Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Journal - Volume 20, 2024

JOURNAL 2024

THE SUSTAINABLE BREED www.beefshorthorn.org

CHAPELTON Beef Shorthorn & Aberdeen Angus

Founded on Tradition, Focused on the Future...

Emma, James and Duncan Biggar Tel: 01556 660205 Email: jwbiggar@gmail.com

James Biggar Mob: 07879 696 450 James Rea Mob: 07826 395 806

www.chapeltonfarm.co.uk

Castle Douglas - Kirkcudbrightshire South West Scotland

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Promoting the advancement of education, science, animal welfare and heritage, safeguarding the integrity and continuation of the breed.

Contents Welcome

5

Shows

President’s report

6

Balmoral

116

Society strategy

8

Royal Welsh

122

New members welcome

12

Northern Ireland National

126

Society dinner

14

Royal Highland

128

Historic Beef Shorthorn painting

16

Great Yorkshire

134

Development Days

18

Agri-Expo

140

National herd competition

28

Calf Shows

141

Morrisons and Beef Shorthorn

30

Premier Meat Exhibition

145

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

Morrisons net zero journey

32

Quality finish of Shorthorns

34

Sales

Knowledge is key

38

Stirling, February

148

For registrations and transfers: t: +44 (0) 2477 103406 e: registrations@beefshorthorn.org w: www.beefshorthorn.org Scottish Charity No. SC010218

Introduction to genomics

42

Melton Mowbray, March

154

The role of genetics

46

Stirling, May

155

Are big cows better?

50

Carlisle, May

158

Science into practice

52

Longtown, August

160

Editors: Clive Brown and Ed Harvey

Ideal breed for estate

56

Skipton Beautry, September

161

Shorthorns on a regen system

62

Stirling, October

164

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

Quality meat delivered

66

Skipton, November

165

Key factors for fast growing heifers

72

Supported Sales

168

Putting confidence in young stockmen

78

A bright future

80

Herd profile; Chapelton

84

Acknowledged contributions from: Farmers Guardian, Farmers Weekly, Scottish Farmer, Farm North East

Herd profile; Glenbrae

88

Herd profile; Podehole

92

Farm focus; Muiresk

98

Farm focus; Fordie

104

Farm focus; Stoneyroyd

110

Volume 20, 2024 The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Society Pavilion, Avenue M Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth Warwickshire CV8 2RG

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

Regional Clubs Regional Club contacts

173

Scottish Club

174

Northern Ireland Club

178

Northern Club

182

NE Enthusiasts Club

186

Central Club

192

Southern Club

196

Wales and Borders Club

200

Unlock the potential with epigenetics

204

Argentina celebrates 200 years of Shorthorns

208

Society directors

212

Directors in the spotlight

214

In remembrance

216

Advertisers index

218

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

3

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4

B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

Welcome to the 2024 Journal

T

he last 12 months have certainly been a year to remember with some great highs and some sad lows, many of which are captured or referenced in this Journal. Our Bicentenary celebrations were drawn to a close in style at the annual dinner in Stirling. A great night where members came together to enjoy great company and great beef, of course. Whilst 2022 was about looking back over the last 200 years, 2023 has been a year to look forward and that will continue through 2024.

Following the marketing review we were pleased to welcome Ed Harvey on a part time basis to cover our marketing activity. As we look to develop the profile of the breed we have increased our activity on social media, including Facebook advertising, and continue to modernise our approach to advertising in general.

There has also been a modernisation of the Society branding to better reflect our position in the sector as well as a new website which will further assist in the promotion of the breed and information for members.

feature and the livestreaming trial generating interest.

This year has also seen the Board invest heavily in how we work resulting in an update of internal policies and amendments to our governance. As we look forward, we have now agreed a future strategy document that you can see in this Journal which should help us keep focussed when deciding on future activity.

The summer show season again saw Beef Shorthorn exhibitors out in force and enjoying considerable success across the country as we, as a breed, continue to punch above our weight in this area. Looking forward we have taken the decision to move the National Show around the country rather than having it annually at the Great Yorkshire Show, and so we will be visiting the Royal Norfolk Show for the first time. The National Herd competition ran for the second time and my thanks go to Pedigree Sales for their ongoing sponsorship and my congratulations to Podehole as they retained their title. It is quite a challenge to visit all the regional herd winners but our judge David Dickie, ably supported by Rosemary, did a great job.

As the breed’s popularity continues to increase, the Society is receiving increasing enquiries for stock and there are many new faces around the sale rings.

Although Society sales remain popular, there does appear to be an increase in farm-to-farm trading so that is one area the Society will be looking at to ensure it is servicing members’ needs.

Part of my brief when I joined the Society was to review and improve what we do, including keeping members up to date, and although things never move on as quickly as I would like, I feel we are making progress with the e-bulletin proving to be a popular regular

Happy reading and thank you for your ongoing support.

We will continue with a focus on the sustainability messaging but as we recognise the need for more accurate data to attract more commercial uptake, we have introduced genomics in an effort to improve the accuracy of EBV’s.

Part of the strategy focusses on education and developing the future generations and that has seen further Development Days being delivered including the first of our Youth Development Days. Although I wouldn’t normally name-check individual Directors I should acknowledge the efforts of Mark Severn in making this happen.

Finally, I just need to thank Ellie as she continues to do whatever it takes to help members, Ed for enhancing our marketing activity and Morna for keeping us straight financially. Kate has done a great job in keeping our social media offering up to date and thank you to all the Charolais office staff for their efforts.

Clive Brown Operations Manager/Breed Secretary

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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President’s Report I have great pleasure in introducing the 2024 Journal on behalf of my fellow Board members which represents the events of 2023 and showcases where the Board and Society staff have sought to continually modernise and improve the service to the Membership.

E

qually, we have been aiming to position the Beef Shorthorn foremost in the minds of the Beef Industry.

Building on 200 years of proven Beef Shorthorn genetics there are great prospects for the future in embracing the changes in policy and the market toward low input, high quality beef from a more sustainable source.

Last year we celebrated our 2022 Bicentennial, this year we start the next 200 years and as I have already signalled in my introduction, there are challenges ahead for farming.

We have seen volatility in beef prices, significantly elevated costs for feed and other input costs, unpredictable weather patterns and a government withdrawal of the Basic Payment Scheme with a lack of clarity on how the funding shortfall will be managed. What is clear is that the Environmental and Sustainability funding schemes are being presented as the future, and this is where I believe the Beef Shorthorn will again demonstrate its superiority.

It’s been a busy year as I’ve travelled to shows and to meet members at sales and development days in addition to all the ‘behind the scenes’ work that the Board get involved with. There has been good progress for the Beef Shorthorn breed and for further developing the benefits the Society can bring to its members. All this, despite uncertainties in agriculture with policy and market changes.

Confidence in the breed is always well demonstrated in our sales and in the shows around the country. The year started well with the February Stirling Bull Sales with 59 bulls being sold and 6 being sold at over 10,000gns. Notably, Millerston Ramsey secured the highest price which was a fitting and poignant tribute to our late and much missed friend, Jack Ramsey.

Further sales throughout the year continued to offer superb breeding cattle for pedigree and commercial breeders alike and in addition to the scheduled Society sales, dispersal and production sales offered the chance to buy breeding cattle from well-established herds. The Dunsyre Herd had

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B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

its final sale in May, and I want to recognise the significant contribution that Carey Coombes made to the breed and to the Society over the years.

Our show season started well, and in May I went across to meet Northern Ireland members showing and spectating at the Balmoral Show. The cattle presented were a real showcase for the high quality and adaptability of the Beef Shorthorn. Many thanks to the Northern Ireland club members for their hospitality and for promoting the breed throughout the show.

As usual, I was at our National Show at the Great Yorkshire, and we had a tremendous turnout of cattle this year that on numbers alone, put the Beef Shorthorn first in many peoples’ minds!

The quality of the cattle forward was second to none. Thanks to Morrisons for once again providing the opportunity for Members to socialise at the barbeque and to meet up with members of the Morrisons team.

The Beef Shorthorn is the great improver across a range of systems and provides opportunities for producers to produce breeding stock and finished animals. This is demonstrated directly through our members who produce their own Meat Box schemes but also the increasing number of specialised meat outlets for native breed meat. These complement the important collaboration we have with Morrison’s where our much-valued relationship remains very

positive. Clive Brown and I met with the Morrison’s team at Colne in the Summer to discuss how the Beef Shorthorn can contribute to the different market sectors. Those discussions offer a basis for doing joint work on leveraging the sustainability and adaptability of the breed in future markets.

We continue to deliver Development days that give support to new and younger members. These are hugely popular and offer hands on learning from understanding cattle conformation and learning judging points, to preparation of cattle to optimise the Breed’s reputation and success at shows and sales. I attended and helped with the development day run by Tina Russell and Simon Farmer at Stanford Park in September, and it was wonderful to see so many new members participating in the event.

One area where the Board is keen to continue its development work is to secure the interest of younger members in the running of the Society. To that end, we are progressing with a Board Apprentice Scheme and interested young Beef Shorthorn breeders should contact Clive to express interest.

A further area where we are hoping to engage a wider membership is with commercial herds that currently use or are considering using the Beef Shorthorn in their farming strategy. We recognise that all the different costs of registering, health testing, performance recording etc., can add up and while we don’t want to compromise the high reputation of the cattle, we do want to consider how best a membership package could be constructed to interest commercial breeders. This was very much of interest to the farmers and landowners who approached the Society stand at the Groundswell Event when I was there in June.

As we go forward to 2024, I hope to be visiting and engaging with more members through farm visits as well as through the programme of events, shows and sale. I want to thank Board Members who have volunteered their personal time to support events and Clive, Ellie, Morna and Ed who keep the Society functioning. Do please feel able to contact me or the Society staff if you need advice or support with the breed.

Tim Riley President

‘V’ is the Year Letter for 2024

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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S O C I E TY

Long Term Strategy for Beef Shorthorn Vision:

Mission:

Our vision is for the Beef

Our mission is to actively promote and

Shorthorn to become the native

develop the Beef Shorthorn breed and

beef breed of choice.

Society, ensuring its long-term success

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.

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B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

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.

S O C I E TY

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.

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

9

ANDREW THORNBER & daughters

T : 07891 812558

SHORTHORNS

HIGHLAND 2022

BLACKBROOK HEATHERMAID ROSA

HERD SUCCESS 2023

We are delighted to be awarded ‘Overall Champion Herd in the North of England 2023’, recieving 1st in this years Highland Show and finishing off our show season with ‘Overall & Reserve Champion at the Beef Expo 2023’.

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

E : andrew.thornber@icloud.com

Calf Hey Farm, Barkisland, Halifax, HX4 0ET

CHAMPION HERD North of England 2023

BLACKBROOK TARO

BLACKBROOK GRETTA TAM

HIGHLEE PHOENIX

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

BLACKBROOK MADELINE TRIS Reserve Champion

BLACKBROOK HEATHERMAID TRUE - Overall Champion

BLACKBROOK AUGUSTA SCARLETT

BLACKBRROK HEATHERMAID ROSA - one year on

S O C I E TY

Welcome to new members The Society is delighted to have welcomed the following new members to the Beef Shorthorn

Current Membership in Electoral Regions

herd since last autumn.

278

T

he Society wishes them well in their endeavours and is sure they will receive a warm welcome from members at Society and Regional Club events.

Useful information for new and existing members can be found on the Society website: www.beefshorthorn.org

142 300 11

Member Name

Herd Prefix

Region

James Allardyce

ALAMEIN

Scotland

M L Wilson

BALLUSKIE

Scotland

Ronnie Moore

BRAEMAR

Scotland

D P MacGillivray, Calrossie Ltd.

CALROSSIE

Scotland

Andrew Gray

CLEEANNE

Scotland

Christopher and Sarah Walwin

CLYDEVALLEY

Scotland

Iain Logan

DRANNANDHU

Scotland

M Carson

LAIRDMANNOCH

Scotland

Iain Wilkinson

MOONSHINE

Scotland

Molly Beattie

MUIRCLEUCH

Scotland

Andrea Taylor

TEMPLAND

Scotland

Tordarroch Estates

TORDARROCH

Scotland

Natalie Hynd

WELBECK

Scotland

J Allison

WESTWATER

Scotland

AL Wood and M Fell

APPLETHWAITE

North England

Messrs Lowther

ASKHAM

North England

Matt Ridley

AYDONNORTH

North England

C E Hancock and Son

BROOK

North England

Mr Kenneth W Tyson & Miss Julie E J Wickington

CAUSEWAYSIDE

North England

J M Binns and Sons

EARLEES

North England

George Bunning

EVERITTS

B A and H C Spencer

GATRA

R Todd and J Bennett

SCOTLAND

74 266

Member Name

Herd Prefix

Region

A & K McNeil

KATEM

North England

Sarah Holt

LONGACRE

North England

Mountsett Shorthorns

MOUNTSETT

North England

Cloke Farm Partnership

OUSEBANK

North England

Rosemary Hollins

ROSEMEAD

North England

Mark W Rooke

RYEDALE

North England

Messrs Dargue

SCANDALBECK

North England

Mrs Sylvia Mary Terry

WESTFIELD

North England

Philip William Pool

WYSE

North England

Spencer Farms

ALTHORP

South England

W T Key & Son

BODELLICK

South England

North England

Angela Slatter and Jake Slatter

COTSBOURNE

South England

North England

George L Young

FOBBING

South England

HAZELHEAD

North England

James and Julia Linnell

GRAFTON

South England

C & J Harrison

HIGHCROFT

North England

Iain Stephen

GREENHEATH

South England

F & J & E C Andrews

HOLTSTEAD

North England

Steven Lean

MOUNTJOY

South England

Thomas Frederick Burn

HUNTINGHALL

North England

Peter Harland (Trading as A Harland and Son)

RAVENSTORR

South England

IRONCOAST

North England

Nicholas Bonsall and Charlie Mollatt Raymond and Denise Vincent

STOLFORD

South England

NORTH ENGLAND

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Overseas Associate Members

B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

SOUTH ENGLAND

S O C I E TY

Member Name

Herd Prefix

Region

Member Name

Iken Hall Farms

STRAMERS

South England

NORTHERN IRELAND

Mr Michael & Mrs Mary Massey

SWEETLEAZE

South England

Sandringham Estate

WOLFERTON

South England South England

Ian Toogood WALES

Herd Prefix

Region

Sam and Amanda McAuley

BALLYCLOGH

Northern Ireland

James McCullough

BALLYDAVEY

Northern Ireland

Paul Milligan

BALLYKNOCK

Northern Ireland

Martin and Catriona Marshall

FORTFIELD

Northern Ireland

Stephen Johnson

PENGWERN

Wales

Ryan Gilmour

GILLVIEW

Northern Ireland

Ron Acott

RHOSYCHEN

Wales

Gregory, Janet & Shea King

MAGHERAMAYO

Northern Ireland

Keith Edward Lloyd

ROSEBUD

Wales

Philip Blevins

ROCOJOGI

Northern Ireland

Robert Morgan

SANCLER

Wales

AE,MA and LM Jones

TODDEB

Wales

Denis Taylor and Christine Taylor

ROOGHAN

Northern Ireland

D R and R L Bowen

TYGWYN

Wales

Darragh McCrory

WHINPARK

Northern Ireland

Mr T G & Mrs E A Jones

WILLOWBANK

Wales

Cwrt Henllys Farm

Wales

In remembrance The Society was saddened to hear of the passing of these highly valued and respected members and stock people.

Ray Sanderson, Newfield herd

Robbie Minty, Uppermill herd

Thelma Blake, Stonmour herd

George Gott, Shankhill herd

Duncan Currie, Beautry herd

Christopher Evans, Plynlimon herd

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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S O C I E TY

Dinner proves to be fitting finale.

Raymond Kennedy showed that he wasn't just a great auctioneer as he piped in the haggis

T

he annual dinner at Stirling in February signalled the end of our Bicentenary celebrations. One hundred and twenty members and friends of the Society came together at Stirling Court for what was for many the highlight of the Beef Shorthorn year to enjoy good company as well as some excellent Shorthorn beef.

Raymond Kennedy showed that he was a man of many talents as he piped in the haggis and John McCulloch, after a little encouragement, did a great job of addressing said haggis.

The positive tone continued with the awarding of the trophies from the afternoons show and then Carey Coombes kept the room entertained

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B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

with his reflections on the breed, both past and present.

The 200th limited edition print was auctioned off, and purchased by Tina Russell, to raise funds for youth development but without doubt the thing what will live long in the memory of many of those present was the auctioning of the oil painting that had been left to the Society.

The fact that it raised £10,000 for our member development fund was impressive but then the winning bidder, Ashley Warren explained to the room that he had coveted the picture since his childhood, and it was obviously fate that had reunited them. It was a fitting end to an evening of celebration that I am sure Mr Coates would have approved if he was still with us.

S O C I E TY

a

b

c

a) Tina Russell was the successful bidder as print number 200 was auctioned off in aid of the youth development fund.

d

b) Bidding was strong and spanned the generations c) John McCulloch addresses the haggis d) Carey Coombs kept the room entertained with his reflections on the breed and the Bicentennary e) Probably the two most important people to make sure the Stirling sales run smoothly f) There was the opportunity for some members to show their carving skills e

f

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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F E AT U R E D

A RT I C L E

Historic Beef Shorthorn painting fetches £10,000 A 19th century painting of a Beef Shorthorn heifer has found its way back to its former owner’s family at the same time as raising £10,000 for the Beef Shorthorn Society’s membership development fund.

T

he painting, dating from 1848, had been donated to the Society by the late Basil Mann who had inherited it from his uncle Alban Mann on his death in 1994 and was auctioned at the Society’s annual dinner at the Stirling Bull Sales.

Society operations manager Clive Brown explains that the painting had been in the Society’s possession for the last three years, but the Society had held back from doing anything with it during the pandemic.

“It was decided to auction it this year as a way to close off the breed’s bicentenary celebrations.”

Purchaser Ashley Warren of the Wappenham herd, Northamptonshire, takes up the story: “The picture had been owned by my step-grandfather, Alban Mann, and I always had a fascination with it during my childhood and teenage years, to the

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B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

extent that I took it upon myself to research the story of the heifer and the painting as a teenager.

“When Alban Mann passed away in 1994, he left all seven of his grandchildren £40,000 each and that money was an amazing boost to my then fledgling business. However, the painting was left to his nephew, Basil, and earlier this year I’d commented to my wife, Sheena, that following Basil’s death the painting must have found a new home elsewhere.

“A couple of days after that passing comment, I received the Beef Shorthorn newsletter and was amazed to see the news of the painting and the plan to auction it. It was such a surreal moment coming so soon after I’d had that conversation.”

Having contacted the Beef Shorthorn Society to explain his connection to the painting Ashley headed to Stirling for the sole purpose of buying the painting.

F E AT U R E D

A RT I C L E

Ashley Warren was reunited with a piece of his family’s history when he paid £10,000 for the painting of a white Beef Shorthorn heifer from 1848 which had previously belonged to his late stepgrandfather Alban Mann.

“The opportunity to own the painting that had held such a fascination hanging behind my grandfather’s chair all those years ago was one I couldn’t miss."

“I’d like to think he’d be delighted to see that I spent some of my inheritance securing a piece of family history and at the same time supporting the Beef Shorthorn Society and member and youth development within the breed.” explained Ashley.

“The painting will have pride of place in our home and I will take enormous pleasure from seeing it everyday.” he added.

Clive Brown added that the auction took an emotional turn when the crowd heard the story of the painting following Ashley’s winning bid. “Very few people were aware of Ashley’s connection to the painting until after he bought it. It certainly made for a fitting end to the breed’s bicentenary celebrations.”

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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D E V E LO P M E N T

DAYS

Sharing knowledge with Development Days The Society has continued with the member Development Days during 2023 with four events taking place, including a dedicated youth day with the successful launch of the Beef Shorthorn Youth Development initiative.

These events support both new and existing members in sharing knowledge and building experience to ensure everyone gets the most they can from the breed and the Society.

Resounding success at Scottish Development Day

B

y kind invitation of I & S Graham and Iain Wilkinson, the Scottish development day was hosted at Balgay, Inchture, Perth.

This saw a full day of hands-on workshops delivered by experienced breeders and industry experts and was open to all members and supporters of the breed.

Thanks to our sponsors Thrums Vets, East of Scotland Farmers Ltd, United Auctions, Harbro, The Cairnsmore herd and the Scottish Beef Shorthorn Club everyone had a most enjoyable day.

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B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

Major John Gibb delivered an excellent session on how to judge which included what to look for within the Beef Shorthorn breed and how to explain the reasoning for selecting your champions.

Scottish Craft Butchers gave an in-depth butchery demonstration followed by lunch.

In the afternoon attendees enjoyed a show clipping and preparation demonstration by Drew Hyslop, which led on to Barbara Webster’s session explaining how Estimated Breeding Values can be used in determining your breeding programme as well as an ultrasound scanning session.

S O C I E TY

Murray Cochrane then took everyone through the elements of classification talking through a marvellous selection of Beef Shorthorn put forward by Balgay Farm.

The day was brought to an end by Iain Wilkinson who gave everyone a comprehensive herd tour and explained how the use pasture management to maximise production.

With over 80 attendees and multiple herds represented the day was a resounding success with all inspired by what they learned and saw, hoping to take back the lessons learned and apply back at their own farms.

Thank you, Scotland!

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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D E V E LO P M E N T

DAYS

Judges Day held at Stanford Park Farm It was great to see so many new faces, as well as familiar ones, on the day, who embraced the concept of the day to promote confidence in the ring as judges, with good reason giving, with the use of the PA system and microphone: a great investment on the Society’s behalf.

I

n between and during classes, we were able discuss many subjects that the attendees wished to raise and this really helped the day flow, along with the leadership of our invited guest Paul Westaway. Paul’s ability to put people at ease and encourage reason giving was very infectious, which made the day a great success.

The first class of the day was “Bull of any age” and immediately folk were keen to place the cattle. As expected, there was a variety of different placings, but this led to a great and thought-provoking dialogue for those present.

Second class was 4 “Junior bulls” of 16/17 months all bred differently, again great deliberation really got their judging juices flowing! A big conversation on the Thurl, Pin and Hip placement ensued, this is where Paul’s experience as a

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B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

dairy farmer really came in to pull away the vail of confusion regarding this subject.

Third class, “Cow with calf at foot”, most of the calves had not been on a halter, but they obligingly followed along behind their mothers perfectly, free range! Allowing our budding judges to factor the calf into the cow’s performance.

Another confusing subject to debate for this class of cows from 1st calver to 9th calver.

Last class “Junior heifers” the Stanford Park team had really done a great job selecting cattle that would challenge the judges and this class really did raise queries as to what to do if presented with such a mixed bag! The use of the microphone became second nature and confidence of our new judges was clearly visible.

S O C I E TY

This judging day, following on from the one held in the North of England in 2022, showed that this is a great platform for members to share some of their hesitations and qualms about what we are looking for from our breed. Reading their feedback forms suggests that all found the day brilliant, with no room for improvement, only that they would like more of the same.

With such positive feedback it is the intention to continue to deliver these sorts of days across the UK, so if there is a potential host out there that would like to step forward, that can have the classes of quiet cattle able to be lead around the ring at home, then please do contact the Society Office.

Thank you to Paul Westaway for acting as master of ceremonies, and to Mark and Hayley Stoneham for kindly hosting this event. Thanks also to all the attendees that helped with the leading of the cattle, as without you we could not have led all the cattle out for everyone to judge. Lastly, thanks to Simon Bradley Farmer and his team for all the hard work training the cattle in preparation for this educational Society event.

“It was a huge honour to be master judge at the Beef Shorthorn Judges Day. It was a brilliant well organised day and huge credence to the Society for taking the training of their judges so seriously and in particular the work they are doing for judges to give reasons; and also to all the delegates on the day, they were all outstanding and ensure the future of the Society is in great hands.”

Paul Westaway

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D E V E LO P M E N T

DAYS

Commercial Focus for Northern Ireland Day. More than 100 attendees travelled to the Bawnforth herd of Barry Fitzsimons and family, Ballynahinch, Co Down for the Northern Ireland Beef Shorthorn Commercial day designed to show how a change to Beef Shorthorn genetics have helped him improve his business with the event focusing on key aspects of breeding and herd management.

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or Mr Fitzsimons a change to Beef Shorthorn cattle came about because of his desire to ease workload and ensure a sustainable business for future generations. “We were running a herd of Continental cross sucklers and while they were delivering great carcasses, there were several issues which were hindering the business.

“Principle among those was fertility and an ever-increasing calving interval. Added to this, we were struggling to finish bullocks at much under 30 months on our largely grassbased system and that meant extra costs on the business with cattle being on-farm longer than we wanted,” explains Mr Fitzsimons who farms with help from his son Craig and grandson Tom. Shorthorn bred cattle are usually finished by 24 months meaning that we don’t have them here for a third summer grazing at grass and that’s a significant improvement, so we can close grass off for silage sooner, making better quality forage. It also means we can carry

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a few more cows on the same acreage, making for a more efficient herd.

In addition, calving is easier and less stressful with the Beef Shorhorn cross cows. There hasn’t been a single caesarean since the swap to Beef Shorthorn some 10 years ago, with Mr Fitzsimons often not seeing calves born due to the easy calving and excellent maternal traits in the cows. With fewer assisted calvings the chances of cows getting back in calf more quickly have greatly increased and that is showing through in the calving interval which is currently sitting at 372 days.

S O C I E TY

The highlight of the day was the opportunity to walk around the award-winning commercial herd of Beef Shorthorns and Shorthorn crosses whilst reviewing and discussing the key performance indicators that had been identified for the herd, which included:

Beef Shorthorns at Bawnforth Reduced age at Slaughter

+ + 1.5 cows for every previous one + Less concentrates required = MORE PROFIT!!

Reduced Calving Interval

The day concluded with refreshments and a charity auction in aid of Macmillan Nurses.

Topping the bill in the auction was a ¾ Bred Beef Shorthorn year-old heifer calf which was kindly donated by the Bawnforth Herd and sold for an astonishing £2,500.

When asked for his observations on the day Barry’s response was “I am more than happy to leave it to others to comment about the day but please mention the superb Beef Shorthorn burgers produced from the Bailie’s Croobview herd and cooked to perfection by the expert chefs, all wearing their Bawnforth aprons.

When asked about the cattle he said “Ultimately, I wanted a herd that was enjoyable to work with and I was pleased to show people. The move to Shorthorn genetics has provided that and made significant improvements to the business too”.

We would like to thank Barry and family for their welcome and hosting such a positive event, together with all of those that helped make it a success.

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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D E V E LO P M E N T

DAYS

Beef Shorthorn Youth Development Initiative launched at Youth Development Day A tremendous day was had by all at the launch of SYD, the Beef Shorthorn Youth Development initiative.

Held at Appleton Mills Farm on the North York Moors, the Gibson family extended a warm welcome to our young people in the most idyllic of settings.

I

n the sweltering heat, they arrived and were treated to an array of ice-cold drinks and started to get to know each other. All made instant friends with their shared passion for Beef Shorthorns.

The day started with everyone donning their new SYD gillets and headed into the yard for a group photo, to say it was like herding cats was an understatement and that was just the parents/guardians!

Andrew and Kate of KATEM embroidery did a great job of sizing everyone up and they all looked very smart in the new SYD range.

Members were then split into groups and rotated around four workshops during the day. All were hands-on activities with the focus on learning by doing.

Halter making run by Robert Grierson was a firm favourite.

His demonstration with a few rapid twists and knots looked impossible at first glance. However, under his clear and patient guidance everyone quickly got the hang of it, with confidence growing step by step.

All came away with halters in hand and were keen to get home to make more, with several commenting on how

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S O C I E TY

M

ore than 100 participants travelled to the Glebefarm Beef Shorthorn herd of Alfie and Elaine Shaw and family, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, for the Society’s Northern Irish development day.

In a first of its kind in Northern Ireland, the day was designed to encourage members of all abilities to get involved with an array of highly educational work stations at the event. These included ring craft and show etiquette, animal preparation Christmas was sorted, so if you get your own personalised and products, stock judging, Glenarm Beef Scheme, EBVs halter under the tree, you will know you have Robert Farmer and scanning, butchery demonstration and livestock Christmas to thank! photography tips.

Drew Hyslop delivered a workshop on clipping with The highlight of the day was the opportunity to walk around everyone getting to grips with the trimmers, luckily for the the award winning Glebefarm herd of Beef Shorthorns. The Whiterose herd, everyone picked it up quickly and there Shaws have recently been placed champion herd in NI for were no cattle with bald patches heading back towards the the second year in succession. fields.

The Shaw family would like to thank everyone who helped Learning to groom and prepare cattle for the showring saw them in any way and also those who attended the event.

Mark and Drew take everyone through what products were available and how best to use them. This was followed by leading the now immaculate Shorthorns into the ring to practise displaying them to their best advantage and going over showing etiquette.

to think of from a photographer’s perspective. All learned about lighting conditions, resolution, focus and depth of field to tell added; a story “We with were the images captured.

From Alfie Shaw delighted to be able toindividual welcome animal photos in the yard, to a walk through the herd in the so many Beef Shorthorn enthusiasts to our farm. The aim was field, everyone learned how to approach animals safely and to profile a number of key areas which we felt would be both attract their attention without them getday. some educational and interesting to disturbing those present ontothe fantastic natural shots.

“The level of hands-on participation was excellent right Everyone was blown awaytobythe Mroldest.

S’s ability ‘talk of to Beef from the youngest visitor Theto future the animals’looks and he was with crowned ‘Kinggenuine of Moo’.enthusiasm More Shorthorns bright so much importantly everyone grew in confidence and understood clearly evident.” better how to use their own phones and cameras to get shots that best reflected their stock to promote their own herds.

With social media becoming an integral part of everyday life having good photographs will be key to the success of our next generation.

Reflecting Beef Shorthorn in their best light was also covered within a photography module. Alfie Shaw of Agri-images instructed all on how to best position an animal and what

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S O C I E TY

the original Appleton herd, they have produced some fabulous calves. The animals themselves were incredibly calm and reflected the skill and care that the Gibson’s put into their husbandry.

Most people felt that they were not natural artists so the thought of painting a Beef Shorthorn filled most with dread and there was a definite air of apprehension before getting started. Local artist Joyce Buzeman swiftly put all at ease.

Starting with a blank canvas no one dared to think that they could imitate the examples on hand, however Joyce stripped back the process to simple steps and coached all on the process of building up a sketch and then water colour painting step by step. The buzz in the room was truly amazing as everyone began to see their portraits appearing before their eyes. All that took part were blown away by what they managed to produce.

Amanda and Joe from Morrisons joined proceedings and after lunch took us through how the Morrisons scheme works and assesses output. Carcass weights and marbling of fat were outlined, and it led to a very productive question and answer session with our breeders of the future soaking up all the information ready to put into practise.

The day ended with a farm walk. This was much needed after the incredible food at lunchtime as more than a few pounds were gained after the delicious spread. Johnny and Hannah took us round their newly established herd and described to everyone how they had started at Appleton Mills. With a variety of stock from bloodlines like Mayfield, Millerston and

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It was a really enjoyable day.

A huge thanks to the Gibson family, all our workshop leaders and volunteers who made the day run smoothly and a great success. Mark Severn is a true stalwart of the breed and his vision has been to engage with our young people and inspire and encourage them. He certainly achieved that… and more because they all had great fun and can’t wait for the next day. We are really looking forward to hosting similar events in different locations around the UK to allow all to access SYD. These days are being funded by the Beef Shorthorn Development Fund which is a legacy from our Bicentenary year of which one of the aims was to invest in the future of the Society and the Breed.

The overwhelming message from the day was ‘Believe and you can achieve’. We have some amazing young people and future breeders within the Society and the future is looking very bright indeed for Beef Shorthorn.

BEEF

SHORTHORNS

The Boss at Highlee

All smiles at The Great Yorkshire Show 2023

Highlee Sapphire

Highlee Mille & Matilda

Pallas (Pip)

VISTORS ALWAYS WELCOME Tracy: 07880 790595 or Mark: 07768 211717 | E : tracysevern@aol.co.uk Highlee Beef Shorthorn, Halifax, HX4 0DE | Accredited for BVD & IBR JOHNES R1

S O C I E TY

N at i o n a l

H e rd

C o m p et i t i o n

Podehole do the double in Beef Shorthorn National Herd Competition

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t was two in a row for Charles and Sally Horrell’s Podehole herd as they were announced winners of the Beef Shorthorn Society’s National Herd Competition 2023.

Up against five other herds from across the UK who all respectively won their regional herds competitions in autumn 2022, judge for this year was former Shorthorn breeder, David Dickie from Dumfriesshire.

The presentation of the award was made at the October Striling Bull Sales where Mr Dickie announced his winner alongside Aimie Park who was presenting the award on behalf of the sponsor’s, Pedigree Sales Online Livestock Auctions.

Mr Dickie said: “I was looking for herd with strong breed characteristics, in particular cows that were milking well with good udders but still fleshy and making a job of their calves.

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“I found the Podehole herd to be the most uniformed and credit must go to the Horrell family and stockman Roy for presenting a great herd of cattle for myself and Rosemary to judge.”

“Building a herd of top-quality animals is a skill that can take years of patience and careful management and the other finalists, Chapelton, Glebe Farm, Jodame, Meonhill and Holkin each set a great example for the breed. The standard within the breed is growing year on year and that hasn’t gone unnoticed when it comes to people investing, with numbers increasing each year at society sales and national and regional shows.”

Established in 2022 during the society’s bicentenary celebrations the award scheme will be run over an initial three-year period.

Charles, Sally and Harry Horrell

Pode Hole Farm, Thorney, Peterborough PE6 0QH Accredited BVD IBR Johnes Level 1 Neospora 2 (first test) m: 07860 541160 | e: podeholefarm@gmail.com | www.facebook.com/podeholefarm Stockman: Roy McDonald | m: 07961 085672

T E C H N I C A L

Morrisons Commit to Beef Shorthorn Breed

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odie Bolland, our Head of UK Sourcing in Agriculture, has been closely working with the Beef Shorthorn Society for a number of years. “We take immense pride in Morrisons’ substantial contribution to bolstering the population of the Beef Shorthorn Breed. Simultaneously, we are committed to ensuring its long-term presence as a premium breed within the United Kingdom. The breed’s sustainability attributes harmoniously align with our steadfast goal of achieving a net-zero supply chain in our manufacturing operations by 2030.

The UK landscape suits the Beef Shorthorn breed very well with its variety of cattle systems, and forage availability. Their calm and docile nature makes them great cattle to be around whilst Beef Shorthorns also finish well on low input diets. All factors which are imperative to efficient beef production.

Beef Shorthorn cattle are also able to provide a consistent product and exceptional eating quality.”

Farmer Testimonial: Peter Oosterhof is a Scottish Beef farmer who supplies Beef Shorthorn cattle into the Woodhead Bros abattoir at Turriff. Peter is passionate about the shorthorn breed and keeps a herd of 200 suckler cows, finishing all the calves himself, whilst also buying and finishing a number of store cattle.

“We find the Beef Shorthorn suckler cow has many good maternal traits such as calving ease, good feet, winter hardiness, good udders and docile temperament. We also find their progeny are fast growing and lay down fat easily, even off grass or forage diets; at 15 to 18 months old they easily reach the desired R4L grade at the medium carcass weights consumers prefer. We have a strong relationship with Woodhead Bros and send our finished cattle into their Turriff site, as we have done for many years” - Peter Oosterhof

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Morrisons Beef Shorthorn Scheme

Did you know: Our Shorthorn Beef is

award winning Beef Shorthorn is

Britain’s fastest growing native breed.

Supporting British Farming

Woodhead Bros is one of the largest meat processors in Europe, with 3 abattoir in the UK processing cattle, lambs and pigs.

Why choose Woodhead Bros?

We Process high quality farm assured British Cattle, Pigs and Lambs.

Bonuses available on Shothorn sired cattle.

Competative & consistent prices all year round.

Our Elite Beef Scheme offers stability, security, and profitability for our farmers.

If you would like to become a supplier or need more information, please contact the Livestock Office on 01282729150.

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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C A S E

ST U DY

A Retailers Journey Towards Net Zero As British farming’s biggest direct supermarket customer, we are in a strong position to champion changes in environment and positive practices. We have set a target for 2030 to be directly supplied by net zero carbon British farms. With products sourced directly from British farmers, that we’ve worked with for generations.

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n addition to minimising the effects of our own supply chain, we also want to guarantee that the farming community at large has access to knowledge and research, enabling an increasing number of farm enterprises to embark on the path towards greater sustainability.

To do so, Morrisons are proud to have teamed up with Harper Adams University to develop the UK’s first School of Sustainable Food and Farming. The school will combine academic and practical expertise, as well as industry networks, to develop knowledge and skills for Farmers and other supply chain companies that are dedicated to lowering the environmental effect of food production.

To bolster our suppliers and advance our commitment to achieving net-zero carbon farms, we are actively collaborating with Map of Ag, a global data platform dedicated to becoming the most reliable link between farms and the industry. Our goal is to support

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farmers in establishing resilient businesses and enhancing farm efficiency. Suppliers are engaging in NetZero surveys, receiving guidance and support on improving their outcomes in the subsequent years.

Our SUSTAIN farms, an integral part of this initiative, actively contribute by providing regular feedback to ensure optimal utilisation of resources. Following survey completion, we organise workshops, providing actionable plans and guidance. This collaborative effort with industry partners aims to optimise nutrition, breeding, genetics, and systems, ultimately striving for the best possible outcomes.

Through our integrated Elite Beef scheme, we also offer Native Breed contracts. These breeds work well in many UK systems and can finish from a lower input, forage based diet. Resulting in farmers importing less feed, which may include using less or no soya. We also encourage native breeds by offering a bonus price on Shorthorn sired cattle.

B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

Did you know?

We also work with Free Range egg producers for Planet Friendly Eggs • 100% renewable energy used to power the hen house • Removed soya from laying birds diet • Introducing protein though insects If you would like to get involved in any of our programmes (Elite Beef, Shorthorn, or Free Range Eggs) please contact 01282 729149 or elite.beef@ morrisonsplc.co.uk or info@ chippindalefoods.co.uk.

STONEYROYD B E E F S HO RT HO R NS

EST. 2009

ALL CATTLE ARE DNA PARENT VERIFIED AND TESTED FOR POLLED AND MYOSTATIN GENOTYPES. ANNUAL NEOSPORA HERD TESTING IN PLACE.

Contact: MR T RILEY STONEY ROYD FARM MIDGLEY, HEBDEN BRIDGE, WEST YORKSHIRE HX7 5QY Tel: 07812 075568

Email: stoneyroyd@icloud.com

TB4/IBR/BVD ACCREDITED, JOHNES 1/LEPTO MONITORED STOCK ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE VISITORS WELCOME BY APPT. WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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Quality finish at Edinvale It’s the high finishing quality of the Shorthorn that has cemented its status at Edinvale where you will find Jock Gibson. Along with his wife Fiona, Edinvale have over 200 cattle comprising of Beef Shorthorns and Highlanders alongside a small flock of Herdwick sheep. Acquired in 1974 by his father and grandparents, Edinvale Farm is now operated by Jock & Fiona with a goal to bring the Shorthorns to the forefront.

By Susan Myles. Photographs by Rob Haining Courtesy of The Scottish Farmer

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riginally home to pure Highlanders from the pedigree Cullerne fold, Beef Shorthorns were introduced in the mid-2000s to improve the finishing speed and quality of the cattle. In 1986 the Gibson family at Edinvale purchased Macbeth’s, a butcher in nearby Forres to make better use of the surplus carcases that weren’t making the grade at market.

The butcher is now the farm’s main source of income with all the cattle being reared accordingly to benefit the commercial end product.

“Everything we do here has the final consumer in mind, customers want assurance that the animals are local, well reared and of the highest quality.”

The Highland cattle were easy to market but despite their high suckling level they were slow at finishing, introducing the Shorthorns into the

mix with a faster growth rate and low input helped to keep a consistent supply of product to the butcher shop.

“I am not looking for over-defined hindquarters, I need something more even and with the Shorthorns being a good size and not over pronounced it worked as a happy medium.”

The cattle at Edinvale are fed on grass and forage using a rotational grazing system that was implemented in 2018 and the farm can be split into a maximum of 27 paddocks. All the beef they produce is Pasture for Life certified. Jock also no longer uses fertiliser after taking it out of the system last year.

“We’re not producing any less grass than before and now we don’t have to deal with an unnecessary fertiliser bill.

It also a big carbon cost that we just don’t need.”

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Jock has set himself a target of the farm being as close to carbon neutral as possible by 2030. He does regular carbon audits to understand where processes are impacting emissions and what can be done to improve them.

They planted 1400 trees and now the farm is 10% trees and hedgerows and they have hopes to fully offset the fuel and electricity used for the business.

“We are a business that’s in front of the consumer and being environmentally responsible helps with the appeal of our product. We want to rectify the image that farming isn’t sustainable and make sure we are trying our best to do our bit.”

Currently the cattle are split with a third being Highlanders and two thirds Shorthorn. Edinvale stopped breeding pedigrees in 2011 and now maintain

Highlanders to provide replacement breeding heifers. The Shorthorns were favoured because of their resilience and ability to finish well within 30 months on grass and forage.

The Highland cows go to a bull at three years but the Shorthorns are able to go at two with all the cows being naturally served by the bulls. They have a seven-week mating period to calve mid-February inside. Up until calving the cows spend the winter outside to reduce the chance of large calves causing problems in calving.

“We are not here to produce big calves and we want to focus on the ease of calving. The cows are still able to maintain their weight over winter.”

Edinvale’s scanning percentage this year was 95% with any heifer not in calf

FACT FILE Farm size: 90 acres at Edinvale with 250 acres in seasonal holdings and a 50 acre tenancy the other side of the village.

Number of stock: 200 cows, 3 bulls and a micro flock of 100 sheep.

Scanning percentage: 95% Other enterprises: Macbeth’s butcher in Forres, Wee shed honesty shop, Agricultural contractor Who’s all involved: Jock, Fiona and their three children Aila, Tilly and Rory, Full time stockman Johnny and part time general farm worker Malcolm

The Beef Shorthorn Society would like to congratulate Jock on being awarded a Nuffield Scholarship and look forward to supporting him where we can.

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C A S E

going to the butchers or going direct into the cull market. Consequently any cow that has a bad calving will not be kept. Currently the calves are weaned at 170 days but Jock is looking to push it to 200.

“Highlanders sit at 35% of weaned body weight and the Shorthorns at 40%. I think we could delay weaning by another 30 days or so to get more positive results.”

Jock has set up a weigh crate with an attached water trough that allows the calves to be independently weighed whenever they go for a drink. The EID panels collect the daily weight results for each calf and is just another way to record performance.

“I like to see how bulls do in their natural habitat I am looking for animals that thrive on our system and the last three bulls I bought were; 1 highland from Emma Paterson’s Benmore Fold and 2 shorthorns from John Scott up at Fearn Farm in Tain. Shorthorn wise I have a lot of confidence in the quality of Fearns stock.”

It is also the reason Edinvale no longer show animals.

“The animal you produce for the showring isn’t the animal you produce for the butcher.”

Macbeth’s the butcher being the main driver in the business, Jock is able to slaughter all his animals at John M Munro’s abattoir in Dingwall.

“It’s the only part of the process that isn’t within our control, but I have no desire to place an abattoir on the farm.

We are lucky that we have a couple of abattoirs nearby that do private kill.”

Jock’s system means he can provide Macbeth’s with an animal a week year-round with 70% of products going to the food service industry such as restaurants and hotels and the rest sold online or in the shop in Forres. The

quality speaks for itself as Macbeth’s has won several Great Taste awards for their meat produce since 2009.

“We don’t sell beef, we sell a story and if it means we have a loyal customer base that’s all you can ask for whether they come once a week or once a year.”

ST U DY

For the future of the cattle at Edinvale Jock is looking to increase the herd by 10-20% more suckler cows but still maintain the split of two thirds to one third Beef Shorthorns to Highlander.

“We still have a dozen pure Highlanders which will remain important, but increasingly the focus will steer towards Shorthorn genetics.

There will always be cattle here at Edinvale as long as it’s viable and I believe the Shorthorn is really the way forward.

“The livestock are here for an awesome time but not always a long time. It’s about having resilient animals that can thrive in this system with little input and high-quality results and the Beef Shorthorn really does that.”

During the pandemic Fiona set about starting a small honesty shop in a shed on the farm. It was initially just to sell milk, meat and Fiona’s baking but it has developed into a showcase of local produce and gifts such as candles and soap.

ON THE SPOT

“The idea is you should be able to buy everything in there to make an evening meal. We wanted something that would draw people to their local producers and support these independent businesses. Items all have a price but being a small shed no one manages it so it runs on an honesty system which has worked out so far.”

Something you would change: Looking back, the level of chemical based products we needed to buy in.

Jock and Fiona would like to branch out into more tourism, they currently run farm tours for educational and marketing purposes.

“Depending on the future legislation we’d quite like to do holiday lets and maybe look at developing a farm shop with vending machines and a full kitchen. We want to create an accessible environment for agritourism with a focus on enhancing an individuals wellbeing.”

Best investment: Set of weigh bars bought with the money from the Beef Efficiency Scheme

Best piece of advice: Learn from the mistakes of others – you don’t live long enough to make them all yourself.

Something you can’t live without: Polywire Where do you see yourself in 10 years: Still here but hopefully as mentors to the next generation (related or otherwise) champing at the bit to let rip!

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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T E C H N I C A L

Knowledge is the key Increasing knowledge of the genetics of animals in the herd will become an increasingly important tool in the drive to increase returns and meet processor requirements, allowing the best animals to be identified and managed to unlock their potential.

G

enomics is widely used in dairy herds to determine the best genetics to maximise herd efficiencies and control costs, particularly of rearing replacements. Now, the same technology can be used to deliver benefits to commercial beef producers.

“In every herd there is a significant range in genetic potential and successfully identifying the best animals will be crucial to profitability,” comments Sharon Watkinson, Business Development Executive with Neogen, who operate the UKs first beef cattle genomic testing service.

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“Whatever the production system, embracing technologies such as genomics will be the way to stay ahead of the market and improve returns, especially in the light of declining support payments. In simple terms, genomics enables you to understand the DNA of an animal, and this allows you to really assess how good they will be and manage them accordingly.”

The Igenity beef service was launched in the US in 2018 and is now available in the UK. “The test means that any beef producer can get a better understanding of their cattle, making informed decisions about which to

B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

keep and how best to manage them. It is used by breeders to make selection decisions for breeding, management and meeting market requirements.”

The test involves taking a tissue or hair sample. Tissue samples are preferable and can be done the same time as ear tagging. This is also the ideal time to take the sample, as the sooner you have the data the sooner you can start making better-informed decisions affecting the future of the herd.

The test is designed for commercial producers of cross and pure-bred cattle.

T E C H N I C A L

“Data is provided as a simple 1-10 score for the 17 most commercially important maternal, growth and carcass traits, where 10 is a strong expression of the trait. Genomics is a more accurate way to understand the potential of individual animals to inform decision making.”

Maternal traits reported include birth weight, calving ease, milk yield and stayability, which is a cow that will have the potential to stay in the herd for six years, allowing better decisions to be made on potential replacements in suckler herds.

For growing animals, data is provided on genetic potential for weaning weight, average daily gain, and yearling weight, while carcass traits include marbling, rib eye area, fat thickness, tenderness and carcass weight.

“The results allow suckler producers to drill down into the female genetic pool of the herd, identifying those with better genetic merit to produce higher quality calves and identify those used to produce replacements to improve herd merit.

It can also improve decision-making regarding potential bulls to be used.

“For calf rearers and finishers, the data can help identify calves to grow on and those to sell. For calves retained, it will allow animals to be grouped and fed based on the growth rate and carcass traits, possibly aimed at different markets.

Increasing processor and consumer demands combined with cost pressures mean that increasingly producers will need to refine management approaches starting with a more complete understanding of the cattle on farm. Beef genomic testing has the potential to help producers make better informed decisions to improve performance and improve the overall efficiency of the system.

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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est.

BALLARD 1997

Beef Shorthorns

Stock Bulls – Oakleigh Kildale Lad by Chapleton Bonanza and Fearn Muir by Fearn Elmer

Our aim is to produce naturally reared heifers for the commercial farmer that thrive wherever they may go.

Thank you to all our purchasers in 2023.

Look out for our annual draft of heifers at Carlisle by Kildale Lad & Fearn Muir.

Contact: Fraser Hugill, Throstle Nest, Sproxton, N Yorks

Bulls usually for sale privately

Tel: 07502425266 e-mail: fjhugill@yahoo.co.uk

@FraserHugill

SAC premium cattle health scheme – Johnes level 1 for 11 years, BVD accredited WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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T E C H N I C A L

An Introduction to Genomics

Catriona Millen ABRI Extension Services

This article has been written to give Beef Shorthorn producers an introduction to genomic technology, outlining what genomics is, how genomics works, and how the inclusion of genomic information into the BREEDPLAN analysis will benefit Beef Shorthorn producers.

WHAT IS GENOMICS?

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he genome is the genetic material of an organism; that is, all an organism’s DNA. Genomics is the study of the genome, while genomic selection refers to the inclusion of DNA information into a genetic evaluation and selection program (such as BREEDPLAN). The DNA information (or genotype) used for genomic selection is in the form of thousands of genetic markers known as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Genotypes containing these thousands of SNP markers are generated by analysing a DNA sample from the animal on a SNP chip. SNP chips are available

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in different densities: for example, the SNP chip might have 50,000 SNP markers (50K), 100,000 SNP markers (100K), or be of a lower density (20K) or ultra-high density (700K). The higher the density, the higher the number of SNP markers being tested and reported. Higher density tests tend to be more expensive because they are generating larger amounts of information.

To generate genomic information on pedigree Shorthorn cattle, a breeder takes hair samples from their animals and sends them to the Society, from where they are then

B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

sent to a laboratory for genomic testing. The DNA gets extracted from the sample and is then run on a SNP chip. The result obtained for each of the individual SNP markers, when considered together, is then reported as the SNP genotype for the animal and this information can be used to aid future breeding decisions.

That is why the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society has chosen to use SNP genotypes along with pedigree and performance information in the calculation of BREEDPLAN EBVs. This provides a much better return from the investment in SNP genotyping of Beef Shorthorn cattle.

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WHAT IS SINGLE-STEP BREEDPLAN? When genomic information isn’t available – or isn’t being used BREEDPLAN will make use of pedigree information and performance data (both on the individual and related animals) to generate EBVs. When genomic information is available, BREEDPLAN can then access a new source of information about how animals are truly related (at the genomic level) and how the genotype relates to the differences in performance seen between animals.

The SNP genotypes are stored on the Society database alongside the pedigree and performance data, and it can now all be extracted together in preparation for the BREEDPLAN evaluation. This means that pedigree, performance, and genomic data – three different sources of information - are used together to generate EBVs. This approach is called Single-Step BREEDPLAN. A reference population is required for genomic selection to work. The reference population consists of thousands of animals which have both phenotypes (performance data) and genotypes (Figure 1). Setting up a reference population has been one of the challenges in implementing genomics in many breeds of beef cattle; for most breeds to date, there simply have not been enough animals with both phenotypes and genotypes available to form an effective reference population. The ideal reference population has phenotypes collected on all traits of economic importance and interest to the breed. The second group of animals in Figure 1 are those which have genotypes, but do not have phenotypes collected. These typically are young animals which have not yet reached an age where they can be performance recorded.

REFERENCE POPULATION

YOUNG ANIMALS

Calculate Genomic EBVs

4 Genotypes

4 Genotypes

4 Phenotypes (performance data)

8 Phenotypes (performance data)

Figure 1. A reference population is critical to the implementation and ongoing success of genomic evaluations. The reference population consists of animals which have phenotypes (performance data for economically important traits) and genotypes available. The relationship between the genotypes and phenotypes of the reference population can be used to calculate EBVs for young animals which have genotypes but do not have phenotypes (performance data).

What all this means is that it’s possible to calculate EBVs more accurately for young genotype-only animals. Their own genotype allows them to draw on all the information available via their genomic relationship to the reference population, far more information than is available simply via their pedigree. Of course, this approach works best when the young, genotyped animal is closely related to the reference population. For this reason, the reference population should be designed to represent the whole genetic pool of a breed, rather than just a subset of genetics within a breed. This is also one of the reasons why genomics will not replace performance recording – there is a requirement that animals from the next generation have both genotypes and phenotypes coming into the reference population over time. It is important that Beef Shorthorn breeders understand genomics will not replace performance recording; the work that Beef Shorthorn breeders do to collect performance records remains critical for the success of genomics in the future.

Importantly, any animal that has been genotyped and has some amount of performance data then becomes part of the reference population.

This means the reference population

continues to grow each time there are new animals genotyped and with performance records.

WHAT BENEFITS CAN BEEF SHORTHORN BREEDERS EXPECT FROM GENOMICS? The introduction of genomics means, a Beef Shorthorn breeder will be able to take a sample from an individual animal, send the sample away for genotyping and then have the genotype information included in the Single-Step BREEDPLAN evaluation to generate EBVs. This will have two main applications for breeders:

1. EBVs can be generated for animals which do not have performance data.

There will always be animals that don’t have performance information as well as animals that may have performance records but are in herds of such a small size that the value of performance data is limited. By genotyping these animals and having the SNP genotype included in the Single-Step BREEDPLAN evaluation, these animals can get BREEDPLAN EBVs of higher accuracy.

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There will also be animals in BREEDPLAN herds that don’t have performance information for some traits because: • the animal is too young to have been measured for that trait. For example, a calf at weaning will be too young to have performance records for scan EMA and FAT and will therefore have low accuracy for the carcase trait EBVs. • the trait is hard and/or expensive to measure. For example, Net Feed Intake (NFI) is measured in feeding trials where the animals are on ad libitum feed for nearly 100 days (including the pre-trial adjustment period), making it a very expensive trait to measure widely across the population.

• the trait is only able to be measured in one sex. For example, Scrotal Size can only be recorded for males.

• the trait can only be measured once the animal is dead. For example, slaughter/carcase information.

• even when an animal does have performance information, this

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information may not be able to be used effectively by the BREEDPLAN analysis. For example, a single animal in a single animal contemporary group has no head-to-head comparison with contemporaries and this means it can only receive mid-parent EBVs until it has progeny in useful contemporary groups.

Whatever the reason for an animal not having performance information, it will either result in having no EBVs reporting for certain traits (because the accuracy is too low) or will only have mid-parent EBVs of low accuracy.

With Single-Step BREEDPLAN, such animals could be genotyped and get EBVs reporting for a range of traits because the additional information from the reference population allows the accuracy of the EBVs to be higher.

Animals which are too young to be performance recorded for a trait could be genotyped at a young age (e.g. at birth) and get EBVs that normally they would not receive until they were much older (e.g. rising 2 year olds with scan data).

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2. More accurate EBVs can be generated for animals with limited performance information Currently, a young animal with no performance data (either of its own or its progeny) will have mid-parent EBVs with quite low accuracy. With the addition of its own performance data and performance data of its progeny, the EBVs will change (depending on how well the individual and its progeny perform within their contemporary groups) and the accuracy associated with the EBVs will increase.

Genomics will “boost” the accuracy of BREEDPLAN EBVs, with this benefit being most pronounced when the animal has EBVs of low accuracy before being genotyped. For example, a young animal may have an accuracy of 30% for one EBV; with the inclusion of a genomic test, the accuracy for that EBV might become 40%. However, an older animal, which might have an accuracy of 90% for the same EBV, would likely only have an increase to 92% accuracy for that EBV with the inclusion of genomic information.

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The impact of genomics on accuracy can be considered in a similar way to the addition of progeny performance data into the BREEDPLAN evaluation.

When the accuracy of an EBV is low, additional data has a large effect. But when the accuracy of an EBV is high, additional data has a much smaller effect. Of course, the improvement in the accuracy of an EBV due to the inclusion of genomic information will vary for each trait (depending on the size of the reference population and the heritability of the trait) and for each animal (depending on how closely the animal is related to the reference population).

The applications of genomics as discussed above will allow Beef Shorthorn breeders to identify elite bulls and heifers at younger ages than is currently possible. For example, consider an ET program where 10 full sibling bulls have been born (Figure 2). As full siblings, these ET calves will share on average 50% of their DNA (e.g. full sibling ET calves are not genetically

identical). These young bull calves, at weaning time, will have identical mid- parent EBVs with low accuracy.

This is illustrated in Figure 2A, where all 10 bull calves have a mid-parent Selection Index value of £50. Which one(s) should be kept as bull(s) for breeding purposes, and which ones should be culled or castrated? This is a difficult decision, because the breeder has limited knowledge of the genetic potential of these young bull calves, and thus has no way of differentiating these calves based on their genetic potential.

which of these young full-sibling bull calves has the desired genetics for their breeding program. The breeder can now use the best young bulls for yearling mating. Of course, the use of one Selection Index is for illustrative purposes only; the breeder should consider both Selection Indexes and individual EBVs of importance as well as a visual assessment for structure, when making selection decisions (see A BREEDPLAN Guide to Animal Selection, available via the Help Centre on the BREEDPLAN website, for more information).

Figure 2B shows the Selection Indexes generated after the inclusion of genomic information into the SingleStep BREEDPLAN evaluation. As illustrated in Figure 2B, following the inclusion of genomic data into the BREEDPLAN analysis, the Selection Index values for these 10 full- sibling bull calves now range from £39 to £62.

As the breeder can now differentiate between calves on their genetic potential, the breeder can identify

As the Figure 2 example shows, the power of genomics is the identification of elite bulls and heifers at a young age.

This allows cattle breeders to make selection decisions at younger ages than are currently possible, and thus shorten the generation interval. In turn, shortening the generation interval should increase the rate of genetic improvement, both for individual breeders and for the wider Beef Shorthorn population.

A Calf 1

Calf 2

Calf 3

Calf 4

Calf 5

Calf 6

Calf 7

Calf 8

Calf 9

Calf 10

Calf 8 SI = £48

Calf 9 SI = £59

Calf 10 SI = £62

Selection Index (SI) for all calves = £50

B Calf 1 SI = £54

Calf 2 SI = £39

Calf 3 SI = £44

Calf 4 SI = £52

Calf 5 SI = £42

Calf 6 SI = £45

Calf 7 SI = £57

Figure 2. An ET breeding program results in 10 full sibling bull calves. In A) these 10 calves are too young to have performance information recorded, and so have identical mid-parent EBVs and Selection Index values. In this instance, all 10 calves have a Selection Index value of £50. In B) each of the 10 calves has had a genomic test done, and the genomic information has been included in the Single-Step BREEDPLAN evaluation. Here, due to the inclusion of genomic information, the Selection Index values range from £39 to £62.

CONCLUSION The availability of SNP genotypes for Beef Shorthorn cattle and the introduction of Single-Step BREEDPLAN will have several benefits for members of the Beef Shorthorn

Cattle Society, including the potential to calculate EBVs on animals that cannot or have not been measured for particular traits. In addition, the inclusion of genomic data in the SingleStep BREEDPLAN evaluation is likely to increase the accuracy of EBVs for young

animals with limited performance data. Therefore, genomics provides an important tool for Beef Shorthorn producers who wish to continue making genetic improvement into the future.

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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Beef Shorthorn genetics are playing an increasing role in the Mallaber family’s livestock enterprise Pedigree cattle have always been at the heart of Peter Mallaber’s business. Historically, the main focus was on dairy with the high yielding Newroddige herd of Holsteins, which were run alongside Charolais and Limousin herds.

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ollowing the dispersal of the dairy herd in 2018 the focus turned to the suckler herds, with Beef Shorthorns more recently added to the mix.

The family farm about 405 hectares (1,000 acres) at Drakelow, Wychnor and Alrewas near Burton on Trent, South Derbyshire, which includes land rented out for carrot, parsnip and potato production as well as grassland and cereals.

Maize is also grown to feed the cattle and for other people. Peter also now rears heifers for a neighbouring dairy farmer.

Peter’s son, Chris, separately operates his own sheep enterprise lambing 700 ewes of various breeds and taking on additional land in the surrounding area for grazing.

And it is Chris who has established the Grovewood herd of Beef Shorthorns which was founded on 20 cows which came from Danny Wyllie, who is a relative, when he dispersed his Tamhorn herd in 2014, along with a couple more heifers bought at Carlisle.

It was one of the in-calf Tamhorn cows, which produced the bull, Grovewood Jackson by Glenisla Explorer, which was champion and sold for 12,000gns, at the time a breed record, at the October 2017 Stirling bull sales.

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AI was used extensively across the herd to introduce a variety of bloodlines and initially all heifers were kept as replacements to increase herd numbers.

But as well as maintaining a pedigree herd the Beef Shorthorn bulls have been put to commercial use.

Peter took the decision to move away from Limousins and rather than dispersing them completely began using Beef Shorthorn bulls on some of the cows. Taking this a step further he then used a Shorthorn on the cross-bred heifers which were retained and this has proved to be an outstanding success. This year for the first time, all the Limousins have been put to a Beef Shorthorn bull.

“Both the first cross Shorthorns and the three-quarter bred Shorthorn heifers make really good suckler cows"

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“Steers are all good to sell as well, with the Morrisons scheme helping. We usually take them to Market Drayton at 10-12 months old.”

Meanwhile, Chris has been continuing to build up the pedigree herd. Heifers are bulled to calve at about 27-28 months old as the Mallabers like them to mature a bit more before bulling.

Pedigree bull calves are left entire with the best sold for breeding and the remainder either finished or sold as stores.

“They are not too big, very good mothers and are much cheaper to feed than the continentals.

Three years ago, Chris bought in an additional 19 yearling heifers in Northumberland.

“Having some Limousin genetics in there just adds a bit more shape to the calves, which helps, particularly when selling steers.”

All of these were AI’d with sexed semen in the autumn and the plan is to market the resulting progeny as bulling heifers.

Some of these cross-bred heifers have been kept in the suckler herd as the Limousin cows are reduced and the surplus have been sold as bulling heifers.

About two-thirds of the suckler herd calves in the autumn with the remainder in the spring.

All cattle are wintered inside on a TMR of grass and maize silage and straw for the cows with home-grown oats and protein pellets added for the youngstock and any animals which are being finished.

Peter says: “We have been selling privately to local customers looking for suckler replacements.

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Are Big Cows Better?

Dr Harriet Bunning - Lead Animal Genetics Expert with AHDB discusses the issue of cow size and environmental impact.

H

ow big is your ideal cow? In the show ring, big cows tend to do well. Their size makes them impressive to look at compared to smaller females and for those chasing higher growth rates, a herd of large cows will, on average, produce calves with heavier weaning weights. This is also important for breeders who sell young bulls as again, on average, larger cows will produce bigger bulls to sell at the bull sales.

However, the overall profitability of

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your farm is not just reliant on your income. In the current climate of high costs of fertiliser, labour, and feed, reducing input costs is possibly a more viable way to increase your profit. Smaller cows need less feed and so can greatly reduce those input costs. Estimates suggest that for a 10 kg reduction in mature cow weight, her daily feed requirements drop by 150-250g of dry matter. This reduction in feed requirements has an impact when she is a cow, but also when she’s a heifer, as her feed requirements for

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growth will also be reduced. So, by keeping a herd of smaller cows, you also reduce your overall replacement costs.

As you might expect, smaller cows also have a smaller environmental impact.

Feed production has an environmental impact and so if less feed is required, we produce fewer greenhouse gasses.

In addition to this, as a rule, cows which eat more tend to produce more enteric methane. This means that keeping smaller cows who eat less

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feed, reduces CO2 produced during feed production, as well as enteric methane production from the cattle themselves. It’s estimated that for a 10kg reduction in mature cow weight, the environmental impact of that cow reduces by 8.8kg CO2 equivalents. This is even greater during the heifer rearing period when the same 10kg reduction in mature cow weight would reduce the environmental impact of the growing heifer by 18.9 kg CO2 equivalents. This reduction in environmental impact is becoming increasingly important across the industry and by keeping smaller cows, alongside the carbon sequestration of your grassland, you can reassure consumers of your beef that it is a greener choice.

What does this mean for breeders?

Can you maintain good growth rates using smaller cows? Although there is generally a belief that smaller cows produce calves with lower growth rates, this is not universally true.

Through good breeding, we can select for cows which are not too large, who still produce calves that grow well.

EBVs (estimated breeding values), which are a measure of the genetic merit of an animal for a specific trait, are a great tool to help identify which are the best breeding animals to produce these cows. They are especially useful when selecting a bull as they give you a good idea of the mature size of his daughters, which can be difficult to assess by eye alone.

You can find the Mature Cow Weight EBV of a bull (or cow) on the society website, through the “Animal Enquiry” option under “Database”. This EBV is measured in kg and is the expected difference between an animal and the base population. In practice, this means we expect a cow with a Mature Cow Weight EBV of 50kg to be 10kg heavier than one with an EBV of 40kg, assuming all non-genetic factors, such as health and diet are the same. The

average for calves born in 2021 for this trait is 43kg, with the lightest 10% having a value less than 26kg and the heaviest, more than 62kg.

To produce these EBVs, we need good data. This highlights the importance of performance recording for breeders.

Through BreedPlan, you can record the weights of your calves, steers and importantly, your cows. This will enable the production of more accurate EBVs for your animals and help you breed your ideal sized cow.

If you do not currently record through BreedPlan but can provide cow weights, please get in touch with the society.

Harriet has been working with the Society to analyse cow weights and so if you wish to discuss any of the issues covered in this article, please feel free to contact her Harriet.Bunning@ahdb.org.uk

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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Science into practice: IVP

Gavin Tait, AB Europe

C

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Hook with vitrified embryo

attle breeders seeking to improve their herd’s genetic potential are introducing In-Vitro embryo Production (IVP), a costeffective service from specialist artificial breeding technology company, AB Europe. “IVP is a widely used method globally for producing embryos where it outcompetes MOET for its flexibility and multiple benefits to breeders and their donor animals,” explains AB Europe’s vet, Gavin Tait.

Heifers + IVP

“IVP is providing breeders with opportunities that could never have been dreamt of. The process features some of the most technically advanced procedures, initially developed in human IVF, to produce embryos from collected oocytes which are fertilized within a petri dish by selected semen and subsequently cultured for seven days until the fully developed embryos can be transferred or frozen. IVP can be performed in sexually mature heifers and in calf breeding females enabling cattle breeders to keep steps ahead.”

The IVP process allows you to start collecting oocytes – unfertilised eggs, from heifers at a considerably younger age over MOET which requires animals to be 13 to 15 months of age and is more size dependent.

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We are performing IVP in beef heifers at around 10 to 11 months of age, and dairy heifers from as young as eight months. There will be variation between breeds and individual animals mainly attributed to sexual maturity, however you should be able to gauge if she is sufficiently mature to collect from according to her size and if she has started to cycle.

Collecting oocytes from younger animals is enabling breeders to produce embryos and realise the potential from their highest genetic value animals much sooner. For example, if we collect from a nine-month-old heifer, her first calf will be born by the time she is 18 months of age.

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Young heifers are averaging around three embryos within a range of one to 10 embryos compared with cows averaging five, and we have found from experience that collecting at an early age doesn’t compromise her future breeding potential at all. We’ve collected from heifers which have gone on to achieve a normal pregnancy.

Pregnant donors + IVP IVP provides an exclusive opportunity to collect oocytes from in-calf females. The service is practical up to 12 to 14 weeks of gestation, after which point it becomes very donor dependant as to whether her ovaries can still be reached by the vet.

We carry out the same process as we do for nonpregnant animals, the success rate is the same and there is no difference in hold rates.

IVP is allowing breeders to continue to collect oocytes from their ‘best’ animal while she is in calf; they no longer have to hesitate whether or not to perform IVF and compromise her becoming out of synch with the rest of the in herd, or even miss a year of breeding.

Embryo vitrification Vitrification is another process which was developed in human IVF and has since been introduced to the cattle breeding sector.

Vitrification features a two-part process; initially the embryo is dehydrated - all the liquid inside them is removed, after which it is rapidly frozen on a specially designed hook. The technique prevents ice crystals forming within each embryo which could be detrimental when it thaws. It is also the preferred method of freezing used in human IVF (see image on p52).

As long embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen they can be stored indefinitely, regardless of the processing or storage method. We find that Grade 1 embryos tend to hold equally as well, whether they are vitrified or conventionally frozen. However, there is a marked improved hold rate when Grade 2 embryos are vitrified (see image below).

Grade 1

Picture perfect embryo. Inner cell mass (ICM) is neat and tidy with even cell size, shape and colour; no evidence of fragmentation

Grade 2

ICM cellular distribution less compact with minor fragmentation

Grade 3

No clear cellular boundaries with >50% fragmentation; not viable for freezing or transferring

Seven day old Grade 1 embryos ready for implantation

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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Collect from young or pregnant donors On-farm services

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B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

cattle@abreeds.co.uk www.abreeds.co.uk

LOWTHER SHORTHORNS Nord Vue Farm, Armathwaite, Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 9TN

LOWTHER LILY W10 sire: LOWTHER KONAN

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www.lowthershorthorns.co.uk WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS YEAR.

B R E E D A B I L ITY • P R E D I C A B I L ITY Charles Lowther: 01931 712 350 / charles@askhamhall.co.uk

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Easy fleshing nature prompts Shorthorns return to historic home Docility and the ability to thrive and finish at grass make Beef Shorthorns the ideal breed for Waddesdon Estates’ suckler herd.

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he Buckinghamshire-based 65-cow herd, managed by Tom Mansfield alongside a 1,200-ewe flock, was introduced on to the estate to utilise both permanent pasture and herbal leys within the arable rotation.

“Lady Alice Rothschild had a noted herd of Beef Shorthorns on the estate back in the 1920s, so going back into the breed was a natural choice,” explains Tom. Today, with 900 acres of permanent pasture and about 250 acres of herbal leys, the cattle are used to convert this forage into high quality meat to be sold in the Five Arrows Hotel and at Waddesdon and via the private events team.

“Without a doubt Shorthorns are a good fit. They are docile and easy to work with and the meat quality is exceptional,” says Tom. And, with the Estate’s permanent pasture crisscrossed by public footpaths the docile nature of the cows, even with calves at foot, means cattle grazing can include areas of public access, which adds greatly to the flexibility of herd management.

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Adding to the appeal of the breed is the natural fleshing they offer which aids early growth without the need for creep feed.

“We aim to calve heifers at two years old, with the oldest of them getting to 28 months before calving. Everything is bulled on weight, rather than age, aiming to bull heifers at 400kg.

“The breed’s more moderate size compared to some other beef breeds, both native and Continental, makes them ideal for calving at this age and means cow size doesn’t get too big either.”

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FACT FILE 4,500 acres farmed in-hand 900 acres permanent pasture, 250 acres herbal leys 65-cow Beef Shorthorn herd, plus followers 1,200-ewe flock

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This more moderate size is critical when outwintering, with everything aged 12-24 months kept out over winter, grazing either herbal leys within the arable rotation or permanent pasture, depending on weather and ground conditions.

“Most of the ground we graze is heavy clay, so we have to be careful over winter and have changed how we supplement outwintered cattle in recent years to reduce the impact they make.

We’ve moved from feeding silage in ring feeders to using a bale unroller and have seen a significant difference in the impact on the ground. We work on the basis of thirds, with cattle eating a third, wasting a third and trampling a third, which might sound wasteful, but those two thirds the cattle aren’t eating are going back into the ground, helping improve soil condition over time, which in turn, will mean we can maximise grass growth and outwintering in future years,” he adds.

Currently about half of the bullocks are finished each year, with the other half sold as stores at 600-650kg through Thame Market where Tom says they meet a ready demand. “We bull all the heifers, selling a number of those as in-calf heifers, both privately and through Thame.

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“Long-term the aim will be to finish all the bullocks ourselves once we have sufficient demand. We currently finish bullocks at up to 28 months old, selecting prime cattle by cover rather than age or weight. The youngest would be about 20 months old, with the aim being to finish them at grass without the need for supplementary feeding.

“Finishing cattle are cell grazed on herbal leys, which I have found to be a tremendous way of putting flesh and finish on them.”

And while the herd has pedigree status Tom says all male calves are castrated rather than being left to make bulls. “We castrate everything for easier and more efficient management.

Calving inside in from mid-March onwards Tom aims to turn cows and calves out at about 14 days old. “The sooner I can get them out the sooner they can start making use of grazed grass. Cows and calves run at grass until late October when they’re weaned, with calves offered no creep feed over the summer.

“Calves are housed over their first winter and are fed on silage and homegrown cereals to grow them on, with cows also housed ahead of calving.”

With heifers retained Tom aims to source a new bull every couple of years to ensure fresh blood is coming through the herd, going back to regular sources. “I generally source bulls from a couple of herds I know and trust. Health status and herd management style are paramount as I want to ensure any bull I buy will fit in our system and their calves will too.

“We’re a high health herd, so buying anything in is always a risk, but by working with herds I know and trust I’m able to minimise that risk.

We’re accredited for Johnes, BVD and IBR and tag test every calf for BVD, ensuring we maintain the herd’s status,” adds Tom.

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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Pedigree cattle working in a commercial world.

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Shorthorns cut finishing time in regen system A desire for a faster finishing native breed capable of being grown and finished on a forage-based diet and producing a quality carcass were the main drivers behind the introduction of Beef Shorthorns to one south Devon farm.

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ased just south of Dartmoor, Fowlescombe Farm is managed on a day to day basis by Rosie Ball, with the farm business overseen by owners Alex and Andrew Owens.

As Rosie explains, the development of the herd and the wider business is ongoing following the purchase of the farm by the Owens family in 2019.

“Our vision is to produce outstanding meat in a regenerative farming system to supply the family pub nearby and to be used by Rare and Pasture, the charcuterie and smokery business based on the farm.

“Historically, the farm, under the previous owners, carried a herd based on South Devon and Aberdeen-Angus genetics, but the Owens wanted something different, so initially invested in a pedigree herd of Longhorns, which still expands today.

“These are great for the farming system and produce truly superb meat, but are slow to finish in a Pasture-for-Life system, affecting the carrying capacity of the farm.

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"We bought some Beef Shorthorns in 2020 to finish more quickly off grass, while sticking with a native breed.”

As with any new enterprise Miss Ball says it is taking a while to select the genetics best suited to the farming system. “Inevitably, some animals have proven to be better suited than others to our farm and the management system. So, we’ve been careful with the heifers we’ve retained in the herd and this year’s calving was great, with some superb calves coming through this summer.”

With a total of 150-head of cattle on site, based around a 45-cow herd, the numbers are now split 70:30 in favour of Beef Shorthorns, with the Shorthorns able to be slaughtered at an average of 24 months, compared with the Longhorns which need slaughtering later at 30-34 months.

“This difference impacts the business, with a

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shorter finishing time allowing us to carry greater numbers,” she explains.

Cattle graze for at least six months of the year and the farm aims to increase this through regenerative management practices to improve both the soil and pasture’s resilience.

“We are aiming to graze for as long as possible, but the ground isn’t that free draining, so the grazing season really depends on the weather. We can sometimes run a small group of store cattle outside for longer, but generally most cattle are housed during November to give the ground a decent rest with a view to getting them turned out in early March.”

To make the best of the summer growing season all cattle are grazed rotationally, aiming for ground to be rested for at least 40 days between grazings, with some ground not seeing cattle again for 64 days between grazings.

“All the beef is processed on site after slaughter at a local abattoir, with the aim of minimising stress on the animals both during transport and at slaughter, to ensure meat quality isn’t compromised.

“A longer rotation is better, with the trampling of some taller grasses adding to the organic matter content of the soil. This in turn helps improve water infiltration and should enable a longer grazing season in time.

Beef is then supplied to a pub owned by the family, the Millbrook Inn at South Pool, or used in charcuterie products made on-farm by Rare and Pasture. “We also sell some beef to other local pubs and restaurants, with the range of outlets helping with carcass balance.”

“Aiming to maximise growth at grass we give younger cattle access to the best grass throughout the summer, trying to avoid the need for supplementary feeding. All cattle are finished at grass or off high-quality silage in the winter months, with this made from diverse leys containing a wide variety of grasses and clovers as well as yarrow, burnett and plantain.

“We used to include chicory in these leys too and although it is great for finishing lambs in the autumn, it was causing issues when we wrapped the bales due to the stronger stem, so we have since adjusted our seed mixes.” says Miss Ball.

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Using all its own meat means the business has a keen insight in to carcass performance, with the Beef Shorthorn sired cattle producing carcasses which yield well from a pasture-only diet.

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Miss Ball says overall the introduction of Beef Shorthorn genetics to the herd has made a significant difference to its management and the ability to finish cattle in a ‘Pasture For Life’ approved system efficiently and at an age where they can deliver carcasses with both good yield and exceptional eating quality.

“The addition of Beef Shorthorn has worked in every way we hoped it would and I’m looking forward to developing the herd further in time,” she adds.

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Mark and Kate Andrews

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Grass finishing delivers on meat quality Finishing bought in Beef Shorthorn store cattle is providing a welcome extra product range for Stroud, Gloucestershire-based farmers Mark and Kate Andrews.

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tarting from a standing start in 2019, the couple purchased a 110-acre farm, with their first livestock being two sows, explains Kate.

“It has grown from there to the point where we now have about 150-pigs on site at any one time and have added cattle to the mix, as we have grown the meat retailing side of the business.

“With Mark still working full time and managing the farm around his job, meat sales are very much down to me and we sell meat at a number of small markets every week, with demand for both the pork and beef often outstripping supply.”

Initially sourcing a handful of pure Beef Shorthorn stores from a herd they knew, the couple are now finishing between 18 and 20 cattle a year, aiming to slaughter them at about 28 months, having grown them on slowly on grass leys.

“Everything is outwintered, unless the weather takes a major turn for the worse, with some supplementary feeding as required,” explains Kate who was a primary school teacher until the birth of her third child.

“Choosing the Beef Shorthorn as the breed we wanted to work with was a natural fit. We knew about the breed from family connections and felt their ability to thrive off grass and quieter nature would suit us well".

“Additionally, they offer many of the benefits of eating quality and carcass type that other native breeds do, but are not as universally know, giving us a subtle, but useful marketing edge when it came to selling beef. It was something different,” she says.

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Slaughtered at a local abattoir, the carcasses are returned to a local butcher for preparation ahead of sale, with carcasses hung for 28 days before cutting.

“Taking them to 28 months does mean we’re dealing with a larger carcass, but it also helps with eating quality as it has grown slowly. Some joints can end up quite large, but we ensure customers know what to expect and we can easily sell the fillet and several other cuts before the cattle are even slaughtered.

“There is some difficulty selling roasting joints during the summer months, but we usually find a way to make use of those or freeze them for sale later in the year,” adds Kate.

To help with marketing the couple have entered their beef in a number of competitions, with both their sirloin and fillet steaks picking up gold awards in the Taste Of The West awards and the sirloin being put forward for the supreme championship.

“That recognition has built on the tremendous feedback we’ve received from customers, having never received any negative feedback in the three years we’ve been selling meat.

“We also offer some novel cuts and have worked with our butcher to ensure we make best use of every part of the carcass. Offering tenderised short rib steaks during the summer which are ideal for barbeques. It’s a good way to offer something at good value while also adding some value to a less fashionable cut.”

Having hit the retail trail during the Covid-19 pandemic, Kate has worked with a number of

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other small, local businesses to develop local markets in village car parks and similar venues to serve smaller local communities.

“These have served us well and while we’re perhaps not seeing the same volume of trade as we did when people were working from home or travelling less during lock downs, we’ve certainly built up a loyal following. Many are willing to pay a little extra for better quality meat, opting to eat less, but enjoy it more,” she explains.

Looking ahead Kate says the option of breeding their own cattle isn’t on the cards just yet, with the investment in infrastructure and buildings a limiting factor at the moment, as well as time.

“Buying in small batches of store cattle is working well for us at the moment and keeps the workload manageable. Starting a breeding herd would bring more work and take up more grassland, so we’ll stick with the current system for a while.”

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Mullaglass

BEEF SHORTHORNS

STOCKBULL MULLAGLASS NABUCCO

HIS FIRST SON MULLAGLASS SIMEON

Runner up in the 2022 Northern Ireland Club herd competition.

Visitors always welcome. AFBI Health Scheme herd.

Richard Henning: 10 Jockey’s Brae, Newry, Co Down, NI BT35 6NU Tel: 07730 762905 | Email: richard.henning@lakeland.ie Follow us on Facebook: Mullaglass Shorthorn WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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Shorthorn forage system hits 500kg bulling weights

FACT FILE 70 suckler cows, mostly pedigree Shorthorn 239ha, of which about 100ha is farmed in hand 200ha of grassland, of which about 25ha is in arable rotation Growing oats and barley 45ha of multispecies leys 39ha of woodland and watercourse margin

Trawling the globe for elite commercial sires and flushing easy-fleshing females from forage-based systems has helped a pedigree herd expand while consistently bulling heifers at 14-15 months old, Michael Preistley reviews…

20 Angus-cross and Shorthorn recipients Expecting to calve 75 cows next year Closed flock of 60 Teeswater breeding ewes

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utch veterinary surgeon Gerard te Lintelo and his wife, Joanne, of Mayfield Beef Shorthorns, Wolsingham, County Durham, calve their heifers at 24 months.

The Weardale-based herd has recorded average daily liveweight gains of 1.12kg a head a day to 400 days in its heifers, and boasts several 33-34-month-old females with their second calf at foot.

But Gerard stresses that growth and performance are based on forage-reared genetics, underpinned by productive grass and clover leys and the 45ha (111 acres) of multispecies swards on the farm.

Eight key factors for fast-growing heifers 1. Multiplying elite females •

The herd is based on five in-calf heifers bought in 2016 for an average of £6,000 a head: three Chapelton heifers and two Upsall heifers. These were from proven female families with good growth estimated breeding values (EBVs) from forage, type and udder structure.

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Multiple ovulation embryo transfer (Moet) and in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) have been used to grow the herd. Pure and Angus cross Shorthorn heifers used as recipients to ensure performance is genuine beef performance, not a milky dairy cow.

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IVF costs £150-£200/viable embryo produced, with a pregnancy rate of about 60% on fresh transfers and 40% on frozen embryos. Each calf born via conventional embryo transfer costs about £1,200 at a 50% rearing success rate. Importing embryos costs about £500 an embryo.

Getting started Gerard’s veterinary background has been a key part of the herd’s progress.

Advanced breeding techniques have been used to multiply the best females in the herd, with the aim to be a Shorthorn herd that can provide a bull for every type of customer.

He believes genetics based on low-cost, foragebased performance and easy calving will be sought after in the years ahead. This is the justification he has for investing heavily in a pedigree cattle operation.

He aims to get heifers to 60% of mature weight by 15 months, which can be 440kg for a cow that will be 750kg, or 520kg for a cow that will grow to be about 865kg.

“There is a huge variety within the Shorthorn breed and we aim to provide something for everyone,” he explains. “We have larger-statured cattle and smaller, mature sizes.

“In general, I am trying to moderate cow size to be nearer 750kg rather than 850kg, but everybody has a cow type that works for them.”

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2. State-of-the-art sheds •

As well as a herd health and vaccination plan, the farm has high-welfare sheds built in 2021, designed to be safe for cattle and people.

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Two 35x48m cattle sheds can each be split into eight pens for in-calf cows, calving cows and youngstock.

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Tipping troughs, weaning gates, self-locking yokes, adjustable windbreakers, swing brushes, and deep bedded straw from the arable enterprise, make for a comfortable shed in which heifers thrive.

Average growth and weights of Mayfield youngstock since 2016 200-day weight (kg)

Daily liveweight gain at 200 days (kg)

400-day weight (kg)

Daily liveweight gain at 400 days (kg)

Heifers

290

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470

1.12

Bulls

327

1.44

570

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3. Proven forage-based bulls

vaccination and TB testing to be a safe, oneperson job if needs be.

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Genetic progress and foraging ability are ensured by using bulls from forage-reared systems in Australia and Canada.

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Breeding values are scrutinised for 200day weight (milk), 400-day weight (early maturity), mature cow size (not too high), marbling, calving ease direct and indirect, and scrotal size.

5. Easy weaning

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Crooked Post Stockman, Hill Haven Firestorm and Sprys All Gold embryos were imported from Canada. Royalla Rembrandt, Sprys Patent Ace and Muridale Thermal Energy embryos were imported from Australia.

Only bulls with performance from 150 or more calves and strong accuracy figures are selected.estley

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Calves are weaned inside via a creep gate.

The creep area provides a small amount of creep and high-quality big bale silage, which is better than the cow silage.

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Stage one, lasting one week, uses the creep gate to allow calves access to the best silage and a small amount of creep feed.

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Stage two sees the gate shut and calves and cows penned either side of a partition rail inside for a further week before calves transfer to another shed.

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A 50:50 mix of home-grown oats and a heifer rearing pellet is built up to a restricted intake of 1.5kg a day.

4. Low-stress handling •

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A handling system design based on Dr Temple Grandin’s principles and a quiet, ergonomic crush allow weight collection,

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Growth rates plummet when cattle are handled, so making the process calm, quiet and low-stress means heifers are more settled and their growth check is lessened.

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Creep is fed for four to six weeks before and after weaning date (at about 200 days). Total intake is about 100kg, which is for rumen transition and stress management.

6. Good-quality forage •

The system is based on harvesting silage for quality rather than bulk, and extensive use of red clover, white clover and herbal leys.

Dedicated silage fields have two or three cuts and some grazing fields receive a first cut before grazing.

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Dry cow silage is about 11% crude protein (CP) and 10MJ/kg metabolisable energy (ME) while silage for young calves and lactating cows is 13% CP and 11-12MJ/kg ME.

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Gerard has calculated that one big round bale of red clover silage has the energy and protein content of nine bags of calf feed.

7. Pelvic measuring •

Monitoring pelvic dimensions helps minimise calving issues by rejecting and fattening the

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heifers with the smallest pelvises.

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This has been done for four years. The minimum cut-off is 160 sq cm (standardised to 365 days of age).

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Reject numbers have fallen each year and no heifers were rejected for pelvis size this spring.

8. Calving ease •

Average birth weights for bull calves (41kg) and heifer calves (39kg) are low.

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Calving assistance is artificially high, at 5%, because high-value embryo calves are given a precautionary pull.

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Any females with calving problems are recorded and rejected.

Gerard believes that the forage based performance and strong maternal traits of the Beef Shorthorn, combined with a focus on the best genetics and attention to detail will provide a sustainable business model for his pedigree enterprise.

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BREEDING WITH THE FUTURE IN MIND

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

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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:

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Leazes Lane, Wolsingham, County Durham, DL13 3DR

+44 7717 131 388

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

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Estates put confidence in young stockmen Dr Peter Fitzgerald and his wife Nualin are the owners of Cherryvalley and Dunarave Estates in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Whilst their business interests take them all around the world, the Fitzgeralds have a love and passion for native breeds of livestock and their country estates, welcoming hundreds of visitors to them each year for the game season.

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he estates are managed separately with each having their own herds of Beef Shorthorn cattle, in addition to substantial sheep flocks. Both herds are managed by enthusiastic young men, both in their twenties. Marvyn Robinson and Gareth Henderson have been brought up on suckler farms and have a real understanding of pedigree breeding and how to progress. Upon

talking to each of them it is clear to see just how passionate they are about the Cherryvalley and Dundarve herds.

Dundarave Estate is in one of the most beautiful parts of the North Coast, Bushmills. The area is famed for its whisky and is just stone’s throw away from the wonder that is the Giants Causeway. The Estate is managed by Ian Chapman who has been there since

The Dundarave herd based at Bushmills, Co Antrim produce a large number of steers that are finished through the Glenarm Beef Scheme each year

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1997. His skills as a gamekeeper were recognised by the Great Game Fairs of Ireland in 2017 who described Ian “as a man who has made gamekeeping an art. His skills are legendary, and, in his role as Dundarave’s gamekeeper he has become a hugely respected custodian of the countryside and a respected figure in Irish country sports.” The Estate is home to a successful sporting

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The Dundarave herd run a number of stock bulls including the homebred Maverick with a mix of Typhoon and Wyvis in his pedigree

The Dundarave herd of Beef Shorthorn cattle graze alongside the River Bush close to the Irish Sea

business with game and clay pigeon shooting attracting visitors from all around the world.

The holding extends to approximately 1,300 acres, with a significant amount used annually for producing cereals.

Nualin founded the Dundarave prefix in 2015 with numbers reaching 130 Beef Shorthorn females in 2023. With the vision being to further increase this to 150 most heifers have been retained within the herd. The grassland runs right to the sea and River Bush, with sandhills providing year-round outdoor coverage for the cows resulting in only minimal housing required for the herd.

Enthusiastic herd manager Gareth Henderson (22) has a real passion and drive to keep improving the Dundarave herd. Calving is split into two groups, spring, and autumn although the team would like to see a shift towards the majority calving in the spring. Several stock bulls are currently used within the herd including homebred Dundarave Maverick. To ensure there is a tight calving pattern bulls are only with the cows for a twelve-week period, with consideration now being given to reducing this to nine weeks.

The spring calvers are run on the sandhills, with forage supplemented by silage, until a month before calving.

Post calving this portion of the herd will

go to grass, whilst the autumn calvers will then move to the sandhills. The beauty of this dry part of the farm is that the cows are happy and content to outwinter on the sandhills, which provide both shelter and dry ground all year round. The cows excel in this environment, and the reduction in necessity for housing makes management less labour and costs reliant. The autumn calvers are able to calve outdoors with ease.

Gareth would like to finish steers through the Glenarm Beef Scheme and is working towards this with the guidance of Bryan Wilson from Glenarm Estate. Whilst this is progressing, steers from Dundarave are sold as stores through Ballymena Livestock Mart. 26

Foundation females were sourced from the Ballylinney herd with many still performing well as senior cows within the Dundarave herd. Miss Ramsden 10th is twelve years old and is due in February

steers were sold mid-October to reach £1,390 for 550 kilos (252p per kilo), returning an average of £1,200 on a mean weight of 515 kilos. Dundarave Estate operates many other activities, including corporate hospitality, and is the ideal backdrop for film and television opportunities. In recent years it launched an online farm shop which includes acclaimed beef boxes from Beef Shorthorn cattle reared on the farm. More details can be found at www.dundaraveestate.com

Herd manager Gareth Henderson pictured alongside Dundarave Estate Manager Ian Chapman

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Future looks bright for Cherryvalley Beef Shorthorns The Cherryvalley Estate extends to over 1,500 acres of farmland situated on the shores of Lough Neagh and is home to a progressive beef and sheep enterprise as well as successful country sports shoots.

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r Peter Fitzgerald formed his Cherryvalley herd of Beef Shorthorns in 2011 with the aim of building up numbers to 60 breeding females. He was drawn to the beauty of the Beef Shorthorn, and researched their attributes to ensure that this native breed was most suited to his estate. His choice has of course proven to be a good one, with the Cherryvalley herd proving to perform well on a grass-based management system, while proving to be docile and highly fertile.

The herd is managed by Mervyn Robinson, who at just 26 years of age has excelled at producing eye catching cattle that not only hit the headlines in the show ring but can also secure strong returns at auction. This was highlighted in 2023 when the decision was taken to offer several cattle from the Cherryvalley herd at their first ever production sale which topped at £8,500. The sale was prompted by breeding female numbers reaching the optimum level, and Mervyn spotted

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The herd held their first production sale online which reached heights of ₤8,500 paid for this in calf heifer Cherryvalley Sharon

an opportunity to offer several handpicked females and service age bulls for sale. The format was a progressive one with an online timed auction organised through Marteye in conjunction with Ballymena Livestock Mart.

Mervyn explains “We considered several options before we finally decided the best way was an online

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auction. All the lots were photographed, and a fully detailed catalogue was produced well in advance of the sale for potential buyers to study. A viewing day was scheduled, and we were blown away by the numbers that attended this from right across Ireland and beyond.

The timed format allowed buyers the opportunity to place bids at leisure,

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Mervyn Robinson is the herd manager at Cherryvalley Beef Shorthorns where he is excelling at producing quality cattle on a mostly grass based management system

with each lot closing simultaneously.

Each lot attracted spirited bidding activity with averages surpassing all expectations. Our buyers were a mixture of both established and new breeders from Ireland and on the mainland.”

Whilst the sale was a highlight during 2023 for Mervyn calving season is his favourite time of the year. The herd are calved in a tight window from midFebruary onwards, with the next crop of calves sired by Creaga Logic, Creaga Malibu, Creaga Rolex plus the most recent addition to their stud Meonside Fandango.

All of the cows are calved indoors with the emphasis on getting the calves well started and out to grass early.

Beef Shorthorns have the ability to flourish on lowland grass farms such as Cherryvalley, and there are no concentrates fed to calves until a few weeks before weaning to ensure a smooth transition. In recent years all of the females have been retained to help increase the herd size, but the forward plan is to select a number each year for sale.

One of the herds stock bulls Creaga Malibu pictured in his working clothes at the very beautiful Cherryvalley Estate

Mervyn also feeds seven or eight bulls for the pedigree market, with the rest castrated and aimed towards the Glenarm Beef Scheme. The herd has earned a solid reputation from both pedigree and commercial suckler producers as a reliable source for quality bulls for breeding and Mervyn hopes that this will continue and result in increased numbers retained each year.

Cherryvalley has a sister estate in Bushmills, Dundarave which is also

home to a substantial herd of Beef Shorthorn cattle. In recent years steers from Dundarave have been grazed at Cherryvalley and either sold as forward stores or kept on for the Glenarm Scheme. When visiting Cherryvalley and spending time walking through the herd of well-matched cows you can see why Dr Fitzgerald fell in love with Beef Shorthorn. However, it is a testament to the herd manager Mervyn who makes the day-to-day breeding decisions just how far this herd has come in a relatively short time.

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STANFORD PARK Pedigree females of all ages normally available and can be supplied with an unrelated bull.

STANFORDPARK CROCUS M453 EX93

Supreme Interbreed Champion at Moreton in Marsh and Bucks County Show 2023.

STANFORDPARK SASQUATCH

If you are a newly established herd, or are planning on starting your own pedigree Beef Shorthorn Herd, we would like to invite you to come and visit us, where we are happy to provide advice and a tour of our cattle.

Visitors Always Welcome Simon Farmer: 07739035667

Email: beef@stanfordpark.co.uk

|

Tina Russell: 07711810354 @StanfordParkBeefShorthorns

Stanford Park Farm, Park Lane, Stanford in the Vale, Oxfordshire, SN7 8PF 82

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Longfield

BEEF SHORTHORNS

WATERLOO STATION OF LONGFIELD

SEMEN AVAILABLE

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LOOK WHO’ S COMING TO LONGFIELD!

Blackbrook Taro

We have a good selection of semen for sale, all selected for their breed qualities.

SEMEN AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT

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Knockenjig Kestrel (P) Zero Myostatin

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Visitors Always Welcome Tina Russell: 07711810354 | Simon Farmer: 07739035667

Email: longfieldshorthorns@gmail.com

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Focus on function and longevity remains a pillar of the breeding strategy at Chapelton James and Duncan are the fourth generation of the Biggar Family to manage the Chapelton Shorthorn herd. Established in the early 1940s, and finding its first major success with a first place for Brigadier at Perth in 1946, the Chapelton herd is approaching its 85th year.

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he herd was established by James (Snr) and his father, Walter, before being taken forward by Donald, and now James and Duncan. The Shorthorn herd has run alongside pedigree herds of Ayrshires, Galloways and Herefords amongst others. The Hereford herd was sold in 1999, and the Grange Galloways were lost in 2001, but the Shorthorns have stood the test of time.

The early days were characterised by a strong export trade. In 1949, a Chapelton-sired calf would stand champion and sell for $84,000 at Palermo, Argentina. In the same year, Chapelton Ambassador won the trophy for most successful sire at Melbourne Royal Show. The following decades saw Chapelton Criterion set an Australian sale price record with more bulls sold to South America and even Africa.

There were lean times too, as the breed lost popularity in the 70s and 80s, but the Biggar family firmly believed that the Shorthorn was a key component of the ideal commercial suckler cow. These cows proved themselves time and again in the wet Scottish winters, and this belief would hold true as the breed returned to popularity.

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Bulls such as Tofts Romany helped along the way and left a stamp on the Chapelton herd.

Purchased in the 1990s, and carrying almost 50% Maine Anjou blood, Romany brought carcase traits that could compete with the continentals without compromising any female traits.

The Chapelton herds of Shorthorn, Galloway, and commercial cattle fell victim to the 2001 Foot and Mouth disease outbreak. The Shorthorn herd was quickly re-established, followed by the foundation of the Chapelton Angus herd.

Donald imported Lazy HJ Special Edition shortly before 2001, and this vision of the type of cattle

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Chapelton Brigadier

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needed in the UK remained. Embryos combining genetics from Lazy HJ, CF, Blue Ridge, Butterfield, WHR, Winalot, and the now dispersed Braebank herds were collated with the assistance of Rolly Bateman and implanted into recipient cows.

It was not all imported genetics however, and Donald was able to source domestic-bred female lines from Major Gibb’s Glenisla herd and from Carey Coombs at Dunsyre. Several of these families remain in the herd today.

The Chapelton herds have always been lead by the principals of economic beef production.

James, Duncan, and the late Donald Biggar

The breed needed to compete with the Angus for market share, and the Chapelton herd is always benchmarked for performance against their pedigree Angus.

This focus led the Biggar family to push the growth rates of their cattle which was met with welcome success in the show and sale ring.

The combination of CF Varsity and Blue Ridge Cheerleader would produce Chapelton Typhoon.

Among many other successes, Robert Grierson would bring out five Typhoon-sired February Perth and Stirling champions during his 42 years at Chapelton.

Chapelton Covenanter sold to LEP Farms in 2010 for £16,000, Dauphin made 15,000gns at Stirling in 2012 joining the Cairnsmore herd, and 13,000gns Honeysuckle was at the heart of the Haigh’s entry into the breed with their Willingham herd. For a brief period, Chapelton would hold both the record male and female prices at the same time. Donald was immensely proud of these achievements.

Beyond Typhoon, other influential sires would join the ranks at Chapelton, but none would see heavy use until its mother had been viewed.

James (Snr) often commented that his method of judging began at the feet and stopped when he saw something he did not like. Glenisla Banqo and Stonehills X Factor sired nearly 250 calves between them, and both Cavans Yankee, purchased for 2,000gns at Perth in 2008 and Fergus of Upsall, purchased for 9,000gns at

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Dutchess

Stirling in 2014 would sire centuries before moving on.

This focus on function and longevity remains a pillar of the breeding strategy at Chapelton. Cattle with poor feet or udders are simply not welcome in the herd. Other home bred sires, such as Emperor and Hamlet, reinforced this philosophy and ensured these commercial traits were stabilised in the Chapelton cattle.

Alongside the 75 pure Shorthorns, the Biggar family has long maintained a herd of commercial cross cows. The last females to arrive on the farm did so post-Foot and Mouth, and the commercial herd has been home-bred ever since. Chapelton Brigadier sired over 230 calves and helped to drive uptake of Shorthorn genetics amongst commercial breeders as the image of Morrisons’ Shorthorn scheme.

The Biggars have enjoyed providing helping starts to many people who have gone on to enjoy success in their own right. Among these were the first four Shorthorns exported to Austria in 2011. More recently, Chapelton genetics were at the heart of establishing Gerard Te Lintelo’s Mayfield herd. Several Shorthorn females were sold to Gerard and Joanne who then used Chapelton crossbred heifers as recipients for their embryo transplant program. One of those Chapelton-mothered calves, Powerplay, would return to join the stock bulls at Chapelton.

The family remain focussed on producing cattle which are long-lasting, efficient, and easily managed. Stockman James Rea is at the forefront of day-today management which seeks to produce the consistent performers 365-days a year.

BRED TO LAST

CAIRNSMORE HARDY CATTLE

ESTABLISHED 1995

VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME

BILL, JANE AND BOBBY LANDERS TEL: 01671 402179 MOB: BOBBY 07768 512 891 JANE: 07769 638 606 BARGALY FARM, NEWTON STEWART, DG87BH Email: bargaly.shorthorns@gmail.com WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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Glenbrae Beef Shorthorns A life-long passion for Shorthorn cattle led to James Nelson building up his herd in Northern Ireland over the last three decades. Breed character combined with a strong cow family are important at Glenbrae.

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y interest in Shorthorn cattle goes back to my school days when I first saw two red Shorthorn cows being milked by hand in the late 60s, and then in 1987 when Chapelton Xile won the interbreed at the Highland Show which spurred my passion to form the Glenbrae herd in 1990. Getting started was quite difficult as importing cattle to Northern Ireland was problematic in those days and only dual /dairy cattle were available in Northern Ireland as the breed had declined in the 1960’s.

At the beginning I had no mentor, no farm and little money to spend, but three Uppermill heifers, including the champion were bought at Perth Spring sales in 1990. Unfortunately, due to technical issues I was unable to import these heifers but eventually got off the ground with a Floss from Chapelton and an Augusta from Fingask. Very few females were available at that time as the breed was small numerically and had the lowest number of calves registered in the Societies’ history, but thankfully that position has now changed.

The Floss was the last heifer of Balmyle Timebomb and he was the sire of Chapelton Xile mentioned earlier. The Augusta bred well to a range of different bulls during her life. All the cattle in the herd today go back to those two heifers, with the Floss and the Augusta being two of the oldest families in the breed. The Floss’s originated at the famous Calrossie herd and came via Capt. De Quincey’s Erimus herd to Chapelton.

I am a great believer in the female line, a strong cow family combined with breed character are important at Glenbrae. Although the herd is small, A.I. has rarely been used and I have never used embryo breeding, preferring a stock bull. All

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the stock bulls at Glenbrae have been bought at moderate prices and I always give close attention to their dams and extended backgrounds.

The bulls that stand out over the years are Uppermill Leath X Banner Instant Royal, he left his daughters with a lot of milk and very good udders, Chapelton Liberty X Tofts Romany, he left good bulls and heifers, Uppermill Raeburn X Eionmor Ideal, also bred good bulls and super daughters and Redhill Blackadder X Crooked Post Triple A, again was a good all round breeder. All of these bulls had outstanding pedigrees. My present stock bull is Stickbridge Pioneer X Hussar of Upsall and he is producing great breed character in his first crop of calves.

One of the best bulls I have bred was Glenbrae Tyzack. He was an outstanding son of Chapelton Liberty out of a Priestland Dick 3rd daughter, who was shared by two units near Otterburn, living to the grand old age of 13.

Bulls and heifers have been sold at Perth and Stirling sales, topping the female trade twice

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at Perth in 1996 with Glenbrae Broadhooks Kizzy and in 2003 with Glenbrae Augusta making £4,000 - a big price at that time. She had a super bull calf X Chapleton Liberty and went to Auchineck estate, the first of three Glenbrae bulls to work there.

Approximately 70 bulls have been sold over the years, although it was an uphill struggle at the beginning as buyers in Northern Ireland were reluctant to change to Beef Shorthorns.

I now concentrate on home sales, producing sound quality moderate cattle, going to commercial and pedigree herds in Northern Ireland and mainland UK. Grass is the cheapest to produce, and grows well here on the east coast of Northern Ireland and this produces the milk and easy fleshing I want, and which are important to our breed.

The Glenbrae cows have both, which in turn produces really good weights at weaning. My system at Glenbrae is simple as I do not feed a large amount of meal to young bulls and the heifers are generally stored over after weaning.

I began classification inspection early on and it has worked well for me so far.

In 1999 I judged the 150th Royal show, and the champion Uppermill Lochalsh also won the Supreme Interbreed, with other shows and sales across the UK and Ireland following, including three English herd’s competitions and the Northern Ireland Hereford herd competition. On a lighter note there has been eye opening visits over the years to The Royal Toronto, the Canadian Western Agribition and NAILE , Louisville USA, which was huge, with 5,000 cattle on show. The CWA is a great experience and the Canadians offer great hospitality to their international visitors as well as some good advice. Back in 2010 Norris Shepherd gave me his opinion on the breed and said it was positive because as grain prices rise the future is for cattle that will best utilise grass and forage, and I feel that is now more applicable than ever.

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Wenmar Beef Shorthorns Beef Shorthorn embryos and semen from Canadian, American and Australian genetics available right here in the UK

A small selection of our extensive offering of donor cows and semen sires.

Embryos

Documentation

Semen

Purchasing embryos from us includes our support throughout the process with advice for initial donor selection, recipient management, and assistance if needed on calf registration.

All of our embryos and semen will be guaranteed to have available the appropriate documentation, and all calves will be eligible for registration in the UK Beef Shorthorn Society herd book.

Purchasing semen from us again includes our support package if required on sire selection, delivery, cow preparation and assistance if needed on calf registration.

As your genetic partner we guarantee support every step of the way throughout this journey.

For a full listing of all of our cattle, embryos and semen available please visit our website:

www.wenmarbeefshorthorns.com Wenmar Beef Shorthorns

For a friendly chat and further details contact Martyn Moore.

Wenmar Beef Shorthorns, Warren Farm, Lulsley, Knightwick, Worcestershire, WR6 5QT.

Mobile: 07767 608012 Email: martynmoore07@icloud.com 90

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NI CHAMPION HERD 2023

BEEF SHORTHORNS

William : 07885 252031

BURNSIDE RED BULL Junior Champion Stirling 2023 sold for 11,000gns

BURNSIDE THOR

Overall Champion Bull Calf in NI Herds competition, sold to Glebefarm as their new stock sire.

LOVELY MANDONA T683

Overall Reserve Champion Heifer Calf in NI Herds competition.

Overall Champion at NI Calf Show.

We would like to thank those who have purchased from our herd this year, Visitors always welcome.

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Podehole Beef Shorthorns Sons interest leads to inaugural national success.

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n abundance of grass in summer 1997 led to John and Janet Doughty of the Tugby herd grazing some Beef Shorthorns at Podehole. Nine year old Harry’s interest in the cattle led to the purchase of three foundation yearling heifers Tugby Phantasy 2nd, Tugby Annie and Tugby Tessa 7th. Two of these cow lines the Phantasy’s and Tessa’s still feature heavily in the herd today. Later in the same year they were joined by females from Tofts, Derryage and Wenmar herds. The Derryage purchases introduced the Irene, Gypsy and Rita lines with Wenmar providing the Madeline cow family, Broadhooks and additions to the Tessa’s.

A purchase of Wavendon Rothes Peach in 2005 introduced the Rothes family and the herd was closed in 2006. Many of the original bloodlines had Maine Anjou influence in the background and matured into larger framed broad cows which suited the mainly Grade 2 ground which they grazed.

Ethos The cattle run on mainly reclaimed land from quarrying and although we have enjoyed showing over the years, and still do, the emphasis is on functional cows that are calving every year and calving down in Spring at two years old. The herd at Podehole is Performance Recorded, Linear Classified, pelvic scored and high health status.

The whole herd status is known for myostatin variants. None of these are the sole driver of the breeding programme but used as tools to breed an animal which suits our land. Deep, wide cows which are conformationally correct, easy calving and rearing a strong calf is the aim. Cattle that will go on and do well for other herds. The cows

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run on grass and when that burns off, usually late July, are given straw until December when silage is introduced. Rapeseed or soya meal is given for a few weeks prior to calving.

Notable Bulls Lochawe Lucky Jim was purchased in partnership with the Tugby herd in October 1998 and his first drop of calves in 2000 produced Podehole Rambo. Rambo was entered for Perth sales in February 2002 with two heifers Rhapsody and Roma. It was the first sale held following the Foot and Mouth outbreak and a licence was only issued for their travel two days before departure.

Rambo was Supreme Champion and sold for 8,000gns to Croxtonpark which was the highest breed price in over 25 years.

Chapelton Promoter, a Tofts Romany son was purchased as a yearling from the Royal Show at Stoneleigh in summer 2000. He went on to be Breed Champion at the show in 2002 and 2004 with Tugby Phantasy 2nd filling in as Breed Champion in 2003. He sired Podehole Madeline Zeta who was a prolific winner on the show circuit taking the Royal Highland Show Breed Champion in 2009 as well as the Great Yorkshire that year, returning to take the Breed champion at GYAS in 2010. One of his daughters Podehole Gyspy Delores has been a most prolific cow with five of her bull calves going for breeding and all her daughters retained in the herd bar one.

Trojan of Craigeassie a Belmore Fuel Injected V12 son was purchased in Perth February 2007 for 6,000gns. He had a big influence on the herd cleaning up briskets and leaving tidy udders.

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Trojan of Craigeassie 1.

Chapelton Promoter.

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His daughter Madeline Choice was Highland champion in 2013. His son Podehole Beefeater was Junior Champion at Stirling in 2010 selling at 14,000gns to Jack Ramsay and Martyn Moore one bid short of a 40 year record. Numerous bulls and females from this bull sold to many herds. Trojan himself had a winning streak in 2011 taking Breed Champion at the Royal Highland, Great Yorkshire and National Show at East of England. Also taking Interbreed Championship at Great Yorkshire and at the Royal highland – the first Beef Shorthorn to take that prize for 20 years

bull Weeabollabolla Theodore in his pedigree. Embryos brought in at the same time have established two new cow lines in Dora and Isobel families.

The herd at Podehole is a passion which is shared by our stockman Roy McDonald who has been with us for 18 years. Winning the National Herd Competition in 2022 and again in 2023 was very special and we continue to be excited about the future with new stockbull Stonehills Revelation calves due in spring 2024.

Chapelton Podehole Madeline Choice.

Chapelton Clansman joined the herd in 2011. He was a breeder of great females with length and style. Notable sons of his were Financier, Fenman, Fandango, Gladiator, Guardsman and Magician who was used as a home bred bull for several years.

Knockenjig Hercules – a Meonhill Charlie Chaplin son was purchased at the Royal Highland Show in 2014 when he was Junior Male Champion.

Podehole Landmark was one of his first drop of calves selling to the Gates Partnership for 15,000gns. He has also left long, stylish females with shape notably Gypsy Petunia who was this year’s Highland Show Breed Champion and Tessa Radiance who was reserve female at the Great Yorkshire as a two year old with calf at foot.

Introduction of Australian Blood Lines Semen was imported from Royalla Rockstar K274 in partnership with Chris Nye, Mineshop with the first drop of calves 2017. A bull that carries many desirable traits of easy calving, soft fleshing with great milk figures and correct cattle. He has a double dose of the performance curve bending

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Podehole Rambo.

ROYALLA ROCKSTAR K274 SEMEN AVAILABLE FOR UK SHIPMENT Sire: Royalla Ostentatious G404 AUS

Dam: Marellan Mitzi 8087L AUS

ROYALLA ROCKSTAR

Photographed in September 2020 after service season.

Beef Shorthorn EBV Graph for Royalla Rockstar K274

Sons of Royalla Rockstar

Offered by Mineshop and Podehole herds • New Australian genetics. • Fully registered in the UK Coates Herd Book. • DNA SNP sample G680460.

• Top 1% maternal index, Top 5% self replacing index and Top 20% terminal index, Top 5% Milk.

• Good accuracy percentages. Easy calving good for heifers. Calves quick to get up and suck. Easy fleshing.

Homozygous polled and free of any myostatin variants.

Please contact Sally Horrell m: 07932 052524 | e: podeholefarm@gmail.com WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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STABILISERS

Fearn Rhuairidh purchased for £17,500 First 20 calves due in spring 2024

Kinnermit Farm, Turriff AB53 4HA Kenny: 07384 890 092 or Sally: 07880 388 409

@KinnermitFarm

Muiresk Skyfall sired by Alvie Galaxy Homozygous polled out of a Sprys Patients Ace dam

Muiresk Snow Storm sired by Alvie Galaxy Heifer’s calf with a top 1% SRI

Muiresk Strongbow sold for £10,000 to Breakheart Shorthorns Native Beef Breeder Champion RHS 2023 Progeny Pairs Champion alongside Muiresk Stormzy RHS 2023

Four bulls entered for Stirling Bull Sales February 2024, three sired by Alvie Galaxy

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Kenny and Sally keep up the Mair family tradition of pedigree breeding with successful Muiresk Beef Shorthorn herd Eddie Gillanders paid a visit to Kenny and Sally Mair to find out why they chose Beef Shorthorns.

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uiresk is a prefix historically associated with the Mair family’s former noted flock of Suffolk sheep but is now becoming increasingly associated with the herd of Beef Shorthorn cattle which the younger generation of the Mair family have been successfully developing over the past few years.

An interesting tale lies behind the foundation of the herd. Brother and sister, Kenny and Sally Mair, along with Kennys’ wife, Rebecca, were the prime movers behind the founding of the herd which is run on the family farm of Kinnermit, Turriff.

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Following the dispersal of the Suffolk flock, and the earlier dispersal of the family’s equally renowned Deveronside dairy herd, they found on a visit to the Royal Highland show that the show didn’t have the same appeal for them without a pedigree interest. They determined there and then that they would a have a pedigree herd up and running on the farm by the time of the next Highland Show.

The big question was – which breed? With success with Suffolk sheep and Holstein cattle in the past, it was decided it would have to be beef cattle and a native breed, Aberdeen-Angus and Beef Shorthorn being the obvious choices although Sally did express a fondness for the Belted Galloway breed.

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Northern Dancer.

Kenny and Sally work very well together and usually agree on most things but, with no disrespect to the breed, that notion was quickly stamped on by Kenny who didn’t see it as commercially realistic.

Both the Aberdeen-Angus and Beef Shorthorn held appeal because of their premium marketing schemes and they finally opted for the Beef Shorthorn largely because of the launch around that time of the breed’s marketing scheme with Morrisons which offered local slaughter at their nearby abattoir in Turriff operated by the supermarket’s subsidiary, Woodhead Bros.

“We’ve never regretted our decision as we were made very welcome into the Shorthorn breed and received a lot of help and advice from established breeders,” says Kenny, who is now a director of the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society. “Shorthorn breeders are a very sociable bunch of people.”

It was also the right time to get in to the breed as the development of a premium market, coupled with the strong maternal attributes of the breed, has seen a significant expansion of the breed throughout the UK over the past 10 years.

“Shorthorn cattle have a great temperament, with the ability to convert forage which fits in well with our organic forage based system,” Kenny says.

“They are very easily fleshed and hardy and as we’re farming light land, the herd has the ability to outwinter. We produce high quality silage to avoid having to buy in expensive feed.

“The cows are proving adaptable and easy to keep.

They calve themselves and look after their calves with plenty of milk.”

And he adds: “The herd is easily managed and great to work with which suits Sally and myself as the farm nowadays is run solely by the family.”

The first Beef Shorthorns arrived at Kinnermit in November, 2016, with the purchase of a cow, Stonehills Viking Gem, and her heifer calf, at a Skipton sale followed by two from Glenisla and

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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one from Chapelton – all three with heifer calves at foot – and others from the Millerton, Meonside and Juaul herds.

The most influential stock bull in the herd to date has been Alvie Galaxy bought privately from Alvie Estate as a six-year-old after a successful show career, including male championships at the Great Yorkshire and Royal Highland shows. His sons include Muiresk Northern Dancer, junior male champion at Stars of the Future show and the bull which went on to sell for the herd top price of 14,000gns to Andrew Barrett for his Glenariffs herd in Norfolk.

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female championship with the yearling heifer, Muiresk Ruby Shania.

Another bull being used is Roundhill Real Deal, bought as a nine-month-old calf, and by an Australian sire out of a former Millerston female champion at Stirling. The first progeny of Fearn Rhuairidh, purchased at John Scott’s online sale in January for 17,500gns, are eagerly awaited.

Another son, Muiresk Peroni, took the breed championship at Stirling in October, 2021, and sold for 4,500gns to Charles and Sally Horrell for their Podhole herd at Peterborough.

A long-term aim is to get the herd homozygous polled and free of myostatin.

Progeny of the Alvie sire were also to the fore in the large show of Beef Shorthorns at the 2023 Turriff Show taking the reserve male championship with the yearling bull, Muiresk Strongbow, and the reserve

The breeding herd has now expanded to 25 cows and eight heifers put to the bull this year and is run alongside a herd of 85 Stabiliser cows and 750 commercial ewes. Heifers are calved at two years

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and all bulls kept entire with those not sold for breeding and heifers not being retained for breeding going to Morrison’s abattoir a mile down the road.

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Razzle Dazzle.

The farm is organically managed and extends to 950 acres of mostly grass, apart from ground rented out for carrots and a few acres of oats for home consumption.

Kenny and Sally manage the farm along with their parents, Barclay and Lucy.

Both decided to return to the family farm after pursuing other pursuits, Kenny working for two years with United Auctions after graduating in agriculture from SRUC Aberdeen and Sally spending a year in New Zealand and indulging her passion for horses by working for leading national hunt race horse trainers in both Scotland and south of the Border.

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Scottish farm based in the hills of Perthshire – Catering for commercial and pedigree producers.

Senior Stockbull, Coxhill Magnum

First calved heifer (Magnum daughter) Cowford Broadhooks Reanne with her heifer calf Cowford Broadhooks Tyra

Senior Stockbull, Glenisla Loch Beannie

Cowford Tessa N33 with her heifer calf Cowford Tessa Trinity, sired by Beannie

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

Cowford Secret Swift Rena with her heifer calf, Cowford Secret Swift Treacle sired by Cowford Rawhide.

Junior stockbull, Cowford Ranger (Canadian ET – Muridale Penny x Muridale Buster 14K)

First calved heifer Cowford Secret Pixie with her heifer calf Cowford Secret Twilight sired by Ranger

Thistledown Cowford Farms Ltd The Farm House, Cowford Farm, Stanley, Perth, Scotland, PH1 4PU

Farm manager Mr Charlie Reed Stock person Miss Charley Reed Home: 01738 787766 Mobile: 07975906592 Email: charlie_reed2018@outlook.com

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Sound investment delivering results A version of this article was originally produced for Farm North East by Eddie Gillanders

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he careful selection of breeding stock on a limited budget is already paying off for Fiona Davidson’s Fordie Beef Shorthorn herd with bulls sold at UA’s Stirling bull sale and others at ANM’s sale at the Royal Northern Spring Show.

expanded to 17 breeding females which, following her marriage, are now kept on an outfarm at West Cortiecram, Mintlaw, where she is grateful to husband, Stewart and his father for giving her the use of a surplus steading for wintering the cattle with grass being rented for summer grazing.

The herd was founded on her parent’s farm of Fordie, Torphins, in 2014 with the purchase of a single heifer from the Lowther herd at Stirling, but the real foundation of the herd really came two years later when Fiona splashed out on 10 heifers – nine at Stirling and one at Carlisle – to start building up a herd of high-quality cattle.

“It was a choice between Simmental and Beef Shorthorn when I started the herd, although I was always keener on a native breed, and I opted for the Shorthorn because they were more affordable at the time – although prices have escalated since then – and I also thought the Shorthorn would be cheaper to keep,” Fiona explains.

With the addition of home-bred heifers, and the ruthless culling of stock not living up to the high standards she has set herself, the herd has now

“All the foundation heifers were bought in-calf which I felt offered better value for money by giving me two for the price of one.”

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The breed’s reputation for low cost-production has also been borne out in practice. Cows are wintered on silage, haylage and hay, with no concentrate feeding, and are at grass all summer until calves are weaned in November.

Her first bull calf from the Lowther heifer – a first prize winner at New Deer Show - gave Fiona a great start by going in to a pedigree herd when bought by Jim Fraser for his Tilbouries herd at Durris.

The aim is not to build up a large herd but a high-quality one and, despite her limited budget, she went as far as 4,000gns to buy a heifer from the late Donald Biggar’s Chapelton herd, with others coming from other leading herds, such as Glenisla, Gala, Crichton, Rawburn and Coxhill, in her determination to secure some of the best bloodlines in the breed. It is a policy which is already paying off.

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Her first stock bull, Coxhill Luke, bought for 5000gns at the Stirling May sale in 2019, has bred well, his sons including Fordie Panther, out of a Rawburn-bred female, which sold at Stirling on her sale debut to James Hardie for his pedigree herd at Birselasie, Midmar. A full sister was a first prize winner at the Stars of the Future show at Stirling.

Fiona is well qualified to make a success of pedigree breeding having gained a BSc in agriculture at SRUC, Craibstone, where she also won a Royal Northern Award to attend the Paris agricultural show, followed by five years with the Scottish Government’s agricultural department in Inverness, five years buying cattle for McIntosh Donald at Portlethen and two years as a stock canvasser with Aberdeen and Northern Marts.

She now plans to use her experience to launch an agricultural consultancy business, while continuing to manage her Shorthorn herd and looking after her young son.

Contacts made in the farming industry in her various roles has given her a ready market for bulls sold privately. Any bulls failing to make the grade are kept entire and sold for slaughter at around 15 months of age, and so far all grading U for conformation, and she is equally discerning in the selection of heifers retained for breeding.

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Stock not sold for breeding go to Woodheads of Turriff for the Morrison’s premium Beef Shorthorn beef brand which offers a premium for cattle meeting specification.

Great attention is paid to animal health and the herd is a member of the Premier Cattle Health Scheme and accredited for BVD and Johne’s level one.

Coxhill Tessa and Elliot Rawburn Lass

The herd is also vaccinated for IBR, leptospirosis and BVD and young bulls semen tested before sale.

The herd is a member of the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society’s type classification scheme, which assesses females against the breed average, and two of the females in the Fordie herd have achieved the EX 90 highest grade.

Fordie Taskmaster

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Fiona admits it has been a “steep learning curve” and she has experienced downs as well as ups since she founded the herd. One of the first calves born in the herd manged to bite its tongue and had to be put down while Coxhill Luke had to be retired after three seasons after sustaining an injury.

However, a deal was struck to buy an older bull, Elliot Dire Strait, working in a neighbouring commercial herd where the number of his daughters coming through in the herd was limiting his use, in return for a young bull bought from Fiona with an appropriate “financial adjustment”. The Elliot bull joins another Coxhill bull, Coxhill Prince, bought for 7,000gns at Carlisle.

The Beef Shorthorn breed is on the up-and-up, as recent prices for breeding stock for both pedigree and commercial use, have confirmed. Fiona is confident she has made the right choice of breed and there’s no doubt more will be heard of the Fordie herd as her ambitious – but well thoughtout – breeding policy bears fruit.

Fordie Raven

Kyla Champion

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LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME

BARWOOD B e e f

S h o r t h o r n s

Our hardy Beef Shorthorn’s graze outside all year to produce an easy, low input herd.

Paul Coates 07765 254919 paulcoates1@btinternet.com Barrock End, Armathwaite, Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 9TQ

Beautry Pedigree Livestock

BEEF RECOR D

A BIG THANK-YOU TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED OUR REDUCTION SALE

Stuart & Gail Currie, Beautry House, Rathmell, Settle, North Yorkshire BD24 0LA Mobile: 07506 470175 Email: stuartccurrie@icloud.com Beautry Pedigree Livestock 108

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Quality Cattle Bred In The Yorkshire Dales

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Runleymill Beef Shorthorns

Runleymill Reggie

Sold at Stirling Feb 2023, our first bull to be sold at Stirling.

Runleymill Roxburgh Lass Pam Carlisle Champion May 2022 Visitors always welcome

Runley Mill Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9LF Janet | 07803 633978 or John | 07365 108940 runleymill@btinternet.com WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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Society President, Tim Riley runs the Stoneyroyd herd in West Yorkshire.

Angela Calvert paid him a visit.

Tim Riley credits his maternal grandfather, who farmed in Norfolk, with igniting his love of the farming industry. Although he has built up an impressive career away from agriculture, mainly in the health sector, this has never diminished.

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r Riley, who grew up in Ireland, and his wife, Amanda from the Calder Valley, moved to Mytholmroyd more than 30 years ago taking on a 30-hectare farm, initially running sheep and a few commercial suckler cows. The farm has now grown in size and its farming model has developed.

He says: “We were keeping some Angus and Simmental cross cows, but we found that the input costs were higher than our system would allow.

“I expect the cattle to pay for themselves, so began to look for a more extensive breed, which led me to Beef Shorthorns. The fact that they are native to Yorkshire and Durham was another plus as records show the farm as originally having Shorthorns.”

Foundation stock was bought from well-known breeders including Rob Paisley, at Westmoor, Carey Coombs at Dunsyre and Gerald Turton at Upsall.

The herd usually comprises of no more than 18 breeding females plus followers which are run alongside a flock of Lleyn cross sheep.

FO CUS

The main criteria for Mr Riley are that a cow produces and rears a live and marketable calf every year on a forage-based system.

He says: “Our target is for heifers to reach 450kg at 300 days and bulls to reach 500kg at 300 days without pushing.”

Some heifers are kept as replacements with the surplus sold for breeding along with a small number of pedigree bulls.

The remainder of the bulls are usually sold as stores at Skipton mart and some cattle are finished and sold through meat boxes to local people.

Mr Riley says: “Finished cattle usually grade R3/4 but the EUROP grid doesn’t reflect well the eating quality we are looking for with a little more backfat and intramuscular fat that gives well marbled meat.

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“We get very positive feedback from the meat boxes and our customers are very keen to learn about the lesser-known cuts.”

The herd has high health status and over three years has been tested for neospora.

Mr Riley says: “We did have a problem with neospora and since testing and culling infected cows we have seen a big improvement in conception rates. For the last two years 100 per cent of the herd has been in-calf on first cycle.”

The herd is spring calving with heifers calving slightly later with the aim of calving at two years old, if their growth rate targets have been achieved.

In the past, the cattle were housed for six months of the year but more recently this has been reduced to three months with some overwintered outside which has significantly reduced costs and labour.

Most of the farm, is well drained, being sandy millstone grit with a light clay base, so it tends to dry out quickly. It is all permanent pasture and no reseeding is undertaken and no artificial fertiliser used.

Mr Riley is keen to encourage natural diversity of

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flora as well as wildlife and where possible the grass is not cut for hay or haylage until July.

Home-bred and purchased bulls have been used.

The latest addition being Skaillhouse Redbull bought at Stirling in February 2023.

Mr Riley also does artificial insemination on some cows to enable wider genetic selection.

He says: “We have eight main bloodlines and will use backcrossing to accelerate progression of positive genetic traits.”

“We rarely now use Myostatin mutation bulls and all our cows are free of the mutation. We have in the past bred single carrier bulls and may again, as I believe they can be useful in some systems where musculature is needed.

“However, we are breeding great conformational improvement and easy fleshing in our animals without the need for Myostatin mutations.

FA R M

FO CUS

Society President Mr Riley says he is enjoying the role of President of the Society having served as vice-president for the previous two years.

whom are young people and who are interested in sustainability and environmentally responsible beef rearing.

He says: “My aim is for the smooth running of the Society. Any breed society needs a degree of professional governance to operate well for its members. I believe we’ve now got a sensible business-like approach that keeps things accountable, as a charity that is vital, but importantly it’s the cattle that remain the top of our agenda.

“Native breeds like Beef Shorthorns bring economic and environmental benefits to those entering ELMS and SFI schemes. Alongside that, we also offer benefits for beef sales through the collaboration with Morrison’s where members get a sizeable premium on “on-spec” cattle.

“Clear leadership helps but we should be making the Society an enjoyable experience for our members and we are fortunate in being supported by our operations manager/breed secretary in Clive Brown and office staff, who are popular with members.

“There is strong social side to the Society, which is important for the membership who themselves represent a spectrum of different interests in Beef Shorthorns.

“During the years I have been involved, the Society has attracted a lot of newcomers. Many of

“As a Society we should aim to support everyone and be able to balance the benefits of registering more commercial cattle as much as we do for our pedigree breeders who contribute a lot to shows and pedigree sales.

“I am really excited for the future. The Beef Shorthorn breed has just celebrated 200 years of its herdbook and it has a great future being able to fit current and new farming systems.

“My vision is for the Beef Shorthorn to be the farmer’s first choice as a herd improver and as the sustainable suckler cow which works for both pedigree and commercial farmers.”

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SOWERBY PARKS Sam and Graham Hunt have competed successfully at Beef livestock shows all over the UK for many years.

Their versatile stock has won major classes at shows such as the Great Yorkshire, Royal Welsh, Stirling Bulls Sales and they also hold the Mohmar trophy.

Visitors welcome by appointment Stock always for sale Award winning herd

Contact details : Sam & Graham Hunt Sowerby Parks Farm Islebeck Lane Sowerby Thirsk North Yorkshire YO7 3BR

Sam: 07922 475722 E: Samhunt2510@gmail.com WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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Beef Shorthorns put on a mighty show at Balmoral

JUDGE John Scott Fearn, Ross-Shire

It's been a while since I was last over at Balmoral show and when the invite came in, I was more than happy to accept. We had a great few days away post lambing/calving made even better by the friendly Beef Shorthorn breeders of Northern Ireland.

It would be fair to say his young cow Caramba OI Edna caught the eye the minute she entered the ring, she was a terrific example of the breed and watch out for her heifer calf, she’s an absolute cracker and will be one to watch on the show circuit next year.

I was looked after extremely well by my Chief Steward and good friend James Nelson and enjoyed placing various classes of quality cattle throughout the morning of the show before returning later for the reception where multiple breeders gathered to chat and see Tommy Staunton receive the trophy for the champion.

In reserve spot Derriaghy Sovereign was my pick having won the make section, it was hard to fault this aged bull, he was extremely correct and moved gracefully around the ring.

Thank you to everyone who made me feel so welcome and to those who brought out some excellent Beef Shorthorn cattle which were handled and shown to a very high standard.

Supreme Champion Beef Shorthorn was secured by Caramba Oi Edna accompanied by her superb heifer calf. She was exhibited by Tommy Staunton, Caramba Beef Shorthorns, Galway.

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B a l m o ra l

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ommy Staunton and his team had a fantastic Balmoral Show making the long trip from Galway well worthwhile for Caramba Beef Shorthorns. Their homebred first calving young cow “Caramba Oi Edna” stormed her way to success securing the Supreme Championship accompanied by her beauty of a heifer calf. This outstanding leading lady has never put a foot wrong for the Caramba show team having previously notched up an array of All Ireland titles in addition to being top two-year-old in Balmoral 2022.

Her heifer calf sired by Westmoor Merlin was greatly admired during the show week and is one to watch out for on the show circuit.

The Reserve Supreme Championship was awarded to a delighted Leanne Green, Lisburn for her powerful stock bull “Bethlehem Malton EX90”. He proved he is not just a winner in the show ring, with his son “Derriaghy Sovereign” given the nod in his class on his way to being tapped out Reserve Male Champion.

Reserve Female Champion and Overall top in the junior section was an eyecatching homebred heifer from the Tessa family exhibited by the Armour Family, Dromara. The Reserve Junior Championship went to Caramba Rothes Silvia from Tommy Staunton.

SSHAOL W E S

Junior Champion & Reserve Female Champion was awarded to the homebred Tessa S498 exhibited by the Armour Family, Dromara

yet is feminine with terrific presence, she stood out to me as soon as she stepped into the ring. The stock bull in Reserve position is all that you would want in a male with great confirmation and locomotion. Exhibitors are to be congratulated on a top class entry, with a special mention to those showing for the first time.”

The Beef Shorthorns then dominated the Interbreed Championships with their team of five and group of three being awarded best in show, and the pair comprising of Edna and Malton joining forces in the Native Interbreed Pairs Championships where they were placed Reserve.

Croobview Lady Anna took home the red ticket for Rachel Jordan, Annaghanoon Beef Shorthorns.

Standing top of the line in a strong class for 2021 born females was the flashy Stickbridge Anna Roxy from Tommy Jackson. Leanne Green pocketed another red rosette in the pairs class when Sovereign teamed up with Aberdona Rothes Rainbow to claim the top spot.

Judging was in the very capable hands of John Scott, Fearn who was highly complimentary of the Beef Shorthorn cattle right through all the classes. He told the packed ringside of visitors to the show “My Champion today is simply outstanding, she has such power and

Leanne Green has a fantastic Balmoral securing Reserve Supreme Champion with her stock bull Bethlehem Malton

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B a l m o ra l Reserve Female Champion WOODVALE TESSA S498 Male Champion BETHLEHEM MALTON Reserve Male Champion DERRIAGHY SOVEREIGN Junior Champion WOODVALE TESSA S498 Reserve Junior Champion CARAMBA ROTHES SILVIA

The Reserve Male Championship was won by Derriaghy Sovereign from Leanne Green

Cow or Heifer, born in 2020 1st CARAMBA OI EDNA 2nd BURNSIDE LOVELY LAVENDER

Alwyn & Carol Armour

Leanne Green Leanne Green

Alwyn & Carol Armour Caramba Shorthorns

Caramba Shorthorns William & Jill McAllister

Cow, born on or before 31st December 2019 1st ROOBVIEW LADY ANNA Annaghanoon Beef Shorthorns

Results

Female Champion CARAMBA OI EDNA

Tommy Jackson Leanne Green Maurice Millen Aaron & Graham Duncan

Heifer born on or after 1st January 2022 1st WOODVALE TESSA 2nd CARAMBA ROTHES SILVIA 3rd CASTLEMOUNT MATRIX FLOSS 3 4th BUTCHERHILL DENISE SOPHELIA

Alwyn & Carol Armour Caramba Shorthorns McDowell & McKeown Edward Green

Bull born on or before 31st December 2021 1st BETHLEHEM MALTON Leanne Green

Derriaghy Sovereign & Aberdona Rainbow

Overall Champion CARAMBA OI EDNA Reserve Champion BETHLEHEM MALTON

Heifer born in 2021 1st STICKBRIDGE ANNA ROXY 2nd ABERDONA ROTHES RAINBOW 3rd BOOTOWN RACHEL 4th SHANKHILL DODSIE ROXANA

Caramba Shorthorns Leanne Green

Bull born on or after 1st January 2022 1st DERRIAGHY SOVEREIGN 2nd AGHALEE S-BLENDED 3rd MAGHERONE SIGNATURE 4th WINDSORHOUSE SUPERSTAR Pairs

Caramba Shorthorns

1st

Linden Foods representatives pictured with the Beef Shorthorn native interbreed group winners

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Leanne Green Aaron & Graham Duncan Emma & Chris Clarke Andy Hamill

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DERRIAGHY SOVEREIGN & ABERDONA Leanne Green ROTHES RAINBOW

Reserve native interbreed pair from Tommy Staunton and Leanne Green

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Record Beef Shorthorn entries for Royal Welsh Show

JUDGE Andrew Ivinson Ousby, Cumbria

I

t was a privilege to be invited to judge the Beef Shorthorns at the Royal Welsh Show this ‘summer’ on what was my first visit to Builth Wells. It turned out to be a record entry of cattle for the breed but this in no way affected the quality, with strong classes throughout.

I was looking for structural correctness in all my cattle. Legs and locomotion are important to me. I wanted to see breed character, volume and capacity in females but still retaining a sweetness and femininity. I hoped to see power and presence in the bulls with some shape and muscling but not overly extreme. My preference is for the cattle to show easy fleshing without carrying too much fat, especially in the younger animals.

My first class was the Senior Bulls, 3 animals were forward and my first prize winner was the 7-year-old Millerston Kasper. I was impressed with how well he moved for a big bull, and this along with his overall scope and balance plus an abundance of breed character saw me eventually also make him my Male Champion.

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Next came a strong class of 11 yearling bulls. My eventual winner Llwynhywel Sherriff caught my eye as soon as he entered the ring. His style and presence was backed up by a good depth of body and smooth locomotion. Sherriff went on to be my Reserve Male Champion.

From the 5 cows forward in the senior female class I went for a very correct medium sized cow Oceanview Perfection.

She embodied my idea of what a good cow should look like and was doing a very good job of her heifer calf. She stood out to me as soon as she entered the ring. Basically, an ideal functional suckler cow.

Next to the ring were the 2021 born heifers with an entry of 16. I was mindful to check if they were in calf of not, in my opinion cattle must still be productive animals not just show ponies. After some deliberation my eventual winner was Meonside Iriana Rosebud Raven a smart well grown heifer due to calve in January.

The yearling heifers provided the biggest class of the day with an entry of 23. The ring was full and it provided a great spectacle for those at ring side as well as those watching via the live stream.

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Supreme Champion Millerston Kasper

These heifers provided an excellent representation of the modern Beef Shorthorn and were a credit to all their exhibitors. My eventual class winner was Jodame Suzie Q a well grown deep bodied heifer very correct and oozing style. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to judge such a large class containing such high-quality cattle.

My 3 female class winners then re-entered the ring for the female championship, again a very difficult decision. All showed great locomotion and breed character, whilst arguments could be made for any of them, I chose the cow as my female champion. She had all the attributes of the other 2 plus she was making a very good job of rearing a calf. The 2-year-old heifer was Reserve.

the Charlesbury herd for my first place even the colours were the same across the animals.

It was a real pleasure to be invited to judge the cattle at the Royal Welsh, and I would like to thank the RWAS and the BSCS for according me this honour.

I would also like to thank the team of stewards both inside and outside the ring who kept things running so smoothly. Most importantly I would like to thank all the exhibitors for turning

out such good cattle to such a high standard.

As a post script I would also like to congratulate the teams which took part in the interbreed classes, although the team of 5 were overlooked the pair finished 4th and highest placed native whilst the three were champion native and reserve overall. In the females for the future pair we were reserve in the native category.

For the breed champion I went for the bull with the cow in Reserve. Although both were great examples of the breed, I just thought that for the bull to move so well at his age it was enough to tip the balance in his favour.

6 groups of 3 then entered the ring. I chose a very well-matched trio from

Reserve Champion Oceanview Perfection

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Results Bull, born on or before 31 Dec 2021 1st MILLERSTON KASPER (H) 2nd RUNLEYMILL REGGIE (H) STRATHENDRICK RHINESTONE COWBOY 3rd (H) Bull, born on or after 01 Jan 2022 1st LLWYNHYWEL SHERRIFF (P) 2nd WESTBROAD SCOTIA (P) 3rd LANGHAMS SULLIVAN 4th JODAME SAM (P) 5th MAPLEGEM GLADIATOR 6th

HEADLIND SULTAN (P)

Champion Male MILLERSTON KASPER (H) Reserve Champion Male LLWYNHYWEL SHERRIFF (P)

Mrs Mary Cormack Iken Hall Farms Mr T Allan Jackson, Headlind Partners

Messrs Evans & Price Natalie Hynd Mr Andre Vrona Michael & Joanne Souter Baird, Edwards & Timbrell Mr T Allan Jackson, Headlind Partners

Mrs Mary Cormack Messrs Evans & Price

Female, in milk or in calf born on or before 31 Dec 2020 1st OCEANVIEW PERFECTION (P) AK and JK Smith 2nd DINMORE PEONY (P) Messrs Evans & Price Charlesbury Livestock (Baird 3rd CREAGA SKYLER (RO)(P) and Park) 4th BRYNMAWR FIRESTORM FFION (H) (ET) Susan Parry CASTLEMOUNT MATRIX STRAWBERRY 5th Messrs Evans & Price 3 (P) Female, in milk or in calf born on or before 31 Dec 2020 1st MEONSIDE IRANIA ROSEBUD RAVEN (P) Iken Hall Farms 2nd JODAME CARA RIO (P) Michael & Joanne Souter 3rd GLEBEDALE PRIMROSE (P) Mrs Jill Williams & T&K Bodily 4th MILLERSTON IRANIA RAINBOW (H) Mrs Mary Cormack 5th COWFORD FLOSSY ROBYN (H) Messrs Evans & Price 6th LANGHAMS GENOA RANA (P) Mr Andre Vrona

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Female, born. on or after 01 Jan 2022 1st JODAME SUZIE Q (P) 2nd TREVENTON SATIN (P) 3rd HURSLEY FLOSSY SAFFRON (P) 4th JODAME CARA SCARLETT (P) 5th GLEBEDALE ROSEBUD SAVANNAH (H) 6th

CREAGA UTOPIA (RO)

Michael & Joanne Souter AK and JK Smith Baird, Edwards & Timbrell Michael & Joanne Souter Mrs Jill Williams & T&K Bodily Charlesbury Livestock (Baird and Park)

RWAS Championship Rosette - For the best female exhibit Female Champion OCEANVIEW PERFECTION (P)

AK and JK Smith

Reserve Female Champion MEONSIDE IRANIA ROSEBUD RAVEN (P)

Iken Hall Farms

RWAS Grouop Rosettes - For the best group of three animals, the property of the same exhibitor already entered and shown in the above classes.

Charlesbury Livestock (Baird 1st CREAGA SKYLER (RO)(P) and Park) Charlesbury Livestock (Baird 1st CREAGA UTOPIA (RO) and Park) Charlesbury Livestock (Baird 1st CHARLESBURY HIGHLAND ROSIE (P) and Park) 2nd JODAME SUZIE Q (P) Michael & Joanne Souter 2nd JODAME SAM (P) Michael & Joanne Souter 2nd JODAME CARA SCARLETT (P) Michael & Joanne Souter Pencampwr / Champion The BSS Supreme Champion Rose Bowl Trophy & RWAS Championship ROosette - for the Champion Beef Shorthorn exhibit.

MILLERSTON KASPER (H) Mrs Mary Cormack Inverness Auction Mart Trophy for the Reserve Champion Beef Shorthorn Exhibit.

OCEANVIEW PERFECTION (P) AK and JK Smith

BEEF SHORTHORN ESTABLISHED 2021

ELLIOT ESTELLE 695 ✦ Reserve interbreed junior champion, Stars of the Future 2022 ✦ Interbreed champion, Smallholding and Countryside Festival 2023 ✦ Breed champion, Royal Three Counties Show 2023

MILLERSTON IRANIA RAINBOW ✦ Reserve breed champion, Royal Highland Show 2022 ✦ Breed champion, Kent County Show 2023 ✦ Breed and reserve interbreed champion Edenbridge and Oxted Show 2023

MILLERSTON KASPER ✦ Breed champion, Royal Welsh Show 2023 ✦ Sold Stirling 2018 for 20,000gns ✦ Semen for sale through ibreeder

MARY COR M AC K TEL: 07792 998019 | EMAIL: marycormack@live.co.uk Follow on Facebook

A4 advert for Mary Cormack Final.indd 2

Semen, embryos and stock for sale

20/10/2023 11:37

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N at i o n a l

Maralin Shorthorns come out on top at a rainy Clogher Valley Champion Glenisla Eva Broadhooks R553

Reserve Champion Cherryvalley Tyson Fury

T

he Northern Ireland Beef Shorthorn Club held its 2023 National show at Clogher Valley Show, once again generously sponsored

by Gortavoy Feeds and Farm Supplies, and judged by Mark Severn.

Gortavoy Feed and Farm Supplies sponsored the Northern Ireland Beef Shorthorn National Show

The overall winner this year was a stylish two-year-old roan in calf heifer Glenisla Eva Broadhooks R553, exhibited by Libby and Lucy Clarke’s Maralin herd.

Results were as follows: Results Champion GLENISLA EVA BROADHOOKS R553

Libby and Lucy Clarke

Reserve Champion CHERRYVALLEY TYSON FURY

Dr Peter Fitzgerald

Bull born before 1st January 2022 1st BETHLEHEM MALTON

Leanne Green

Bull born on or between 1st January 2022-21st August 2022 1st CHERRYVALLEY TYSON FURY Dr Peter Fitzgerald 2nd RIGG THOMAS Percy Lindsey 3rd BALLAGHNEED ROYAL ROCCO Ruth Bleakley Female born before 1st January 2020 in calf or calf at foot 1st ANNAGHANOON NARELLE Rachel Jordan 2nd CHERRYVALLEY PEARL Dr Peter Fitzgerald

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Female born in 2021 1st GLENISLA EVA BROADHOOKS R553 2nd CHERRYVALLEY SHARON 3rd ABERDONA ROTHES RAINBOW

Libby and Lucy Clarke Dr Peter Fitzgerald Leanne Green

Female born on or between 1st January 2022 and 31st August 2022 1st CHERRYVALLEY THRIVING Dr Peter Fitzgerald 2nd BUSHYPARK DANDELION Percy Lindsey 3rd ANNAGHANOON LADY SARAH Rachel Jordan Exhibitor pairs 1st CHERRYVALLEY 2nd DERRIAGHY 3rd ANNAGHANOON

Dr Peter Fitzgerald Leanne Green Rachel Jordan

Cherryvalley Production Sale Cherryvalley Shorthorns held their first online sale back in August 2023, with an in-calf heifer topping the sale at £8500 followed by another in-calf heifer which made £6700. The maiden sold to a high of £4100 which was sired by one of our latest stock bulls Creaga Rolex.

Cherryvalley Tyson Fury

Stockbull Creaga Malibu

Cherryvalley Tremendous £4100

Cherryvalley Sunrise £6700

Cherryvalley Sharon £8500

Cherryvalley Shorthorns Mervyn Robinson 07707 150285 | mrobinsonsrc@hotmail.co.uk WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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Leading the way at the Royal Highland was Blackbrook Heathermaid Rosa from Andrew Thornber.

Classy Podehole shines bright at Royal Highland

I JUDGE Jane Landers Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire

t was an honour and a privilege to be asked to judge the Beef Shorthorns at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh. It was a daunting task not only judging in front of so many people at the show but also the people watching from home via live streaming, however the excellent calibre of cattle in front of me soon kept me distracted from the fact.

Utopia from Charlesbury Livestock Ltd, Aberdona Rock Candy from R&C Rettie and Charlesbury Highland Rosie again from Charlesbury livestock.

I made Craega Utopia Champion followed by Aberdona Rock Candy in Reserve.

I know first-hand the preparation and work that goes into getting animals ready and boy did I have my work cut out for me. It was a tremendous show of Beef Shorthorns with many coming from far and wide. The classes were so big in some cases, that the decision was made to split some of the heifer classes to give each animal a fair chance to be seen.

In the Junior Bulls my choice was Willingham Spitfire from the Haigh family, a lovely bull which caught my eye, so much so that he was made Junior Male Champion with Westbroad Scotia from Natalie Hynd in Reserve.

For my Female Junior Championship I had the choice of four outstanding heifers; Blackbrook Margo Sally from Andrew Thornbor & daughters, Creaga

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For female seniors, again I went for style and femininity which resulted in Podehole Rita Petunia taking Champion and Aberdona Layla from R&C Rettie taking Reserve.

The first intermediate bull was a stretchy bull from TA Jackson, Strathendrick Rhinestone Cowboy.

For senior bull I went for Hildaland Laird from Rattray estate, again a stretchy bull with great presence. However, it was once again Willingham Spitfire who drew my attention and therefore was my overall Male Champion again with Westbrook Scotia as Reserve.

Ro ya l Results Female born on or after 1st April 2022 1st BLACKBROOK MARGO SALLY 2nd BURLLIE SAGE 3rd ISLAHILL SPARKLE 4th CRAIGEASSIE SOPHIA 5th DUNSYRE GIGHA 42ND 6th HIGHLEE SASSY MONIQUE

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SSHAOL W E S

Overall Champion Podehole Rita Petunia Andrew Thornber and Daughters D & M Wyllie James Wightman & Emma McAlister Marshall G Bailey Brenda Wear Highlee Sassy Monique

Female born after 1st January and on or before 31st March 2022 1st CREAGA UTOPIA Charlesbury Livestock (Baird & Park) 2nd HIGHLEE LUCIOUS SAPPHIRE Mark and Tracy Severn 3rd HEADLIND FLOSSY SASSY Mr T Allan Jackson, Headlind Partners 4th HEADLIND ROSETTA SCARLETT Mr T Allan Jackson, Headlind Partners 5th RUNLEYMILL HEBE SCARLETT Miss Helen Dunning 6th PODEHOLE DORA SOLACE Harry Horrell Female born after 1st January and on or before 31st March 2022 1st CHARLESBURY HIGHLAND ROSIE Charlesbury Livestock Baird & Park SHAWHILL DEWDROP 2nd JH & J Wilson STARBURST 3rd WESTBROAD BRAMBLE SYLVIA Natalie Hynd 4th JODAME SUZIE Q Joanne Souter 5th MAPLEGEM EMMA'S PRIDE (TW) Charlesbury Livestock Baird & Park 6th STRATHENDRICK GOLDEN GIRL Robert Taylor Female Born in 2021 1st PODEHOLE TESSA RADIANCE 2nd GLENGARNOCK ROSALIE HEADLIND FOXGLOVE TANSY 3rd ROXY 4th GLENDUAL GORGEOUS ROSE 5th BALNESPICK MARGO ROSE 6th HEADLIND ROSETTE ROSIE Female Born in 2021 1st CRAIGEASSIE RAQUEL 2nd DUNSYRE IONA 41ST 3rd ABERDONA ROCK CANDY 4th MAPLEGEM WHITEFIRE MISS LEA STONEHILLS SALLY 5th BROADHOOKS 6TH 6th JODAME CARA RIO

Junior Female Champion Creaga Utopia, Charlesbury Livestock Baird & Park

Harry Horrell Pennygown Farm Mr T Allan Jackson, Headlind Partners Grant Stephen Cathryn Williamson Mr T Allan Jackson, Headlind Partners

Marshall G Bailey J & J Green R & C Rettie Charlesbury Livestock Baird & Park

Male Champion Willingham Spitfire

G L Riby and Son Joanne Souter

Class 4 (203): Female in Milk or in Calf, born on or before 31st December 2020 1st PODEHOLE RITA PETUNIA Harry Horrell 2nd ABERDONA LAYLA R & C Rettie 3rd MEONSIDE TESSA NEBULA Stuart G Mair & Sons STONEHILLS PRINCESS PEARL 4th G L Riby and Son 4TH 5th CREAGA SKYLER Charlesbury Livestock Baird & Park 6th DUNSYRE LEILA 60TH J Wightman & E McAlister Bull, born on or after 1st April 2022 1st WILLINGHAM SPITFIRE 2nd HIGHLEE SOVEREIGN 3rd PORTNADORAN SANDMAN 4th WILLINGHAM SALAMANDER 5th MUIRESK STORMZY 6th DUNCANZIEMERE SALTIRE

Alan Haigh Mark and Tracy Severn Audrey MacDonald Alan Haigh Stuart G Mair & Sons Alistair Clark & Sons

Muiresk Strongbow

Bull, born after 1st January and on or before 31st March 2022 1st HIGHLEE SEBASTIAN Mark and Tracy Severn 2nd GLENISLA SIRROCCO Major J P O Gibb and Miss C Gibb 3rd PODEHOLE SOLO ET Harry Horrell 4th ESKECHRAGGAN SUPREME Tom McMillan 5th HEADLIND SULTAN Mr T Allan Jackson, Headlind Partners 6th LOWTHER SOME BOY Charles Lowther

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H i g h l a n d Bull, born after 1st January and on or before 31st March 2022 1st WESTBROAD SCOTIA Natalie Hynd 2nd DUNCANZIEMERE SAMURI Alistair Clark & Sons 3rd GLENDUAL SAMMY Grant Stephen 4th RUNLEYMILL SAMSON JH & J Wilson 5th JODAME SAM Joanne Souter 6th CHARLESBURY SNOWDON Charlesbury Livestock Baird & Park

Best bull trophy Won by Alan Haigh

Mains Farm Perpetual Trophy for the best bull bred by exhibitor won by Alan Haigh

Bull, born in 2021 STRATHENDRICK RHINESTONE 1st COWBOY 2nd GLENISLA RIOJA 3rd COXHILL RIO 4th CAIRNBOG RANGER

Mr T Allan Jackson, Headlind Partners Major J P O Gibb and Miss C Gibb J &J Green Cairnbog Farm

Bull, born on or before 31st December 2020 1st HILDALAND LAIRD Rattray Estate Ltd 2nd MEONSIDE NIDAVELLIR Mrs L J Townsend VALE MEADOWS FLOSSY'S 3rd Trainview Livestock CAVALIER 4th PODEHOLE LINCOLN Marshall G Bailey 5th PORTNADORAN NEVIS Audrey MacDonald

Muiresk Strongbow and Willingham Spitfire with judge Hamish Goldie

My overall choice of the day was Podehole Rita Petunia, she oozed class and style and was a firm favourite on the day.

Closely followed by Willingham Spitfire as Overall Reserve.

When all animals were lined up in the championship it was a sight to behold, a true credit to all exhibitors both young and experienced. It made me very proud to be a part of such a great breed and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us. A big thank you also goes to the stewards who made the day go very smoothly, even though it was roasting!

Also, thank you to the show and the Society for giving me the opportunity and making it such a brilliant day out.

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Ro ya l Junior female champion CREAGA UTOPIA

Charlesbury Livestock Baird & Park

Reserve junior female champion ABERDONA ROCK CANDY

R & C Rettie

Female Champion PODEHOLE RITA PETUNIA

Harry Horrell

Reserve Female Champion ABERDONA LAYLA

R & C Rettie

Junior Male Champion WILLINGHAM SPITFIRE

Alan Haigh

Reserve Junior Male Champion WESTBROAD SCOTIA

Natalie Hynd

Overall Junior Champion WILLINGHAM SPITFIRE

Alan Haigh

Reserve Junior Champion CREAGA UTOPIA

Charlesbury Livestock Baird & Park

Male Champion WILLINGHAM SPITFIRE

Alan Haigh

Reserve Male Champion WESTBROAD SCOTIA

Natalie Hynd

Breeder of Best Bull WILLINGHAM SPITFIRE

Alan Haigh

Best Bull bred by exhibitor WILLINGHAM SPITFIRE

Alan Haigh

Overall Champion PODEHOLE RITA PETUNIA

Harry Horrell

Overall Reserve Champion WILLINGHAM SPITFIRE

Alan Haigh

Best Animal bred by Exhibitor PODEHOLE RITA PETUNIA

Harry Horrell

Best Pair BURLLIE SAGE & BURLLIE SALTIRE

D & M Wyllie

Best Group HEADLIND SULTAN HEADLIND FLOSSY SASSY & HEADLIND ROSETTA SCARLETT

Mr T Allan Jackson, Headlind Partners

Best Pair Progeny MUIRESK STORMZY & MUIRESK STRONGBOW

Stuart G Mair & Sons

The Emilio R. Casares Junior Memorial Champion Challenge Cup won by Alan Haigh

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The Eduardo-Bullrich Perpetual Silver Challenge Cup for the best pair won by D & M Wyllie

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Uppermill Perpetual Challenge Trophy for best female won by Harry Horrell

The Redhill World Conference Trophy for best pair progeny of one animal bred by exhbitor won by Stuart G Mair & Sons

The B M Durno Perpetual Silver Challenge Cup for best group of 3 won by T Allan Jackson

The Duthie Perpetual Challenge Cup for best animal won by Harry Horrell

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Thank you to all our previous customers. We wish you luck with all your purchases.

~ Visitors always welcome ~ Email: glenislashorthorns@yahoo.co.uk John Gibb 01575 582736

Nick Gibb 07762 541554

Catriona Gibb 07790 798062

Ian Burgess 07919 357128

Glenisla House by Blairgowrie, Perthshire PH11 8QL WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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Overall Champion Roundhill Millie Emma Trueman

Roundhill Millie shows grace and style as champion at the Great Yorkshire Show

I JUDGE Stuart Macadie Skaillhouse herd

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t was an honour to be asked to judge the Great Yorkshire Show but naively when I accepted, I didn’t realise it would be such a large task taking over four enjoyable hours to judge. It was a glorious morning and we finished just before the heavens opened. Both the standard and number were high in all classes but for me the lasting memory would be the fantastic line up of calves behind the cows. This bodes well for the future of the breed.

My overall champion was the cow Roundhill Millie. She is an example of what I believe the breed should be about. She was correct in every way, moved gracefully and had style and ring presence. She was not extreme in any way and to top it off was making a grand job of a fine bull calf.

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My reserve was the male champion Westbroad Scotia who had great breed character and was in top form on the day. For me some of the young bulls were needing to fill out but I’m sure by sale time they will make tremendous bulls. A mention must also go to the group categories that filled the ring – it must have been a great sight from the ringside all that red, white and roan!

Thanks to the Great Yorkshire Show and the Beef Shorthorn Society for asking me to judge and looking after me. Thanks also to all the stewards and assistants for putting on a great show and finally not forgetting most importantly the competitors without whom there would be no show.

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Great Yorkshire Show Results 2023 Bull, born on or before 31 December 2020 1st COLDROCHIE LEIF (H) Mark & Tracy Severn 2nd ROUNDHILL LENNY (P) Miss Emma Trueman 3rd MAYFIELD POWERHOUSE (P) Mr J and Mrs H Gibson 4th FARLAM LIGHTNING (P) S & G Hunt Bull, born in 2021 1st RUNLEYMILL REGGIE (H) STRATHENDRICK RHINESTONE 2nd COWBOY (H) Bull, born on or after 1 January 2022 1st STANFORDPARK SASQUATCH 2nd DERRIAGHY SAMSON (H) 3rd SATELLITE OF UPSALL (P) WATERLOO STATION OF 4th LONGFIELD 5th LANGHAMS SULLIVAN 6th ESKECHRAGGAN SUPREME (P) Bull, born on or after 1 January 2022 1st WESTBROAD SCOTIA (P) 2nd MEONSIDE SAINT THOMAS (P) 3rd VELLUM STORMZY (H) 4th HIGHLEE SOVERIGN (H) 5th ST GEORGE OF LONGFIELD (H) 6th SQUADRON LEADER OF UPSALL (P)

Iken Hall Farms Mr T Allan Jackson, Headlind Partners

Mr & Mrs M Stoneham Tina Russell & Simon Farmer The Hon. G. Turton Tina Russell & Simon Farmer

Reserve Champion Westbroad Scotia Natalie Hynd

Mr Andre Vrona Mr Tom McMillan

Natalie Hynd D & T Bradley Farmer Mr Jack Gates Mark & Tracy Severn Tina Russell & Simon Farmer The Hon. G. Turton

Female, in calf or in milk, born before 31 December 2018 1st ROUNDHILL MILLIE (P) (ET) Miss Emma Trueman PODEHOLE PHANTASY MADDIE 2nd Harry Horrell (P) VG 87 STANFORDPARK MISS CROCUS 3rd Mr & Mrs M Stoneham M453 (H) VG 89 STONEHILLS PRINCESS PEARL 4TH 4th Mr G.L. Riby (P) VG 87 5th ABERDONA LAYLA (H) R & C Rettie CASTLEMOUNT MATRIX 6th Messrs Evans & Price STRAWBERRY 3 (P) EX 95 Female, in calf or in milk, born on or between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020 1st PODEHOLE RITA PETUNIA (H) Harry Horrell Charlesbury Livestock (Baird and 2nd CREAGA SKYLER (RO)(P) Park) 3rd DINMORE PEONY (P) Messrs Evans & Price 4th BEAUTRY DESIREE PORTIA (P) Mr S C Currie 5th KIMRINA PEGGY (P) Miss C J Ward 6th SOWERBYPARKS URYMAID P564 (P) Steven and Kay Darnbrook

AJ Marshall Perpetual Challenge Cup for Breed Champion at Great Yorkshire Show Emma Trueman Presented by Amanda Watson, Morrisons

Female, born in 2021, on or between 1 January and 31 December 1st PODEHOLE TESSA RADIANCE (H) Harry Horrell STONEHILLS SALLY BROADHOOKS 2nd Mr G.L. Riby 6TH (P) 3rd JODAME CARA RIO (P) Michael & Joanne Souter 4th SOWERBYPARKS LILY R631 (P) S & G Hunt 5th MEONHILL GEMMA (P) L.E.P. Farms Ltd. 6th MEONSIDE TESSA RUBY (P) D & T Bradley Farmer Female, born in 2021, on or between 1 January and 31 December 1st ABERDONA ROCK CANDY (P) R & C Rettie MEONSIDE IRANIA ROSEBUD 2nd Iken Hall Farms RAVEN (P) MEONSIDE IRANIA RAINBOW 3rd Iken Hall Farms ROXY (P) 4th LANGHAMS GENOA RANA (P) Mr Andre Vrona 5th WESTBROAD YOGA RUBY (P) Natalie Hynd SOWERBYPARKS SKJAKLIN R668 6th S & G Hunt (P)

Brothers Colling Memorial Challenge Cup for Best Beef Shorthorn Winner Emma Trueman presented by Phil Halhead Norbreck Genetics

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Female, born in 2022, on or after 1 January and before 1 April 1st STANFORDPARK CROCUS S897 (P) Mr & Mrs M Stoneham 2nd LOWTHER MELODY Y1 (P) Mr C. Lowther 3rd SANDWICK LOVELY SWEETPEA (P) A & C Ivinson HEADLIND ROSETTA SCARLETT Mr T Allan Jackson, Headlind 4th (P) (P) Partners 5th MEONHILL WATERLOO ZANDRA (P) L.E.P. Farms Ltd. 6th HIGHLEE LUSCIOUS SAPPHIRE (H) Mark & Tracy Severn

Durno McNair Snadden Perpetual Challenge Cup Group of 3 Roy MacDonald of Podehole presented by Adam Buitelaar

Female, born in 2022, on or after 1 January and before 1 April CHARLESBURY HIGHLAND ROSIE Charlesbury Livestock (Baird and 1st (P) Park) 2nd JODAME SUZIE Q (P) Michael & Joanne Souter 3rd VELLUM KESTREL SPARROW (P) Mr Jack Gates 4th BEAUTRY ROSE SARSAPARILLA (P) Mr S C Currie 5th VELLUM TESSA SKYFALL (H) Mr Jack Gates 6th LANGHAMS GYPSY SPIRIT (P) Mr Andre Vrona Female, born in 2022, on or after 1 April 1st DUNSYRE GIGHA 42ND (P) 2nd MEONSIDE SECRET SUSHI (P) 3rd BLACKBROOK MARGO SALLY (P) 4th ESKECHRAGGAN FAIRY SARA (H) 5th WARMINGTON DEWDROP 652 (H) 6th SECRET MAID X1698 OF UPSALL (P)

GYS23 Durno Bullrich Perpetual Challenge Cup Best Pair Natasha Mann Iken Halls presented by Jodie Bolland, Morrisons

Brenda R Wear Mrs Hayley Clarke Andrew Thornber & Daughters Mr Tom McMillan Mr R F Leach The Hon. G. Turton

CH5 Beef Shorthorn Junior Champion Junior Champion WESTBROAD SCOTIA (P) Junior Reserve Champion ABERDONA ROCK CANDY (P)

Natalie Hynd

CH6 Beef Shorthorn Male Champion Male Champion WESTBROAD SCOTIA (P) Reserve Male Champion COLDROCHIE LEIF (H) EX94

Natalie Hynd

R & C Rettie

Mark & Tracy Severn

SP2 Winner of Class 2 The Best Bull born in 2021 - The Hon. G. Turton Challenge Trophy RUNLEYMILL REGGIE (H) Iken Hall Farms

GYS23 Judge S Macadie and President Tim Riley with Emma Trueman Roundhill Millie and male calf at foot Roundhill Top Gun

Hon G Turton Challenge Cup for Best bull born in 2021 received by Natasha Mann Iken Hall Farms

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Hugh Cornwallis Maud Perpetual Challenge Cup for Best animal bred by exhibitor Emma Trueman for Roundhill Millie

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SP4 The Best Animal from the Junior Heifer Classes 7 and 8 The Frank Milnes Trophy for the Best Junior Heifer Champion Junior Heifer DUNSYRE GIGHA 42ND (P) Brenda R Wear Reserve Junior Heifer MEONSIDE SECRET SUSHI (P) Mrs Hayley Clarke SP5 The Best Exhibitor Bred Cow and Calf – The Sally Horrell Perpetual Trophy for the Best exhibitor bred cow and calf ROUNDHILL MILLIE (P) (ET) Miss Emma Trueman CH7 Beef Shorthorn Female Champion Champion Female ROUNDHILL MILLIE (P) (ET) Reserve Champion Female PODEHOLE TESSA RADIANCE (H)

Miss Emma Trueman

CH8 Beef Shorthorn Breed Champion Overall Breed Champion ROUNDHILL MILLIE (P) (ET) Overall Reserve Breed Champion WESTBROAD SCOTIA (P)

Miss Emma Trueman

Harry Horrell

Judge Stuart Macadie of the Skaillhouse herd in action

Natalie Hynd

Best group of three Beef Shorthorns The Durno McNair Snadden Perpetual Challenge Cup for the Best group of three Beef Shorthorns 1st Harry Horrell 2nd Mr C Lowther 3rd Tina Russell 4th G Hunt 5th Andre Vrona The Durno Bullrich Perpetual Challenge Cup for the Best Pair - One male, one female 1st Mrs N M Mann 2nd Mr C Lowther 3rd Mr Tom McMillan

Nathaniel Catchpole Perpetual Challenge cup Emma Trueman Roundhill Millie presented by Joe Mannion, Buitelaar

Sally Horrell Perpetual Trophy for Best exhibitor bred cow/calf Emma Trueman for Roundhill Millie presented by Sally Horrell

John Doughty and Balmyle Crackle Perpetual Challenge Cup for Best Bull won by Natalie Hynd with Westbroad Scotia presented by Sophie Throup

Uppermill Calrossie Perpetual Challenge Cup for Best Bull bred by Exhibitor won by Emma Trueman presented by Claire Buitelaar

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Naturally reared at over 1,500ft above sea level since 2011

We usually have stock, semen and embryos for sale and visitors are always welcome

Member of SAC Premium Cattle Health Scheme.

Contact Emma on 07800 803029 or email roundhill11@gmail.com Roundhill Beef Shorthorns, Roundhill Farm, Quarnford, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 0TB

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ALWAY S AI M

TLE CAT ED

Flora 57th of Skaillhouse EX91

CTIONAL, EASILY FLESHED, N U F E WELL ODUC R BAL P ANC TO G IN

Chapelton Lionheart EX93

Podehole Rock Nebula EX92 Beef Shorthorn Society Linear Classified since 2016

Tulip 40th of Skaillhouse EX91

Supreme of Skaillhouse – Destined for the Stirling Bull Sales in February 2024

Visitors always welcome Stuart & Lynn Macadie

High Health Status Accredited free of BVD, IBR and Lepto Johnes Level 1 TB4

Marstyn, Skaill, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 7YD. Tel: 01847 861225 M: 07711 371385 Breedplan Recorded

E: stuart.macadie@outlook.com

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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Overall Champion Blackbrook Heathermaid True from Andrew Thornber and Daughters

Heifers Top at Agri-Expo

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emales lead the way at the Society’s National Calf Show at Borderway Agri-Expo and it was double delight for Andrew Thornber & Daughters as Blackbrook Heathermaid True took the overall champion title with Blackbrook Madeline Tris standing as reserve.

First class of the day had a seasonal feel as judge, Esylt Price, placed Charlie Fletchers' all white bull Redstones Snowman in top spot with the 2022 born bull going on to be reserve male champion. Male champion went to the impressive Hazelbank Tiger from R. J. Steen.

Despite a late finish there was plenty of competition in the young handlers classes with Dylan Mackenzie eventually taking home the overall winner’s trophy, after initially enjoying success in the junior section, just edging out Charlie Fletcher after she took the honours in the senior class.

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Reserve Champion Male Redstones Snowman with Senior young handle Charlie Fletcher

Reserve Overall Champion Blackbrook Madeline Tris from Andrew Thornber and Daughters

Overall Young Handler Champion Trophy winner Dylan MacKenzie and Judge Esylt Price

Presentation of Sandwick Perpetual Trophy for National Calf Show Champion

Champion Male Hazelbank Tiger from R J Steen

Judge Esylt Price of the Llwynhywel herd

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NI Beef Shorthorn Club Calf Show

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he NI Beef Shorthorn Club held their annual calf show at Dungannon Livestock Market. Local breeders came out in force with a strong entry of thirty calves and yearlings from both well-established herds and from new exhibitors. They were rewarded with over seventy enthusiastic spectators.

Judge for the event was well known beef breeder Andrew Patterson.

It proved a memorable day for wellknown breeder William McAllister who got off to a great start when their yearling heifer Burnside Lovely Maud won the first class and Burnsides other heifer entry, Burnside Lovely Madonna, also went on to win her class. This well fleshed daughter of Lightning of Skailhouse went on to finish the day unbeaten, winning the female champion and the overall championship.

Dr Peter Fitzgerald had a successful day with six entries from his Cherryvalley herd based at Crumlin. Cherryvalley Waterloo won first in his class and went on to win the male championship.

Cherryvalley also went on to win the reserve female and overall reserve champion with their March born heifer Cherryvalley Augusta Wonder.

Overall Champion Burnside Lovely Madonna, William McAllister

Leanne Green had two entries from her Derriaghy herd based in Lisburn.

Derriaghy Thor, an April 2023 son from this year’s Balmoral male champion Bethlehem Malton, won his class and the pairs class along with his half-sister Derriaghy Lovely Tara. This heifer went

on to gain a third prize in her class, rounding off a great day.

This year a strong entry of young handlers took place with Charlotte McAllister gaining the top prize in the class, followed by Conor McDonald and Ethan Lynd.

The Woodvale herd of Alwyn and Adam Armour went on to win the reserve male championship with March born Woodvale Transformer, who is sired from the popular AI sire Craigfaddock Parnassus.

David Alexander from Glarryford also had a good day with his four entries winning first prize with Craigfaddock Flossies 7th in the youngest heifer class.

The Craigfaddock herd also won two second prizes with a March born heifer Craigfaddock Lady Annetta 38th and an April born bull Craigfaddock Trevino.

Craigfaddock also went on to come second place in the pairs class.

Reserve Champion Cherryvalley Augusta Wonder, Dr Peter Fitzgerald

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Outstanding calves on show at Thirsk

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nce again, the quality of the calves on show at Thirsk Mart was simply outstanding and gave judge, Mr Andy Ryder, some really challenging decisions. Andrew and Emi Thornber’s Blackbrook Madeline Tris took female champion. Standing in reserve was a newcomer to Rising Stars, Millie Hendy, with Highsky Enchantments Empress.

Adding to their success in the male classes was Blackbrook Taro, a March born Perseus of Upsall son. Megan Souter was a well-deserved reserve champion with Jodame Tyson Fury, a Jodame Nobleman son.

Then came a very hard to call breed championship with Andy tapping out an all-female line up, Blackbrook Madeline Tris with Highsky Enchantments Empress in reserve.

There was no stopping team Blackbrook, Madeline Tris and Heathermaid True taking the honours

in the pairs with Jonny and Hannah Gibson from the Whiterose herd close by in reserve.

The young handler section provided some of the most intense and motivated scenes of the show. Three class winners went head-to-head in the final, Jack Barker, Iona Park and Dylan Mckenzie. A very proud Ian and Aimee watched as Iona got the nod with Dylan in reserve.

However, in a new competition this year, the Rising Stars Beef Shorthorn Summer League, with points being awarded from young handler classes across the summer. Iona’s success on the day wasn’t enough to overtake Dylan, who secured the Moorcock Inn trophy as champion. Iona being content with Reserve champion.

High quality turnout for Stars of the Future Calf Show

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he event was hailed a huge success by organisers, with 400 entries from the 10 breed sections attracting some strong judging classes.

Well-known former freelance stockman Andy Frazier judged the native championship and tapped out Beef Shorthorn bull, Stallashaw Senate, from Chloe Dunlop, Lanark, as senior champion. First son of Stallashaw President and out of Hyndford Nina, he is destined for Stirling Bull Sales in February, Top native pair were the Beef Shorthorns, Westbroad Trident and Westbroad Bramble Tina from Ayrshire’s Natalie Hynd. Reserve went to another Beef Shorthorn pair, Fordie Taskmaster and Fordie Topgun, from Fiona Davidson, Peterhead.

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Northern Calf Show

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he club held the annual open calf show with 43 Calves travelling to Darlington Mart on 18th November. Our Judge James Cameron - Trainview took the task in hand by awarding A. Thornber & Daughters Blackbrook Madeline Tris overall Champion with A. Vrona’s, Langhams Phantasy Savanna taking reserve.

Young handler classes again proved to be popular with 14 keen young handlers competing. James made the 3 finalists work for the title by removing the class winners’ show sticks, so they could demonstrate their skills at handling the calves. Iona Park proved a worthy Champion with Jess Barker taking reserve.

Overall Champion Blackbrook Madaline Tris

The Club would like to thank all exhibitors, Darlington Market staff, sponsors our Judge James Cameron and club members who helped on the day.

Treasure Shows her worth

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he judge at the Southern Calf Show, Craig Fell, commented on the tremendous line up of Beef Shorthorn cattle which were a credit to all that took part as junior heifer class winner Hursley Flossy Treasure took the heifer and overall championships to make it two years in a row for the Hursley Cattle Partnership. Runner up in the heifer championship was Hansford Rothes Tiffany, having previously taken the senior heifer class.

Stanford Park took the honours in the male section with Stanford Park Thunderbird followed by Mineshop Tyrant.

Overall champion Hursley Flossy Treasure

Male champion - Stanford Park Thunderbird

Oliver Fry enjoyed a successful day as he was crowned overall champion in the interbreed young handlers competition.

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Our own stars of the future

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History created at Scottish Premier Meat Exhibition with Beef Shorthorn taking supreme title for best carcase

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Courtesy of The Scottish Farmer

bit of history was created at this year’s Scottish Premier Meat Exhibition, which was held in the newly-branded ABP premises at the former Scotbeef abattoir, near Bridge of Allan.

Celebrating its 30th birthday in 2023 and with the support of quality retailer Marks and Spencer for all of that time, the event witnessed a near pure Shorthorn take the supreme title for the best carcase after the same animal had also led at the live event, held in Lanark market a few days earlier.

This was a first for the breed in this competition, which is normally dominated by continental or Angus genetics.

Consigned by well-known prime stock specialist, Wilson Peters, from Cuilt Farmhouse, Monzie, near Crieff, this was a heifer that he had purchased at UA Stirling from well-known Shorthorn breeder Mrs Shona Calder, Haugh of Grandtully, in February. Weighing 595kg live and killing out at 60% with a U+4L grade, the champion was sired by Knockenjig Mercury and was bred out of a line of Shorthorn and Shorthorn cross cows based on the well-known Rothes line. A delighted Mr Peters revealed that he had come close at last year’s event with a sister which had also been first both live and dead.

Normally an animal that wins both the live and dead section qualifies for the prestigious ‘Silver Steer’ award – a solid silver replica of a steer – but this year it was not awarded as a consequence of ABP’s takeover of the former Scotbeef-hosted event. This accomplishment for the breed compliments the success enjoyed by Morrisons Shorthorn steaks at the World Steak Challenge in recent years.

Champion carcase from Wilson Peters with live and carcase judges

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Show champion Millerston Ramsay exhibited by Andrew Thornber and Daughters

Tiger son roars to top of the trade at 16,000gns Beef Shorthorn bulls met a ready trade at the spring sale at Stirling, with breeders seeing an increased number of bulls sold, backing up the increasing popularity of the breed at both a pedigree and commercial level.

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ociety operations manager Clive Brown said the sale had seen a solid demand for good bulls, with more sold on the year. “Increasing numbers of commercial suckler herd owners are recognising the strengths of the Shorthorn breed within their herds, particularly as they look to limit feed purchases and rely more on homegrown forage.”

Topping the trade at 16,000gns was the champion from the pre-sale show, Millerston Ramsay, an April 2021-born roan bull from Andrew Thornber and Daughters. This one had been bought at the foot of his dam, Millerston Augusta Heidi, at the dispersal of the Millerston herd of the late Jack Ramsay.

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Sired by the Irish sire Bushypark Tiger, he sold after spirited bidding to the judge from the pre-sale show, Iain Green, for the Corskie herd, Moray.

Second best on the day at 14,000gns was Allan Jackson’s Charlesbury Croaghpatrick, a bull bred by Messrs Baird and Park. From the same female family as the 2018 reserve champion at Stirling, this one is by Charlesbury Hill Maker and out of Creaga Jetta, an Irishbred dam by Ingleton C111. Buying this light roan bull were R L Morris and Partners, Blairgowrie.

Following him at 12,000gns was Stonehills Revelation from Geoff and Christopher Riby. This son of Faughhill Ivan is out of Stonehills Lovely, an Uppermill Jefferson daughter and sold to the Horrell family, Peterborough, for the Podehole herd.

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The Horrells then recouped a large portion of their outlay when taking the first of two 11,000gns bids.

Their bull at this money was Podehole Reuben, a February 2021-born son of the homebred sire Podehole Magician.

He’s out of Podehole Dora Love, a Royalla Rockstar daughter, making him a full brother to the 12,000gns Podehole Patriot. This one was the pick of H and N Sloan, Lauder, for the Burnfoot herd.

The other to make 11,000gns was Burnside Red Poll from Northern Irish vendors William and Jill McAllister.

This May 2021-born bull is by the noted Fearn Godfather and out of Burnside Lovely Hanelle, a Glengoy Frigate daughter. He found a new home with Brian Goddard, Longtown.

Close behind that at 10,000gns was the best of the sale from the Meonside herd of David and Thomas Bradley-Farmer.

This was Meonside Randango, an Elliot Salute son out of Meonside Miss Ramsden, an Alvie Galahad daughter.

Taking this one was Peter Fitzgerald for the Cherryvalley herd, Crumlin, Co Antrim.

A 9,000gns call followed that, with this money paid for another Millerstonbred bull, this time, Millerston Ramrod from Duncan MacGregor. Again, by Bushypark Tiger, he is out of Millerston Madeline Jazz, a Meonhill Charlie Chaplin son. Buying him was A and C Farms, Rutland, for the Langham herd.

The Riby family then took 8,500gns for Stonehills Regent Street, a Faughhill Ivan son out of Stonehills Lancaster Viking, a Hallsford Viking Warrior daughter. Previously a first prize winner at the Great Yorkshire show he was bought by R F Leach, Banbury for the Warmington herd.

And taking an 8,000gns call was Coxhill Rishi from L J Townsend, with this April 2021-born bull being by Millerston Kasper and out of Cherryvalley Northern Star, a Chapelton Glen Cova daughter. This one was knocked down to Lour Farms, Forfar.

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A second 8,000gns sale then came for Rasputin of Upsall from Gerald Turton.

This one is by the homebred Madalong of Upsall and out of Victoria X1195 of Upsall, a Grenadier of Upsall daughter.

He found a new home with Grant Stephen, Forres, for his Glendual herd.

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Charlesbury Croaghpatrick 14,000gns

After that came a 7,500gns sale for another from the Bradley-Farmer brothers, Meonside R9. Sired by the homebred Meonside King Kong, he is out of Caramba Lovely Lovely, a Bushypark Ultra daughter. He was the choice of I and S Graham, Kilmalcolm.

Females Topping the heifer trade at 5,000gns was Meonside Irania Rosebud Raven from David and Thomas BradleyFarmer, with this May 2021-born roan heifer being by the homebred Meonside King Kong and out of Coldrochie Irania Rosebud, a Knockenjig Foremost daughter. This one headed to Woodbridge, Suffolk, with R W Mann.

Richard and Carol Rettie then took 4,500gns for Aberdona Rothes Rainbow, a July 2021-born heifer by Tamhorn Glen and out of a dam by Meonhill Charlie Chaplin, Aberdona Rothes Mynah. She had previously been reserve senior female champion at Stars of the Future in November and sold to Northern Ireland, with Leanne Green, Lisburn.

A 4,200gns sale came next for another of the Meonside heifers from the Bradley-Farmer duo. This was Meonside Irania Rainbow Roxy, a daughter of DRS Super Mario 42E and out of Coldrochie Irania Rainbow, an LS Zeus daughter.

She also headed south to Suffolk with R W Mann.

Stonehills Revelation 12,000gns

Podehole Reuben 11,000gns

Burnside Red Bull 11,000gns

Meonside Randango 10,000gns

Then at 4,000gns was Mountbenger Rachel from J F Iriving and Son. This Coldrochie Lincoln daughter is out of Mountbenger Gabby, a Chapelton Destiny daughter. Sold carrying to Meonside Nosty, she was bought by A and C Farms, Rutland for the Langham herd.

Next best at 3,800gns was Galla Ruth 150

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Reserve champion Strathisla Rowan

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Meonside Irania Rosebud Raven 5,000gns

Andrew Thornber Collects the champion trophies from judge Iain Green

Buttercup from J W Frame, with this one being by Llwynhywel Matthew and out of Catterall Buttercup, a Rothesay Eildon E238 daughter. In-calf to Caramba Cloud Rocket she went to Christopher Walwin, Carluke.

Averages; 59 bulls £5,697, 14 heifers £3,068 (United Auctions).

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‘back to where they came from’ The Derwentwood herd continues to grow with AI, ET and the stock bull Glenisla Jack Frost (P). Derwentwood Tessa (P) (ET) was awarded a first in the Incalf Cow section in this year’s North of England Beef Shorthorn Club Herd Competition

SOME OF ‘FROSTY’S’ 2023 CALVES

Derwentwood Titan (P)

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Glenisla Jack Frost (P)

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Podehole take the top prices at Melton Mowbray

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aturday 25th March saw the Beef Shorthorn Sale at Melton Mowbray Market as part of the third Multibreed Sale held at the Market.

Harry Horrell's Podehole Rum topped the trade at Melton Mobray at 5,000gns.

In all 18 Beef Shorthorns sold, an increase of 13 animals from 2022, with vendors from across the country heading to Melton Mowbray. Selling to Commercial and Pedigree breeders alike, a packed ring saw animals heading to North Wales and Suffolk as well as right across the Midlands and even up to Scotland.

Leading the trade was Podehole Rum (H), a two year old Roan bull from Harry Horrell, Pode Hole Farm, Cambridgeshire, who sold for 5,000gns to AE Neachell & Son, Walsall. Podehole Rum is sired by Podehole Magician (P), and out of Podehole Madeline Lissom (H)(ET) EX 91.

Two-year old Podehole Madeline Sassy, from Harry Horrell topped the female trade at 4,500gns.

Topping the Female trade was a red two-year-old Podehole Madeline Sassy (P), also sired by Podehole Magician (P), out of Podehole Madeline Lark (P) VG 87 and from Harry Horrell, and heading across the border for 4,500gns.

The Stanford Park herd of Mr and Mrs Stoneham saw bulls selling for 4,000gns for Stanford Park Rembrandt, sired by Fearn Godfather and 4,200gns for Stanford Park Real McCoy, sired by Crooked Post Tobias 13D. The female trade also saw Mr A Vrona’s Langhams Augusta Rosita by Langhams

Kansas Star sell for 3,000gns to Hadley Farms, Leamington Spa.

these selling for 2,500gns and 2,200gns respectively.

The pre-sale show saw more success for Podehole, with Podehole Roland taking Male Champion and Podehole Phantasy Sienna taking Female Champion, judged by Jenny Hurst, with

Averages: 8 bulls sold – average 3,043gns, 10 females sold – average 2,338gns Auctioneers: Melton Mowbray Market

Female Champion Phantasy Sienna.

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The next generation of beef farming checking out the cattle.

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Dunsyre Hyacinth blooms at Stirling’s May sale

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onday 1st May at United Auctions Stirling Centre saw three Shorthorn sales, with the May bull sale, Dunysre Dispersal and Barnaigh female draft all taking place.

Judge John McCulloch with Champion Camlas Ringo (P) and Reserve Champion Cairnsmore Rambo (P)

The May bull sale saw Coxhill Rebel (P) from Mrs L J Townsend sell for 5,500gns to D J Welsh, West Broadmass Farm, Ayrshire. Pre-Show Champion Camlas Ringo (P) from G A & H M Francis sold for 4,000gns to Christopher

Coxhill Rebel (P) from Mrs L J Townsend sold for 5,500gns to D J Welsh, West Broadmass Farm, Ayrshire

Walwin, Threepwood, Carluke. Overall, 6 bulls sold to average 3,815gns with a clearance rate of 75%.

Up next was the second part of the Dunsyre Dispersal sale of Carey Coombs, with the Autumn calvers being sold. The top price was 6,000gns for Dunsyre Hyacinth 26th (P) and calf Dunsyre Hyacinth 29th (P), selling to Francis Baird, Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

The final sale of the day was a draft of 14 Maiden heifers from the Barnaigh herd of Mr P Scott Taylor. These topped at 3,800gns for Barnaigh Lovely Xquisite 16th (P), selling to T & R Harper and Son, South Mains, Biggar.

The pre-sale show saw Judge John McCulloch pick Camlas Ringo (P) from G A & H M Francis as Beef Shorthorn Champion and Cairnsmore Rambo (P) as Reserve Champion.

Dunsyre Dispersal sale of Carey Coombs

Pre-Show Champion Camlas Ringo (P) from G A & H M Francis sold for 4,000gns

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Wenmar Shorthorns 2024 featured embryos Embryo sire – Prospect Hill Galahad 16G bred to Embryo dam – Prospect Hill Baja Yuna 4Y Additional embryos are available sired by Galahad see our website Embryo sire – Muridale Thermal Energy 15A bred to Embryo dam – Muridale Roan Ida 6Z Additional embryos are available sired by Thermal Energy see our website

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Stonehills Rockstar from the Riby family’s East Yorkshire-based herd took the top call of 12,000gns.

Rockstar sets the beat at Carlisle

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tonehills Rockstar from the Riby family’s East Yorkshirebased herd took the top call of 12,000gns at the Beef Shorthorn Society’s May Sale, Carlisle.

Sired by Podehole Rock Master, himself a son of the Australian sire Royalla Rockstar, this November 2021-born bull is out of a dam by Tofts Prince Grenadier and has stood reserve champion in the pre-sale show.

After spirited bidding he found a new home with Messrs Currie and Sons, Nemphlar, Lanark.

Second best of the sale at 8,000gns was the day’s male champion, Meonside Rockafella from David and Tom Bradley Farmer, Dumfries. He’s a son of Canadian sire DRS Super Mario and is out of the Elliot Salute daughter Meonside Waterloo Lavender.

He sold with top end performance figures, including a top 1% milk figure

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and was the pick of Messrs Evans, Criccieth, Gwynedd.

Next best among the bulls at 5,200gns was second prize winning Sowerbyparks Remus from S and G Hunt, Yorkshire. Sired by Heir Apparent of Longfield and out of a dam by Lowther Garrick, he went home with Dye and Elizabeth Clark, Carluke.

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And then making 4,500gns was Redstones Romeo from Charlie Fletcher. This one is by Glenariff Majestic and out of Runleymill Miss Ramsden Flo 12, herself a daughter of Chapelton Dauphin. This one was knocked down to Messrs Wood, Windemere.

Close behind at 4,300gns was another from the Bradley-Farmer brothers,

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Meonside Rambo. This is another son of DRS Super Mario and is this time out of Ballylinney Tessa 4th, a Croxtonpark Orville daughter. Buying him was Amos Farms, Ashbourne, Derbyshire.

And then making 4,000gns was another from the Hunt family, Sowerbyparks Reece. This one is by Stanfordpark Night Escape and out of a Caramba Secret Love, a Bushypark Ultra daughter. He heads to Ellesmere, Shropshire, with Messrs Mainwaring.

Females Leading the female trade at 6,000gns was the day’s female champion, Millerston Madeline Rae from J and H Gibson. This Cairnsmore Landmark daughter is out of Millerston Madeline Lilly, a Meonhill Charlie Chaplin daughter and sold having run with Mayfield Powerhouse. Unsold through the ring, she was sold afterwards to Millie Birch for the Skyhigh herd, Staffordshire.

Taking a 4,800gns call was the second prize winning Kimrina Rhubarbcrumble from C J Ward, Whitby. This Craigfaddock Khan daughter is out of Kimrina Jasmin, a Podehole Falconer daughter and was taken by A C Farms, Langham, Rutland.

Next in line at 4,000gns was Coxhill Matchless-R693 from L J Townsend.

This first prize winner is by Glenisla Masterton and out of Coxhill Matchless N479, a Ballylinney Glenn daughter.

She sold having run with Woodhow Maradonna and buying her were Messrs McIntyre, Greenock.

Male Overall Champion, Meonside Rockafella, from David and Tom Bradley Farmer sold for 8,000gns.

Beef Shorthorn judging at Carlisle.

Kimrina Rhubarbcrumble sold for 4,800gns.

Sowerbyparks Remus sold for 5,200gns.

Sowerbyparks Reece sold for 4,000gns.

Millerston Madaline Rae, Female Champion, from J and H Gibson topped the female sales at 6,000gns.

Then making 3,600gns was Ballard Rothes Ruby from Fraser Hugill’s draft.

This Oakleigh Kildale Lad daughter is out of Ballard Rothes Jemima, a Chapelton Franciscan D103 daughter and was bought by Messrs Harper and Son, Biggar.

Smarty Dot and sold to Thirmby Farms, Penrith.

daughter. Buying this one were Messrs Bentley and Son, Barnard Castle

Following her away at 3,400gns was Pikestone Smarty Romantic from C and J C Stephenson. This Derwentwood Kinsman daughter is out of the Chapelton Wildfire-sired Pikestone

Wrapping up the notable female trade at 3,000gns was Woodhow Rowan from David Nesbitt. She’s by the homebred Woodhow Maradona and is out of Woodhow Rose, a Grenadier of Upsall

Averages; 17 bulls £4,379.11, 24 females £2,563.73, nine Roadway herd females £2,059.16, 12 Ballard herd females £2,603.13 (Harrison and Hetherington).

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Longtown Beef Shorthorns to 4,000gns.

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he Summer Sale at Longtown Mart for the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society attracted a crowded ringside allied to considerable internet interest with cattle selling as far afield as Northern Ireland and Caithness.

Cows with calves at foot were a particular feature with 4,000gns, the top bid of the day, being paid by Dr R. J. Steen for his Hazelbank herd; his purchase being Runleymill Duchess Nancy, a 2019 born roan Chapelton Dauphin daughter from Mr J. H. Wilson and Ms J. Dunning, Runley Mill, Settle and sold with her white registered heifer calf, by Runleymill Rahul, at foot. Messrs Wilson and Dunning also sold the 1st prize cow, Runleymill Miss Ramsden with her third calf, a bull, at foot, at 2,500gns to Messrs Capstick, High Lane, Newbiggin on Lune.

An impressive reduction draft of ten cows with calves at foot from the Grinkle herd of R.G. & H.E. Thompson, Bennison House, Sneaton, Whitby sold to 2,700gns for Glenarrif Newella Ruby, a 2019 cow with heifer calf which was purchased by J. & H. Gibson, Appleton Mill Farm, Appleton le Moors, North Yorkshire. Grinkle Ross Daisy

by Castlemount Ross and with heifer calf at foot realised 2,400gns from Messrs Dobson, Westend, Allonby.

Messrs Dobson also took Grinkle Secret Bluebell with heifer calf at 2,300gns and Messrs Capstick bought Grinkle Barolo Bluebell, again with a heifer calf, for 2,300gns; with others from Grinkle to 2,250gns.

Runleymill Duchess Nancy sold for 4,000gns to Dr R J Steen for his Hazelbank herd.

Chapelton Sister 7403 by Chapelton Picasso went at 2,000gns to Will Benson, Levens, Kendal.

In-calf heifers from the Meonside herd of D. & T. Bradley Farmer, Parkgate, Dumfries sold at 2,100gns and 2,000gns with heifers from H. & N. Sloan, Burnfoot and from Shawhill at 1,900gns and from Chapelton

Dan Bull judging the Beef Shorthorns.

With 95% of the cattle sold, 12 cows and heifers with calves averaged £2,467 (2022 - £1,902), 10 senior heifers averaged £1,803 (2022 - £1,612) and 14 junior heifers £1,607 (2022 - £938).

Reserve Champion Chapelton Sister sold for 2,000gns

Champion Shawhill Foxglove Ruby sold for 2,700gns.

In the show, the judge, Mr Dan Bull, selected the heifer Shawhill Foxglove Ruby as champion. A Shawhill Maestro daughter from John and Matthew Thomson, she sold, in-calf to Shawhill Roman, at 2,700gns to Mr G. W. Dent, Kaberfold, Kirkby Stephen. The reserve champion, an unserved heifer from J.W. Biggar, Chapelton, Castle Douglas, 160

and Messrs Swinbank, Limelane at 1,800gns. The single bull in the sale made 2,800gns to J. Anderson & Partners, Rowanburnfoot.

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6,400gns outfit top call and total clearance at Skipton Beautry sale

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top call of 6,400gns, another at 5,200gns, plus five more from 4,100gns - 4,800gns were the highlights of a muchanticipated production sale at Skipton Auction Mart from Stuart and Gail Currie’s Beautry pedigree Beef Shorthorn herd in Rathmell. The 44-strong turnout achieved total clearance.

Top of the shop at 6,400gns was Beautry Desiree Portia, a three-year-old daughter of Stonehills Jackpot, out of Beautry Hibiscus, joined online bidder Mark Day, of Ingelby Greenhow, Middlesborough. Portia, herself a prize winner at this year’s Great Yorkshire and Royal Lancashire Shows, is a full sister to the Poyntington Himself son, Beautry Malfoy EX 93. Next best at 5,2000gns was the Beautry Tessa Mandolin, a 2018 daughter of Poyntington Himself.

Beautry Desiree Portia, the 6,400gns top price outfit at CCM Skipton’s Beautry Beef Shorthorn sale.

A brace of 4,800gns sales fell to two further Jackpot daughters. First up was the 2019 Beautry Shuna Narnia, with her third calf, an April-born Malfoy daughter. And at the same price was the 2019 Beautry Blythesome Nutmeg. Champion female at Agri Expo 2019, Nutmeg sold locally with her third calf, an April-born Malfoy son, to Michael Daggett.

Making 4,500gns was one of the herd’s favourite cows, Beautry Tessa Mildred with her fourth Nobleman-sired bull calf at foot to JC Bellerby, of Weeton, Harrogate. Away at 4,300gns was Beautry Dewdrop Renaissance, a 2021 Malfoy daughter, out of a Jackpot-sired dam, sold with her first heifer April-born calf, again by Jackpot, to MJ Atkinson, of Burnley.

Four bulls in the catalogue, among them the prolific Nobleman and Malfoy, were also successfully sold, the former claiming 3,000gns when joining J&H Gibson, in Appleton-le-Moors, on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, the latter at 2,600gns to I&S Clough in nearby Pickering. Two younger 2022 bulls, the Malfoy son, Beautry Sentinel, also made 3,000gns when selling locally to A Wilson & Son in Malham, with the Nobleman son, Beauty Severus, going to Cumbria with Kendal’s W Benson. The bull average was £2,992.

Beautry Tessa Mildred with her fourth Nobleman-sired bull calf at foot sold for 4,500gns to JC Bellerby, of Weeton, Harrogate.

Shuna Narnia with calf Malfoy.

Stuart Currie.

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Ladies lead Shorthorn trade at Stirling

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ow arguably one of the best sales for purchasing top quality Shorthorn females, this year’s October Bull Sales saw a top call of 5,000gns for an in-calf heifer from the Coxhill herd.

With old and new buyers present from across the country, females we keenly sought after with an average of 2370gns for 47 sold.

Leading the trade was a two-year-old heifer, Coxhill Urymaid-R710, in calf to Glenisla Masteron from Lucinda Townsend and selling to Tina Russell and Simon Farmer’s Longfield herd, Oxfordshire.

Overall Champion Chapelton Samuel

Second top price in the females came from the pre-sale show Champion, Meonside Irania Rosie Shelby from the Bradley-Farmer family. The roan yearling released at 4,800gns to R W Mann, Iken Hall Farms, Suffolk.

Natile Hynd achieved 4,500gns for her second prize heifer, Westbroad Yoga Ruby with two entries being bid to 4,000gns including the Reserve Champion, Coxhill Wheat-R692 from Lucinda Townsend and Galla Sara Gypsy from James Frame’s Galla herd.

Through in the bull ring, bulls averaged 3,071gns for seven sold with top price going to the Overall Champion, Chapelton Samuel from Biggar family, Dumfriesshire. Out of a homebred Ex93 cow, Chapelton Heathermaid 5826 and sired by their stock bull Chapelton Nomad 657 (Ex 94) he sold to the Tollesbury herd, Essex.

Coxhill Urymaid R710

Female Champion and second top price Meonside Irania Rosie Shelby 164

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Highsky herd stands supreme champion and 6,500gns sky high top at Beef Shorthorn highlight

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he 14th annual Beef Shorthorn fixture produced the largest turnout of 51 head and an exceptional show of females, with the youngest entry and final lot of the day securing the supreme championship and 6,500gns top call for Millie Birch, who runs the Highsky herd in Weston, Staffordshire.

Her 14-month-old maiden, HighSky Erin’s Elizabeth, became the first home-bred heifer to be sold from the small West Midlands herd, established just three years ago and making its debut at the North Yorkshire venue.

First winning her show class for 2022 heifers born May onwards, Erin’s Elizabeth was then tapped out as female and overall champion by Castle Douglas show judge James Rea, who described his victor as “very feminine, oozing style and with great potential.”

CCM Pedigree Beef Shorthorn Mille Birch supreme champion

Second top call of 6,000gns fell to a muchadmired cow and calf outfit from local exhibitor Chris Bellerby, Dale herd, Weeton, Harrogate. The dam, Dale Petula, sold with her Given Panther March-born red calf to Langham, Rutland with A&C Farms.

The 2021 Skipton supreme champions, Tom and David Bradley Farmer, Meonside herd, Parkgate, Dumfries, were again among the leading performers when seeing their solid consignment top at 4,600gns for the third prize April, 2022, heifer, Meonside Catriona Rosebud Sky.

Female Champion HighSky Erins Elizabeth with Mr Birch Senior and Junior and Judge James Rea

Reserve female champion, Meonside Desiree Shuri was deemed “a very smart heifer who will make a powerful cow” by the judge, and joined the Holgate family, Rathmell, for 3,700gns.

Mark and Tracy Severn consigned the only bull forward, Highlee Sebastian, a January 2022, home-bred, who tapped out as overall reserve champion, though unsold on the day.

Maiden heifers sold to 6,500gns (av £2,647), in-calf heifers to 3,400gns (av £2,420) and cow and calf outfits to 6,000gns (av £3,955).

Male Champion Highlee Sebastian bred and exhibited by Mark & Tracy Severn with Judge James Rea

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CCM Skipton stages third Upsall Beef Shorthorn production sale

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he third annual sale on behalf of Britain’s oldest Beef Shorthorn herd, featured a catalogue entry of 47 head - nine cow and calf outfits, a trio of incalf heifers and 26 maiden heifers.

Taking top call among the cow and calf outfits and top price overall of 3,500gns at the sale of Gerald Turton’s Upsall herd near Thirsk, was Augusta X1300.

The 2018 King David daughter and granddaughter of Firefox was bought

by Richard and Natasha Mann of Iken Hall Farms, Woodbridge along with second top call of 3,300gns for an incalf roan heifer, Tessa X1604 of Upsall.

The April, 2020, roan, Tessa X1511, went under the hammer with her first heifer calf at foot, Tessa X1730, a January-born dark roan by Royal Hunter, the outfit away at 3,000gns when returning to the Thirsk area with buyer Roger Hebdon. From the Nonpareil line, making 2,700gns was

The top price 3,500gns Augusta X1300 and heifer calf outfit in the Skipton ring at the annual Upsall Beef Shorthorn production sale.

X1420, a May, 2019, light roan with her first heifer calf, X1746, a further Nelson daughter born this March and heading to Cumbria with P&JE Bailey, Appleby.

Next best at 2,300gns was an outfit from the Sapphire line, the 2018 X1298 sold with her fourth heifer calf,

X1737, one of February-born twins to Mandalong, also going to Cumbria with GT&MA Wearmouth, Kirkby Stephen. All cow and calf outfits successfully found new homes, among them another from the prolific Tessa line at 2,200gns, plus a brace from the Clipper line at 2,100gns and 2,000gns.

Ingleby herd reduction tops at 4,000gns

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he Beef Shorthorn Societysupported Upsall sale was immediately followed by a bolt-on breed sale on behalf of the Ingelby Beef Shorthorn herd of Laura Ingleby in nearby Maundy, established in 2011, with the handful on offer a reduction in numbers.

It produced the day’s top call of 4,000gns for the single cow and calf outfit, the March, 2019, Millerston Primrose Nanny, bred in Ayrshire

by Grace Ramsay and a daughter of Meonhill Charlie Chaplin.

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The Ingelby cow and calf outfit sold for 4,000gns.

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society supported sale took place on Saturday 28th October at Melton Mowbray Market as part of their Autumn Multibreed fixture in front of a good crowd.

Langhams Solaman from A & C Farms led the Shorthorn trade at 3,000gns, closely followed by Highsky Sirloin from Millie Birch selling for 2,850gns. Cow and Calf outfit Lynthorpe Tessa Rennie from GM & LD Robson led the females at 2,500gns, with Lynthorpe Tessa Rhianna and her calf closely following at 2,300gns. Heifer Warmington Bella from RF Leach sold for 1,950gns.

Pedigree and Commercials combine at Darlington

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n inaugural Society supported show and sale of pedigree and commercial cattle was held in conjunction with Darlington Farmers Auction Mart. Aimed at both members and commercial beef producers it attracted an entry of 82 cattle with the overall champion in the commercial classes being a purebred heifer forward from A & C Ivinson and selling for 2,150gns. Top

Overall commercial champion from A & C Ivinson

selling purebred animal was 10-monthold heifer Beautry Dewdrop Tabitha at 2,400gns with consignments of

crossbred stores from ME & TD Tailford and TA & J Swinbank making £1,440 and £1,430 respectively.

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

In September 2023 Gill Hall Estate hosted the prestigious World Sheepdog Trials, held in Northern Ireland for the first time.

Over 240 competitors from all over the world competed over 4 days and the event was attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, pictured here with James, Bill and Emily Porter.

James Porter 028 9260 7333

farm@gillhallestate.com www.gillhallestate.com

UK 540307 201103 (Senior herd sire)

UK500538 600529 (Junior herd sire)

Glenisla Jackpot

Perfection of Skailhouse

Sire: Broughton Park Thunder Dam: Glenisla Desire

Sire: Chapelton Lionheart Dam: Millie Floss 11th of Skaillhouse

UK9042012 0956-5 (picture taken at five months )

UK9042012 0926-3 (picture taken at seven months)

Uppermill Lovely Linehall

Uppermill Secret Sasha

UK9042012 0969-4

UK9042012 0938-1 (picture taken at six months)

Uppermill Rothes Jodie

Uppermill Blythesome Jury

UK9042012 0933-3 (picture taken at six months )

UK9042012 0940-3 (picture taken at six months)

Uppermill Broadhooks Blueberry

Uppermill Rothes Jamaican

Sire: Perfection of Skaillhouse Dam: Uppermill Broadhooks Blomer

Sire: Perfection of Skaillhouse Dam: Uppermill Rothes Jamaica

Sire: Per fection of Skaillhouse Dam: Uppermill Lovely Lissue

Sire: Drumcarbin Firepower 2nd Dam: Uppermill Rothes Juventus

Sire: Perfection of Skaillhouse Dam: Uppermill Secret Shadow

Sire: Perfection of Skaillhouse Dam: Uppermill Blythesome Judith

UK9042012 0927-4 (picture taken at seven months)

Uppermill Bellman Sire: Perfection of Skaillhouse Dam: Uppermill Broadhooks Barbie

farm@gillhallestate.com www.gillhallestate.com



AFTER THE ONE-TWO PUNCH OF PI REMOVAL AND BIOSECURITY, YOU’LL WANT TO KEEP YOUR GUARD UP AGAINST BVD. A DISEASE WITH AN IMPACT OF OVER £40 PER COW PER YEAR1. SPEAK TO YOUR VET ABOUT HOW THE UK’S MARKET LEADING BVD VACCINE2 PROVIDES 12 MONTHS’ PROVEN PROTECTION AGAINST BOTH BVD TYPE 1 AND 2, WITH JUST ONE JAB3.  When used as part of a comprehensive approach to BVD including culling of PIs and biosecurity.

References: 1. Yarnall and Thrusfield (2017) Vet Record doi: 10.1136/vr.104370 2. Kynetec (2019) BVD sales data by value. Full year 2018 3. For active immunisation of cattle against BVDV-1 and BVDV-2, to prevent the birth of persistently infected calves caused by transplacental infection.

Bovela lyophilisate and solvent for suspension for injection for cattle contains modified live BVDV-1, non-cytopathic parent strain KE-9: 104.0– 106.0 TCID50, modified live BVDV-2, non-cytopathic parent strain NY-93: 104.0–106.0 TCID50. UK: POM-V. Further information available in the SPC or from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd, RG12 8YS, UK. Tel: 01344 746957. Email: vetenquiries@boehringer-ingelheim.com. Bovela is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under licence. ©2019 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: Jul 2019. AHD12633. Use Medicines Responsibly.

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MakE BVD history

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’

Chairman: Victor Watson t: 07736 887246 Vice-Chair: Calum Clark t: 07480 853187 Secretary: Rosemary Dickie t: 07887 737040 Treasurer: Kenny Mair t: 07384 890092

e: watsonnethy@gmail.com e: calumclark1975@hotmail.co.uk e: rosemarydickie@farming.co.uk e: kwfmair@gmail.com e: sbsc2012@hotmail.com

Northern Ireland Beef Shorthorn Club Chairman: Vice-Chair: Secretary: Treasurer:

Tom McGuigan Barry Fitzsimons D.L. Eileen Cairns Colm McGuigan

t: 07801 063164 t: 07801 123966 t: 07816 525456 t: 07703 008292

‘N.I. Beef Shorthorn Club’ e: tommcguigan34@gmail.com e: bawnforth@yahoo.co.uk e: nibeefshorthornclub@gmail.com e: nishorthorntreasurery@gmail.com

Northern Beef Shorthorn Club Chairman: Martin Grayshon Vice-Chair: Tom Richardson Secretary: Caroline Ivinson Treasurer: Andrew Ivinson

‘North of England Beef Shorthorn Club’

t: 07599 823105 t: 07855 485829 t: 01768 881343 t: 07570 390226

e: northernbeefshorthornclub@gmail.com e: northernbeefshorthornclub@gmail.com e: northernbeefshorthornclub@gmail.com e: northernbeefshorthornclub@gmail.com

North East Beef Shorthorn Enthusiasts Chairman: Gerard te Lintelo Vice Chair: Paul Braithwaite Secretary: Maureen McCulloch Treasurer: Rose Thompson

t: 07717 131388 t: 07746 663113 t: 07775 891372 t: 07983 581502

‘North East Beef Shorthorn Enthusiasts’ e: telintelo@tiscali.co.uk e: Juaulbeefshorthorns@gmail.com e: maureen_mcculloch@hotmail.co.uk e: rosethompson9@hotmail.com

Central Beef Shorthorn Club Club representatives: Treasurer:

‘Central England Beef Shorthorn Club’ Various Andrew Wright

e: centralbshclub@gmail.com e: andrew.wright@hlhltd.co.uk

Southern Beef Shorthorn Club Chairman: John Fry Secretary: Steve and Joni Davies Treasurer: Penny Lownds

‘Southern Beef Shorthorn Breeders Club’

t: 07885 495674 t: 07733 105990 t: 01962 775210

e: johnsfarmsales@gmail.com e: steve@bloomfieldhatchfarm.co.uk e: office@homefarmhursley.com

Wales & Borders Beef Shorthorn Club

‘Wales & Borders Beef Shorthorn Club’

Joint Chairman and Secretary: Eric Evans & Sioned Mair Treasurer: Martin Reynolds

e: sioned.mair@hotmail.com e: martin.shorthorn@gmail.com

t: 07766 238794 t: 07966 371558

South Wales & Mid Western Beef Shorthorn Club Chairman: Secretary: Treasurer:

Alma James Huw Evans Martin Reynolds

t: 01437 731610 t: 01437 731610 t: 07976 328177 t: 07976 328177 t: 07966 371558 e: martin.shorthorn@gmail.com t: 07966 371558 e: martin.shorthorn@gmail.com

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Social evening at The Tartan Arms & McQ’s in Bannockburn was the beginning of the club’s year, held on the Stirling Bull sale weekend in February.

A well supported and most enjoyable evening was had by everyone. A Sweepstake was held for the average price of the bulls and the winner was Calum Clark (Rattray Herd) and £230 was raised for RSABI. The club supported the Society stand at the Scottish Beef Association’s Open Day at Dalswinton Estate near Dumfries.

This attracted a lot of attention and Chapelton Nomad from Jamie Biggar was well admired. A competition was held to guess his weight, with over 400 entries. No one was correct (1,185kgs). The nearest equal were B McIldowe, Kirriemuir and D Lamont, Ballymena who each received a bottle of Glenmorangie Malt Whisky donated by John Scott and Jamie Biggar.

The Royal Highland Show was another successful event and the club held its annual barbeque on the Saturday night.

The Club’s Summer Herd visit was to Rattray Estate’s, Rattray herd and the Mair family’s, Muiresk herd, both these herds had been founded in 2016, organically farmed and appear to have a bright future.

Over sixty members enjoyed a tour of Rattray estate. We started by seeing yearling heifers followed by In-calf heifers.

The commercial cows running with Beef Shorthorn bulls definitely showed off the commercial attributes of the breed.

Before going to see the pedigree cows we were taken to the sand dunes where the cows are outwintered. What a great place for cattle to be. Moving on to the pedigree cows we saw Hildaland Laird among his cows looking really well.

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Travelling in style on the N.East visit.

We then moved on Muiresk where we were treated to lunch prior to a walk through the cattle. Inside we saw an impressive pen of young bulls and their new stock bull Fearn Ruaridh. Outside the cows and calves were looking really well especially the two-year-old heifers with their calves, and in the next field were the yearling heifers running with a young bull. After another enjoyable day the members headed home.

The following weekend the club was involved in the organisation of the Society’s Scottish Development day at Balgay farm along with Iain Wilkinson.

For their weekend away thirty-one members headed to Northallerton, to visit herds in the North of England.

This year six very impressive herds were visited, a lot of miles travelled and hospitality sampled! The club would like to thank Ed Page with Martin and Heather Grayson, Rookwith herd; Fraser Hugill, Ballard; Sam and Graham Hunt, Sowerbyparks; Gerard Te Lintelo, Mayfield; Mike, Jo and Megan Souter, Jodame; and Alistair and Donna Gibson, Cutthorn, who all contributed to a most enjoyable weekend.

At the October Bull Sale the 10th AGM was held at Stirling Market where our Chairman Victor Watson presided over the meeting. The Club held its usual social night and annual prizegiving with a large turnout of members and friends. The competition that the club held this year was for the average price of the heifers sold and the winner only 5gns out was Goerge Irving [Mounbenger] with 2,530gns. This raised £174 for our chosen charity RSABI. The Longtown prizes, which John Thomson of C & D Auction Marts Ltd generously sponsors is given to the 5 most

S cott i s h supported shows in Scotland during the summer season.

Results as follows: Stirling: R & C Rettie with Aberdona Rock Candy New Deer: Rattray estates (C & A Clark) with Hildaland Laird Tarland: Watson & Williams with Dunsyre Iona 3rd Turriff: Brenda Wear with Dunsyre Gigha 42 Grantown: R & C Rettie with Aberdona Rock Candy The Club’s annual herd competition was judged by David Dickie, ably assisted by Rosemary, who said a few words before announcing the results.

Champion herd: J. Scott & Partners Fearn

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Stock Bull Champion: Robert Taylor Grovewood Jackson Small herd

Medium herd

Large herd

STRATHENDRICK

WILLINGHAM

FEARN

Heifer Born in 2021 with a Calf at Foot Champion: Major Gibb & Catriona Glenisla Desiree R566 Small herd

Medium herd

Large herd

MOUNTBENGER

MUIRESK

GLENISLA

Heifer born in 2021 In Calf Champion: Watson & Williams Blackjack Iona Ranna Small herd

Medium herd

Large herd

BLACKJACK

FORDIE

FEARN

Heifer Born in 2022 Champion: J Currie & Sons Miltonlockhart Suzi Small herd

Medium herd

Large herd

BLACKJACK

MILTONLOCKHART

CAIRNSMORE

Small herd 1st

MOUNTBENGER

George Irving

Registered Bull Born in 2022

2nd

HEADLIND

Allan Jackson

Champion: Mr & Mrs Landers Cairnsmore Superstar

3rd

BLACKJACK

Watson & Wiliams

Small herd

Medium herd

Large herd

BURRLIE

HARRIETSFIELD

CAIRNSMORE

Medium Herd 1st

MUIRESK

S G Mair and Sons

2nd

LEEBURN

D & E Clark

Heifer Calf Born in 2023

3rd

EASTMILL

Doldy Farms

Champion: Major Gibb & Catriona Glenisla Sally Broadhooks T695

1st

FEARN

J Scott & Partners

2nd

GLENISLA

Major Gibb & Catriona

3rd

CHAPELTON

James Biggar

Large Herd

Small herd

Medium herd

Large herd

HEADLIND

MUIRESK

GLENISLA

Bull Calf Born in 2023 Champion: Allan Jackson Headlind Tomohawk

Cow with calf at foot

Small herd

Medium herd

Large herd

Champion: Major Gibb & Catriona Glenisla Sally Broadhooks J106

HEADLIND

FORDIE

BURNFOOT

Small herd

Medium herd

Large herd

Mountbenger

RATTRAY

Glenisla

Herd competition category winners with judges David and Rosemary Dickie.

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t was another early start for the 2023 herd trip in August to visit several herds in Scotland.

The first stop on the itinerary was the Westbroad herd where we were taken around the different groups of cattle which included breeding cattle, sale heifers and bulls. Shawhill Leroy was particularly impressive with traits identified through his offspring.

Next stop was the Cowford herd, where they have brought together a tremendous group of cattle in a relatively short time. There was a powerful set of stock bulls both purchased and homebred which were producing well. We could have closed our eyes and picked any bull which you’d have been happy to take home.

Next morning, we arrived at Balnabroich where we were shown around the two groups of pedigree cows, the bulls and two very sweet heifers being prepared for the October Stirling Bull Sales, with the last stop visiting the crossbred cows.

Glenisla was the second stop on day two, although the weather did not play ball, it did not dampen our enthusiasm to see the cattle. Cows with bull calves were looking great and it was easy to pick out some of the future sale bulls.

The field of cows with twin calves was very impressive showing the fertility of the Glenisla females. Last stop was the sale bulls which were really looking good.

Just down the road we stopped off to see the cattle at Eastmill, where we saw the cow herd running with the stock bull and later the young bulls in the shed looking well. Last stop on day two was the Knowehead herd, some great calves including both pedigree and commercial (as the pedigree stock bull had been taken out for a period last year). The young bulls being taken on for the sales probably were the most uniform group of young bulls on the

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trip, they will make great pairs and group of three at future shows.

On the Sunday morning we arrived at Glenearn where we saw Donald’s pedigree Shorthorn cows doing what the breed excels at, good milking cows producing great crossbred calves to the Saler bull. Last but by no means least, was the Allan’s recently established Arnsow herd. They really must be commended on the group of cattle

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they have put together. With possibly one of the best group of calves of the trip from stock bull Lipwood Parker really stamping out some uniform calves.

We take this opportunity to thank all our hosts for taking the time to show us their cattle and for their wonderful hospitality throughout the trip.

Leanne Green

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ocal Beef Shorthorn breeders enjoyed their annual dinner and prize giving in the Greenvale Hotel, Cookstown. Special guests for the evening were Matthew Thomson and his wife Beth of the Shawhill herd based at Lockerbie. Matthew judged both the pedigree and commercial sections of the herds competition.

Matthew gave an excellent slide presentation using photographs of all the herds that he had visited before moving on to the presentation of prizes. There was a significant amount of travelling to complete to visit the twenty-eight herds entered which was spread across the six counties. He did an excellent job of organising the class winners between both the large and small herds categories and picking his overall champion.

It proved a memorable evening for the Burnside herd of William McAlister who not only scooped the overall championship but also the awards for champion bull calf, reserve champion stock bull and reserve champion heifer calf. Reserve overall went to the Croft herd owned by Richard Henderson from Trillick who also won awards for champion heifer calf and reserve champion cow family.

It was encouraging to see several recently established herds featuring in the awards. Leanne Greens Derriaghy herd won the reserve champion small pedigree herd, overall champion stock bull and reserve champion individual heifer. Alwyn and Adam Armour picked up the champion brood cow with Woodvale Tessa M444. Rachel Jordans Annaghanoon herd won champion heifer and reserve champion brood cow. The Mullaglass herd of Richard Henning won champion junior bull with Mullaglass Santiago and reserve champion in the best large herd category. The Craigfaddock herd of David Alexander won champion cow family with the Lady Annetta family.

The commercial herd section, for those suckler producers using a Beef Shorthorn bull was introduced in 2018 and saw entries more than double on the year. This was a close contest with the eventual winner being Barry Fitzsimmons from the Bawnforth herd from Ballynahinch who also lifted the award for best stock bull and best group of steers.

Runner up was cattle producers Kenny and Alison Hopper from Cookstown who also picked up awards for best group of heifers, best bull calf and heifer calf. Rachel Jordan picked up awards for best heifer calf, stock bull and bull calf.

Thanks go to Michael McIlhatton and his staff at the Greenvale Hotel, Cookstown not only for a superb meal but also outstanding service throughout the evening. The beef was supplied by Croobview Meats and was (of course) Beef Shorthorn.

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Results Small Herd Champion: William McAllister, BURNSIDE Reserve Champion: Leanne Green, DERRIAGHY Stock bull: 1st Leanne Green, BETHLEHEM MALTON Brood cow: 1st Alwyn and Adam Armour, WOODVALE TESSA M444 Cow family: 1st Ian and Linda Stewart, LOVELY FAMILY Individual heifer: 1st Leanne Green, ABERDONA ROTHES RAINBOW Junior bull: 1st Percy Lindsay, RIGG THOMAS Bull Calf: 1st William McAlister, BURNSIDE THOR Heifer calf: 1st William McAlister, BURNSIDE LOVELY MADONNA T685 Group of heifers: 1st Ian and Linda Stewart, GLASSMULLAGH Large Herd Champion: Richard Henderson, CROFT HERD Reserve Champion: Richard Henning, MULLAGLASS HERD Stock bull: 1st Sean Cosgrove, FINN WILLOW 4TH Brood cow: 1st Rachel Jordan, CROOBVIEW LADY ANNA Cow family: 1st David Alexander, LADY ANNETTA FAMILY Individual heifer: 1st Rachel Jordan, ANNAGHANOON LADY SARAH Junior bull: 1st Richard Henning, MULLAGLASS SANTIAGO Bull calf: 1st Tom and Colm McGuigan, COOPER-0515-4 Heifer calf: 1st Richard Henderson, CROFT TILLY Group of heifers: 1st Dr Peter Fitzgerald Overall Pedigree Category Winners Champion herd: William McAllister, BURNSIDE Reserve: Richard Henderson, CROFT Stock Bull Champion: Leanne Green, BETHLEHEM MALTON Reserve: William McAllister, LIGHTNING OF SKAILHOUSE Brood Cow Champion: Alwyn & Adam Armour, WOODVALE TESSA M444 Reserve: Rachel Jordan, CROOBVIEW LADY ANNA Cow Family Champion: David Alexander, LADY ANNETTA FAMILY Reserve: Richard Henderson, MILLICENT FAMILY Individual Heifer Champion: Rachel Jordan, ANNAGHANOON LADY SARAH Reserve: Leanne Green, ABERDONA ROTHES RAINBOW Junior Bull Champion: Richard Henning, MULLAGLASS SANTIAGO Reserve: Percy Lindsay, RIGG THOMAS Bull Calf Champion: William McAllister, BURNSIDE THOR Reserve: Tom and Colm McGuigan, COOPER-0515-4 Heifer Calf Champion: Richard Henderson, CROFT TILLY Reserve: William McAllister, BURNSIDE LOVELY MADONNA T685 Group of Heifers Champion: Dr Peter Fitzgerald, RETAINED HEIFERS Reserve: Ian and Linda Stewart, GLASSMULLAGH Overall Commercial Herd Champion: Barry Fitzsimons Reserve: Kenny and Alison Hopper Stock Bull 1st Barry Fitzsimons, COOPER NIMROD Best Group of Heifers 1st Kenny and Alison Hopper Group of Steers 1st Barry Fitzsimons Best Heifer Calf 1st Rachel Jordan Best Bull Calf 1st Kenny and Alison Hopper

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OUR NEXT GENERATION FEMALES Foxglove Flake Rhona, Wildeyes Rebecca, Duchess Sally, Jackie Rose and Iraina Ruby. Just a few of our favourites to be retained in the herd for 2024.

We are excited to see what the future holds for these broody ladies.

ALFIE & JAMES SHAW

07775 730000

www.gflivestock.com

33 Tobermesson Rd, Dungannon BT71 7QE

Glebefarm livestock

GLEBEFARM THE BREEDER’S CHOICE FOR 2023

Wishing Cooper, Maralin, Caramba & Stickbridge all the best with their new herd sires.Thank you for choosing Glebefarm.

Growth from Grass

Naturally reared to last longer and work harder.

Glebefarm Sexton at 14 months old, sold to Cogent October 2023.

Vistors always welcome

 

glebefarm BEEF SHORTHORNS

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y invitation to Judge the North of England Club herds competition was received and grasped as a chance in a lifetime opportunity, it was an onerous task spread over 11 days in total.

Onerous and intense it may have been, but what a fantastic experience overall.

My plans to travel with a co-pilot, unfortunately did not last long. Derek Griffin my past stock manager and good friend from my days on the Isle of Man had to return home after two days for a family emergency, thankfully everything was addressed on his return home. That left me as a one man operation, but only while I was driving between farms. The warm welcome and hospitality that I received along the way was fantastic, part of the enjoyment for me other than viewing the Shorthorns, was taking time to chat with the club members. I only found myself lost a few times, and I blame the SAT NAV, Caroline’s detailed route plan made the travelling almost a pleasure.

Viewing Beef Shorthorns “on farm” gives a far better chance to evaluate the breed’s adaptability to varying farming enterprises and policies. I was able to view Shorthorns on the high hill and moorland at one end of the spectrum, to the lush lowland pastures at the other extreme along with everything in between. We should all class ourselves as being privileged to work with such an adaptable breed.

Judging individually nominated Shorthorns, Groups of yearlings, groups of calves and overall herds in different environments was a challenge. I decided on a policy and did my very best to follow it from the very first herd, to the very

last herd number 36. I am not going to refer to individual cattle, there were far too many that I would have liked to take home and add to the Wenmar herd. Overall I saw some tremendous Shorthorns in very different conditions, and tried to take the conditions into consideration while judging.

I am sure that I will have pleased some members more than others, but I tried to be consistent throughout the 11 days of judging. My champion herd was Blackbrook owned by Andrew Thornber and his daughters, my reserve champion herd was a very close run thing but I eventually settled on Beautry owned by Stuart & Gail Currie.

Anyone who is ever asked to take on this task in the future, should grasp the opportunity with both hands and enjoy the experience, I certainly did!

Martyn Moore

Herd competition results Overall herd winners

Registered cow with calf at foot 1st

CUTTHORN RUBY MORAG

M Rawlinson

Registered stock bull senior 1st

WARMINGTON CHALKY 285

1st A & C Ivinson

Registered stock bull intermediate 1st

CAIRNSMORE PHENOMENAL

LESSONHALL HIGHLEE

1st

1st

Extra-large herd

S & G Johnson

1st

RUNLEYMILL HEBE SCARLETT

1st H Dunning

Registered bull born in 2022 1st

Grinkle BLACKBROOK SOLOMON

Registered 2023 born heifer calf 1st

BEAUTRY BLYTHESOME TARRAGON BEAUTRY TALSIMAN CUTTHORN

Judges special award S & G Currie

HIGHLEE KIMRINA

Most difficult accent to understand FARLAM, John Elliot

M & T Severn

Novice class – first time entrants 1st

Longest drive to farm BRADHILL, S Swales

A Gibson

Judge’s choice group of calves 1st

Reserve 2023 champion herd BEAUTRY, S & G Currie

Judge’s choice group of yearling heifers 1st

BEAUTRY

Overall 2023 champion herd

S & G Currie

Birth notified 2023 born bull calf 1st

BLACKBROOK

BLACKBROOK A Thornber Daughters

Best home cooked meal on tour SANDWICK, Caroline Ivinson

K Ward

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M & T Severn

Large herd

Registered incalf cow over 3 year old - must previously have calved GILVEN BUTTERFLY GEORGIA

D Steel

Medium herd 1st

A Gibson

Registered heifer born in 2022

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Small herd

A Thornber & Daughters S & G Currie

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t’s been a busy summer for The Northern Club with several visits, a weekend away and all the usual competitions for our ever increasing membership.

We began in late June with a visit to Andrew Thompson and Family’s Pikelowe herd. Members saw a herd made up of established cow families with new genetics being added by way of some new stock bulls. Some of us also got a tour of the poultry enterprise managed by young Tristram, a very enthusiastic young man. The visit was completed with a delicious afternoon tea and plenty of good crack.

At the Yorkshire Show the club sponsors a trophy awarded to the highest placed junior heifer shown by a club member, this year it was won by the Souter family with their heifer Jodame Suzie Q. In early August over 60 members and friends turned out for a look around the Rookwith herd of Ed Page, and managed

by Martin Grayshon. Here as well as the pedigree enterprise Shorthorn cows are also being crossed with the British Blue this showcased the commercial potential of the breed and showed just how adaptable they are. Martin had organised a number of stock judging competitions and a guess the breed of several calves with some very generous prizes supplied

by Jameson’s feeds, Darlington Farmers Mart and Agri Lloyd minerals. A really enjoyable afternoon was had by all.

It’s been a few years since the club had been on a weekend away but that all changed this year, Andrew Thornber took on the challenge of organiser and what a great time we had. It began with a tour of the influential Chapelton herd, James and Duncan Biggar showed us around the cattle and explained how they believed along with good pasture management increased data recording and a strict culling protocol had led to easier cattle management and ultimately increased profitability of the herd.

After a delicious lunch we made our way westward to the Cairnsmore herd of Bill, Jane and Bobbie Landers. Their enthusiasm for the breed is well known and this shone through as they showed us round the cattle. The harshness of the environment at Cairnsmore means that the cattle really must work for a living but despite this a crop of good calves were being reared. There was also great anticipation for the future with the first crop of calves from the new stock bull Dunsyre Scirocco due next spring. A fabulous tea with plenty of liquid refreshment kept us going for the journey back to the hotel.

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On day two we began with a tour of the Meonside herd, Tom and David Bradley Farmer showed us around the farm. It was a great opportunity to view the cattle and try to understand the ethos behind this exciting herd. The use of new genetics and an attention to detail has seen this herd achieve great success in the show and sales ring. The young stock looked very impressive, surely more successes to come.

Our tour of South West Scotland was completed with a visit to Derek and Cindy Steens’ Coxhill Herd, again another herd that has been to the fore in the sales ring, selling and buying some of the top priced bulls in recent years. We began with a good feed and an overview of the herd from our hosts. The cows were of a type, deep bodied and full of breed character with strong and stylish calves at foot. There was a great selection of young bulls which will be offered for sale over the coming months. Several members commented that this was one of the best herds of cattle that they had seen.

All in all we had a fantastic trip and thanks must go to all who hosted us along with their teams who made it so interesting and informative for all those able to attend Our final visit for the year was prior to our annual dinner when we had the chance to look around the Dentgate herd belonging to Tim Denham and family it was lovely to see members and friends make the afternoon walk round the cattle, which looked well in the autumn sunshine. Some interesting genetics being used and a good herd being built.

Once again a wonderful table of cakes greeted members on their return to the farm which were duly devoured.

Our AGM, dinner and presentation evening saw over 80 members gather for a great evening of fellowship and laughter. It was great to meet up and reminisce over what has been a really fun year, with the club going from strength to strength we are all looking forward to the next 12 months.

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he North East Beef Shorthorn Enthusiasts is a new group that has been set up in 2023 and it was founded by a group of people with a keen interest in Beef Shorthorns. We are encouraging new, established and enthusiastic breeders in the area who are passionate about the breed, (whether they are using a Shorthorn bull, have Shorthorn cattle or thinking about having them) to join together to enjoy visits, sales and events that allows them to meet other Shorthorn friends in a socially relaxed atmosphere. We intend to have a few herd visits, a herd competition and several different events in the year with input from our members.

We had a good start to our events with two herd visits in the North East. The first was to the Kimrina herd, courtesy of the Ward family where we had coffee and cake before having a look round their cattle. The second was to the Whiterose herd, courtesy of Hannah and Jonny Gibson and family who provided us with a wonderful lunch. Both herds are clearly passionate about their cattle.

We were able to hold a herd competition sponsored by Bishopton Vets. Nine herds took part for the first time and it was judged by Charles and Sally Horrell from Podehole. A big thank you to both of them as they returned north to enjoy a lovey lunch at the Gavel Café, Thirsk market to give their results. As this was the first herd competition, it was judged on one size for this year.

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Anyone who is interested in joining us can get in touch with any of our office bearers or committee or email us at northeastshorthorns@hotmail.com and you will be made most welcome.

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t is always a privilege to be asked to judge a herd competition and to go on farm and see cattle in their home setting. The entries for this competition were varied in management system and size of herd but the quality and standard was high throughout making it a hard one to judge.

The winners of the individual classes were all great representatives of the breed and there were good entries in each class that did not get a place. The cow and calf classes (judged 60% cow and 40% calf) as well as the individual calf classes were particularly hard fought with worthy animals not getting a place.

For our herd winner we were looking for balance within the cattle throughout the herd with feminine cows holding themselves together and rearing a good calf and with groups of good youngstock coming through. The herd is not about individual animals. Our winning herd had all of these traits as did the reserve and there were others in close contention.

This was one of the most difficult herd competitions we had been honoured to judge just because of the high quality throughout.

Many thanks to all the breeders that gave their time to show us around and make us so welcome and for their hospitality.

The breed is strong in the North East!

Charles and Sally Horrell Cow with Bull calf at Foot 1st URY MAID OF UPSALL 963 CALF UK200964-601801 2nd STONEHILLS LOVELY JEFFAS 2ND CALF STONEHILLS THE KING 3rd OAKLEIGH BRIARROSE LACIE CALF GRINKLE TITAN Stock Bull 1st MAYFIELD POWERHOUSE 2nd MEONSIDE PAVAROTTI 3rd MUIRESK NEVIS

Cow with heifer calf at foot 1st GRINKLE KOOKY ROSE CALF GRINKLE FIREFOX KOOKY ROSE 2nd JILT X1261 OF UPSALL CALF JILT 1759 OF UPSALL 3rd MAYFIELD WATERLOO 0003 CALF MAYFIELD WATERLOO T156 In Calf Heifer under 3 years of age 1st STONEHILLS LOVELY EVE 6TH 2nd MAYFIELD PERFECT MILLIE R68 3rd APPLETON FLORENCE KIERA Heifer born in 2022 1st WHITEROSE SUNDAE 2nd MAYFIELD WATERLOO S100 3rd LIPWOOD WHEAT SMARt Bull born in 2022 1st STONEHILLS STORMCHASER 2nd SATELLITE OF UPSALL 3rd OAKLEIGH SPECIAL ONe Heifer Calf born in 2023 1st

GRINKLE FIREFOX KOOKY ROSE

2nd WHITEROSE TREASURE 3rd AUGUSTA OF UPSALL 1735 CBull calf born in 2023 1st WHITEROSE TAZ 2nd GRINKLE TREACLE 3rd LIPWOOD THUNDER Best Group Winner: WHITEROSE YEARLING HEIFERS Overall Herd 1st STONEHILL 2nd GRINKLE

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HELPING IMPROVE HERD HEALTH & PROFITABILITY MEETING BREED SOCIETY REQUIREMENTS BVD, NEOSPOROSIS, IBR, JOHNE’S & LEPTOSPIROSIS TESTING

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The cattle team at Biobest provide services to Beef Shorthorn herds throughout FULL VETERINARY SUPPORT AND the UK and Ireland.

ADVICE We welcome enquiries from new and established breeders.

Contact us to discuss how we can help you: bTB ACCREDITATION

0131 440 2628 (Edinburgh Office) 01856 878 293 (Orkney Office)

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EAST FARM GREAT WHITTINGTON NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE NE19 2HP 188

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info@offthewallshorthorns.co.uk

NATURAL FLESHING

DOCILE

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B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

Organic pedigree beef shorthorn herd raised on naturally streamed Northumbrian grass pastures

Get Ahead with a Poll SOVEREIGN of Upsall

SAMSON

SCIMITAR

of Upsall

of Upsall

Son of King David of Upsall

Son of Nelson of Upsall lines

SQUADRON LEADER

SIGNATURE of Upsall

Son of Mandalong of Upsall lines

of Upsall

Son of Nelson of Upsall lines

100% Polled and Myostatin Free

Scimitar, Sovereign, Samson, Signature and Squadron Leader of Upsall Bulls will go forward to the sale at Stirling in Spring 2024

MANDALONG

NELSON

of Upsall

of Upsall

For further information on Upsall Shorthorn Bulls and Stock availability contact.

GERALD TURTON +44 (0)1845 537932

Stocksman: GEORGE McCULLOCH +44 (0)7555 296054

Upsall Castle Farms, Upsall, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 2QJ, UK

www.upsallshorthorns.co.uk

THANK YOU

to all customers and interested parties that purchased from our recent production sale.

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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‘

STONEHILLS ROCKSTAR Sold CARlISle MAY’23 12,000GNS ‘

STONEHILLS REGENT STREET SOLD STIRLING feb’23 8500GNS

LOW STONEHILLS FARM, FRAISTHORPE, EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE YO15 3QR

GEOFF RIBY MOBILE: 07932 176626 - EMAIL: GEOFFRIBY@BTCONNECT.COM CHRISTOPHER RIBY MOBILE: 07950 980626 - EMAIL: ribyslivestock@gmail.com

STOCK ENQUIRES TO:

VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME

SEMEN AVAILABLE FROM JASON OF UPSALL

STOCK SIRES 2023 – GLENISLA NOBLEMAN & PODE HOLE ROCKMASTER

STONEHILLS REVELATION SOLD STIRLING feb’23 12,000GNS

CHAMPION HERD NORTH EAST BEEF SHORTHORN ENTHUSIASTS HERD COMPETITION

ELITE HEALTH – BREEDPLAN RECORDED – TYPE CLASSIFIED

B

BEEF SHORTHORNS

STONEHILLS

‘

Grazed in the grounds of Sledmere House Member of Biobest Health Scheme BVD accredited Vaccinating for IBR and Lepto Johnes Risk Level 1 TB4 Contact: Rich Clifford E: clifford.rab@gmail.com T: 07813 939663

Visitors welcome by appointment Bulls and heifers always available for sale

The Estate Office Main Street, Sledmere, Driffield YO25 3XQ

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Central Club Central Club spring visit

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he 10th June was set to be a glorious day for the Central Beef Shorthorn Club spring visit, attracting many members from all areas. Our day began at Manor Farm with welcoming hospitality from Mr & Mrs Warren, the proud owners of the Wappenham herd.

We enjoyed light refreshments while admiring the historic painting bought by Ashley at the society annual dinner.

Starting in 2005 with 10 heifers, Ashley has built the heard to an impressive 35 cows, totalling 90 with followers on 120 acres of mixed grazing and arable. We were given a tour of four groups of cattle which comprised of cow and calves running with the bull and young bulls housed indoors.

The group then moved a few miles down the road to the Silson herd of 45 cows owned by the Coles family since 2006.

Harry kindly waited at the top of the drive so no one would miss the entrance. All parked and disembarked we swiftly progressed with the tour looking at a marvellous group of cows and budding young calves which was then followed by another similar group. In passing we couldn’t help but admire the newly built handling system. We were then treated to a lovely lunch in Peter and Heather’s garden which everyone toughly enjoyed and gave an opportunity for a good catch up.

I’d like to say on behalf of myself and everyone that attended the herd visit, a huge thank you to the Warren and Coles family for allowing us to view their tremendous cattle and inviting us into their homes for food and refreshments. Also, I’d like to say a special thank you to everyone that organised the visit. A lovely day was had by all, and I wish everyone the best for the forthcoming year.

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hile the less than settled weather meant a slightly later start to judging than had been hoped it failed to spoil the honour and privilege of being asked to judge your herd competition.

May I first thank all of you for your hospitality and taking time to show me your cattle, it was also very interesting to listen to the reasoning behind why you manage your herds in the way that you do.

Discussion around calving at two years old, myostatin, creep feeding, and polled cattle were among the topics covered. I have to say that I am a fan of calving at two years and this is something that we do at home with our commercial cattle and something that I hope we can introduce at some point with our pedigree herd as we get further down the polled route, which will also tell you that I believe polled cattle is the way forward.

Sometimes when you are judging you see something which just stands out and becomes a reference point for what you have already seen and what you have yet to see as you continue your judging. This is how I would describe my thoughts having completed my visit to my overall champion herd, the Hannington Herd. I have had the pleasure of seeing many good herds of cattle during judging the competition but for me at Hannington there was everything that I was looking for, it ticked all the boxes. Years of careful selection has paid off by producing a herd of outstanding cows to be proud of which are producing offspring of excellent quality.

In overall reserve I have chosen the Podehole herd. I do like to see good cows rearing good calves and time after time I saw this at Podehole. An excellent group of heifers destined to join the herd and young bulls that will no doubt find homes in herds around the UK. A good herd of cattle well managed and a credit to all involved.

Graham Robinson

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Herd Competition 2023 Results Cow with calf at foot (born in 2023) 1st PODEHOLE PHANTASY MADDIE 2nd STANFORDPARK MISS CROCUS M453 3rd GLENARIFF LORELINA GINA Two year old heifer born in 2021 1st LUCOMBE ROSIE BELLE 2nd ROSEMORE LONGLANDS POPPY 3rd WINTERBECK RUBY Yearling heifer born in 2022 1st WINWICK GYPSY SYBIL 2nd PODEHOLE ISOBEL SAPPHIRE 3rd GREENLEY ROSETTE SENSATION Heifer calf born in 2023 1st OAKES TORIA BROADHOOKS 2nd BUCKENHILL ERINS TREASURE 3rd LONGFIELD WHEAT T 1042 Stock Bull 1st LEONARD OF UPSALL 2nd BREAKHEART ROYALE 3rd CREAGA PLAYBOY Yearling Bull born in 2022 1st HANNINGTON SEVERUS 2nd MINESHOP STERLING 3rd WARMINGTON SKIPPER Bull calf born in 2023 1st KISLINGBURY THE WOODSMAN 2nd MINESHOP THOR 3rd TOLLESBURY TIMOTHY Group of Steers 1st S.S Horton & Sons 2nd R.G. Elliott & Sons 3rd T & J Bower

Harry Horrell Mr & Mrs M Stoneham N.J. & A.M. Barrett James Fanshawe Tim & Laura Roberts Andrew Wright Tom Cotterill Harry Horrell Graham Towers Lee & Kirsty Oakes Louise Crowther Tina Russell & Simon Farmer S.S Horton & Sons Ian Rickatson Susan Towers S.S Horton & Sons Chris Nye Robert Leach R.G. Elliott & Sons Chris Nye Vivien St Joseph

Judges Special Prizes Best Young Breeder Jointly awarded to Phoebe and George Oakes Best Calf born in 2023 not entered in any Class WAPPENHAM 400418 Ashley Warren Best Senior not entered in any Class TURNCROFT ROYAL ROO J.D. & M.E. Hill Judges Choice LYNTHORPE BRAWITH BUD 11TH - Lynda Robson Small Herd 1st GREENLEY 2nd WIGSTHORPE Medium Herd 1st BREAKHEART 2nd KISLINGBURY Large Herd 1st HANNINGTON 2nd PODEHOLE Champion Herd Champion - HANNINGTON Reserve Champion - PODEHOLE

Graham Towers Anne Burnett Ian Rickatson R.G. Elliott and Sons S.S. Horton & Sons Harry Horrell S.S. Horton & Sons Harry Horrell

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S H O R T H O R N S

5 Reasons everyone needs a Beef Shorthorn 1. Very Maternal 2. Docile 3. Good foragers 4. Taste good

5. Well suited to regenerative agriculture

INTERNATIO

CHEME

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STOCK USUALLY AVAILABLE Ashley Warren, Manor Farm, Wappenham, Towcester NN12 8PH Tel: 07515 287912 Email: ashley@bellplantation.co.uk wappenhambeefshorthorn

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Hannington

Herd

Reserve Champion Herd Central England Club 2019 and 2022 BVD and Lepto Accredited Johnes level 1 Stock usually for sale Fully Performance recorded

Charles Horton 07831 489694 01285 850905 cshorton17@gmail.com

Stockman Peter Brain 07733 335376 peterbrain60@gmail.com

Nell Farm Hannington Swindon SN6 7RU

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he Southern Club have enjoyed a successful year out showing this year. At The South of England Show Meonhill and Emily Olde had great wins. It was lovely to see Shorthorns win The Group of Four, with cattle from Meonhill and Podehole against strong interbreed cattle. Ollie Fry won his second young handler class having won Heathfield the week before.

A the Kent County Show Emily Olde was successful again with her great heifer Warmington Lovely and it was great to see Holly Richardson achieving second with Hansford Liberty.

There was a great farm walk at The Podehole Herd kindly hosted by Charles and Sally Horrell. The day started with a coffee and introduction from Sally giving us an interesting talk on the history of their farm and the herd. We were educated in their feeding regime and yearly routine. We then had a great tour of the herd that looked well, you could see how they have achieved National Herd winners for the second year. After a delicious lunch we were given an entertaining lesson on halter making from Roy with a little help from Charles and his blow torch! Sally gave us a very interesting talk on a Bolus tracker system allowing them to monitor their cattle’s daily routine and breeding information from the computer.

It is sad to see The Meonhill herd sold as they have been such an influential and successful herd. The Beef Shorthorn herd of Meonhill was established in 2004 and went on to become recognised by breeders around the country for their quality stock, with Meonhill Charlie Chaplin being recognised as one of the outstanding bulls of his generation and his influence spreading far and wide within the breed. Fittingly Meonhill has represented the Southern Region for the last two years in the National Herd Awards.

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Halter making with Roy

Herd competition results Overall 1st Meonhill 2nd Stanford Park 3rd Treventon Small Herd <40 head 1st Treventon Herd 2nd Boxalland 3rd Cinder Med Herd 40-80 head 1st Meonhill 2nd Longfield 3rd Hursley Large Herd >80 head 1st Stanford Park 2nd Hansford 3rd Hannington Senior Bull born before 1st Jan 22 1st MEONHILL NEMESIS 2nd RED BARRON (Stanford Park) Junior Bull born in 22 1st MEONHILL STILETTO 2nd DERRIAGHY SAMSON (Longfield) Bull Calf born in 23 1st MEONHILL TOTEM 2nd MUNSLEY TORNADO

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Senior Cow & Calf born before 1st Jan 20 1st MEONHILL SILKY & MEONHILL TOTEM 2nd STANFORD PARK MISS CROCUS 453 Heifer or Cow & Calf born in 20 1st COXHILL WHEAT P630 (Longfield) OCEAN VIEW PERFECTION & TREVENTON 2nd TREASURE Heifer with calf born in 21 1st LONGFIELD NETTLE REVIEW 2nd MUNSLEY ROSE Heifer in calf born in 21 1st MEONHILL CLOUD QUEEN 2nd HANSFORD RAMEE Heifer born in 22 1st STANFORD PARK CROCUS 2nd BLACKBROOK DUCHESS STORM (Hansford) Heifer calf born in 23 1st TREVENTON TREASURE 2nd HANSFORD ROTHES TIFFANY Best Group of Bulling/In Calf heifers 1st Hursley 2nd Meonhill Judges Award For the best Shorthorn Cow seen MEONHILL CANDY QUEEN

Hansford Shorthorns

Hansford Rothes Jasmine Thank you to all our previous customers and good luck with all your purchases

~ Visitors are always welcome~ Higher health Accredited TB4

Coldrochie leroy

Fearn Monique

Perseus of Upsall

Hansford Monique

Our new stock bull

John Fry

Judy Fry

Tel: 07885 495674

Tel: 07710659085

Email: johnsfarmsales@gmail.com Well Farm, West Sussex, RH14 9JG

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THE LANGHAM HERD A&C FARMS, HOME OF QUALITY SHORTHORNS

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2019 born sibling by ET - Sire is Australian trait leader Yamburgan Tobermorey

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Their Dam Candy’s Ambrosia, is from a female line of exceptional reliability, we are excited at their potential and look forward to presenting stock from such a sound background.

Weights at 20 months – Nebraska 948kg, Nevada Buffalo 934kg CURRENT STOCK BULLS - ET Langhams Nebraska - ET Langhams Nevada Buffalo - ET Langhams Maximus - Chapleton Rembrant - Eskechraggan Masterstroke - Progeny now available for sale

2023 Calves

VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME - PLEASE CONTACT LANGHAM LODGE RUTLAND www.acfarms.co.uk

FARMS

PERFORMANCE RECORDED BVD ACCREDITED JOHNES LEVEL RISK 1

CONTACT: Andre Vrona or Jo Rodger acfarms@proton.me 07860240930 / 07801709415 WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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lthough not the best time of year to judge a herd competition, circumstances meant that the beginning of November would be the time to visit the Welsh and Borders club herds. Firstly, we would like to thank the breeders for making time, during this busy and difficult period, to host us through wind, rain and occasional sunshine. 21 members entered and we visited 19, sadly, two had to cancel, understandably given the time of year. It was wonderful to see so many new, young members embracing the attributes of the Beef Shorthorn.

Quality females were abundant, and judging the heifer classes especially, meant that some very good females did not make the top four placings, but non the less we agreed we would be happy with them in our herds. The future of the Welsh herds has a very bright future, with plenty of female lines to bring through into their herds.

Male classes not as strong in numbers, as the Welsh herds are using a lot of AI successfully, with Napoleon of Upsall cropping up on most visits, as female replacements were required. It will be interesting to see what semen they choose to put on these first calving heifers.

As expected, the hospitality was warm and friendly at our visits, even with the chilly wet winds and we thank all the breeders for making us feel so welcome.

Tina Russell Mary Cormack

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Cow or heifer with calf at foot 1st BRYNMAWR FIRESTORM ROSE 2nd DERW NELLOPHIAN 3rd BALLYLINNEY ASPHODEL 15TH 4th VALE MEADOWS THYME CLARA

Susan Parry Hywel and Emma Evans Susan Parry Martin Reynolds

Cow or heifer in calf 1st BRYNMAWR JACOBITE SOPHIA 2nd DANYGRAIG JACQUELINE’S ROSE 3rd DERW ROWENA 4th TALSARN LOVELY YASMIN ROSIE

Kevin & Ann Jones Susan Parry Hywel and Emma Evans Catherine Iona Roberts

2 year old born heifer, 2021 born 1st COOPERDOWN ASPHODEL R833 2nd TALSAN CATRIONA ROSEBUD RUBY 148 3rd FEDWEN RIA TESSA 4th TALSARN RACHEL 149

Susan Parry Gareth & Catrin Price Ela Mair Roberts Gareth & Catrin Price

Maiden heifer, 2022 born 1st FEDWEN SAPPHIRE LILY 227 2nd FEDWEN SERINA ROSEBUD 3rd DANYGRAIG ASPHODEL S008 4th CYNNEN SMARTIE

Ela Mair Roberts Ela Mair Roberts Susan Parry M & J Dickson

Senior bull 1st CATTERALL MARSHALL 2nd STANFORDPARK COMMAND PILOT 3rd STANFORDPARK MATCHMAKER 4th ELLIEMAY PRINCE

Johnathan Williams Kirsty Leigh Catherine Iona Roberts Gareth & Catrin Price

Yearling bull 2022 born 1st BUCKENHILL SHANDY 2nd WESTLEY SATURN 3rd MALTHOUSE STAROPHARMEN

Louise Crowther Scott and Helen Hamer Sarah Albinus

Wa l e s

Calf born 2023 1st BUCKENHILL ERIN’S TREASURE 2nd VALE MEADOWS GEM 3RD 809 3rd DANYGRAIG TIARIA 4th DERW ROWENA

Louise Crowther Martin Reynolds Susan Perry Hywel and Emma Evans

Small herd 1st DANYGRAIG 2nd BRYNMAWR 3rd CYNNEN 4th PENFFRIDD

Susan Parry Kevin & Anne Jones M & J Dickson Catherine Ion Roberts

Medium herd 1st DERW 2nd BUCKENHILL 3rd VALE MEADOWS 4th FEDWEN

Hywel and Emma Evans Louise Crowther Martin Reynolds Ela Mair Roberts

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John & Ann Humphreys Gareth & Catrin Price Johnathan Williams Eric & Sioned Mair

Champion herd DANYGRAIG

Susan Parry

Reserve champion herd DERW

Hywel & Emma Evans

Specials FEDWEN NAOMI ROSEBUD BRYNMAWR FIRESTORM FFION 007 MONTGOMERY SPECIAL

Ela Mairy Roberts Susan Parry John & Anne Humphreys

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Stonehouse Buttercup and Stonehouse Buttercup Sugar Placed 3rd in the cow with calf at foot class in the Northern club herd competition, small herd

Stonehouse Sapphire Placed first in the 2 Year old heifer class, in the Northern club herd competition

S TO N E H O U S E SHO RT H O RN S

EST. 2018

Visitors always welcome

Stonehouse Betsy 4 Placed 2nd in the 2023 Heifer Calf class in the same herd competition

Stonehouse Buttercup Tallulah The first Craigfaddock Praetorian Heifer calf out of Catterall Buttercup N23

2ND 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

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Follow us on social media Jess Swales Stonehouse_shorthorns

Bradhill Princess 3 (P) EX 91 by Wenmar Kentaro (H) (ET) EX 94

Redhill Lord Thunder joined us recently from Cairnsmore.

BRADHILL SH O RTH ORNS

EST. 2016

Based in the hills outside of Burnley Member of SRUC Premium health scheme, BVD accredited, IBR 1st qualifying test passed, Johnes Level 1 , TB4 26 Females, 12 Excellents, 10 VG and 4 GP Senior Stock bull: Craigfaddock Praetorian Classified Excellent 93

Bradhill Lovely, 1st Prize heifer born 2022 in Northern Club Herds Competition.

Bradhill Augusta Celeste 5 by Bradhill Evolution.

Bradhill Pearl by Bradhill Evan Almighty.

2ND PLACED LARGE HERD IN NORTHERN CLUB HERDS COMPETITION

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

Follow us on social media Stephen Swales

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Unlock the potential of your herd with epigenetics Jill Hunter, Beef & Sheep Nutritionist

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t the end of World War 2, Germany sought revenge on the Dutch who had not helped their war effort, by blockading Holland. This meant food and fuel supplies were limited, resulting in restricted food intake, with calorie intakes dropping as low as 500 per day and poor living conditions across the country. By the following spring, allied forces regained control and with it, diets and living conditions were very quickly back to ‘normal’. However, the consequences of the famine would live on.

The consequences were longest lived for babies which were conceived during the famine. The Dutch kept meticulous records, meaning babies were followed for the rest of their lives. In a family where the first sibling was conceived before and another conceived during the famine, but were then raised the same, the second sibling was generally more susceptible to ill health; obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and schizophrenia. Whereas parents and other siblings went on to have reasonably ‘normal’ lives.

This shows nutrition and stress at point of conception has an influence throughout the offspring’s entire life.

This is the concept of ‘Epigenetics’ in practise.

The same is true when we consider bulling and by getting our management and nutrition right just before and throughout bulling, we can influence which performance genes are switched on and how this goes on to enhance overall lifetime performance of the subsequent calves.

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Jill Hunter

The key focus is on: • Supporting immunity through supplying selenium in an organic form like Sel-plex, which is absorbed into the body as though it’s a protein, meaning it gets into colostrum and milk to help newborns keep warm, boost the immune system and get calves off to a good start.

According to the most up to date AHDB figures, 18% of suckler cows in the UK are not producing a calf each year.

Sometimes reality is difficult to face, however if we want to improve as an industry, we need to know the start point. We’re being constantly reminded to ‘increase efficiency’ and ‘reduce carbon footprint’ to ‘be more sustainable’. There can be confusion and jargon around sustainability, but surely the best thing we can do to improve the sustainability AND ultimately the profitability of our herds is to carry less passengers. More cows in calf, having a calf every year on their birthday and rearing calves with as little input as possible, is surely the ambition of most breeders? More live calves means more to show and more to sell, after all.

To supplement suckler cows with the vitamin and mineral package to allow them to benefit from this positive epigenetic effect in their calves, along with getting more cows in calf and more calves on the ground, it would be fair to budget £30-35 per cow for the year.

Super Suckler SEC mineral pack has been used for more than 10 years across Scotland and is available as a lick bucket, as a powdered mineral or as cow rolls.

B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

• Looking after the long-term health of the cow, her pregnancy and the calf on the ground by having the right level of vitamin E and antioxidants, along with all the essential macro minerals such as magnesium and calcium to avoid grass staggers, slow calvings and retained cleansings.

• Boosting fertility in a range of ways, including the right level of copper and from a source which has a positive impact on rumen health and is not affected by molybdenum (which can lock up copper on some farms).

Of course, mineral supply and requirements differ between geographic areas and even farm to farm. As part of the nutrition service at Harbro, a forage mineral analysis can be carried out to determine what is being provided by your forage and the recommended feed rate of Super Suckler SEC mineral can be tailored for your herd. This is supplied alongside a nutrition and management plan to help maximise fertility. Occasionally, a bespoke mineral is required to bridge the gap between supply and requirement.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Could a Harbro fertility master plan help you to unlock the potential of your herd this year?

Unlock the potential of your herd · 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

Est. 2004 We Live Naturally at 900ft Above Sea Level

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Easy Fleshing

B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

BOVINE IVF CENTRE GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Breeding the next generation

STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES

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IVF works in non-pregnant AND PREGNANT donors Johnes & Neospora positive animals will produce embryos free of these diseases High health status herds can buy a lower status animal, lodge at Tyndale and produce disease free embryos for use at home Pricing structure is £150/collection and £110/grade 1 embryo frozen IVF can work well when the animal is a conventional flush failure or is otherwise infertile

Please call for a tailor made solution Phone the veterinary practice on: 01453 511311 or David direct on 07870170677 advancedbreeding@tyndalevets.co.uk www.tyndalevets.co.uk

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Argentina celebrates 200 years since the first Shorthorn bull arrived from the British Isles

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he opportunity arose through links with the Asociacion Argentina de Shorthorn, the British Embassy in Argentina and Department of Business & Trade (DBT) to visit the Palermo Show which was held in Buenos Aires in late July 2023.

As President to the UK Beef Shorthorn Society, it was a wonderful to be able to visit one of the largest livestock shows globally, but also to meet leading Shorthorn breeders and cattle producers in Argentina and from further afield in Uruguay, Brazil and North America.

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This year the Shorthorn breed was very much in the spotlight as it was 200 years since the Scottish born cattle breeder, John Miller brought the first Shorthorn bull to Argentina in 1823. That bull was called Tarquin or Tarquino by the Argentinian cattle breeders. Tarquino is credited with providing a huge leap in commercial beef genetics compared to the native or criollo cattle left by early Spanish settlers.

Indeed, it would not be overstating the case to say that Tarquino played his part in Argentina’s huge success in cattle and beef production.

Today the Shorthorn remains an important breed in the minds and hearts of Argentinians.

Other native breeds have made their mark. In

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particular, the Angus and Hereford and more latterly Limousin. Each of these other breeds being crossed with Brahmin cattle to develop drought resistant animals for tropical and sub-tropical area.

Nonetheless, Shorthorns and their crossed progeny are a significant part of the beef market.

The type of animal that works well on the Pampas is an extensively grazed, low input cow that fleshes well to produce a carcass of high quality for the home and export market (Argentina exports approximately 80% of its total production). The cattle are smaller in frame size (some 60% of what we are used to in the UK) although mature cow weights are not hugely different as the breed character in Argentina is for deep and wide cattle.

As the system is predominantly geared from pasture based and pasture finished cattle, finished carcase weights tend be some 20 - 30% less than in the UK. I visited Cabaña El Arroyo de Cieutad (a Cabaña being a farm) of one prominent Shorthorn Breeder Juan Cieutat and was very impressed with cattle that were fleshing well, even during a drought that had impacted negatively on the Pampas.

Cattle were outwintered and additional forage was on hand. Juan hosted us very well as did the Shorthorn Association and it was an excellent day viewing the cattle as well as enjoying the customary Parilla (barbecue).

interested cattle breeder the opportunity should be taken to attend this show. The quality and range of cattle on show were second to none and the camaraderie and knowledge shared between the breeders, different breed societies and the beef supply chain was very evident. La Rural is much larger than any equivalent UK event and probably compares as much to the February Bull Sales in Stirling as it does to our national shows. The homage to Shorthorns is evident in the memorial to John Miller and indeed, even in one of the show restaurants named after Tarquino.

The Tarquino Restaurant at La Rural

Picture of Beef Shorthorn calves at Cabaña El Arroyo

A special mention goes to Afredo (Fred) Fierro and Fede Wodtke from the British embassy in Buenos Aires who alongside the Argentinian Shorthorn Society arranged many of the visits and made sure there were opportunities to see the breadth of the cattle industry in Argentina.

Much of the week centred around the events at La Rural (the Palermo show). Once in the life of any

Monument at Palermo Show for John Miller

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One of the great pleasures of the visit was to meet Carlos Juan Guillermo Dawney (who had a family history going back to his family coming from Scotland and importing shorthorn cattle) and is President of the Asociacion de Argentina de Shorthorn. The Association has a very enthusiastic membership and great branding with a strong focus on the commercial relevance of their cattle.

It was also enjoyable to meet Carlos’s colleagues and Association members who were showing their cattle.

Reception and Speeches at the British Embassy:

Tim Riley making a speech on the Shorthorn future

Tim Riley with Richard Saunders from the British Livestock Genetics Consortium (BLG) who joined visits half way through the week at the Asociacion de Argentina de Shorthorn Stand.

There were two particular highlights to the week: The first was a reception held in Tarquin’s honour at the British Embassy where I gave a speech recognizing the common purpose of Shorthorn breeders and their cattle between the UK and Argentina. I observed that even before Charles Darwin sailed past Argentina on his way to the Galapagosand writing the Origin of Species, British and Argentinian breeders were identifying and exploiting the power of genetics. The wealth of genetic potential of the more traditional easy fleshing Shorthorn may yet have benefit back in the UK as more regenerative farming strategies are promoted under Government schemes. However, the Foot and Mouth status in Argentina and import rules for the UK make this very difficult even for genetic material.

Prize winning Shorthorn bull at La Rural

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Richard Saunders, HM Ambassador to Argentina Kirstie Hayes, Carlos Dawney and Tim Riley

The second event was the conclusion to La Rural and the Auction of prize-winning animals. The finale to the event was a great spectacular with Argentinian pride in their livestock and agriculture being well represented along with cultural themes including Tango dancers and Gaucho horse riding displays.

The parade of Shorthorn cattle along with a band of Pipers in pure Scottish style was the most impressive feature of the finale.

My sincere thanks again to the British Embassy and the Asociacion Argentina de Shorthorn for all their kindness and support. The trip was funded in part through the British Embassy and in part personally; there being no cost to the UK Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society.

Closing Ceremony at la Rural

Mineshop Myrtle J96

Mineshop Lacey Broadhooks

Chris Nye Hollyoaks, The Hythe, Little Downham, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 2DT Tel: 01353 699413 or Mobile: 07876 543552 Herdsman – Charlie MacLean – Mobile: 07984 327274 WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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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

Vice-President John Scott

t: 07812 075568 e: stoneyroyd@icloud.com

t: 07770 863506 e: john.scott@fearnfarm. com

Northern England

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

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

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

Fraser Hugill t: 07502 425266 e: fjhugill@yahoo.co.uk

Southern England

Simon Bradley-Farmer t: 07739 035667 e: simonshorthorn@gmail. com

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Tim Coles t: 07811 165104 e: silsonbeefshorthorns @gmail.com

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Tina Russell t: 07711 810354 e: tinashorthorn@gmail. com

James Fanshawe t: 07802 794553 e: jhd.fanshawe@gmail. com

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Past President Charles Horton t: 07831 489694 e: cshorton17@gmail.com

Wales Position vacant Contact the Society office for information on how to become a Director

Scotland

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

Pamela Nicol t: 07852 280795 e: pamela-nicol@hotmail. co.uk

Northern Ireland

Alfie Shaw t: 07775 730000 e: gflivestock@gmail.com

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

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

John Scott t: 07770 863506 e: john.scott@fearnfarm. com

Honorary Life

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

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

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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Directorsʼ spotlight Jane Landers Jane Landers is a real ‘people person’ and she says it’s likely you’ll hear her before you see her! Having grown up on a farm, farming has always been in Jane’s blood.

But before becoming a partner in their family farming business with Bill and Bobby, Jane worked in a school kitchen, the local golf course and as an AI Technician. If the clock could be turned back though, she really wishes she had attended agricultural college first.

Jane grew up working with pedigree Galloway cattle and always wanted to get back to those roots of working with pedigree stock. The Cairnsmore herd of Beef Shorthorns were established in 1995 when the native rare breed was very much endangered. Traits such as docility and the ability to thrive in a hill farm environment attracted Jane to the breed, as well as the enjoyable opportunity of showing such beautiful cattle.

As first-generation breeders, Jane is proud to have witnessed the growth of Beef Shorthorn over the last 30 years and feels the future is bright with the industry moving towards more low input systems. Passionate about farming in a sustainable way, Jane currently runs 60 pedigree Beef Shorthorn cattle, 100 commercial, mainly Shorthorn cross, cows and 20 pedigree Belted Galloways. The cattle are complimented by a flock of 360 North Country Cheviots and 400 home bred Cheviot mule ewes. It’s not surprising farming is her sole income and main passion!

As one of the Society’s newest Directors, Jane says she’s always approachable and wants to help others, especially women, to find their way into farming. An ideal time to visit is when she’s got a fresh batch of scones or shortbread out of the oven and the kettle’s just boiled as she enjoys a good bake and a good chat over a cuppa!!

Given the opportunity Jane would relish having Uppermill Loch Alsh in her herd once again, a Champion at the 1999 Royal Highland Show. The Royal Highland also provided a personal highlight for Jane in 2023 when she had the honour of judging the Beef Shorthorns at the show.

Stuart Currie Stuart Currie doesn’t live a quiet life but whether it’s managing the various aspects of his diversified farm in North Yorkshire (equine rehabilitation centre, farriers forge and a veterinary centre with an operating theatre) or through his temporary job during the foot and mouth outbreak selling garden furniture to customers living in Glasgow’s tenements – he knows quality and customer service with a smile will ensure customers return time and time again.

A man who is a big sports fan – England Rugby, Burnley FC, a point-to-point rider, and a lover of National Hunt racing – the rest of Stuart’s time is spent managing his flocks of pedigree Beltex and Texel sheep, as well as his herd of Beef Shorthorn which he first introduced to the farm in 2010.

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Stuart was drawn to the breed because of their placid nature and ease of husbandry plus the fact that the Beef Shorthorn is so easy on the eye – his first animals, two incalf heifers, were bought from the inaugural sale of the breed at CCM Skipton.

With a focus on breeding animals that are fit for purpose, not only in the show ring but ensuring a good commercial value also, Stuart believes the Beef Shorthorn is the great allrounder. Given the opportunity, he’d welcome the prospect to breed from Poyntington Himself once again, a champion at Stirling Bull sales in 2016 but whom they lost prematurely.

One to always watch and learn from others more experienced, Stuart would struggle to live without his Polaris Ranger as well as his iPhone – perhaps the latter being of most use to keep in touch with the sports results!

Whilst Stuart sadly lost his father earlier in 2023, a highlight of the year was certainly the interest shown in the subsequent reduction sale. Pleasing prices as well as the support received from the wider farming family ensured a memorable day and one which Stuart is sure would have made his father happy.

Simon Bradley-Farmer Unsurprising with a surname like Simon’s, farming has been in his blood since a young age and his farm management experience includes large scale dairy herds, pedigree flocks of Texels, contracts with Waitrose for Easter lambs as well as a large-scale egg laying unit and packing station. Not to mention 2,500 acres of cereal production!

Looking back, Simon wished he had been involved with Beef Shorthorns earlier in his career, but it was in 2004 that he first became actively involved with the breed when he was asked to manage Meonhill Farm and established the renowned Meonhill Beef Shorthorn herd which produced Meonhill Charlie Chaplin, one the most influential bulls of recent times. The establishment of the Meonside herd soon followed. Drawn to the breed due to its reputation as the ‘Great Improver’ Simon now looks to breed roan, easy calving, easy fleshing, polled cattle which have good growth figures to compliment the breeds traditional traits.

Given the opportunity, one bull from the past that Simon would love to breed from again is Tofts Romany, a former Royal Show and Royal Highland Show Champion.

Alongside Tina, his partner, at Stanford Park Farm Simon manages a herd of 150 pedigree Beef Shorthorn cows, 350 acres of contract arable land, 100 acres of lighter land with up to 130 event and pre-training racehorses along with a small herd of Longfield Shorthorns. A highlight in 2023 was the winning of two interbreed championships within a week with Stanfordpark Miss Crocus 453 and her bull calf.

Perhaps as a result from his stint in the late 1970’s as a barman in Leicester Square’s cocktail bar, Peppermint Park, Simon always ensures there’s tonic in his fridge to go with his gin after a hard day’s work on the farm!

WWW.BEEFSHORTHORN.ORG

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Robbie Minty 1931 - 2023 One of Scotland’s leading stockmen, with a string of championship successes at the Royal Highland and Royal shows and Perth bull sales behind him during a 51 year career with the Durno family’s renowned Uppermill Beef Shorthorn herd at Tarves in Aberdeenshire, died at the age of 91.

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obbie Minty was not only a gifted cattleman but a shrewd judge of stock who played a major role in the pedigree breeding programme at Uppermill and the selection of stock bulls which secured the herd’s reputation as one of the top Beef Shorthorn herds in the country.

His 51 years managing the Uppermill Shorthorn herd was a golden era for the herd at national and local shows with countless championships to the herd’s credit at the Royal Highland and Royal shows over the years.

Robbie’s success at the Royal Show at Stoneleigh were such that when there was a move to scrap the Beef Shorthorn classes at the show because of the diminishing number of Shorthorns being shown, the chief steward remarked that they couldn’t do that because Robbie and his Shorthorn champion usually led the grand parade and nobody else would know their way round the main ring without him in the lead.

A vintage year was at the Royal Highland Show in 1981 when Uppermill won the Queen’s Cup as supreme champion over 14 other breeds and the breed won the coveted Farming News Trophy for the best four animals of any breed with all four of the winning Shorthorn team coming from Uppermill – a feat never achieved before or since by any other herd or breed.

Robbie retired in 1996 but until the last year or two had never missed a bull sale at Perth or Stirling or the Royal Highland Show. His advice was always eagerly sought by Shorthorn breeders and cattlemen, and he was a mentor to many younger people coming into the breed.

He was disappointed when the decision was made to sell the herd but delighted that the herd

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was bought in its entirety by Bill and James Porter in Northern Ireland and that the Uppermill prefix lives on.

Robbie’s contribution to the Shorthorn breed was recognised with a clutch of awards over the years, including the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 1977, the Haig Gold Medal at the Highland Show for the Herdsman with the best presented cattle, the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s New Year’s honours in 1985 and at the last bull sale at Perth in 2012 when he was presented with a silver salver and crystal glasses by the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society to mark his 60 years attendance at the show and sale.

Robbie is survived by his wife Beatrice, daughters Morag and Fiona, and five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

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Thelma C Blake 29/11/1932 -18/07/2023 Aunty Thelma aged 90 sadly passed away after a long struggle with Parkinson’s and Alzhiemers.

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he was born, 29 November 1932, in the City of Bristol to a Military Family, one of six children. She trained as a seamstress from the age of 14, a skill she passed on to many over the years, her creations showing her flair and eye for the detail.

Thelma moved to Wharf Farm as a land girl in 1950 aged 18 and it has been her home ever since.

She married “Blakey” Gilbert Blake in 1964, a love and devotion she held throughout her life, dying on his birthday.

Aunty Thelma has been a long standing member of the Shorthorn Cattle Society, breeding and showing both Dairy and Beef animals. Her achievements among many include 6 gold cup winners for milk yield in the Western Region (Six Counties), she received the Farm Service Award, (to win this award a contestant must have worked 10years on not more than 4 farms and been in

charge of entries at the Dairy Show not less than 5 years in succession she achieved this at just Wharf Farm), showing since the 50’s, concentrating on the Beef Shorthorn after the death of her husband in 1988. Thelma and the team had continued success with beef Cattle particularly Stonmour Thunder Cloud, winning over 100 championships, and world-wide sales of Semen in excess of 10,000 straws.

This amazing trail blazing lady was Aunty to Family, extended family and respectfully by all in the show ring.

During her lifetime many overlooked this remarkable little old lady at the end of a lane, her achievements for the Kingsey and Stonmour Herds were ahead of the game keeping the bloodlines ultra-pure. Her mantra was “ if you’re breeding shorthorns breed shorthorns none of this mixed blood stuff!”

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Advertisers Index Herd prefix

Breeder Name

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Brian and Suzanne White and family Fraser Hugill Alan Haigh and family Paul Coates Stuart and Gail Currie Andrew Thornber and daughters Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Steve Swales Ian Rickatson William McAlister Bill, Jane and Bobby Landers Tommy Staunton

Chapelton

James, Duncan and Emma Biggar

Cherry Valley Cooper Cowford Craigfaddock Creaga Croxton Park Cutthorn Datamars (Kiwikit/Roxan) Derriaghy Derwentwood Dyneval Farm North East Farmers Guardian Fearn - Northern Lights Production Sale Fearn Farm Field Farm Tours Gilven Glebefarm Glenariff Glenisla Hannington Hansford Harboro Harrison and Hetherington Ltd Headlind Hi Health Herdcare (Biobest) Highlee HighSky Holkin Jodame Kislingbury

Jennifer Adams Tom and Colm McGuigan Charley and Charlie Reed David and Tom Alexander Noel and Lisa Dowd Tina and Omar Hassouneh Alistair and Donna Gibson Leanne Green Neil and Alison Hunter

Page 54 198 41 132 108 108 10-11 172 203 194 91 87 120-121 184 Inside front cover 127 206 102-103 113 70 163 61 167 119 152 71 151 60

John Scott

176

John Scott

177 60 191 180-181 69 133 195 197 205 Back outside cover 163

Steve and Gilly Johnson Alfie and Elaine Shaw Nick and Andrew Barrett John, Nick and Catriona Gibb Charles Horton John and Judy Fry

Allan Jackson and Senga Hamilton

188 Mark and Tracy Severn Millie and Boomer Birch Ian Hollows Jo and Michael Souter Tom Elliott

27 184 13 138 49

Herd prefix

Breeder Name

Langhams Longfield Longtown (CD Auction Marts) Lowther Mayfield Melton Mowbray Market Meonhill (LEP Farms) Meonside Mineshop Morrisons Muiresk Mullaglass Neogen (Igenity) Netherwood Norbreck Genetics Off the Wall Paragon Veterinary Group Podehole Premium Cattle Health Scheme (SRUC) Rougemont Roundhill Royalla Rockstar Runleymill Sandwick Shawhill Skaillhouse Sledmere SowerbyParks Stanford Park Stonehills Stonehouse Stoneyroyd Tollesbury Trainview Turncroft Tyndale Advanced Breeding United Auctions Uppermill Upsall Wappenham Weatherbys

Andre Vrona Tina Russell and Simon Farmer

Wenmar

Martyn Moore

Wenmar - Embryos and Semen Wenmar - featured embryos

B eef Shorthorn C attl e S oc i ety J o ur n al 2 0 2 4

199 83 162

Charles Lowther Gerard Te Lintelo Mary Chaplin D and T Bradley Farmer Chris Nye The Mair Family Richard Henning Barry and Stewart Walker Phillip Halhead Jack Oliver Imogen // Liz Harry Horrell

55 76-77 65 206 114 211 31 96-97 71 40 166 147 188 146 29 146

Mary Cormack Emma Trueman Harry Horrell John Wilson and Janet Dunning Andrew and Caroline Ivinson Thomson, Roddick and Laurie Stuart Macadie Rich Clifford Graham and Sam Hunt Simon Bradley-Farmer Geoff and Chris Riby Jess Swales Tim Riley Vivien St Joseph Valerie Orr and James Cameron John Hill

125 138 95 109 185 156 139 191 115 82 190 202 33 156 166 162 207

James Porter The Hon Gerald Turton Ashley Warren

153 170-171 189 194 4 Back inside cover

Martyn Moore

90

Martyn Moore

157

Disclaimer: the information in each member advertisement has been provided by the respective member. The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. It is the responsibility of any prospective purchaser to make all necessary enquiries and to check all information provided.

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Wenmar Beef Shorthorns Beef Shorthorn bulls, cows and heifers raised naturally for pedigree and commercial breeding

Visitors always welcome to view our cattle and breeding policy at any time, without any obligations other than to enjoy their visit

Blending strong British and worldwide Beef Shorthorn genetics • We attempt to blend the best Beef Shorthorn genetics we can find from around the world, enabling us to offer our customers both sound fertile bulls, and hardy milky cows and heifers

• We recognise the importance of the strength of the female line, any female on our farm is able to be purchased if we are above our minimum number in her cow family

• Our cattle are reared to grow on naturally, when they leave us they are targeted to be ready to successfully breed

• Young bulls usually for sale all year round

For a full listing of all of our cattle, embryos and semen available please visit our website:

www.wenmarbeefshorthorns.com Wenmar Beef Shorthorns

For a friendly chat and further details contact Martyn Moore.

Wenmar Beef Shorthorns, Warren Farm, Lulsley, Knightwick, Worcestershire, WR6 5QT.

Mobile: 07767 608012 Email: martynmoore07@icloud.com

Stonehills Rockstar - Top price May 23 - 12,000gns

BEEF SHORTHORN 2024 SALES DATES Friday 17th May Official Society Sale Friday 4th October Friday 1st November Borderway Agri Expo 2024 Beef Shorthorn Society Open Calf Show

T: 01228 406230/406200 E: info@borderway.com Borderway Mart, Carlisle CA1 2RS

For all other up to date sales and information visit our website

harrisonandhetherington.co.uk

l f