British Simmental Review 2023

NEWS
EFFICIENCY AND PERFORMANCE OF SIMMENTAL TO THE
FORE AT DALSWINTON’S 2023 SCOTTISH BEEF EVENT
The 2023 Scottish Beef Event in June at Dalswinton Estate,
Dumfries highlighted efficiency and profitable beef production
in practise from Dalswinton’s 550-cow suckler herd, and
with more than a few Simmental breed highlights. On the trailer
tours Angus cows with Simmental calves at foot featured and were
much commented upon for their quality and growth. The majority
of Simmental calves on the day were sired by Boswell Lawyer, a
Wolfstar Gordy son purchased at Stirling in February 2022.
Carrying on the efficiency theme, the Simmental promotional stand
featured two Simmental X bulls kindly supplied by Clive and Harry
Houldey, Manor Park, Lockerbie. One of these bulls weighed in at
695kgs at 11-months-old and with a DLWG of 1.97kgs! Highlighting
growth, weight for age, and age at slaughter, the carcase attributes
and profit potential of these bulls, destined for Borderway Market,
Carlisle, was a talking point of the day and a great breed promotion.
Situated alongside the Simmental stand was a quality SimLuing from
Andrew McNee with a cracking Charolais calf at foot. The SimLuing
continues to grow in popularity as a hardy, long living, easy care
female, with good forage conversion. The Simmental stand was busy
throughout with interested commercial producers and making for a
productive and enjoyable day.
Picture credit Isla Campbell.
WILLIAM, PRINCE OF WALES PRESENTS
TROPHY TO FINLAY SOUTTER
In July it was a massive well done to young
Simmental breeder Finlay Soutter (17), Yew
Tree Farm, Ashby De La Zouch, Leicestershire
who carried all before him to win the Royal
Norfolk’s prestigious Young Handler competition.
Presenting the trophy to Finlay, in front of a truly
packed ring side crowd was William, Prince of
Wales! Commenting Finlay said: “First of all it’s a
great honour to have won the Champion Young
Handler award. To do that and have the trophy
presented by Prince William is just really special
and a memory I’ll never forget. Prince William
was so easy to talk to. He asked me how old
Brandane Millie was and also just generally about
the Simmental breed.” It was a stellar debut show
year for Finlay and his heifer Brandane Millie and
check out their achievements in the show section
of this Review.
Picture credit Adrian Legge.
14 | www.britishsimmental.co.uk