Perths the place if its pedigree beef you need

17 October 1997

Perths the place if its pedigree beef you need

FARMERS from around the country will soon be converging on Perth for pedigree beef week.

This years event, which runs from Oct 20-23, will see a record entry of more than 1600 bulls and females from nine breeds.

But with finished beef prices still in the doldrums – and no sign of any lifting of the export ban – many of those heading to Scotland think prices will struggle to reach last years levels.

As Nairn farmer Sandy Innes says: "Theres over 500 Charolais going – but there wont be a market for 500. Its probably just the top half that will be needed."

Shropshire-based Richard Bartle reckons the lacklustre prime cattle market and the latest red meat health scares will take their toll on trade.

The drop in the cull value of bulls from over £1000 to nearer £300, due to the over-30-month scheme, will also have an impact.

Concentrate on quality

"Farmers will be hanging on to their existing stock bull longer."

But its not all doom and gloom. Prices will be buoyant for the good stock, says Mr Bartle. "Breeders must keep concentrating on quality – and be brave enough to kill the bottom end."

Mr Bartles hoping to repeat the success of the Feb 1996 event, when he and Christine Williams collected the top spot in the Limousin section with a bull that made 7200gns.

"Not a bad price considering that was the year all the snow was on the ground," says Mr Bartle.

United Auctions auctioneer David Leggat agrees values are likely to be down on last year. "Pedigree people are mindful of the plight that commercial beef producers have had to face."

And as the industry evolves, more and more herds are dispersed, so the need for stock bulls falls, adds Mr Leggat.

"But judging by the bulls on this summers showing circuit, there should be a terrific selection on offer."

Variety and choice will be central. "Therell be a bull for all seasons," says Mr Leggat.

"Theres always a terrific buzz around the place. You just never know whats coming next."

&#8226 Charolais again head the male entry, with 521 catalogued. Also going through the ring will be 261 Limousin bulls, 238 Simmentals and 127 Aberdeen-Angus. Among the females will be the final dispersal of the De Crespigny Charolais herd which, founded 30 years ago, is one of the breeds oldest-established and most successful outfits.n

From far and wide, theyll be coming to Perth… Albert and Paul Clements (top) will be travelling from Darshams Farm, Stowmarket, Suffolk. For the first time, theyll be taking three breeds – among them these Simmental bulls (above). So far, its been a good year for the Clements, the highlight being a string of awards at the Great Yorkshire Show. Meanwhile bringing a team of 11 Charolais bulls south from Nairn will be Sandy Innes (below). Hes another well-known face on the show circuit, getting well among the honours at this years Royal.

Were you at Perth when –

&#8226 A capacity crowd sent bidding to 11,000gns for Aberdeen-Angus in Feb 97?

&#8226 Enthusiasts fought their way through snow and blizzards to see a Simmental top the trade at 14,000gns in Feb 96?

&#8226 Silver Joss, a Charolais bull unplaced in the judging, topped the trade at 30,000gns in Oct 95?

&#8226 A Limousin bull, bred by the then 17-year-old Matthew Jones from Brecon, set a centre record of 17,000gns in Feb 95?

(gns)(£)

Charolais20,0003378

Simmental13,0002450

Limousin12,0003332

Aberdeen-Angus80002798