Taking Stock

Not quite the ecstatic trade that was last year, but Charolais breeders would have ended on a high following a solid trade for Charolais bulls at the February Perth sales, with 197 bulls levelling at an average £5426.

A top call of 32,000gns was given for the overall champion, Solitude Attaboy, came from John McMordie's Solitude herd of eight Charolais cows and 45 Herefords at Ballygowan, Northern Ireland.

As promised - a lovely video from Perth:

With pedigree bulls selling to a top price of 6000gns, trade was brisk at Aberdeen & Northern Marts' multibreed show and sale today at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie.

Following his spring show record price in 2006, John Wilson of Kinclune, Glenkindie, again led the way in the sale ring with his first prize-winning Charolais Kinclune Ace selling for the top price of 6000gns to W and N Milne, Milton of Edinglassie, Strathdon.

A full brother of last year's record breaking animal, this year's sale leader was a home-bred June 2005-born son of the 14000gns Caylers Solomon.

Charolais bulls met a flying trade selling to 7000gns in Dungannon on Saturday at the Northern Ireland Charolais club's official early spring show and sale. Strong demand for Charolais females was reflected in the bidding to a top of 4200gns twice.

Sale topper was the event's senior male and reserve overall champion, Solitude Aled (CH34) from John McMordie, Ballygowan who 10 days earlier had turned out the supreme Perth champion, Solitude Attaboy that sold for a 32,000gns NI record.

A Doonally New son, and out of one of best breeding females from his eight cow herd, Aled qualified for the NI Elite Beef Quality Initiative and he sold to Noel McIlwaine, Plumbridge.

The Charolais breed has certainly set a trend over many years, particualry following the most recent successful trading at Perth bull sales. However, I'm not really convinced how well this Australian one would have faired up in Scotland!!

With only 19 bulls forward for the Carlisle Charolais sale, a depressing five only managed to sell through the ring. Caylors Angus from A B Barker sold for the days top price of 3000gns.

Well the west country grass has obviously started growing because the store buyers and more importantly their cheque books were out in force at Exeter last week.

Topping the trade were a pair of Charolais cross steers at £650 apiece, while heifers of the same breed made up to £645. And I thought show cattle were making daft money this spring.

With finished prices little more than £50 above these store prices someone's got to be losing money on the steers and unless the heifers are being bought as breeders then it's futile trying to do the sums on them!

Now this did make me laugh! Showing and selling cattle in the States has always made me giggle, but this has to top it!

Check this report out where a 9-year old girl (with her pink showstick) caught the eye of buyers round the sale ring, where she sold her Charolais steer for $34,000 - I'm not saying a word!

Balbithan Ammonite from Mr and Mrs Andrew White topped the trade at the south west Charolais club's spring show and sale at Holsworthy on Wednesday.

The 16 month old bull, by Inverlochy Topsire and with a terminal sire value of CH26 lead the sale at 3250gns now joins Peter Worth's Marmchurch, Bude-based suckler herd.

Next top was Moynton Ascott, an October 2005-born son of Dingle Hofmeister from Peter Old's Dorchester-based herd. Brought out by herd stockmen Mike Yeandle, Ascott has a beef value of CH39 and was bought by Peter Heard, Okehampton.

Reserve championship went to Littlebovey Aero from Henry and Emma Vooght, Bovey Tracey. Aero sold for 2600gns to J Smythe Barnstaple.

Who says Charolais only really sell in Perth.....not Welshpool goers that's for sure. Ok not quite the 30,000gns we have all grown to expect at Perth, but 5800gns is a pretty impressive price for Welshpool.

Solid commercial demand for bulls underpinned by the premium marketplace for Charolais cross calves set a buoyant trade at the breed society's official spring show and sale.

Bidding peaked at 5800gns, a 3800gns price both started and closed the sale, 31 lots sold to achieve a new centre record average of £2,868 and an 85% clearance was achieved.

Sale leader was the day's champion, Maerdy Amorist (CH23), a 17 month old from Flintshire based vet, Esmor Evans, Mold.

A tremendous support from commercial buyers meant a packed ringside at Brecon last week saw bidding peak at 5700gns for Charolais bulls and 17 lots sold to average £2477.

Commenting on the sale McCartney's auctioneer Chris Thomas said it was the first time a pedigree Charolais sale in Brecon attracted so much interest from suckler breeders seeking bulls, particularly those eligible for the HCC's Welsh Beef Quality Improvement Scheme.

Sale leader at 5700gns was the day's champion Cargriff Apex, a 21 month old within the breed's top 10% with a beef value of CH31. A Roundshill Sarcous son and out of a homebred cow going back to Lecreuse lines, Apex was bred and exhibited by Carmarthen-based Griff and Carolyn Morris. He sold to E R Thomas, Holyhead.

I see Doonally New dominated Monday's Charolais sale at Dungannon, where bidding peaked at 7000gns and 22 entries sold to average £2314 .

Sale leader at 7000gns was the day's overall male and supreme champion, Dartonhall Amazon, a superior carcass bull by Major from John Erskine, Armagh. Amazon sold to the judge, Danny McKay, of Ballymena.

Next to go at 3400gns was Cecil McIlwaine's (Newtownstewart), Corrick Aristocrat, the first of the top priced Doonally New sons, rated superior for both carcass and maternal traits. He was knocked down sold to Sean Small, Dungannon.

Caldwell McAskie, Omagh took the reserve senior male with Mountjoy Amulet, a superior carcass bull by Tullgarley Superman. He was bid to 3000gns by Malcolm Fleming, Magherafelt.

Selling at 2900gns was Tullygirvan Gondolier, an Elite bull from Cecil Robinson, Ballygowan. Again a Doonally New son and out of an Oscar daughter and went home with R Kennedy, Claudy.

Two lots shared a bid of 2700gns. First to go was Dernaseer Archie, another Doonally New son, this time from Dominic Arthur, Dungannnon to Fred Hanna, Ballymoney. Also making 2700gns was Ballyvaddy Braveheart, the event's junior male champion and overall reserve champion exhibited by William McVey, Carnlough. A Roundshill Ohoh grandson, he went home with Tony Brady, Galway.

The female section was led at 3300gns by Drumlone Anna, a Brampton Embark daughter exhibited by Kenneth Veitch, Lisbellaw. The buyer was John McMordie, Ballygowan. The same exhibitor took the female championship with Drumlone Abba, a Simpsons Gregg daughter and out of the NI National Charolais Show junior female champion, Drumlone Tarka. Abba made 2900gns to James McCurdy, Broughshane.

Averages: 22 bulls £2,314

Local exhibitors clinched both the cattle and sheep titles at last week's Leicestershire Show, with Charolais heifer Thrunton Agatha lifting the interbreed beef award for Gaynor McDowell and father Colin, under judge Richard Bartle.

Agatha was purchased from the Campbell family's Thrunton herd as a calf and is one of 12 Charolais owned by the family. Standing reserve overall beef was Aberdeen Angus heifer Hawstead Lodge Pamela from Bury St Edmunds-based Andrew Brown.

Among the sheep it was the turn of Mary Tulloch to collect the silverware with her Charollais shearling ewe which had earlier led its breed classes. By homebred sire Rutland Ensign, the ewe was on its first outing of the season for Mrs Tulloch.

Second spot here was clinched by the Jacob champion from Alan and June Smith, with their homebred ewe Ewecote Lottie.

A top call of 17,000gns and an average of £3441 marked a solid demand for Charolais bulls at Saturday's Charolais sale, Carlisle.

Leading the way was Alsnow Almighty from Alan Jackson, Hallington, Newcastle on Tyne. Almighty, with a breeding value of CH21 and by 18,000gns sire Derryharney Outstanding, sold to join Bob Roberts Brynffanigl herd, Abergele, Clwyd.

This was the first time Mr Jackson had taken a five figure bid in 20 years of Charolais breeding.

Second top call was 10,000gns made for Caylers Boomerang, a 15 month old from the Barker family's Caylers herd, Royston, Hertfordshire. By Maerdy Uniroyal, Boomerang has a breeding value of CH32 and goes back to Maerdy on his dam's side too. Mkaing the final bid were P Cooper and Son, Kilcadrum, Forfar.

Beef Expo may be the technical event of the beef industry, but once again it was the show of suckled calves which drew the crowds.

Judge for the day was Hugh Dunlop and it was no surprise his task took him a little longer than expected, with a wealth of quality calves before him.

Having caught the eye of noted Smithfield champion exhibitor Mr Dunlop the minute she walked in the ring, the Belgian Blue x Limousin heifer Black Beauty from Tecwyn Jones sparkled in the lightweight heifer class, to go on and take the Continental heifer championship and overall title.

Described as being in just the right condition for this time of the show season, Mr Dunlop told Taking Stock he had no hesitation in selecting the animal as his champion. "I came here not knowing whether I would place a suckled calf or a well fleshed animal, but she had my attention right from the start, oozing great style, ring presence and fantastic locomotion."

The 402kg, nine month old heifer from Carmarthenshire-based Mr Jones, who also runs 45 pedigree Welsh Black's under the Seisiog prefix, was bought privately for an undisclosed figure from noted show cattle producer Trefor Jones. Black Beauty next heads for the Royal Welsh and will ultimately end up at the Welsh Winter Fair.

Suffolk show as always proved its worth as a true farming show this week, with strong livestock entries in all sections and large farming crowds thronging the judging rings.

Continentals ruled the championship rings as a Charollais ram took top honours in the sheep rings and a Charolais cow rearing twins scooped the beef interbreed silverware.

The sheep leader cam from Jonathan and Carol Barber's Crogham flock of 120 ewes and was bought two years ago for 600gns in conjuction with Stuart Dudley of the Hyde flock.

Bred in Northern Ireland, the tup is by noted sire Southam Bob the Builder and out of a Mawhinney ewe, he previously stood interbreed at last year's Royal Norfolk Show and has been used extensively in both the Crogham and Hyde flocks.

Reserve spot in the sheep lines was taken by the Suffolk champion, a ram lamb from Gordon and Elizabeth Beddie's flock from Swaffham, Norfolk. This January-born lamb had stood first in a strong class under breed judge Helen Goldie before beating off stiff competition to clinch male and breed championship.

In the beef rings the leader was seven year old Charolais cow Moathall Roney from the Wicks family's 80-cow Moathall herd from Mellis, Eye, Suffolk. Roney who was shown with her twin calves at foot was described by judge John White, of Midlock, Biggar, as having an exceptional head and superb topline.

Standing second to Roney was the Limousin leader, Segala from Doug Mash's Brockhurst herd. Five year old Segala was imported from France last year and now heads on to Rutland, East of England, the Royal and the Royal Welsh.

And the Charolais also triumphed in the interbreed pairs competition, beating off stiff opposition from the Belgian Blue pairing to lift the title.


But the Blues did one better taking the group of three title - from the Barwood and Padfield team came Ridge Dean Sherry, Ridge Dean Wren (both with their two heifer calves) and the homebred bull Piggots Artful Dodger.

In the Native championship it was a win for the Aberdeen Angus heifer of Andrew Brown, Hawstead Lodge Pamela.

Meanwhile, the dairy championship was dominated by traditional breeds, with the Jersey leader standing champion ahead of the top British Friesian.

Bolderston and Partners' 2002-born cow Tetfor Hall Danni lead the way having calved in April and given 40kgs a day at the peak of her last lactation. Danni runs as part of the partnership's 80 cow mixed herd alongside Ayrshires and Holsteins.

Following closely behind was 2000-born British Friesian cow Oakalby Breadwinner S Ruth 34 from the Burroughs family's Beccles-based herd.

Taking the Dexter title for the fourth year running was Roseamry and Stuart Creasey with their February 2005 born heifer Langley End Alison, a heifer that had taken the title the year before.

Among the pigs it was another interbreed success for Guy Kiddy's Withersfield herd of Large Whites. Taking the honours for Mr Kiddy this time was his July 2006 born gilt Withersfield Blackberry 151, shown by Shuttleworth college student Stuart Warby.

Reserve pig champion was Carol Knights' Gloucester Old Sow boar Also Sambo from Mrs Knights 12 sow herd.

Among the commercial pigs it was another win for Peter Reeder with a homebred gilt. His winner was a Maximus x Large White x Landrace.

Last week's South of England show was a particularly good one for Taking Stock with both regular contributors invoved in bringing forward champions.

For my part I managed to clinch the interbreed sheep title for the second year in a row with a Southdown shearling ram, while Chrissie helped Thorndean Farms to the Limousin breed title with a two year old heifer, Thorndean At Last, sired by Sheelin Nato.

Elsewhere in the beef lines it was the turn of Mortimers Farms' stockman Charlie Maclean to lead out the winner, Charolais cow Mortimers Racey. By Gretnahouse Napoleon and out of homebred cow Mortimers Madonna, Racey was shown with a Mortimers Upstart sired calf at foot and just the week before had stood interbreed champion at the Royal Bath and West.

Unshown since 2002 when she lifted the breed championship at the Highland as a heifer, Racey beat the Angus champion, Andrew Brown's heifer Hawstead Lodge Pamela into reserve.

Pamela, who stood native champion at last week's Suffolk Show, is by Blelack Black Beret and was led out by Kevin Byford.

Females dominated proceedings at last weekend's East of England Show, clinching the overall interbreed beef title, the commercial beef championship, the interbreed sheep championship and the interbreed pig silverware.

Leading the way was Doug Mash's French bred Limousin cow Segala from his family's Brockhurst herd. Imported just over a year a go and shown with her November 2006-born calf at foot, Segala now heads to the Royal and Royal Welsh.

Standing reserve here was the Aberdeen Angus champion, Briston Echo, from Duncan Jeary's 60-cow herd. By Tegnose Pensboy and out of Briston Briarthorn, Echo was also shown with her March-born calf at foot.

Heading up the commercial classes was the Limousin cross heifer Miss Moneypenny from Sennybridge-based Elfed Williams. Brought out by Neil and Sally Lloyd of Black and Blue Show Team, Miss Moneypenny was bred by Andrew Davies and cost Mr Williams £7100.

Among the juniors it was the turn of another Limousin, Ironstone Brandy, from Smtihs of Bloxham's Ironstone herd which led the way. By Unesco, Brandy is out of record price Limousin female Bailea Umandy.

Narrowly pipped into reserve spot was Mike and Jean Dickens' Limousin cross heifer Splash, this one was bred by the Skidmore family.

One of the north east’s leading stockmen, Steven Nesbitt, of Alwent Hall, Winston, Darlington has been elected chairman of the British Charolais Cattle Society’s council of management. He succeeds Jimmy Wilson, of Barnyards, Mintlaw.

Steven has had an involvement breeding pedigree Charolais cattle on his family’s 200 acre mixed unit for more than 25 years since he established his Alwent pedigree herd which has grown to 25 breeding cows and produced a number of successful cattle at breed society official shows and sales, including the 13,000gns Royal Highland junior champion, Alwent Osprey and the Perth 2004 reserve champion, Alwent Ultimate.

Drew Adam, of Newhouse of Glamis, Forfar, Angus has been elected BCCS president. His noted 50 cow Newhouse pedigree Charolais herd which he farms in partnership with son, Bob is renowned for producing consistent entries for the official Perth bull sales and maintaining itself within the top 10 herd averages.

Iain Millar, Port of Menteith, Stirling is the society’s newly elected vice chairman. The latest members elected to BCCS Council are Martin Donaghy, Dungannon; Ben Harman, Chesham; Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green; and Alwyn Rees, Machynlleth.

It seems not all shows are challenged by bad weather, as Caithness sees a little sunshine, namely in the Charolais rings.

Ronnie Mackay, of Clyth Mains, Lybster, took the supreme cattle championship with Maerdy Acclaim, a two-year-old Charolais bull by Bally Brown Toby, and then went on to lift the champion of champions award.

In the sheep rings, one breed stuck out for judge Alastair Clark – the home-bred Texel ewe lamb, by Watchknowe Jimmy’s Pride, from Angus Sutherland’s Crosskirk, Forss, flock. The sheep champion went on to stand reserve to Mr Mackay’s supreme champion.

The tenth anniversary of the NI National Charolais Show at Ecclesville Equestrian Centre, Fintona saw Co.Fermanagh breeders walk off with the major titles when Adrian Richardson from Maguiresbridge took the supreme female of the show title and Stewart and David Bothwell from Ballinamallard were awarded the supreme male title.

Judge, Alaisdair Houston from the Gretnahouse herd first selected his supreme female champion, Hillviewfarm Bonnie, an Allanfauld Vagabond daughter out of Coolnaslee Regina.

Adrian Richardson purchased the dam from Gilbert Crawford’s herd at Maghera and her first calf took the female championship at a club show and sale in Dungannon, while a bull calf from this dam took the junior championship at the NI Charolais Club sale in Dungannon in May of this year and sold for 4200gns.

Standing in reserve female champion place was the reserve junior female champion, Burnside Bimp from Brian and William McAllister’s herd at Kells. This Mowbraypark Paramount daughter is out of Burnside Timp which took the supreme female title at Fintona for two years in succession, the only female to achieve this in the 10 years history of the show.

The 20 month old Charolais bull, Lowerffrydd Benhurr has been sold in a private deal for £15,000 to Welsh commercial suckled calf producer, Andrew Powell of Knighton, Powys.

Bred by John Evans, Powys, Benhurr is within the breed’s top 1% with a Beef Value of CH35. He is by Doonally New and out of Lowerffrydd Penny, a Moyness Lincoln daughter and claimed to be the top breeding female in his six cow herd.

Benhurr is the highest price bull sold since the herd was established 12 years ago, explains Mr Evans. “We focus on selecting for growth and conformation together with accompanying estimated breeding values, and this bull reflects everything we attempt to achieve.”

Charolais females met a solid trade selling to a top of 2600gns at the Northern Ireland Charolais Club’s official female show and sale in Dungannon.

Sale leader at 2600gns was Killadeas Alice, a heifer by Doonally New from father and son team, Stuart and David Bothwell, Ballinamallard. She sold to Thomas O'Neill, Claudy.

Brian Phair, Enniskillen produced the day’s top two prize winners. The junior and overall supreme title went to his Corryglass Belle, a Doonally Nicefor daughter. She made 2400gns to Libby Clarke, Lurgan.

Close behind Belle at 2300gns was her stable mate, Corryglass Action who was knocked down sold to Thomas O’Neill. A Balthayock Nougat daughter, this heifer had earlier on claimed the senior and reserve supreme champion awards.

The next entry at 2000gns was Dartonhall Anita, a heifer by Doonally New. Bred and exhibited by John Erskine, Killylea, she was secured by K Patterson, Killinchy.

Other leading heifer lots included Gilbert Crawford’s (Maghera) Coolnaslee Abigal at 1900gns to Philip White, Garvagh. William Oliver, Omagh sold Clanabogan Beauty at 1800gns to John McMordie, Ballygowan, while a second 1800gns bid secured Palace Brid from M Connolly, Clogher, to C Harron, Crumlin.

Averages: 32 lots £1410 (Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers’ Mart)

Leading the dispersal of Messrs Ferguson and M J Ferguson’s Lukes and Bewcastle Charolais herds was a top call of 2600gns for the stock bull Edenhurst Viceroy. The March 2004 Dingle Hofmeister son bred by P W Vasey now joins Derbyshire-based D J Collier.

In at 2200gns was GW and L Marsay, Stockton on Tees, for Maerdy Tracy, a January 2002 female sold with her heifer calf at foot by Organdi. One of a twin, Tracy is by Damas out of Maerdy Lady.

Averages: 28 cows served and/or suckling £928.25; 5 served heifers £798; 10 maiden and yearling heifers £560.70; 1 stock bull £2730; 5 young bulls £871.50 (Harrison and Hetherington).

Charolais bulls sold to a top of 7500gns in Dungannon last week at the Northern Ireland Charolais Clubs’ autumn show and sale where the day’s trade was fuelled by commercial suckler producers.

Sale leader at 7500gns was the reserve champion, Dartonhall Brandy, a 17 month old from John Erskine, Co Armargh. Sired by the Royal Highland champion, Ashleigh Victor who goes back to Doonally New, Brandy was knocked down to a consortium of three NI breeders, Sean McGovern, Martin Donaghy and Gregory Donnelly.

Next at 5600gns was Cloonmore Bernard, an April 2006 born Prince son, bred by Brian Fitzmaurice and offered by Gordon Cutler, Enniskillen. The buyer was Joe Connon, Ballymena.

Some 1700 animals made the trip to Thainstone last Friday as the 2008 farming year got off to a flying start at Aberdeen and Northern Marts’ annual anniversary show and sale.

With the overall champion selling for £1000 and the reserve champion achieving £850, trade was brisk.

Judge Philip Simmers, Backmuir, Keith placed as his overall champion and home bred champion a 660kg Charolais cross steer from Andrew Anderson, Smallburn Farms Ltd, Mayne Farm, Elgin, which he bought for £1000.

The overall reserve champion, a 510kg home bred Charolais cross heifer from R and J Greenlaw, Groddie Farm, Logie Coldstone also sold to the judge for £850.

Topping a rather poorly attended Charolais sale at Carlisle today was David Fattorini whose Fairway Bandtogether sold for 2800gns.

Homebred on both sides, he has a calving ease of 2.1 and milk value of 3.

More prices to follow shortly.......

Charolais met a strong trade peaking at 4900gns in Dungannon on Saturday at the Northern Ireland Club’s official spring fixture. The event attracted one of the largest ever entries and a near total clearance with 54 lots selling to average £2468.

Leading trade at Dungannon for Charolais bulls over the weekend was Rowandale Burbon, selling for 4900gns. Burbon is an 18 month old Anneskeagh Sandman son out of a homebred cow going back to the 10,000gns Harestone Nighthawk. Bred and exhibited by Darren McKay, Ballymena, this first class prize winner sold to Martin O’Kane, Dungiven.

The first ever Charolais bull to be exported to Poland was made at the weekend when Goldies Bonanza left Ruthwell, Dumfries for Warsaw, following a private deal for an undisclosed amount agreed between Hamish Goldie and facilitated by Norbreck Exports.

The 16 month old Bonanzo was the first pick of an entry of 10 Goldie bred bulls destined for the Perth February sales. The remaining nine sold to average more than 6000gns a piece.

“Bonanza was chosen for his all round exceptional conformation, ease of calving and good locomotion,” explains Mr Goldie. “He was also accompanied by a superb blend of genetics.” Bonanza was the first son of Newroddige Venture, the Royal Show junior champion and 10,000gns Perth reserve intermediate champion.

Venture’s dam was the highly acclaimed Royal Show Burke trophy champion, Mowbraypark Gigi. Furthermore, Bonanza’s dam, Goldies Uptowngirl is one of five full sisters to the 25,000gns Perth supreme and Royal Highland junior interbreed champion, Goldies Unbeatable.

Charolais bulls met a ready demand selling to a top of 4200gns at Welshpool last Thursday, at an official show and sale organised by the breed society specifically prior to the reintroduction of bluetongue movement restrictions. The society’s annual spring fixture will continue next month.

Sale topper at 4200gns was Newroddige Beethoven, a two year old within the breed’s top 5% with a terminal index of 32. An Inverlochy Resolve son and out of a dam going back to Maerdy Naser, Beethoven was bred and exhibited by Danny Wyllie, Edingale, Tamworth and sold to T Jones, Ystrad Meurig, Dyfed.

Charolais genetics seem to be going down well in Australia as one successful breeder has just sold 10 daughters of Bova Sylvain (a bull marketed over here by Rumsden Charolais) to average approx £7270 at 9 months old at the recent Palgrove sale in Australia, and sold to a top of 33,000 Aussie dollars (£15314).

The sale topped at 70,000$ for a donor cow that had been champion at Sydney Show. A pregnant recip carrying an embryo of that cow with Sylvain made 17,000$.

The first show of the 2008 spring season got underway at Caithness Livestock Centre this week with judge Mr A Shand, Ellon tapping out his champion in the form of a May-2006 born 729kg Charolais bullock from D A Budge, Brae Edge, Castletown which he purchased for £1180.

A large number of people were in attendance at Aberdeen and Northern Marts’ first store cattle show and sale of the spring season on Friday.

Edzell buyer A C Brown, Reidhall Farms, took advantage of the event to purchase three of the four prize winners on the day.

The overall champion was a 536kg September 2006-born homebred Charolais cross heifer which was exhibited by G & D Anderson, Brucewells, Netherley and sold for £980 to A.C Brown, Reidhall Farms, Edzell.

Winning the reserve championship was a 512kg homebred Charolais cross heifer from G Hendry, Heads of Auchinderran, Aultmore. It was also bought by A C Brown, Reidhall Farms, Edzell for £930.