CORNWALL CLUB REPORT

2023 got off to a slow start for club events, however, members and commercial breeders continued to break records in the store and suckler calf rings throughout the spring. Market reports and the promotion of the Simmental’s green credentials led to a buoyant trade at the breeding sales.

February

Steph Hooper and David Reeves “Tregnether” kicked off their 2023 exhibitor campaign at a successful calf show at Sedgemoor Market on Friday 3^rd February. Their two bull calves stood 1^st & 2^nd while their heifer Nellie headed her class and went on to become reserve Simmental champion. In the interbreed pairs with nine entries featuring native and continental breeds, they were awarded a very respectable third spot.

May

The Worcester Society sale returned an increased average of £705 on the year. Bulls topped out at 5,880gns and a high clearance rate for females together with the Wroxall reduction sale reflected the appetite for polled genetics.

Steph Hooper & David Reeves “Tregnether” and Alison Grose “Trewarnevas” competed at Devon County show for the first time. Steph and David returning with Male Champion and Reserve.

Bosahan hosted a female classification demonstration and talk by Kepak covering their history and live grading of fat cattle for students from Duchy College Rosewarne and club members.

June

At Royal Cornwall show, our biggest event and premier show, Vikki Wood, “Popes” was the judge for 2023 in very hot and windy conditions. Members from nine herds exhibited and turned out with twenty- three head.

Jake Gregory “Kurlycoat” was the worthy winner of the female and supreme championship with his January 2021 heifer Moneypenny while Piers Hawkey took the male championship and reserve supreme with the April 2022 Sowenna Nemo.

Grateful thanks to the members who took on the challenge of erecting the tent in a very tight squeeze and setting up. Also, to the Society for our new promotional display which made an impression with the judges awarding a third for the best breed stand. Thanks to Charlie and Jenny Harris for their continued support by organising refreshments with Focus Farm Vets. The donations of food by the club committee were very much appreciated. Although providing hospitality involves a lot of demanding effort, our position in the avenue between the cattle and sheep ensures a high profile for British Simmentals at our well attended county show.

July signals the start of the one day shows with Praze and Liskeard on the first Saturday. The Bucklands took the championship in the west with their yearling heifer Wellatree Novelty Bun over seven other breeds. While in the east Megan Wellington and Emma Jane Bate achieved double interbreed successes with their Pennytinney pair and team of three heifers.

A week later Camborne, designated our ‘Club’ show, followed with James Arnold, “Vale Royal”, casting his eye over the exhibitors on a wet and windy morning. Steve and Gill Gummow emerged as Simmental Champion with their September 21 bull Killiworgie Malteser with Steph Hooper’s Tregnether Neptune in reserve.

Interbreed success followed in the uncalved pairs of heifers for Tregnether Nellie and Bosahan Natasha Karina Star with Killiworgie Malteser standing Reserve Champion beef. The hospitality trailer organised by the Buckland family for cattle exhibitors to meet the judge informally was a great success and provided some welcome relief from the weather as well as sustenance.

Stithians saw Aled Davies Hirwaun at the head of proceedings and selecting the Olds Family’s Bosahan Minnie Miss Natalie, an October 21 in-calf heifer, as his Simmental Champion with Megan Wellington and Bosahan Nova Georgia Cruz standing in the reserve spot. These two heifers were joined by Pennytinney Magic Star for the interbreed group of three (dairy and beef) to take the Archie Opie trophy. This was the fourth consecutive year that it had been won by Simmentals. In the interbreed beef championship Miss Natalie stood reserve to the Aberdeen Angus heifer. A narrow result requiring an independent judge to make the final decision.

Launceston witnessed a battle across the Cornwall and Devon borders with Sowenna and Pennytinney taking on the Priorton herd. Judged by Patrick Greed (Killerton Limousins) John & Sue May’s bull Loxton Norbert took the championship with Sowenna Miracle, Piers January 22 heifer standing in reserve. Pennytinney completed a great record of interbreed awards in 2023 by standing in the reserve spot for best pair.

Unfortunately, the 2023 Camelford show was cancelled as the silage had not been cut due to the wet weather. Therefore, the most points gained from the five Cornish one-day shows was awarded to Megan Wellington, “Pennytinney” ably assisted by Emma Jane Bate winning the new Rosewin Shield kindly given by Adele Jewell.

Thanks to all club members and handlers for keeping the Simmental breed in the headlines both in Cornwall and Devon. The Tregnether and Pennytinney herds deserve recognition for their results at Honiton and Okehampton truly great effort, together with Ant Hart’s interbreed success at Dunster show with Treverbyn Norman P.

August Commercial Open Day

Ian, Sandra, Tom, and Sam Backway hosted our annual commercial open day where over sixty members and commercial breeders were welcomed at St Eval Church Hall. Their fifty suckler cows include ten pedigree Longhorns. Two pedigree Simmental bulls, Killiworgie Iceman (Kilbride Farm Comber) and Crowgey Las Vegas (Corrick Harrison) run with the commercials while their Longhorn bull Blackbrook F1 is used on the pedigree cows and all the heifers. Currently eighty, home-bred and purchased suckled calves, will be sold as stores through Truro and Hallworthy livestock markets at fifteen to eighteen months. One hundred and fifty Texel ewes complete their livestock numbers. On the farm tour we admired a field of impressive forward stores. The following week they topped both Truro and Hallworthy livestock markets highlighting the Simmental breed  We returned to a memorable, traditional Cornish “cakey tea”.  The Cornwall Simmental Club are very fortunate to have such generous and welcoming associate members.

The afternoon concluded with a presentation by Martyn Tripp on Mighty-Min organically stabilised essential trace mineral supplements. Sold successfully throughout the whole of Australia for more than twenty years the company is expanding its manufacturing and marketing operations into the UK. Working with Cornish members of the family Cornish Liquid Minerals was launched two years ago and covers the southwest of England. Using the unique Floater Doser mineral supplements are dispensed into animals drinking water troughs.

SEPTEMBER CORNWALL CLUB HERD COMPETITION

The Cornwall Club welcomed Nick and Nadia Gwynne on their second trip to the county. Their prior visit being as exhibitors was at the first Simmental English National Show held at Royal Cornwall in 2009.

Nick and Nadia savoured their week in Cornwall seeing excellent cattle and enjoying wonderful hospitality.  Visiting twelve pedigree and five commercial herds. Here are their comments following their visits where they travelled from Lands’ End to Tintagel.

“Beginning at Bosahan we saw a consistent stamp of cattle with youngstock indicating that the standards will be maintained and suitable for both pedigree and commercial breeders.              

Moving on to Tregowris we met a very enthusiastic young couple, George, and Lucy. An efficiently run herd with regular weight recording and followers improving their cattle. (Nick says not a bad pool player either).

The first day ended with Trewarnevas, a herd in its infancy. Alison shared plans to increase numbers to one hundred and understands it will take time to obtain uniformity. Attending shows has helped to identify areas to improve and she accepts there is a huge shift in presentation after a successful track record with dairy animals.                                 

Day 2 we headed west starting with the Wellatree and Angwelha cattle. Two great herds of cows with the first crop from Newbiemains Lorenzo suggesting he is clicking with the Buckland’s bloodlines.

Finishing the day with Barrie Wynter’s Bolankin pedigree cattle and his uncle Edward White’s commercial herd. The family have experienced a difficult year where there have been challenges to balance health needs, additional pressures from Natural England demands across the whole of West Penwith and getting the job done. Barrie is a conscientious club chairman and council member with an extensive knowledge of the Simmental breed. He remains positive for a better 2024.                                        

We ended our day with a fish and chip supper with a vista of St Michaels Mount bliss!!

Day 3 and the Cornish mizzle descended as we travelled to Killiworgie. Despite the weather conditions we saw impressive EX classified cows. Steve and Gill’s investments in Islavale and Popes bulls plus ET and AI choices have resulted in youngstock with potential others should monitor.                                           

We then moved on to the Backways commercial herd based at Trerair farm. It was interesting to hear their journey from beef x dairy calves to the pure-bred Simmental females, they now run. Investing in affordable pedigree Simmental bulls has suited their outdoor spring calving pattern and the more recent influence of Longhorn pedigree cattle has enhanced their hybrid vigour.                                

We concluded the day at Treverbyn and met Ant Hart. A small herd with excellent cows and youngstock and they felt that stock bulls have produced some lovely working daughters to date. Keep up the good work.                                  

Day 4 and a trip to North of Cornwall started with Megan Wellington and Emma Jane Bate at St Kew. We loved their enthusiasm for Simmentals and self-awareness for the direction they want to take the Pennytinney herd. A great team.

After a stop off at Tintagel and a frustrating car parking episode we met new member Paul Ovens (Worthyvale) starting out on his pedigree journey with a few females and a recently acquired Killiworgie bred stock bull together with commercial cattle. An entertaining encounter concluded with returning escaped cattle to their fields.                           

The day finished with a visit to Tregnether pedigree and commercial herd. We were delighted to meet another forward -thinking young couple, Steph, and David. They are making their mark in the show ring both in Cornwall and Devon, after having already established themselves as successful commercial suckled calf breeders. We felt their next challenge is investing in a stock bull to enhance the pedigree side of their business.

On the final day of visits, we viewed the Hawkhill herd of Don Cowell. A mainly pedigree herd with great potential and bloodlines. Numbers have been reduced due to the loss of local grazing. Some lovely cross bred heifers suggests that a commercial focus would be an appropriate direction to take in the future.

Thank you to Steve and Gill Gummow for a hosting an enjoyable and sociable presentation evening where we could meet up with club members once more before returning to Scotland.”

September

After a Covid inflicted break and airline chaos the Cornwall Club managed to organise a trip to Northern Ireland with the much-appreciated assistance of David Hazelton (Ranfurly). It was a pleasure to take new members with us and to reunite with much missed friends. A party of twenty-five we were treated and spoilt with excellent hospitality and outstanding cattle. Challenged by heat exhaustion and the risk of being “Simmied” out we have all returned with renewed energy and focus to keep improving.

Our President Penny Lally has penned a traditional ditty to capture the Northern Ireland experience.
A ‘motley crew’ from Cornwall
Set off ‘abroad’ once more.
To visit ‘Simmental’ breeders
Some, we had seen before.
we all met up at Newquay.
to fly out to Belfast
all hoping that for our visit.
the ‘Indian Summer’ would last.
I think we ‘Identified’ as farmers.
To others it was clear
As most of us were ‘lame’.
Not too many ‘sounds’, I fear!
We landed, then on to the bus.
to Joe Wilson’s Ballinalare & Bannhill
where we saw first ‘Nikita’
glorious sight any sore eyes to fill.
and a ‘Stirling bull’ for February
looking extremely smart
where, hoping, for a ‘pretty large sum’
a Simmental breeder will part
Apart from the super cattle
We saw a rather smart Racehorse.
Bought for ‘a box of chocs & a bottle of gin’!
Only in Ireland, of course!!
After wonderful hospitality
From the family Wilson and friends
We left for the Hotel at Dungannon
Where here ‘day one’ ends
Day 2 started first at Ranfurly.
The Hazelton’s super cows to see.
We were boiling in baking hot sunshine.
And most grateful for a nice cup of tea
Then, on to see Nigel Glasgow
We were ‘sweating like pigs’ on the bus!
Arriving, we made for the nearest hose pipe.
For cold water, melting fast most of us.
Nigel showed us his very nice cattle.
Then back to his ’Palace’ for lunch
We were treated to a wonderful feast.
Truly spoilt were this Cornish bunch.
Then off in the sweltering sunshine
Sticky and sweating all the way.
To John Moore, who is ‘chaos on two legs!
But a joy to be with any day.
We saw good cattle nearby to the farm.
Looking grand in the afternoon sun
Then John took off with a bunch in a pickup
Some stayed behind, in the heat feeling ‘done’.
Later, of course, Omorga hospitality
With the famous ‘poteen’ offered us
So followed much chatter and laughter.
Before, giggling, we got back on the bus.
We were treated at Dungannon Rugby Club
Kindly hosted by David and John
To a delicious sit-down hot dinner
Thoroughly enjoyed by everyone
Day 3, we set off for the Robsons, Kilbride
With plenty of very smart cattle to see
And bulls, all ready for Stirling
Many polled, seems the way now to be.
We were kindly given some lunch.
Then off again with skies cloudy and grey
When arriving at our next destination
We got ‘soaked ‘by the rain you could say.
Richard Rogers showed us his great cattle.
With magnificent views all around
We looked like a lot of drowned rats.
As we squelched over rather wet ground
The rain went away, we were thankful.
And ‘steamed’ as we dried as we walked.
We enjoyed seeing the Hiltonstown herd.
As exchanging opinions, we talked.
We were treated to a wonderful meal.
At a beautiful old local pub
With a fabulous atmosphere and music
Thank you, Richard, for the delicious grub.
Our friendly bus driver Melvin
Let us stay later than planned.
Though lived in fear that his wife
As being late, he’d be from his house ‘banned’!!
So that was the end of our ‘Sortie’.
As always, so very much fun
Our eyes opened by wonderful cattle.
And lovely people, our hosts, everyone
Thanks so much Northern Ireland once more.
For another trip Cornish folk have done
We’ll remember the heat and the cattle.
And your friendship, as warm as the sun

October

The results of the South-west herd competition were announced during a herd visit to Bosahan the overall winners. Congratulations to Cornwall Club members featured in the awards and breeders out of the county that have bought cattle from Cornwall highlighting the successful bloodlines available in the county.

This month also featured the local suckler calf sales. There has been a shortage of animals available. Canny returning buyers from outside the Southwest dealing direct off farm has driven trade despite the wet late summer/autumn weather. Determined buyers recognising the early finishing attributes of Simmental sired cattle have led to high prices. Well done to Jim and Jean Buckland topping the market at the Hallworthy Stockyard Southwestern Suckler Calf Association sale with nine-month-old steers at £1250. The following day Truro saw trade to £935 for a 7months steer from Andrew Kemp, Greenhills and £880 for the top heifer from Kevin Thomas, Crowgey.

The last Cornish showcase of the season was the Cornwall Pedigree Beef Calf Show. Over seventy calves came forward for the 2023 event. The British Simmentals section reigned supreme for the second consecutive year. Bosahan Palomo Estelle P a January 2023 heifer filled the top spot over the native champion. Also lifting overall supreme honours were Steph Hooper and David Reeves in the first staging of the interbreed pairs.

November

Attention moves to Westpoint, Exeter for the Agrifest Southwest.

Tregnether and Trewardrevas attended for the first time competing successfully in the British Simmental pedigree classes for calves born in 2023.

Thursday 9th November: a well-attended AGM by club members, many of whom, met Iain Kerr the British Simmental Society General Manager for the first time. The chairman welcomed everyone and called for a minute’s silence for John Hart, “Treverbyn” who died on October 28^th before starting the meeting. During the annual report Megan Wellington and Emma Jane Bate “Pennytinney” were awarded the new Rosewin Shield for the most points at one day shows kindly given by Adele Jewell. Inter-breeds trophies were presented to the Wellatree, Pennytinney, Killiworgie, Tregnether and Bosahan herds.

Officers elected were:

Charlie Harris – President, Steve Gummow President- Elect

Barrie Wynter – Chairman, Steve Buckland Vice-Chairman

Gill Gummow – Treasurer, Bridget Olds Secretary

For the next two years they will be assisted by the following committee members: Alison Grose, Adele Jewell, Steph Hooper, Megan Wellington/Emma Jane Bate, Jim Buckland, Piers Hawkey and John Olds.

The Chairman – Barrie Wynter thanked retiring committee members Viv Hall (27 years) and Car Hawkey (10 years) for their loyalty and help. Retiring President Penny Lally was presented with flowers and acknowledged for her sound advice to club officers and enthusiastic assistance. Penny together with fellow Life Member Roger Pascoe will continue to support the Cornwall Club.

The evening concluded with an informative and entertaining talk given by Iain on his long association with the Simmental breed together with the Society’s achievements and targets for the future. “Loading the dishwasher” has acquired a new context for us all!!

Congratulations to the herds filling the top spots both with pedigree and commercial cattle in 2023. However, the club’s strength stems from members willing to work hard to promote the Simmental breed we all enjoy. Keep up the good work and drive for improvement. Promotion and finding the time to be involved isn’t easy but we are a great social club with pro-active and innovative ideas.

The Cornwall Club is very lucky to have ambitious and enthusiastic young breeders and new herds ready to challenge more established names. It is difficult to be objective in recognising the strengths and weaknesses in your own cattle. Competition, performance-recording, classification, and visits to other herds can help to establish benchmarks and set targets.

Stephanie Hooper and David Reeves conclude the year with Tregnether Polly lifting the Young Pedigree Beef Champion at the Cornish Winter Fair.