Beef Shorthorn breed. I would like to offer my thanks to the Club for the kind invitation and the tremendous hospitality that was given to me throughout my time down south, it was an absolute pleasure.

Bobby Landers

Wales and Borders Club

Mary

and

John Reynolds

It has been our great honour, to judge the Wales and Borders annual herd competition 2024.

We enjoyed visiting all your herds, all will become clear in the following results, with the exception of the senior cow & calf classs, and the senior stockbull, we were looking for HOMEBRED” animals. The senior stockbulls, were judged on their progeny first, followed by their comformation.

Also, we were aspiring to find the “MODERN BEEF SHORTHORN” good growth, width and fleshing, neat udders, good locomotion, and an attractive head!!

We saw a good number of hard-working cattle and herds, just be reminded it costs as much to keep a good one, as a poorer one, hopefully with a better monetary return on the good ones.

It was especially pleasing to see so many young herds, starting their “SHORTHORN” journey, many of you have made wise purchases, and in years to come, will hopefully be rewarded.

The hospitality we received was exceptional, from start to finish, THANKYOU

Herd Competition Results

IMPRESSIVE COLLECTION OF BESPOKE TOURS FOR THE AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY BOTH IN THE UK AND ABROAD

TRAVEL PARTNERS FOR: -ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW -BRITISH POTATO EVENT -NATIONAL SHEEP EVENT -AGRITECHNICA/EUROTIER

UK’S LEADING ORGANISER OF OVERSEAS FARM STUDY TOURS AROUND THE WORLD

ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES FOR EVENTS INCLUDING STIRLING BULL SALES & BEEF EXPO

ORGANISERS OF NUMEROUS WORLD CONFERENCES FOR MAJORITY OF BREED SOCIETIES INCLUDING SHORTHORN’S 2010 & 2022

Proud to support the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society and wish them every success for 2025

The 18th World Shorthorn Conference, Canada, 2025

Clive Brown invited us to write a short article about the 18th World Shorthorn Conference to be held in Canada, July 3rd to 20th July 2025, and we are delighted to do so.

Following a very successful 17th World Conference in the UK, 2022, and which Grant Smith had the privilege of attending, the Canadian Shorthorn Association agreed to organize the 18th Conference in Canada.

Those of us on the 18th World Conference Organizing Committee knew, going in, that organizing such an event, given the vast and varied Canadian geography would be a significant challenge. We can tell you however, that the Organizing Committee have done, in our view, a great job of balancing Shorthorn Breed related visits and activities, with visits to some iconic Canadian scenery and attractions.

For reasons of logistics and practical travel distances the Canadian Tour will begin at Calgary, Alberta, our Western most prairie province.

Then travel by coach, East through Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, then by air to Toronto, Ontario and finish in Southern Ontario. For more details visist www.canadianshorthorn. com/event-details/18th-world-shorthornconference.

We look forward to Hosting those UK Breeders and Shorthorn enthusiasts who can attend the 18th World Shorthorn Conference in Canada.

Dennis Cox, Chair, 18th World Shorthorn Conference Organizing Committee.

Grant Smith, President, 18th World Shorthorn Conference.

Field Farm Tours Ltd would be delighted to assist Shorthorn members with their travel plans to join the next Shorthorn World Congress 2025 in Canada, providing a no obligation quote for flights and any additional arrangements you may require, to suit you. Contact us on 01636 616060 or email: info@fieldfarmtours.co.uk

ON FARM VISITS

Is pleased to host the 18th World Shorthorn Conference and Tour in CANADA.

3rd to 20th July 2025

SCENIC ATTRACTIONS STOPS OF INTEREST

The Canadian 2025 World Shorthorn Conference Tour will include:

• Twelve Purebred and Commercial Beef Shorthorn Farm visits

• Four Beef Shorthorn shows, including the Alberta Junior Shorthorn Show and the Canadian National Junior Shorthorn Show

• Six stops of interest including:

- Lake Louise

- The Calgary Stampede

- The Royal Tyrell Museum

- Niagara Falls

• Several iconic Canadian attractions as well as some great Canadian scenery across the Western prairies and Southern Ontario.

Endorsements:

Richard Moellenbeck, President Canadian Shorthorn Assoc

On behalf of the Canadian Shorthorn Association, we are pleased to host the 18th World Shorthorn Conference, to be held in Canada, July 3rd to 20th 2025. It is our hope that we can show our International Guests the quality and diversity of our Canadian Shorthorns.

Dennis Cox, Chair Organizing Committee, 18th World Shorthorn Conference Canada 2025

Our World Conference organizing Committee members have worked very hard to make the Canada 2025 Conference a worthwhile and enjoyable experience for the Shorthorn Breeders and Breed enthusiasts who are able to attend.

Grant Smith, 18th World Shorthorn Conference President

I would like to thank the 18th World Shorthorn Conference Organazing Committee for the work they have done in planning for this event. I believe that this 18th Conference will be a showcase for the Shorthorn Breed in Canada as well as providing the Conference attendees with a glimpse of our unique Canadian geography and scenery.

The historic article below highlights how links between Shorthorns in Canada and the UK have always been strong. That continued to be so even through the late eighties, as UK numbers dropped, when then president Campbell Graham imported three bulls and 51 females from Alberta, substantially widening the gene pool. In 1989 those Canadian imports were included in the less than 400 registrations for the year from only 24 herds. Fortunately registrations are now running at more than 10 times that number with many carrying some level of influence from imported Canadian semen or embryos. I am sure that interest in Canadian genetics may well see another spike after the 2025 World Conference.

CANADA JULY 2024A TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

When my friend, Graham Hunt invited me to join him on a trip of a lifetime to Canada in July ‘24, how could I resist?

Flying into Vancouver the night before starting our 7 day cruise of Alaska, which took my breath away, we saw scenery you could look at all day and never tire of as we cruised the Inside Passage into Glacier Bay. Off shore excursions taking in Juneau, Ketchikan, (Salmon capital of the world) where we saw hundreds of Bald Eagles waiting for the salmon to spurn. Here we went Whale watching, a great experience, but one does start to ask if maybe there’s too many people and not enough whales? A highlight here for me was the White Pass, Yukon Route train excursion, which we picked up in Skagway, Alaska. Spectacular sceneary on a route which climbs 3,000 feet in elevation. Originally built for the Gold Rush in 1954.

The cruise returned us back to Vancouver, where we spent a few days sightseeing, including Grouse Mountain and our first up close bear sighting, (albeit rescued bears). Ski lift rides, Bird of Prey talks, environmental programmes and a very amusing Lumber Jack Show, completed our visit to Grouse Mountain. Then onto the Rocky Mountaineer train, journeying across the vast and impressive scenery of the Rockies and Canada.

Even though I have now been to Canada twice, I am very excited to return again in July ’25 for the Shorthorn World Congress. One can never get bored with this amazing Country, with its views, people, cattle

and scenery. As part of this trip will be a visit to Calgary Stampede, a truly authentic Alberta experience. It will be great to return again, our complimentary Stetsons were perfect attire given the extremely hot sunshine beating down on us, in the very crowded outdoor venue. Known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, Stampede is the highlight of the year for many Albertans and attracts people from around the world. With rodeo, Bull Riding Championships, Tie-Down Roping, Chuck Wagon Racing, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc, Barrow Racing, Bareback Championships, powwow, live music and the most amazing fireworks I have ever seen, from the evening show at the Grandstand. With introductions to the culture of the First Nations people at the Elbow River Camp, sharing with us their heritage, dances and current way of life. Welcoming us into their tipis, explaining their traditions and culture.

We were at Stampede for 2 ½ days and could not see everything on offer. So, I would recommend you put on your cowboy boots and come prepared for some good walking around.

I look forward to seeing you all in Canada in 2025.

Tina Russell

The heavy horse show and display was incredible, but the only cattle we saw were those being ridden or roped, or on exhibition stands, so don’t expect any show classes, but there is much more unique entertainment, which you don’t see at Agricultural shows over here in the UK.

Miss Europe 2022

‘ Reserve Interbreed Champion Royal Welsh show 2022

‘ Breed Champion Royal Three Counties, Royal Bath and West & Royal Welsh show 2024

and

‘ Interbreed Champion at Royal Bath and West 2024

‘ A prestigious Burke Trophy Winner 2024

to the Runley Mill herd on winning Male champion and reserve breed champion at Great Yorkshire show 2024

Highsky Siliverside

‘

‘ Junior Female Champion Royal Three Counties show 2024

‘ Junior Champion

Interbreed Native Junior Royal Welsh 2024

Historic Burke Trophy success at the Royal Three Counties Show

It was a successful weekend for Beef Shorthorn at the Royal Three Counties Show in Malvern.

Highsky Erin’s Enchantment alongside her bull calf Highsky Tomahawk from Millie and Boomer Birch took Overall Beef Shorthorn Champion in The Royal Three Counties judging on Friday 14th June. The Reserve Shorthorn Champion went to Willingham Spitfire, from Mary Cormack. The Beef Shorthorn judge was Angus Maclean.

Joining forces on Saturday 15th June, a successful pairing resulted in a Burke Trophy win for Beef Shorthorns, tapped out by judge Paul Westaway.

In further Beef Shorthorn success, Junior Breed Champion Trademark of Longfield from Tina Russell and Simon Bradley-Farmer also won Interbreed Native Junior Champion.

Boomer Birch and Mary Cormack flank judge Paul Westaway as they celebrate their Burke Trophy success.

Trademark of Longfield.

Cherryvalley Dominate Beef

Shorthorn Ring at Balmoral

JUDGE

George Somerville Terregles, Dumfries

It was an honour to be asked to judge at Balmoral show it was perfect day for showing cattle and the exhibitors put on a good display, though there is still room for more exhibitors as this is your shop window

My overall champion was Cherryvalley Take a Chance on Me. She caught my attention as soon as she entered the ring with her style, mobility, length, depth and natural fleshing.

My reserve champion was also exhibited by Cherry Valley, Meonside Randango

He was a big powerful bull with length, depth and good mobility good for a bull of his size.

Reserve female and junior champion was Cherryvalley Whats the Craic. Another smart female very correct but not as powerful as my champion.

Reserve male and junior champion was Cherryvalley Wild Track, a promising stock bull with good mobility, length, depth and being well fleshed.

In the pairs, W. McAlister produced a really well balanced pair to take the honours.

It was very satisfying to see the Beef Shorthorns do so well in the Interbreed groups being champion in them all.

There was a lot of positive comments from spectators on how impressive they were so thanks to all involved.

Cherryvalley - Take a Chance on Me - Supreme Champion

It was a week to remember for Mervyn Robinson, stockman at Cherryvalley Estates as their team of five Beef Shorthorns excelled in the cattle rings as the sun shone at Balmoral Park. Breeders put on quite the show with a superb entry of quality Beef Shorthorns delighting the packed ringside that watched master judge George Somerville in action.

The Supreme Championship was awarded to the exceptional two year old heifer “Cherryvalley Take a Chance on Me”. Sired by stock bull Creaga Rolex, this beauty is out of Cherryvalley Pearl who was herself a Balmoral Champion in 2021. A popular winner on the day, this beautiful roan heifer also featured in an array of Interbreed Championships to include Second Reserve Interbreed Individual, and formed part of the winning Native Pairs, Trios and Team of Five.

Standing in the Reserve Supreme spot was Cherryvalley Estates junior stock bull “Meonside Randango” who was purchased at Stirling for 10,000 guineas last year. This rising three year old bull is sired by Elliot Salute, and will now return to work within the 70 strong Cherryvalley herd.

The Junior Championship was also dominated by the Cherryvalley show team when their yearling heifer “Cherryvalley Whats the Craic” was tapped out as winner. Giving her a run for her money was her stable mate “Cherryvalley Wild Track” who stepped out as Reserve Junior Champion. These prospects are both sired by the senior stock bull Creaga Rolex.

The first class of the day was awarded to Shankill Dodsie Roxana, presented by the Duncan family, Crumlin. This three year old daughter of DRS Supermario was shown in calf. Following this was the senior cow class which was led by James Porter with his homebred “Uppermill Lovely Lissue” accompanied with her bull calf at foot. Glenisla Jackpot was behind this five year old entry.

Following the judging George Somerville complimented breeders on putting forward a tremendous show of Beef Shorthorn cattle, in what had been a challenging year for producing livestock due to adverse weather. He described his Champion “as everything a Beef Shorthorn heifer should be, stylish, mobile and full of breed character. She has the potential to be a tremendous brood cow”.

It was a clean sweep in the Native Championships with Beef Shorthorn proving unstoppable when it came to the Interbreed Pairs, Groups of Three and Teams of Five. In the performance weight recorded class William & Jill McAllister scooped first place with his homebred heifer “Burnside Lovely Madonna”

Breed Secretary Clive Brown was on hand throughout the judging, and was delighted to confirm a larger entry of

Beef Shorthorn cattle was forward at this years Balmoral Show. “This is one of the earliest events for the breed each year in the calendar, and is seen as a flagship event for local breeders to promote their livestock.”

Sponsorship was kindly provided by Abbey Autoline who had their team headed up by Richard Henderson ringside to congratulate prize winners throughout the judging.

Reserve Supreme and Male Championship was awarded to Meonside Randango, junior stock bull at Cherryvalley Estates

Winner of the Interbreed Performance Class was Burnside Lovely Madonna T683 owned and bred by William McAllister

Cherryvalley Whats the Craic picked up the Junior Championship

Best Native Group of Three was scooped by the Beef Shorthorns with a trio from Cherryvalley Estates

The Champion Native Team of Five was won by the Beef Shorthorns and featured four cattle from Cherryvalley Estates and one from Leanne Green

The Native Interbreed Pair Championship was awarded to the Beef Shorthorn breed with a duo from Cherryvalley Estates

Judge George Somerville presents the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Bicentenary Trophy to Mervyn Robinson, stockman at Cherryvalley Estates

A Championship line up with thanks to sponsors Abbey Autoline

Production Sale Highlights

Derriaghy Shorthorns take National Show crown

Despite the unseasonably chilly weather for June, the rain stayed away and Beef Shorthorn breeders and enthusiasts enjoyed a very successful day at their National Show on Saturday 8th June.

This year Prize money was very generously sponsored by JMW Farms and judging was in the very capable hands of Michael Conway of the renowned Clonina herd in County Clare.

The overall Championship went to the 2019 born Senior Bull Bethlehem Malton. Malton, who is classified as EX95, is a son of Malton Zenith. Bred by Thomas Fox Malton is now Stock Bull at the Derriaghy Shorthorn herd owned by Leanne Green and is no stranger to the show ring having been crowned as Reserve Breed Champion at Balmoral in 2023.

Following on from his recent success at Balmoral Mervyn Robinson, stockman at Cherryvalley clinched the Reserve Championship with the very smart two year old roan heifer “Cherryvalley Thriving” sired by Creaga Malibu.

Class prizewinners were as follows:

Senior Bull:

1st Bethlehem Malton EX95 Owned by Leanne Green, Derriaghy Shorthorns and bred by Thomas Fox

2nd Windsorhouse Rockstar Owned by Rachel Jordan, Annaghanoon Shorthorns and bred by Hammill Brothers.

Intermediate Bull

1st RIgg Takota Owned and bred by Percy & Jenson Lindsay

Junior Bull

1st Errington Tomboy Owned by James and Ivan Walmsley and bred by Adrian Beatty

Senior Cow

1st Mullaglass Lady Annetta 6th EX94

Owned and bred by the Henning family and shown with her January 2024 born heifer calf Mullaglass Lady Annetta 11th at foot

2nd Croobview Lady Anna Owned by Rachel Jordan, Annaghanoon and bred by the Bailey family

Senior Heifer (2022 born)

1st Cherryvalley Thriving Owned and bred by Cherryvalley Shorthorns

2nd Bushypark Dandoline 5th Owned by Percy and Jenson Lindsay, Rigg Shorthorns and bred by the Keane family

3rd Tullyglush Snow White Owned and bred by Conor McDonald

Intermediate Heifer

1st Derriaghy Lovely Tara Owned and bred by Leanne Green

2nd Cherryvalley Waterfall Owned and bred by Cherryvalley Shorthorns

3rd Ballaghneed Sweet Samantha Owned and bred by Ruth Bleakley

Junior Heifer

1st Ballaghneed Special Sadie Owned and bred by Ruth Bleakley

Pairs

1st Rigg Shorthorns - with Rigg Takota and Bushypark Dandoline 5th

2nd Annaghanoon Shorthorns - with Windsorhouse Rockstar and Croobview Lady Anna

3rd Ballaghneed Shorthorns - with Ballaghneed Special Sadie and Ballaghneed Sweet Samantha

L-R: Cherryvalley Thriving, Mervyn Robinson (stockman at Cherryvalley), Michael Conway (judge) and Jessica Wright (JMW Farms).

L-R :Champion Bethlem Malton, Ian Rea, Leanne Green, Uel Bailie (VIce Chair NI Beef Shorthorn Club), MIchael Conway (judge) and Jessica Wright (representing sponsor JMW Farms).

The NI Beef Shorthorn Club would like to thank Judge (MIchael Conway), JMW Farms for their very generous sponsorship, Armagh Show Committee for their hospitality, William McElroy Photography for the photos and all the exhibitors who brought cattle out and represented our breed so well.

For information on upcoming Club Events follow NI Beef Shorthorn Club on Social Media.

Jenson Lindsay with Rigg Takota.

L-R Mullaglass Lady Annetta 6th EX94(EX2), Richard Henning, Mullaglass Lady Annetta 11th (calf @ foot) and Christene Curry.

Errignton Tomboy shown by Josh Milligan.

Derriaghy Lovely Tara with owner Leanne Green, Derriaghy Shorthorns.

All Positive at Royal Highland

JUDGE

Nigel Miller

Stow By Galashiels

As mid-summer nears the Royal Highland Show generates expectation and excitement through the farming community. Perhaps heightened expectation in 2024 after the relentless rains of winter which spilt over into the spring;

The opening day released that positive energy. The high pale cloud masked the sun and softened the light releasing colour across the showground. The first class of Beef Shorthorn heifers took control of the green showing paddock with a tide of Red, Roan and White filling the ring.

There were big numbers of both bulls and heifers forward in the classes for animals born in 2023 and 2022, but fewer mature cows or bulls were on show. It is understandable that calved cows and stock bulls are often kept on

farm but those that made the trip to the Highland were a credit to the breed and I am grateful to those that made that extra effort.

The well supported heifer classes show-cased quality in depth; cattle that were correct, moved well and with real potential to add value to the breeding herd. Good feet, pelvic structure, tidy shoulders, neat udder development and smooth fat cover are all for me maternal priorities.

There were good heifers right down the line in all the classes.

Several heifers shone in the class for those born after 1st April 2023 with Westbroad Bramble Tina an attractive Roan, who went on to be part of the leading Group of Three, squeezed into second place by Burllie Tilly.

Overall Beef Shorthorn Champion Eskechraggan Fairy Sara from Tom McMillan.

Vibrant Dark Red with a White belly, Tilly is the complete package, a sweet heifer with a super top-line, trim underline and length.

The 2023 heifers born before April were another impressive class showing quality in depth with Craigeassie Tessa pipping Blackjack Lovely Tess for the honours.

Class three showcased the 2022 heifers and was an interesting group of animals spotlighting both the power of today’s Beef Shorthorn and a single heifer from Glenisla with a calf at foot demonstrating the real world maternal quality of the breed.

Two heifers were ahead of an impressive group of females, Eskechraggan Fairy Sara and Westbroad Bramble Silvia; in reality on the day nothing compared to Sara; she is totally correct, a wide pelvis, standing square with real star quality which carried her forward to head the class and take the Over-all female Championship. Burllie Tilly the Junior Female Champion standing an impressive Reserve.

Glenisla Foxglove Flake, structurally correct and milking well stood third in class three having come into the show, calf at foot, and working hard. Her value and quality had to be recognise

The well supported young bull classes again underlined the in depth of quality across the breed. The more extreme variation in the growth curves of young males showed up a variance in type; a necessary variance which keys into the different priorities of commercial breeders.

The first class of bulls, brought together several promising animals which were led by the White Muiresk bull. Muiresk Turra moved easily, a good frame without an extreme weight of bone, and silk smooth muscling. A bull to breed good cows. Eskechraggan Tiree stood a close second.

The class for Bulls born in the first three months of 2023 brought together

some attractive cattle. The well fleshed Light Roan Rattray Theodore clinched the red rosette with the Red Roan Glenisla Talisman standing second a really tidy, level bull.

The 2022 bull group created a contest for the top slot between two Headlind Bulls, Stockman and Soldier both classy Roans with real presence. Soldier standing higher at the shoulder and with real depth, a powerful character; Stockman with a bit more length, moved beautifully, stood square and level with good muscle, smooth over the shoulder. Stockman took the top slot and went on to take the Male Championship with the White Muiresk Turra standing Reserve.

Stockman is an impressive young Bull but on the day the very special Heifer Eskechraggan Fairy Sara took the Overall Championship.

The Beef Shorthorn Group awards brought success to Headlind and Westbroad. Together Headlind, Westbroad and Burllie went on to compete in the Native Interbreed Team Competition securing the Reserve Champion award which is great achievement.

It was a real honour to Judge the Beef Shorthorns at Ingliston and to have an absorbing morning surrounded by wonderful cattle. It was a particular pleasure to see so many herds represented, all bringing out quality stock.

I would like to thank all those involved in presenting the cattle and the stewards for all their help, tolerance and hospitality. They together created a special day for me and a great event.

Reserve Beef Shorthorn Champion Headlind Stockman by T A Jackson Headlind Partners.

Fairy Sara Fly’s to the Top at the Royal Highland

The journey across from the west coast of Scotland proved fruitful once again for Tom McMillan and family, achieving their second Overall Beef Shorthorn Championship at the Royal Highland Show.

Taking top spot as Female Champion, the McMillan’s two-year-old heifer, Eskechraggan Fairy Sara then went on to achieve the Overall Champion title from judge Nigel A Millar during Thursday’s judging. The homebred heifer was sired by the 20,000gns Millerston Kasper and out of Ballylinney Fairy Zara K1638.

The McMillan family, who established a small herd of Beef Shorthorns eight years ago on the Isle of Bute previously won the Championship in 2019.

Reserve Overall went to the Junior Champion, Headline Stockman, exhibited by well-known breeder Allan Jackson. The November 2022 born roan bull was sold at the Carlise Society Sale in May for 7,500gns but was retained by Mr Jackson to exhibit at this year’s show.

Danny and Mhairi Wyllie had a successful show with their sole entry, Burllie Tilley being pulled forward to take the Junior Female and Reserve Overall Junior titles. The June 2023 born heifer bred by the Wyllie’s was out of a homebred cow, Burllie Primerose and sired by the well-known Cairnsmore Landmark.

Reserve Junior Female went to the second prize heifer, Westbroad Bramble Tina from Natalie Hynd. Born April 2023, the roan heifer had already had success at some of the local shows in the south of Scotland. She is out of Westbroad Bramble 3rd and sired by Shawhill Leroy.

Taking the Reserve Male Junior Champion was the Mair family’s April 2023 born white bull, Muiresk Turra. On his first outing, he is sired by the renowned Alvie Galaxy and out of Barwood Tessa Nerys. His full brother, Muiresk Strongbow won the Overall Native Beef Breed title at the Royal Highland in 2023.

Allan Jackson’s team continued their success winning Best Pair (one male, one female) bred by exhibitor as well as well as Best Pair Progeny of one animal, bred by exhibitor. Natalie Hynd was awarded the prize for Best Group (one bull, two females).

The success for the breed continued on Friday when the team for the Native Interbreed won Reserve Overall. This was made up by Alan Jackson’s Reserve Overall Champion, Headline Stockman, Danny and Mhairi Wyllie’s Reserve Overall Junior, Burllie Tilley and Natalie Hynd’s Reserve Junior Female, Westbroad Bramble Tina.

Judge for the day Nigel Millar highlighted the quantity and quality of stock forward. He praised exhibitors for championing the breed over the last 20 years with the Beef Shorthorn now one of the largest entries of cattle at the Royal Highland Show.

Female Champion Eskechraggan Fairy Sara from Tom McMillan and Female Reserve Champion Burllie Tilly by D and M Wyllie.

McMillan family and friends show their support for the champion.

Highland Show 2024 Results

Tom McMillan accepts The Duthie Perpetual Challenge Cup for the champion animal.

Uppermill Perpetual Challenge Trophy for Female Champion presented by judge Nigel Miller and President Tim Riley to Tom McMillan.

The Emilio R. Casares Junior Memorial Champion Challenge Cup won by S. G Mair & Sons.

Natalie Hynd wins The B M Durno Perpetual Silver Challenge Cup for best group 1 male 2

Brenda Wear presents The Redhill World Conference Trophy to Allan Jackson winner Best Pair Progeny of 1 animal.

Class Sponsors Rachel Jordan ANNAGHANNON herd and Denise Baillie CROOBVIEW herd.

Allan Jackson and Senga Hamilton Guy win the Mains Farm Perpetual Trophy and Carlos Duggan Memorial Trophy for best Bull.

AllanJackson collects The Eduardo Bullrich Perpetual Silver Challenge Cup for best pair 1 male 1 female.

Headlind Stockman – Reserve Champion at the Royal Highland Show 2024.

Headlind Soldier – Reserve Champion at Stirling October 2024 Bull sales and Junior Champion at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Hildaland Laird senior stock bull.

Fairy Sara Does the Double at the Great Yorkshire Show

Despite the very wet conditions at the 2024 Great Yorkshire Show, the McMillan family’s sprits couldn’t be dampened as they scooped Overall Beef Shorthorn Championship just a few weeks after winning the same title at RHS 2024.

Winning a strong class of two-year-old heifers, Eskechraggan Fairy Sara then went on to be judge, David Wyllie’s Overall Champion of the day.

Part of the McMillian family’s small herd of Beef Shorthorns on the Isle of Bute, the homebred heifer was sired by the 20,000gns Millerston Kasper and out of Ballylinney Fairy Zara K1638.

Yorkshire breeders, John Wilson and Janet Dunning also had a day to remember, achieving their first Male Championship with May 2022 born bull, Highsky Silverside who stood Reserve Overall Champion.

The roan bull who was purchased privately from Boomer and Millie Birch’s Highsky herd is out of Caramba Erin’s Kiss and sired by Napoleon of Upsall.

The Overall Junior Championship went to the Junior Male Champion, Headlind Solider a 19-month-old roan from Allan Jackson. Junior Female Champion and Reserve Overall Female was Stephanie Ryder’s January 2023 born heifer, Ryden Tequila – an ET calf out of Ryden Jager Bomb and sired by Poyntington Himself.

Alan Jackson later went on to win the Group of Three with Mark and Tracey Severn of the Highlee herd winning the Pairs.

The presentation evening was once again hosted on the Morrisons stand and thanks go to all at Morrisons for their continued support.

The Shorthorn breed then went on to win the Blythwood Native Beef Pairs later in the week with the Overall Champion and Reserve Overall

Champion animals from Tom McMillan and John Wilson and Janet Dunning.

4 Non Blondes coming 3rd in the housewives choice at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Champion and Reserve Champion with Judge Danny Wyllie.

Overall champion Eskechraggan Fairy Sara bred and exhibited Mr Tom McMillan.

Reserve Champion Highsky Silverside exhibitied by John Wilson and Janet Dunning of Runleymill.

Tom McMillan collects the Highlee Show Suppliers Trophy for best 2 year old Heifer.

Steph Ryder with Sophie Throup and Alice Liddle of Morrisons.

Steph Ryder collects The Frank MilnesTrophy for the Best Junior Heifer.

Tom McMillan wins the Norbreck Perpetual Trophy for Champion Female.

Allan Jackson Group of 3 winner.

Allan Jackson collects the Junior Male Champion RoseBowl.

Janet Dunning collects he Hon G Turton Challenge Cup for the Best Bull born in 22.

Podehole won the Sally Horrell Trophy for the best exhibitor bred cow and calf. Highlee took the prize for the pairs.

Jodi Bolland presents Tom McMillan The AJ Marshall Perpetual Challenge Cup for Breed Champion.

Morrisons Amanda Watson gave members an update.

A truly enchanting event at Royal Welsh Show

JUDGE

Graham Towers Greenley Herd, Northamptonshire

It was an honour and privilege to be asked to judge at this year’s show. The quality of cattle was there from the first to last animal entering the ring, a credit to all exhibitors.

On the day I was looking for that little bit of X factor along with good breed characteristics and locomotion, power in the males and females with femininity.

With classes full of all the above it soon became evident that my final placings were going to be close in every class.

My overall champion was Highsky Erins Enchantment from Millie &

Boomer Birch, a three-year-old heifer rearing a powerful bull calf. This was closely followed in reserve by senior bull Willingham Spitfire from Mary Cormack. It was the biggest challenge of the day and oh so close!

Many congratulations to all who took part in the interbreeds, thank you for the co-operation in selecting the teams, it was a great thrill to see the breed have such tremendous success.

Finally, well done to everyone working behind the scenes to produce the cattle to such a high standard and many thanks to the ring stewards for making the day run so smoothly.

Overall Champion Highsky Erin's Enchantment

The Royal Welsh Judging of Beef Shorthorn classes took place on Monday, 22nd July 2024. The Beef Shorthorn Judge for the day was Graham Towers of the Greenley Herd, Northamptonshire. Our thanks to all the stewards who ensured all our classes and championship ran smoothly exhibitors for a fabulous Show and excellently turned out Beef Shorthorns.

Highsky Erin’s Enchantment from Millie and Boomer Birch took the Overall Beef Shorthorn Champion at The Royal Welsh Show, 2 years after she also took the honours as a junior heifer in 2022. Winning the Cow in milk or in calf born before 31 Dec 2021, before taking the Female Championship and then Overall. Willingham Spitfire exhibited by Mary Cormack took Overall Reserve Champion, after winning the Bull born on or before 31 Dec 2022, and the Male Championship.

The show also saw fantastic Interbreed successes for the breed later on in the week.

Winning the Interbreed Team of 5, was Jodame Suzie Q and Jodame Cara Scarlett from Michael & Joanne Souter, Highsky Erin’s Enchantment from Millie Birch, Willingham Spitfire from Mary Cormack and Meonside Catriona Rosebud Sky from M & J Dickson.

Beef Shorthorn also won the Native Team of Three, with Jodame Suzie Q and Jodame Cara Scarlett from Michael & Joanne Souter and Llwynhywel Sherriff from Messrs Evans and Price.

In the Exhibitor bred native pair of heifers, Champion Native and Reserve Overall for Jodame Suzie Q Jodame Cara Scarlett from Michael & Joanne Souter. Suzi Q and Scarlett were then joined by Jodame Princess Tamzin and took reserve overall RWAS Team of three exhibitor owned.

Highsky Erin’s Enchantment and Willingham Spitfire took Reserve Overall in the Interbreed Fitzhugh

Pairs, as did Llwynhywel Tyson in the RWAS Junior bull interbreed and Highsky Enchantments Empress in the RWAS junior heifer interbreed championship

Megan Souter and Iona Park were shortlisted in the interbreed pairs young handlers final 4 and Iona came 6th in the Young handlers final.

A very busy but very rewarding week for Beef Shorthorn exhibitors.

Reserve Overall and Male Champion Willingham Spitfire

Female Junior Champion - Royal Welsh Show 2024

Reserve Champions in the Fitz-Hughes Pairs - Royal Welsh show 2024

Results

BULL, born on or before 31 Dec 2022

1st WILLINGHAM SPITFIRE Mary Cormack (Bred by the Haigh family)

2nd LLWYNHYWEL SHERRIFF Evans and Price

3rd CHERRYVALLEY TOP GUN AK and JK Smith (Bred by Cherryvalley Farms)

BULL, born on or after 01 Jan 2023

1st LLWYNHYWEL TYSON Evans and Price

2nd GUPWORTHY TERRIFIC G H Woollatt Farming Champion Male

WILLINGHAM SPITFIRE Mary Cormack (Bred by Alan Haigh) Reserve

LLWYNHYWEL TYSON Evans and Price

COW, in milk or in calf born on or before 31 Dec 2021

1st HIGHSKY ERIN’S ENCHANTMENT Millie and Boomer Birch

2nd GLENISLA WATERLOO NAOMI M323 Evans and Price (Bred by the Gibb family)

3rd GORDON MILLICENT 166 Evans and Price (Bred by John Elliot)

HEIFER, born on or between 01 Jan 2022 and 31 March 2022

1st JODAME SUZIE Q MR & JE Souter

2nd DINMORE ZOE SELINA James Dickson (Bred by Paul Dawes)

3rd JODAME CARA SCARLETT MR & JE Souter

HEIFER, born on or between 01 Apr 2022 and 31 Dec 2022

1st MEONSIDE CATRIONA ROSEBUD SKY James Dickson (Bred by D & T Bradley-Farmer)

2nd TREVENTON SHIRAZ AK and JK Smith

3rd MEONSIDE MISS RAMSDEN S147 Ela Mair (Bred by D & T BradleyFarmer)

HEIFER, born on or between 01 Jan 2023 and 31 March 2023

1st HIGHSKY ENCHANTMENTS EMPRESS Millie and Boomer Birch

2nd TREVENTON TREASURE AK and JK Smith

3rd JODAME PRINCESS TAMZIN MR & JE Souter

HEIFER, born on or after 01 April 2023

1st LLWYNHYWEL STRAWBERRY TEQUILLA Evans and Price

2nd CYNNEN QUEEN TILLY James Dickson

3rd LLWYNHYWEL TIMELESS KYLA Evans and Price

Female Champion HIGHSKY ERIN’S ENCHANTMENT Millie and Boomer Birch

Reserve Female Champion

MEONSIDE CATRIONA ROSEBUD SKY James Dickson (Bred by D & T Bradley-Farmer)

Group of three EVANS AND PRICE, LLWYNHYWELL

Overall Welsh 2024 Champion and winner of the BSS Champion Rose Bowl HIGHSKY ERIN’S ENCHANTMENT Millie and Boomer Birch

Overall Reserve Welsh 2024 Champion and winner of the Inverness Auction Mart trophy

WILLINGHAM SPITFIRE

Shorthorn presentation - Royal Welsh Show 2024

Mary Cormack (Bred by the Haigh family)

Native Team of Three winners.

Beef Shorthorn team of 5 Champions - Royal Welsh show 2024

BORN: 3rd May 2022

SIRE: Willingham Lieutenant Commander (H)

DAM: Willingham Eva Broadhooks M362 (P)

WILLINGHAM SPITFIRE

✦ Purchased in Stirling for 20,000gns.

✦ A prolific show career including: Burke Trophy winner at Royal Three Counties Show, interbreed champion at Royal Cheshire Show 2024 and male champion at Royal Highland Show 2023.

✦ Tested as zero myostatin.

BORN: 5th April 2016

SIRE: Meonhill Charlie Chaplin (P

DAM: Millerston Irania Flame (H)

MILLERSTON KASPER

✦ Sold in Stirling February 2018 for 20,000gns.

✦ His full sister is the 17,000gns Millerston Irania Linnet.

✦ Kasper is the sire of Eskechraggan Fairy Sara who was breed champion at The Royal Highland and Great Yorkshire shows.

✦ He was shown once in 2023 where he was breed champion at the Royal Welsh Show.

Rougemont A5 landscape advert 2024 .indd 1

Welsh herd takes top honours at National Show

JUDGE

Jane Landers

Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire

When I was kindly asked to judge the beef shorthorns at Westmorland show I was absolutely delighted as it’s a show I have heard great things about but never had the pleasure of attending, my excitement was doubled when it was confirmed as the host of the Beef Shorthorn National Show! What an honour to be a part of!

It was an exceptionally enjoyable task, however the high standards and quality of cattle put in front of me made it a very difficult one indeed and I must say that the cattle were a credit to the breeders and the breed itself!

My male champion and overall star of the show went to Llwynhwel Sheriff from Messers Evans and Price, he was full of real style and presence and showed himself off tremendously well.

Reserve male went to Coxhill Sultan exhibited by Cannon Hall Farms, a very correct light roan bull with great breed character and width. Junior male was Blackbrook Taro from the Longfield herd, a very well grown bull with an excellent outlook.

The female section was a joy to behold with an excellent display of femininity with some really classy lassies on display. My top pick in the female section was Kimrina Nena shown by Catrin Ward, a lovely light roan cow alongside her very smart bull calf. Reserve female was taken by Eskechreggan Fairy Sara from Tom McMillan a brilliant example of the breed with great width and depth. I found my Junior female champion in Burllie Tilly exhibited by David and Mhairi Wyllie a very sweet well balanced heifer.

Overall champion.

It was a real thrill to see the beef shorthorns go on a do so well in the interbreed sections on day 2 of the show especially Llwynhwel Sheriff taking the overall interbreed championship.

I would just like to extend my thanks to the Westmorland Show for the very kind invitation to judge the Beef Shorthorns section and applaud their great enthusiasm and support. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for the tremendous quality of cattle they turned out showing that the Beef Shorthorn has a great future, and I am immensely proud to be a part of it!

It was a worthwhile trip up north for the Evans and Price family with their stock bull Llwynhywel Sherriff taking top honours at the 2024 Beef Shorthorn National Show. The 2022 born bull, sired by Fearn Jumpstart and out of an Elliot cow was tapped overall Champion by judge Mrs Jane Landers from the Carinsmore herd.

There followed a fantastic second day for Beef Shorthorn at Westmorland as the interbreed competitions produced a 1st in the group of 4, 2nd in the pairs and Llwynhwel Sheriff went on to take Overall Individual Show Champion

Clive Brown, Operations Manager for the Beef Shorthorn Society said; “With the show following a new format and moving from the Great Yorkshire Show, organisers of Westmorland put on an excellent event for Shorthorn breeders with really strong entries forward. The National Show was originally supposed to be held at the Royal Norfolk but due to ongoing Bluetongue issue the decision was made to relocate this time and look to return to Norfolk when circumstances allow. The Society was grateful to Norfolk for their understanding and the Westmorland for stepping in as the 2024 National Show hosts. Thanks, must also go to our major sponsors, CCM for sponsoring the overall championship, Rougemont for sponsoring the Junior championship and Wynnstay for sponsoring the calf competition.”

Junior champion.

Female champion with champion bull calf.

Winning pairs.

Winning group of three.

Champion - Burllie Tilly, D & M Wyllie

Reserve

Reserve

1st Kimrina Vincente, Catrina Ward

Beef Shorthorn Junior Champion, kindly sponsored by Rougemont Herd

Presentation Time

Female Champion Carlisle Sale 24

New herd sire

Stanfordpark Sasquatch

Next generation of Beef Shorthorn genetics shine at Agri Expo 2024

It was impressive show of youngstock for the Beef Shorthorn breed at this year’s Agri Expo with over 30 entries forward for judge, Kenny Mair from the Muiresk herd to cast his eye over.

Champion of the day was awarded to Hazelbank Leila - V060 from Dr R J Steen. The April born heifer was placed first in the youngest heifer class earlier in the day which had a great entry of quality of stock forward before going on to achieve female Champion. Reserve female was awarded to Jodame Cara Verity, an ET January born heifer from Michael and Joanne Souter.

Danny and Mhairi Wyllie’s Burllie herd came out on top in the bull calf sections, with Burllie Vesuvius a May born roan bull calf being awarded male Champion and Reserve Overall for the day. The polled, zero myostatin calf maternal brother to the Wyllie’s successful Burllie Tilly who was National Junior Champion at Westmoreland show earlier in the year after a successful show season.

Reserve male went to Beautry Valhalla from Stuart Currie which was winner of the bull born between 1st February and 31st March 2024.

Teamwork in action.

Following the Championship the exhibitors came out in force to present an exceptionally strong entry of pairs with seven forward. Dr Steen’s overall Champion alongside stablemate Hazelbank Venus Opal – V052 came out on top with the Beautry and Burllie herds following in second and third.

The theme of the younger generation making their mark continued right to the end of the day with nine-year-old

Talia Owen winning overall young handler with strong competition including twin sister Daisy. Reserve went to Chloe Roberts.

Through in the main exhibition hall Shorthorn sired calves were making their mark in the commercial classes with first and second prize in the native steer and first prize in the native heifer classes all being award to Shorthorn cross cattle.

Ash Page, representing Morrisons, presents the young handler trophy to Talia Owen.

Presentation time.

Judge, Kenny Mair.

Overall Champion - Hazelbank Leila.

Reserve Overall - Burllie Vesuvius.

Overall Champion May 24 Scorpio of Skaillhouse – 8000gns

Bumper entry for Beef

Shorthorn Calf Show

The NI Beef Shorthorn Club held its annual calf show on Saturday 9th November at Dungannon Farmers Market.

This year’s event was judged by James Rea, who was presented with an excellent selection of youngstock from a wide range of different breeders and exhibitors.

The overall Champion on the day was the very stylish 6 month old white heifer Derriaghy Rothes Vogue, bred and exhibited by Leanne Green, Derriaghy. Rothes Vogue is sired by the herd’s stock bull and 2024 National Show winner Bethlehem Malton EX95 and out of the imported heifer, Aberdona Rothes Rainbow.

Reserve female champion was the very striking roan heifer Uppermill Lillian Bunny 5th. This much admired February 2024 born calf from long established breeder James Porter is sired by the herd’s stock bull Perfection of Skaillhouse.

The male champion (and reserve overall champion) was the 8 month old red and white bull Cherryvalley Victor out of the renowned Creaga Rolex. The Cherryvalley herd is owned by Dr Peter Fitzgerald and managed by Mervyn Robinson.

The reserve male championship was awarded to the Sept 23 born Craigfaddock Troubadour bred and exhibited by David Alexander. Troubadour is sired by Rockwood Ruben EX91 and his dam is from the famous Lady Annetta cow family which has formed the backbone of the Craigfaddock herd for many years.

On a day where there were several very good white heifers on show across

several classes it was fitting that Rothes Vogue was joined by her half sister

Derriaghy Lovely Vanilla to take the Pairs class.

Male Champion and overall reserve Champion- Cherryvalley Victor.

Female Champion and Overall Champion – Derriaghy Rothes Vogue.

Rising Stars Young Handlers Summer League

With entries from all over the UK the Summer League Trophy was successfully won by Iona Park for the 2024 season. Nothing phases this young lady whether the judge swaps animals on entering the ring or commands showing without a show stick, she’s a hard one to beat.

Many congratulations to Iona who was presented with The Moorcock Inn Perpetual Trophy along with her Beef Shorthorn Society Rosette, Tie and Beanie at the Darlington Calf show – due to the Rising Stars, Thirsk, calf show being cancelled at the 11th hour.

Entry numbers were up this year, to enter you must be 18 or under and show a Beef Shorthorn. Its free to enter and is open to any young handler wherever you are in the UK.

Runner up was Jess Barker also receiving a rosette, tie and beanie

Rosettes were also awarded to Jack Barker, George Barker, Josh Hardcastle, George Oakes and Phoebe Oakes .

Our youngest competitor received a Special Smiley Sid Ward Rosette, keep going Sid it does get easier.

Such a fantastic effort from you ALL.

And finally - Thank you to the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society for their support and also to the Souter family for the perpetual Moorcock Inn trophy.

A galaxy of quality stock at Stars Of The Future 2024

Boomer Birch, Staffordshire judged the Beef Shorthorn classes and presented Brenda Wear, Butcombe, Bristol with the overall senior title for the young bull Redhill Taunton born in August-2023 by Fearn No Limits (P). In reserve was B & J Landers and son, Newtown Stewart, with Cairnsmore Trigger (P) a Redhills Lord Thunder (P) son out of homebred Cairnsmore Ginevra Averell (P). The overall junior section was won by the junior bull Meonside Volantis sired by Fearn Wyvis from D & T Bradley Farmer, Parkgate, Dumfries and Robert Taylor, Fintry, Glasgow was tapped out reserve with the March-2024, Strathendrick Aphrodite sired by Grovewoo Jackson (P). Meonside Volantis also went on to take the Junior Reserve in the Native Interbreed.

Redhill Taunton.

RIsing Stars Summer League Champion 2024 Iona Park being presented with The Moorcock Inn Perpetual Trophy by Joanne Souter (Jodame Herd).

Verity dazzles at Darlington

Despite the best efforts of storm Bert, the Northern Clubs Calf Show took place at Darlington auction mart and judge Lee Oakes commented “I was presented with some super young cattle which represented the breed extremely well. My champion was a heifer called Jodame Cara Verity. A beautiful Heifer with plenty of power/style & show presence. She will grow on to make a super yearling heifer.

Reserve champion was a super young

LiveScot 2024

bull, Highlee Volero. Terrific bone structure good locomotion/style in the show ring. Clean bull throughout from front to back. This bull has a great future for any pedigree herd.

and

LChampion.

iveScot 2024 at Lanark saw a strong entry of Quality Beef Shorthorns with judge James Rae eventually tapping out Brenda Wear’s 2023 born bull Redhill Taunton as his champion with Westbroad Victor from James W Frame in reserve.

A huge thank you for Northern shorthorn club organisers and all the exhibitors who exhibited their animals in what was a very tricky 24hrs.”

In the fatstock section it was an excellent day for Rookwith Gaia from Brian Harper winning the W J Reid Perpetual Challenge Trophy for best pure-bred animal, the Champion medal for best pure bred native and the Society’s Perpetual Trophy for best

heifer sired by a Beef Shorthorn. The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society’s Challenge Cup for the best steer sired by a Beef Shorthorn was won by Duncan Mcgregor – Burnhead.

Megan Souter with Jodame Cara Verity.

Mark Severn with Highlee Volero.

Rookwith Gaia.

LiveScot Champion

Reserve

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Lowther Eclipse (P)

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Kassam of Longfield (P)

Outstanding milk, tremendous growth – Male Champion GYS 2019

Stanfordpark North Dakota (P)

Ideal carcase traits and growth – High on TSI & SRI.

Knockenjig Kestrel (P)

Zero Myostatin – great rib fat/IMF figures with easy calving dir/dtrs

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Vale Meadows Flossy’s Cavalier (P)

Zero Myostatin – Male Champion RHS22+ Easy calving dir/dtrs

Jacobite Star of Longfield (P)

Well proven sire, easy calving, excellent TSI & SRI, ideal over red cows. Zero Myo.

Laird of Longfield

Superior maternal traits meets carcase quality -Amazing female family

Stanfordpark Special Edition (P)

Polled, zero myo, milk, maternal, growth & carcase all in one

Meonhill Geronimo

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Young Shorthorn breeders steal the show at Stirling

It was a weekend to remember for young Beef Shorthorn breeder, Grant Stephen with his sole entry, Glendual Sammy leading him to his first Overall Championship and hitting top price on sale day of 21,000gns, selling to North East pedigree breeders, W J & J Green, Corskie.

No stranger to the show circuit, the March 2022 born bull was Reserve Junior Male at Stars of the Future 2022, third prize at Royal Highland Show 2023 as well as Champion at Nairn and Reserve at Keith Show last summer. He was sired by Fearn Godfather and out of HW Gorgeous Tessa who Grant purchased as a heifer calf at foot at the HW dispersal.

Judge for the day, John Scott from Fearn Farm said, “It was a tremendous show of bulls at this year’s sale but I selected Glendual Sammy as my Senior and Overall Champion as I think he is a really good example of the breed –quiet, long, easily fleshed with plenty of depth about him.”

Following behind in Reserve Overall was the Intermediate Champion,

Westbroad Scotia, a Shawhill Leroy son out of Westbroad Rusty 15th, from fellow young breeder Natalie Hynd. Purchased as a calf from the Westbroad herd, Natalie had successfully shown Scotia since a calf with tickets including Junior Male Champion and Reserve Junior Overall Champion at Stars of the Future 2022 and Reserve Junior Male and Reserve Overall Male at Royal Highland Show 2023. He released at 15,000gns to pedigree breeders, J W Frame, Little Galla.

With 10 bulls breaking the five-figure mark it was a record-breaking average for the breed of 7,491gns for 47 bulls sold, up 1,794gns on the year.

Achieving second top price of the day at 20,000gns was Willingham Spitfire, a son of Willingham Lieutenant Commander, from the Haigh family.

Stirling BSH champion Glendual Sammy.

Heading south to breeder Mrs Mary Cormack, Spitfire stood third prize in the pre-show, having previously been Royal Highland Show 2023 Junior Champion, Male Champion and Reserve Overall Champion. The Haigh’s achieved a second five figure price with Willingham Salamander who sold for 12,000gns to the Monuntbenger and Coxhill herds.

15,000gns was achieved for the second time for the Reserve Intermediate Champion, Duncanziemere Saltire from Alistair Clark & Sons. He sold to Glenrinnes Farms, Morayshire.

Other leading prices included 11,000gns and 10,000gns for Coxhill Spartacus and Coxhill Sultan from Mrs Lucinda Townsend, 11,000gns and 10,500gns for Sovereign of Upsall and Squadron Leader of Upsall from Hon. Gerald Turton and 10,000gns for Burllie Saltire from D & M Wylie.

Through in the heifer ring, the average was also up on the year at 2,593gns for 13 heifers sold with top price of 4,000gns going to the pre-show Champion, Balgay Silky Blythesome S189 from Balgay farms. The May 2022 born heifer out of Balgay Silky Blythesome and sired by Glenisla Macleod sold to J Dodge from Shetland.

Stirling BSH Junior Champion and Reserve

John Scott judging the Beef Shorthorns.

Mr Scott highlights, “As one of the fastest growing native breeds in the UK, the Beef Shorthorn breed has given a lot to the cattle industry over the last 200 years and will continue to do so, especially with input costs continuing to rise. The breed is known for its maternal traits - fertile, easy calving, milky and docile – making it an ideal low input suckler cow.

He concludes, “It’s great to see the breed average up on the year with bulls keenly sought from both pedigree and commercial breeders from across the country.”

Stirling sale highlights

10 bulls sell for 10000gns or over.

Champion Lot 182 21000gns GLENDUAL SAMMY (P) Mr Grant Stephen

Lot 230 20000gns WILLINGHAM SPITFIRE (P) Mr A Haigh

Reserve Champion Lot 202 15000gns WESTBROAD SCOTIA (P) Natalie Hynd

Lot 204 15000gns DUNCANZIEMERE SALTIRE (P) Alistair Clark and Sons

Female Champion Lot 269 BALGAY SILKY BLYTHESOME S189 sells for 4000gns

Lot 193 9000gns GLENISLA SAMSON (P)

Major J.P.O. Gibb

Lot 212 11000gns COXHILL SPARTACUS (P) Mrs L J Townsend

Lot 213 10000gns COXHILL SULTAN (P) Mrs L J Townsend

Lot 222 10500gns SQUADRON LEADER OF UPSALL (P) Upsall Castle Farms

Lot 232 12000gns WILLINGHAM SALAMANDER (P) Mr A Haigh

Lot 240 11000gns SOVEREIGN OF UPSALL (P) Upsall Castle Farms

Lot 243 9000gns CAIRNSMORE SPACEMAN (P) Mr and Mrs B. Landers

Lot 244 10000gns BURLLIE SALTIRE (P) D & M Wyllie

Willingham Spitfire 20,000gns.

Willingham Salamander 12,000gns.

Reserve female Beef Shorthorn champion Balgay Crimson Tide from Balgay Farm.

Duncanziemere Saltire 15,000gns.

Stirling BSH Female Champion Balgay Silky Blythesome S189.

Male Champion and Reserve

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•

•

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• CHeCS Bovine TB Herd Accreditation

Triumphant trio for Willingham.

A happy group with Westbroad Scotia.

Champion heifer Balgay Silky Blythsome S189.

Champion and Reserve Intermediate bulls

Muiresk Turra For Sale Stirling Bull Sales February 2025.

Reserve Overall Male Champion Royal Highland Show 2024.

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Solomon sores to the top for Beef

Shorthorn trade at Melton Mowbray

It was two in a row for the Podehole herd as they retained the Beef Shorthorn Championship title at Melton Mowbray’s increasingly popular multi breed sale.

Their March 2022 born bull, Podehole Solomon who was sired by Podehole Magician and out of Podehole Madeline Lisson Ex91 was placed Champion in the pre-show sale by judge Janet Dunning and later went on to sell for 8,000gns and second top price of the day to Gates Farming Partnership, Leicestershire. The zero myostatin bull was full brother to the Horrell’s 2023 Champion, Podehole Rum.

However, it was the females that met strong demand with 12 cows (10 with calves at foot) selling to average 2592gns. Top price of 3250gns was paid for Langhams Rianna Broadhooks, a three-year-old first calver with her November 2023 born bull calf at foot from A C Farms. She headed north to Andrew Morton’s Lochend herd in Stirlingshire with another three cow and calf outfits from the same stabling.

A C Farms also achieved top price in the heifer trade with 3,200gns being paid for Langhams Minnie Treasure, a January 2023 born roan heifer selling to F Nourse, Temple Farm, Wiltshire. 15 heifers sold to average 1,843gns.

“Overall, it was another successful sale with a good selection of animals forward,” says Beef Shorthorn Director, Tim Coles.

“Females were keenly sought from buyers across the country, and it was good to see regular vendors and buyers as well as some new faces sitting round the ring looking to purchase foundation animals.”

Podehole Solomon 8000gns.

Male Champion Podehole Solomom and Male Reserve Champion Langhams Syceus.

Ready for Sale.

Judge Janet Dunning.

Sterling is Top at Stirling

The Coxhill herd from Mrs Lucinda Townsend stole the show at the 2024 May Stirling Bull Sales with their Champion, Coxhill Sterling selling for the top price of 7,800gns.

Sired by the record breaking 27,000gns Meonside Nidavellir and out of an Ex91 cow, Ballylinney Floss 239, he found a new postcode in Aberdeenshire with commercial breeders R & E Chapman, West Cockmuir, Strichen.

Mrs Townsend also achieved second top price at Monday’s sale with Coxhill Sherwood, a May 2022 born roan bull selling for 6,500gns to John Meikle, Dundee.

Standing Reserve during Sunday’s presale show which was kindly judged by Mrs Emma Trueman from the Roundhill herd, was Westbroad Soloman from Mr D Welsh. Selling for 5,000gns to the Scottish Government’s Bull Stud, he was out of Westbroad Rusty 14th and sired by Millerston Paymaster.

With demanding outstripping the numbers of bulls forward, the breed saw an average of £6,038, a strong increase on the year of £2,223 per head with all bulls selling for commercial purposes.

Champion Coxhill Sterling and Reserve Westbroad Soloman.

Miltonlockhart Shrek 5200gns.

Judge Emma Trueman, Roundhill herd.

Coxhill Sterling 7800gns.

Aberdona Stardust 6000gns.

Coxhill Sherwood 6500gns.

Scorpio Ventures South with a Sting

It was a successful trip south for one of the most northerly Beef Shorthorn breeders, Stuart Macadie, as he picked up the Beef Shorthorn Overall Champion ticket and top price at Harrison and Hetherington’s Carlise Multi Breed May Sale.

Hitting the top spot was Scorpio of Skaillhouse, a March 2022 born homozygous polled bull with zero myostatin. Sired by Macadie’s Ex92 bull, Podehole Rock Nebula he sold for 8,000gns to Messrs Reeves, Ipstones, Staffordshire.

Following behind in the pre-sale show were Welsh breeders Messrs Evans & Price with their February 2022 born ET

bull, Llwynhywel Sidekick. The polled bull was a Canadian embryo and sold for 5,500gns to pedigree breeders Messrs Hagon, Ulverston, Cumbria.

Second top price of the day went to Alan Jackson’s second prize November 2022 born bull, Headlind Stockman. The roan, zero myostatin bull sold for 7,500gns to commercial breeders Messrs Sleigh & Son, St Johns Wells, Aberdeenshire.

Male and Overall Champion Scorpio of Skaillhouse sold for 8000gns.

Judge, Tom Elliot

Stonehills topped their trade at 5,800gns with another roan bull, Stonehills Sandy Lane selling to Messrs Foy, Conder Green, Lancashire with Charlie Fletcher and Jack Kay’s white bull, Restones Snowman achieving 5,000gns, selling to Messrs Longlands, Birtley, Northumberland.

The overall average of £4805.29 saw an increase of £426.18 on the year for 17 bulls sold, the same number as last year.

Females

Following the theme from the bull sale, the pre-sale show Champion, Sandwick Scrumptious Margo, bred by A & C Ivinson also took top honours in the sale ring selling for the highest female price of the day at 4,200gns. The March 2022 born heifer is a Fearn Night Watchman daughter and sold to Messrs Page, Newport, North Humberside. Prior to the sale, she had been running with Sandwick Prefer-a-bull who won Overall Champion at the north of England Beef Shorthorn Club Bicentenary Show.

Next in line at 3,800gns was T & I Walling’s fourth prize maiden heifer, Crichton Ballerina 1334 selling to Messrs Hodgson, Holmrook, Cumbria.

Finding a new postcode at 3,600gns was Miss C J Ward’s January 2022 incalf heifer, Kimrina Saphire, selling to Messrs Holgate, North Yorkshrie.

Alistair Gibson achieved 3,400gns for his maiden heifer, Cutthorn Camilla’s Shiela who sold to Messers Bella & Son, Appleby, Cumbria, with her stable mate, Cutthorn Christine’s Satin realising 3,000gns to previous purchasers, Messrs Hodgson.

25 heifers sold to average £2641.80 which was up £78.07 on the year for one more sold.

The draft consignment from Fraser Hugill topped at 2,800gns, with his 10 Ballard females averaging £2,299.50.

Sandwick Scrumptous Margo sold for 4200gns.

Major J.Gibb with Brad Crook from Breedplan Australia.

Llwynhywel Sidekick Sold for 5500gns.

Headlind Stockman sold for 7500gns.

Overall Champion with Blue Merle Trophy from C Macadie and Reserve Champion from Evans and Price.

Cutthorn Pedigree Livestock

Cutthorn Tynesider (image aged 16 months)

Will be presented for sale at Stirling 2025.

Son of highly regarded Cairnsmore Phenomenal

Junior bulls and heifers usually available for sale

‘Sired to Succeed’

Members of SAC : High Health Status

Contact Alastair Gibson to view—07823334910

Cut Thorn Farm, Gibside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 6AA

Phenomenal

Tynesider

LONGTOWN MART

On the English - Scottish Border, convenient to M6/M74

MONDAY 1st SEPTEMBER 2025

NINTH ANNUAL SHOW & SALE OF PEDIGREE BEEF SHORTHORN BREEDING CATTLE

2019 SALES

This well established annual event is ideal for herd reductions and dispersals and always includes a good entry of in-calf and unserved heifers. Live-bidding on Marteye.ie

www.cdauctionmarts.co.uk

2019 SALES

www.cdauctionmarts.co.uk

Supplementary Pedigree Shorthorn Sales held Spring and Autumn. On-farm sales conducted in any area.

SHORTHORN & OTHER NATIVE BREED STORE & BREEDING CATTLE SOLD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR including Morrisons Supported Store Sales on Saturdays 15th March and 25th October Townfoot, Longtown, Carlisle CA6 5LY. 01228 791215 info@cdauctionmarts.co.uk www.cdauctionmarts.co.uk

Traditionally-bred Beef Shorthorns incorporating successful North-American genetics. Scottish Beef Shorthorn Herd Competition 2024 - 2 first prizes, 4 second prizes & overall second prize “Large Herd”

Laurie

CATTLE SOLD AT:

Longtown Annual Breed Society Sale, Monday 1st September 2025 and at Stirling and Skipton

John & Matthew Thomson Newlands, Eaglesfield, Dumfriesshire, DG11 3AA. & John Dick

Tel: 07773 344849 & 07900 181635

Email: info@shawhillshorthorns.co.uk

www.shawhillshorthorns.co.uk

Longtown Beef Shorthorns to 3,300gns

At Longtown on Monday 26th August, C & D Auction Marts Ltd held their eighth annual summer sale of Beef Shorthorn females for the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society. There was a strong trade throughout with a significant number of new breeders in attendance. Many more could have been well sold.

The judge, Cameron Jackson awarded 1st prize in the cow and calf section to Messrs A. & C. Ivinson, Sandwick, Ousby Penrith for Sandwick Blythesome Klassylass, a 2016 born EX90 dark roan by Engineer of Upsall from a Podehole Atlas dam with a registered heifer calf at foot. She sold for 2,500gns to R.A. Nelson, Millstone Moor, Cockermouth. The same purchaser took another Ivinson family cow, Sandwick Kinda Marita by Podehole Gatsby, again with a heifer calf, at 2,400gns. Steve Swales Dairy, Cliviger, took 2,300gns for Bradhill August Celeste with her bull calf.

From the dispersal of the Featherstone herd for Alan & Dorothy Whitehead, Coanwood, Haltwhistle, cows with calves at foot sold to 2,300gns for Featherston Pesky Ysabel with her heifer calf which went to Middlemoor Farm, Hudswell, North Yorkshire. This dispersal featured a grand run of in-calf heifers which sold to 2,600gns again to Middlemoor Farm, Hudswell, North Yorkshire for Featherstone Skylark Heather, a roan Newton of Skaillhouse daughter. Middlemoor Farm took two more Featherston in-calf heifers at 2,400gns & 2,200gns with another from this herd at 2,000gns.

1st prize heifer was an unserved roan poll from Thomson, Roddick & Laurie`s Shawhill Shorthorns, Annan, she is by Glenisla Keystone out of a Burnside Elite - Fieldhouse Florence Anita dam and sold for 3,300gns to T. & R. Harper, South Mains, Biggar. The 2nd

prize unserved heifer was Galla Tawny Buttercup, by Lowther Popeye, from Jim Frame, Little Galla, Wiston, Biggar which sold for 2,000gns to Messrs Armour, Burneside. The same buyer took another Little Galla Hiefer also at

2,000gns. Other maiden heifers sold to 1,800gns, Burnfoot and 1,750gns, Featherstone.

Averages: Cows with calves at foot £2,258; In-calf heifers £2,415 & Unserved heifers £1,773.

First Prize Heifer Shawhill Florence Tabitha sold for 3,300gns from Thomson Roddick and Laurie.

First Prize Cow and Calf sold for 2,500gns Sandwick Blythsome Klassylass from A and C Ivinson.

Featherstone Skylark Heather sold for 2,600gns from A and D Whithead.

Widespread interest for Westbroad

It was the end of an era with the recent dispersal of the Westborad Beef Shorthorns which was established in 2006 by Duncan Welsh.

The sale gave an opportunity for fellow breeders, new and old to invest in some strong genetics developed over the years by the team at Westbroad, with the original foundation cows purchased from the Annandale prefix. Other influential herds included Craigfaddock, Mountbenger, Galla, Millerston, Shawhill and Coxhill, with many animals successfully brought out in the show and sale ring by stockman Ian Johnstone.

The dispersal held on the 14th September 2024 saw buyers from all over the UK contribute to strong trade with Westbroad Yoga Poppy (P), born in 2020, along with her May-born calf, Westbroad Yoga Vaz at foot, topping the prices at 6,500gns, selling to W J & I Green’s Corskie herd.

Following closely at 6,000gns was Westbroad Rosette 9th and her calf at

foot Westbroad Vito (P), who sold to the Welsh Llwynhywel herd of Messrs Evans & Price.

Westbroad Meadowsweet 8th (H) and her calf Westbroad Meadow Sweet Victori sold for 5,500gns, finding a new home with Aberdeenshire breeder, Mrs Fiona Davidson.

A further cow and calf unit reaching 5000gns was Westbroad Rosette 3rd and her calf Westbroad Vernon.

The end of the sale saw the successfully used stock bull, Shawhill Leroy (P) achieve 4400gns who also made his way north to Aberdeenshire at Rattery Estates.

Yoga Poppy.

Rosette 9th.

Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers

Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers

Stirling Bull Sales

Females lead the trade for Beef Shorthorns at Stirling

It was another October bull sales where the females took centre stage with top price of 8,500gns going to D & T Bradley Farmer for Meonside Broadhooks Serenity.

The June 2022 born roan heifer was selected as pre-sale Champion by judge Mr Phil Halhead and later was purchased by B & S Walker of Netherwood Shorthorns.

Lucinda Townsend had another successful October sale with their top price heifer, Coxhill Snowflake-S778 standing Reserve Female Champion and selling for the second top price of the day of 8,000gns to well-known Bute breeder, Tom McMillan.

Ms Townsend had a further five heifers sell for over 3,000gns including 4,000gns, for Coxhill Flower-S774 selling to the Blackjack herd as well as 3,500gns and 3,000gns twice.

The Landers family achieved 4,200gns for their second prize April 2023 born heifer, Cairnsmore Treasure Princess which sold to Ian Tennant’s Hyndford herd, Lanark.

James Biggar’s first prize heifer, Chapelton Duchess 7524 who also won the best pair of females in the preshow alongside stable mate, Chapelton Sister 7805 released at 3,500gns to Henk Rennie, Ardoyne.

Trading at 3,200gns was Eastmill Dusty Tutti who also sold to north east breeders R & K Williams’ Blackjack herd.

A further two females from J & J Gibb, Glenisla and Thistledown Cowford Farms sold for 3,000gns resulting in an average of 3,115gns for 33 heifers sold.

Following on from the heifers, the Elliot herd achieved a top combined price of

Male Champion DRUMSLEED TROJAN (H) by G & M Smith.

Champion Female MEONSIDE BROADHOOKS SERENITY by D & T Bradley Farmer.

Coxhill Snowflake.

5,500gns for Elliot Echo 501 with her heifer calf at foot, Elliot Echo 164.

The day also saw the complete sale of the Gordon herd of Pedigree Beef Shorthorns, which reached 6,800gns for at ET cow, Gordon Millicent 405 with her heifer calf at foot, Gordon Millicent 060. They headed south to breeders Evans and Price, Wales.

Gordon Millicent 713 made 5,200gns with her calf, Gordon Millicent 031 following on at 4,000gns to make a unit price of 9,200gns and selling to J Currie’s Miltonlockhart herd who also purchased Gordon Millicent 825 for 3,500gns.

Through in the male ring, the Champion, Drumsleed Trojan, an April 2023 born bull from Gerald and Morag Smith, made top price of 7,500gns selling to Aucheneck Estates. Alan Jackson’s Reserve Champion, Headlind Solider who also stood Junior Champion at the 2024 Great Yorkshire Show, sold for 7,000gns to Low Barrows, Green Farm.

Six bulls sold to an average of £4,616.

Female Champion & Reserve.

Male Champion & Reserve.

Best Pair of Heifers by J W Biggar.

Blackbrook bounty at CCM Beef Shorthorn Society showcase

Calderdale-based Andrew Thornber & Daughters, Blackbrook herd, Barkisland, were the standout performers at the 15th annual Beef Shorthorn Society highlight at CCM Skipton when consigning a brace of March, 2023-born heifers, among the first to be sold from a herd established five years ago. One, a maiden, took 4200gns top, the other leading the way in the show arena when standing female, then supreme champion and achieving 4000gns second top call.

Leading performer on price was Blackbrook Lancaster Tilly, a roan daughter of Millerston Roly, bred out of the Coldrochie Leif-sired cow, Highlee Luscious Ruby, sold to Nottinghamshire’s Thomas Cheetham, Bothamsall, Retford.

The supreme champion from the same home was Blackbrook Phantasy Thora, a roan daughter of Highlee Phoenix. Thora was the overwhelming choice of show judge Lee Oakes who described his chosen victor as “super, beautiful, powerful, really stylish – completely balanced throughout and showing all the traits of breed characteristics.” The local buyer was Andrew Holgate, Rathmell, who took home five Beef Shorthorn’s.

Blackbrook was also represented by a cow and calf outfit which topped its section at 3900gns. The October, 2021, roan Blackbrook Waterloo Robyn sold with her Perseus of Upsall March-born bull calf, Blackbrook Vulcan. Robyn is by Muiresk Nevis, out of the VG85 Chapelton Waterloo and with a calf due in April to Crichton Snoop Dogg, The family went to West Yorkshire with L Driver & Son, Oakenshaw, Bradford.

Heifers in-calf received a solid response and two 3rd prize 2023 roans in a quality pen from County Durham’s Alistair Gibson,

The Thornber family’s Blackbrook Phantasy Thora, supreme champion heifer at CCM Skipton’s annual Beef Shorthorn Society highlight, held by Jennifer Hyslop, joined by Emi Thornber and show judge Lee Oakes.

Blackbrook Lancaster Tilly.

Blackbrook Phantasy Thora.

Cutthorn herd, Gibside, Burnopfield, each made 3500gns joint section top when also joining Andrew Holgate.

First up was the February-born Cutthorn Camilla’s Teal, bred from the Westmoor Editor-sired Cutthorn Camilla’s Kenya, the second the Aprilborn Cutthorn Ruby’s Tempest, out of the two-year-old Cutthorn Ruby’s Robin, herself a Derwentwood Monarch daughter.

A 2600gns sale from the same home fell to another 3rd prize and younger empty heifer, the July, 2023, Cutthorn Melody’s Tasmin, again by Cairnsmore Phenomenal, out of the herd’s Melody lines, also going home in Andrew Holgate’s trailer.

With 66 head forward, maiden heifers sold to 4200gns, av £2156, in-calf heifers to 3500gns, av £2332, heifers and calves to 3900gns, av £2905, and cows with calves to 2100gns, av £1872.

Alistair Gibson’s Cutthorn Ruby’s Tempest, one of two 3500gns in-calf heifer sales.

Reduction sale sees quality pedigree Beef Shorthorn on offer

In-calf heifer makes 2450gns top price

Areduction sale at CCM Skipton Auction Mart comprising 29 head of pedigree Beef Shorthorn cattle from the Bradhill and Stonehouse herds on behalf of Cliviger-based Steve and Jessica Swales provided the perfect opportunity for buyers to procure some quality animals and resulted in a standout price of 2450gns (£2572) for in-calf Bradhill Butterfly 2.

The herds were established in 2015 using bloodlines initially sourced from the well established and highly respected Beautry, Featherstone, Glenariff and Upsall herds. The aim was to produce a high quality cow suitable for grazing on a marginal upland farm.

The day’s top price fell to Levens farmer W Benson who secured Butterfly, classified EXC 85 as a heifer

and carrying her second calf to Craigfaddock Praetorian, due at the end of the year and was just one of a number of high quality purchases on the day for Mr Benson.

Another favourite at 2400gns (£2520) was the dark roan Millerston Melody Ripple, an April, 2021 Bushypark Tiger-

sired cow carrying her second calf to Jodame Sydney but sold with her Aprilborn Cairnsmore Schmeichel-sired heifer calf, Bradhill Myrtle 2. Mother and daughter joined the herd of George Robinson, of Helton.

Jessica Swales concluded the sale with a small reduction of her Stonehouse herd the highlight of which was the 2019-born Stonehouse Betsy VG 85B, sired by the Podehole Beefeater, AI son Wenmar Kentaro and out of the VG85 Bradhill Betsy which joined W Benson for 2000gns (£2100).

Speaking after the sale Steve Swales said: “We achieved our objective to reduce the herd and got a lot of animals moved. The herd now stands at 60 head.”

He said the family is looking for a larger holding in order to expand the herd once again, the need of which is currently thwarted by a lack of opportunity in the size of the current holding and the pressure of increasing work commitments.

Top price Bradhill Butterfly 2.

Millerston Melody Ripple and her calf Bradhill Myrtle 2.

Cattle make ‘Great from Grass’ debut

For the first time cattle were included in the Scott Family’s ‘Great from Grass’ production sale on August 30th.

£6000 was bid twice for Fearn Tyrant who crosses the water to repeat buyer Jock and Fiona Gibson of Edinvale farm Forres and for Fearn Tweed who also travels down the A96 to Rattray Estate and their pedigree herd managed by Calum Clark.

Heifers topped at £3000 for Fearn Hene Gertrude again to repeat customer Hugh Murray from Migdale Bonar bridge.

Selling stock from a grass-based system is something that the team

at Fearn are passionate about, they are confident that animals raised on this system are just what today’s beef industry needs.

Sheep sold very well on the day with 91 rams averaging £971 and 229 gimmers averaging £232.

Butterfly and Seamus popular

at Longtown

At their June Supported Sale of Pedigree Beef Shorthorns there was a good ringside attendance backed by online bidding. Beef Shorthorns sold to 2,800gns for females and the same figure for bulls.

Topping the female section was Steve Swales Dairy Ltd., Cliviger, Burnley with the sole in-calf heifer entry, Bradhill Butterfly 3, a smart red and white poll. A daughter of Meonhill Fire Fox and out of a Pikelowe Legend daughter, in calf to Napoleon of Upsall and sold for 2,800gns to Messrs Armour, Bowston Hall, Burneside. Cows with calves at foot sold to 2,000gns for Westbroad Joyful Roxy with a bull calf, from Rachel Jordan, Annaghanoon, County Armagh .

Unserved heifers, many young ages,

topped at 1,400gns for Overwater Loopy Lou from James Irving`s organic Overwater herd from Uldale, Wigton. Cows and heifers with calves or in-calf averaged £2,163 and unserved heifers averaged £1,224.

Leading the bulls at 2,800gns was Harrietsfield Seamus, a roan from K.G. Anderson, Rowanburnfoot, Canonbie. By Farlam Loneranger from a

homebred Glengloy Dollar cow, he sold to the Archbank Farming Co., Moffat.

Amongst the commercial section, the annual consignment of ten Beef Shorthorn cross Galloway heifers with calves at foot from R. & M. McIntosh, Borthwickshiels, Newcastleton attracted great interest and averaged £2,135, selling to £2,550 and £2,400.

Bradhill Butterfly sold for 2800gns from Steve Swales.

Harrietsfield Seamus sold for 2800gns from KG Anderson.

Fearn Hene Gertrude T2137.

Fearn Tyrant.

Fearn Tweed.

Your generosity can help us do more

Our future starts now

We’ve come a long way over the past 200 years, and we’ve got big plans to deliver more for the Beef Shorthorn breed and for our members.

From youth development to data analysis, our vision is for the Beef Shorthorn to become the native beef breed of choice, recognised by producers, consumers and the wider industry for its exceptional quality, versatility and sustainable production credentials.

By leaving a gift or legacy in your Will to the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society, you can help make this vision a reality.

Why we need your help

Membership and registration fees fund the dayto-day work of the Society, but our industry is changing quickly. There are specific areas of work where we would like to do more.

Why Leave a Legacy?

We are honoured when someone remembers the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society in this way. Your Legacy could have a profound impact on our work and the future of our breed.

Leaving a gift to the Society in your Will may also reduce your estate for inheritance tax purposes, meaning less inheritance tax is paid out of your estate.

Our Priorities

Inspire the Next Generation

Through our youth development activities, we aim to inspire and educate the next generation of Beef Shorthorn farmers. Your legacy can fund programs and initiatives that nurture young talent, ensuring the breed’s continued success.

Advance Research and Best Practices

We are committed to preserving and improving the breed’s genetics integrity, while encouraging responsible breeding, husbandry and management practices. Your support allows us to gather data to inform actionable best practices.

Grow the Beef Shorthorn Herd

Over the past 20 years the Beef Shorthorn’s prospects have been transformed and today the market favours the native traits our breed is famed for. With your help, we can promote these traits and sustainably grow the national herd.

Other Ways to Support

As a registered charity we welcome support in many different ways, for example, one-off donations, gifts in memory of loved ones and corporate sponsorship.

If you would like to speak with us in confidence about supporting the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society, please contact us on 02475 099146

The Society will always respect your privacy and your information will be handled in confidence and in line with your wishes.

Next Steps

Making a donation to charity, or leaving a gift or a legacy in your Will, is a deeply personal decision. No matter how big or small, your contribution makes a difference to the future of the Beef Shorthorn breed.

If you already have a Will and you wish to make some additions or small changes, then your solicitor can create a Codicil to your Will. If in doubt consult your solicitor to ensure that your wishes are set out clearly.

We are not able to offer legal advice and encourage you to speak directly to your solicitor on all matters relating to your Will, however you’ll find some general information on our website.

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