January Newsletter 2023

South Midlands - Steve Hookway
I hope you all had an enjoyable
Christmas and I Wish you a happy New
Year. Our breed looks to be turning a
corner, sales of Charolais bulls seem
to be on the up with feed conversion
rates now more important than ever.
Let’s hope the trend continues to grow
throughout 2023 and we can all enjoy
an increased demand for our stock as
farmers strive for greater efficiency
and turn to Charolais.
Welshpool Nov Sale
A good trade was enjoyed at the
autumn Welshpool Sale.
Sharon and I (Waldencourt) had two
bulls forward. Waldencourt Statesman
a January born bull won his class and
sold for 4,200gns.
Our young July bull Waldencourt
Sunnyboy was also placed first in his
class and sold for 5,500gns. Both bulls
were sired by Westcarse Houdini.
The Bostock’s from Roundshill sold
their bull Roundshill Sune for 2,800gns
they also sold Roundshill Sormer a
Female for 2,000gns.
With the sale Ricky and Christine
Butler from the Carrigbeg herd offered
two heifers for sale . The sale of these
two animals will see them retire from
cattle breeding. Carrigbeg Sweetie a
Blelack Digger daughter topped the
female trade and sold for 3,450gns.
Carrigbeg Sunday by Davally Illusion
sold for 2,950gns.
Ricky and Christine Butler Carrigbeg
Charolais
With the sale of their last two heifers
at Welshpool in November Ricky and
Christine Butler have retired from
breeding Charolais cattle.
The herd has represented our region in
many shows and sales over the years.
Ricky and Christine hardly missed a
Three Counties show over many years
and enjoyed a lot of success winning
many red rosettes. Anyone who has
Waldencourt Sunnyboy sold for 5,500gns from
Waldencourt Charolais
enjoyed a cold beer at the show over
the years has them to thank.
Their fridge travelled to the show and
back every year without fail. They have
enjoyed a good trade for many bulls at
the Welshpool sales. Carrigbeg bulls
showing great growth that few could
match. Thankyou to Ricky and Christine
on behalf of our Region.
Obituary Jeremy Hoskins (by PJ
Maher)
Jeremy Hoskins has been breeding
Charolais cattle for about 35 years - his
herd was Parkcorner which is situated
near Cirencester.
He was a very active member both
within the society and our region. He
supported all the local and national
shows, meetings, open days and
general social events. He was a judge
for the breed and judged at most of the
top shows and sales.
He also represented this region on the
council.
Jeremy was very knowledgeable about
the breed, and was always happy
to help anyone who had a problem
either with their animals or with an
administrative query.
PROMOTIONAL GOODS
Due to the rebranding of the Charolais logo we are looking to
bring a fresh new look to the promotional goods later this year.
He was a
particularly nice
man!!!
He made sure
that elderly
members were
looked after,
often going out
of his way to get
them to functions
etc.
He encouraged
young people
to learn about
specifics of the
Charolais breed
and often hosted
the young stock
judging at his
farm.
I think Jeremy will be sadly missed by
all who knew him.
Christmas Dinner
The South Midlands Christmas dinner
was held in early December at the
Royal Oak Much Marcle, Herefordshire.
It was really nice to see twelve
members attending, a nice chance to
catch up with a few people that we
haven’t seen for some time due to
covid. A nice meal and great company.
Three Counties show
The Three Counties will go ahead as
per usual in June. We will as a region
put some effort into the show to look
after our exhibitors as we normally
do. If you are considering showing
your cattle this year please consider
the Three Counties we have a great
showground and great housing and
facilities for the cattle ,we would love
to see you at the show.
Closing date for
regional report in
the next Journal
is
1 January
2024
No bull works harder for the farmer, the plate and the planet
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