AHDB Beef & Lamb Improved Herd Awards 2015

by Iain | Jul 30, 2015 | Uncategorised

Heathbrow Herd Wins Most Improved Herd Award for the Simmental breed

Heathbrow herd, owned by David and Lesley Sapsed from Hitchin in Hertfordshire, has been recognised by AHDB Beef & Lamb as the Most Improved Herd of British Simmental cattle in England for 2015.

The award is presented by the AHDB Beef & Lamb Better Returns Programme (BRP) to the recorded herd that shows the greatest genetic gain for commercial characteristics over a 12-month period. There is a separate award for each of 10 UK breeds.

Canadian genetics kick start polled herd 

The Heathbrow pedigree Simmental herd was established at High Heath Farm in 1996, following the dispersal of a dairy herd, and it has gradually replaced an existing mainly crossbred suckler herd. There are now 40 pedigree sucklers and 60 progeny on the 260 hectare (650 acre) farm, which also grows 200 hectares (500 acres) of cereals, with the assistance of long-term employee Kevin Jenkins.

“We had a few pedigree cows when we had the crossbred herd and the Simmentals had a phenomenal growth rate compared with the other breeds and plenty of milk, so we chose to build up their numbers,” says David.

“Lesley and I can manage them comfortably, having weeded out any temperament issues we came across.” They have now also proven they have great longevity on the farm.

They decided at the outset that polled Simmentals were the future. They felt Canada was where the best polled cattle were at that time and imported a polled bull and heifer from the AWL herd.

“Unfortunately the bull had an accident and died leaving no heifer calves, but the influence of AWL Starlet has been tremendous winning 10 breed championships and five interbreeds,” David says.

“However, her main contribution has been through her progeny. Although she has retired at over 20 years old, there are currently 19 descendants at Heathbrow, including three in the show team.”

Not all female lines on the farm are polled, but where horned animals have been bought they have come from outstanding female families, explains David. However, polled stock bulls have always been used alongside polled sires selected for Artificial Insemination. The result of careful selection and breeding means the herd is now 60 to 70 per cent polled.

Figures support pedigree stock selection

The current stock bull, Celtic Comet, was imported from Ireland three years ago and his progeny are almost all polled.  He has a Terminal Sire Index of 91 and Self-Replacing Index of 95.  He and the previous stock bull, Dirnanean Welcome 1, have both also had good Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) figures.

“When we buy a bull, we have to like the look of him first, then we check the indexes and want them to be within the top 20 per cent of the breed,” explains David.

The EBVs for Milk, Calving Ease and Gestation Length are also used as a management guide. Paying attention to Calving Ease Index in their bulls means the Sapseds have an easy calving herd. “Weighing the cattle regularly for Breedplan is a good discipline and highlights the above average 200 and 400-day weights,” adds David.

They also take a keen interest in the families of stock they buy. “It’s rare for us to buy a bull or heifer without seeing its mother, grandmother and sisters if possible.”

The Sapseds enjoy showing their stock, with help from Richard Davis. Their successes include the breed’s National Show championships in 2013 and 2014 with different animals, and the Reserve Champion with Heathbrow Freddie Star 14, a grandson of AWL Starlet in 2015, so the look of animals is important.

But these animals have also had good figures with Freddie Star having a Terminal Sire Index and a Self-Replacing Index in the top 20 per cent of the breed and the 2014 winner Heathbrow Duchess with both indices falling within the top ten per cent.

Performance recording boost sales

They started performance recording with Breedplan when some of the buyers of their pedigree stock began to ask for figures and it has also proven to be a good tool for managing the herd. “Combined with showing, it has helped move the herd upwards. We can see our EBV figures rising as we take out the bottom of the herd,” says David.

The quality of the herd means almost all bulls and heifers are sold from the farm. Often an initial contact is made at a show where doing well has helped build their reputation, but many repeat buyers continue to return when they want stock.

The aim of the herd is to breed stock fit for pedigree breeding, as replacements and to sell to other breeders. There are inevitably a few that are not quite good enough for breeding and the Sapseds

by Iain | Jul 23, 2015 | Uncategorised

PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL DNA SAMPLES FOR THE BULLS YOU ARE ENTERING FOR STIRLING OCTOBER ARE SENT TO THE OFFICE BY NO LATER THAN THE 14TH AUGUST OR LATE FEES WILL BE APPLIED.

HERD HEALTH DECLARATIONS MUST ALSO BE SENT TO THE OFFICE BY NO LATER THAN THE 14TH AUGUST.

Simmental Society involved in trials in Cumbria and Yorkshire dales.

by Iain | Jul 15, 2015 | Uncategorised

Monitoring the performance of different breeds of cattle on commons or rough grazing

The aims of which are to increase understanding of  how grazing breeding or growing cattle on a common, allotment or other rough grazing affects:

•             growth rates of the animals

•             the quality and quantity of grass available in-bye for conservation or feeding other stock

•             the rough grazing vegetation

And identify any problems with grazing rough ground or a common

We are monitoring:

•         Growth rates or condition score changes

•         Grass quality on rough ground

•         Grass quality and some growth rates on in-bye

•         Fertiliser inputs on in-bye

•         Any health problems or management issues

•         Cost/ benefit analysis

6 of the 12 farmers participating have some Simmentals or Simmental crosses in their herds.

Danske Bank support for Simmental Male and Female of the Year awards

by Iain | Jul 14, 2015 | Uncategorised

The Northern Ireland Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club has confirmed Danske Bank’s continued sponsorship of its Male and Female of the Year competition.

Danske Bank has been sole sponsor of the prestigious competition since 1997. The winners are determined using a points system which is collated at nominated agricultural shows throughout the season.

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“Prizes mean points,” explained club chairman Richard Rodgers. “Points are awarded to individual animals, and the higher the animals accolade in the show ring, the bigger the points it earns.”

“The supreme breed champion at each show will be awarded eight points, while the reserve attains seven points. Six points will be awarded to the male and female champion at each show, while the reserve male and female award winners will secure five points each. Marks are also awarded for class placings, with four points for first prize, down to one point for fourth prize. At the final, each animal’s best five scores, out of a possible eight, will be totalled to reveal the winners.

Danske Bank presents the winners and runners-up in each category with engraved crystal awards, commemorative rosettes and cash prizes.

John Henning, head of agricultural relations at Danske Bank said:”The points system ensures keen competition amongst exhibitors, and helps to encourage entries of quality stock at local summer shows. We are delighted to offer our long-standing support to this prestigious Northern Ireland Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club competition. “

Nominated points shows for the Danske Bank Male and Female of the  Year competition include, Balmoral, Ballymena, Lurgan, Armagh, Omagh, Castlewellan, Clogher and Enniskillen

Richard Rodgers concluded: ”This is one of the major competitions in the club’s annual calendar, and I  would like to take this opportunity to thank Danske Bank for its continued and valued sponsorship.

“The winners will be revealed, and the awards presented at Fermanagh County Show on Wednesday 5th August.

Omagh Show

by Iain | Jul 10, 2015 | Uncategorised

Large turnout at Simmental stock judging competition

by Iain | Jul 8, 2015 | Uncategorised

The 35-cow Lisglass Herd owned by the Weatherup family from Ballyclare, County Antrim, was the venue for the Northern Ireland Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club’s annual stockjudging competition.

Almost 100 members and breed enthusiasts travelled from throughout the province to compete at the evening event.

Club chairman Richard Rodgers said he was delighted to see such a fantastic turnout, and thanked the Weatherup family – Leslie, Iris, Christopher and Laura, for their excellent hospitality.

Master judge for the evening was William Ferguson from the Sperrin View herd based at Stewartstown, County Tyrone. He was overall winner of the British Simmental Cattle Society’s national stockjudging final held at Turriff Show last year.

Following a delicious BBQ supper, club chairman Richard Rodgers announced the results of the stockjudging competition.

Junior competitor, under 21-years-old – 1, Kyle Hayes, Upper Ballinderry; and Cara Moore, Beragh.

Senior competitor, aged 21 to 30-years-old – 1, Zara Stubbs, Irvinestown; 2, Shane McDonald, Tempo.

Open Class – 1, Pat Kelly, Tempo; 2, David Hazelton, Dungannon; 3, Julie Wallace, Antrim.

The junior and senior team winners will represent Northern Ireland at the society’s national Young Members Association stockjudging finals taking place at Pembrokeshire County Show from 18th to 20th August.

Team members were congratulated by sponsor William Thompson from Bank of Ireland.

Forthcoming events in the club’s annual calendar include:

Wednesday 5th August – Final of Ivomec Super Simmental Pair of the Year Competition, and presentation of Danske Bank Male and Female of the Year Awards, at Fermanagh County Show.

Friday 7th August – Charity BBQ and auction, in aid of Southern Area Hospice Services, Newry, at Dungannon Rugby Club – 8pm.

Saturday 5th September – 45th Anniversary Elite Female Show and Sale, Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira.