by Iain | May 26, 2012 | Uncategorised
The Templepatrick-based Bruces Hill Cattle Company owned by Mike Frazer continued on winning form at Ballymena’s 114th annual show on Saturday 26th May 2012.
Following on from the recent Balmoral Show, senior stock bull Hockenhull Ali Baba retained his male and supreme championship titles, while his herd mate Hockenhull Natalie 34th claimed the female and reserve supreme championship ribbons.
Judge Kenneth Stubbs, Irvinestown, awarded the reserve male championship award to Duncan McDowell’s stock bull, Slievenagh Bonjovi.
Runner-up in the female section was Lisglass Clover 2nd, a home-bred junior heifer from Leslie and Christopher Weatherup’s herd at Ballyclare.
Two home-bred heifers from David Hazelton’s herd at Dungannon qualified for the Ivomec Super Pair of the Year Final. They were Ranfurly Weikel 6th and Ranfurly Weikel 7th.
Results from the 2012 Ballymena Show include:
NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club Trophy for the champion:
Bruces Hill Cattle Company
Reserve: Bruces Hill Cattle Company.
Qualifier for the Ivomec Super Simmental Pair of the Year:
David Hazelton.
Cow, born before 01/01/09
1, Bruces Hill Cattle Company, Templepatrick, Hockenhull Natalie 34th by Dovefields Gallant.
Heifer, born between 01/01/10 and 30/06/10
1, David Hazelton, Dungannon, Ranfurly Weikel 6th by Raceview King;
2, David Hazelton, Ranfurly Weikel 7th by Lykke Sirius;
3, Duncan McDowell, Newtownards, Stralongford Bianca by Bridgemount Vixen.
Heifer, born between 01/01/11 and 31/08/11
1, Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Ballyclare, Lisglass Clover 2nd by Slimero Victory 2;
2, Wesley Abraham, Irvinestown, Magheracrigan Clare 2nd by Omorga Volvo;
3, Bruces Hill Cattle Company, Edenvale Amanda by Kilbride Farm Newry.
Bull, born on or before 31/12/10
1, Bruces Hill Cattle Company, Hockenhull Ali Baba by Kilbride Farm Newry;
2, Duncan McDowell, Slievenagh Bonjovi by Slievenagh Willem.
Bull, born between 01/01/11 and 31/08/11
1, Robert and Richard Rodgers, Portglenone, Hiltonstown Cain by Raceview King;
2, Johnathan Farrell, Markethill, Corhammock Cosmo Clarke by Camus Frontier;
3, Mrs Thelma Gorman, Armagh, Woodford Crackerjack by Kilbride Farm Newry.
Bull or heifer calf, born on or after 01/09/11
1, Andy Weatherup, Larne, Ballyvallough Captain by Omorga Volvo;
2, Duncan McDowell, Castlemount Chrissy by Cairnview Snazzy.
Pair, property of exhibitor
1, Bruces Hill Cattle Company, Hockenhull Natalie 34th and Hockenhull Ali Baba;
2, David Hazelton, Ranfurly Weikel 6th and Ranfurly Weikel 7th;
3, Duncan McDowell, Slievenagh Bonjovi and Stralongford Bianca.
by Iain | May 18, 2012 | Uncategorised
By Julie Hazelton
The Templepatrick-based Bruces Hill Cattle Company claimed the championship plaudits at this year’s Balmoral Show.
Breed newcomer Mike Frazer founded the Edenvale herd in 2009, and was making his debut appearance on the Northern Ireland Simmental show circuit.
Judge, Bertie Houston, Newtowncunningham, County Donegal, awarded the male and supreme overall championship to the senior bull class winner, Hockenhull Ali Baba. This three-year-old stock bull is by Kilbride Farm Newry and was purchased with his dam, Hockenhull Deborah 4th, at the Hockenhull dispersal sale in 2009.
Claiming the reserve supreme ribbons was the female champion, Ballinlare Farm Buttercup 2nd, brought out by Joe Wilson and sons from Newry, County Down. Born in January 2010 she is by the 20,000 Euro Irish record holder Curaheen Tyson, while her dam is the Innerwick Krackerjack daughter, Ballinlare Farm Pussy Galore – one of 60 cows in the herd which was founded in 1984. She is in-calf to the herd’s 20,000gns stock bull, Auchorachan Wizard – junior and supreme Perth champion in February 2010.
First-time Simmental exhibitor Duncan McDowell who owns the Newtownards-based Castlemount herd, scooped the reserve male championship award with his recently acquired herd sire, Slievenagh Bon Jovi. Bred by Robin and Darla Boyd, Portglenone, this December 2010 born entry is by Slievenagh Willem, and is out of Slievenagh Whitney.
Mike Frazer also won the reserve female honours with his senior cow, Hockenhull Natalie 34th. This eight-year-old cow was one of three foundation females purchased at the Hockenhull dispersal. Her sire was the 12,000gns Dovefields Gallant, while her dam was Hockenhull Natalie 27th.
In the junior championship line-up top honours went to the father and son team of Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Ballyclare. They brought out the home-bred Lisglass Clover 2nd, a January 2011 born heifer by the 10,000gns Slimero Victory. She is out of a dam from the noted Eunice family at Kilbride Farm.
Runner-up for the junior championship award was the thirteen-month-old bull Lurgill Cooldude, an Omorga Volvo son bred by Alan and Ann Kennedy from Upper Ballinderry near Lisburn. He was bred from the Freighduff Brendan daughter, Clonagh Tneva.
Leading the intermediate heifer class was the September 2010 born Raceview Royal Beauty 491 ET, exhibited by John McMordie, and sons William and Andrew, from Ballygowan, County Down. Sired by Raceview Nigel, she was purchased at the Raceview sale in 2011, and is one of five breeding females in the Solitude herd which dates back to 1972.
The McMordie trio are synonymous in Hereford breeding circles, and were delighted to take first and second prize rosettes in the intermediate heifer classes, especially as this was their first appearance in the Balmoral Simmental ring for over 10 years.
Rounding off the Simmental classes at Balmoral Show was the competition for the best pair of animals owned by exhibitor. It was won this year by Mike Frazer’s senior bull Hockenhull Ali Baba, and senior cow Hockenhull Natalie 27th. They qualify for the 2012 Ivomec Super Simmental Pair of the Year competition, sponsored by Merial Animal Health.
David Hazelton, Dungannon, was runner-up with two home-bred senior heifers, Ranfurly Weikel 6th and Ranfurly Weikel 7th.
Commenting after the judging, NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club chairman Nigel Glasgow, congratulated the winners and thanked all of the exhibitors for taking part. “Agricultural shows are a great shop window for the Simmental breed, and I would like to thank all of the exhibitors for their hard work and dedication. This has been the largest entry of Simmentals at Balmoral for many years, and has featured a strong entry of quality cattle, representing several new comers as well as long established herds.”
Specials
The Bobbie Dickson Perpetual Trophy for the champion Simmental: Bruces Hill Cattle Company. Reserve: Joe Wilson.
British Simmental Cattle Society Engraved Crystal Glasses for the champion: Bruces Hill Cattle Company.
Imex Perpetual Cow Bell for the champion female: Joe Wilson. Reserve: Bruces Hill Cattle Company.
Bangor and Six Road Ends Farmers’ Union Perpetual Trophy for the female champion: Joe Wilson.
Bobbie Gamble Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the best Simmental heifer: Joe Wilson.
William Black Memorial Perpetual Trophy for the male champion: Bruces Hill Cattle Company. Reserve: Duncan McDowell.
NI Simmental Club Silver Award for the best exhibit bred in Northern Ireland: Joe Wilson. Reserve: Duncan McDowell.
News Letter Sheild for the junior champion: Leslie and Christopher Weatherup. Reserve: Alan and Ann Kennedy.
NI Simmental Club Award for the best exhibitor-bred bull: Alan and Ann Kennedy.
Qualifer for the Ivomec Super Simmental Pair of the Year: Bruces Hill Cattle Company.
Classes
Cow, born before 01/01/09, in-calf or in-milk – 1, Bruces Hill Cattle Company, Templepatrick, Hockenhull Natalie 34th by Dovefields Gallant.
Heifer, born between 01/01/10 and 30/06/10 – 1, Joe Wilson, Newry, Ballinlare Farm Buttercup by Curaheen Tyson; 2, David Hazelton, Dungannon, Ranfurly Weikel 7th by Lykke Sirius; 3, David Hazelton, Ranfurly Weikel 6th by Raceview King.
Heifer, born between 01/07/10 and 31/12/10 – 1, John McMordie, Ballygowan, Raceivew Beauty Royal 419 ET by Raceview Nigel; 2, John McMordie, Kilbride Farm Eunice 112B by Kilbride Farm Newry; 3, David Hazelton, Ranfurly Kleeb 25th by Kilbride Farm Newry.
Heifer, born on or after 01/01/11 – 1, Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Ballyclare, Lisglass Clover 2nd by Slimero Victory; 2, Alan and Ann Kennedy, Upper Ballinderry, Shiloh Cherry by Seaview Tommy; 3, Wesley Abraham, Irvinestown, Magheracrigan Clare 2nd by Omorga Volvo.
Bull, born on or before 31/12/10 – 1, Bruces Hill Cattle Company, Hockenhull Ali Baby by Kilbride Farm Newry; 2, Duncan McDowell, Newtownards, Slievenagh Bon Jovi by Slievenagh Willem.
Bull, born on or after 01/01/11 – 1, Alan and Ann Kennedy, Lurgill Cooldude by Omorga Volvo; 2, Jonathan Farrell, Markethill, Corhammock Cosmo Clarke by Camus Frontier; 3, Thelma Gorman, Armagh, Woodford Crackerjack II by Kilbride Farm Newry.
Pair, property of exhibitor – 1, Bruces Hill Cattle Company; 2, David Hazelton; 3, Duncan McDowell.
by British Simmental | May 17, 2012 | Uncategorised
Trade was brisk at the Welsh Club sale at Welshpool market on 17th May, judged by Mr Robert Vincent.
A top and a centre record for Simmental Bulls of 5200gns was achieved for Crackley Blackjack form M/s Booth and Bell, Crackley Farm, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, purchased by RI & G Davies, Penlanlwyd, Llangamarch Wells, Powys.
Second top from Mr & Mrs R &L Storer Smith was Scarthingwell Comet bred by Mr & Mrs D Pick, he sold for 4000gns to Mr C M Mercer, Bowley Court Farm, Hope Under Dinmore, Herefordshire.
Best on the females was the female champion from Mr B T Raymond Ben-Nant Brilliant sold for 2400gns to D E & D A T Lloyd, Hengoed, Four Roads, Carmarthen.
Averages:
6 bulls @ £3622
8 females @£1553
by Iain | May 16, 2012 | Uncategorised
The Northern Ireland Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club has presented a cheque for £6,250 to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).
The money was raised at the club’s annual charity BBQ and auction, held recently in Dungannon Rugby Club.
Presenting the cheque, club chairman Nigel Glasgow, thanked everyone who had contributed to the success of the event. “It gives me great pleasure to present this cheque on behalf of the NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club. Thanks to everyone for their support, especially the ladies who provided the beautiful array of salads and desserts, and to all club members who sold a large number of raffle tickets, and the local businesses who donated items for the ballot and auction.”
Jennifer Hobson, chairperson of the NSPCC’s Dungannon committee said:”This is a tremendous amount of money, and it is a wonderful boost to our charity. The money will be used to fund projects in the local area.
“The Dungannon committee has been in existence for a long time, and it is getting harder to keep up a high level of fund raising, especially in the current economic climate. We run various events throughout the year, but we don’t have the means to raise this level of funding.
“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported the Simmental Club’s BBQ . We really enjoyed the event and the food was delicious.”
by Iain | May 12, 2012 | Uncategorised
Forsham Farm, Sutton Valence, Maidstone in Kent has been owned by the Bates family since 1945 and is run by Nick Bates. Originally
Pedigree Sussex cattle were the dominant breed but over time Limousin was introduced and most recently Simmental genetics were introduced to put power, size milk and growth into the herd. The farm extends to 324 acres of which 80 are arable the remainder is in grass, 1200 bales of silage are produced annually and a small amount of hay is produced for convenience to be used in calving pens etc.
Cow numbers total 120 with all now having an influence of Simmental blood, the cows calf from February through until mid April, four bulls are ran with the cows in groups of 30 and the bulls are taken out after 12 weeks, no passengers are carried, any empty cows are moved on.
There are no special requirements at calving, all calves navels are dipped in 10% iodine solution and male calves are castrated for ease of management, otherwise the natural maternal instincts of the Simmental take care of the rest.
Turn out occurs in mid April and the bulls are put in very soon after. Cows get a Hi-mag bolus prior to turn out. 18% protein creep is introduced to the calves from mid July onwards on an ad lib basis. All calves are vaccinated with Rispoval 4 , the first dose applied in late September/early October and the 2nd dose along with a pour-on wormer when they are housed in October-mid November depending on the
season, the cows then get an iodine bolus and are wormed at housing. Weaning then takes place once the calves have become acclimatised indoors and this has proven to reduce weaning stress enormously.
Winter rations are simple, a TMR of 50% silage and 50% straw with the addition of fruit which is sourced locally as supermarket waste, containing oranges, apples, bananas, grapes and even grapefruit.This simple ration is fed to the cows and all the young stock, the young stock get beef nuts twice a day and once calved the cows get beef nuts until turn out.
Weaned calves are grouped and stored over the winter on the TMR ration, 10-12 heifers will be selected every year as replacements the rest either sold privately for further breeding or through the auction market. Steer calves are sold the following spring in time to make room for calving, periodic weighing takes place over the winter to monitor growth rates and feed conversion efficiency.
Recently batches of calves have been tested for BVD and have all been clear, there are plans to take the herd into a CHeCS health scheme in the future.
The herd has been the Hobbs Parker suckler herd of the year many times since introducing Simmental genetics and Nick said “if we hadn’t introduced Simmental we wouldn’t be where we are now” It can also be seen from the weekly report from Hobbs-Parker that the Simmental influence is growing fast in the South of England.
Below sale report from steer calves from 8 to 10 months old
by British Simmental | May 7, 2012 | Uncategorised
The increasing demand for Simmental Bulls was further emphasised again at the Stirling May sale where the breed achieved a 92% clearance to an average of £4433 an increase of £1135 on last year.
Judge for the day was Mr Stuart Grant, Druid Temple Farm, Inverness.
Topping the trade at 8800gns a new record for the breed at the May sale was Innerwick Butcher, a September 2010 son of Castlegate Titan, from Mr & Mrs L Moffat, Innerwick Farm, Innerwick, Dunbar, selling to Macfarlane Farms, Duns, Berwickshire.
Next top at 8500gns was the Overall Champion Islavale Boris from W S Stronach, Berryleys, Grange Keith, this Woodhall Walker son sold to J & E Dyet, East Merkland, Sandford, Strathhaven.
The Stronach’s also had the next 3 top prices, first Islavale Buzz, an October 2010 son of Glenturk Premier realised 7500gns selling to W Walton and Sons, Duns Houses,Otterburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, then Islavale Bismark, an October 2010 son of Kilbride farm Newry sold for 7000gns to Messrs Oag, Brims Mains, Forss, Thurso, Caithness and the Reserve Overall Champion Islavale Bruce another Woodhall Walker son also realised 7000gns selling to N & M McLelllan, Kilchiaran Farm, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay, Argyll.
Islavale sold 6 to average £7221.50
Female 2 @ £1890.
Auctioneers:
www.uagroup.co.uk
Recent Comments