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Simmental producing milky, functional cows on Down suckler farm

Simmental producing milky, functional cows on Down suckler farm


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by Julie Hazelton
Simmental is noted for its dual purpose attributes and when it comes to breeding milky, functional suckler cows the continental breed is at the forefront of the breeding programme for County Down farmers Francis and Fergal Watson.

Simmental producing milky, functional cows on Down suckler farm

The father and son team farm over 750 acres near the villages of Rubane, Kearney and Cloughey on the Ards Peninsula. They were hosts of the 2011 Northern Ireland Ploughing Championships, and run a herd of 250 suckler cows, the majority of which are spring calving.

“We’ve been using Simmental stock bulls for years,” stated Francis, who ceased milk production in 2008. “We used to run a British Friesian dairy herd alongside 110 suckler cows, but since we stopped dairying the suckler herd has more than doubled in size.”

The mainstay of the suckler herd traces back to British Friesian cross cows and also comprises of other continental crosses. However, over the past two or three years Francis and Fergal have been using Simmental as the main maternal sire. “The Simmental is the ideal cross on other breeds. The females have hybrid vigor, good big frames, are very hardy. The more Simmental blood the better!”

When looking for a Simmental stock bull Francis Watson aspires to buy a red coated bull with good conformation. “I specifically like red bulls as they stamp the Simmental markings on other breeds. I like a long, growthy bull with a good broad back, but not too sharp at the shoulder. Sound legs and feet are also important, as well as calving index.”

Stock bulls are purchased at the Northern Ireland Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club ‘s official show and sale at Dungannon Farmers’ Mart. The herd’s senior stock bull is Ashland Teviot, an October 2006 born bull bred by current breed club chairman, Pat Kelly, and son Frank, from Tempo, County Fermanagh.

Stock being wintered

Ashland Teviot was purchased for 5,000gns and was the reserve supreme champion at the Simmental Club’s sale in April 2008. Sired by Raceview Nigel, his dam is the Hast daughter Corlesmore Clodagh. With a calving ease score of +3.5 this bull is in the breed’s top 10%, and is +6 for milk which is ideal for breeding replacement females.

“Now over five years of age, Ashland Teviot is still going strong and has really made his mark on the herd. Daughters are like peas in a pod, and have a good temperament and plenty of milk,” added Fergal.

The herd’s junior stock bull is the February 2010 born Knockreagh Barney, bred by Val and Conrad Fegan, Rostrevor, County Down. Bought at Dungannon last year, he was a second prize winner and came under the hammer at, 3,800gns. Sired by the Cleenagh Flasher son, Omorga Volvo, his dam is a home-bred Ballinalare Farm Nemesis daughter. His daughter calving ease score is +2.6, also in the breeds top 10%.

Francis added:”This time last year we had four Simmental stock bulls, but unfortunately one got hurt, and the other was getting too closely related to the younger females within the herd. This spring we’ll be on the look-out for another couple of Simmental bulls.”

Heifers calve into the herd at two-years-old, and all cows and heifers are calved in the house and turned out to grass from the end of February onwards. “Most of our land is close to the shore and the fields are made up of good free draining soil. Weather permitting we put the cows and calves out in small batches,” explained Fergal.

“This is a closed herd and we breed all our own suckler replacements. We are gradually trying to improve the quality of our suckler herd, and have been focusing on using good quality Simmental bulls and retaining our best home-bred heifers. The Simmental crosses are docile, milky, easy calving and have great mothering ability. The Simmental is noted for its longevity, and in the future we would like to be in a position to sell surplus heifers.”

Calves are weaned at between seven and eight months of age. “The Simmental cows have plenty of milk and the calves are in great bloom, which reduces the need for expensive creep feed,” added Fergal.

Three cuts of silage are harvested annually using a forage wagon. “We have new swards rich in clover and this high sugar, high protein silage is fed to the youngstock, while the ryegrass swards produce stemy silage for the dry cows,” explained Fergal.

The Watson’s grow 300 acres of cereals annually – barley, wheat and oats, as well as 25 acres of kale and 25 acres of fodder beet. Half of all home-grown cereals are used as animal feed, while the remainder is sold off the farm.

Cattle are housed from mid November onwards. Cows are kept in large open-fronted sheds which are straw bedded. They receive a diet of silage, straw and minerals which is fed using a Keenan feeder wagon.

“We like to buy premium quality minerals. We have no doubt that minerals are the answer to improved cow health and fertility within the herd. Minerals are expensive but worth every penny. Last year we scanned the entire herd and 94% were settled in-calf,” added Fergal.

Commercial calf

During weaning the bullocks and heifers are separated into batches and fed a diet of silage, fodder beet, straw, minerals and cereals.

Simmental heifers are hand-picked and retained as herd replacements, while the bullocks are finished for beef at between 20 to 24-months of age. “We are very selective when it comes to picking replacements for the suckler herd. Those that don’t make the grade are finished alongside their male counterparts,” added Francis.

Occasionally the Watsons sell bullocks and heifers at Ballymena Mart, but the majority of their beef cattle are slaughtered at ABP in Newry , mostly receiving U and R grades. Heifers weigh between 320kgs and 380kgs deadweight, while the bullocks reach weights of 400kgs and over. “The Simmental ticks all boxes on this farm. The heifer calves make ideal suckler replacements, while the bullocks have the potential to put on weight and are finished on a par with other continental breeds,” concluded Fergal.

The Watson’s farm is fully self-sufficient, and with the help of four full-time employees Francis and Fergal can harvest all of their own silage and cereal crops, as well as carry out routine ploughing, slurry spreading, hedge cutting, fencing, maintenance and building work. They are nearing completion of a three-year land improvement and drainage programme using the farm’s track digger.

Simmental bulls peak at 4,200gns – Commercial heifers reach a top of £306.80 per 100 kilos


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Pedigree Simmental bulls reached a ceiling of 4,200gns at the spring show and sale, hosted by the Northern Ireland Club at Dungannon Farmers’ Mart on Tuesday 13th March 2012.

Quality bulls met a ready market, and following a 92% clearance auctioneer Trevor Wylie confirmed that 22 bulls changed hands to average £2,866 – an increase of £270 on this time last year when 18 lots leveled at £2,596.

Sale topper at 4,200gns was the first prize winning Scribby Farms Barney, a seventeen-month-old entry by the Dripsey Super King son, Leeherd Woodstock. Consigned by the Nelson family – William, Margaret, George and Keith from Rosslea, County Fermanagh, his dam is the Madera daughter, Ready Penny Sheba. He has a terminal sire index of +36 and a self replacing index of +33, and sold to Alexander and Kathryn Ross who run 60 suckler cows at Newtownards, County Down.

The first bull into the salering, Ashland Bingo, attracted the second highest price of the day for the father and son team of Pat and Frank Kelly, Tempo, County Fermanagh. Born in July 2010 he is by the Starline Nelson son, Dirnanean Salvador, and is out of a daughter of the herd’s stock bull, Raceview Nigel. His Breedplan figures include an eye muscle area of +3.8, placing in the top ten per cent of the breed, a TSI of +78 and an SRI of +70. This second prize winner caught the eye of James Savage from Portaferry, County Down.

Following close behind at 4,000gns was the day’s male and reserve supreme champion Kilbride Farm Blizzard brought out by Billy Robson OBE, and sons Michael and Norman from Doagh, County Antrim. Sired by the home-bred Kilbride Farm Newry son, Kilbride Farm Warren, this fourteen-month-old bull is out of a dam by Seaview Prince Charming. He was snapped up by Stephen Dunn from Killyleagh, County Down. This one is +6 for milk, has a TSI of +64 and an SRI of +65.

Next best at 3,600gns was the third prize winning Longbeach Barry bred by Sean Burns, Rathfriland, County Down. Sired by the Cleenagh Flasher son, Omorga Volvo, this September 2010 born entry is out of a home-bred Brinkton Brilliant daughter. He is in the breed’s top five per cent for eye muscle area +4.1, TSI +80 and SRI of +90. Highest bidder was Jerome McCaffery from Belleeks, Newry, County Down.

Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Ballyclare, County Antrim, realised 3,300gns for the first prize winning Lisglass Bionic ET. Born in September 2010 he is the result of a mating between Kilbride Farm Newry and the Carnkern Titan daughter, Cleenagh Hazel – full sister to the noted brood cow Cleenagh Daffodil. He is +7 for milk, has an eye muscle area of +3.1, a TSI of +67 and an SRI of +76. Buyer was Brian Edgar from Downpatrick, County Down.

The day’s male and supreme overall champion Ashland Boomerang came under the hammer at 3,000gns for Pat and Frank Kelly. Sired by Omorga Volvo, this August 2010 born bull is bred from the Seighfried daughter, Ashland Terrific Lucy. He is in the breed’s top five per cent with an eye muscle area of +4.3, and in the top one per cent with a daughter calving ease score of +5.2, a TSI of +91 and an SRI of +115. Highest bidder was John Todd from Portadown, County Armagh.

Breed club chairman Pat Kelly, and son Frank, sold three bulls from their noted Ashland herd to average £3,360 per head.

Also selling at 3,000gns was the fourth prize winning Derrycallaghan Bumper TSI+59 and SRI+54, brought out by Harold Stubbs, Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh. Born in July 2010 he is by the Wroxall Field Marshall son, Slimero Victory, and is out of a home-bred dam by the noted Carnkern Titan. This one was snapped up by M Burleigh, Kinawley, County Fermanagh.

The third and final bull to command a bid of 3,000gns was the unplaced Slievenagh Brigadeer from Robin and Darla Boyd’s herd at Portglenone, County Antrim. This fifteen-month-old bull was sired by the 22,000gns Omorga Samson, and is out of a home-bred dam by the 12,000gns Slievenagh Fantastic. He sold to Keith Dickson from Moneymore, County Londonderry. This one is in the breed’s top ten per cent for calving ease +4.1 and eye muscle area +3.6, and has a TSI +69 and an SRI+74.

The collective entry of Simmental females reached a peak of 3,700gns, with ten heifers achieving a complete clearance to average £2,063 each.

A top call of 3,700gns was paid to the Robson family for their female champion, Kilbride Farm Eunice 115B. This October 2010 born heifer was sired by Kilbride Farm Newry, and is out of a home-bred Carnkern Titan daughter. Buyer was Mr J Fegan, Castlewellan, County Down.

The third prize winning Inishrush Whitney 1st came under the hammer at 2,100gns for John Whyte, and sons William and Philip, from Portglenone, County Antrim. Born in October 2010, she is by the 15,000gns Cairnview Snazzy, and is out of a home-bred dam by Omorga Prince. This one sold to Eric Lindsay from Strabane, County Tyrone.

Reserve female champion was the December 2010 maiden heifer Drumbulcan Bianca, shown by Kenneth and Avril Stubbs, and daughters Zara and Alice, from Irvinestown, County Fermanagh. Sired by Kilbride Farm Newry, she is out of a home-bred dam by stock bull, Omorga Regan. Selling for 1,800gns, she joins Duncan McDowell’s herd at Newtownards, County Down.

The pre-sale show was judged by Robbie Mulligan, Banbridge and sponsored by Northern Bank; while the commercial section of the sale was sponsored by Connon General Merchants based at Ballymena.

There was strong demand for commercial Simmental females, with maiden heifers peaking at £306.80 per 100 kilos, paid to Cecil McIlwaine, Newtownstewart, for a 440kgs heifer which sold for £1,350, and £288.88 per 100 kilos for a 450kgs heifer at £1,300.

Other leading prices include: Joe Wilson, Newry, £1,440 (£269.15 per 100 kilos) for a 535kgs heifer, £1,160 (£266.66 per 100 kilos) for a 435kgs heifer, and £1,200 (£252.63 per 100 kilos) for a 475kgs heifer; Kevin McAuley, Broughshane, £900 (£268.65 per 100 kilos) for a 335kgs heifer, and £780 (£260.00 per 100 kilos) for a 300kgs heifer; Eamon McCloskey, Kilrea, £1,000 (£263.10 per 100 kilos) for a 380kgs heifer, £1,250 (£263.10 per 100 kilos) for a 475kgs heifer, £1,550 (£262.70 per 100 kilos) for a 590kgs heifer, and £1,250 (£257.70 per 100 kilos) for a 485kgs heifer; Norman Weatherup, Larne, £1,250 (£263.00 per 100 kilos) for a 475kgs heifer.

In-calf heifers topped at £1,440 and £1,000 paid to Anson Sharkey, Aughnacloy, and £1,000 paid to Seamus Casey, Dungannon.

Cows with calf at foot reached a ceiling of £1,700 and £1,550, realised by John Perry, Dundonald.

Results from the pedigree judging ring include:

Class 1, bull born between 07/04/10 and 25/08/10 – 1, Pat Kelly, Tempo, Ashland Boomerang by Omorga Volvo; 2, Pat Kelly, Ashland Bingo by Dirnanean Salvador; 3, Nigel Glasgow, Cookstown, Bridgewater Farm Brandy by Samark Superman.

Class 2, bull born between 02/09/10 and 25/09/10 – 1, Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Ballyclare, Lisglass Bionic ET by Kilbride Farm Newry; 2, Pat Kelly, Ashland Buster by Omorga Volvo; 3, Sean Burns, Rathfriland, Longbeach Barry by Omorga Volvo.

Class 3, bull born between 02/10/10 and 10/11/10 – 1, William Nelson, Rosslea, Scribby Farms Barney by Leeherd Woodstock; 2, John Whyte and Sons, Portglenone, Inishrush Ben by Blackford Explosion; 3, David Hazelton, Dungannon, Ranfurly Bengal by Kilbride Farm Newry.

Class 4, bull born between 04/12/10 and 10/01/11 – 1, W H Robson and Sons, Doagh, Kilbride Farm Blizzard by Kilbride Farm Warren; 2, Andrew Patterson, Cookstown, Wilandale Boxer by Omorga Volvo; 3, Robert and Richard Rodgers, Portglenone, Hiltonstown Braveheart by Kilbride Farm Newry.

Female, born between 06/01/10 and 05/10/10 – 1, W H Robson and Sons, Doagh, Kilbride Farm Eunice 115B by Kilbride Farm Newry; 2, William Phair, Lisbellaw, Coolcrannel Brenda by Seabank Flint; 3, John Whyte and Sons, Inishrush Whitney 1st by Cairnview Snazzy.

Female, born between 06/12/10 and 23/02/11 – 1, Kenneth Stubbs, Irvinestown, Drumbulcan Bianca by Kilbride Farm Newry; 2, John Whyte and Sons, Inishrush Tanya by Kilbride Farm Newry; 3, Kenneth Stubbs, Drumbulcan Butterfly by Omorga Regan.

Commercial heifers reach a top of £306.80 per 100 kilos

The second prize winning Ashland Bingo came under the hammer at 4,100gns.

Norman Robson, Doagh, exhibited the reserve supreme champion Kilbride Farm Buzzard which sold for 4,000gns. Included is John Henning, head of agricultural relations, Northern Bank, sponsor.

The supreme champion was Ashland Boomerang which sold at 3,000gns. Frank Kelly, Tempo, was congratulated by sponsor John Henning, head of agricultural relations at Northern Bank.

Pat Kelly, chairman, NI Simmental Cattle Breeders' Club, and vice-chairman Nigel Glasgow, receive a sponsorship cheque for the commercial section of the spring sale from John Connon and Matthew Cunning, Connon General Merchants

Pictured at the NI Simmental Cattle Breeders' Club show and sale, Dungannon, are from left: Leslie Weatherup, Ballyclare; Alan Wilson, Newry; and Christopher Boyd, Portglenone.

Paddy McCloskey, Kilrea, and dad Eamon, were among the exhibitors at the Dungannon Simmental show and sale.

Meat Promotion Wales

Meat Promotion Wales


hybu

What HCC offer to Simmental Breeders in Wales?

Hybu Cig Cymru is the organisation responsible for the development, promotion and marketing of Welsh red meat. HCC currently offer a range of funding opportunities and resources to beef and lamb producers in Wales.

Breed Improvement

HCC aims to help breeders in Wales by offering support to introduce superior genetics into their herds.

The table below shows the amount of funding available to breeders in Wales.

Performance Recording

Artificial Insemination

Embryo Transfer

50%

50% (max £500)

50% (max £700)

Performance Recording (PR)

  • Performance recording allows you to:
  • Enables herd selection based on performance.
  • Measure traits that you can’t see (e.g. eye muscle area).
  • Improve selected traits while maintaining others.
  • Use the figures as a marketing too.

Artificial Insemination (AI) & Embryo Transfer (ET)

To qualify for AI and ET funding from HCC, the bulls used must have EBV’s in the top 90% for calving ease direct. They must also be in the top 10% for either 400 day weight or eye muscle area.

The table below shows the 2012 Qualification Criteria for Simmental bulls

Calving Ease Direct

400 Day Weight

Eye Muscle Area

Top 90%

Top 10%

Top 10%

-5.6

64

3.6

Fertility Testing Bulls

HCC are offering funding towards fertility testing bulls. Bull fertility is vitally important as infertile bulls are a major cause of economic loss in the industry.

HCC will fund 50% of the cost of fertility testing up to £200 (to a maximum of £50 per bull)

Carcase Selection Events

The opportunity to assess live animals, follow them through the abattoir process to the chillers and review the carcases. The event gives an insight into:

  • Current market demands
  • Carcase classification
  • Breed traits

funding

Thainstone Sale


bailey

The sales season’s fireworks continued at the Society sale at Thainstone on 29th February 2012.
The Champion Bull Islavale Bailey, by Glenturk Premier from Mr W S Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Keith Aberdeenshire sold for 9000gns a centre record for Simmentals to Liam Muir, Upper Onston, Stenness Orkney.

Islavale Bailey

Reserve Champion Tillyeve Blockbuster, by Kilbride Farm Vernon from Messrs C & M Bruce, Tillyeve, Undy,Ellon sold to Messrs Morrison, Fairburn, Longmanhill Banff for 8000gns.

Tillyeve Blockbuster

10 bulls sold to average £5071.50, the one bull not sold through the ring was sold immediately after the sale resulting in a 100% clearance.

Auctioneers:
Aberdeen & Northern Marts

Stirling Sale


grangewood_baron

Judge: Bridget Borlase of Perrywood Simmentals
Many records were broken at Perth at Stirling Bull Sales on 20th February 2012. A breed record average of £6236 was achieved with 119 bulls sold with a 83% clearance, this increased the average from last year up to £1827 for a further 9 more bulls sold.

There were 72 bulls sold in excess of 5,000gns or above and 10 bulls sold in excess of 10,000gns or above.

Grangewood Baron 19,000gns

The sale topped at 19,000gns for Grangewood Baron Junior Champion with a TSI of +100 and an SRI of +102 he is a son of Omorga Volvo and was bred by Mr & Mrs A S & Y A Leedham, and was purchased by Messrs Ward from the Westridge Herd.

Islavale Brilliant 18,000gns

Next up went to Islavale Brilliant Overall Male Champion & Senior Champion by Curaheen Vobster bred by Mr W S Stronach was sold to Mr H Brunton, Crudie Simmentals for 18,000gns.

Team Banker 17,000gns

Next to add to the high prices is Team Banker bred by Mr R J Macgregor he is by Team Volvo a homebred bull and out of a homebred cow, Team Kasey, he holds a TRI of +100 and a SRI of +102, and realised 17,000gns and was purchased by John Dykes of the Mendick Herd

Next up 4th Joint Top Price went to Kilbride Farm Bantry bred by by W H Robson & Sons and a son of Cairnview Snazzy, he has a TSI of +83 and a SRI of +78 also sold at 12,000gns, Auchorachan Barry bred by D & R Durno & Sons and is by Saltire Talent who sired the Overall Champion in October 2011 which made 20,000gns, he holds a TSI of +86 and a SRI of +88.

These bulls all sold for 10,000gns, first up, Islavale Bicardi by Glenturk Premier and bred by Mr W S Stronach holding a TSI+60 and SRI+63, this was then followed by Longbeach Bosco Reserve Overall Champion and Intermediate Champion a son of Kilbride Farm Viduka sold by Mr L A Richardson TSI +69 & SRI +65, next to come in was Corskie Basil a son of Ballinalare Farm Nightrider bred by W J & J Green he holds a TSI of +89 and a SRI of +95, up next from the same herd Kilbride Farm Benone by Seaview Prince Charming with a TSI of +88 and SRI+90, the final bull to be sold at 10,000 went to Dellfield Brigadier a Stralongford Trojan son, bred by Mr B Grant and he holds a TRI of +82 & SRI of +82.

It was apparent that the Commerical farmer was more than prepared to pay up to 10,000 for a good bull.

Female Sale Report

Starting the female trade off for Simmentals was the Female Champion Corskie Acqya by Kilbride Farm Tarrant, bred by W J & J Green, this powerful heifer who has been running with lslavale Sabre, is out of the Burghbridge Lane daughter Corskie Raindrop and was sold for 4500gns to Jim and Patricia Goldie, Newbiemains.

Female Champion Corskie Acqya

From the same home as the Female Champion, Corskie Aspire Reserve Female Champion has gone at 4800gns, another by Tarrant and in calf to Sabre, she is out of another daughter of Burghbridge Lane she went to Mr & Mrs Hawkey, Sowenna.

Reserve Female Champion Corskie Aspire

17 Females sold to a sales average of £2,730.44.

Skerrington Draft 10 sold to a sales average of £1.974.00
Dirnanean Draft 5 sold to a sales average of £2,457.00
Broombrae Draft 5 sold to a sales average of £2,583.00
Derwentwood Draft 4 sold to a sales average of £1,614.00

Auctioneers:
www.uagroup.co.uk

High Performace Simmental X cows

High Performace Simmental X cows


courance-7

Courance, home to the Jack family, is only a few miles north of Lockerbie and 30 minutes from Carlisle. The estate is made up of 5 farms totalling 1400 acres, all of which is farmed in hand. The land is ideal for cows and carries 300 Simmental x cows, 240 Spring calvers and 60 Autumn calvers. There are 8 Simmental stock bulls at present.

60 acres of cereals are grown for feed. The rest of the land is either grazing/cutting grass or rough grazing areas which provide natural shelter for cattle.

300 acres of first cut silage are made, and 200 acres second cut. Contractors are used for silage and combining, all other work is carried out in house.

The enterprise is managed by Raymond McKerlie with one more full time member of staff and as Raymond said “having Simmental cows allows us to run a large enterprise with only 2 staff members due to the Simmental’s quiet nature and ease of handling”.

The Cows are split across two main farm steadings, and each steading has winter housing for over 450 animals. All the commercial cows have high health status as does the pedigree

courance-7Spring Calvers – Calving starts on the 3rd of March and is relatively short as the bulls are withdrawn after 10 weeks.The cows having been overwintered on slats on a diet of silage/straw and minerals are moved to deep litter straw courts prior to calving. Once calved, they are moved outside as fast as possible normally 2-3 days post calving, male calves are castrated.

The land offers natural shelter allowing early turn out which in turn maximises profitability and efficiency. Creep is introduced towards the end of August and all calves selected for store sales are vaccinated in the Surecalf programme and sold at UA in Stirling in October and November. It is mainly the earliest calves that are sold at the autumn sales and Raymond said “compared to the Limousin cross calves as we had in the past the Simmentals are a minimum of 40kg heavier when we sell them or at today’s values nearly

£100 per head more”. Younger steer calves are overwintered and sold store in the spring again at UA. All heifer calves are overwintered and grazed the following summer, any not suitable for further breeding are sold as stores and the rest are retained or sold privately to a growing list of repeat customer seeking quality bulling heifers of a known “health status.”

Autumn Calvers – Calving starts at the end of July and again is tight, the bulls being in with the cows only 8 weeks, the Autumn herd was created to ensure a plentiful supply of replacement heifers for the spring herd. Cows calve outside on very bare land. Like the spring calvers the autumn cows are over wintered on slats with a bedded area for the calves, last winter sawdust was used as bedding and proved very successful reducing bedding costs by 20%. Cows are fed silage/straw and minerals and 1kg of barley in a TMR, calves are crept earlier than the spring calves and are self weaned before turnout.

This extremely efficient operation is based on the values of Simmental cross cows being good fertile and natural mothers producing calves that are easily got and then grow very fast.And as  Raymond  said  “Simmental cows work with you, and most importantly, for you.”