October 2016

October 25, 2016 Northern Ireland Charolais Club suckled calf competition results

Ballymena Charolais Suckled Calf Competition– judged by Alan Farlow
Champion: McAfee Bros, Bushmills
Reserve Champion: McAfee Bros, Bushmills

Male Calf born in 2016
1^st            Robert Workman, Kilwaughter                           310kg  £1000
2^nd           Arnold Douglas, Limavady                                  300kg                                     £960
3^rd           O’Kane Bros, Carnlough                                       439kg                                     £980

Female Calf born in 2016
1^st            McAfee Bros, Bushmills                                       360kg                                     £1180
2^nd           McAfee Bros, Bushmills                                      280kg                                     £1100
3^rd           Arnold Douglas, Limavady                                  240kg                                     £880

Hilltown Charolais Suckled Calf Competition– judged by David Connolly
Champion: Martin McShane, Hilltown
Reserve Champion: Leo Fearon, Rostrevor

Male Calf born in 2016
1^st            Leo Fearon, Rostrevor                                        438kg                                     £1100
2^nd           Henry Quinn, Kilkeel                                           444kg                                     £1050
3^rd           Frank Reid, Ballynahinch                                    384kg                                     £900

Female Calf born in 2016
1^st            Martin McShane, Hilltown                                  418kg                                     £1100
2^nd           Leo Fearon, Rostrevor                                        376kg                                     £910
3^rd           RW McCaw, Armagh                                            394kg                                     £965

Swatragh Charolais Suckled Calf Competition– judged by Ian Rea
Champion: John Bradley, Maghera
Reserve Champion: Joseph Andrew Semple, Dungiven

Male Calf born in 2016
1^st            John Bradley, Maghera                                       432kg                                     £950
2^nd           John Bradley, Maghera                                       476kg                                     £980
3^rd           Dermot McCullagh, Swatragh                            412kg                                     £1000

Female Calf born in 2016
1^st            Joseph Andrew Semple, Dungiven                   354kg                                     £750
2^nd           Joseph Andrew Semple, Dungiven                   328kg                                     £730
3^rd           Joseph Andrew Semple, Dungiven                   290kg                                     £665

Draperstown Charolais Suckled Calf Competition– judged by Andrew Patterson
Champion: John Boyle, Draperstown
Reserve Champion: James McDowell, Moneymore

Male Calf born in 2016
1^st            John Boyle, Draperstown                                   370kg                                     £1060
2^nd           James McDowell, Moneymore                          340kg                                     £900
3^rd           John Boyle, Draperstown                                   400kg                                     £950

Female Calf born in 2016
1^st            Martin O’Kane, Dungiven                                   320kg                                     £840
2^nd           Nigel Jordan, Moneymore                                  290kg                                     £745
3^rd           James McDowell, Moneymore                          290kg                                     £690

Dungannon Charolais Suckled Calf Competition– judged by Philip Johnston
Champion: N & S Cochrane, Portadown
Reserve Champion: Ciaran Fox, Maghery

Male Calf born in 2016
1^st            N & S Cochrane, Portadown                              390kg                                     £900
2^nd           Collin Dunwoody, Caledon                                 340kg                                     £960
3^rd           N & S Cochrane, Portadown                              300kg                                     £715

Female Calf born in 2016
1^st            Ciaran Fox, Portadown                                        295kg                                     £820
2^nd           Peter Dobbs, Carrickmore                                 340kg                                     £770
3^rd           A Donnelly, Sixmilecross                                    295kg                                     £670

Armoy Charolais Suckled Calf Competition– judged by Cyril Millar
Champion: Sean McCambridge, Ballycastle
Reserve Champion: Gerard McCambridge, Ballyvoy

Male Calf born in 2016
1^st            Gerard McCambridge, Ballyvoy                         390kg                                     £1030
2^nd           Vincent McErlain, Armoy                                    340kg                                     £915
3^rd           Aiden Hamilton, Ballycastle                                405kg                                     £1110

Female Calf born in 2016
1^st            Sean McCambridge, Ballycastle                         420kg                                     £1070
2^nd           Gerard McCambridge, Ballyvoy                         340kg                                     £900
3^rd           Gerard McCambridge, Ballyvoy                         360kg                                     £780

Plumbridge Charolais Suckled Calf Competition– judged by Richie Devine
Champion: Thomas McIlwaine, Plumbridge Reserve Champion: Brian McCullagh, Greencastle

Male Calf born in 2016
1^st            Thomas McIlwaine, Plumbridge                        420kg                                     £1210
2^nd           Brian McCullagh, Greencastle                           340kg                                     £900
3^rd           Brian McCullagh, Greencastle                           350kg                                     £1030

Female Calf born in 2016
1^st            Brian McCullagh, Greencastle                           300kg                                     £860
2^nd           Lawrence McLaughlin, Claudy                           270kg                                     £770
3^rd           Kieran Quinn, Strabane                                      280kg                                     £810

UFM, Enniskillen Charolais Suckled Calf Competition– judged by Gordon Cutler
Champion: Sam Rankin, Castlederg
Reserve Champion: Alan Veitch, Lisbellaw

Male Calf born in 2016
1^st            Alan Veitch, Lisbellaw                                         396kg                                     £1060
2^nd           Tom Park, Springfield                                          296kg                                     £935
3^rd           D Henderson, Tamlaght                                      336kg                                     £960

Female Calf born in 2016
1^st            Sam Rankin, Castlederg                                       397kg                                     £920
2^nd           Tom Park, Springfield                                          382kg                                     £1120
3^rd           D T Prentice, Garvary                                          432kg                                     £1020

Camlough Charolais Suckled Calf Competition– judged by Eimear McGovern
Champion: B Casey Reserve Champion: T Treanor

Male Calf born in 2016
1^st            B Casey                                                                  410kg                                     £930
2^nd           E Murchan                                                             325kg                                     £810
3^rd           P McParland                                                         345kg                                     £645

Female Calf born in 2016
1^st            T Treanor                                                               350kg                                     £825
2^nd           J Mullen                                                                 270kg                                     £715
3^rd           J Mullen                                                                 260kg                                     £635

Keady Charolais Suckled Calf Competition– judged by Richard Mackie

AWAITING RESULTS

NI Charolais Club are indebted to Ulster Bank Ltd for sponsoring the shows along with the financial support of the British Charolais Society and the generosity of the Livestock Markets for hosting the NICC Suckled Calf Competitions.

October 20, 2016 Linford Leads the Lots at Stirling

Show Results

Blelack Charolais sell to a top of 30,000gns at the Stirling Autumn Sale

Charolais bulls were in demand at Stirling on Wednesday 19 October at the breed’s official autumn sale. 83 bulls sold to an average of £5,674 and topped at 18,000gns with a 63% clearance which is a satisfactory result for an autumn bull sale. The majority of beef suckler herds are spring calving and they are taking advantage of the fast growth rates of the Charolais bred calves so they can sell them at the autumn suckler calf sales. By doing so the calf producers are increasing their margins by reducing the over-wintering costs.

Leading the bids at 18,000gns was the reserve supreme champion Goldies Linford ET,

an 18 month old son of Blelack Digger and the home-bred Goldies Happiness, going back to the 34,000gns Perth supreme champion Goldies Uppermost. He heads down to Wales to work at Mold, Flintshire for Esmor Evans. Exhibitor Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfries-shire sold a total of seven averaging £7,590 and his next was Goldies Landmark ET

a 16 month yellow ticket winner with the same breeding who was purchased for 11,000gns by J and W Kellas, Dufftown, Keith.

Following on at 16,000gns was Ovill Lennon ET

from O’Kane Bros, Dungiven, Co Derry. WP Bruce, Meigle, Perthshire was the man behind the money on this May 2015-born class winner sired by the 14,000gns Goldies Usher.

David and Nick Walter, Balthayock, Perthshire sold five bulls in total which averaged £9,030 backed up by top prices of 14,000gns and 11,500gns. The highest priced was the junior champion and 17 month old Balthayock Loyalist

. Judge Rob Adam, backed up his judgement by purchasing this son of the 20,000gns Highland Show continental beef breeder champion Maerdy Grenadier for 14,000gns.

The Walter’s next offering was snapped up by J Hepburn and Co, Hawick, Roxburghshire for 11,500gns. The April 2015-born Balthayock Legend’s

breeding includes sire Swalesmoor Cracker and dam Gigi who goes back to the 28,000gns Balbithan Vespasian.

Also in the money for Major Walter was another Swalesmoor Cracker son, the 17 month old Balthayock Lachlan

who was purchased for 7,500gns by Clark Farms, Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire.

Two bulls were knocked down at 12,000gns a piece with the first coming from Bartley Finnegan, Dungannon, Co Tyrone and selling to Mr and Mrs A White, Swanage, Dorset. The 19 month old Battleford Lynx ET is a son of Blelack Blackberet, while the dam is the Balbithan Vespasian-sired Blelack Cerise.

Next to sell for the same price tag was Elrick Legend,

an April 2015-born lad sired by the 16,000gns Stirling supreme champion Thrunton Fearless. Bred and exhibited by MJ Massie, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, it was JD Leavesley, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire who took home this blue ticket winner.

Making 9,500gns was the 18 month old Killadeas Larry

offered by S and D Bothwell, Ballina Mallard, Co Fermanagh. Sired by Gwenog Braveheart and tapped out first in his class the previous day, he caught the eye of T Smith and Son, Alford, Aberdeenshire.

The May 2015-born Gower Lionking

was the next along and commanded a 9,000gns bid from Mr Smith, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire. Lionking has been out on the show circuit this year being crowned junior male champion at the Royal Malvern Show, junior and reserve overall male champion at the National Charolais Show and reserve junior and reserve overall male champion at the Royal Welsh Show for exhibitors Richard and Alison Tucker, Gower, West Glamorgan and is sired by Mortimers Jaguar.

Just behind on 8,800gns was the first of a string of 11 bulls to sell from Neil and Stuart Barclay’s 100 cow Harestone herd from Insch, Aberdeenshire. The 20 month old Harestone Lee ET

who won his class is sired by the 25,000gns Perth supreme champion and Royal Show junior male champion Thrunton Socrates and was purchased by JE Woodman and Son, Haltwhistle, Northumberland.

The senior champion Harestone Largo

was next to sell for the Barclay’s. This March 2015-born son of the 16,000gns Stirling supreme champion Thrunton Fearless sold in a 6,800gns deal to W Barbour, New Abbey, Dumfries-shire.

The Barclay family had more success with the 18 month old Harestone Lewis ET

who placed second in his class. Another son of Thrunton Socrates this time being purchased by Colin McMillan, Bowmore, Isle of Islay for 6,500gns.

An entry from Richard McCornick, Lochfoot, Dumfries-shire was along next. The 17 month old Ricnick Leonidas

sired by Whitecliffe Harlequin who was champion bull at the Dumfries Show this year was purchased for 8,500gns by S Sinclair, Latheron, Caithness.

WK and P Drysdale, Blairgowrie, Perthshire sold three lots to an average price of £7,280. Leading the bids was Glenericht Legendry

who is sired by the 28,000gns Perth supreme champion Brampton Nacodar and whose dam Glenericht Gem was also shown to great success. JM Forbes and Son, Nairn took a shine to him and paid 7,500gns to take this 17 month old home.

The Drysdale’s next lot was purchased by RM MacKay and Sons, Thurso, Caithness; the reserve senior champion and December 2014-born Glenericht Justsogood,

a son of the 12,000gns Caylers Gladiator.

Glenericht Leghorn

was the next to go and the first of two bulls to sell for 6,500gns. Sired by the £25,000 Royal Highland Show champion Maerdy Impeccable he was knocked down to W Haddow, Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire.

A March 2015-born son of the 13,000gns Highland Show junior male champion Kelton Trident was the final lot to sell for 6,500gns. The Class Winner Innisrush Lancelot exhibited by William Whyte, Portglenone, Co Antrim found a new home with WJ Jack and Sons, Muir of Ord.

Averages: 83 bulls £5,671

 

Auctioneers: United Auctions

 

October 19, 2016 Blelack Charolais sell to a top of 30,000gns at the Stirling Autumn Sale

Charolais females sold to a packed ringside in Stirling on Tuesday 18 October at the breed’s official autumn sale. With the eagerly anticipated dispersal of the Massie family’s Blelack herd the main feature of the day. Bidding peaked at 30,000gns for a stock bull and forty-two sets of cow and calves averaged £4,895.

The star in the main section and selling for 6,000gns was the female champion Goldies Lulu ET exhibited by Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfries-shire. The 18 month old is sired by the 12,000gns Goldies Elation whose first son was junior champion and sold for 15,000gns October 2013. Her home-bred dam Goldies Hippy goes back to the popular and renowned easy calving Blelack Digger and she travels home to Llandysul, Ceredigion with EW Davies. Judge Rob Adam, Glamis, Forfar commented “she was very correct, had a good back end and great character”.

Mr Goldie carried on his success also securing the reserve championship with the December 2014-born Goldies Jessie out of another home-bred set – dam Goldies Uppity and sire Goldies Formidable who also sired the highest priced 26,000 and 23,000gns bulls at Stirling in February. She took the fancy of GC King, Lisnadill, Co Armagh who paid 3,800gns to take her home.

Completing the set Mr Goldie went on to sell Goldies Jenny a 23 month old also sired by Goldies Formidable, she was purchased by AJ Ewing, Annan, Dumfries-shire for 3,000gns.

Also selling for a price tag of 3,800gns to W and CS Robb, Mauchline, Ayrshire, was the 13 month old Harestone Lucy sired by the 25,000gns Stirling reserve supreme champion Inverlochy Ferdie and consigned by Neil R Barclay, Insch, Aberdeenshire.

The Main event of the day was the dispersal of Neil Massie’s Blelack herd. The herd was established in 1972 and has gone on to sell animals consistently well at sales throughout the years. 42 sets of cows and calves made up the majority of the section and sold to a top price of 10,800gns.

The top lot at 10,800gns was Blelack Harlot by the 10,000gns Balmyle Dingle and her six month old daughter Blelack Mayflower sired by Oakchurch Igor who sold later in the day. The pair was purchased by W and CS Robb, Mauchline, Ayrshire. Mr Robb also went on to purchase the top priced maiden heifer Blelack Lulu a 17 month old by Caylers Hustler for 5,000gns.

Next to sell at 10,200gns was Blelack Gorgeous and her five month old bull calf Blelack Mercedes. Ugie Dynamo daughter Gorgeous will be travelling over the water to Eire with M Phillips, Gurteen, Co Sligo while her son Mercedes sired by Caylers Hustler caught the eye of Smallburn Farms, Elgin Morayshire.

Blelack Harlot by the 10,000gns Balmyle Dingle and her six month old daughter Blelack Mayflower sired by Oakchurch Igor who sold later in the day secured the same price of 10,200gns this time staying together being purchased by W and CS Robb, Mauchline, Ayrshire. Mr Robb also went on to purchase the top priced maiden heifer Blelack Lulu a 17 month old by Caylers Hustler for 5,000gns.

Another pair going to separate homes and securing a total of 9,800gns were Blelack Isobel

sired by Blelack Digger who was purchased by E Johnston and Sons, Cookstown, Co Tyrone and her six month old heifer calf Blelack Mavis

who sold to NA Wattie, Alford, Aberdeenshire is sired by Maerdy Henley who also went on to sell later in the day.

W Milne, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire was next to purchase a mother and son set at 8,600gns. Blelack Harriet a daughter of the 15,000gns Goldies Dynamite sold along with her five month old bull calf Blelack Mandarin

sired by Caylers Hustler.

At 7,100gns was the October 2013-born Blelack India

and her twin 6 month old heifer calves. India by the 11,000gns Maerdy Dublin and her daughters Blelack Mabel and Blelack Maddie sired by Maerdy Henley will stay in Scotland with JW Girvan, Kelso, Roburghshire.

Two pairs sold for 6,800gns and the first was purchased by JS Fraser, Muir of Ord, Ross-shire; Blelack Glenis

a daughter of Goldies Dynamite and the five month old Blelack Magnolia

by Caylers Hustler.

Another pair to bring 6,800gns when knocked down J Donnelly, Dromore, Co Tyrone was Blelack Emelia

and her May born heifer calf Blelack Margo sired by Balthayock Bard and Oakchurch Igor respectively.

Just behind on 6,500gns was a cow bred by Alan Lawson. Alsnow Emulous by the 12,000gns Gwenog Banjo and her four month old bull calf Blelack Missouri

another son of Oakchurch Igor commanded an 11,000gns bid from C Smeaton and Son, Forfar, Angus.

Next along were the in-calf heifers all served by Maerdy Henley. Leading this section at 5,500gns and purchased by JM Wood, Penrith, Cumbria was Blelack Jane

, a 28 month old by Goldies Dynamite.

At 3,500gns was Blelack Jan

sired by the 26,000gns Balbithan Vespasian. This April 2014-born lass was knocked down to MR McCornick, Kirkcowan, Newtonstewart.

Two 29 month old heifers made 3,200gns; the first was the 10,000gns Vexour Garth daughter Blelack Joy who was purchased by Jannoch and Sons, South Leckaway, Forfar and matching the 3,200gns price tag and catching the eye of Messrs Thomas was Blelack Jenica

whose sire is Goldies Dynamite.

The maiden heifers also sold well and two lots sold for a price tag of 4,200gns. Blelack Leanne was the first – a March 2015-born daughter of Maerdy Henley she caught the eye of Messrs Wood.

The second to secure 4,200gns, this time snapped up by JM Wood, Penrith, Cumbria was the 16 month old Blelack Lara by Caylers Hustler.

The next two heifers were both also sired by Caylers Hustler. At 3,800gns the 16 month old Blelack Lemontree sold to JH Wilson, Newry, Co Down and the slightly older April 2015-born Blelack Laura

was purchased by WD Mundell and Son, Clovenfords, Galashiels for 3,500gns.

The youngest lone lot of the sale was Blelack Maisie ET an eight month old whose dam had sold prior to the sale. A daughter of Blelack Montgomery she commanded an impressive 4,000gns when purchased by WJ Lewis and Son, Brecon, Powys.

Three herd sires were sold by the Massie’s. The first and highest priced at 30,000gns was Oakchurch Igor bred by J and A Price, Staunton-on-Wye, Herefordshire. Igor is a January 2013 born bull whose breeding includes sire Goldies Eddy and dam Goldies Uptowngirl going back to the 20,000gns Perth reserve supreme champion Blelack Rustic. The man behind the money was Mr D Sawrij, Swalesmoor Farms, Galashiels, Selkirkshire.

Caylers Hustler was next along and will be travelling home to Wales with Gareth Jones, Abergele, Clwyd. 12,000gns was the price paid for this 4 year old Thrunton Dominator son bred by Caylers Charolais Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire.

The Massie family’s final lot was the four year old Maerdy Henley bred by Esmor Evans, Mold, Flintshire. Adrian Ivory, Strathisla Farms, Blairgowrie purchased this son of the French National Show champion Begonia for 7,000gns.

Up next was the dispersal of the Guthire Herd of D and P Murray, By Forfar, Angus which was established in 1983. The lead lot was a mother and daughter pair selling for 4,400gns. Guthrie Dolly a Givendale Ulysse daughter and her ten month old calf Guthrie Lulu sired by Fallleninch Hamoraj sold separately. Lulu was purchased by JS Youngerson, Echt, Aberdeenshire and mother Dolly went home to Swadlingcote, Derbyshire with David Thornley.

Mr Thornley liked the look of the Murray’s animals and went on to purchase a cow and calf outfit at 3,400gns; Guthrie Iona by the Royal Highland Show champion Balmyle Eclipse and her four month old Hamzoraj sired daughter Guthrie Mistress.

Stock bull Falleninch Hamzoraj was the final lot in this section at 3,000gns. Bred by Andrew Hornall, Stirlingshire and sired by Begonia, this four year old is going home to work in Banchory, Aberdeenshire with JM Stewart.

The sale was completed by a small draft from the Elgin herd of RA Milne, Elgin, Morayshire and all four heifers found new homes. Topping the section at 3,800gns was Elgin Lily by the 14,000gns Westcarse Houdini, born in March 2015 she was purchased by Mr Reid.

Another daughter of Westcarse Houdini and out of Royal highland Show supreme champion Elgin Catherine was Elgin Lynsey who sold to J Wight and Sons, Biggar, Lanarkshire for 3,600gns.

Averages: 8 females £3,255, 4 Elgin heifers £2,993 Guthrie Dispersal: seven cow and calves £2,910, eight heifers £1923, one stock bull £3,000 Blelack Dispersal: 42 cows and calves £4,910, eight dry cows £2,441, 14 in-calf heifers £2,753, 17 maiden heifers £2,755, three stock bulls £17,150

Auctioneers: United Auctions

 

October 18, 2016 Stirling Sale 18th & 19th October 2016

Show Results

Junior Champion
David & Nick Walter – Balthayock Loyalist – s. Maerdy Grenadier

Reserve Junior Champion
Harold Stubbs & Alan Burleigh – Derryharney Leebee – s. Corrie Alan

Intermediate Champion
Anne MacPherson – Blackford Leonardo – s. Elgin Davinci

Reserve Intermediate Champion
Hamish Goldie – Goldies Linford ET – s. Blelack Digger

Senior Champion
Neil Barclay – Harestone Largo – s. Thrunton Fearless

Reserve Senior Champion
WK & P Drysdale – Glenericht Justsogood – s. Caylers Gladiator

Female Champion
Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lulu ET – s. Goldies Elation

Reserve Female Champion
Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jessie – s. Goldies Formidable

Supreme Champion
Anne MacPherson – Blackford Leonardo – s. Elgin Davinci
Reserve Supreme Champion
Hamish Goldie – Goldies Linford ET – s. Blelack Digger

 

Class 1 – Bulls born on or between 31/10/2014 & 19/01/2015
1st – WK & P Drysdale – Glenericht Justsogood – s. Caylers Gladiator
2nd – Esmor Evans – Maerdy Lopez – s. Maerdy Grenadier
3rd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Julian – s. Goldies Formidable
4th – Neil Barclay – Harestone Lager – s. Thrunton Fearless
5th – Mervyn McKeown – Royaldowns Juggler – s. Thrunton Fairfax

Class 2 – Bulls born on or between 20/01/2015 & 10/02/2015
1st – Neil Barclay – Harestone Lee ET – s. Thrunton Socrates
2nd – Neil Barclay – Harestone Lad ET – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
3rd – Neil Barclay – Harestone Land – s. Thrunton Fearless
4th – Neil Barclay – Harestone Lazy ET – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
5th – Dykes Farm – Hodges Lancelot – s. Thrunton Galviston

Class 3 – Bulls born on or between 11/02/2015 & 02/03/2015
1st – Neil Barclay – Harestone Lynx – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
2nd – Neil Barclay – Harestone Lark ET – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
3rd – WP Bruce Ltd – Balmyle Lonestar – s. Maerdy Egret
4th – Neil Barclay – Harestone Lotto ET – s. Thrunton Socrates
5th – Jenny & John Rix – Wissington Liberal – s. Thrunton Hammerstein

Class 4 – Bulls born on or between 03/03/2015 & 13/03/2015
1st – Neil Barclay – Harestone Largo – s. Thrunton Fearless
2nd – O’Kane Bros – Ovill Lancelot ET – s. Dingle Hofmeister
3rd – Neil Barclay – Harestone Leader – s. Thrunton Fearless
4th – Jack Nicoll Farms Limited – Mornity Lucas – s. Maerdy Hwre
5th – WP Bruce Ltd – Balmyle Logic – s. Maerdy Egret

Class 5 – Bulls born on or between 14/03/2015 & 21/03/2015
1st – William Whyte – Innisrush Lancelot – s. Kelton Trident
2nd – Neil Barclay – Harestone Lewis ET – s. Thrunton Socrates
3rd – Neil Barclay – Harestone Lion ET – s. Thrunton Socrates
4th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Lexagon – s. Burradon Garibaldi
5th – D Muirhead – Firhills Lotus – s. Maerdy Grenadier

Class 6 – Bulls born on or between 22/03/2015 & 27/03/2015
1st – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Lordship – s. Barnsford Ferny
2nd – D Muirhead – Firhills Legend – s. Maerdy Grenadier
3rd – WP Bruce Ltd – Balmyle Luke – s. Maerdy Egret
4th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Lenox – s. Burradon Garibaldi
5th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Legolas – s. Thrunton Gladiator

Class 7 – Bulls born on or between 27/03/2015 & 04/04/2015
1st – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Linford ET – s. Blelack Digger
2nd – MJ Massie – Elrick Legend – s. Thrunton Fearless
3rd – James Jeffrey – Kersknowe Lord – s. Harestone Glenlivet
4th – NF Massie & Sons – Blelack Lucifer – s. Maerdy Henley
5th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lotus ET – s. Blelack Digger

Class 8 – Bulls born on or between 05/04/2015 & 13/04/2015
1st – S & D Bothwell – Killadeas Larry – s. Gwenog Braveheart
2nd – Gerwyn Jones – Graiggoch Lad ET – s. Barnsford Ferny
3rd – T & S Gatherer – Border Legionnaire – s. Sandelford Harrison
4th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Lancia – s. Thrunton Gladiator
5th – JHC Campbell & Sons – Thrunton Lance – s. Burradon Garibaldi

Class 9 – Bulls born on or between 14/04/2015 & 24/04/2015
1st – Anne MacPherson – Blackford Leonardo – s. Elgin Davinci
2nd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Landmark – s. Barnsford Ferny
3rd – Richard McCornick – Ricnick Leonidas – s. Whitecliffe Harlequin
4th – David & Nick Walter – Balthayock Legend – s. Swalesmoor Cracker
5th – BA & PT Heath – Sackville Lloyd – s. Alwent Goldbar

Class 10 – Bulls born on or between 25/04/2015 & 30/04/2015
1st – Kenneth Veitch – Drumlone Landmark – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
2nd – WK & P Drysdale – Glenericht Legendry – s. Brampton Nacodar
3rd – John & Sandra Middleton – Hollywell Landini – s. Alwent Goldbar
4th – Andrew Hornall – Falleninch Lyle – s. Dereskit Fernando
5th – WP Bruce Ltd – Balmyle Leopold – s. Maerdy Hearthrob

Class 11 – Bulls born on or between 01/05/2015 & 04/05/2015
1st – DM Lyle – Loganbar Ludavic – s. Elrick Historian
2nd – Jack Nicoll Farms Limited – Mornity Lion– s. Blelack Challenger
3rd – James Jeffrey – Kersknowe Larry – s. Inverlochy Fencer
4th – RA Milne & Sons – Elgin Lancer – s. Westcarse Houdini
5th – Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Liferaft – s. Balthayock Gladiator

Class 12 – Bulls born on or between 05/05/2015 & 13/05/2015
1st – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Lezard – s. Barnsford Ferny
2nd – Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsmans Lancelot – s. Barnsford Ferny
3rd – NF Massie & Sons – Blelack Landmark – s. Oakchurch Igor
4th – RA & J Blyth – Marwood Lockey – s. Burradon Goldenballs
5th – Alasdair Houston – Gretnahouse Lord – s. Balthayock Gladiator

Class 13 – Bulls born on or between 14/05/2015 & 23/05/2015
1st – David & Nick Walter – Balthayock Loyalist – s. Maerdy Grenadier
2nd – Harold Stubbs & Alan Burleigh – Derryharney Leebee – s. Corrie Alan
3rd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Landmark ET – s. Blelack Digger
4th – JM Cant & Partners – Panmure Lucifer – s. Thrunton Firecracker
5th – George Henderson – Sandelford Lamont – s. Conval Frank

Class 14 – Bulls born on or between 24/05/2015 & 02/06/2015
1st – O’Kane Bros – Ovill Lennon ET – s. Goldies Usher
2nd – Richard & Alison Tucker – Gower Lionking – s. Mortimers Jaguar
3rd – RT Roberts – Brynffanigl Lord – s. Blelack Digger
4th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lad – s. Blelack Digger
5th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lightning – s. Goldies Elation

Class 15 – Bulls born on or after 03/06/2015
1st – Brian Redhead & Johnathan Watson – Tweeddale Lotus – s. Blelack Blackberet
2nd – George Henderson – Sandelford Longmire – s. Conval Frank
3rd – S & D Bothwell – Killadeas Lion – s. Gwenog Braveheart
4th – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lancer – s. Goldies Uppermost
5th – Brian Redhead & Johnathan Watson – Tweeddale Lester – s. Blelack Blackberet

Class 16 – Heifers born on or between 20/08/2014 & 27/04/2015
1st – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Lulu ET – s. Goldies Elation
2nd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jessie – s. Goldies Formidable
3rd – Hamish Goldie – Goldies Jenny – s. Goldies Formidable
4th – John & Sandra Middleton – Hollywell Lavinia – s. Alwent Goldbar
5th – Jan Boomaars – Vexour Lanky – s. Newhouse Emperor

Class 17 – Heifers born on or after 1 September 2015
1st – Neil Barclay – Harestone Locket – s. Invlerochy Ferdie
2nd – Neil Barclay – Harestone Lucy – s. Invlerochy Ferdie
3rd – Neil Barclay – Harestone Lyre – s. Invlerochy Ferdie

 

October 14, 2016 Meeting the new weight specifications

Meeting the new weight specifications 

Charolais cross steers can be fast finished within the new weight specification according to the Watson family’s system at Darnford, Banchory, Aberdeenshire.  

Their latest crop of steers achieved the following performance. 

Table 1: Darnford steer performance 2016

	Finished Dwt (kg)	Finished age (months)	Est DLG (kg)	Ave DDWG (kg)	KO%
Charolais cross steers ave	380.62	16.76	1.28	0.76	58
Average Q-Box	370.56	21.56	0.99	0.60	–

Source: MacIntosh Donald

 

The following scatter graph demonstrates how the Darnford steers consistently achieved beyond target performance

 

 The Darnford system: key features 

Genetics

Charolais has been the preferred terminal sire for over 25 years. Bulls are selected initially on visual appraisal for feet and mobility, and then from the breed’s top 10% and in particular for weight EBVs.

Damline, Salers. Heifer replacements are selected for size, feet, temperament and maternal qualities.

Management

Split calving herd: a 12 week calving period is maintained in the spring calving herd, and over nine weeks in autumn, to help simplify management. Steers and heifers are separated at eight month weaning enabling a tailored nutrition programme which takes in to account their very different requirements. All animals are allowed to grow to achieve adequate frame size before being intensively finished.

Nutrition

All diets home mixed using the same basic ingredients – homegrown forage and cereals combined with cost effective bought in by-products. The key is formulating diets specific to age, weight and gender, consequently they offer flexibility to vary starch and protein levels at key stages of development. See Table 1. Herd nutritionist, Harbro’s David MacKenzie offers the following pointers.

 

• Calves: low-starch creep feed to avoid early fat deposition.
• Yearlings: reasonably high protein diet, 15% to 17% CP, with limited starch, to encourage lean growth and frame development.
• Cattle are turned out for a limited three month grazing period and set stocked, followed by housing in early August. They are introduced to full finishing rations after they reach 500kg liveweight.
• Steers: low protein, high starch finisher.
• Heifers: higher protein, lower starch finisher
• Both steer and heifer diets are formulated with limited forage and balanced with cereal and dark grains in order to achieve the correct fat cover and meat yield.

 

 

Table 1: Darnford herd diets

	DM %	ME/kg DM	CP%	FCR	Main diet components
Calf creep	86.00	12.50	18.7	3.5:1	Maxammon alkaline treated barley, distillers dark grains, sugar beet, minerals plus yeast and Rumitech
Yearling steer	47.00	12.70	15.8	9:1	TMR: grass silage, alkaline treated barley, distillers dark grains, sugar beet, minerals plus yeast and Rumitech
Yearling heifer	43.00	12.40	17.2	8:1	As above
Finishing steer	65.00	13.00	13.5	9.2:1	TMR: limited forage, increased treated alkaline barley, distillers dark grains, sugar beet, minerals plus yeast and Rumitech
Finishing heifer	60.00	12.90	15.5	8.4:1	TMR: limited forage, treated alkaline barley, distillers dark grains, sugar beet, minerals plus yeast and Rumitech

Source: Darnford/Harbro

Measuring and monitoring

All cattle are weighed and benchmarked – at birth, at eight month weaning and thereafter at six weekly intervals until reaching target finishing weight.

Health

Closed herd, member of the SRUC Premium Cattle Health Scheme, own herd health plan reviewed annually with the farm vet.