Breed Society News

The Podehole herd of Charles and Sally Horrell, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, has been named as the winner of the Beef Shorthorn Society’s inaugural National Herd Competition which was launched as part of the breed’s 200th anniversary celebrations. Judged by George Somerville, former farm manager at Glenkiln Farms, Dumfries and Galloway and sponsored by Pedigree Sales Online Livestock Auctions, the competition pitted the winners of the regional herd competitions against each other for the first time.

Regional winners from 2021 competitions were assessed by Mr Somerville over the summer with the judge commenting on the exceptional quality he saw in every herd he visited across the UK.

“The depth of breeding evident in all the herds was exceptional and the quality of cows I saw was tremendous and bodes well for the future of the breed in every corner of the country. “However, the Podehole herd stood out as the most complete and balanced herd of all those I visited and I congratulate the Horrell family on such a great herd of cows. In every herd I visited their were great examples of the breed and many, many cattle I’d be happy to have in a herd,” he added. Other finalists were Major John Gibb and Catriona Gibb’s Glenisla herd, Scotland, Stuart and Gail Currie’s Beautry herd, Northern England, LEP Farms’ Meonhill herd, Southern England, Brian and Eryth Thomas’ Frenni herd, Wales and Alfie and James Shaw’s Glebefarm herd, Northern Ireland.

The presentation of the award was made at the Society’s development day hosted by Society president Charles Horton at Hannington, Wiltshire. Attended by more than 60 Society members the event included five workshops focussed on key aspects of breeding and herd management. From a veterinary perspective, members were able to listen to Bella Maine of Larkmead Vets discuss pelvic measurement in heifers and other essential aspects of herd fertility, while Jim Barber demonstrated ultra sound scanning in relation to performance recording and the benefits it brings. Meanwhile, Mike Deakins gave an explanation of cow classification, enabling members to better understand the usefulness it can lend to management and breeding decisions. Daniel Slade of Thame Market was also on hand to offer members guidance on cattle selection for slaughter and hitting the right specification, while Harbro’s Michael Richardson talked through feeding and nutrition to maximise growth and development in cattle of all ages. Beef Shorthorn Society operations manager Clive Brown said the event, one of several organised by the Society this year, had been a huge success with members coming from far and wide to add to their knowledge base. “These events have been a huge success and enabled members to come together and both learn and socialise with like-minded people from across the country. As ever the camaraderie and shared belief in the breed has shone through and that is sure to stand the breed in good stead going forward.”

The Longhorn Cattle Society had it’s AGM weekend in Devon and Somerset in October, visiting Fowlescombe Farm on Saturday and then Westcott Farm on Sunday. The Society’s thanks go to both hosts; having a large group of members come and scrutinise your business is not for the faint hearted, but the knowledge exchange was definitely two-way. Both farms are early in their Longhorn journeys and members were impressed with the vision and aspirations both farms have for the management of their cattle, their land and their landscapes.

and members’ support of shows is acknowledged. Many congratulations to all members who took part in the show season this year Bull of the Year - Herbertsherd Issac, Bertie Stanley Cow of the Year - Gentons Quirky, Bertie Facon Senior Heifer of the Year - Carreg Utopia, Bernard & Margaret Llewellyn Junior Heifer of the Year - Newton Forget Me Not, David Walker Young Handler of the Year - Rhianydd Davies Newcomers Award - Peter Wild and Charlotte Wild

Presented at the end of the President’s term of office, the President’s award is given by the President to a member whom they feel has made a significant contribution to the breed. Coming to the end of her term, President Nicky Luckett gave the award to Peter Close of the Fishwick herd, saying that Peter had always worked hard to promote the breed, keeping classes going at shows when they were waning, encouraging new members into Longhorns, promoting the crossbreeding attributes of Longhorns and always being happy to offer advice if asked. He had served on Council many times over the years and always gave freely of his time to support the Longhorn Society and it’s members.

Having come to the end of her term, which was extended for a year due to COVID-19, Nicky Luckett handed the presidential baton over to David Blockley of the Southfield herd, who will be the Society’s president for 2023 and 2024. AGM 2022 Fowlescombe Farm steers.

AGM 2022 Westcott cows.

AGM 2022 Peter Close, President’s Award, President Nicky Luckett.

Also in October the Longhorn Cattle Society launched it’s new website. The site has been completely refreshed in terms of looks but the main navigation remains the same and it is now compatible with mobiles and tablets and their current browsers. More content is being added on a regular basis and the Knowledgebase will be the go-to resource for Society information. www. longhorncattlesociety. com

Our Longhorn Cattle Society logo has also had a refresh, updating it to a contemporary font whilst still retaining the distinctive Longhorn ‘look’.

The following report reflects the Open Day/Farm Visit. Henry Rawson(owner) and Ricky Atkins(Stock Manager) kindly opened their gates to over 100 members on Saturday 22nd October.

The Larkbarrow Herd at the Wellshead Estate in Somerset comprises just shy of 100 Devon cows plus followers. Herd competition judges were DCBS President Elect, Becky Hurd and fellow judge, Juliet Cleave. The weather at the time of judging came in wet (the only herd not to be inspected with dry backs), but it gave the judges a chance to see Devons doing what they do best: thriving in whatever conditions are thrown at them. Becky went on to compliment stockman Ricky who has been at Larkbarrow for 10 years, saying it takes time to develop a herd and encouraged new breeders to bear this in mind when starting out. Becky recommended exploring bloodlines and talking to fellow members to find a direction that works for them.

The Larkbarrow herd is currently running three stock bulls: Bollowal Back Row, Whitefield Unannounced and Eastyard Fitzroy 2nd. All three were individually selected on merit to improve an area within the herd and achieve Larkbarrow’s desired outcome. Each bull has put his stamp on his females. The judges praised Ricky’s talent as a stockman to know which bulls suit which females best to produce top quality calves. Juliet’s lasting impression of the herd was it being ‘a striking farmers’ herd, proving pedigree and commercialability can work together harmoniously’. A huge thank you to Henry, Ricky and all their families and volunteers that made it a truly interesting and memorable day. Becky and Juliet would like to thank everyone who entered the herd competition this year.

As the year draws to a close and we all reflect on what has been one of the warmest and driest summers on record. I write this while the rain is lashing against the window and don’t think we have had two dry days in a row for about a month, those warm days seem like a very distant memory. The Charolais society celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, it’s been a busy but very successful year for the breed. We held the World Charolais Congress this summer and at times due to covid we weren’t quite sure whether it would ever happen or if anyone would want to travel. Thankfully we did run with it, and it was a huge success. The overseas delegates got to see both our beautiful countryside and our exceptional cattle in all its glory. We teamed up with the Saler society to host two joint open days, this summer, I believe it was a resounding success and a joy and pleasure to work with a likeminded breed. Moving forward more breeds could possibly look at collaboration with us to promote not just their own breed but the beef industry as a whole.

The sales have been the most pleasing and satisfying thing for me, on a whole the breed have seen a rise in bull sales across the country up 29% on the year, this is exceptional figures considering the falling number of suckler cows. AHDB have released their most up to date (August 2022) continental breed ranking which put Charolais top on, Carcase weight rankings, Average daily carcase gain rankings and joint top on days to slaughter ranking. Top on 2 and joint top on 1 out of the 5 rankings. The figures and states above are hugely positive and encouraging in what are very challenging times for all aspects of the beef and farming industry, but British Charolais are in a very strong position as the year draws to a close and we look forward to see what 2023 will bring. Kind Regards Allen Drysdale Chairman of the British Charolais Society

“Judging the Lincoln Red 2022 National Herd Competition was both an honour and a pleasure; albeit tiring; due to the miles we travelled. I have seen Lincoln Reds at shows etc but not really given them much thought, but seeing these Herds and talking to the Breeders gave me a better insight into the Breed; we saw some lovely cattle. I have done a lot of judging, all Breeds, over the years and this was the most difficult one to do. There were lots of good cattle and every Herd I went to made me feel this was going to be really difficult. I did this, as I have done other judging, on a points system, so many points for each Class and then points for the Herd; total was divided by the number of Classes entered to give a percentage. We opened a small Farm Shop three years ago and thought we would use our Blonde heifers in it, but they were too lean and muscley for our Customers and as the heifers make a premium at market, it didn’t make sense. We went out and bought Native Breeds which were crossed with a Continental and we finish them with feed wheat. I have had a certain amount of criticism for this but, in my opinion, think it is good feed and it works for us. So, on the basis of what I have heard from your Breeders, and my experience with the other Native Breeds, I have purchased a Lincoln Red, grass fed, for the shop and hopefully it will live up to expectations. Your Herds were really impressive, and the two Universities (Lincoln University & Nottingham Trent University) are doing a fantastic job, introducing new young farmers to the Breed which can only be good for the future. Hopefully I didn’t disappoint too many people, but my judging was my honest opinion and was done in the fairest way I could. I Congratulate every one of the Breeders for their enthusiasm and love of the Breed. Just as a matter of interest there was only 1 point between the Overall Judges Choice and the runner up. Once again, I would like to thank you for inviting me to judge your Herd Competition, for the kindness shown to Anita and myself and we wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Healthy Prosperous New Year”

TANKARDS FOR WINNERS OF EACH CLASS AND TROPHY FOR THE OVERALL JUDGES CHOICE SPONSORED BY FERRY ALES BREWERY (FAB) - JOHN CUSSONS

HOBART MILKMAID Z892 XP99021 – bred by Tony & Emily Bambridge, in Norfolk. The Hobart Herd

1ST NICK & LISA BARTON HIGHBARN HERD 2ND MARTIN COOPER CONEYGARTH HERD 3RD RICHARD WARING RAND HERD

1ST NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY - NEIL HODGSON BRACKENHURST HERD 2ND ED MIDDLETON HOLEGATE HERD 3RD UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN - MATT BAGLEY RISEHOLME HERD

1ST SHARON BUCHAN AUCHMACOY HERD 2ND MICHAEL READ HEMINGBY HERD 3RD TONY & EMILY BAMBRIDGE HOBART HERD

1ST SHARON BUCHAN AUCHMACOY XCALIBUR XP80953 UK527514500468

2ND SCOTT THOMPSON

SUDBROOKE WHISKY MAC XP80849 UK149080600021 3RD MICHAEL READ DONINGTON XANADU XP81018 UK140945502265

1ST MICHAEL READ

HEMINGBY ALEXANDER XP81207 UK140804501346 2ND ED MIDDLETON HOLEGATE ATOMIC XP81220 UK144108400127 3RD JAMIE QUINN & SUE OLIVER AXHOLME AIRFIELD DEFENCE XP81160 UK150576400064

2ND NICK & LISA BARTON

HIGHBARN PETTAL V183 XP96420 UK161993400183 3RD SHARON BUCHAN AUCHMACOY LASS P121 XP93368 UK527514100121

1ST TONY & EMILY BAMBRIDGE HOBART MILKMAID Z892 XP99021 UK221584600892 2ND WILL & ELLIE JACKSON OTHORPE LOBELIA Z215 XP98900 UK207683600215 3RD CHRIS & MELISSA PAGE AUCHMACOY BIANCA Z523 XP98868 UK527514400523

1ST TONY & EMILY BAMBRIDGE HOBART AJAX BN28073 UK221584300994 2ND UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN RISEHOLME BERTIE XP81241 UK140908300747 3RD SHARON BUCHAN AUCHMACOY B40 BN29211 UK532143700040

1ST DAVID WRIGHT & MARK HALLAM STARLITE HANNAH 1 B868 ET XP100004 UK162742300868

2ND SHARON BUCHAN AUCHMACOY DOT B35 BN29210 UK532143200035

3RD NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY

BRACKENHURST ANN B655 BN29259 UK141901400655

1ST MICHAEL READ HEMINGBY AMANDA UK140804501381

1ST CHRIS & MELISSA PAGE FOULNESS ORCHID Z166 XP99126 UK142404700166

2ND MICHAEL READ HEMINGBY POLLY A1334 XP99749 UK140804701334

Northern Irish Simmental breeder Norman Robson of Ballyclare, Co Antrim, is the new President of the British Simmental Cattle Society. Mr Robson was elected following the Society’s AGM held in Stirling in October and takes over the reins from Stewart Stronach, Maisley, Keith.

Steeped in Simmental history, Norman Robson becomes the third member of the Robson family to serve as BSCS President with his father Billy being President in 1985-1986, and 1999-2000; and his brother Michael holding office between 20112012.

The Kilbride Farm Simmental herd, now consisting of 90-100 Simmental cows, is one of the most recognisable names in the pedigree beef sector, with a highlight reel track record of selling bulls and Simmental genetics through home and Society Sales to pedigree breeders and commercial producers in the UK and to international markets. The herd was established in 1971 with four heifers from the first importation into Northern Ireland. Commenting, Norman Robson said: “It is a huge honour to be elected as the 27th President of the British Simmental Cattle Society. Over the last two years we have seen some record sale averages for the Simmental breed, some successful new fixtures, and an increase in pedigree registrations. With a motivated membership and Council, I hope to lead a Society that will look to promote and build on the performance benefits the Simmental breed offers all types of farming systems. No other breed has the flexibility of the Simmental, from crossing on a Luing type hill cow, to high output lowland suckler herds, and as a crossing sire onto the dairy herd. If we can collectively continue to provide the genetics for a profitable, sustainable forward beef industry, I feel there is a bright future for British Simmental.”

The Wagyu Breeders Association (WBA) has teamed up with leading farm assurance certification bodies SAI Global and NSF to underpin their British Wagyu Assurance Scheme. As all its 200+ partner farmers are already Red Tractor members, the WBA has added a ‘bolt-on’ to the farm’s regular Red Tractor audit for cost-effectiveness and ease of use. This means assessors can check the additional stipulations of the WBA Assurance Scheme at the same time as the usual on-farm audit.

These include: • Whole-life Red Tractor assured status • British Wagyu-branded approved eartag • Wagyu DNA sire verification • Dams either dairy-bred or native breeds • BVD tested virus negative • Minimum slaughter age 24 months Commenting, WBA Director Chris Dickinson said: “The British Wagyu assurance scheme leads the industry in terms of traceability, animal welfare and consumer trust, enhancing in turn the integrity and value of premium Wagyu beef.” Red Tractor Beef & Lamb Board Chairman, John Dracup, added: “As the UK’s most trusted assurance scheme, Red Tractor provides the confidence to UK shoppers and diners, that beef carrying its logo has been produced with care, and delivers the high standards expected of British farmers and growers. Red Tractor ensures that the Wagyu beef scheme is a traceable product which meets high levels of animal welfare.” Full rules around the WBA Assurance Scheme can be found on www.britishwagyu.co.uk.

WBA Company Secretary Richard Saunders and Warrendale Wagyu Production Director Jamie Brownrigg pictured with Red Tractor Technical Manager Jemma Holden at Agri Expo. WBA Company Secretary Richard Saunders & Warrendale Wagyu Production Director Jamie Brownrigg pictured with SAI Global UK & Ireland Agriculture Development Manager Nik Searston.

Best Breed Society stand award at Agri Expo Ed Martinson, Caitlin Brownrigg, Ella Hopwood, Alan Dickinson, Richard Saunders, Jamie Brownrigg, Lizz Clarke.

Agri Expo provided a great showcase for British Wagyu & Warrendale Wagyu at Borderway Mart, Carlisle on Fri 28th October. Cattle pens of weanlings, yearlings and finished cattle joined with technical information, a meat counter as well as tasting sessions to give visitors a well-rounded view of the opportunities available for the Wagyu beef industry. We were delighted to receive the Best Breed Society Stand award.

The value of native beef genetics is rapidly growing, with breeds such as Aberdeen-Angus showing they can tick the boxes at all tiers within the beef supply chain. Better suited to grass-based, lower input systems than continental breeds, native genetics offer the potential to boost producer margins and support environmental goals, while delivering a consistently high-quality end product. Robert Gilchrist, CEO at the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, says as a result, the industry is seeing significant growth in their use. “Aberdeen-Angus calf registrations have increased significantly and they’re now top of the list with 471,528 registrations in 2021 – 4% growth has been seen in the last year, accounting for 24.41% of beef calves,” he says. “More farmers are recognising that the lower input systems, where cattle can be predominantly finished off forage and grass-based diets, are a much more sustainable and financially viable way of producing beef, as the agricultural sector faces so much uncertainty. “The nature of the reduced inputs required for an extensive beef system means they tend to have a lower cost of production and be more environmentally sustainable.” Mr Gilchrist says the benefits extend much further than just farmers within the supply chain. “From a consumer perspective, the intramuscular fat that native breeds offer provides the marbling which consumers desire, making it easier to cook,” adds Mr Gilchrist. “This gives a more consistent eating experience, which is fundamental in getting people to purchase beef on a regular basis.”

BCMS data confirms the continuing longstanding decline in suckler cow numbers, down to 1.14 million in 2022 (from 1.3 million in 2011). The national suckler herd seems set to reduce further with the added political pressures on livestock farming. The Salers industry leading combination of maternal traits are proven to deliver improved profits despite these pressures, resulting in 10 consecutive years growth in numbers (to 41000 cows) and market share (3.6%). The Salers is free of the mutations of myostatin (except for a few lines descended from previously undetected historical crossbreeding with other breeds in France). Working alongside the French Salers Society with the joint aim of preserving the Salers outstanding maternal strengths from the adverse effect of the myostatin mutations, breeders have been DNA testing to establish the status of their pedigree animals. Great progress has been made, the number of myostatin free herds is increasing rapidly, and 75% of heifers born ytd are confirmed myostatin free, with 98% of these not needing testing, as their sire and dam are myostatin free.