Limousin Annual Journal 2024

Limousin

2024

ANNUAL JOURNAL

BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY

ANNUAL JOURNAL 2024

Gunnerfleet Lion

Foxhillfarm Jasper

Graiggoch Rambo

Female sexed semen available

Whinfellpark Lomu

Contents

Chairman's Message 4

CEO’s Message 8

Facts & Stats 11

Sales 2023 27

Show Round Up 93

The Green Genes Story 102

Feature: Swifts 118

Feature: Yeomans 122

Feature: Suckler Herds 124

Obituaries 128

Young Limousin 133

Regional Clubs 144

Fees & Membership 176

Goldies Orinocco

Wilodge Cerberus

DISCLAIMER Whilst the British Limousin Cattle Society (BLCS) seeks to ensure that all information contained in this Journal is accurate,

no warranty is given in respect thereof by the BLCS and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the BLCS shall have no liability for any

loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered directly or indirectly in relation to information and opinions contained in or omitted

from this publication. Views and opinions expressed where the name of the individual is published are those of the individual and not

necessarily those of the BLCS.

Semen available at www.whinfellpark.co.uk

@whinfellparklimousins @awj_farms

www.limousin.co.uk

ANNUAL JOURNAL 2024 | 3

Chairman's MESSAGE

It is a pleasure to introduce the Annual

Journal, a significant publication that

celebrates the breed's successes during

2023. I would also like to give a warm welcome

to the 96 new members that chose to join the

Society and look forward to working with you

during the years ahead.

In September, the Council of Management

welcomed four new members; Jim Gammie

(Scottish region), Brian McAuley (Northern

Ireland region), Keith Redpath (National rep)

and Jonathan Stacey (South East region (coopted))

who bring with them a wealth of

experience and passion for the breed. Thank you

to the retiring Council members Neil Blenkhorn,

Bill Ferguson, Cahir McAuley and Willie Lawson

for their time and work whilst on Council.

The year has seen a full team settle into

Concorde House and they are making great

progress. There is much to do but Alice and

the team are driven and committed to driving

the breed forward for the membership, which

Council and I value greatly.

2023 was another strong year for Limousin. The

bull sales kicked off in February where Stirling

saw a record-breaking clearance rates and

average and hot on the heels came the sale at

Carlisle which saw an equally solid trade. The top

priced bull for the year was Craigatoke Seanog

who sold for 52,000gns and headed to the

Deerhouse herd of Mr H Wood in Lancashire.

In our female sales, buyers from established

herd, new herds and commercial herds

demonstrated confidence in the maternal

power of Limousin. Sales were consistently

strong, with value achieved across all types.

Prices peaked at 25,000gns for Foxhillfarm

Unique at the Red Ladies in December, closely

followed by 22,000gns for Garrowby Toffee.

In Northern Ireland, the female sale record

was shattered at Ballymena where Ampertaine

Tiara topped the Ladies in Red sale for

24,000gns and headed home to the Hackney

herd of Mr P Tippetts.

The autumn period featured two iconic breeder

sales, a reduction sale of the Spittalton herd from

Mr J Burnett and Sons from Stirling. With a top at

11,000gns, 41 cows and calves levelled out at £5245,

then the dispersal of the notable Meadowrig

herd on behalf of Mr A Renton and HSB Redden

Partners followed was equally as successful.

45 cows averaged £4647 selling to a top of

13,000gns for a heifer going back to the herd’s

renowned Meadowrig Eva. Under the recent

watch of stockman Alistair Cormack, the herd

achieved great success in sales and shows since

its inception in 2009 and will be greatly missed.

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, Council

remains committed to strengthening the

integrity of the herdbook; calf inspections

remain a priority and serve to create a level

playing field for members.

The proportion of animals in the herdbook

that are parent verified increases year on year;

and 50% of dams within the herdbook now

have DNA profile allowing calves to be both

sire and dam verified since 2019. The strategic

It is up to all of us

to collectively propel

the Limousin breed

back to the top. The

characteristics that

brought the breed

to the UK over 50

years ago will be

key in achieving

this; easy calving,

easy fleshing and

great maternal

traits and growth.

partnership with Caisley offers members

discounted tissue tags (see back page) and

is aimed at improving the DNA process,

a ‘tamper proof’ system that has had a 100%

success rate with trial farms so far.

Underpinning all Herdbook development work

will be the advent of the new Taurus platform,

which has reached the final stages of testing.

This upgraded platform will see a more userfriendly

interface (less clicks/better outputs),

time efficiencies within the office and greater

flexibility for onward development. It is an

exciting project and one that Council believes

will be game changing for the breed.

I am under no illusion that producing beef

has some major challenges ahead. It is up to

all of us to collectively propel the Limousin

breed back to the top. The characteristics that

brought the breed to the UK over 50 years ago

will be key in achieving this; easy calving, easy

fleshing and great maternal traits and growth.

We must not lose sight or focus of these.

We are one of the few breeds to be lucky

enough to understand the importance of the

naturally occurring Myostatin genes in our

breed. The investment we have all made in

genotyping over the last five years has provided

us and industry with the data that supports

its value. The wider industry seeks data driven

propositions and it was with this in mind, that

the Council are proud to introduce the ‘Green

Genes’ campaign. Later articles in the Journal

explain the detail behind the campaign.

2024 is set to be an exciting year for the Society.

I, fellow Council members and the office

team will be present at many shows and sales

throughout the regions, so please take the

opportunity to meet and talk with us, or please

pick up the phone at any time. Input from all

members is important, and we will benefit

greatly from working together.

Jonathan Watson

CHAIRMAN, BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY

4 | BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY www.limousin.co.uk

www.limousin.co.uk


Executive committee & COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT

Society TEAM

MARGARET PENNY

Honorary President

JONATHAN WATSON

Chairman

DYFAN JAMES

Vice Chairman, South Wales

& Mid-West Representative

KARL SUDDES

Honorary Treasurer,

North East Representative

Shannas, Mintlaw,

Peterhead, Aberdeenshire

T: 01771 624271

Bowsden Moor, Bowsden,

Berwick upon Tweed,

Northumberland, TD15 2TG

T: 07970 131425

Blaencowin, Bryn Iwan, Cynwyl

Elfred, Carmarthen, SA33 6TE

T: 01994 484381

South Farm, Cornsay,

Durham, DH7 9EL

T: 07980 707454

WILL FORRESTER

National Representative

Twemlows Farm, Lodge Farm,

Colehurst, Market Drayton,

Shropshire, TF9 2JB

T: 07773 288747

CHRIS EDDY

South West

Representative

Treloweth Farm, 10 Treloweth

Lane, St Erth, Hayle, TR27 6JP

T: 01736 753165

KEITH REDPATH


Redpath Farms, Parkside,

Edenside Road, Kelso,

Roxburghshire, TD5 7BS

T: 07836 630211

BRIAN MCAULEY

Northern Ireland

Representative

Larkhill Farm, Seven Mile

Straight, Antrim,

Co Antrim, BT41 4QH

T: 07855 814061

ALICE SWIFT

CEO

alice.swift@limousin.co.uk

ALISON GLASGOW

Technical Manager

alison@limousin.co.uk

SUE STENNER

Brand Integrity

Manager

sue@limousin.co.uk

LAURA BARBER

Commercial Manager

laura@limousin.co.uk

MARTIN IRVINE

Scottish Representative

Braehead Farm, Drummuir,

Aberdeenshire, AB55 5JF

T: 07854 310944

JIM GAMMIE

Scottish Representative

Drumforber, Laurencekirk,

Kincardineshire,

Aberdeenshire, AB30 1RS

T: 07798 637270

JOHNATHAN STACEY

South East

Representative

Church Lane Farm, Bramley

Road, Silchester, Hampshire,

RG7 2LJ

T: 07768 830880

ALAN MYERSCOUGH

North West

Representative

Seaview, Pennington,

Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0JP

T: 01229 581058

RUBY KANWAR

Accounts Manager

accounts@limousin.co.uk

KAREN VINCE

DNA Administrator

karen@limousin.co.uk

CLARA HOFSTETTER

Sales Coordinator

clara@limousin.co.uk

MERRYN PHILP

Herdbook

Administrator

merryn.philip@limousin.co.uk

MATTHEW JORDON


The Brocks, Old Moor

Longhirst, Morpeth,

Northumberland, NE61 3HX

T: 07739 662579

GLYN VAUGHAN

Executive Member, North

West Midlands & North Wales

Representative

Dolcorsllwyn, Machynlleth,

Powys, SY20 9AB

T: 07712 627947

GUY GREEN

East Midlands

Representative

Stockmans Cottage, Houghton

Hill Farm, Houghton,

Huntingdon, PE28 2DH

T: 07748 307657

ANDREW CLARK


Mayfields Herd

Hangram Lane Farm,

Ringinglow, Sheffield, S11 7TQ

T: 01142 306573

BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY LTD

Concorde House, 24 Warwick New Road, Royal Leamington Spa, CV32 5JG

T: +44 (0) 2476 696500 E: info@limousin.co.uk

@britishlimousincattlesociety

LimousinUK

British Limousin Cattle Society


www.limousin.co.uk


CEO's MESSAGE

2023 was the year you welcomed me to

Limousin. A year that transpired to be

strong, and a year I can look back on and

smile. Interbreed championships, clean sweeps

and trailblazing clearances all validating

Limousin's superior class and popularity.

The Sale season got off to a flying start at

Stirling, with averages and clearance rates

smashing previous years' records. Carlisle

followed with an equally buoyant trade, with

breeders' bulls at a premium and averages up

on the year. The H&H team have also delivered

exceptional results for individual breeder sales

Frogmore, Spittalton, Meadowrigg, Haltcliffe

and Goldies to name a few. The atmosphere

at sales throughout the year has been electric

and it’s been a pleasure pulling together the

Sale highlights for the Journal.

The 2023 Show season witnessed Limousin's

domination, with Interbreed Championships

at both the Royal Highland and the Royal

Welsh. The Royal Highland interbreed team

won everything there was to win, delivering an

historic and memorable ‘clean sweep’.

It has been a joy spending time spectating

at the shows, witnessing masterclasses in

handling and enjoying upbeat conversations

with members. The Scottish Club's BBQ was

a highlight, along with the Young Breeders

Stock Judging Finals at the Great Yorkshire,

where the Welsh team swept the board

winning the Junior and Senior pairs and

returning home with the overall team award.

Darryl Geary was the worthy winner of the

individual prize securing most points overall.

My sincere thanks must go to all our members

who invest their time, patience, and energy

into the show circuit, delivering spectacular

sights and successes.

The Clubs have delivered popular open days,

trips away and Herd Competitions that have

culminated with upbeat awards evenings.

I have thoroughly enjoyed attending open days

and AGMs and look forward to doing more with

you this year.

But it is safe to say the smooth running of

2023 would not have been possible without

the support and dedication of my team at

Concorde House. Every day Sue, Alison, Laura,

Clara, Merryn and Ruby show up with energy

and enthusiasm to do a great job for you,

our members. We continue to strive to be

better, and we are excited at the opportunities

that lie ahead of us. We are proud of the

strategic partnerships we have established

with Weatherbys Scientific, SRUC, Caisley and

Cogent to bolster breed integrity. The Concorde

House revenue share with Meet by the Park

has come to fruition and is generating an

income to invest in breed promotion.

Our breed has

evolved like no

other - a credit to

your stockmanship

and the devotion

of past and present

council members.

Following your votes, I was delighted to

welcome Keith Redpath, Jim Gammie, Brian

McAuley and Jonathan Stacey (co-opted on) to

the Council, who between them bring a wealth

of business and breed experience.

Looking ahead it is evident from previous

triumphs that our breed has evolved like no

other - a credit to your stockmanship and the

devotion of past and present Council members.

We are leading the way in genomics, with over

40,000 Limousins DNA profiled, and the roll

out of feed efficiency breeding values will be

possible following the launch of the New Taurus

platform. Our Premier Sales continue to attract

strong entries from high health accredited

farms and, during 2023, 87% of all bulls sold

were performance recorded (a 9% increase on

the previous year).

The most pleasing outcome of the Premier Sales

has been the commercial progeny that top the

live and deadweight markets, week in, week out.

89% of suckler bred Limousin sired animals have

achieved EUROP grades R or better, and 63%

of Limousin dairy cross cattle have graded R or

better; this represents a 48% ‘in spec’ advantage

over dairy cross native breeds.

This ability to produce an in-spec carcase is

what gives Limousin the edge in an era where

the food industry is faced with a significant

challenge: how to feed a population whilst

achieving net zero. I firmly believe we are

favourably placed to work with the wider beef

industry to create genetic solutions from

our Limousin gene pool. The ‘Green Genes’

campaign was launched recently to raise the

profile of Limousin genetics to the wider food

industry, and later chapters within the Journal

outline this opportunity.

Here’s to an exciting year ahead of us.

Best wishes,

Alice Swift

CEO, BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY


www.limousin.co.uk


Facts

& STATS

FACTS & STATS

TOTAL REGISTERED CALVES:

MOST POPULAR LIMOUSIN SIRES:

FACTS & STATS

15,881

calves

Don't delay the

DNA

01

AMPERTAINE

ELGIN

UK 9564385/589-1

208

-

02

GUNNERFLEET

LION

UK 125111/200827

126

F94L/Q204X

03

AMPERTAINE

OPPORTUNITY

UK 9564385/1270-3

110

F94L/Q204X

04

WILODGE

CERBERUS

UK 305117/700666

106

F94L/F94L

For the period

1 Jan - 1 Dec 2023

Belonging to

1,203

herds

Be sure to submit DNA

samples well before Sales

to avoid exclusion delays

05

WESTPIT

OMAHA

UK 527854/400174

97

F94L/Q204X

06

AMPERTAINE

JERONIMO

UK 9564385/934-3

87

F94L/Q204X

07

WHINFELLPARK

LOMU

UK 103847/401484

85

F94L/F94L

08

PLUMTREE

FANTASTIC

UK 146897/600023

84

F94L/Q204X

OF THE REGISTERED CALVES:

09

CARRICKMORE

MAXIMUS

IE 215129120451

75

F94L/Q204X

10

AMPERTAINE

JACKPOT

UK 9564385/944-6

69

F94L/Q204X

11

PABO

PEREDUR

UK 704026/201466

69

F94L/F94L

12

LODGE

HAMLET

UK 542928/200346

66

F94L/NT821

45.2%

were bull calves

58.4%

were heifer calves

6%

were ET calves

23.1%

were sired by AI

13

BASSINGFIELD

MACHOMAN

UK 147516/700128

17

62

F94L/Q204X

GRAHAMS

ROONEY

UK 542883/301146

54

F94L/Q204X

14

GRAIGGOCH

RAMBO

UK 704978/100380

18

61

Q204X/Q204X

MATTBEN

36-15-357-347

53

F94L/F94L

15

CLADDAGH

MCCABE

IE 121756750030

19

60

Q204X/Q204X

GALLABER

LEO

UK 125007/500601

53

F94L/NT821

16

MARAISCOTE

REAGAN

UK 560781/502637

56

F94L/Q204X

20

LUKEROYAL

ROBIN

UK 9062850/1011-7

51

F94L/F94L

Limousin sires in the pedigree herdbook, based on the number of progeny registered between 01 Jan - 01 Dec 2023.


www.limousin.co.uk


FACTS & STATS

MEMBER

When do

I need to send

in ET forms?

FACTS & STATS

Myth

BUSTING

Why was the 28-day

birth notification Bye

Law (3.5.2 & 14.3.24)

introduced?

As soon as the ET work is complete. Ensure you or

your vet submits the ET forms which must include

details of collections and implantation.

Why

? ET calves can only be registered once

the information for the registration matches

the information declared on the ET forms.

Why

do EBVs

change?

EBVs and GEBVs are calculated from records

generated on-farm, abattoirs and information in

the animal’s DNA. Relevant to the calculations are:

First calved females

Why

? To build a DNA profile for all females in

the herd book allowing all pedigree calves to be

fully parent verified.

First used sires

Why

? Sires must be DNA profiled and

myostatin tested so subsequent subsequent

progeny can be sire verified.

ET calves at birth

Which animals

need DNA testing

and why?

Why

? So they can be fully parent verified to

check that the registered flush is the correct

one and that the sire is correct if multiple sires

have been allocated.

Animals destined for Premier, Collective and Red

Ladies weaned calf sale

Why

? To validate pedigrees thus protecting

the Herdbook and buyers investing in Limousin

genetics.

Birth notification is free and was introduced to

facilitate the calf inspections (Bye Law 13.1). The first

28 days of a calf’s life is the most suitable to assess

age and weight. The calf inspections are aimed at

creating a level playing field for members.

This Bye Law is mandatory for animals destined for

Premier Sales. A calf not destined for a Premier

Sale can be notified after it is 28 days old and still

be registered. However, from 1 st June 2024 all

calves must be birth notified before 28 days,

or they will not be eligible for registration.

Why

? To ensure all calves fall into the calf

inspection algorithm, strengthening the

integrity of the herd book and creating a level

playing field for all members.

What is the Society

doing to make birth

notifications easier

for members?

New Taurus will be programmed to capture birth

notification data feeds automatically from the

statutory bodies (BCMS, ScotID and APHIS).

Why

? To ensure dates of birth are verified and

the same as those declared on the statutory

body and to automate the need for members

to birth notify.

Why are DNA

results sometimes

not reported at the

same time?

1. The lab can only run a number of samples at

a time. Therefore, some samples will be

processed on one run, and some on the next

even if you posted all the samples in one batch.

2. Poor quality DNA samples can result in fail so

a second sample has to be re-run through the

lab. The scientific process takes 15 working days

to complete.

3. If the sire or dam is excluded or inconclusive,

the lab will run the test again (takes 15 days)

to confirm the result before reporting.

4. The lab will test an animal's profile twice before

requesting a repeat sample.

Why are actual

birth weights

better?

To provide accurate and reliable performance

data for the Limousin breed.

• The performance of the animal itself, relative to

other performance recorded animals

• The performance of the animal’s relatives,

relative to other performance recorded animals

The breeding values are quantified using all

available information at the time of reporting.

Updated performance data is being added all the

time, so the breeding values will change as more

data about the animal becomes known.

The accuracy % is published alongside EBVs/

GEBVs and indicates how well recorded and

linked to the population an individual animal is.

EBVs/GEBVs are scaled towards the average for

low accuracy animals to prevent over-inflated

predictions based on little information.

Why is my calf

not instantly released

from the holding tank

when DNA is back?

When DNA results are back (eg. dam, calf or sire),

it is a manual, animal by animal process to release

animals from hold in relation to the results. If the

DNA results verifies the parentage the animals will

be released just after you receive the Genesure

email. When New Taurus goes live, this manual

task of releasing calves will be done automatically

so calves will be released instantly.


www.limousin.co.uk


FACTS & STATS

The Taurus

FACTS & STATS

Name Bred by Owned by Age at

Slaughter

G/EBV (days)

Carcase

Weight

G/EBV (kg)

Retail

Value

G/EBV (Index)

Calving

Ease

EBV (%)

1

RACHELS DYNAMITE

UK 142189/500280

DoB: 13/04/2008

No. Calves: 145

Sire: SCORBORO ARAMIS

Dam: RACHELS TULIP

Myostatin: F94L/F94L

Messrs D & M L P

Woolhouse, RACHELS

herd, Humberside

Messrs D & M L P

Woolhouse, RACHELS

herd, Humberside

-47

85%

30

88%

LM35R

88%

0.0

94%

There are many traits that can be used to identify

Limousin genetics that will deliver the efficiencies

referred to throughout this publication. The following

tables report on proven stock sires only. The ‘Top 10’s’

in this issue (Leading Stock Sires on Abattoir Traits,

Leading Maternal Trait Stock Sires and Leading Stock

Sires on Calving Traits) are based on the Breeding

Value data recorded up to 24/10/2023. To choose

your own criteria, please go to the animal and EBV

search options on www.taurusdata.co.uk.

LEADING STOCK SIRES for Abattoir Traits

Age to Slaughter GEBV/EBV (days): indicates genetic

potential for age at slaughter to a standard slaughter

weight of 350kgs. Look for high negative values (ie less

days) for animals with potential to reach carcase weights

of 350kg quicker.

Carcase Weight GEBV/EBV (kg): indicates genetic

potential for carcase weight at a slaughter age of 600 days.

Look for high positive valued (ie more kgs) for animals

with potential for higher carcase weights at 600 days.

Retail Value: an index incorporating the GEBVs/EBVs for

Fillet, Striploin, Rump, Silverside, Topside and Knuckle.

Indicates the genetic potential for a higher proportion of

prime cut relative to a carcase weight of 350kg. Look for high

positive values (more kg) for animals with potential for a

greater weight of prime cut as a proportion of carcase weight.

GEBVS & EBVS

ESTIMATING GENETIC POTENTIAL_

GEBVs: Genomic Estimated Breeding Values. These

breeding values use data from a combination of

sources: on-farm records, national data sets, weekly

abattoir records and, importantly, information from

DNA. Over 40,000 pedigree Limousin cattle are now

genotyped and included within the GEBV analysis.

EBVs: regarded as the conventional breeding

values, in different combinations these use the

same data sources as the GEBVs without the

information from the DNA.

The way in which both types of breeding value are

interpreted is exactly the same.

The league table below details the current Top 10

Limousin stock bulls for Age at Slaughter GEBV/EBV

that also meet the following criteria:

• All bulls’ Carcase Weight and Retail Breeding Values

are above 2024 Breed Average

• All bulls have sired a registered calf born in the 12

months to 01 December 2023

Animals are listed in descending rank order by their

Age at Slaughter GEBV/EBV, then by Carcase Weight

GEBV/EBV. The Calving Ease EBV for each animal is

included as a point of reference only. Accuracy values are

shown as % alongside each breeding value.

2

3

4

5=

5=

5=

8

9

10

HUGGINSHAYES OFFICER

UK 363443/702105

DoB: 17/03/2018

No. Calves: 30

Sire: LOWERFFRYDD EMPIRE

Dam: HUGGINSHAYES LILLY


FOXHILLFARM JASPER

UK 371250/300068

DoB: 03/01/2014

No. Calves: 388

Sire: LOOSEBEARE FANTASTIC

Dam: BANKDALE ALICE

Myostatin: -

WITHERSDALE LENNOX

UK 222246/300162

DoB: 16/03/2015

No Calves: 3

Sire: PLUMTREE DEUS

Dam: HARRISON GRACIE


GARNEDD OCTAGON

UK 702544/201330

DoB: 15/10/2018

No. Calves: 24

Sire: TRUEMAN IDOL

Dam: GARNEDD EFA

Myostatin: F94L/Q204X

IDEFIX

23-13-153-225

DoB: 13/02/2013

No. Calves: 142

Sire: ESQUIMAU

Dam: VANESSA


GARNEDD NEPTUNE

UK 702544/301233

DoB: 18/10/2017

No. Calves: 85

Sire: TRUEMAN IDOL

Dam: GARNEDD IOPENER


GORRYCAM HAZZARD

UK 9241175/0614-2

DoB: 15/01/2012

No. Calves: 159

Sire: CLOUGHHEAD UMPIRE

Dam: GORRYCAM DAISY

Myostatin: -

GOLDIES LOOKOUT

UK 581575/201543

DoB: 22/05/2015

No. Calves: 85

Sire: FOXHILLFARM IRISHLAD

Dam: GOLDIES FOXTROT


ARCHIES PHARAOH

UK 9562217/0484-2

DoB: 20/10/2019

No. Calves: 31

Sire: PLUMTREE FANTASTIC

Dam: ARCHIES NEFERTITI


C.J. Dare & Son,

HUGGINSHAYES herd,

Devon

Mr & Mrs M Alford,

FOXHILLFARM herd,

Devon

Mr D C Wharton,

WITHERSDALE herd,

Suffolk

Messrs KI & E & HI

Jones, GARNEDD herd,

Conwy

Non-Member Breeder,

France

Messrs K I & E & H

IJones, GARNEDD herd,

Gwynedd

Mr S Reel, GORRYCAM

herd, Northern Ireland

Mr B T Goldie, GOLDIES

herd, Dumfries &

Galloway

McKenna Bros,

ARCHIES herd, Co

Derry

C.J. Dare & Son,

HUGGINSHAYES herd,

Devon

Messrs A&J Gammie,

WESTPIT herd,

Aberdeenshire

K & S Livestock,

BEEFSAL herd, Norfolk

Mr D Evans, CWMFELIN

herd, Carmarthenshire

D E Evans,

ESMORS herd, Clwyd

Mr & Mrs P W & S M

Greed, KILLERTON

herd, Devon

Mr D Roberts, HELYG

herd, Clwyd

-46

79%

-43

96%

-41

76%

-40

76%

-40

88%

-40

83%

-36

89%

Non-Member Owner -35

88%

JH Neale & Son,

NEALFORD herd,

Cornwall

-33

81%

27

82%

24

97%

16

80%

34

80%

23

91%

22

88%

23

91%

22

91%

11

84%

LM42R

82%

LM38R

96%

LM39R

79%

LM41R

80%

LM42R

90%

LM40R

86%

LM45R

91%

LM32R

90

33

83%

-3.1

67%

-1.9

97%

-0.5

64%

-3.3

75%

-1.3

88%

-2.6

92%

0.7

93%

-2.7

87%

-2.3

75%


www.limousin.co.uk


FACTS & STATS

LEADING STOCK SIRES for Maternal Traits

Age at First Calving GEBV/EBV (days): indicates genetic

potential for heifers to hold to first service opportunity.

Look for negative values (ie less days) for heifers with

genetic potential to hold to first service.

Calving Interval GEBV/EBV (days): indicates genetic

potential for the time that cows take to get back in calf.

Look for negative values (ie less days) for cows with genetic

potential to get back in calf on time.

Longevity GEBV/EBV: indicates genetic potential for the

relative number of calves born in a dam’s lifetime. Look for

positive values for cows with genetic potential to be more

productive in the herd.

200 day Milk EBV: indicates the genetic potential for the

maternal component of growth at 200 days of age (ie the

contribution that the milking and maternal abilities of a

bull’s daughters make towards their calves’ growth at 200

days of age). Look for high positive value for daughters

with potential to wean heavier calves.

Beef Value (index): a weighted index incorporating the

EBVs for 400 day growth, muscle depth, fat depth, birth

weight and calving ease.

The league table below details the current Top 10

Limousin stock bulls for Age at First Calving GEBV/EBV

(where accuracy is equal to or greater than 50%) that

also meet the following criteria:

• All bulls also have EBVs/GEBVs above breed average

for Calving Interval, Calving Ease, Maternal Calving

Ease, 200 day Milk and Beef Value.



Animals are listed by their Age at First Calving

breeding value in descending rank order, then by

Calving Interval breeding value. Accuracy values are

shown as % alongside each breeding value.

5

6

7

8

9

RINGWAY OSWALD

UK 581823/301368

DoB: 09/02/2018

No. Calves: 90

Sire: TOMSCHOICE JET

Dam: RINGWAY IMELDA


PINKERTON ROSS

UK 560359/602466

DoB: 03/03/2020

No. Calves: 4

Sire: TOMSCHOICE JET

Dam: PINKERTON OCEAN


SCORBORO MAGNUM

UK 142543/200579

DoB: 20/03/2016

No. Calves: 109

Sire: Fenomen

Dam: Scorboro Georgette


FIELDSON RAMOS

UK 140653/101656

DoB: 12/10/2020

No. Calves: 6

Sire: TRUEMAN IGLESIAS

Dam: FIELDSON JOY


REDDINGS ROY

UK 582148/701147

DoB: 21/09/2020

No. Calves: 6

Sire: SCORBORO MAGNUM

Dam: REDDINGS NIKITA


Mr P J Henshall,

RINGWAY herd,

Dumfries &

Galloway

Mr J.T Gilchrist,

PINKERTON

herd, Dunbar

Messrs J C G

Bloom & Son,

SCORBORO

herd,

Humberside

Messrs J W &

M C Fieldson,

FIELDSON herd,

Lincolnshire

Mr N P Wilson,

REDDINGS herd,

Dumfries &

Galloway

Mr P J Henshall,

RINGWAY herd,

Dumfries &

Galloway

Mr J.T Gilchrist,

PINKERTON

herd, Dunbar

Mr N P Wilson,

REDDINGS herd,

Dumfries &

Galloway

J M & S P Cooper,

TOMSCHOICE

herd, North

Yorkshire

Mr R T L Horsfall,

WESTROYD herd,

West Yorkshire

-9.7

73%

-6.4

52%

3.4

82%

6.0

70%

8.4

68%

-1.4

58%

2.3

37%

-1.2

70%

3.4

56%

-7.4

55%

0.1

92%

0.2

55%

-0.9

90%

0.7

66%

-1.1

64%

0.0

64%

0.2

46%

-0.2

71%

0.1

53%

-0.2

49%

4

42%

2

39%

3

61%

0

46%

0

43%

LM41

86%

LM33

54%

LM53

95%

LM34

65%

LM46

74%

FACTS & STATS

Maternal Calving Ease EBV: indicates the genetic

potential of a bull’s daughters to calve easily. Look

for positive values (ie more unassisted calvings) for

daughters with potential to calve more easily.

10

MIDDLEDALE NUMPTY

UK 142154/601534

DoB: 15/12/2017

No. Calves: 59

Sire: FENOMEN

Dam: MIDDLEDALE JEWEL


Mr P R Byas,

MIDDLEDALE

herd,

Humberside

W E Swales &

Sons Ltd, SWALE

herd, North

Yorkshire

9.3

69%

4.2

57%

-0.2

85%

-0.2

60%

3

47%

LM45

90%

1

2

3

4

Name Bred by Owned by Age at

First

Calving

G/EBV

COACHHOUSE IVANHOE

UK 141994/201490

DoB: 27/01/2013

No. Calves: 122

Sire: COACHHOUSE VIRGIL

Dam: COACHHOUSE FRITILLARIA

Myostatin: -

6739 SENATEUR

16-29-597-307

DoB: 05/10/2001

No. Calves: 159

Sire: IMPRT OTAN

Dam: JASMINE

Myostatin: -

BLACKFRIAR MESSI

UK 146847/300053

DoB: 07/11/2016

No. Calves: 3

Sire: 5331 ROCKY

Dam: BLACKFRIAR GEMELIA


KIRKLAND NOBBY

UK 540754/401544

DoB: 24/04/2017

No. Calves: 6

Sire: KIRKLAND LANCASTER

Dam: KIRKLAND JANNEKE

Myostatin: -

Messrs Heald

& Co, COACH-

HOUSE herd,

Nottinghamshire

Non-Member

Breeder

Messrs M D &

W M Morton,

BLACKFRIAR

herd,

Lincolnshire

Mr T S Kirk,

KIRKLAND herd,

Scotland

A C Simpson &

Son, MCNEIL

herd, Durham

Messrs DG &

MJ Edwards &

Son, DYFRI herd,

Carmarthenshire

Mr S C Yates,

MILLMEADOW

herd, South

Yorkshire

Mr T S Kirk,

KIRKLAND herd,

Scotland

(days)

-24

72%

-18

86%

-12.4

70%

-9.9

62%

Calving

Interval

G/EBV

(days)

3.7

47%

-5

56%

0.7

60%

3.7

47%

Calving

Ease

EBV (%)

-0.9

79%

-0.80

92%

-0.7

60%

-0.3

60%

Maternal

Calving

Ease

G/EBV (%)

0.3

70%

0.6

76%

0.1

58%

0.9

39%

200

Day

Milk

EBV (kg)

3

47%

10

84%

0

55%

1

34%

Beef

Value

LM39

75%

LM44

96%

LM32

58%

LM37

72%

LEADING STOCK SIRES for Calving Traits

Gestation Length EBV (days): indicates genetic potential

for gestation length. Look for high negative values (ie less

days) for animals with potential for shorter gestation length

Birth Weight EBV (kg): indicates genetic potential for

birth weight. Look for negative values (ie less kgs) for

animals with potential for lower birth weight.

Calving Ease EBV (%): indicates the genetic potential

for ease with which a bull’s progeny will be born. Look for

positive values (ie more unassisted calvings) for animals

with potential to be easier calving.

The league table below details the current Top

10 Limousin stock bulls for Gestation Length EBV

according to the following criteria:

• All bulls also have EBVs above breed average for the

Calving Ease EBV, the Birth Weight EBV and the Beef

Value.



Animals are listed by their Gestation Length breeding

value in descending order (shortest to longest). Accuracy

values are shown as % alongside each breeding value.


www.limousin.co.uk


FACTS & STATS

Name Bred by Owned by Gestation

Length

EBV (days)

Birth

Weight

EBV (kg)

Calving

Ease

EBV (1%)

Beef

Valie

(Index)

1

GREENSONS HOWLETT

UK 220156/600192

DoB: 07/03/2012

No. Calves: 191

Sire: TOWTHORPE DODGE

Dam: GREENSONS TISKIE

Myostatin: -

Greensons Limousins,

GREENSONS herd,

Cambridgeshire

Paul Semple,

GOODREST herd,

Warwickshire

-8.5

97%

-0.9

97%

-0.9

95%

LM43

96%

2

FROGMORE RONALDO

UK 331062/100064

DoB: 07/03/2012

No. Calves: 15

Sire: AMPERTAINE MAGNUM

Dam: FOXHILLFARM ORIEL


Mr C White,

FROGMORE herd,

Gloucestershire

Norman Farming

Company, NORMAN

herd, Cumbria

-8.4

77%

-0.6

75%

0.5

74%

LM38

76%

3

BALLYNAHONE ARNI

UK 9564425/125-5

DoB: 10/11/2005

No.Calves: 248

Sire: CLOUGHHEAD LORD

Dam: BELLISLE MHAIRI

Myostatin: -

Mr R Henderson,

BALLYNAHONE herd,

Co Derry

W & A Oag, BRIMS

herd, Thurso

-7.8

97%

-6.4

97%

2.9

95%

LM57

94%

4

KAPRICO ERAVELLE

UK 106173/500054

DoB: 01/07/2009

No Calves: 384

Sire: WILODGE TONKA

Dam: KAPRICO RAVELLE


C Stafford, KAPRICO

herd, Tyne & Wear

J M & S P Cooper,

TOMSCHOICE herd,

North Yorkshire

-7.4

99%

-1.1

98%

0.5

98%

LM43

98%

5

HOMEBYRES VANHEE

UK 560248/700432

DoB: 08/05/2004

No Calves: 333

Sire: BALNACRAIG SUPREME

Dam: HOMEBYRES ROSEBUD


Messrs J Logan,

HOMEBYRES herd,

Scotland

Messrs J Logan,

HOMEBYRES herd,

Scotland

-7.3

98%

0.8

99%

0.0

98%

LM32

99%

6

TOMSCHOICE LEXICON

UK 124148/100356

DoB: 07/11/2015

No. Calves: 143

Sire: KAPRICO ERAVELLE

Dam: TOMSCHOICE ICON


J M & S P Cooper,

TOMSCHOICE herd,

North Yorkshire

J M & S P Cooper,

TOMSCHOICE herd,

North Yorkshire

-7.2

97%

-2.0

96%

0.3

94%

LM36

94%

7

CORRIDAN HAKKA

UK 142998/501541

DoB: 09/01/2012

No. Calves: 179

Sire: WILODGE CERBERUS

Dam: CORRIDAN VIOLA


Corridan Farms,

CORRIDAN herd,

Humberside

Mr M T Abberley,

HEMLEYHALL herd,

Powys

-6.4

91%

-0.8

92%

1

94%

LM37

95%

8

TOMSCHOICE MONTY

UK 124148/500388

DoB: 08/05/2016

No. Calves: 66


Dam: TOMSCHOICE DIAMANTE


J M & S P Cooper,

TOMSCHOICE herd,

North Yorkshire

Mrs D B Davies,

TIERSTON herd, Dyfed

-6.3

81%

-0.3

89%

-0.1

79%

LM41

91%

9

TOMSCHOICE NATION

UK 124148/100440

DoB: 30/10/2017

No. Calves 72


Dam: TOMSCHOICE IMAGINATION


J M & S P Cooper,

TOMSCHOICE herd,

North Yorkshire

Non-Member Owner -6.1

94%

-0.4

84%

-0.4

86%

LM37

81%

10

AMPERTAINE ORSON

UK 9564385/1305-3

DoB: 03/09/2018

No. Calves: 34

Sire: AMPERTAINE MAGNUM

Dam: AMPERTAINE FLAMENCO

Myostatin: -

Messrs W J & James

McKay, AMPERTAINE

herd, Co Derry

Mr & Mrs C & J Clarke,

TULLYNEIL herd, Co

Tyrone

-5.5

90%

-0.5

81%

0.0

80%

LM38

79%

All Breeding Values should be used with the breeding enterprise and cow type in mind. Users should be aware of the

impact from extremes with some traits. For example, the impact of very low (and very high) birthweight. For more

information, go to www.limousin.co.uk > Breed Improvement Programmes > Limousin EBVs and GEBVs. To view

pedigree and performance information for all registered Limousin cattle go to the Search options of the Society’s online

herdbook www.taurusdata.co.uk.


ADVERTORIAL

IMPROVING THE EASE AND

ACCURACY OF DNA TESTING

3 farms 87 calves

success

100% 92.5%

In partnership with Caisley, the Society are trailling the pros and cons of members using tissue sample

DNA tags to improve the accuracy and ease of DNA testing. The aim of the trial is to assess whether

the value in time saved and the improved accuracy of DNA animals at a younger age via a tissue tag

sample (rather than using hair samples pre Sales) is enough to encourage members to switch to tissue

samples from hair. All samples were taken by the member and sent to Weatherbys via the Society

office, with a cross section of animals being sampled, but the majority being calves born in 2023.

First to market

With over 40 years of tag-making expertise, Caisley was the first company on the market to produce

a tissue sampling tag. This tag is designed to take a tissue sample at the point of tagging. This means

that farmers can tag calves as normal, but with the additional bonus of collecting a tissue sample at

the same time for DNA and/or BVD testing. Caisley's 'tamper proof’ system, ensures the sealing of the

sample at the precise moment the tag is inserted into the animal's ear, guaranteeing the integrity and

security of the genetic material.

What are the advantages of DNA testing using tag samples?

Accuracy

The DNA can only be from

the correct animal, given the

DNA tissue is automatically

identified to the animal tag ID

(unlike placing hair samples

in bags, where there is the risk

of mistakes ie. the animal's

hair sample doesn’t match

the ear tag ID on the bag).

Speed

rate

The lab can process the

sample more easily. Hair

samples need to be sorted

by hand and follicles cut into

a small tube before entering

a lab, whereas tissue tags are

simply placed into the palette

before entering the lab.

Flexibility

TM

success rate

with hair follicles

Even if the animal has

already been tagged,

a management button

tag can be used to collect

the sample. Therefore, the

collection of tag samples is

not limited to calves.

How does it work?

Caisley's tags come in two versions: the official Ministryapproved

tags and the management tags. The process of

tissue tagging is straightforward, as it is integrated into

the normal tagging routine. After applying the tag to the

animal's ear, the tissue sample vial is left securely in the

applicator. All details on the ear tag are also present on the

tissue sampling vial, ensuring a comprehensive record.

How do you use DNA tissue tags?

To collect samples successfully, use the Caisley Applicator and

follow the tagging instructions included in the box with the

tags, or watch the videos on Caisley's website. After tagging,

send the vial with the tissue samples and submission forms for

DNA analysis using the provided pre-addressed envelopes as

soon as possible preferably no longer then within two weeks

after application.

The important

changes made to

improve the vials

were the switch

from a dry desiccant

to a liquid and

adding more liquid

to the tubes.

How has quality and reliability of Caisley tissue vials improved?

— Szymon Nowaczek

Caisley Eartag Limited

Caisley is always working to make product the best they can be to retain and grow customers. In recent

years, Caisley have invested and improved the vials for tissue collection. The important changes made

to improve the vials were the switch from a dry desiccant to a liquid and adding more liquid to the

tubes. Caisley have also developed a liquid buffer that preserves the sample well and quickly, right after

the tissue comes into contact with it. The feedback Caisley have received from laboratories all around

the world has been really positive.

"We have found

the success rate

to be really good, in our

view better than the hair

samples. It’s a much cleaner

job too, no issues of mucky

tails. Sampling the animals

as calves means one job less

later on - we won’t have to

think about calving heifers

and, if we get any problems

with the results, we have

plenty of time to sort them

before the animals are sold."

— Richard Priestley

Brontemoor Herd

Brampton, Cumbria

"We usually DNA

test at about

nine months old to save

testing animals we don’t

intend to breed from or sell

as pedigree. Tagging and

testing them as calves is quite

a change, and will cost us

a little extra... but the tags

weren’t a lot dearer than the

others we were using, and we

can now take DNA samples

with them. An extra few

pence per animal for the tag,

as well as a few extra animals

being tested, is worth it for

the extra convenience."

— Thomas Illingworth

Glenrock Herd

Lockerbie, Dumfries & Galloway

"Testing every calf

ensures you are

100% sure of the parentage

and myostatin before you use

that animal for breeding. To

me, the biggest advantage

of using a tissue sample over

sending hair is getting a clean

and uncontaminated sample.

- when an animal is wet and

dirty it is very difficult to get

a good tail hair sample."

— Jonathan Watson

Tweeddale Herd

Berwick upon Tweed,

Northumberland

ADVERTORIAL


www.limousin.co.uk


ADVERTORIAL

Weatherbys Scientific run an

industry-leading laboratory service,

which has provided a range of multispecies

tests to an international

client base for more than 30 years.

More recently, Weatherbys Scientific

has become a worldwide centre of

excellence in animal genotyping,

especially in the ruminant sector and

has conducted over 3 million cattle

DNA tests to-date.

Through SNP data Weatherbys Scientific can predict a calf’s sire

Parentage

verification

through DNA

testing underpins

the integrity

of pedigree

herd books.

ADVERTORIAL

Weatherbys Scientific provides

advanced DNA technology to support

genomic evaluation programs that

allow the global agricultural sector

to make strategic breeding and

management decisions.

Paving the way

in genomic testing

Benefits of DNA testing services

Parentage verification through DNA testing underpins

the integrity of pedigree herd books. DNA testing also

provides the opportunity to resolve incorrect pedigrees

using parent discovery.

With cutting-edge technology now available at Weatherbys

Scientific genetic disease testing such as Protoporphyriacauses

photosensitisation in cattle, and single gene tests

for instance, polled / horned and myostatin can provide

breeders with decision making tools for handling their

breeding decisions to enable efficient, cost effective and

animal welfare management practices.

Livestock science has made huge strides in accelerating

genetic improvement for production and replacement

traits using genomic selection. This is due to the

onset of DNA testing using 50,000 Single Nucleotide

Polymorphism (SNP) markers (pronounced snip’s)

by using the addition of an individual animals SNP

DNA profile to enhance the reliability of estimated

breeding values (EBV’s) which are traditionally calculated

from pedigree and parental performance data. This

technology also presents the opportunity to breed more

climate friendly animals by selecting breeding stock

which produce lower levels of green-house gases (GHG).

These same SNP markers also offer the ability to

scientifically evaluate the breed composition of an animal

by comparing its SNP profile to a known reference set

of different pedigree breeds. This has added value for

breeders and producers by providing DNA back- up for

quality assurance of the product they supply to retailers

and consumers. This technology also offers the option to

trace the origin of an animal by product back to the farm

it was produced on, offering “paddock to plate” or “farm

to fork” traceability.

Collection of DNA samples

DNA can be extracted from different sources of

biological material. Traditionally hair follicles have been

used especially for the older DNA testing methods

such as microsatellites but developments in other

sample collection methods such as ear punches have

provided alternative means of collecting DNA which can

improve the success rate in producing high quality SNP

genotypes and reduce the incidence of repeat sampling.

The BLCS are currently running a trial using ear notch

collection to evaluate the potential of this sampling

method for its breeders.

www.weatherbysscientific.com


www.limousin.co.uk


Sales

2023

SALES

FEBRUARY 2023

Stirling

CLEARANCE:

93% (52 bulls)

ANSIDE SAMSON

F94L / Q204X

SALES

TOP PRICE:

15,000gns

Elrick Shogun

SALE AVERAGE:

£6,689

Reserve Intermediate Champion, sold for 14,000gns to M Meldrum, Shenval, Banffshire Age: 21 months

Sire: Homebred Anside Oden Dam: Anside Odelia (Goldies Fortress)

↑ £940 on 2022

DYKE SALTIRE

F94L / F94L

JUDGE:

Llyr Hughes

ELRICK SHOGUN 15,000gns

F94L / Q204X

Elrick Shogun tops

at 15,000gns

Sold by Messrs J R MacGregor, Dyke Farm, Glasgow for 12,500gns to A and R Paton, Easter Greenhill, Falkirk

Age: 22 months Beef Value: LM53 (top 1% of the breed) Sire: Herd's stock bull Goldies Lordofthering (purchased

Stirling Feb 2017 for 12,000gns) Dam: Dyke Jolly

The 2023 sale season got off to

a flying start at United

Auctions, Stirling, with prices

and clearances smashing the

previous year’s records, with 52 bulls

averaging £6,689 (up £940 on 2022)

with a clearance rate of 93%.

There was a super atmosphere

that day, and it was great to see the

market packed with breeders and

buyers. The result was a strong trade

which was encouraging and filled

vendors with a sense of optimism for

the year ahead.

Overall Male Champion and Senior

Male Champion for the day was

Elrick Shogun who sold for 15,000gns,

presented by Mr M J Massie, Mains of

Elrick, Ellon. Born April 2021, Shogun

is an F94L / Q204X and has a Beef

Value of LM50 which is in the top 10%

of the breed. He is sired by the herd's

stock bull Whinfellpark Nobu, who

was purchased in Carlisle February

2019 sale for 7,000gns. Shogun is out

of the homebred cow Elrick Olga.

It was a super day for the Massie

family selling both Elrik Samson

(sired by 30,000gns Goldies Olympia)

and Elrik Saxon for 8,000gns and

achieving an average of £10,850.

Judge for the day was Llyr Hughes

of the Pabo Pedigree Limousin herd

who commented, “The outstanding

quality of stock presented made

the task of judging a wonderful

challenge. All bulls were turned out

to a very high standard with great

style, shape, and presence. Overall

Male Champion for the day was

extremely square and correct with

a great topline. The Junior Male

Champion, Spittalton Scapa, will

be one to watch for the future.”

SPITTALTON SCAPA F94L / NT821 WESTHALL SUPERMAN F94L / F94L

Junior Male Champion, sold for 12,000gns to William Thomson & Son, Hilton of

Beath, Fife Age: 18 months Beef Value: LM36 Sire: Herd's stock bull Barrons Oj

(bought Carlisle May 2019 for 9,000gns) Dam: Spittalton Nurse( Burnbank Judge)

Sold by M Fotheringham and H McNee for 10,000gns to D Baillie of the Calla

Pedigree herd, Calla Farm, Lanark Age: 20 months Beef Value: LM39

Sire: Newhouse Overfinlarg Dam: Westhall Lecca


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

WESTHALL SUPERSTAR

F94L / F94L

DYKE SKYWALKER

F94L / F94L

FEBRUARY 2023

Carlisle

SALES

Sold for 9,000gns to Huntlyhill Mains, Lanark Age: 20 months Beef Value: LM46

(top 10% of the breed) Sire: Newhouse Overfinlarg Dam: Westhall Lorna

Sold for 8,500gns to R and M Struthers of the Collielaw herd, Lanarkshire

Age: 19 months Beef Value: LM44 (top 10% of the breed) Sire: Goldies

Lordoftherings Dam: Dyke Damsel

ELRICK SAMSON

ELRICK SAXON

EASEGILLHEAD SPOTON 45,000gns

F94L / NT821

Sold for 8,000gns to M J Agnew, Little Airies, Stranraer Age: 22 months

Beef Value: LM43 (top 10% of the breed) Sire: 30,000gns Goldies Olympia

Dam: Elrick Nepal

Sold for 8,000gns to Peter Alexander of the Glenericht herd, Mains of Mause,

Perthshire Age: 22 months Beef Value: LM29 Sire: Mereside Lorenzo

Dam: Elrick Isla (Wilodge Fastrac)

Easegillhead Spoton tops

trade for Marston family

RONICK SIRLANCELOT

F94L / Q204X

Sold by Mr R Dick, Mains of Throsk Farm, Stirling for 8,000gns to Doldy Farm,

Eastmill Farm, Perthsire Age: 21 months Beef Value: LM41 (top 10% of the breed)

Sire: Herds stock bull Wilodge Granville Dam: Ronick Jadore (Ronick Fantastic)

CORSAIRTLY SUPRA

F94L / F94L

Sold by Mr R and K Davidson, Corsairtly Farm, Keith for 8,000gns to J Kerr,

Bankhead, Fife Age: 20months Sire: Herd's stock bull Deerpark Pluto (purchased

Carlisle May 2020 for 10,400gns) Dam: Corsairtly Porscha

The February sale proved an

emotional affair for the hill

farming Marston family, whose

return to the sale after a 10 year

break saw their breeding dreams

come true. Daughter Catherine led

up the Reserve Junior Champion

Easegillhead Spoton, who went

onto sell for 45,000gns. Born August

2021, at 18 months he is sired by

22,000gns Gunnerfleet Lion and

out of Netherhall Narhera, who has

a notable back pedigree including

Netherhall Jackpot, Requin and

Fieldson Alfy. He sold to the Wilodge

herd, Lodge Hill Farm, Shropshire.

Overall Champion and Intermediate

Champion went to Ampertaine

Senator who sold for 25,000gns, to

Paul Dawes of the Dinmore herd

Born June 2021, at 20 months of age

has a Beef Value of LM34 and a F94L

/ NT821 myostain. Senator is sired

by 26,000gns Foxhillfarm Ourbest

and out of the homebred cow

Ampertaine Ladyship.

Judge for the day Mr Craig Ridley

of the Haltcliffe Pedigree herd

commented “It was a pleasure to

judge the show of bulls on display.

The bulls were a credit to the breeders

and a clear demonstration of the skill

and hard work invested in producing

quality pedigree Limousin cattle. The

Overall Champion was long and clean,

a true Limousin type.”

Alice Swift, CEO of the British

Limousin Society commented,

“It was great to see a buoyant trade

following on from Stirling, with

impressive averages and clearance

rates achieved. Breeders’ bulls were

at a premium underpinned by a

solid commercial trade. There was

a wonderful atmosphere at Carlisle

and I left feeling optimistic for the

year ahead. Congratulations must go

to the Marston family whose success

proves that anyone can go into

Limousins and top a premier sale,

I was thrilled for them.”


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

AMPERTAINE SQUIRE

F94L / Q204X

MEADOWRIG SCORPIO F94L / Q240X MARAISCOTE SAVOY F94L / F94L

SALES

CLEARANCE:

85% (78 bulls)

↑ 8% on 2022

TOP PRICE:

45,000gns

Easegillhead Spoton

Sold for 20,000gns to W & M Knaggs and Sons of the Jorica herd, East Newbiggin Farm, Darlington.

Born: August 2021 Beef Value: LM54 (top 1% of the breed) Sire: Wilodge Cerberus Dam: Ampertaine Jlo

BRONTEMOOR SONOFGOD

F94L / F94L

SALE AVERAGE:

£8,230

↑ £335 on 2022

Reserve Senior Male Champion sold by A Renton for 16,000gns to Strattons Herd

Berkshire Age: 21 months Beef Value: LM57 (top 1% of the breed)

Sire: Homebyres Macadoo Dam: Meadowrig Naranja

Senior Male Champion sold by J Nimmo, Bogside Farm, Lanarkshire for 16,000gns

to C L and F E Jerman of the Glangwden herd, Powys Age: 21 months

Beef Value: LM49 (top 10% of the breed) Sire: Bassingfield Machoman

(purchased Carlisle May 2017 for 50,000gns) Dam: Maraiscote Nestle

GOLDIES STAMP F94L / F94L PABO SUNSHINE F94L / F94L

JUDGE:

Craig Ridley

Sold by J M & S M Priestley, Cracrop Farm, Cumbria for 18,000gns to Norbreck Genetics Ltd of the Norbreck Pedigree

herd Age: 20 months Beef Value: LM46(top 10% of the breed) Sire: Stock bull Knock Msport (winner of North West

Club 2023 ‘Best Stock Bull & Progeny, purchased Carlisle May 2018 for 10,000gns) Dam: Brontemoor Luckylady

Sold by Bruce Goldie, Townfoot, Dumfries for 15,000gns to Ian Pitcher, Cockleshell

Pedigree herd, Lincolnshire Age: 16 months Beef Value: LM60 (top 1% of the breed)

Sire: Goldies Terence Dam: Goldies Poppy

Sold by W P Hughes & Son, Fferam Gyd, Anglesey) for 12,000gns to M & C Davies,

Glencross Pedigree herd, Pembrokeshire Age: 16 months Beef Value: LM43 (top

10% of the breed) Sire: Pabo Oldspice Dam: Pabo Loose

EASEGILLHEAD SUPERDUPER

Q204X / Q204X

GOLDIES SUPREME

F94L / F94L

CALOGALE SYKES

Sold for 18,000gns to A and D Proctor of the Swarland Pedigree herd, Swarland Old Hall, Northumberland

Age: 18 months Sire: Plumtree Fantastic Dam: Easegillhead Northernlight

Sold for 11,000gns to Lotherton Estates, Silverhill Farm Age: 20 Beef Value: LM59

(top 1% of the breed) Sire: Ampertaine Majestic Dam: Goldies Goldilocks

Sold by G J Lee & C M Lloyd, Ger-Y-Coed, Carmarthenshire for 11,000gns to Mr R J

Shennan of the Farden pedigree herd, Ayrshire Age: 19 months Beef Value: LM52

(top 1% of the breed)


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

AULTSIDE SEXBOMB

F94L / Q204X

Females

FEBRUARY 2023

Dungannon

SALES

Sold by Gary Patterson, Upper Forgie, Keith for 10,000gns to P A Walker of the

Walkers herd, Kincardineshire Sire: Wilodge Cerberus Dam: Spittalton Flush

Top price female for the day was Lodge

Topnotch from W I and A W Callion,

Bolfornought Farm, Stirling, who sold for

15,000gns. An embryo calf sired by 32,000gns

Ampertaine Elgin and out of the homebred cow

Lodge Meribel. Born June 2022, at 8 months of

age she has a Beef Value of LM32. She was sold

suckling a recipient Limousin X Jersey who is

in-calf to an embryo sired by Ronick Gains and

out of Lodge Indie. Topnotch was the pick of the

bunch for F D A and D McVicar who took her

home to Lephinchapel, Argyll.

BRONTEMOOR SALERING

F94L / F94L

Six cows

with calves at foot:

£4,515

Three served

heifers averaged:

£3,325

One recipient

with calf at foot:

£15,750

Three maiden

heifers averaged:

£2,482

BERNISH SAMSON 8,500gns

F94L / Q204X

Sold by J M & S M Priestley, Cracrop Farm for 10,000gns to South Eastern Cattle

Breeding Society Ltd, Eire Sire: Knock Msport Dam: Haltcliffe Gavel

TWEEDDALE SERGEANT

F94L / Q204X

CLEARANCE:

89% (42 females)

Champion leads

the line-up

at 8,500gns

Sold by J Watson, Bowsden Moor, Northumberland for 10,000gns to R Holroyd &

Sons, Shawcroft Farm, Hebden Bridge Sire: Carrickmore Maximus

Dam: Grahams Lizzie

TOP PRICE:

15,000gns

Lodge Topnotch

SALE AVERAGE:

£3,090

↑ £429 on 2022

Hitting the headlines in the

show and sale rings was the

much-admired senior bull

Bernish Samson bred by Kieran

McCrory from Sixmilecross, County

Tyrone. Born in June 2021 he was

sired by the 32,000gns Ampertaine

Elgin, and is out of the home-bred

dam Bernish Missyfortune. The 18-

cow Bernish prefix was founded over

20 years ago and was winner of the

NI Limousin Club’s best medium

herd award in 2022. Samson has

a F94L / Q204X Myostatin and a Beef

value of LM33.

Judge Andrew Ewing Jnr from

the Fairywater Herd based at

Dumbretton Farm, Annan, Dumfries,

praised the quality of the bulls on

parade at Dungannon. Bernish

Samson caught his eye, making it

a clean sweep in the showring to win

the senior male, overall male and

supreme championship rosettes.

Andrew commented “he is a modern

Limousin bull, with fantastic power

and conformation, and sound legs

and feet. He stood out from the

minute he entered the ring and is

a very deserving winner.”

Northern Ireland Limousin Cattle

Club chairman Brian McAuley said:

“The February sale attracted

a great turnout of bulls very capable

of breeding quality carcasses for

today’s commercial market. There

was a good turnout of spectators

and buyers around the salering, and

many of the lots on offer attracted

interest from online bidders.”


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

SPAGE SIDNEY

F94L / Q204X

CLEARANCE:

63% (17 bulls)

MAY 2023

Stirling

SALES

TOP PRICE:

8,500gns

Bernish Samson

Intermediate champion sold by Paul Campbell, Carnlough, County Antrim for 4,550gns to Mr J Savage,

Ballywalter, County Down Born: July 2021 Beef Value: LM38 Sire: Gleneagle Icon Dam: Sage Pippa

SALE AVERAGE:

£3,641

CLARAGH SPARTACUS

F94L / F94L

JUDGE:

Andrew Ewing Jnr

ANSIDE SANTA 14,000gns

F94L / F94L

Anside Santa pulls a cracker

Sold by JD Rainey, Kilrea, County Derry for 3,900gns to F McNally, Draperstown, County Derry Born: August 2021

Beef Value: LM50 (top 10% of the breed) Sire: Ampertaine Majestic Dam: Claragh Heidi

BLACKWATER SPORTSMAN

F94L / NT821

Sold by Keith & Stephen Williamson, Benburb, County Tyrone to Scott Willox,

Dykenook pedigree herd, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire Born: May 2021

Beef Value: LM35 Sire: Whinfellpark Lomu Dam: Homebryes Neema

ASHVIEW SQUIRE

F94L / F94L

Sold by Victor & Stephen Keys, Dromore, County Tyrone for 3,600gns to Edward

McKee, Downpatrick, County Down Born: September 2021 Beef Value: LM25

Sire: Lodge Hamlet Dam: Togherdoo Ibell

The May sales got off to a strong

start at the Stirling multibreed

sale on Monday 1 st May 2023,

carrying on the positive trade

achieved in February. It is evident

from the trade and clearance rates

that Stirling is building a credible

reputation for auctioning Limousins

that go on to deliver, particularly for

commercial beef producers. Sale

average was up by 41% on the year,

settling at £7,182/head and

a clearance of 83%.

Alice Swift, Limousin Society CEO

commented “It was pleasing to see

Limousin-bred cattle driving the day’s

commercial trade and even more

so that this demand carried on into

the pedigree ring as buyers continue

to seek out bulls that produce well

for this market. Testament to the

commercial demand, 17 bulls sold

at values between 5,000gns to 7,500

gns confirming the confidence in the

breed to produce easy calved progeny

with length, muscle and growth”.

Anside Santa topped the trade for

Mr & Mrs S Irvine, Keith at 14,000gns.

No prizes for guessing Santa's

birthday (Christmas day 2021!) was

knocked down to Wilson Peters

of Monzie Farms, Crieff who was

actively looking to purchase

a double F94L carrier that day. Santa

is sired by Anside Orton and out

of dam Anside Owena a Powerful

Irish daughter. Santa stood Reserve

Champion in the pre-sale show,

judged by Henry Fieldson (Fieldsons

herd, Lincolnshire).

Henry awarded the overall Champion

to Corsairtly Solitaire from Messrs

R&K Davidson from Keith, Banffshire,

commenting “the bull I chose as my

Champion is a long, clean bull which

was full of style and breed character.

My Reserve Champion was a very

powerful bull with great width and

huge weight for his age”.


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

CORSAIRTLY SOLITAIRE

F94L / F94L

RONICK SUGARDADDY

F94L / Q204X

DYKE STRIKE

F94L / F94L

SALES

CLEARANCE:

83%

TOP PRICE:

14,000gns

Anside Santa

Sold for 10,000gns to Messrs Campbell, Allt-Na-Craik, Lochgoilhead Born: November 2021

Sire: Deerpark Pluto Dam: Dyke Luke

SALE AVERAGE:

£7182

Sold by Mr R Dick for 9,500gns to R Forrest Ltd, Duns Born: October 2021

Beef Value: Top 10% of the breed Sire: Millgate Ohboy Dam: Ronick Nestle

Sold by Messrs JR MacGregor, Milton of Campsie, Glasgow for 8,500gns to

NA McCulloch, Ardwell, Stranraer Born: May 2021 Sire: Goldies Lordoftherings

Dam: Dyke Beatrice

NEWHOUSE SCOTTY

F94L / NT821

↑ £2,086 on 2022

JUDGE:

Henry Fieldson

Sold for 10,000gns to Huntlyhill Farms, Lanark Born: September 2021 Beef Value: top 1% of the breed

Sire: Newhouse Overfinlarg Dam: Newhouse Lyn, daughter of Greenhaugh Forester

GOLDIES SAINT

F94L / F94L

DRAKEMYERS TITAN

F94L / Q204X

Sold by Bruce Goldie, Mouswald, Dumfries for 12,000gns to LD Carr and Partner,

Rushden, Northamptonshire Born: July 2021 Beef Value: top 10% of the breed

Sire: Ampertaine Opportunity Dam: Goldies Joyeuse, full sister to Goldies Olympia

Sold by Darren Irvine for 10,500gns to WSL Muir, Stromness, Orkney Born: January

2022 Sire: Ampertaine Magnum Dam: Anside Olaya (Powerful Irish daughter)


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

MAY 2023

Carlisle

CLEARANCE:

71% (80 bulls)

BLAENCWM SAM

NT821 / NT821

SALES

TOP PRICE:

52,000gns

Craigatoke Seanog

SALE AVERAGE:

£9,178

Sold by Dylan and Elen Davies for 32,000gns to Garrowby Farms, Bugthorpe, York Born: December 21

Beef Value: LM40 (top 10% of the breed) Sire: Derrygullinanane Kingbull Dam: Pabo Nickiminaj

22 over 10,000gns

AMPERTAINE SUPERSTITION

F94L / Q204X

JUDGE:

Arwel Owen

CRAIGATOKE SEANOG 52,000gns

F94L / NT821

Strong

trade

for bulls

ready to

breed

Strong demand continued at

the annual Carlisle sale on

Friday 5 th May, with Limousin

bred cattle continuing to dominate

the commercial rings up and down

the country.

There was a wonderful upbeat

atmosphere amongst breeders and

buyers that translated into a flying

trade for bulls ready to work. It was

evident confidence was returning

to the beef market with a third of

bulls sold achieving five figures,

confirming a demand for genetics

that deliver growth and efficiency.

It was Northern Ireland’s day with the

Intermediate and Overall Champion

in the pre-sale show Craigatoke

Seanog coming from Mr MJ Conway,

Co Tyrone, taking the sale’s top price

at 52,000gns. An October 21-born calf

with Myostatin F94L/NT821, Seanog

is by Foxhillfarm Ourbest out of cow

Craigatoke Nicola, a daughter of

homebred Craigatoke Johnnyand

sold to Mr Henry Wood of the

Deerhouse herd, Dutton, Preston.

Judge, Arwel Owen, Foel, Welshpool

commented, “The Champion was

an animal which I really fell in love

with the moment it entered the ring,

with great conformation and length.

With two good bulls in the same

class placing so close together it was

a difficult choice, but he just had

that little something extra. I was very

impressed with the overall standard of

bulls which were presented, especially

the intermediates and juniors”.

Sold by WJ and J McKay, Maghera, Northern Ireland for 27,000gns to Messrs Neale of the Nealford herd,

Launceston, Cornwall Born: September 21 Beef Value: LM43 (top 10% of the breed) Sire: Ampertaine Opportunity

Dam: Ampertaine Neve

GARROWBY SHIPLEY F94L / NT821 MARAISCOTE SOOTY

Sold by Garrowby Farms, Bugthorpe, York sold for 22,000gns to Messrs TW Bell and

Son of the Wanthwaite herd near Keswick Born: November 21 Sire: Derrgullinane

Kingbull Dam: Gunnerfleet Peloche

F94L / Q204X

Sold by J Nimmo, Wishaw, North Lanarkshire for 18,000gns to Messrs Lewis of the

Einon herd, Llanbydder Born: August 21 Sire: Ernevalley Nigel Dam: Virginia Andy


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

GOLDIES SALVADOR

F94L / Q204X

THORNINGHURST TRUEGENT

F94L / NT821

SALES

Sold by Mr BT Goldie, Mouswald, Dumfries for 15,000gns to Mr JA Ewing,

Fairywater herd, Annan, Dumfries Born: November 21 Beef Value: LM39

Sire: Ampertaine Opportunity Dam: Goldies Joyeuse

Sold by Mr S Gilleard, Thorne, Doncaster for 15,000gns to Mr A Kennedy,

Seggarsdean, Haddington Born: January 22 Beef Value: LM39 (top 10% of the

breed Sire: Glenrock Nemo Dam: Homebyres Moricity

ELDERBERRY SHAKESPEARE

F94L / F94L TOMSCHOICE SAMBA

F94L / F94L GOLDIES SANTA

F94L / F94L

HALTCLIFFE TOPGUN

F94L / NT821

Sold by Messrs E Blenkhorn and Son, Goole, East Yorkshire for 14,000gns to Messrs C

and K Malone, Cardenden, Fife Born: August 21 Sire: Jac Dam: Elderberry Juliette

Sold by Messrs JM & SP Cooper, Dacre, North Yorkshire for 14,000gns to Malthouse

herd of Mr DWL Roberts, Lisvane, Cardiff Born: November 21 Beef Value: LM41

(top 10% of the breed) Sire: Goldies Nicholas Dam: Tomschoice Polka

Sold by Mr BT Goldies, Mouswald, Dumfries for 14,000gns to Lockerbie with Messrs

Ewart and Son, Dalton Born: December 21 Beef Value: LM46 (top 1% of the breed)

Sire: Goldies Positive Dam: Goldies Olive

Sold by Mr C Ridley, Wigton, Cumbria for 14,000gns to Mr JE Carruthers, Rochester,

Newcastle upon Tyne Born: January 22 Beef Value: LM43 (top 1% of the breed)

Sire: Westpit Omaha Dam: Haltcliffe Orchid

WHINFELLPARK SEBASTIAN

F94L / F94L

GLENROCK SCORPIONKING

F94L / Q204X

Sold by Messrs Jenkinson, Whinfellpark, Penrith for 13,000gns to the Lethendry herd

of Mr J McConachie & Son, Grantown on Spey, Moray Born: September 21 Beef Value:

LM44 (top 10% of the breed) Sire: Foxhillfarm Jasper Dam: Whinfellpark Oolala

Sold by Messrs S and T Illingworth for 12,000gns to Mr JC Johnson of the Almande

herd, Trimdon Station, Co Durham Born: October 21 Beef Value: LM56 (top 1% of

the breed) Sire: Goldies Oxo Dam: Glenrock Jacaranda


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

MARAISCOTE TIKTOK

F94L / Q204X

GLENROCK TIGERROLL

F94L / NT821

SALES

Sold by J Nimmo, Wishaw, North Lanarkshire for 12,000gns to the Duncrahill herd

of Messrs Cadzow & Co Ltd, Tranent, East Lothian Born: January 22 Beef Value:

LM60 (top 1% of the breed) Sire: Bassingfield Machoman Dam: Maraiscote Hazel

Sold by Messrs S and T Illingworth for 12,000gns to Messrs D and MA Wilson,

Workington, Cumbria Born: January 22 Beef Value: LM53 (top 1% of the breed)

Sire: Glenrock Humdinger Dam: Hurricane Kayla

TWEEDDALE STARBURST

F94L / Q204X

GLENROCK SLIMSHADY

F94L / F94L

HALTCLIFFE TEQUILA

F94L / Q204X

GARROWBY SOLOMON

NT821 / Q204X

Sold by Mr J Watson, Bowsden, Berwick upon Tweed for 11,500gns to Messrs

Sawyer & Son, Goodmanham, York Born: October 21 Beef Value: LM42 (top 10%

of the breed) Sire: Gallaway Kemp Dam: Tweeddale Liquorice

Sold by Messrs S and T Illingworth for 11,000gns to Messrs WL and JA Forrester,

Whitchurch, Shropshire Born: November 21 Beef Value: LM43 (top 10% of the

breed) Sire: Goldies Oxo son Dam: Glenrock Nostalgic

Sold by Mr C Ridley, Wigton for 10,500gns to Messrs Batty Ltd, Maryport, Cumbria

Born: February 22 Beef Value: LM52 (top 1% of the breed) Sire: Ironstone Brandy

Dam: Grahams Natalie

Sold by Garrowby Farms, Bugthorpe, York for 10,000gns to Messrs D and L Graham,

Burnbank herd, Blairdrummond, Stirling Born: September 21 Beef Value: LM44

(top 10% of the breed) Sire: Ampertaine Foreman Dam: Gunnerfleet Locks

BRENMICK SUPREME

F94L / NT821

LOMOND SERGIO

F94L / Q204X

Sold by Mr RM Jones, Conway for 10,000gns to the Coxfield herd of Messrs HG

Sharman & Son Born: August 21 Sire: Loosebeare Fantastic Dam: Brenmick Anna

Sold by Mr A Orr, Kinross for 10,000gns to Messrs Johnson, Shap, Penrith

Born: October 21 Sire: Ampertaine Magnum Dam: Lomondside Lush


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

MAY 2023

Brecon

CLEARANCE:

82% (16 bulls)

GARYVAUGHAN STINKY

F94L / NT821

SALES

TOP PRICE:

13,000gns

Loosebeare Shifty

SALE AVERAGE:

£5,572

Sold by Colin Lewis, Welshpool, Powys for 6,200gns to Gwyn Jones and Partners, Newtown Powys

Born: September 2021 Sire: Gorrycam Phantom Dam: Garyvaughan Minky

↑ £393 on 2022

ASHLEDGE SPEARMINT

F94L / F94L

JUDGE:

Sarah Priestley

LOOSEBEARE SHIFTY 13,000gns

F94L / Q204X

Loosebeare Shifty

tops Brecon

Sold by AG Kirton and Sons, Bewdley, Shropshire for 6,000gns to J Evans and Sons, Brecon, Powys Born: April 2021

Beef Value: LM61 (top 1% of the breed) Sire: Goldies Lookout Dam: Ashledge Mint

Judge Sarah Priestley, Brampton, Cumbria, of the Brontemoor herd,

is no stranger to the judging circuit having previously presided over

the Limousin classes at the Balmoral show, Red Ladies and Roscrea.

Commenting on her experience she said “it was an honour and a privilege

to be asked to judge at Brecon, where there was a great show of cattle

throughout. My reserve and champion stood out with plenty of ring presence,

mobility, and breed character”.

BROCKHURST SILLYBILLY

F94L / NT821

The top lot of the day at 13,000gns was the pre-sale show class winner

Loosebeare Shifty (F94L/ Q240X), from EW Quick and Sons, Crediton,

Devon sold to Rowe Farms Ltd, Bridgewater, Somerset. Shifty is sired by the

popular Loosebeare Fantastic, a bull who has produced sons to 70,000gns,

while his Dam is Loosebeare Honeybee goes back to the 17,000gns

Aghadolgan Emperor.

Sold by WJ and M Mash Ltd, Chesham, Buckinghamshire for 6,000gns to J Porter, Highbridge, Somerset

Born: June 2021 Sire: Procters Mitsubishi Dam: Brockhurst Isabelle


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

MAY 2023

Ballymena

CLEARANCE:

98% (39 bulls)

RAHONEY SHADRACH

F94L / F94L

SALES

TOP PRICE:

13,000gns

Slieve Sportyman

SALE AVERAGE:

£5,230

Sold by Rahoney Shadrach, Howard McFarland, Trillick for 10,000gns to Ross Millar from Newtownstewart,

County Tyrone Born: August 21 Sire: Ampertaine Majestic Dam: Rahoney Jem

BALLYROBIN SKYFALL

F94L / F94L

SLIEVE SPORTYMAN 13,000gns

F94L / Q204X

FEMALES:

£2,648 average

14 heifers

Champion sets 13,000gns

Limousin record in NI

JUDGE:

Blair Duffton

Sold by Joan Gilliland, and niece Kim Montgomery, Antrim for 7,200gns sold to Robert McNabney, Broughshane

Born: May 21 Sire: Gunnerfleet Lion Dam: Ballyrobin Nina

Claiming the headlines in both the show and sale rings

was the much-admired Slieve Sportyman bred by

father and son team John and Shane McGeehan

from Fivemiltown, County Tyrone who topped the sale

at 13,000gns. With a myostatin combination of F94L and

Q204X genes, he was sired by the 32,000gns Ampertaine

Elgin, and is out of a home-bred dam by the 50,000gns

Wilodge Cereberus; he was knocked down to pedigree and

commercial herd owner Gareth Corrie from Newtownards.

SEANITA SUPERHERO

Q204X / Q204X

CRANMONEY TED F94L / Q204X BALLYRICKARD SKELETOR

F94L / F94L

This 19-month-old bull caught the eye of Scottish judge

Blair Duffton to claim the intermediate, male and

supreme overall championship plaudits generously

sponsored by Steele Farm Supplies. Mr Duffton, who runs

a 750-cow commercial suckler enterprise at Huntly in

Aberdeenshire, praised the quality of Limousin cattle on

parade: “It has been an impressive show, with good quality

bulls at the top end of every class. The overall champion is

a tremendous well-balanced bull. He is very correct, has a

great back-end, and shows great potential.”

Sold by Anita McKeown, Toombridge for 11,000gns to Robert Workman,

Kilwaughter Born: July 21 Sire: Ampertaine Nugent Dam: Carmorn Mammamia

Sold by Mark & Mairead McCartan for 6,500gns to G Hackett, Clogher

Born: February 22 Sire: Claddagh McCabe Dam: Cranmoney Redlady

Sold by Ian Davidson, Larne for 6,000gns to Paul Whyte, Maghera

Born: September 21 Sire: Plumtree Fantastic Dam: Royal County Nova

Beef Value: LM45 (top 10% of the breed)


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

RAHONEY SERENA

GLENAGLE STELLAR

Sold by John O’Kane and Sons, Garvagh for 5,800gns to Gabriel Emerson,

Cushendall Born: October 21 Sire: Sympa Dam: Ampertaine Ikea

F94L / Q204X

OCTOBER 2023

Stirling

SALES

BALLYROBIN SAMBUCA

F94L / F94L

Sold by Joan Gilliland, and niece Kim Montgomery, Antrim for 5,800gns to James

O’Rawe, Gracehill, Ballymena Born: November 21 Sire: Whinfellpark Lomu

Dam: Ballyrobin Frascati

SPAGE STELLA

NT821 / Q204X

Sold by Paul Campbell, Carnlough for 3,200gns sold to Gareth Corrie Born: April 21

Sire: Plumtree Fantastic Dam: Spage Jullie

Sold by Howard McFarland for 5,500gns Born: December 21

Sire: Whinfellpark Lomu Dam: Rahoney Peninnah

ANSIDE TITAN 14,000gns

F94L / NT821

Anside Titan tops Stirling

at 14,000gns

Martin and Mel Irvine turned out a strong quintet

selling to an average of 8,500gns, three being

the first sons off stock bull Anside Prometheus.

It marks the second year running that the Irvine family

have led the trade at the Stirling October sale. Top price

Anside Titan with a myostatin combination of F94l/NT419,

the Champion at Keith Show, was knocked down to

M Robertson of the Fodderletter herd, Banffshire.

Colin Lewis of the Garyvaughan Herd, travelled up from

Welshpool mid Wales with wife Elaine to judge the pre-sale

show and said it was a great honour to judge at Stirling.

It was Foxhillfarm Topper that caught Colins eye which

carried on Mike and Melanie Alfords winning form standing

first in class and going on to take Senior Champion and

Overall Champion. Topper was immaculately turned out by

Drew Hyslop and sold for 5,800gns.


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

DYKE TANK

F94L / F94L

ANSIDE TYRONE

F94L / NT821

MARAISCOTE TOPPA

F94L / F94L

SALES

CLEARANCE:

74% (29 bulls)

TOP PRICE:

14,000gns

Anside Titan

Sold by Messrs JR MacGregor for 13,000gns to A & M Buchanan, Achnaba, North Connel Born: March 2022

Sire: Whinfellpark Ohagan Dam: Dyke Nina

SALE AVERAGE:

£7,053

Reserve Junior Champion sold for 10,000gns to return customer Messrs Muir

& Sons, Shapinsay Born: May 2022 Sire: Anside Prometheus Dam: Anside Larriet

Sold by Mr J Nimmo for 9,000gns to J Mcculloch, South Mid Frew, Thornhill

Born: April 22 Sire: Sliabh Felim Mourinho Dam: Maraiscote Pippa

SPITTALTON TOBY

F94L / F94L

JUDGE:

Colin Lewis

Sold by Mr J Burnett for 12,000gns to J & J Pattullo, Sandyford, Kirriemuir Born: March 22

Sire: Ampertaine Opportunity Dam: Spittalton Ivana

GLENROCK TORNADO

F94L / F94L

Sold by Mr S & Mr T Illingworth for 10,000gns to Jim Gobb, Toftcombs, Biggar Born: March 22

Sire: Ampertaine Majestic Dam: Glenrock Peekaboo


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

OCTOBER 2023

Carlisle

CLEARANCE:

76% (62 bulls)

FOXHILLFARM TITAN

F94L / NT821

SALES

TOP PRICE:

32,000gns

Goldies Torpedo

SALE AVERAGE:

£8207

Sold by Mr & Mrs Alford for 30,000gns to Mary Cormack, Gaer Hill, Chepstow Born: May 22

Sire: Derryguillinane Kingbull Dam: Foxhillfarm Gracie

↑ £628 on 2022

MEADOWRIG PEDRO

F94L / F94L

JUDGE:

Vince Corbett

GOLDIES TORPEDO 32,000gns

F94L / F94L

Goldies Torpedo shot to the

top, selling for 32,000gns

* Purchased privately by the

Calogale herd 2020. Offered for

sale as several daughters have

been retained in the herd.

Sold by GJ Lee & CM Lloyd for 20,000gns to Trevor Shields, Kilkell, Newry Born: April 19 *

Sire: Homebyres Macadoo Dam: Meadowrig Juicy

Bulls with top pedigrees and

those that dominated the

2023 Show circuit fueled

the trade at the Carlisle October

bull sales, with 13 bulls making over

10,000gns. But critically, there was

value for the commercial buyers with

36 bulls making between 3,000gns

and 6,000gns; 62 bulls were sold,

averaging £8,206 up £628 on the

previous year.

Judge Vince Corbett travelled up

from Powys, mid Wales, to tap out his

champion Trueman Trombone for

breeder Henry Savage. Commenting

after the sale, Vince said, “My

champion oozed style from the

moment he came in the ring,

he was incredibly long with wonderful

locomotion and from behind had

incredible width which was through

his whole body reflecting the

modern-day Limousin. It was

a wonderful show of Limousin bulls

from start to finish, with farmers

willing to pay top money in the sale

ring for the best cattle while also

studying the bloodlines, as well

as shape, demonstrating that the

Limousin breed is supplying what the

commercial market wants”. Reserve

Champion went to Deerhouse Thor,

presented by Henry Wood and was

sired by Goldies Novelty.

Goldies Torpedo is a double F94L

myostatin with exceptional growth

figures. Torpedo's dam, Goldies

Glamour (full sister to Goldies

Comet), has previously bred bulls and

daughters to values over 20,000gns

and his sire Ampertaine Opportunity

has produced progeny in the high

fives, including Goldies Relish

(30,000gns).

Commenting after the sale Bruce

said, “We are all delighted with the

trade, our pen of five bulls averaged

£13,755 and we’re delighted to see

them go to good homes where we

can hopefully see their success in the

future. It’s good to see great demand

for the better end of the bulls through

the ring”.

BANKDALEFARM TIGERROLL

Sold by Helen Wilson for 20,000gns to Keith Eunson Born: April 22

Sire: Plumtree Fantastic Dam: Bankdalefarm Palma

F94L / F94L

AMPERTAINE TOPGUN

F94L / NT821

Sold by W J & James McKay for 17,000gns to Messrs Wood & Sons, Ratlinghope,

Shrewsbury, Shropshire Born: April 22 Sire: Huntershall Nutcracker

Dam: Ampertaine Odette


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

SPITTALTON TRUMP

F94L / Q204X

GLENROCK TERMINATOR

F94L / NT821

SALES

Sold by Mr J Burnett & Sons for 12,000gns to Messrs Hutton, Threlkeld, Keswick,

Cumbria Born: March 22 Sire: Ampertaine Opportunity Dam: Spittalton Layla

Sold by Mr S & Mr T Illingworth for 12,000gns to Messrs Graham, Blairdrummond,

Stirling Born: March 22 Sire: Goldies Northstar Dam: Glenrock Northernlight

MARAISCOTE TONTO

F94L / F94L

SPITTALTON TESLA

F94L / Q204X

GARROWBY TARZAN

F94L / Q204X

GARROWBY TROY

F94L / Q204X

Sold by J Nimmo for 15,000gns to Messrs Johnston, Shapinsay, Orkney

Born: April 22 Sire: Bassingfield Machoman Dam: Maraiscote Gabby

Sold by Mr J Burnett & Sons for 15,000gns to Stuart Perkins, Terry Hill, Radstock

Born: April 22 Sire: Ampertaine Opportunity Dam: Spittalton Ligolo

Garrowby Farms sold for 12,000gns to Robert Graham, Bridge of Allan, Stirling,

Stirlingshire Born: May 22 Sire: Grahams Rooney Dam: Gunnerfleet Nacian

Garrowby Farms sold for 10,000gns to Messrs Mulholland, Carlisle, Cumbria

Born: April 22 Sire: Grahams Rooney Dam: Gunnerfleet Oannie

CORNSAY THUNDER

F94L / F94L

GOLDIES TANGO

F94L / Q204X

Sold by W I Suddes & Sons for 14,000gns to Messrs Barron, Burnhope, Durham

Born: February 22 Sire: Scorboro Marabou Dam: Cornsay Liberty

Sold by Bruce Goldie for 12,000gns to Messrs Bunting & Son, New Abbey, Dumfries

Born: March 22 Sire: Ampertaine Opportunity Dam: Goldies Glamour


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

OCTOBER 2023

Ballymena

CLEARANCE:

41% (11 bulls)

GLENMARSHAL TONKA

F94L / Q204X

SALES

TOP PRICE:

5,800gns

Gleneagle Trex

BULLS:

£4,143 average

Sold by Trevor Shields, Kilkeel for 5,200gns to David Thompson from Dungiven Born: February 22

Sire: Ampertaine Elgin Dam: Trueman Pixie

RAHONEY TITUS

F94L / Q204X

FEMALES:

£1,977 average

GLENEAGLE TREX 5,800gns

F94L / F94L

6 Females

Champion tops Ballymena

at 5,800gns

JUDGE:

William McAllister

Sold by Howard McFarland for 5,000gns to P McGurk from Plumbridge Born: February 22

Sire: Ampertaine Majestic Dam: Rahoney Precious

Hitting the headlines in the show and sale rings was

Gleneagle Trex (F94L/F94L), the intermediate, male

and supreme overall champion bred and exhibited

by John O’Kane and Sons, Garvagh. The champion

attracted strong interest from ringside and online buyers.

The successful bidder was JH McArthur from Limavady.

GALLCROSS THEO

Q204X / Q204X

This 18-month-old bull was described by judge William

McAllister, Kells, County Antrim, as a very correct, stylish and

powerful young bull. He is the result of an embryo from the

home-bred Gleneagle Madonna by Gerrygullinane Glen,

and the 22,000gns sire Gunnerfleet Lion.

Judge William McAllister added, “The female champion is

a nice heifer, and will mature into a good brood cow. There

has been a good turnout of cattle, with a very good top

end in every class.”

Sold by Brian Quinn from Dungannon for 4,800gns to K Quigg from Limavady Born: July 22

Sire: Plumtree Fantastic Dam: Begsrieve Petunia


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

AGHADOLGAN TOMRIDDLE

F94L / Q204X

BIRCHWOOD TARA

DECEMBER 2023

Red Ladies

SALES

Sold by Raymond Savage, Drumahoe for 4,200gns to R Shaw, Rasharkin

Born: June 22 Sire: Lowerffyrdd Empire Dam: Aghadolgan Oopsi

Sold by Marty and Ronan McGurk, Cookstown for 2,500gns to J Quinn, Kilrea

Born: April 22 Sire: Ampertaine Progressive Dam: Kilclass Lullaby

RATHKEELAND URSULA

Sold by Crawford Bros, Maguiresbridge for 2,500gns to Paul Turner, Swatragh

Born: January 22 Sire: Gunnerfleet Lion Dam: Erne Gaga

GARROWBY TOFFEE 22,000gns

NT821 / Q204X

Sweet success for Garrowby

Toffee at Red Ladies

Strong demand for the cream

of show potential Limousin

genetics, saw a packed ringside

at Borderway Mart on Friday 8

December for the highly anticipated

Red Ladies and Weaned Calf sale.

And not without cause as the sale

average rocketed to £5,500 up £1,220

on the previous year. Red Ladies sold

to 22,000gns, while the weaned calves

topped at a whopping 25,000gns.

Topping the Red ladies lots at

22,000gns was the 19-month-old

Garrowby Toffee, selling to Paul and

Christine Tippetts for the Wilodge

herd, Shifnal, Shropshire. Bred

and exhibited by Garrowby Farm,

Bugthorpe, York, Toffee performed

well during this years show season,

racking up no less than four breed

championships and an interbreed

championship title. She is the first

heifer by the 28,000gns Grahams

Rooney to be sold and bred out

of Gunnerfleet Jeloche, who was

purchased by the herd in 2020

and goes back to the 9,000gns

Cloughhead Umpire. With a myostatin

combination of NT821/Q204X she

boasts a beef value of 41, placing her in

the top 25% of the breed.

Judge Mary Cormack, of the

Rougemont herd, Chepstow,

Monmouthshire, was presented

with one of the strongest show of

Red Ladies seen in recent years and


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

SARKLEY TENRIETTA

Q204X / Q204X

CLEARANCE:

68% (35 heifers)

bought her choice of champion and

reserve. Mary first judged Red Ladies

in 2006 and is a huge supporter of

the breed. Pre Sale Show champion

Sarkley Tenrietta, bought forward for

sale by Elfed Williams, Sennybridge,

Powys, was purchased this time

last year at the weaned calf sale for

10,000gns, is bred by EH Pennie and

Son, Montgomery, Powys.

RITCHIES TREASURE

F94L / NT821

SALES

Sold by Elfed Williams, Sennybridge, Powys, was purchased at 2022 weaned calf sale for 10,000gns, bred by

EH Pennie and Son, Montgomery, Powys Born: April 22 Sire: Carnew Milreef Dam: Sarkley Lenrietta

ANSIDE TRINITY

NT821 / Q204X

TOP PRICE:

22,000gns

Garrowby Toffee

SALE AVERAGE:

£5,550

↑ £1,220 on 2022

Following the show, Mary

commented, “There was a

tremendous show of females which

is testament to the enthusiasm

and support this breed has. The

ringside was packed with lots of

new faces. My champion was the

most complete, seamless and

handles beautifully. There were some

exceptional heifers with more muscle

but Tenrietta was my type of beast”.

Sold by Aileen Ritchie, Whitecairns, Aberdeenshire for 8,000gns to Messrs Davies, Ballinalee Born: August 2022

Sire: Carnew Millreef Dam: Burnbank Nessa

GOLDIES TABOO

F94L / F94L

JUDGE:

Mary Cormack

Sold by the Irvine family, Drummuir, Banffs (turned out by Martin and Mel) for 18,000gns to Kevin Cruickshank,

Elgin, Morayshire, a new entrant to the breed Born: April 2022 (embryo) Sire: Claragh Franco Dam: Anside Liberty

(Powerful Irish daughter)

Sold by Goldie family, Mouswald, Dumfries and Galloway for 8,000gns to Messrs Campbell, Lochgolihead, Arygill

Born: October 2022 Sire: Goldies Juggler Dam: Goldies Glamour

GRAHAMS TRENDY

F94L / Q204X

BURNBANK TANGERINE

F94L / Q204X

Sold by R & J Graham, Bridge of Allan, Stirling for 10,000gns to Page Farm Partnership, Ripon, North Yorkshire Born:

April 2022 Sire: Claragh Franco Dam: Grahams Coffee

Reserve Champion sold by D and L Graham, Blairdrummond, Stirling for 6,000gns to judge Mary Cormack Born:

December 2022 Sire: Burnbank Overfly Dam: Burnbank Mammamia


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

Weaned Calves

First prized Limousin heifer calf, Foxhillfarm Unique topped Red Ladies

for Mike and Melanie Alford as demand for top show potential genetics

remains strong. Foxhillfarm Unique, an embryo, January born calf with

an NT821/Q204X myostatin combination was knocked down to Chris White,

of the Fogmore herd in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire. Dam Foxhillfarm

Naomi won all the major Limousin summer shows during 2019 as a two-yearold,

including Female Champion and Reserve Overall at the National 50th

Celebration Show in 2022, at Carlisle. Sire Foxhillfarm Lordoftherings the 2017

Royal Highland Champion and Junior Champion and Reserve Male Champion

at the Limousin National Show in 2017. Lordoftherings went on to be champion

at the Carlisle October 2017 pre-sale show.

BULLS:

£3,129 average

5 Bull Calves

HEIFERS:

£4,362 average

22 Heifer Calves


Sales

2024

SALES

FOXHILLFARM UNIQUE

MARAISCOTE UBEAUTY

NT821 / Q204X

Q204X / Q204X

Stirling February Bull & Females Sale 05. 02. 24

Carlisle February Bull & Females Sale 10. 02. 24

Ballymena February Bull & Females Sale 17. 02. 24

Ballymena March Calf Show 09. 03. 24

Carlisle May Bull Sale 04. 05. 24

Stirling May Bull Sale 06. 05. 24

Ballymena May Bull & Heifer Sale 06. 05. 24

Brecon May Bull sale 11. 05. 24

Carlisle June Bull sale 26. 06. 24

Carlisle October Bull Sale 19. 10. 24

Stirling October Bull sale 21. 10. 24

Ballymena October Bull Sale 25. 10. 24

Brecon Bull & Female Sale 09. 11. 24

Red Ladies & Weaned Calf Sale 13. 12. 24

Keep an eye on the Society website and Facebook

page for updates on Club and Breeders Sales.

All Sales are Official BLCS Sales. Dates are correct at the time of going to press.

Sold by Brian Quinn, Dungannon for 4,800gns to K Quigg from Limavady Born: July 22

Sire: Plumtree Fantastic Dam: Begsrieve Petunia


www.limousin.co.uk


Sale Entry and Inspection

CHECKLIST

To assist with the entry and inspection requirements at Premier Collective Sales. These notes are intended as a guide

only and are a summary of the BLCS Byelaws which can be found on the Limousin website or from the Society office.

PREMIER COLLECTIVE SALES:

Brecon – May & November

Carlisle – Feb, May, Oct & Dec (Red Ladies)

Stirling – February & October

Premier Collective Sale Checklist

PRIOR TO THE SALE

1. DNA TEST BULLS - don't delay, minimum

12 weeks prior recommended

2. Check sale closing date

3. Enter online www.taurusdata.co.uk

4. Treat warts, ringworm, mange & lice

one month prior and obtain vet certificate

5. Check Johnes testing up to date

6. Check BVD testing up to date

7. Check correct ear tags present and legible

8. Check passport and pedigree certificate

information correspond

9. Ensure performance recording weights

submitted on to file

10. Check bulls meet minimum scrotal size

requirements and other physical standards

(see para 13)

11. Contact CHeCS provider if you wish a health

scheme pen card

AT THE SALE

12. Bring test providers semen test certificate/

letter to display in pen

13. Bring vets letters regarding treated warts/

ringworm

14. Bring health scheme pen card

15. Bring animal passports

Requirements for Club, Breeders’ and other sale

types differ, so please check with the Society office

or Auctioneer if in any doubt. All sale rules can

be found in the BLCS Byelaws, available on

www.limousin.co.uk or from the Society office.

Notes to this checklist

PRIOR TO THE SALE

1. SIRE VERIFICATION / MYOSTATIN

All animals sold at Premier Collective Bull & Female

Sales must be sire and dam verified AND myostatin

tested at the time of the sale inspection. As soon as you

have bulls selected for sale please arrange to have them

tested if this has not already been done. Login to www.

taurusdata.co.uk and select ‘Place My Order’ on ‘My Page’.

Failure to have sire verification or myostatin results at the

time of the pre-sale inspection will result in bulls being

withdrawn. Please leave as much time as possible to allow

for issues with sample quality (testing at least 12 weeks in

advance is recommended).

2. CLOSING DATES

Check closing dates for entries - these can be found on

the Society website at www.limousin.co.uk and auctioneer

websites. Late entries cannot be accepted.

3. SALE ENTRIES

Please enter sales online wherever possible. Login to

www.taurusdata.co.uk and select ‘Enter a Sale’ on ‘My

Page’. Animal details are checked on point of entry and

the system will highlight any issues with your entry right

away. Additionally, your herd health information and

footnotes are required at this point enabling the Society to

ensure information is presented correctly in the catalogue

on your behalf.

4. HERD HEALTH - WARTS, RINGWORM & PARASITES

At least a month before the sale, please have any warts

and / or ringworm appropriately treated by your vet.

A certificate / letter from the vet will be required at the

inspection. Mange and lice should also be treated.

5. HERD HEALTH - JOHNES

Ensure all your herd health information is up to date.

Herds are required to have an annual whole herd test

for Johnes through a CHeCS scheme - only herds with

Johnes risk level 1 - 4 may sell at a Premier Collective Sale.

Make sure there are no paperwork or repeat samples

outstanding.

6. HERD HEALTH - BVD

Your herd must be either BVD accredited or the sale

animal must be BVD tested virus free. Please check the

requirements for pregnant animals, calves at foot and

animals to be sold at the Premier Collective Weaned Calf

Sale in December in paragraph 14.4.4 of the Byelaws on

the Society website.

7. EARTAGS

Ensure eartags are legible and meet the required

legislation.

8. DOCUMENTATION

Check your passport (or equivalent document) and

pedigree certificate have corresponding information.

Ensure any required veterinary paperwork is taken to sale.

9. PERFORMANCE RECORDING HERDS

To ensure latest EBV information is included in the

catalogue and pen cards are supplied ensure your

animals have been weighed and the weights submitted

to the performance recording scheme – login to www.

taurusdata.co.uk, ‘Enter New Performance Records’ on

‘My Page’.

10. SCROTAL SIZE

Check bulls meet the minimum criteria required at the

pre-sale inspection:

32cm - Under 18 months

33cm – 18 to 19 months inclusive

34cm - 20 months and over

Notes on measuring scrotal size correctly can be found

here: https://bit.ly/2F95Vi8.

11. HEALTH INFORMATION

If you wish to display your CHeCS health information in

your pen at the sale, please contact your scheme provider.

Your herd health information declared at the time of entry

will be printed in the Vendor’s Index in the sale catalogue.

PRIOR TO THE SALE

12. INSPECTIONS

Vets / Society representatives will inspect eyes,

teeth, testicles/udders, locomotion, breed standard,

temperament and evidence of injury/disease and will

pass / fail animals accordingly (see Society byelaw 14 for

full details go to www.limousin.co.uk. Bulls are weighed

at the time of inspection, but a minimum qualifying

weight is no longer applied. If animals are to be advertised

as semen tested at the sale, a copy of the semen test

certificate or letter from the test provider is to be displayed

in the pen.

13. WARTS, RINGWORM & PARASITES

Animals with active warts or ringworm must be treated by

the member’s veterinary surgeon at least a month before

the sale, and a vet’s certificate / letter should be available

for inspection at the Sale. The Society vet will reject

animals with warts around the genitalia, or in areas where

there is a high risk that they will transmit infection to other

animals in the buyers’ herd. All suspected cases of mange

and lice should also be treated

REMINDERS

Where there is a pre-sale show, animals are required to

be presented. The Society reserves the right to exclude

any un-shown animal from the sale. Rejected animals will

have their lot number tickets sprayed red and these are to

remain in place until conclusion of the sale.

FOR INFO:

Premier Collective Sales are conducted in conjunction

with the following auctioneers:

Carlisle: Harrison and Hetherington

T: 01228 406230

www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk

Stirling: United Auctions

T: 01786 473055

www.uagroup.co.uk

Brecon: McCartneys

T: 01874 622386

www.mccartneys.co.uk

GET IN TOUCH:

For more information contact our office on

T: 02476 696500

E: info@limousin.co.uk

www.limousin.co.uk


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

BRITISH LIMOUSIN SOCIETY

for

ALL BUYERS

In 2023...

330 pedigree bulls

COMPLETE HERD

DISPERSAL SALE

of POLLED LIMOUSINS

DUE TO END OF TENANCY

sold at Premier Society Sales

124 bulls sold to

pedigree homes

Value range: 2,800gns - 52,000gns

Average: 9,458gns

206 bulls sold to

commercial homes

Value range: 2,000gns - 20,000gns

Average: 6,158gns

Including

PEDIGREE & COMMERCIAL COWS & CALVES, MAIDEN HEIFERS,

IN-CALF COWS, YOUNG BULLS AND STOCK BULLS

SATURDAY 20 TH APRIL

Every year around 1000 head of pedigree Limousin cattle are

sold through Society Premier Sales. These provide cattle for all

types of producer, with security from Society endorsement:

9 Access to leading genetics

9 Contracts of sale, and auctioneer/society support post-sale

9 Herd health standards required

9 Ear tags and passports checked

9 Pre-sale veterinary inspection

9 Pre-sale show providing great opportunity for selection

9 Animals DNA Sire Verified & Myostatin information

available.

9 Online bidding available

Throughout the year there are other types of sales supported

by the Society. For example, breeders’ own sales and regional

Club sales. Different criteria may apply. Please always consult the

catalogue, the auctioneer or the Society office for details.

Crucially,

commercial

animals sourced at

Society sales have

all the advantages

of additional

validations.

Exciting opportunity to purchase polled bloodlines from the UK,

Europe and Canada. High health and genetically profiled.

STONELEIGH PARK | KENILWORTH | CV8 2RG | 02476 697731

In 2023...

33,927 Limousin cattle sold,

£43m total revenue,

52,000gns top price

ADVERTORIAL

Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway

Auction Mart could very easily be

referred to as the ‘Home of the British

Limousin’, as H&H has been involved

with The British Limousin Cattle

Society since the inception of the

breed in 1971.

For years now, breeders and buyers have continued to

gather at Borderway from across the UK and Ireland

for the annual February, May, and October Pedigree

Bull and Female sales. In the last 12 months, H&H has

also sold 845 pedigree Limousins of all classes to a total

revenue of £3.5m, including the current top price for 2023

of 52,000gns paid in May for M J Conway’s Craigatoke

Seanog from Co Tyrone.

Throughout the year, H&H also consistently hosts

successful commercial sales, which over the course of

the last 12 months have seen a total of 33,927 Limousin

bred cattle achieving a total revenue of £43m and top

prices in excess of £10,000.

As part of its deep-rooted

relationship with the

British Limousin Cattle

Society, H&H has

been privileged

to be invited

to conduct

many landmark Limousin dispersal, production, and

reduction sales over the past half century, including

recent noted sales of the Wilodge, Homebyres, Dinmore,

Broadmeadows and Ronick herds.

When not conducted in the ring, the entire H&H

auctioneering team has carried out a growing number

of these sales with huge success on-farm, making full use

of the H&H leadership in online sales technology to take

the British Limousin breed to the widest national and

international markets of breeders and buyers.

At Borderway in Carlisle, H&H have established a recognised

series of annual commercial and potential show sales

which have provided an excellent platform for both

buying and selling prime store and breeding cattle fiftytwo

weeks of the year. The noted March Continental sales

includes a section for show potential cattle in which the

Limousin breed always shines both in the show and the

sale ring.

“Based in an area densely populated with cattle, the

auctioneering team witnesses the value which the

Limousin breed brings to our customers week in and

week out, and our entire team are delighted to be able

to fly the flag for the society by producing consistently

positive results with many centre, breed and world

records set in the Borderway rings,” says James Little,

Pedigree Sales Manager.

As a passionate supporter of local area national Limousin

clubs through shows, sales, youth development, advice,

guidance and sponsorship, H&H was privileged to host

the Society’s 50th Anniversary Show & Sale at Borderway

in 2022.

James concludes, “We remain deeply committed to the

continued support we have always offered the Limousin

Society, and to the success of the breed in the show and

sales rings in our bright shared future together.”

Visitors Always Welcome

MARAISCOTE

TANGERINE

- Interbreed Junior

Champion Royal

Highland Show

- Champion Great

Yorkshire Show

- Champion Scottish

Limousin Grand Prix

MARAISCOTE Limousin

Ian Nimmo: 07940 591792

Andrew: 07484 547 409

FROM LEFT

- Maraiscote REAGAN

28,000gns

- Maraiscote SOOTY

18,000gns

- Maraiscote SAVOY

16,000gns

BRONTEMOOR

Limousins est 1987

Brontemoor Max F94L/F94L

7,800gns. Semen available

£20 per straw

Brontemoor Sonofgod

18,000gns

Brontemoor Paddy

10,000gns

Sons of

Knock Msport

Brontemoor Riffraff

17,000gns

Brontemoor Salering

10,000gns

RICHARD - 07812 456736 STEVEN - 07702 719403

Knock Msport - Herd sire

F94L/F94L - Easy calving

£30 Per straw, Sexed £60

Available for export

J M & S M Priestley

brontemoor@nevisinternet.com

Cracrop Farm, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2BW

Vistors welcome

YOU KNOW THE BREEDING,

YOU KNOW IT WORKS!

ALSO THE HOME OF ROUGEMONT

BEEF SHORTHORNS

INTRODUCING...

TANGERINE

BURNBANK

G STEPHANIE

OLDIES

TITAN

FOXHILLFARM

BRO RIDDLE

CKHURST

GR SPORTYSPICE

AHAMS

SIRE

Derrygullinane Kingbull

DAM

Foxhillfarm Gracie

✦

✦

UNBEATEN IN HIS CLASS

RESERVE MALE CHAMPION

Royal Highland and Great

Yorkshire Shows

NEW STOCK SIRE FOR THE ROUGEMONT LIMOUSIN HERD

Purchased at Carlisle in October ‘23 for 30,000gns

TENRIETTA

SARKLEY

SYBELLA

SARKLEY

MARY CORMACK

TEL: 07792 998019 | EMAIL: marycormack@live.co.uk

Follow on Facebook

SEMEN, EMBRYOS AND STOCK FOR SALE

AMPERTAINE

Bred To Breed

would like to thank all Buyers and Visitors

GLENROCK REDRUBY

AMPERTAINE SENATOR

Supreme Champion

25,000gns Carlisle Feb 2023

AMPERTAINE SQUIRE

20,000gns Carlisle Feb 2023

Female Champion RHS 2022 and

Junior Interbreed Champion GYS 2022

GLENROCK STILLGAME

GLENROCK REDEMPTION

GLENROCK TERMINATOR

AMPERTAINE SUPERSTITION

Senior Champion Carlisle

27,000gns Carlisle May 2023

AMPERTAINE TIARA

Supreme Champion

24,000gns Ballymena August 2023

Reserve Overall Champion Carlisle May

2023, retained for new junior herd sire

Reserve Intermediate Champion Carlisle May

2022, sold to Fieldsons herd for 25,000gns

Beef Breeder Interbreed Champion RHS 2023

and Reserve Intermediate Champion Carlisle

Oct 2023, sold to Burnbank herd for 12,000gns

GOLDIES OXO

SCOTTISH HERD

COMPETITION 2023

SEMEN

FOR SALE

AMPERTAINE TOPGUN

17,000gns Carlisle Oct 2023

1st Medium Herd

1st Best Bull born 2022

1st Best Heifer Calf born 2023

1st Best Cow Family - Glenrock Spangle

Reserve Best Herd 2023

Breeding very well, first 3 sons sold at auction

averaging over £10,000, plus outstanding Topgun sold

privately for undisclosed (5 fig) fee to Jorica herd

from

GOLDIES OXO

BREMORE ARTIST

MISTIC GUCCI

HERD COMPETITION 2023

Overall Champion Herd

1 st Best Large Herd

1 st Best Cow Family

1 st Best Cow and Calf

1 st Best Bull and Progeny

1 st Best Bull under 1 Year

1 st Best Bull under 2 Years

1 st Best Group of Calves

1 st Best Heifer under 1 Year

2 nd Best Heifer under 2 Years

AMPERTAINE TOPPER

1 st placed bull in NI Herd Competition

Retained for own use

BULLS & FEMALES

ALWAYS FOR SALE

Contact James: 07872 301108

Visitors always welcome

Stock and semen always for sale

THOMAS 07784 323988 GLENROCK@BTINTERNET.COM

STEPHEN 01461 800273

Gallaber Limousin

MEMBER OF

SAC SCHEME

TB4 - BVD ACCREDITED

JOHNES LEVEL 1

Gallaber Leo: Bred to breed champions

GRAHAMS ROONEY

BLAENCWM SAM

Livescott

Champion

Royal Highland

Champion

Great Yorkshire

Champion

Selling sensibly fed bulls at realistic prices...

Royal Welsh

Champion

Annual heifer sale at

Bentham Mart, first

Tuesday in November

Purchased for £28,000. He is in the top

1% of the breed for 200 day and muscle

depths and boasts a Bvalue of 53. He has

an excellent pedigree backed up with

outstanding confirmation and great

temperament. Rooney was junior and

overall champion in May 2021 at Carlisle.

Purchased for 32,000 gns at the

Carlisle bull sale in May 2023. Sired

by Derrygulinane Kingbull and out of

Pabo Nickminaj, he will ideally suit both

pedigree and commercial breeders.

Semen available in 2024.

SEMEN ALSO AVAILABLE FROM:

PLUMTREE FANTASTIC - a limited amount available from this easy calving sire.

AMBERTAINE MAGNUM - produces easily born calves with short gestations - ideal for heifers.

A superb selection of young bulls and heifers available from the above sires.

Gallaber Turbo

(Nt x Nt) Semen - £20

Gallaber Triumph

(F94l x Nt) Semen - £15

Tipsy & Snowdrop sold

November 2023 for

£3300 each

Ian Sedgwick: 07961946883 Tommy Sedgwick: 07773 226340

GARROWBY FARM

BUGTHORPE

YORK

YO41 1QG

VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT

T: 07876 594010 / 01759 368490

E: clive@garrowbylimousins.co.uk

www.garrowbylimousins.co.uk

@garrowbyfarm

Loosebeare Limousins

Twemlows Limousins

Loosebeare Fantastic

EBV +44

Top 20 bulls sired by Fantastic have

averaged over £18,000

Fantastic daughters have bred the Male

and Female champion at the National

Show in Carlisle 2022 also Champion and

Reserve at Carlisle February sale 2023

Semen available worldwide

Ampertaine Jeronimo

EBV+50

Bulls have sold to 17,000gns twice

Best Stockbull & Progeny in Herd

Competition

Semen for sale

Daughters to 10,000gns

Stock Always for sale

Semen available from Aghadolgan Emperor - easy calving,

double F94L, milky daughters, sons to 13,000gns in 2021

E.W Quick & Sons

Loosebeare Manor, Zeal Monachorum, Crediton, Devon, EX17 6DW

Mark – 07970 039746 Andrew – 07929 745811

Top quality high EBV bull & females for sale.

Herd BVD free & Johnes 1

Will & Jackie Forrester

Lodge Farm, Colehurst,

Market Drayton,

Shropshire,

TF9 2JB

Tel: 01630 638677 / 07773 288747

Email: jackieforrester@yahoo.co.uk

Visitors always

welcome.

Twemlows Limousins

WOODMARSH

Limousins

WILLY BARRONS LIMOUSINS

BEST OVERALL HERD N.E.L.B.C. 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018,

2019, NO COMP 2020, WINNING AGAIN IN 2021 AND 2022

1 ST EXTRA SMALL HERD 2023

BEST STOCK BULL 2018 N.E.L.B.C. 1 ST PLACE

BEST STOCK BULL 2019 N.E.L.B.C. 2 ND PLACE

BEST STOCK BULL AND PROGENY N.E.L.B.C. 2021 1 ST PLACE

2021 BORN BULL CALVES

• BARRONS STAR £5,775 AGE 9 MONTHS

• BARRONS SIROCCO £5,775 AGE 9 MONTHS

• BARRONS SAMMIE £4,200 8 MONTHS

• BARRONS SNOWMAN £17,850 16 MONTHS

• BARRONS SUNDANCE £6,300 21 MONTHS

BARRONS MAJOR

SEMEN FOR SALE

F94L / F94L

100% of Majorʼs 2021-born bull calves gone for breeding from Barrons herd

WOODMARSH TEMPTATION

Sold privately to the Ronnick Herd

20,000gns

AMPERTAINE COMMANDER

SEMEN FOR SALE

40,000gns

MERESIDE GODOLPHIN

SEMEN FOR SALE

F94L/F94L

BARRONS MAJOR PROGENY

BARRONS UNO - 1 ST HEIFER CALF BORN 2023 N.E.L.B.C. 2023

BARRONS TESLA - 2 ND HEIFER CALF BORN 2022 N.E.L.B.C. 2023

CORNSAY THUNDER

RES SENIOR CHAMP

CARLISLE OCTOBER 23

SEMEN FOR SALE - F94L/F94L

HIGH HEALTH

STATUS LIMOUSINS

from

M & JC Gould Ltd, Grange Farm,

Bomere Heath, Shrewsbury, SY4 3LX

Champion Medium Herd

2022 & 2023

T. 01939 291237 | M. 07407 031115

E. mandjcgrange@btinternet.com

BARRONS SNOWMAN

£17,850 CARLISLE MAY 2022

BARRONS POLO

BARRONS SUNDANCE

£6,300 CARLISLE 2022

Herd Competition Results for North

West Midlands and North Wales

Limousin Club

VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME

“Many thanks to everyone who lends me a hand, it is very much appreciated”

Tel: 07886 994 551

Email: willybarron2012@yahoo.co.uk

Est. 1979

HALTCLIFFE LIMOUSINS

Semen available from several top Sires

Where Muscle is

Bred On not Fed On

Goldies Torpedo

32,000gns, top price

Carlisle Oct 23

Goldies Tango

Int Champion

Carlisle Oct 23

Goldies Salvador

15,000gns

Carlisle May 23

GOLDIES

Ampertaine Elgin F94L / Q204X

Westpit Omaha F94L / Q204X

ELGIN SIRE OF THE TOP

PRICED BULL sold in 2022

GRAIGGOCH RAMBO

180,000gns the record

price bull sold to date

OMAHA sire of

HALTCLIFFE ROMANCE,

SENIOR RESERVE and

OVERALL FEMALE RESERVE

CHAMPION at the 2022

NATIONAL SHOW

Goldies Stamp

15,000gns

Carlisle Feb 23

Goldies Statesman

Res Champion

Carlisle Oct 22

Goldies Stephanie

Int Female Champion National

Show July 22

Aughalion Prince

F94L / F94L

Top priced bull ELPHIN

sale 2021 €14,000

Ampertaine Shanghi

F94L / F94L

Joint top price

Carlisle Oct 2022

NEW FOR 2024 SEMEN FROM HALTCLIFFE SQUIRE F94L / F94L, BEEF VALUE 49

Squire was born with low birth weight and 284 day gestation

SEMEN ALSO AVAILABLE FROM:

Aultside Meanmachine, Grahams Michael, Cloughhead Umpire, Haltcliffe Vermount and Haltcliffe Gentry

We are the owner of all bulls listed; contact us directly for the best prices

Bulls For Sale

We have a number of quality young Bulls

for sale privately - ready to work.

Haltcliffe Dancer

F94L / NT419

Sympa x Romany

Sympa

F94L / F94L

Legend of the breed

Heifers For Sale

We also have a number of very well

bred heifers for sale from the best

bloodlines in the herd.

Visitors are always welcome

Phone Craig on: (+44) 016974 78619 Email: craig.ridley@btconnect.com

www.haltcliffe-limousin.co.uk

FIND US ON FACEBOOK @HALTCLIFFE LIMOUSINS

H eifers

Goldies Sophie

11,000gns

Red Ladies Dec 22

Goldies Saint

12,000gns

Stirling May 23

from the same lines as the above for sale privately - come and take your pick!

BRED TO BREED! Bulls for pedigree and crossing and a few stock cows also available.

Easy calving, top 1%, great conformation, TB4 and Johnes Level 1.

Semen Available from

Wilodge L.J, Carrickmore Maximus, Kaprico Monarch, Haltcliffe Doctor, Ampertaine Opportunity & others.

Tel: 07712 435 408 / 01387 830105

bruce@goldietownfoot.co.uk www.goldietownfoot.co.uk

Goldies Relish

Res Champion May 22

sold 30,000gns

Bruce Goldie, Townfoot,

Mouswald, Dumfries, DG1 4LX

LUXURY GLAMPING FROM JALEX LIVESTOCK

Nest Sleeps 2

Boathouse Sleeps 4

Westie Sleeps 4

Highlander Sleeps 6

Beltie Sleeps 6

Suffolk Sleeps 4

Black Swan Sleeps 5

Sleeps 31 in Total

Discount for all

Limousin Members!

Contact us to

Book Your Stay!

Jalex Transform. Multiple title winner 2023.

N.I. Limousin Championships Champion.

Sold at Jalex Select 2 for £35,000

James Alexander

t: 07816775501

e: info@alexandertractors.com

Jalex Livestock. Your source

for Select Breeding Heifers.

Limousin Bulls and

Heifers always for Sale.

@JalexLivestock

www.cotterspark.com

Cotters Park

48D Clonkeen Road

Randalstown

Co. Antrim

BT41 3JL

www.cotterspark.com

DOLCORSLLWYN LIMOUSINS

Semen Available on

Est. 1992

High Herd Health Status

Tomschoice Snoopdog F94L / F94L

Res. Senior Champion Carlisle Oct 2022

20,000gns

Dolcorsllwyn Limousins

Harri Vaughan 07572 241051

Glyn Vaughan 07712 627947

Dolcorsllwyn, Machynlleth,

Powys SY20 9AB

CORNSAY LIMOUSINS

SCORBORO MARABOU

STOCK

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

LUKEROYAL ROBIN

Purchased with Tweeddale herd for 35,000gns

Semen

available

UPCOMING SALES 2024

UPCOMING SALES 2024

Roscrea Premier Bull Sale 1 st April 2024

Athenry Sale 18 th April 2024

Best Stock Bull 2023 NELBC

sire of...

CORNSAY THUNDER

Sold to Barrons Herd

Carlilse Oct 2023 for 14,000gns

CORNSAY SALTY

Top Price at the Darlington sale

sold for 6,500gns

W.I.Suddes & Sons

Herd established 2002

Johnes Level 1

BVD Accredited

South Farm, Cornsay, Durham DH79EL Call Karl: 07980 707454 email: wisuddes@gmail.com

Roscrea Premier Bull & Heifer Sale 6 th May 2024

Roscrea Premier Roscommon Bull Sale Sale 25 th May 2024 1 April 2024

Roscrea Premier Bull & Heifer Sale 28 th October 2024

Athenry Sale Athenry Sale 14 th December 2024 18 April 2024

Roscrea Premier Bull & Heifer Sale 6 May 2024

www.irishlimousin.com

Email: admin@irishlimousin.com

Roscommon Sale 25 May 2024

Roscrea Premier Bull & Heifer Sale 28 October 2024

Athenry Sale 14 December 2024

www.irishlimousin.com

E: admin@irishlimousin.com

W.I.Suddess half page advert Limousin Annual 2023-24.indd 1 02/01/2024 13:34

Show

ROUND UP

SHOW ROUND UP

Balmoral

SHOW

Lifting the Reserve Junior Heifer prize

was the January 2022 Rathkeeland

Tenddresse brought out by Herbie

Crawford, and son Stephen,

Maguiresbridge. Sired by Westpit

Omaha, she is bred from Larkhill

India. This heifer was Reserve Senior

Champion at the calf show in March.

SHOW ROUND UP

Millbrook Naughtyspice leads

Limousin line-up at 154 th

Balmoral Show

Claiming the Reserve Junior Male

Championship was Castlebrock

Trafford, a March 2022 Mereside

Godolphin son exhibited by

Martin Oliver Davis, Balinalee,

County Longford.

Carrickmore Schumacher

County Meath pedigree breeder William Smith

clinched the Overall Limousin Championship, and

the Reserve Supreme Interbreed Honours at the

Royal Ulster Agricultural Society’s 154 th Balmoral Show.

Leading the Limousin line-up and making her showring

debut was the five-year-old cow Millbrook Naughtyspice,

shown with her three-week-old Fuschia bull calf at foot.

This much-admired young cow is a full sister to the

250,000gns world-record breaker Wilodge Poshspice ET.

Sired by the 32,000gns Ampertaine Elgin, her dam is the

multi-award winning cow Millbrook Gingerspice, who

claimed three consecutive Balmoral breed and Interbreed

Championships from 2012.

More than 50 entries were paraded before Scottish judge

Ian Nimmo, owner of the Maraiscote Herd based in North

Lanarkshire. He tapped out Charlotte’s Sapphire exhibited

by Donal Moloney, Ardnacrusha Herd, County Clare, as

the Reserve Female and Reserve Supreme Champion.

Millbrook Naughtyspice

This two-year-old heifer was bred by Charlotte Martin from

Dromara, County Down, and is no stranger to the limelight

at Balmoral, having won the breed’s Junior Championship,

and the Supreme Junior Interbreed Award last year.

Charlotte's Sapphire is sired by Elite Forever Brill and

bred from Roundhill Kmelodie 1595. She was purchased

by Donal Moloney for 16,000gns at the British Limousin

Society’s 50th Anniversary Sale in Carlisle July 2022.

Claiming the Male Championship ribbons was the

September 2021 Carrickmore Schumacher exhibited by

Trevor Shields from the Glenmarshal Herd in Kilkeel. Bred by

John and Karl Connell from County Meath, this Sympa son

was Intermediate, Male and Reserve Overall Champion at

the Irish Limousin Society’s 50 th Anniversary event in Carrickon-Shannon,

where he sold for 30,000 Euros. His dam is the

2015 Balmoral Limousin champion Bailey’s Iceprincess.

Runner-up for the Male Championship title was Jalex

Transform, who also secured the Junior Male, Reserve

Exhibitor-Bred and Overall Junior

Championship awards for James

Alexander from Randalstown.

This yearling bull was sired by the

16,000gns Huntershall Nutcracker,

and is bred from Brockhurst Oriana.

He was a first prize winner at the

NI Limousin Young Breeders’

Club’s Rising Stars Calf Show in

Dungannon.

The ten-month-old heifer Cranmoney

Tess exhibited by Mark McCartan,

Crossgar, won the Junior Heifer

plaudits, and the Reserve Junior

Championship. Sired by Claddagh

McCabe, she is out of the home-bred

Cranmoney Red Lady. This heifer was

reserve Junior Champion at the NI

calf show.

Royal Highland

SHOW

Interbreed clean sweep for

Limousin at Royal Highland

Limousin Champion Grahams Ruth from Robert and Jean Graham

The Royal Highland Show 2023

proved to be a historic one

for Limousin, with a clean

sweep across the board taking all

five Interbreed categories. Spectators

were treated to a spectacular line

up of Limousin as Judge Mr Michael

Cursiter, Orkney, confidently worked

his way through the classes.

Grahams Ruth was tapped out to claim

the prestigious Overall Championship.

A three-year-old cow with French

breeding, out of dam Gigue

(homozygous polled, F94L/F94L)

sired by Claragh Franco.


www.limousin.co.uk


SHOW ROUND UP

Reserve Champion, went to another

mature animal, in the form of the fouryear-old

Pabo Procters (F94L/NT821),

who was exhibited by AW Jenkinson

Farms, Penrith, Cumbria. Bred by WP

Hughes and Son, Llanbabo, Anglesey,

this bull who is sired by the Irish-bred

Derrygullinane Kingbull and bred out

of Pabo Jympa, a daughter of Sympa,

showed all the desired characters

of the Limousin breed with power,

stretch and presence.

Great Yorkshire

SHOW

SHOW ROUND UP

Junior Champion and Junior Interbreed Champion - Maraiscote Tangerine, from Ian Nimmo, Wishaw

The Limousin Quartet

Females were at the fore of the

Champion stakes with the Overall

Limousin Junior Champion going

to Maraiscote Tangerine (F94L/

Q204X), from Ian Nimmo, Wishaw.

Sired by, Morhan Peter and out of

a dam by the 50,000gns Bassingfield

Machoman, this 14 month old heifer

was summed up by Michael as a

heifer that ‘oozed class, held her head

stylishly and had perfect top and

bottom lines’.

Michael selected his Limousin

quartet for the interbreed team,

Grahams Ruth, Pabo Procters,

Maraiscote Tangerine and Sarkley

Sabella, which proved a masterful

medley with them winning all classes

possible.

Grahams Ruth continued her

outstanding winning streak to claim

the Overall Beef Interbreed title

with judge Keith Redpath, Kelso,

describing his champion as an

outstanding cow with a calf that

had grown to a super-size.

Keith went on to comment he had

witnessed “one of the greatest

spectacles in the showing world

and couldn’t go past the Limousin

quartet for the overall title”.

Maraiscote Tangerine steals

the show at Great Yorkshire

Wednesday 12 th July 2023

at the Great Yorkshire

Show was certainly a day

to remember for the ‘Juniors’. Under

judge Paul Rainey, Coleraine, it was

Maraiscote Tangerine who stole

the show taking Overall Champion,

Female Champion and Junior

Champion for J & J F Nimmo, with

their 15 month old striking heifer.

Tangerine was beautifully shown by

Sophie Harvey, and clinched the title

over the very successful Grahams

Ruth who came away with Reserve

Overall Champion. Tangerine has

dam lines going back to Bassingfield

Machoman, and is sired by Irish bred

Morhan Peter (F94L/F94L).

The successful Pabo Procters, exhibited

Overall Champion, Female Champion and Junior Champion, Maraiscote Tangerine

by AW Jenkinson Farms, Penrith,

Cumbria, took Male Champion; he is sired by the Irish-bred Derrygullinane Kingbull (F94L/NT821), out of Pabo Jympa,

daughter of Sympa. Rossellie Truth, another fantastic junior bull, took the top spot in Class 53. 18 month old Truth then

went on to receive the Wells Cundall Cup for the best animal exhibited by a North Eastern Breeder.

Beef Breed Champion – Glenrock Terminator

Male Champion Pabo Procters

The Walker Family of Rossellie Herd, Driffield, East Yorkshire


www.limousin.co.uk


SHOW ROUND UP

Royal Welsh

SHOW

Grahams Ruth reigns as

Supreme Interbreed Champion

Judge, Mr Jim Quail was

presented with a show of

fabulous Limousin cattle, and

it was a delight to see the ringside so

well supported from keen on-lookers.

Limousin’s prestigious ‘Grahams Ruth’

bred by Robert and Jean Graham

and shown on their behalf by Lynsey

& Stewart Bett, took away a ream of

titles at The Royal Welsh Show 2023,

including the Interbreed Beef and

Overall Limousin Breed.

This magnificent cow and her strong,

October born heifer calf, Trixie at foot

stole the show again. Ruth is

a three-year-old polled cow bred out

of French dam Gigue (homozygous

polled, F94L/F94L) and sired by the

24,000gns Carlisle Junior Champion

Claragh Franco.

Overall Interbreed Champion – Grahams Ruth, with breeder Mr Robert Graham

Dinmore Perfection, bred by P R Dawes and successfully shown by Mr Richard Bartle, was pulled into position for

Reserve Champion. Dinmore Perfection is a 2019 born cow with Wilodge Vantastic lines.

Seisiog Rio stepped up to the

podium for Overall Male Champion.

Mr and Mrs M Alford of Foxhill Farm

took a clean sweep across the Junior

sections with Foxhillfarm Titan taking

away Male Junior Champion and

Foxhillfarm Touchofclass claiming

Female Junior Champion, both homebred

and also sired by Derrygullinane

Kingbull (F94L/NT821) with dam lines

going back to Bankdale Alice. The

classy duo went on to win the Exhibitor

Bred Pairs Championship.

Commenting on his selection, Jim

said, ‘The cattle were a tremendous

testament to the breed, an honour

to judge, and credit to all involved.

I was presented with some fantastic

individuals, particularly in the heifer

classes.’ Jim noted that due to his

background and long-standing

interest in the meat industry his eye

was drawn to cattle which appraised

the butcher and quality meat

production.

FITZHUGH CHAMPIONSHIP

Grahams Ruth & Pabo Procters

The outstanding Reserve Overall Male

Champion, Pabo Procters partnered

with Grahams Ruth impressed Judge

Mr Grant Anderson to clinch the

FitzHugh Championship ahead of

the Reserve Charolais team. Ruth,

and four-year-old Pabo Procters,

who was exhibited by AW Jenkinson

Farms, Penrith, Cumbria, and bred

by WP Hughes and Son, Llanbabo,

Anglesey, is sired by the Irish-bred

Derrygullinane Kingbull and bred out

of Pabo Jympa, a daughter of Sympa,

showed all the desired characters

of the Limousin breed with power,

stretch and presence.

Overall Male Champion Seisog Rio, with Reserve Overall Male Champion, Pabo Procters

Junior Champions, Foxhillfarm Titan and Foxhillfarm Touchofclass

SHOW ROUND UP

COMMERICAL BEEF

Overall Champion Grahams Ruth and Reserve Dinmore Perfection

Commercial cattle in front of

Mr Tudur Edwards certainly pulled in

the crowds on Tuesday morning. First

time RWAS exhibitor James Nisbet

retained his Royal Highland Supreme

Champion status with the Gallaber

Leo sired Limousin heifer, Starlight.

With the Supreme Male Champion

going home with James May’s

home-bred ‘Roll the dice’, James

also took top spot in the Exhibitor

Bred Competition.

Interbreed pairs Grahams Ruth with calf Grahams Trixie and Pabo Procters


www.limousin.co.uk


SHOW ROUND UP

Winter

COMMERCIAL SHOWS

Limousins dominate winter

prime stock circuit

By Kayley Kennedy

Limousin crosses secured all four top tickets at

LiveScot in November, with the top honours

secured by James Nisbet for the second year

running, this time with Starlight who was

Supreme at the Royal Highland and Royal

Welsh shows. She is a paternal sister to James’

2022 winning heifer, Moonlight, sired by

Gallaber Leo and again out of a Limousin cross

cow. Bred by the Huck family and bought at

Pateley Bridge mart, she was knocked down for

£9800 to James Alexander.

Following her through to stand Reserve was

Phoenix, another heifer with a proven show

record from Stewart and Lynsey Bett. Baby Beef

Champion here last year, this Redriver Powerful

daughter was bred by Balfour Baillie and

bought at Thainstone in 2022.

SHOW ROUND UP

Queen of Hearts

Limousin genetics were to the fore at the

winning commercial cattle on the winter

prime stock circuit as entries by the breed

claimed the Supreme Championship ticket at

all four major shows.

First up was the Borderway Agri-Expo at the

end of October where a brace of Huntershall

Nutcracker daughters stood at the top of the

line-up. Taking the top title was Queen of Hearts,

a home-bred 18-month-old heifer on her show

debut from father and son team, Hugh and

Stewart Dunlop. Her dam is also a Limousin cross

in the 100-cow commercial herd.

Jennifer Hyslop’s Tequila Rose was Reserve

Heifer and Reserve Supreme. Again by

Nutcracker and bred at home, this 19-month-old

was first in her class at the Great Yorkshire.

The Champion Steer, Mr Bombastic from

Hannah Donaldson was also sired by a

Limousin, Hannah then proceeded to take

Championship at the Great Yorkshire taking

home the same award. Mr Bombastic was bred

by the Robertsons, Newton of Logierait, and

purchased at Carlisle in March 2023.

Among the steers, Andrew Gammie's Top Boy

took the top ticket. Bred by the Dunlops and

bought at the Welsh Winter Fair last year where

he did well in the Baby Beef classes, he is by

Johnstown Premier. Top Boy also previously

came out on top, standing Steer Champion at

the Royal Highland and Reserve at the Great

Yorkshire. Brian Harper's Tyson, a Huntershall

Nutcracker son, was bought and shown by

Wilson Peters and took reserve steer.

The Betts’ Phoenix went one better down at the

Welsh Winter Fair a few days later when she

secured a first Supreme win for the husband and

wife duo and followed on from a Reserve in the

Baby Beef there last year. This 20-month-old went

on to sell to butcher, Mark Webster, for £7000.

A pure Limousin named Cothi TikTok – by

Mereside Oscar and out of Powerhouse Hella

– was Reserve Heifer for Richard Wright while

Tony Ponsonby’s Johnny Cash took Reserve

Steer. The former was bred by the Lewis family

while the latter was bred at Newton of Logierait.

Mr Bombastic

Starlight

Moving on to the English Winter Fair and it

was Paul and Christine Tippetts’ June 2022-born

Cor Blimey that stood Supreme. Sired by Ballylin

Popeye and bought from the Akrigg family at

Kirkby Stephen auction, she rose to the top after

a second prize at the Expo and went on to sell

for £6400.

Tequila Rose had another successful outing

claiming the Bred and Fed Championship for

Jennifer Hyslop.

Tequila Rose

Top Boy

Phonenix


www.limousin.co.uk


— PART I —

THE big

PICTURE

Over 50 years ago, Limousin cattle were

brought to the UK for their favourable

carcase traits that delivered increased

meat yields to the food industry. The need to feed

had never been greater.

Fast forward to today and Limousin have remained

one of the most popular breed choices in the UK.

But a new challenge has arisen: how to feed

a population whilst achieving net zero.

understand Limousin genetics and estimated

breeding values we will help increase the number

of cows rearing a calf through to weaning.

Since 2018, in partnership with Weatherbys Scientific

and SRUC, we have built a genomic data set for over

40,000 Limousins that identifies easy calving and

good growth genetics. With the right management,

this can deliver green outcomes ie. a live calf per cow

per year and a lower age at slaughter.

Regenerative farming principles have proven the

importance of animals enabling a healthy and

sustainable environment, yet once again we find

ourselves needing to create more from less. As

our knowledge of genetics develops, so too does

our understanding that it is both the cow and the

how that determine the emissions of our food

production.

Annually, we know 250,000 suckler cows do not

rear a live calf to weaning in the UK*. Therefore, if we

can support commercial suckler breeders to better

A result of this data collection is British Limousin

have data insights and genomic tools at our

disposal like no other beef breed, building proof

points that Limousin can reduce emissions by

creating more beef from less input.

The purpose of the ‘Green Genes’ campaign is

to promote Limousin as part of the solution to

breeding cattle with lower emissions, with the

ambition of increasing the demand for Limousin

beef by helping consumers ‘feel good’ about

eating beef.


www.limousin.co.uk

* Source: Scotland's Rural College


GREEN GENES

— PART II —

OUR data driven

APPROACH

93% of Limousin Herdbook registered cattle

tested for myostatin have at least one copy of F94L

GREEN GENES

Since 2018, the Society has built

a significant genomic database with

over 40,000 animals genotyped to date -

of which, over 30,000 have Myostatin data -

the biggest data set of its type compared to

any other beef breed.

It is 53 years since Limousin first entered the UK

market. Breeding choices have evolved to meet

the demands of this market, largely fulfilled by

cattle with myostatin variants F94L/F94L, F94L/

Q204X and F94L/NT821. The most common

variant of Myostatin is F94L, with 93% of the tested

herdbook population carrying at least one copy

%

F94L / F94L 16399 54.8

F94L / Q204X 6102 20.4

F94L / NT821 5236 17.5

* at November 2023

*

30,000+

LIMOUSINS WITH

MYOSTATIN

DATA

Published scientific studies have proven that the

presence of Myostatin genes provides more meat

than other breeds, with a higher kill out percentage,

all of which is sold into the food chain. This is more

meat than the average beef animal, without any

increase in emissions.

This data set, combined with insights from

research projects, is building our knowledge of

the naturally occurring Myostatin genes and their

correlations with calving ease, growth rates and

finishing weights to help inform breeding choices.

The purpose of the ‘Green Genes’ campaign is

to promote Limousin as part of the solution to

breeding cattle with lower emissions (given their

efficient traits), with the ambition of increasing the

demand for Limousin beef by helping consumers

‘feel good’ about eating beef.

Increased primal cut weights, reduced fat and higher polyunsaturated

fats are associated with F94L. F94L does not impact on calving ease (as

it does not impact calf size), fertility or longevity, therefore predicting

performance and managing breeding programmes with cattle that have

one or two copies of F94L is less complex compared to other myostatin

gene combinations.

OUR GREEN GENE COMBINATIONS

There are three variants of the Myostatin gene common to Limousin, typically

found in each animal as a 'pair of alleles’. Pairs may be...

Animals with NT821 will often exhibit larger loin lengths, reduced fat

depths and large rounded rump and thighs than animals without it or

animals with other variants of Myostatin. Predicting performance can be

more complex since NT821 can impact on other traits such as calving ease.

• Homozygous where both pairs are the same:

F94L/F94L or ‘a double F’

NT821/NT821 or 'a double NT

Q204X/Q204X or ‘a double Q’

• Heterozygous where the two alleles are different:

F94L / Q204X

F94L / NT821

Q204X / NT821

This variant produces the lowest levels of the Myostatin protein delivering

greater muscling, greater meat tenderness, reduced fat and heavier

weights than animals without it or animals with other Myostatin variants.

Predicting performance can be more complex since Q204X can impact on

other traits such as calving ease and milking ability.


www.limousin.co.uk


GREEN GENES

GREEN GENES OUTCOMES

In the following comparisons, pedigree Limousin born in the five years since January 2018 with Myostatin

genotypes have been compared and it has been concluded the groups with one or two copies of F94L:

... grow more efficiently

... have optimum carcase quality outcomes

— PART III —

More FROM less

THE LIMOUSIN ADVANTAGE

GREEN GENES

• Cattle carrying the ‘Green Genes’, so those with

a single and double copy of F94L (F94L/F94L,

F94L/NT821 and F94L/Q204X) are heavier by an

average of 17 kg at 200 days of age, and 27kg at

400 days of age, than groups that do not have

F94L in them.

• At constant liveweight gains, the 400 day

difference indicates a faster finishing time of

more than 22 days for the F94L Green Gene

combination groups, to a slaughter weight

of 600kg.

• If finishing costs of £3/day are assumed (will vary

widely), groups with F94L are worth on average

~£60/head more owing to early slaughter.

• This difference equates to a reduction of over

3.32kg CO 2

equivalents of greenhouses gases

per finished animal (22 x 151g).

Multiple published studies establish the carcase

quality advantages of Myostatin.

... have calving ease advantage

It is well-established that the muscling type

influenced by F94L does not impact on calving

ease. With over 93% of Limousin animals carrying

at least one copy of F94L, it is this frequency that

makes F94L unique to Limousin; easy calved with

a desirable quality carcase.

Insights from industry data are vital in further enhancing our united understanding of the ways UK

productivity can be lifted and beef emissions can be lowered. Preliminary data from AHDB’s National

Beef Evaluation from calves sired by bulls born in the last 10 years shows:

29 DAYS

faster to finish

LIMOUSIN vs OTHER CONTINENTAL BREEDS

£87/HEAD

saved in finish

feed costs

4.3kg

saved in CO 2

equivalents

YOU CAN ONLY MANAGE

WHAT YOU MEASURE

The calves sired by pedigree

Limousin bulls finished on

average 29 days earlier than

the average of all calves by the

main continental sire breeds

(Simmental, Charolais, British

Blue, British Blonde and Salers).

If finishing costs of £3/day are

assumed (will vary), Limousin

progeny are worth ~£87/head

more owing to early slaughter.

This difference equates to

a reduction of over 4.3kg CO 2

equivalents of greenhouses

gases per finished animal

(29 *151g).

LIMOUSIN vs NATIVE BREEDS

All DNA tested Limousins are automatically tested for their Myostatin variant, and this includes all bulls sold

through Society sales. This means the Society now has Myostatin records for over 30,000 animals and these

are readily available for all users of Limousin genetics.

Search options on the Society online herdbook www.taurusdata.co.uk show Myostatin data for individual

animals and enable searches according to Myostatin requirements. The benefits of Myostatin are clear and

are increasingly embedded in breeding decisions; for more info see our Myostatin factsheet on the website.

17 DAYS

faster to finish

£50/HEAD

saved in finish

feed costs

2.5kg

saved in CO 2

equivalents

The calves sired by pedigree

Limousin bulls finished on

average 17 days earlier than

the average of all calves sired

by the main native breeds

(Aberdeen Angus, Hereford,

Stabiliser, Beef Shorthorn

and South Devon).

If finished costs of £3/day are

assumed (will vary), Limousin

progeny are worth ~£50/head

more owing to early slaughter.

This difference equates to

a reduction of over 2.5kg CO 2

equivalents of greenhouses

gases per finished animal

(17*151g).

Data Source: AHDB


www.limousin.co.uk


GREEN GENES

% in Carcase Classes E-R & Fat Classes 1-4

From their national evaluation data set, AHDB compared the slaughter results from progeny of

pedigree Limousin sires born in the last 10 years where the sires have GEBVs in the Top 10% and Bottom

10% for each trait.

GREEN GENES

CALVES BY TOP 10% SIRES FOR CARCASE WEIGHT

Animals with Dairy Dam and…

Native

Sire*:

15%

Continental

Sire*:

65.6%

Limousin

Sire:

62.5%

*(all breeds)

24 DAYS

faster to finish

£70/HEAD

saved in finish

feed costs

3.6kg

saved in CO 2

equivalents

Animals with Suckler Dam and…

(> 50% dairy)

Native

Sire*:

57.9%

Continental

Sire*:

86.8%

Limousin

Sire:

88.9%

Calves by the Top 10% sires

for Slaughter Age finished on

average 24 days quicker than

calves from the Bottom 10%,

with only 2kg difference in

carcase weight.

If finishing costs of £3/day are

assumed (will vary widely),

progeny by Top 10% sires are

worth ~£70/head more owing

to early slaughter.

The difference also equates

to a reduction of over

3.6kg CO 2

equivalents

of greenhouses gases per

finished animal (24 * 151g).

Early finishing times work in tandem with the inherent carcase qualities of Limousin. AHDB’s study

extended to analysis of EUROP classification data. From the National Beef Evaluation data set, the

records of 2.7 million beef-bred animals slaughtered since 2013 were compared, split by sire type

(Native, Continental and Limousin) and dam type (Dairy dams and Suckler dams).

CALVES BY TOP 10% SIRES FOR SLAUGHTER AGE

The proportions each category achieved in Carcase Classifications E to R at Fat Classifications 1 to 4

were as above. The EUROP grading outcome data confirms Limousin's natural ability to consistently

breed in spec cattle so we have an opportunity to use this data to promote Limousin's ability to create

more beef from one animal. This increased meat yield from cattle with continental heritage is food for

thought in how we encourage the industry more widely to think ‘Limousin’ rather than purely thinking

‘native’ when creating incentive schemes.

4kg

heavier finished

52 DAYS

faster to finish

Only 15% of native-sired calves from the dairy sector achieved carcase grades E U and R and Fat

Classification 1 to 4, compared to 62.5% of Limousin-sired calves, a difference of 47.5% of animals. In the

suckler category, the difference between the two groups is 31% in favour of Limousin.

THE only breed WITH GENOMIC AGE TO

SLAUGHTER & CARCASE WEIGHT BREEDING VALUES

Finished with carcases that

were just under 4kg heavier

than calves by the Bottom 10%

sires. This will be influenced

by caps on slaughter weight

at most plants.

Data Source: AHDB

Of significance, however,

are the calves by Top 10%

sires achieved their weights

on average 52 days quicker,

offering huge production

efficiency over their Bottom

10% counterparts.

There is a huge opportunity to promote Limousin’s green credentials and Limousin is technically, the

only beef breed in a position to do so. Unique to Limousin is our Genomic Breeding Values (GEBVS) for

Age to Slaughter and Carcase Weight, as well as a Retail Value index (indicating superior carcase yield).

These GEBVS are created from the genetic data from the 40,000 genotyped Limousin cattle and

slaughter records that are collated weekly from the seven main abattoir companies within the UK.

We asked AHDB to analyse how effective the Age to Slaughter and Carcase Weight breeding values are

on the ground, to answer members question ‘what’s in it for me?’

These results confirm that the Age to Slaughter and Carcase Weight GEBVs are doing their job in

identifying the high and low performers for these traits so breeders can confidently select for these traits.

These slaughter outcome GEBVs are unique to Limousin and can be found through the search options

of the Society’s online herdbook, www.taurusdata.co.uk, which enables individual animal and breeding

value searches.

Coupled with Myostatin information, the demonstrable production, efficiency and greenhouse gas

advantages of Limousin - across breed and within breed - are undoubtedly real and available now

to promote.


www.limousin.co.uk


GREEN GENES

— PART IV —

Buyers

GREEN GENES

DRIVING CHANGE

Premier Limousin bull sales in 2023 across

centres in Carlisle, Stirling and Brecon have

seen over 320 bulls change hands.

The original Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs)

have long been a barometer of animal type that

is being presented and selected at sales. A stable

trend has been established over many years

that sees price reflect genetic merit for the traits

incorporated within the Beef Value. In 2023, across

the Premier bull sales, we continue to see this

from the sales of the performance recorded bulls:

Beef Value

No. Recorded

Bulls Sold

Top 1% 34 9565

Top 10% 95 7742

Top 25% 62 6732

Average 61 6615

Average Price

(gns)

FACTOIDS

• 87% of all bulls sold were performance

recorded, an increase of 9% on 2022.

• 90% of the performance recorded bulls

had Beef Values higher than breed

average, and nearly half (46%) had Beef

Values in the breed’s Top 10%.

• In the year, the average price for bulls

with Beef Values in the Top 25% was

£1180/head greater than bulls with

Average Beef Values and £1890/head

greater than bulls with Beef Values below

breed average.

But - we know these traits have considerable value

in terms of production efficiencies and lowered

greenhouse gas potential and this confirms

investmenting in them is worthwhile. Increasingly,

farming policy and incentive schemes will drive

a move towards them - for example, the evolution

of the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme launched in

Northern Ireland in 2024 which will see payments

made for animals meeting decreasing finishing

age targets.

And - since the traits are relatively new, no selection

on them has been possible which presents great

variation, enabling rapid gains to be made now

that those decisions can reliably take place.

Limousin sets itself apart from all other beef breeds

in this regard, offering solutions to industry that

will help meet production and greenhouse gas

emission requirements in the

years to come.

Producers recognise

and reward the added

value that superior

genetics brings.

The evaluation system

is identifying the

animals that deliver.

Bottom 25% 20 5860

Bottom 10% 5 6650

Bottom 1% 3 5250

We do not see such strong correlations between

price and the Genomic Breeding Values (GEBVs)

for Age to Slaughter and Carcase Weight since they

are comparatively new and largely unselected on.

BEEF VALUE:

A breeding index combining

Birthweight, Calving Ease,

Growth, Muscle Depth and

Fat Depth EBVs relative to

their economic value.


www.limousin.co.uk


GREEN GENES

— PART V —

Strengthening the integrity of the Herdbook

GREEN GENES

40,000

GENOTYPES CAN'T

BE WRONG

The introduction of SNP technology has served

to strengthen Limousin's parent verification

analysis. SNP creates 554 genetic markers to verify

parentage as opposed to only 16 genetic markers

produced by the older microsatellite test.

554 16

SNP

Markers

vs

Microsatellite

Markers

In the time since the introduction of SNPs, the

Council of Management has brought in new

supporting measures that strengthen the

integrity of the herdbook to a significant degree:

all stock sires and sale bulls are routinely DNA sire

verified, and since 2019 all females are DNA sire

verified prior to the registration of their first calf.

The outcome and success of this standard to date

is that over 50% of dams that have calved since

2021 have been SNP tested. Dam verification is

carried out where dam DNA is on record, and

we are moving towards high proportions of fully

parent verified animals in the herdbook.

Herdbook integrity is further supported by the

calf inspections, where every 200 th calf registered

automatically triggers a herd inspection and

where full herd inspections are also routinely

conducted. The Council of Management invests

significantly in this work and plans to strengthen

it further by introducing an increase in calf

inspection frequency this year (2024). From the

date New Taurus goes live, every 100 th natural calf

will be inspected along with every 25 th embryo

transfer calf registered. This is vital work and is

strengthening the herdbook data, given the

increase in independently verified calf weights

within the first 28 days of a pedigree calves life.

Following the conclusion of two key industry research projects in 2018, Limousin has been routinely

genotyping using ‘SNP’ (pronounced ‘snip’) technology, to replace an older ‘microsatellite’

technology, and was the first beef breed to make this move.

Over a 15-day process, the DNA samples submitted by members are analysed to produce a ‘genotype’.

This is the code of information that records the set of genes each individual animal has inherited from

its parents. More on this follows in an article shared with us by our lab partners, Weatherbys Scientific.

Over 40,000 Limousin cattle are SNP genotyped; it is a data set like no other and grows by the day.

It is irrefutable, independent data and provides the insights to help inform breeders’ decision making.

Our Genomic Breeding Values

Our SNP genotypes are the bedrock of Genomic

Breeding Values (GEBVs). Performance data -

be it abattoir records or maternal data from

national data sets - is ‘married’ to SNP information

to create a library of data associated with both

‘good’ performance and ‘poor’ performance.

When an animal’s genotype is compared to this

library, predictions about its performance (the

GEBVs) can be made, based on the genes it has in

common with all others.

Quite simply, the more genotypes and

performance information we have, the more

robust the predictions are.

The 40,000 genotypes in the Limousin bank are

used in the GEBV analysis. Coupled with slaughter

records routinely collected from the seven main

UK abattoir companies, the GEBVs are

a significant step away from the conventional

EBVs we are more familiar with...

Quite simply, the

more genotypes

and performance

information we have,

the more robust the

predictions are.


www.limousin.co.uk


GREEN GENES

• They are based on independent records and

animal genotypes.

• They do not rely on a conventional pedigree

structure for values to be calculated.

• Because of the inclusion of information from

genotypes, our current values have much

higher accuracy at a young age than could

otherwise be achieved. This is vitally important

when it comes to selection decisions, animals

performing as anticipated, and helps increase

the rate of genetic gain.

DNA Security

SNP genotypes are now the accepted industry

standard within most farmed species. Limousin

leads the way in the UK beef sector, with the

greatest data set put to widest use.

Better ways of managing the production of

genotypes are under constant review to reduce

error, speed up processes and gain greater insight.

The Society is currently partnered with Caisley

Eartag Ltd to assess the financial viability of using

DNA ‘tag and test’ so Limousin calves are DNA

profiled quicker and more accurately. To evidence

the accuracy and speed of DNA testing using the

new and improved Caisley DNA tags, we have

partnered with members to trial them.

Our genotypes, our genomic herdbook checks,

our herd inspections, our independent GEBVs,

our modernised performance recording scheme,

our better DNA process… these are all parts of a

strategy to ensure what is written on a pedigree

certificate is accurate and data-led, so that

breeders can select the most suitable Limousin

genetics to suit their breeding ambition.

The 40,000 genotypes underpin this strategy and

this gives Limousin has a huge data advantage;

but thanks must go to our members for working

with us and investing in this data driven approach

so we can grow trust and confidence in the

Limousin brand.

The impact of these GEBVs is evidenced in our

earlier article ‘More from Less’.

The conventional Estimated Breeding Values

(EBVs) remain important and in 2024 there

will be change introduced to the performance

recording scheme that will bring the advantages

of independently verified data, as well as new

methods of analysing and presenting data.

...these are

all parts of a

strategy to

ensure what

is written on

a pedigree

certificate is

accurate and

data-led.

Feed efficiency

DATA DRIVE

Since 2015, Limousin has been the primary breed in

a first-of-its-kind study of feed efficiency in the UK.

Dr Harriet Bunning, Lead Animal Genetics Expert

at AHDB, reports on the exciting outcomes coming

to all users of Limousin genetics in 2024.

“We all know that green credentials are increasingly

important for beef cattle farmers. There is huge potential

within the Limousin breed to select for animals which

can reduce the carbon footprint of beef. We can select

animals that grow more quickly by targeting higher

weights or lower days to slaughter. We can reduce the

waste on farm, making herds more efficient by improving

calving ease, calf survival and lifespan. But there is a third

way, by selecting animals with reduced feed intake whilst

maintaining growth rates.

Research has shown that despite two animals having

similar growth rates, their feed intakes can be quite

Growth Rate

2.25

2.05

1.85

1.65

1.45

1.25

1.05

0.85

0.65

0.45

By Dr Harriet Bunning

Leading Animal Genetics Expert, AHDB

0.25

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Feed Intake (kg/day)

THE PROJECT:

Beef Feed Efficiency Programme

PARTNERS:

Agriculture & Horticulture Development

Board (AHDB) and Scotland’s Rural

College (SRUC), ABP (Phase 1) and the

Scottish Government (Phase 1)

FUNDING:

Phase 1

Phase 2

£1.5m (DEFRA)

ABP

Scottish Government

£250,000 (AHDB)

£750,000 (DEFRA)

AIM:

• To measure feed intake and correlate

with growth rates.

• To perform genetic analysis of feed

intake.

• To create estimated breeding values

for feed efficiency.

INFO:

ahdb.org.uk/beef-feed-efficiencyprogramme

different. These differences are heritable, meaning you

can select a bull whose calves will on average, eat less

than his competitors’.

The graph shows the growth rates and corresponding feed

intake of a group of steers, averaged over a 30 day period.

Generally, as we’d expect, the animals which eat more are

growing faster (as shown by the dashed trend line).

When we look in more detail, we see a wide range of

intake levels for animals with very similar growth rates.

For example, the steers marked in yellow and green

are both growing at around 1.5kg per day. However the

yellow steer is eating nearly 11kg per day compared to the

6kg per day of the green steer. This is equivalent to 75%

extra feed. The cost to the farmer for this additional feed

will vary depending on the system, but across all farms,

the green steer will be more profitable.

This difference in feed intake also has large effects on the

green performance of these two animals, specifically the

amount of enteric methane (cow burps of greenhouse

gas) produced by each. Cattle which eat more will produce

more methane. This means that the carbon footprint of

beef from the yellow steer will be much poorer than from

the green steer. If you could consistently produce feed

efficient animals, like the green steer, with good growth

rates but low feed intake, it would reduce your carbon


www.limousin.co.uk


GREEN GENES

All breeders need to know

is that sires with lower feed

intake GEBVs are more

likely to have calves that

eat less but grow at the

same level. More efficient

cattle are win-win: they will

increase your profits, reduce

environmental impact

and give the consumer

reassurance...

Your questions answered about...

GENOMIC ESTIMATED

BREEDING VALUES (GEBVS)

footprint whilst also increasing your overall profit.

Breeding more feed efficient Limousins will soon be

possible by using feed intake GEBVs. These breeding

values, a measure of genetic potential, are the result

of the Beef Feed Efficiency Programme led out by

AHDB and SRUC and funded by DEFRA, ABP and the

Scottish Government in Phase 1. We have carried out

feed efficiency trials for over 2,000 Limousin sired steers

on four farms across the UK between 2015-2023. We

measured the growth rates and feed intake of these

animals over 63 days before slaughter. DNA samples

were also taken which allowed us to carry out singlestep

genomic evaluation. In simple terms, this gives

us a “key” which means with a DNA sample from any

Limousin animal, we can now predict genetic potential

for feed intake of that animal. SRUC have used this to

produce feed intake GEBVs for all DNA tested Limousins

so members will have the option to receive feed intake

GEBVs for any animal you DNA test in the future.

It is recommended breeders use these feed intake GEBVs

alongside your other selection strategies, whether that is

going by eye (phenotype) or using other trait EBVs or index

values, to breed more efficient, ‘greener’ cattle. All breeders

need to know is that sires with lower feed intake GEBVs are

more likely to have calves that eat less but grow at the same

level. More efficient cattle are a win-win: they will increase

your profits, reduce environmental impact and give the

consumer reassurance to continue enjoying Limousin beef”.

What?

GEBVs are breeding values calculated from individual

animal DNA, records collected from breeders and,

importantly, records collected from UK-wide sources

such as BCMS and the seven main UK processors.

The GEBVs currently evaluated are:

— Age to Slaughter (days)

— Carcase Weight (kg)

— Fillet (kg)

— Striploin (kg)

— Rump (kg)

— Topside (kg)

— Silverside (kg)

— Knuckle (kg)

— Retail Value (index)

— Age at 1 st Calving (days)

— Longevity (no. calves over lifetime)

— Calving Interval (days)

— Calf Survival (%)

How?

A DNA sample

(hair, tissue etc) is sent

to Weatherbys lab

The DNA is put on

a SNP (snip) plate and

the sequence of bases

that make up the

DNA are read at up

to 54,000 locations

A SNP key of

genotyped animals is

developed, along with

performance records

that are translated to

GEBVs

Scientists at the lab

extract the DNA

This information is

then sent to geneticists

at Egenes (SRUC)

in Edinburgh

Animals with DNA

but no performance

records can be analysed

against the SNP key and

GEBVs predicted

Why?

GEBVs use independent data sources. They are more

accurate at younger ages for some traits, enabling faster

rates of gain, and the technology is ideally suited for traits

that are expensive or difficult to measure eg. feed intake.

When?

GEBV evaluations are carried out up to five times per

year. Each update includes the new performance and

DNA information that has been gathered since the last.

GEBVs will therefore change as time passes and more

becomes known about animals’ performance.

Where?

GEBVs can be viewed through the search functions

on the Society’s online herdbook, taurusdata.co.uk.

The information is automatically provided at Society sales

and is also available from all breeders.

Who?

GEBVs are produced for all animals that are DNA tested.

At the time of writing there are GEBVs available for more

than 35,000 Limousin animals in the herdbook and this is

growing day by day.

One final thing...

The new Feed Intake GEBV coming soon will be

game-changing for Limousin. In her feature, Dr Harriet

Bunning identifies the cost-saving and emissions gains

to be made. The Society is committed to providing

robust, quality breeding information to all users of

Limousin genetics, and further development will see

efforts devoted to establishing new ways to capture the

necessary feed intake data.

GREEN GENES


www.limousin.co.uk


FEATURE

Limousin stacks

up against

Subsidy

DRY HOWE

Shap / Kendal, Cumbria

1,900 acres

Hill farm, 1,900ft

above sea level

45 suckler cows, 11 heifers,

2 stock bulls (Gallaber

Maxamus & Gallaber Sydney)

Limousin, but John comments, “I don’t understand

why the payment is ring fenced for native breeds.

My Limousins graze the hill evenly, they thrive

and most importantly rear a strong calf. Sticking

with Limousin made the most commercial sense

for us. The commercial return from the increased

conformation and younger age at slaughter

potential far outweighed the ‘benefit’ of the native

payment”. The payment would be roughly £6,000/

year which he easily made up and more from the

return in the live ring; “the surplus young bulls

sell at 10-month-old as stores at local markets

averaging £1,200 but for a similar aged native

bred you’d be lucky if they made £450. Limousins

are bred for calf vigour and to put weight on

which is what we need to farm efficiently”.

FEATURE

Breeding decisions

Why Limousin?

For upland farmers opting to breed Limousin

cattle, it is not uncommon for their breed choice

to be questioned when government subsidy

schemes favour native cattle, but commercial

return higher than subsidy value is what sees so

many choose Limousin.

It is for these commercial reasons that John Swift

(no relation to our CEO!) from Dry Howe Farm,

Shap has opted since 1988 to breed Limousin cattle

over the native rival “many assume that only native

breeds would suit my farm, but that couldn’t be

further from the truth. I’ve bred the herd up from

heifers, so they are hefted, hardy and suit the hill.

They have plenty of milk and good temperament

since that’s what I’ve selected for”.

John operates a 10 week calving window, with

heifers calved indoors from mid-January and the

cows in March. Cows are calved at the main farm,

for ease of management, by selecting bulls with

a good ease of calving. John can’t recall when the

last cesarean took place. Cows and calves remain

at the farm until the middle of May, when calves

are around 70 days of age with an average weight

of 128 kgs. The bulling heifers are synchronized

then served using AI before going up on the fell.

AI genetics used on heifers have been Greensons

Howlett, Lego and Twemlows Officer. Recent

stock bull purchases are Gallaber Maxamus

and Gallaber Sydney from Ian Sedgewick who

is renowned locally for selling Limousin that

perform consistently on the commercial circuit.

Background

John first introduced Limousin in 1988, but

despite losing his herd to foot and mouth disease,

(contiguous cull 2001), he opted to stick with the

breed when restocking. To reestablish his Limousin

herd, John bought in three batches of maiden

heifers from three local dispersing herds, Ruffland,

Bruntnott and Brackenthwaite, and purchased

stock bull Ryedale Sabre through H&H, Carlisle.

In 2017, John entered the higher-level Stewardship

Scheme and committed 425 acres of his fell to

the restoration of woodland pasture, planting

50,000 thorn trees. Some may question why John

overlooked the additional payment for native

cattle in favour of sticking with the unsubsidised


www.limousin.co.uk


FEATURE

Understanding Myostatin

FEATURE

When John and Lauren housed their cattle in

November, and following interest in Myostatin

data, they were keen to test their cattle to better

understand what they are managing. They were

delighted with the results that confirmed that

F94L was dominant on the female side, and

they look forward to seeing how their new stock

bull Gallaber Sydney (Q204X/Q204X) progeny

performs in 2024. John is hopeful these genetics

will bring the shape for his store market buyers

and whilst complimenting the 'Double F'

dominance within his female lines.

NAME SEX BORN MYOSTATIN

The business

is targeting

a margin over

concentrates

of £1,000 per

commercial

store bull sold.

GALLABER SYDNEY M 2021 Q204X/Q204X

GALLABER MAXAMUS M 2016 F94L/NT821

DANI F 2008 F94L/F94L

LEXI F 2015 F94L/F94L

NANCY F 2017 F94L/NT821

RIA F 2020 F94L/F94L

TEGAN F 2021 F94L/F94L

TAMSIN F 2021 F94L/F94L

TANYA F 2021 F94L/F94L

TRISHA F 2021 F94L/F94L

TONI F 2021 F94L/F94L

TASHA F 2021 F94L/F94L

TILLY F 2021 F94L/F94L

TARA F 2021 F94L/F94L

TRIXIE F 2021 F94L/NT821

TINKA F 2021 F94L/F94L

TINA F 2021 F94L/NT821

These extended

grazing days

result in a saving

of around £25 per

cow on feed and

bedding costs

alone for the

winter period.

Trialing sexed semen

This year the business used sexed semen for the

first time and achieved a conception rate of 82%.

Most of the maiden heifers are selected from the

AI born heifers allowing them to run with the

farms stock bull to sweep up. This breeding policy

allows bulls to remain on farm for around 8 years

before being replaced.

Traits the business uses for replacement heifer

selection include, dam temperament, milk

production of cow, (higher DLWG of calves is used

to determine the milk production). Heifers calve

down at around 33 months of age. The business

has tried calving heifers down younger but found

this earlier age impacted longevity. On average

the cows produce fourteen calves in their lifetime.

Extended grazing

The Environmental Scheme restricts the stocking

density and prevents ‘preserved forage’ being

fed. Stocking restrictions on the fell only allow

21 cows and calves, one breeding bull and 11 in

calf heifers to be grazed, resulting in a very low

stocking density of approx. 53 kgs per acre, but

despite these restrictions the system still stacks

up commercially given the hardy genetic lines

selected and their natural ability to convert milk

and meat from forage.

Concentrate (1kg/head/day) is only introduced for the

cows and calves in autumn, and mainly to get the

calves used to human interaction before weaning.

Weaning takes place back at the farm, when the

whole herd is weighed and after a couple of days

at the farm the cows return to the fell and remain

there until around Mid-December, a critical factor

in keeping costs down. These extended grazing

days (approx. 60 days) result in a saving of around

£25 per cow on feed and bedding costs alone for

the winter period. The weaned calves are housed

at weaning. A couple of weaned bulls are retained

to be sold as stock bulls while the majority are

sold in January at local markets.

Feed efficiency from forage

10-month bulls weighed on average 390kgs,

achieved an average price of £1,200 lifetime

with a DLWG of 1.1 kgs/day. Lifetime feed intake

is approximately 360kgs of concentrate at a cost

of £110 per head.

During the 12 months between calvings the

cows consume 180kgs of concentrates, when

combined with the commercial bulls concentrate

cost, a total concentrate cost of £165 is attributed

to the commercial store bulls. The business is

targeting a margin over concentrates of £1,000

per commercial store bull sold.

The next generation

John farms with 27 year old daughter, Lauren,

who is hugely passionate about farming and

is looking to be the third succession on the

family’s AHA tenancy. Lauren has questioned

the value of the tree planting and is concerned

that stewardship schemes overlook Limousin.

Lauren commented, “it is so important the farm

stacks up commercially and it’s the commercial

viability of the calves that appeals to me and my

future. There is a perception that native cattle are

smaller and therefore better for the land, but the

data speaks for itself, our cows weigh on average

630kg, graze evenly, are on the hill till mid-

December and average 14 calves/cow!”

Lauren is a firm believer in data driven decisions,

having recently invested in an Arrowquip squeeze

crush with digital scales to get accurate weights

before they turn the calves out to grass and return

for weaning. On what would be considered a low

input system, the calves are achieving 1.10kg daily

live weight gain in the first 7 months.

When asked would John encourage other upland

farmers to consider buying a Limousin bull he

confirmed, “Definitely, you won’t find another breed

with the same efficiency and commercial return on

this type of ground as the Limousin Breed.”


www.limousin.co.uk


FEATURE

Ease of

calving

is key to Yeomans'

upland farming model

FARM: 270 acres (split into

3 blocks, highest 1,400ft)

HERD: 85 suckler cows (65 Limousin

X Belgian Blue & 20 pedigree

Limousin) which includes

10 first calved heifers

CALVING PERIOD: January - April

2023 CALVING INTERVAL: 376 days

HERD PREFIX: Llwyn y Brain (est. 1987)

OTHER: 720 ewes and ewe lambs

(mainly Beulah), direct selling

boxed beef & lamb

FIRST GENERATION FARMERS

John and Sarah are both first generation farmers;

Sarah is from North London and John is from

Shap / Kendal, Cumbria

inner-city Birmingham. John's father's family were

butchers with some links to farming, they had

always dreamed of owning their own farm and

in 1973 they bought Llwyn y Brain in mid Wales,

wgich back then was a 68 acre upland farm. Soon

after, John decided farming was for him and

gained experience working on local farms as well

as studying at Aberystwyth where he met Sarah.

They both took on the management of the farm in

the mid 80's.

BREEDING OBJECTIVE

Over the years John has transitioned from AI to

natural service. In order to keep a tighter window

for the heifers, they run with the bulls for 10

weeks. The rest of the herd runs with the bulls

for 16 weeks. Prior to this, different AI bulls were

used, such as Bedell Maurice, Djerk, Ronick Hawk

and Baileys Iain to name a few. Stock bulls have

been purchased from Baileys, Ammaghmore,

Carrickmore, Straghelin, Whinfellpark and

Dinmore. Locally, they have been purchased from

Ashledge, Winnington and Dolcorsllwyn herds.

rest of the commercial cattle in two separate lots

in mid-February and then mid-April.

The suckler cows are housed in early October for

TB testing and fed a diet of straw and silage. All

females have their tails shaved pre-calving and

receive a trace element and iodine injection as

the land is iodine deficient and they also receive

a rotavirus vaccine at the same time. Two to

three weeks prior to calving the cows are fed

magnesium flakes and 0.5 kgs of concentrate per

head to help improve colostrum quality. As soon

as a cow has calved, the calf's navel is dipped with

iodine. Iodine is also put on the calf’s back and the

cow’s nose to prevent the cow from licking the

iodine off the calf’s navel. At dehorning, the calves

receive a 10 in 1 vaccine. Cows and bulling heifers

receive both an iodine and a multi-trace element

injection prior to bulling. The cost of vaccines and

trace elements is around £36 per cow.

WEIGHING KEY TO MANAGEMENT

The business weighs the cattle at key times of the

year to monitor performance:

2023 born calves:

FEATURE

The majority of progeny are sold as commercial

stores at Knighton Livestock Market with many

of the heifers going for breeding. Around 10-12

pedigree bulls are sold directly each year for

breeding and many are returning customers

which John prides himself on.

253kg

Average 200-day weight

1.1kg

DLWG

Commercial cattle sold 2023:

Credit: Darryl Owen Photography

JOHN AND SARAH YEOMANS

Llywn y Brain, Newtown, Powys

Today, John's main breeding aim is to select for

unassisted calvings and a live calf born per cow

per year to manage costs. He places a strong

focus on maternal ability and shape and in the

last 33 years of breeding commercial Limousins

he has recorded 13 caesareans. The business has

myostatin tested the breeding females which

confirmed the dominate gene is F94L and have

taken the decision to purchase bulls that carry the

double F94L gene in a bid to breed easier calving

progeny and therefore retain loyalty with their

buyers. Currently the age of the breeding females

ranges from 22 months to 17 years old.

The business farms 270 acres predominantly in

three blocks of land rising to just over 1,400 feet.

The family started rotational grazing in 2014. The

business runs a stocking rate of around 585kgs/

acre (1,446 kgs/hectare). After the lambs are

weaned in late July, all calves are introduced to

creep feeding and the cattle are then grazed

separately to the sheep. The batch of calves are

sold in early November which is a few weeks after

weaning them. The business generally sells the

373kg

Average weight

INCREASED BIODIVERSITY

£1,225

Average price (328p/kg)

John and Sarah are passionately committed to

improving the farm’s biodiversity and over the years

have planted over 40,000 hedge and tree saplings

and recently introduced a wildflower meadow, the

majority of which was done without any grant aid.

John has created 5 acres of new woodland and

a recent Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust

(GWCT) bird count identified 66 different bird

species. The farm is involved in a curlew protection

and monitoring scheme. Carbon sequestration

monitoring on high yielding hill reseeding has

shown to sequester more carbon rather than

parcels of land under a Welsh government’s

‘no inputs’ environmental scheme option.


www.limousin.co.uk


FEATURE

THE

SUCKLER

ADVANTAGE

News stories of biodiversity loss and climate

change are regular features of our daily lives.

While reporters, politicians and lobbyists reach

for the nearest scapegoat - or, in this case, the

scapecow - we explore some of the benefits of

a suckler system.

Before agriculture, large ruminants - ancestors of

our domesticated cows - roamed the UK in herds

of approximately 30 animals. Herd behaviour

helped these animals avoid predators such as

wolves, lynx and brown bears, that inhabited

the UK at the same time. These ruminants

moved around the landscape grazing in patches,

depositing dung and then moving to a new area

once they were well fed.

Ruminants were historically a key part of a healthy

and functioning ecosystems and can still play an

important role in the ecosystem today.

Supporting biodiversity and soils

By grazing sucklers in mob, rotational or

regenerative grazing systems, we are mimicking

herd grazing behaviour.

Grazing can promote growth of diverse plant

species because cows selectively graze some plant

species, creating space for others. Cows will also

transport seeds around a farm, depositing them

from their hair and dung. The physical trampling

of cows also alters species found in pasture.

Greater diversity of plants improves soils and draws

down carbon from the air. Greater plant diversity

also varies the root structure which improves the

water holding capacity of the soil. This is valuable

as we experience more droughts and flooding.

Ecosystems have evolved with cowpats in their

natural form. Healthy dung deposited directly

from the cow is ready to be used by the ecosystem.

Cowpats are more beneficial than slurry which is

mixed with additional urine and water and spread

thinly changing the form and composition. Worms

and other beneficial soil microbes are less able to

process dung in slurry form.

Net positive for the planet

When considering cows within the context of

climate change there is no escaping the fact that

cows, like many other living things, produce the

greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane.

However, a suckler herd that is actively improving

plant diversity and soil health can play a positive

role by drawing down carbon. Grazed suckler

systems also require far fewer environmentally

damaging inputs such as antibiotics and feed,

avoiding additional imported issues such as

deforestation for soy production.

Roughly 50% of the UK agricultural land is

grassland. A well-managed suckler system can

be net-positive for the planet, while producing

nutritious food on land that is often only suitable

for grazing livestock.

Looking to the future…

Sucklers require few inputs and can play an

important role in a healthy and functioning

ecosystem. This provides opportunities to improve

biodiversity, improve soils, and support climate

change mitigation. However, the benefits of the

suckler herd are too often overlooked.

FEATURE

Insects really give a cr*p

In the last 50 years, the insect population has

declined by 75%. Cowpats provide vital resources

for soil, bacteria, fungi, and insects. A single

cowpat can contain a variety of insects and insect

larvae including beetles and worms. These insects

provide ecosystem services ranging from soil

aeration to pest control and are a food source for

other animals, such as birds.

There is an opportunity for Limousin producers

to collect and report data to prove the beneficial

outcomes of this breed. Promoting an evidencebased

approach supports a change in narrative,

emphasising real-life outcomes rather than specific

requirements (such as breed). Providing evidence

of the benefits of Limousins within a healthy

ecosystem will help support the future of the breed.

The benefits of sucklers are too often overlooked,

by Clare Hill and Dr Annie Rayner

Clare and Annie provide research and

training from Planton Farm, a regenerative

livestock farm in the Shropshire hills. For more

information visit www.plantonfarm.co.uk.


www.limousin.co.uk


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www.cxcs.co.uk | info@cxcs.co.uk

OBITUARIES

Michael Priestley

A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL

by daughter Judith

Old Rowland sired a dynasty, a most successful clan,

And seven little Priestleys were born to him and gran,

Michael was one of them and now we celebrate,

A very special life but it’s time to close the gate.

After forty years of milking Dad had had enough,

The unforgiving lifestyle was proving very tough.

He made the sad decision to sell his cows at Mart,

They had served him well but heavy was his heart.

Michael was proud of their Brontemoor Herd,

Can talk of them for hours, never lost for a word,

But if by chance the chat should turn to Sunak or Trump

He got extremely bored and turned into a grump.

OBITUARIES

IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL, A TRUE GENTLEMAN

11 JUNE 1937 – 9 SEPTEMBER 2023

Michael didn’t like his school, it was a waste of time,

To be stuck behind a desk each day felt something of a crime,

He couldn’t wait to leave and work full time with Dad,

That was his ambition - to be a farmer’s lad.

The Great Yorkshire Show was Michael’s Nirvana,

He thought three days there was his top banana,

Nattering with friends and making his biz

To check that their animals were not as good as his!

Michael was a lifelong supporter and

lover of Limousin, highly thought of

and respected by his farming peers.

Limousins were Michael's life and he contributed

hugely to the breed, serving as Honorary

President 2012-14. Michael was the eleventh

President of the Society since its inception in

1971, and never missed a Council meeting during

his term. His wise words were immensely valued

and respected. Michael travelled the country

attending events representing Limousin; in fact

he travelled the world as an ambassador of the

breed, attending the Limousin International

Congress in Denmark, Argentina and Ireland.

Michael’s love of Limousin dates back to the late

1970’s, when his father Rowland bought Limousin

crosses for his butchers shop in Bradford and they

later established their own Brontemoor herd in

1987. Between Michael and his brothers they were

the farmer, the butcher, milkman and even the

undertaker in Clayton and their used to be a local

village saying that the Priestley’s fed em’, watered

em’ and buried em’!

Michael and his family moved from Brow Top

Farm (Clayton) when they purchased Cracrop

Farm (Brampton) in 2012, taking their prominent

Brontemoor herd with them; this move also

bringing him closer to the ‘home of Limousin’,

Carlisle Mart where he spent many a day. Cracrop

was Michael's world.

Michael was a strong advocate of the commercial

value of Limousin and said he "kept Limousins

simply for one reason - they earn us a living”.

But it’s evident from the fond memories

members have shared that Limousin had a very

special place in his heart and he got just as much

joy seeing his stores sell at Carlisle on Wednesday

as he did seeing the pedigrees sell.

For an 86 year old that often asked "how does that

Facebook thing work?", he’d have been humbled,

as were the family receiving hundreds of

wonderful tributes that confirmed the legendary

legacy he leaves behind.

Born May 2021, Sonofgod is a double F94L

myostatin and a Beef Value of LM46, which

is in the top 10% of the breed and sold to

Norbreck Genetics Ltd of the Norbreck

Pedigree herd. He is sired by the herd’s stock

bull Knock Msport, which the Priestleys

purchased at the Carlisle May 2018 Sale for

10,000gns and is out of the homebred cow

Brontemoor Luckylady.

In Clayton village he met Margaret, my mum,

And immediately knew that she was The One,

To help him run a business, do his DIY for free,

That really spurred him on to get down on one knee.

And soon they were ready to move to Brow Top,

They saw a cottage there and decided they’d stop,

They had lots of animals, most of bovine ilk,

They sold on all their eggs and delivered people’s milk.

And so time went on and Margaret, my mother,

Gave birth to me, Judith and Steven my brother.

Dad was very pleased, overjoyed I’d say,

He’d got two extra farm hands and no wages to pay!

When it came to holidays Dad was not like us,

He’d really prefer to travel on a bus

With West Cumberland Farmers and take in the charms

Of a factory tour and other folk’s farms.

John Wilson

KINDLY WRITTEN BY

PAUL GENTRY

John

th

was born on the 16 November 1946, to

Robert and Irene Wilson at Corbridge, near

Hexham, where they lived in an upstairs

flat in West Monkseaton and after demob John's

father worked as a lorry driver for a local milk

company around Whitley Bay. John was one of

three children along with Robbie who sadly died

in 1944, and his older sister Sylvia. John father Bob

left the family in 1949 and his mother struggled

on working to keep her young family. When John

was seven, in 1953, he went to live with his paternal

grandmother in Howden and then Irene and Sylvia

moved to Doncaster in 1955 and John moved to

join them soon after.

At the County Shows Dad was a leading light,

Judging in the day and a pint or three at night.

The auction at Carlisle was where he was the King,

Watching his cattle parading in the ring.

In 2011 the Priestleys hit the road,

Cracrop Farm in Kirkcambeck to be their new abode.

They packed up the animals, kitchen sink and telly.

Was Michael left behind? Huh, not on your nelly!

The Limousin Society had meetings and he went,

They rated him so highly they made him President.

He went to the World Congress - he travelled far and wide -

Italy, Denmark, Argentina, Ireland with Eileen at his side.

An ‘honorary Cumbrian’, that’s what our dad felt like,

So thank you to that county for adopting this Yorkshire tyke.

The family thanks you all for coming here today

To celebrate a life well lived with much joy along the way.

should have stayed until he was 16 however, he

went to stay with his uncle Albert on his farm for

the summer holidays and didn’t return home…

the farmer was born!

By 1967 Sylvia was living in Manchester and John

would go visiting - probably for the night life!

During this time John drove a lorry, but he hated

it and longed to get back to the farm. He returned

north and went to work for Robin and Chester

Bosamworth at Charity Farm and Abbotts close,

milking a large herd of Dairy cows. He also worked

for Cecil Hutchinson at Scorton and Gordon

Turnbull at Richmond.

John was a bright lad, passed his 11 plus and went

to Doncaster Technical High School for boys. He

John married in 1969 and had three children -

Robin, Ian and Claire (the youngest, born in 1973).


www.limousin.co.uk


OBITUARIES

Also in 1973 John went to work for George

Westgarth at Newsham Hall on the arable side, but

soon it was apparent that he had a love of livestock,

especially cattle.

In the early 80’s George and John brought five

pedigree Limousin cattle over from France and

the Newsham herd was established. This pedigree

herd started to replace the commercial herd at

Newsham and Johns dedication and hard work

built the number up to 120 cows plus followers.

In the early years some of these cattle were wild

and John and other staff members were often

seen running through the fields rounding them

up to put them back where they should have been.

Sometimes this was over great distances and the

wagon was involved! Over the following years, with

good breeding and patience, John built a quality

docile herd that he loved. John would commonly

be sighted walking the cattle on the roads around

Newsham, getting them used to the noises, people

and the halter.

John loved the shows and sales to which he had

numerous successes and made many friends

from far and wide. George and Johns greatest

achievement in the show ring was in 1996, when

Newsham Georgina won breed champion at the

Great Yorkshire show. This was a proud moment for

John as this animal was a direct descendant of one

of those French imports. John was on a roll and

Lemon repeated this great accolade a few years

later, then went on to sell to Millington Grange

Estates and had 50 registered progeny. John

remained at George Westgarth’s for some

27 years and was very much a part of the

community and an extremely active member of all

things socrat! His fancy dress attire was legendary

at the New Years Eve party - John loved a party!

In 1989 whilst attending Cleveland County show,

John met Lorraine. This courtship lasted 30 years

until they married in 2019 - perhaps John didn’t

want to rush into anything!

In 1999 after a change of direction at Newsham Hall

and the Newsham herd was dispersed, John’s line

of cattle and the Limousin breed in particular was

still his burning passion. John was extremely well

thought of and highly regarded by David Tomlinson,

who was the top man at H&H, Carlisle. The Smiths

of Bloxham were looking for a top man and David

recommended John to join them. They met on farm

and immediately struck up a fantastic relationship

that would last many years. I had known John in

passing for several years however, this was a period

when I got to know him very well indeed.

The Smiths of Bloxham was a unique partnership

of two brothers and a sister, Tom, Peter and

Pauline. Their core business was a scrap metal

dealership and they were legendary! Straighter

and more decent folk were impossible to find, and

they had a long and distinguished association with

top quality cattle and the Limousin breed.

this task. He was centre of the show ring at Royal,

National, Local and Regional shows and in the

commercial ring. Always eager to promote the

breed far and wide. He was most proud of the

opportunity in September 1996 to open the gate of

the farm to host an open day on behalf of Northern

Ireland Limousin Club. It was his delight to offer

insight into the Limousin breed to local, national

and international visitors. Those visitors had the

opportunity to view both commercial and pedigree

Limousin cattle, and his then recently acquired two

full French bulls – Ivan and Ideal. One of his early

trips to France but certainly not his last.

Tommy sat on the Northern Ireland Limousin

Cattle Club Committee for many years. His tireless

promotion of the breed saw his peers elect him as

Chairman of the Committee for three consecutive

years. His dedication to beef improvement resulted

from his and a few likeminded local breeders to

institute one of the first livestock improvement

projects in Northern Ireland, supported by Rural

Development Funds. Tommy worked tirelessly as

Chairman of the board. The project delivered

a measurable benefit over the three and a half years

of funding support in early 2000.

Over the last 20 years of his

farming journey, Tommy

focused on his pedigree

herd. He frequently

travelled the island of

Ireland, across the water

to England, Scotland,

Wales and France

- always keen to

introduce new blood.

Sadly, missed by his

family, friends and

fellow cattle breeders.

William McKay

WRITTEN BY SON

JAMES MCKAY

He never looked for praises,

Never the one to boast.,

He worked away quietly,.

Always for the ones he loved.,

He was a firm foundation,.

A steady hand in times of stress,

A friend,, a confidant,

The man who enjoyed the good

times and worked through the rest.

Adapted from the works

of Karen Boyer

OBITUARIES

Thomas (Tommy) O’Brien Sleve Gullion

Limousin Herd was born in New York, 14th

September 1933 stepped out of his farming

boots for the last time 5th June 2023. His sudden

and unexpected passing was a shock to all who

knew him.

The eldest boy of a family of four children, his

lifelong farming journey began with a childhood

family return to the hills of Slieve Gullion. Other

that an occasional vacation he never returned to

America. Farming was in his DNA; he acquired his

skills in the field and at the auction ring.

Tommy enjoyed his life, his family and his cattle. His

Thomas O’Brien

A TRIBUTE

attraction with the continental cattle developed

in the seventies but matured with his purchase

of two “red cows” in the eighties. From that time

onward he favoured the breed with easy calving

and fantastic feed conversion. His large suckler herd

quickly evolved to Limousin cross cattle – eagerly

sought after in the commercial market. His love of

the breed saw the herd of Limousin cattle grow in

number and stature within the pedigree market.

A farmer at heart he promoted the breed by word

and deed. He did not seek the limelight personally

but willingly accepted the role as judge of good

cattle. Over the years he was often honoured with

Last year the Limousin Society lost a well-known

member. William McKay, founder of the

renowned Ampertaine herd, died on 15 th Dec

2022. William started the Ampertaine herd after

suffering an unexpected and life-changing stroke

in 1982 at the age of just 39. Prior to this he had a

mixed farm, and worked part-time as a secondary

school science teacher. At the time of his stroke his

4 children were aged 3, 5, 11 and 14. The severe stroke

caused paralysis down his right side and as a result

his cattle were sold and the farm was let out while

he recovered and adjusted with the help of his wife

and wider family.

In 1986,William founded the Ampertaine herd with

the purchase of Ballysorrel Suzanne. He chose

Limousins for both their aesthetic and efficiency

reasons. He loved the Limousin characteristics:

the shape of the animal and the efficiency of the

carcass as well as the easy calving traits - an animal

which would require minimal intervention from

him. He had a keen eye for cattle, often noticing

characteristics that others did not, and had a

progressive outlook, establishing a completely AI

sired herd from the beginning.

In 1997 when James left school and joined him in

managing the herd, they had 5 cows and together

grew the herd from there, winning numerous

awards and championships along the way and

producing numerous 5 figured bulls and females.

In the later years of his life he wasn’t able to take an

active role on the farm or attend sales but always

kept an eye on the reports and webstreams, and

felt great pride to see sales topped by animals with

Ampertaine sires. When the farm received an

email from a breeder in the U.S.A. expressing his

satisfaction with an Ampertaine Foreman progeny,

he was astonished that a bull bred on the farm

could be breeding cattle in the U.S. and beyond.

He was a quiet gentleman, as those of you who

knew him will attest to. He had 2 loves in his life:

his family and the farm, and his life was dedicated

to them both. Even in his last few days, getting out

around the cattle was so important to him, and

checking the new calves. He is sadly missed by his

wife and 4 children, Jennifer, Martin, Carol and of

course James. We offer our condolences to the

McKay family and recognise William’s great legacy

in the Ampertaine Herd.


www.limousin.co.uk


Young

LIMOUSIN

BREEDERS

CLUB

John Grisedale

CHAIRMAN

Sophie Harvey

VICE CHAIRMAN

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT_

2023 for young breeders has been a year of

progress, from shadow judging held at the Carlisle

bull sales throughout the year to hosting the

National Stock Judging at the Great Yorkshire

Show. To kickstart the shadow judging at the May

pre-sale bull show we had the pleasure of Arwel

Owen judging, who was very welcoming and

informative, giving our shadow judgers a great

insight into what he looks for in a pedigree bull and

from his years of experience working for Genus

and having his own pedigree cattle at home.

July brought the National Stock Judging which

took place at the Great Yorkshire Show which was

extremely well attended with teams representing

all four nations of the UK. Thanks must go to all

competitors who travelled from far away especially

those from Wales and Northern Ireland on their

success and Paragon veterinary group for the

generous sponsorship they gave. Also, to everyone

who brought cattle out to be judged and Jonathan

Watson for being our master judge.

October bull show gave two more young breeders

the opportunity to shadow judge under the

watchful eye of Vince Corbett, who used his years

of pedigree breeding experience to select his class

winners and answer any questions our shadow

judgers had along with if they agreed with him

or not, lets hope they did. Thanks to Arwell and

Vince for allowing young breeders to take part

and hopefully more shadow judging events can

continue at Carlisle aswell as introducing them to

other society preshow sales nationwide.

As the young handler’s competition hosted

at H&H Borderway takes place in the coming

weeks, the evening before the Red Ladies and the

Weaned Calf sale, I wish all competitors the best

of luck as there is some great prizes on offer and

it is all great practice for the summer shows in the

future.

I hope that 2024 is another year that young

breeders can look forward to with more events to

be planned and I encourage any young breeder

with a passion for the breed to become a member

and take advantage of what the club has to offer.

John Grisedale

CHAIRMAN

The

Judges

of the

Future

2023 saw a handful of members of the Young

Limousin Breeders club taking part in shadow judging

opportunities at two of the biggest sales in Limousin

Breeders’ calendar.

At the May bull sales in Carlisle, Clara Hofstetter (BLCS team

member) and Jane Lindsay had the opportunity to shadow

judge Mr Arwel Owen from Welshpool.

Jane Lindsay explained how she felt about the experience:

‘I was lucky enough to shadow judge at this year’s May

Carlisle Bull sales.’ She followed on to say ‘I thoroughly

enjoyed my day, and now feel far more confident in

judging larger classes. It was interesting to gain an insight

into and experienced judges’ opinion’, ‘Mr Arwel Owen

was an excellent mentor, and I would recommend this

opportunity to all YLB in the future’.

Following some spiked interest in shadow judging after

the May sales, the opportunity was once again offered

to members at the October bull sales in Carlisle, to learn

from judge Mr Vince Corbett. Kerris Richards, Charlotte

Pendlebury and Merryn Philp (BLCS team member) were

fortunate to be able to assess the animals from inside of

the ring in October.

Kerris said, ‘I would like to thank the British Limousin

Society for the opportunity to shadow the judging at the

Carlisle bull sales, it was a privilege to be part of such a

prestigious event’ she expanded on this, saying ‘the day

was very informative and insightful in understanding the

dynamics of the show ring through the guidance of Vince

Corbett’.

Charlotte agreed with Kerris and said, ‘I learnt a lot about

what to look for in the bull’s conformation, it is a totally

different experience being on the inside of the ring to the

outside, you see a lot more!’

YOUNG LIMOUSIN

Get involved...

Individuals aged 12-28 can join

Young Limousin Breeders:

Under 16 - £10

Aged 17-28 - £20

For sponsorship opportunities

or more info please email

info@limousin.co.uk

or visit the Young Limousin

Breeders Facebook page.

www.limousin.co.uk


YOUNG LIMOUSIN

NATIONAL STOCK

JUDGING FINALS

AT THE 2023

Great Yorkshire Show

Jonathan Watson and Daryll Geary

as weaned calves at Autumn sales

annually. Their pedigree cattle

however are on a small scale, which

all began on Elizabeth's 21 st birthday

when she got her first pedigree cow.

They look to breed their own bulls in

the future, so that they are familiar

with the history of these animals.

Darryl Geary also returned home

with a huge achievement, making

his trip across the water well

worthwhile! He earned the most

points overall, thanks to his fantastic,

accurate judging and reasoning skills,

allowing him to be awarded the Best

Individual Competitior award. Darryl

commented, ‘I just couldn't believe

I came first! The tuition and practice

with Kim Montgomery and Mark

Stewart made this all possible!'.

In speaking to Darryl, he explained

his great passion for Limousin cattle.

Although at home, they have become

more focussed on the dairy sector,

Darryl’s passion remains and aims to

build up their herd in the future. He

mentioned, ‘I am inspired by the likes

of Jim Scott who gives a lot of courage

to myself and other young breeders’,

explaining that people who have

supported him in Young Limousin

Breeders are a huge part of the reason

he wants to drive the Northern Ireland

YLB and ‘get them back on the circuit’.

He says he has been overwhelmed

with support and cannot thank those

who have helped enough, especially

Jim Scott, Kim Montgomery, Mark

Stewart and Jim Quail.

YOUNG LIMOUSIN

The event

organised by

BLCS and YLB

was great! The

long journey

was well

worthwhile!

- Welsh Team

This year at the Great Yorkshire

Show, the stock judging finals were

held for an English, Scottish, Welsh,

and Northern Irish team. Many

competitors attended, ages ranging

from 12-28 and travelling miles to

contribute. It was brilliant to see these

future Limousin breeders together

and in their element.

There were pairs competitions,

individuals, and overall teams, who

all gathered at the showground to

judge extremely difficult classes of

some of the best pedigree cattle in

the country.

This year’s competition was kindly

sponsored by Paragon and the BLCS,

allowing Young Breeders to win some

great prizes. A massive thankyou

to them, and Jonathan Watson for

judging, John Graham for recording

scores and Stewart Bett for stewarding.

This year, the Welsh team swept the

board, winning both the junior and

senior pairs competitions, returning

home with the overall team award

for 2023! The team consisted of Lisa

Jenkins and Caryl Haf Davies in the

Junior Pairs and Elizabeth Swancott

and Sioned Thomas in the Senior Pairs.

The team were ecstatic that they were

so successful and mentioned that

although the journey was long to get

to Yorkshire, and somewhere that

none of them had been before, the

trip home was made a lot easier when

they were taking home the title of

Overall National Stockjudging Team.

The team explained that they have

competed in many stockjudging

competitions at county level locally,

however, weren’t sure what to expect

when coming up against English,

Northern Irish and Scottish teams.

They also thoroughly enjoyed the

opportunity to judge pedigree

livestock from some of the best

breeders in the country.

Caryl Haf Davies explained that she

thanks her dad and their suckler

herd - Glencross - at home for her

knowledge that she could apply

at the event. Because of the cattle

breeding at home, and competing

at local shows, and those such as the

Royal Welsh, Caryl recognises that

she has gained terrific amounts of

knowledge from those around her

and when judging, thinks to herself

‘which would dad choose’ or ‘which

one would I like to take home’.

This mindset from a judging

perspective was also used by Caryl

when she took up the opportunity

to judge the Limousin classes and

Brecon County show at the beginning

of August 2023. She said that this was

good experience, and that there was

an excellent turn out of cattle, making

it particularly difficult.

Elizabeth Swancott, a fellow team

member of Caryl’s also explained to

us her background in the Limousin

world. She explained that at home

they are farming beef and sheep and

have a pedigree herd of Limousins

called ‘Fayside’ based in mid Wales.

They always look for easy calving

and good growth rates for a calf

with length and muscling to sell

The winning Welsh team

Results:

JUNIOR PAIRS

Lisa Jenkins and Caryl Haf Davies (Wales)

Ruby Simpson and Amy Vance (Scotland)

Niall Forsythe and Emma Quinn (Northern Ireland)

SENIOR PAIRS

Elizabeth Swancott and Sioned Thomas (Wales)

Finlay Soutter and Isla Soutter (England)

Maddie Clark and Amy Lindsay (Scotland)

INDIVIDUAL

Darryl Geary (Northern Ireland)

Sioned Thomas (Wales) & Christina Smith (Scotland)

Look out for the 2024

stock judging finals...

we hope many of

our Young Limousin

Breeders nationally

will get involved

again this year!


www.limousin.co.uk


YOUNG LIMOUSIN

O

CANADA

YOUNG BREEDERS

TOUR 2023

Limousin young

breeders, Jane and

Alan Lindsay from the

Clydeside and Lindsays

Limousin herds were

selected to join a Scottish

Young Farmers study

tour to Canada in 2023.

Here they report on this

fantastic experience; from

Limousin cattle to Rideau

sheep, to elk and rodeos!

YOUNG LIMOUSIN

This July we were lucky enough to experience

the trip of a lifetime along with 17 other

young farmers as part of SAYFC Agri & Rural

Affairs study tour to Canada. From an Elk ranch to Maple

syrup production, we had 16 jam-packed days to ensure

we saw as much of the Canadian agricultural world as

possible. The tour topic was ‘Sustainability - what does it

mean to you? As a group, we wanted to know farmers'

views on which direction agriculture should be steered in

the future to ensure a successful and sustainable future.

We visited four beef farms. The first was the OH ranch,

a 300 suckler herd over 8,000 acres, owned by the

Calgary Stampede. The second was Richmond Ranch

a pedigree herd running 200 Limousin and 100 Angus

over 3,000 acres. Droughts have been a problem for

both ranches forcing a stock reduction. Both ranches

keep their cattle outside all year round, the Richmond

Ranch calve from late April into May to catch the warmer

weather. Both ranches only bring cattle in if there is a

health issue or calving difficulty. The Richmond ranch

reports that they have very few assisted calving’s and very

much ‘leave their cattle to it’. The Richmond ranch sells

approximately 100 bulls per year on their on-farm sale,

they average between $7,000-12,000. Lewis Farms sells

300 bulls each year averaging $11,000, the farm has its

very own impressive ring set up on farm.

A standout visit for the group was visiting Highland

Feeders, a 38,000 capacity feedlot. When at capacity

35 straw bales and 350 tonnes of wheat are used daily,

with the aim of a 2.5% weight gain. As stock is brought

into the feedlot, they are processed, which entails

a general health check along with the insertion of

a hormone chip. Hormones are still used in Canada

unlike here in the UK. At the feedlot we visited, this

was administered through a chip or within their feed

via minerals. The feedlots Temple Grandin hydraulic

handling system has improved the efficiency and rate

at which cattle are processed.

The group visited Blackrapids Farm, a recently built

ultramodern dairy unit milking 55 Holsteins. The Ruiter

family sadly experienced a farm fire five years ago, wiping

out their herd. The Ruiters turned their misfortune into

an opportunity by rebuilding a more efficient setup.

To manage workload, the Ruiters embraced technology,

installing a Lely A5 robot and automatic feeding system.

On average only two cows need to be pushed into the

robot each day. The dairy and rearing system is run from

the same shed, with calves reared from an automatic

feeder. The calf-rearing approach was particularly

interesting, with calves being fed ad-lib until 45 days old.

Calves had access to 20L of milk per day, with the aim

to triple their birth weight by 60 days. This method has

surprisingly reduced the amount of scour within their

calves. Although this is a relatively new approach, the

first batch of ad-lib fed heifers produced 3000L more in

their first lactation. With the quota system still in place in

Canada, it is difficult to increase numbers with the quota

sitting at $25,000 for one cow, this makes it challenging

for young people coming into the industry.

On our 12 th day of the trip, we finally got to see some

sheep, the first sight of any the entire trip! The sheep

industry is far smaller in Canada, due to the number of

predators and the general consumption of lamb being

much less than other red meats. The group visited the

Smith family where they have 600 Rideau breeding ewes,

which lamb three times over eighteen months. Tup lambs

are all left entire, for additional weight, as their lambs

are sold per kilo. Lambs are reared inside and weaned at

60 days old, they are fed a diet of corn and a 16% protein

pellet. The Smith family said they have very few problems

with feet and merit this to their closed flock.

A highlight visit was a trip to Olds Auction Market

which has weekly sales selling pigs, goats, sheep, and

cattle. Approximately 80,000-90,000 cattle are sold per

annum. The majority of the market’s cattle are sold in the

backend, where most are sold onto feedlots. Olds’ Market

is unique in the sense that during the fall, cattle are sold

‘co-mingled’, where cattle are separated into their type,

colour, and weight and sold in large batches along with

other farms cattle which are of a similar stamp. As the

surrounding area is made up of smaller ranches it makes

things far easier for buyers compared to cattle being

sold in small lots. The market recognises that the system

does have its flaws with cattle needing to come in the

day before the sale for staff to separate, however with the

competitive nature of markets, if their method brings in

buyers it will continue to benefit customers. When we

asked about sustainability within the industry, the biggest

concern is that not enough young people are staying

within the industry many are leaving for higher-paid jobs

within the oil industry, and therefore more needs to be

done to encourage young people into the industry.

We were lucky enough to visit some farms unique to

Canada, including Stanley Farms where 300 maple trees

are tapped. The traditional method of making maple

syrup is still used where the sap is heated up to evaporate

moisture, where 40L of sap produces just 1L of maple

syrup. The sugar content of sap is 2/3% and is evaporated

until the sugar content is 66.5%.

A visit to an elk ranch in Alberta saw a 300 head of elk run

over 300 acres. We learned about the value of the antlers

with the dearest on display being $10,000. The meat is

also sold on and was described to be similar to chicken

due to its high protein content.

We attended the world-famous Calgary Stampede, and

received a behind the scenes tour of the chuck wagon

stables, from Layne MacGillivray, who we later cheered

on that evening. A favourite event was the team cattle

penning championships, where teams of three on

horseback had to separate specific steers from a batch of

cattle and pen them within 60 seconds. The precision and

speed this was done at was quite something to watch.

Overall, this was a tremendous experience and a huge

thank you must go to the local companies for

their sponsorship which enabled us to go on this

year's Agri and Rural Affairs study tour.


www.limousin.co.uk


YOUNG LIMOUSIN

NORTHERN

IRELAND

YOUNG

LIMOUSIN

BREEDERS

01. What do people need to know about Merryn?

My parents have a small holding in Cornwall, home to

me and my sister and Dad is an agricultural engineer.

I’ve bred pedigree Saddleback pigs since I was 5 and

love showing them. I bred the Reserve Champion of

Champions Saddleback in 2023 which is the best I’ve

done and I’m proud to think a pig I bred was the second

best in the country at the time!

I’m in my third year at Harper Adams studying for a BSc

(Hons) Agriculture with Animal Science degree and

started my placement with Limousin in June. I’m highly

driven and love the industry, at Harper I’ve even found the

time to squeeze in some relief milking!

YOUNG LIMOUSIN

In 2023, the Northern Irish Young

Limousin Breeders have been led

by chairman Darryl Geary, as well

as his keen committee, consisting

of Emma Campbell as Vice Chair,

Rachel Boyce as Secretary and Jack

Hunter as Treasurer and Sponsorship.

This has meant that members have

had a busy, and most of all, fun

year, which included travelling to

Scotland, Yorkshire for the National

Stockjudging Championships and

raising funds for charity.

At the beginning of July, a bus of

enthusiastic Northern Irish Young

Limousin Breeders travelled to

Scotland with plans to visit three

prestigious herds. Saturday kicked

off with a visit to the award winning

Maraiscote herd of Ian Nimmo and

family. Members of the club were

delighted to see the Royal Highland

Show Reserve Overall Champion,

Maraiscote Tangerine, in the flesh

and to see some of the sale heifers

heading to the Crown Collection Sale

in Carlisle the weekend after their

visit. On the Sunday members then

travelled to the Spittalton Herd of

Andrew Burnett, Stirling. Members

commented that ‘the herd deserves

a lot of credit, and the stock produced

are a true testament to the Limousin

breed’.

After this, the bus travelled over to the

other side of Stirling to visit the Ronick

herd open day. The day consisted

of a farm tour, workshops and

stockjudging opportunities, which

allowed Young Breeders to practice

their stockjudging for the finals at the

Great Yorkshire show.

The NIYLB would like to thank the

Nimmo, Burnett and Dick families

for kindly hosting us and to everyone

who attended the trip. A great time

was had by all, and they look forward

to arranging more trips in the future.

RONICK OPEN DAY NIYLB

STOCKJUDGING RESULTS

1 st Jack McKenna

2 nd Emma Campbell

Darryl Geary

Guess the Sires of Heifers:

Darryl Geary who was awarded

two semen straws of his choice

WITH

Merryn Philp

02.

What made you choose Limousin for your

placement?

I have a strong interest in genetics and pedigree breeding

so the placement really appealed to me. I left the

interview feeling incredibly inspired so I was delighted

when Alice followed up with the offer.

03. What is a typical day in the office?

To be completely honest, there is no such thing as

a typical day at Limousin, or a boring one at that! Every

day is different, although your ‘typical’ jobs stay the same.

I assist with all things herd book, such as registrations,

member communications and holding tank animals, but

I also support Young Limousin Breeders, attend shows,

sales and events, work with the regional clubs

and support with herd visits and calf inspections.

LATEST NEWS from

We have embarked on our journey of

building a pedigree herd of Limousin

Cattle, and now have Limousin bulls

running with the commercial Spring

calving suckler herd. Cattle fit well

with the College environment and

have been a favourite with staff and

students alike, proving their docility

and great nature particularly during

student practical handling sessions.

In August 2023, we purchased five

heifers to start our pedigree herd, so

far they have been a great success

and have enabled students to look

into the different management and

selection processes for pedigree cattle

in comparison to commercial. Our

first pedigree calves are due to arrive

in the Spring, students will halter train

and prepare them for the show ring.

The college hosted Laura from the

Society who gave introduction talks

to all our Agriculture Students on

the Limousin breed and all the key

information to get them started in

the Limousin journey. We are keen

to host further Limousin / young

breeder events over the coming year.


www.limousin.co.uk


YOUNG LIMOUSIN

What has surprised you most since being

04. in the role?

Since being in the role, I have been surprised by how

much data there is to quantify the efficiency of Limousin

genetics. It’s not ‘just a society’ as some many think. After

gaining an insight into how the French system works with

Crea Lim for example, the importance of data capture to

verify breed traits is massive. Looking at how myostatin

correlates with growth rates, pelvic measurements and

meat yield is fascinating and there is so much more we

can learn from this type of data capture. There is huge

potential to promote the value of Limousin with data,

which I hadn’t fully appreciated at the beginning.

Créamlim ‘Creating Limousin’

A data driven approach to

measuring maternal traits

The Importance of Genetic Values and Figures

by Pierre Roy

FEATURE

05. What did your week in France teach you?

Station de Moussours at first a glance, is a normal

working farm, but I soon learnt it is so much more

than that. The level and scale of data capture to verify

maternal breeding traits is mind blowing and the long

term commitment to this data capture gives breeders

confidence in the performance figures.

06.

What tasks did you carry out at Station

de Moussours?

I was lucky enough to not only visit farms, but to also get

hands on with the stock. We took body measurements

of bulls and I learnt about both the linear scoring

process, and the calving system including all of the data

and weights collected throughout. I also learnt how to

measure pelvic opening on first time calving heifers at

two days post calving, and how to back fat scan both

heifers and bulls.

07.

What has impressed you most since being

with Limousin?

The potential to raise the profile of the breed, given its

natural ability to produce meat efficiently, is massive.

Importantly of course, the team! I was made to feel

welcome from day one and the team spirit is highly

motivating. The ‘Green Genes’ campaign has sparked

a really interesting debate and members are so engaged

and want to learn more about the science behind the

positioning. Food with green credentials is very topical so

it’s great to see the Society responding with a campaign

that’s so relevant.

In many countries the different

genetic evaluation systems are

based on data collection on farm,

and / or in test stations, which must

be as reliable as possible.

The first data collection point is the

date of birth and weight, along with

the sire and dam of the animal. The

next data collection points are the

weights at 4 months, weaning (7-9

months) and 12 months, at which

point linear scoring, and/or body

measurements (height, chest width,

chest depth, length and width of

pelvis etc.) are also recorded.

In Moussours station where the

testing of maternal qualities for

CRÉALIM is carried out, everything is

done to optimise the reliability of the

genetic evaluation.

First of all, at the level of the individual

control on the 36 young bulls, there is

a double weighing at the beginning,

two intermediate weighings 28

days apart and a double weighing

at the end. To complete the data

set, a linear scoring associated with

detailed measurements completed

by a technician, considering scrotal

circumference, pelvic opening,

thickness of skin, cannon bone

assessment and back fat and muscle

scan. We also calculate feed efficiency,

and after all of this, only 10 of the 36

go on to the progeny test process.

Each year, 300 heifers arrive at

weaning age, all of which are progeny

of the 10 test bulls selected. After

parent verification of each animal,

identification of each animal with

a station number, using electronic tags

(allowing secure data transmission),

happens. Each animal is weighed every

28 days until the weaning of their first

calf, and then at 16-18 months, they are

measured, scored and are back fat and

muscle scanned.

The heifers are inseminated at 15

months aiming to calve at 2 years

old, only on natural heats, during

a 10 week period, using the same two

bulls and by only 2 AI technicians,

therefore allowing fertility to be

evaluated reliably.

At the time of calving (24 months)

both hiefer and calves are weighed,

along with the pelvic opening

measurement and a back fat and

muscle scan. Colostrum quality is

also measured using refractrometer.

We measure milk quality again at

2 and 4 months after calving at the

same time as back fat and muscle

scanning. Calves born are weighed

every 28 days from birth to 7 months.

Calving groups are a maximum size of

14 heifers, with a maximum difference

of 7 days of age between the calves to

avoid potential competition.

At the end of the six year maternal

traits evaluation program, only 3 or

4 bulls reach the maternal

assessment, but all of this makes

it possible to offer reproductive

improvements and development

in all types of suckler herds.

In France, the other genetic

evaluation system is called IBOVAL

with on farm data collection. This

system works (or tries to work) with

a 7-10% parentage exclusion rate and

often quite fanciful birth dates and

weights, despite the Iboval system

having implemented tools to control

the data that is declared by breeders.

This can lead to errors which are

important and influential in the

calculation of figures.

In Spain, the Asturiana de los Valles

breed stopped the linear scoring

process due to it being considered too

subjective and imprecise, and now

only carries out measurements and

weighings on farms and in the station

to improve accuracy.

In Norway, the station for bulls is

equiped with weighing troughs to

measure feed intake, which helps

to produce feed efficiency figures.

Despite different methods and levels

of resources implemented, everywhere

has the same objective of having

precise and coherent data in stations

and/or on farms in order to best

evaluate the genetic value of animals.

Even genomic systems need good

raw data feedback that is reliable

in order to use this to improve the

accuracy of the predictors.

All players in the genetic sector, both

breeders and technicians, must be

fully involved in providing the most

precise data possible.


www.limousin.co.uk


REGIONAL CLUBS

Regional CLUB CONTACTS

CHAIRMAN

SECRETARY

Regional

SCOTTISH

LIMOUSIN CLUB

Stephanie Dick

Westerton Farm, Cowie, FK7 7BJ

T: 07874 013414

Aileen Ritchie

Tamala, Burnside, Whitecairns,

Aberdeenshire, AB23 8UN

T: 01651 862624

CLUBS

NORTHERN IRELAND

LIMOUSIN CATTLE CLUB

Brian McAuley

Larkhill Farm, Seven Mile Straight,

Antrim, BT41 4QH

T: 02894 462410

Lorna Hunter

58 Ballybracken Road, Doagh,

Ballyclare, BT39 0TQ

T: 07881435042

E: nilimousincattleclub@gmail.com

NORTH WEST

LIMOUSIN CATTLE

BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

Steven Wilson

T: 01228 560896

E: gina.moore.812@btinternet.com

Gemma Slater

Rose Cottage, Beckermet,

Cumbria, CA21 2XB

T: 07730 384905

NORTH EAST

LIMOUSIN CATTLE

BREEDERS CLUB

Karl Suddes

South Farm, Cornsay Village,

Co Durham, DH7 9EL

T: 07980 707454

Annabel Mason

Clark House Farm, Embsay, Skipton,

North Yorkshire, BD23 6PP

T: 07792 198346

E: oddacres@msn.com

NORTH WEST MIDS

& NORTH WALES

LIMOUSIN BREEDERS CLUB

Llyr Hughes

Fferam Gyd, Llanbabo, Rhosgoch,

Anglesey, LL66 0BW

T: 07780 665354

E: pabolims@yahoo.com

Alison Clark

Hangram Lane Farm, Ringinglow,

Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S11 7TQ

T: 0114 230 6573

SOUTH WALES & MID WEST


* Please contact Dyfan James until the roles

of Chairman and Secretary are decided at

the forthcoming AGM:

Dyfan James*

T: 07779 832746

E: dyfan@cowin.uk.com

EAST MIDLANDS

LIMOUSIN CATTLE

BREEDERS CLUB

David Burns

Lodge Farm, The Fosseway,

Upper Broughton, Leicestershire LE14 3QD

T: 07971 248377

Rachel Burns

Lodge Farm, The Fosseway,

Upper Broughton, Leicestershire LE14 3QD

E: teviothead@btinternet.com

SOUTH WEST

LIMOUSIN CATTLE

BREEDERS CLUB

Christopher Neale

Wilkie Down Boyton, Launceston,

Cornwall, PL15R 9 RD

T: 07831 222451

Diane Richards

Southview Farm, Burtle, Bridgewater,

Somerset, TA7 8NB

T: 01278 722275

E: southwestlimousin@gmail.com

SOUTH EAST


Sam Drury

Boars Head Farm, Boars Head,

Crowborough, East Sussex, TN6 3GR

T: 07834 558139

E: samdrury85@icloud.com

Amy Drury

Boars Head Farm, Boars Head,

Crowborough, East Sussex, TN6 3GR

T: 07825 738853

E: limousincattlesoutheast@gmail.com

E: amygrenham@hotmail.com


REGIONAL CLUBS

Scottish


Chairman Stephanie Dick reports…

We have had a fairly jam packed year which

started off straight after last year’s AGM. With

the back end being slightly quieter for actual

club run events we decided to take the opportunity to do

a little fundraising to ensure we can continue to run as

many events as we do. So, with that in mind we decided

to hold Santas Semen sack. Thank you to everyone who

donated some semen to the cause, it really is greatly

appreciated and we managed to raise £2,500 for the club.

Well done to Ewan Mcgilvary for winning the prize, we

look forward to seeing these well bred calves in the future.

We moved into the new year as we headed to February

bull sales where we held a club gathering inviting

members to come along and find out details of what

we had planned for the year as well as get the chance

to speak to representatives from the society and get an

update on what was going on within the breed. The bull

sales itself was a fantastic day for club members with it

being a clean sweep in all champions and reserves for

club members and a huge well done to Mike Massie

from Elrick for picking up overall champion and reserve.

We jumped forward then to the Royal Highland show

which really was quite the show for the breed! Huge well

done to the team at Grahams for picking up not only

Limousin Champion but interbreed champion too with

Grahams Ruth! We also saw the Nimmo family taking

interbreed junior champion with Maraiscote Tangerine,

Glenrock Limousins picking up champion

in the Interbreed beef breeder competition with

Glenrock Terminator, as well as Ruth being a part of the

interbreed champion pairs and joining back up with

Tangerine to be part of the winning team of 4. On top of

all the success in the pedigree ring we also saw our past

chairman Andrew Gammie picking up reserve champion

in the commercials just behind champion James Nisbet

who was also tasked as judge of our commercial herd

competition. Both of these animals were sired by top

Limousin sires - Gallaber Leo & Johnstown Premier.

This year saw the welcome return of the club BBQ on

the Thursday night after judging, which turned out to be

quite the do, thank you to everyone who came along and

joined us and helped our worthy members celebrate their

success. It was lovely to see everyone coming together at

events like this with help from the society members.

A thank you must go to CEO, Alice Swift's husband, Matt,

for keeping everyone fed on the barbecue.

Start of July saw us heading to Ronick Limousins to our

club open day, by kind permission of Mr Dick and family.

There was an action-packed day with stock judging,

guess the sires, guess the weights, trailer rides, talks and

trade stands as well as some lunch and a bar. The day

was sponsored by Netherton Tractors and Smillies feed

company so many thanks to them as well to everyone

who turned up on the day, it was great to see so many

of you supporting us.

July also saw the herd competition begin with our judge

Micheal Fieldson and his wife Steph taking the task of

judging 24 herds in their stride. Thank you so much to

them for taking time out of their lives to do this. Results

can be found over the page.

The Yorkshire show was next on the agenda as some

of our young breeders headed down to do the Young

Breeders stock judging finals. In the junior pairs Ruby

Simpson and Amy Vance were placed second and then

Maddie Clarke and Amy Lindsay teamed up for third place

in the seniors. In the individuals we saw Christina Smith

placing second. Well done to everyone who took part

in what was a very strong competition. We can’t forget

our club members success with Ian Nimmo and family

picking up overall Limousin champion with Tangerine,

well done to everyone.

Our club report isn’t usually as long as this but our club

has had so much success over the summer with shows

and once again the Graham family with Stewart and

Lyndsey picked up an interbreed title but this time at

the Royal Welsh. Great to see club members flying the

Scottish flag in all Royal shows.

The first weekend in August saw not only club members

Andrew Burnett from Spittalton heading to Carlisle with

a great offering of cows and achieving a fantastic sale

but also our Scottish Grand Prix held at Perth show and

kindly judged by Tim Russell from Spittalton. Once again,

Maraiscote Tangerine had a successful show taking overall

champion, winning the late Wattie Ritchie trophy, followed

by Grahams Ruth in reserve. Tangerine then also went on

to win interbreed champion at the show, with Glenrock

swiping the interbreed pairs. We had a great turn out of

cattle to a seriously high standard and it was also great to

see some new members at the show too!

Once again we got the BBQ out and fired up for our pre

show evening burgers, before then also having breakfast

and then lunch again all cooked by some very helpful

club members and committee, glad to see we are getting

some great use out of our new BBQ and now are closer

to following some health and safety, well with the BBQ

maybe not the chefs! Thank you to everyone who attended,

showed, helped, and supported us at the show as well as

a huge thank you to each one of our sponsors on the day!

Jumping to the end of August we saw 36 members go

on our annual club trip. This year we headed south to

Shrewsbury. First stop was Woodmarsh Limousins by

KPO the Gould family. The cattle were a credit to

them and so quiet. Next morning, we moved on to

Garyvaughan Limousin by KPO the Lewis family. It was

great to see a working herd of cows doing their jobs as

1200ft above sea level and I think we all still remember

that field of young heifers that blew us away. Saturday

afternoon took us to the winery tour, something a little

different but it was highly enjoyable. Twemlows herd was

our final visit on the Sunday morning by KPO Will and

Jackie Forrester. What lovely hospitality we had and we

just managed to miss the rain to see this great herd of

cows. It was a highly enjoyable trip, great people, great

cattle, plenty of laughs, some sing songs with our new

tour pianist Kathryn Gammie and therefore a huge thank

you to all hosts and attendees for making the weekend

so good!

The Scottish club has a great support from its commercial

members and what a season they have had this year!

As mentioned early James Nisbet and Andrew Gammie

both had great success at the Royal Highland show but it

didn’t end there. Flying the flag at the end of the year the

same animals returned to the Scottish national fatstock

show in Lanark and claimed both the male & female

championships again. A tremendous achievement for

both families. The Scottish club banner was again flown

for the Dunlop family at Agri-Expo with their heifer Queen

of Hearts, sired by Huntershall Nutcracker, scooping the

overall championship. Throughout the whole year the

commercial animals that are brought and displayed are

a credit to all exhibitors, and we look forward to seeing

what you bring out next year.

At one of the last sales of the year, we saw the dispersal

of our past chairman, club member and friend Anthony

Renton and the Meadowrig herd. He achieved a top price

REGIONAL CLUBS


www.limousin.co.uk


REGIONAL CLUBS

of 13,000gns for Meadowrig Oopsadaisy and her calf with

strong averages throughout. Hopefully we will still see you

about and a huge well done from the club, we wish you

and your team all the best.

Stars of the Future held at United Auctions was a great

day out for club members this year. Maraiscote Ubeauty

scooped up the Overall Junior Limousin Championship

with Westpit Ullapool in reserve spot. Reserve junior

male went to Wedderburn unreal from the Hunter

family and reserve junior female went to the Grahams

family with Meadowrig Unique. In the senior section

Burnbank Tangerine was the female champion with

Maraiscote Tuscany claiming the reserve spot. Stealing

the show winning junior and overall champion in the

young handlers section was the up and coming young

Lily Smith from Turriff who every Saturday during the

summer you will find with her dad Steven and the team

at local shows dressing and showing her calves with her

confidence growing every week, which should inspire her

peers as this is evidence that her hard work has paid off.

Well done Lily and well done to all exhibitors that took

part it was a fantastic show for the breed.

Five Questions only the Scottish

Club would ask Alice...

1. Can you confirm we are your favourite club?

You’re all my favourites.

2. Where do you see the society in five years’

time?

United and strong. Limousin genetics, and

our Green Genes, will be valued as part of the

solution to lowering emissions in the beef sector.

Limousin's easy calving, fast growing, high

yielding traits will be more widely known and

understood. Our Estimated Breeding Values

will be strengthened by independently verified

weights and measurements. Young Limousins

will have a grown into an industry-leading youth

program that develops confident, skilled, and

accomplished breeders for the future. We have

exciting years ahead of us.

Up and coming young handler Lily Smith

COMMERCIAL HERD

COMPETITION 2023

Small Herd

1 st Steven Smith - Claymyres

2 nd Melissa Buchan - Clintery

3 rd Craig Beaton

Medium Herd

1 st William Mclaren - Mclarens

2 nd Craig Robertson - Logierait

3 rd Hugh Dunlop - Holehouse

Large Herd

1 st Gordon Cameron - Bonhard

2 nd Harry Brown - Auchmaliddie

Best Group of Calves

1 st Craig Robertson - Logierait

2 nd William Mclaren - Mclarens

3 rd Graham Cameron - Bonhard

Best Stock Bull & Progeny

1 st Steven Smith – Lodge Hugo

2 nd Harry Brown – Craigatoke Jameson

3 rd Melissa Buchan – Westhall Paul

Best Group of Bulling heifers

1 st Craig Robertson - Logierait

2 nd Harry Brown - Auchmaliddie

PEDIGREE HERD

COMPETITION 2023

Extra Small Herd

1 st Castlemill

2 nd Millers

3 rd Harveys

Small Herd

1 st Lodge

2 nd Beachmount

3 rd Wedderburn

Medium Herd

1 st Glenrock

2 nd Grahams

3 rd Stephick

Large Herd

1 st Meadowrig

2 nd Anside

3 rd Clury

Extra Large Herd

1 st Maraiscote

2 nd Shannas

3 rd Ronick

Best Cow Family

1 st Glenrock Spangle

REGIONAL CLUBS

Our AGM and prize giving was held at the Stirling bull

sales in October at the Highland Stirling Hotel, it was

great to see such a strong turnout of people, raring for

another year ahead. We would like to extend thanks to

our herd competition judges for coming to the night and

presenting your prizes. Also, a thank you to Alice and her

team for coming along and giving us a brief insight as to

what have been going on and what’s next.

Anyone interested in joining the club, please get in

touch with any of the committee members.

3. What is your greatest professional

accomplishment?

The difference I’ve made to farmers livelihoods

by influencing supermarket buyers to pay a fairer

price must be up there. The Sainsbury’s cost of

production model was a fair and transparent way

of putting a price on a litre of milk that protected

dairy farmers from market volatility. It took two

years of development and tough negotiation but

made a fundamental difference to those dairy

farmers future. This model was then replicated

for Taste the Difference beef. Most of my career

has been focused on trying to do the right

thing for the animals, whilst getting farmers

the reward and recognition they deserve. I was

proud of the work I led at Arla on the ‘Every Calf

has a Value’ policy that put a stop to healthy

calves under 8 weeks of age being euthanised

on farm or slaughtered. It was game changing

for the industry and brand protection. I’m not

afraid of the ‘difficult pile’ and determined to

make a difference at Limousin for the benefit of

our members.

3 rd Graham Cameron - Bonhard

Best Homebred Cow & Calf Outfit

1 st Hugh Dunlop - Holehouse

2 nd Steven Smith - Claymyres

3 rd Craig Robertson - Logierait

Best Male Calf

1 st Harry Brown - Auchmaliddie

2 nd Melissa Buchan – Clintery

3 rd Hugh Dunlop - Holehouse

Best Heifer Calf

1 st Steven Smith – Claymyres

2 nd Craig Robertson - Logierait

3 rd Craig Robertson - Logierait

Best Overall Herd

Champion Graham Cameron – Bonhard

Reserve William Mclaren

Judge Special Award

Ozzes Quality - Steven Smith - Claymyres

2 nd Brockhurst Fuzzy

3 rd Grahams Coffee


1 st Bassingfield Machoman

2 nd Homebryes Macadoo

3 rd Haltcliffe Roar

Best Young Bull 2022 Born

1 st Glenrock Terminator

2 nd Maraiscote Tiptop

3 rd Clury Tiger

2023 Born Calves Male

1 st Meadowrigg Usher

2 nd Wedderburn Ubelter

3 rd Inschfield Union

2023 Born Calves Female

1 st Glenrock Ursula

2 nd Stephick Ubeauty

3 rd Maraiscote Ubeauty

Best Homebred Cow & Calf Outfit

1 st Grahams Ruth & Trixie

2 nd Meadowrigg Oopsadaisy & Upstart

3 rd Lodge Marimba & Lodge Uera

Best in Calf Heifer

1 st Grahams Scarlett

4. Who is your celebrity crush and why?

Kevin Costner, the star in Robin Hood Prince of

Thieves and Yellowstone.

5. If you could give your younger self a piece of

advice, what would it be?

Not to worry. I used to worry endlessly trying

to predict what I would ‘grow up’ to be. Enjoy

every day, be brave and don’t underestimate the

power of kindness.

2 nd Wedderburn Special

3 rd Lowflan Suzie

Best Young Exhibitor Under 30

Andrew Weir - Castlemill

Overall Best Herd

Champion Maraiscote

Reserve Glenrock

Judge Special Award - Outstanding Animal

Maraiscote Tangerine - Maraiscote

Show winner Topboy sired by Johnstown Premier with owner Finlay Gammie


www.limousin.co.uk


REGIONAL CLUBS

Northern Ireland


Chairman Brian McAuley reports…

With record prices, increased sale averages

and a packed schedule of events, Northern

Ireland club members can look back on

2023 as another busy and successful year.

February 2023

Breeders welcomed an increase in the sale average at the

BLCS sale in Dungannon. Bidding was underpinned by

commercial buyers, with prices peaking at 8,500gns for

the supreme champion Bernish Samsom from Kieran

McCrory.

James McKay made the trip to Carlisle securing the

intermediate and supreme overall championship with

Ampertaine Senator. He sold for 25,000gns to pedigree

herd owner Paul Dawes, Dinmore Herd.

Ampertaine Squire came under the hammer at 20,000gns,

selling to the Jorica Herd of Messrs W and M Knaggs and

Sons. Three Ampertaine bulls achieved an average of £17,500.

March 2023

Scottish judge Stephen Illingworth hailed the NI YLBC’s

Rising Stars Calf Show in Dungannon as a tremendous

event with outstanding animals in every class. He was

especially impressed with the females, saying there were

a number of

super heifers that

could compete

anywhere.

Emma Campbell, NILYBC, judge Stephen

Illingworth, with Niall and Keith Forsythe, owners

of the calf show’s supreme champion Johnston

Toffee © Kathryn Shaw, Agri-Images

First-time

exhibitors

Niall and Keith

Forsythe had

a clean-sweep,

winning the

junior, pedigree

and supreme

overall championships. Their 2023 Rising Stars champion

was Johnstown Toffee, an eight-month-old heifer bought

privately a few months earlier from Chris Johnston.

The reserve overall honours went to the eleven-month-old

bull Claragh Tyson bred by John and Paul Rainey. He also

secured the senior and reserve pedigree championships.

The reserve senior champion was the fourteen-monthold

heifer Rathkeeland Tenndresse from Crawford Bros.

Eight-month-old heifer Cranmoney Tess scooped the

reserve junior title for Mark and Mairead McCartan.

The commercial classes were judged by Ivan Lynn

from the Hillside suckler herd. Top honours went to

Esme, a yearling heifer exhibited by Keith and Stephen

Williamson. Runner-up was Boss Man, a yearling bullock

from James Alexander’s Jalex Herd.

Champion handler was senior class winner Fergal

Gormley; while under 18 competitor Maisie Lee secured

the reserve award.

May 2023

Topping trade

at the BLCS

May Day sale in

Ballymena was

the 13,000gns

Slieve Sportyman

bred by John

and Shane

McGeehan, see

Sales section for

full roundup.

July 2023

William Smith’s Millbrook Naughty Spice was the

supreme champion at Balmoral, here with Jim

Quail © Agri-Images

Congratulations to Young Limousin Breeders’ Club

members who competed at the National Stockjudging

Competition at the Great Yorkshire Show. Darryl Geary

was the best individual competitor; while team mates

Niall Forsythe and Emma Quinn were placed third in the

junior pairs category.

The National Show, held in conjunction with the Randox

Antrim Show, attracted over 50 entries judged by

Michael Burns from Maybole. He praised the quality and

consistency in

each class. James

Alexander scored

a hat-trick, lifting

the intermediate,

male and

supreme overall

championship

Supreme champion Jalex Transform with handler

Eamon McGarry; judge Michael Burns, Maybole;

Darryl Geary, NI Limousin Club; sponsors Colin

Purdy, Mason’s & Oliver McDonald, Farm Compare

© Agri-Images

ribbons with

the fourteenmonth-bull

Jalex

Transform.

Securing the reserve supreme title was the senior

champion and overall female Dinmore Sensation exhibited

by Trevor Shields. The reserve intermediate championship

went to the February 2022 Glenmarshal Tiamaria, a homebred

heifer also from Trevor Shields. The junior champion

was James Alexander’s young bull Jalex Troublemaker.

Standing in reserve was the yearling heifer Johnstown

Toffee shown by Niall and Keith Forsythe. The reserve senior

champion was the December 2021 Deerpark Shakira bred

by Conor and Ryan Mulholland. She notched up an array

of awards on the show circuit. Claiming the reserve male

championship was the sixteen-month-old bull Drumhilla

Thor bred by Gareth Corrie. The calf champion was the

six-month-old bull Drumhilla Umpire. The reserve calf

champion was Rathkeeland Units, a five-month-old heifer

from Crawford Bros. The commercial championship went

to Zeus, a 2023-born steer exhibited by Fergal Gormley from

Claudy; while the runner-up was the 2023-born heifer Sassy

brought out by Ivan Lynn.

August 2023

Records were shattered at the Ladies in Red sale in

Ballymena. Prices peaked at 24,000gns, surpassing the

22,000gns breed record for a female sold at an official

society auction in NI. Twenty-three heifers averaged £6,263,

and eight lots were sold for export to the UK and Ireland.

Sale leader was the 11-month-old junior and supreme

overall champion

Ampertaine

Tiara bred by

James McKay.

She attracted

considerable

attention, with

the successful

bid coming from

Paul Tippetts

of the Wilodge

Herd.

Judge Mary Cormack; James McKay, owner of

24,000gns supreme champion Ampertaine Tiara;

Kevin Corry, Norbrook; handler Allen Shortt; Shane

and Joe McGeehan, owners of 12,000gns reserve

champion Slieve Tess; and handler Jake Robson.

© Agri-Images

Second highest

price of the day

12,000gns was

paid to John and

Shane McGeehan

for the reserve

junior and

reserve supreme

champion Slieve

Tess. She sold to

the Hartmoor

Herd owned

Commercial herd judge Mark McCartan with

James & Lynn McKay whose Ampertaine Herd

won the herd competition © Agri-Images

by HG Perkins and Sons.Henry Savage and Sons realised

10,500gns for the senior champion Trueman Tapiola, and

10,000gns for the first placed Trueman Tigerlily.

The Pedigree Herd Competition sponsored by Bank of

Ireland was judged by Welsh breeder Gerwyn Jones,

Graiggoch Herd. Prize winners include:

PEDIGREE HERD COMPETITION 2023

Best Overall Herd

Ampertaine, James McKay

Best Newcomer

Blackwater, Keith Williamson

Extra Small Herd

1 st Claragh, John and Paul Reaney

2 nd Jalex, James Alexander

3 rd Gorrycam, Stephen Ree

Small Herd

1 st Drumhilla, Gareth Corrie

2 nd Deerpark, Connor and Ryan Mulholland

3 rd Birchwood M and R McGurk

Medium Herd

1 st Trueman, Henry Savage

2 nd Bernish, Kieran McCrory

3 rd Slieve, John and Shane McGeehan

Large Herd

1 st Ampertaine, James McKay

2 nd Glenmarshal, Trevor Shields

3 rd Lynderg, Jim Quail


1 st Ampertaine, James McKay

2 nd Trueman, Henry Savage

3 rd Glenmarshal, Trevor Shields

Best Group of Calves Sired by a Stock Bull

1 st Ampertaine Majestic, James McKay

2 nd Telfers Munster, Henry Savage

3 rd Ampertaine Progressive, Marty and Ryan McGurk

Best Cow Family

1 st Ampertaine Carmel, Ampertaine Jill & Amertaine Odette, James McKay

2 nd Claragh Avon, Claragh Lily and Claragh Sofia, John & Paul Rainey

3 rd Bernish Julifortune, Bernish Princess Juli & Bernish Sophie Princess,

Kieran McCrory

Best Cow with Calf at Foot

1 st Ampertaine Odette and Ampertaine Untouchable, James McKay

2 nd Trueman Nadine and Trueman Urastar, Henry Savage

3 rd Slieve Isabella and twin heifers Slieve Tina and Slieve Tilly, John and

Shane McGeehan

REGIONAL CLUBS


www.limousin.co.uk


REGIONAL CLUBS

Best Young Bull Under One

1 st Ampertaine Texas, James McKay

2 nd Glenmarshal Tobias, Trevor Shields 2 nd Glenmarshal Tobias, Trevor Shields

3 rd Trueman Unstoppable, Henry Savage

Best Young Bull Under Two

1 st Ampertaine Topper, James McKay

2 nd Jalex Transform, James Alexander

3 rd Birchhwood Topnotch, Marty and Ryan McGurk

Best Home-bred Heifer Under One

1 st Ampertaine Tiara, James McKay

2 nd Claragh Tilly, John and Paul Rainey

3 rd Glenmarshal Theduchess, Trevor Shields

Best Home-bred Heifer Under Two

1 st Deerpark Shakira, Connor and Ryan Mulholland

2 nd Ampertaine Starmaker, James McKay

3 rd Trueman Tapiola, Henry Savage

Best Stock Bull

1 st Ampertaine Majestic, James McKay

2 nd Telfers Munster, Henry Savage

3 rd Ampertaine Progressive, Marty and Ryan McGurk (Birchwood)

September 2023

October 2023

James McKay continued to fly the flag for NI at the

BLCS autumn sale in Carlisle. The first prize winning

Ampertaine Shotgun sold for 17,000gns to Messrs Wood

from Shrewsbury.

Ballymena was the venue for the BLCS evening show and

sale - see sale reports for round up.

The club

sponsored several

Suckled Calf

Sales around

the province.

There was a

good turnout

of Limousinsired

calves with suckled calf at Ballymena, was a 490kgs heifer

Judge Niall Quinn; Ivan Lynn & Sons, champion

sold for £4,000 © Bo Davidson

prices peaking at

£4,000, paid to Ivan Lynn for a 490kgs heifer (£8.16 per kilo).

Could the BLCS work with H&H to make the Bull sales at Carlisle an

“export sale” to remove the disadvantage that NI breeders currently

face with export rules?

Yes, this is a hot topic and is currently being debated

by Council who are mindful of the complexities this

would bring to the Sales but equally empathetic

to the impact it is having on NI breeders. An

encouraging sign to progress this debate is the

confirmation that the 40 day ruling that currently

prohibits animal movements on to the vendors

holding pre-sale, has been removed from the draft

legislation (but would be conditional to the vendors

having an isolation pen for sale animals (approved

by APHA)). However, another challenge to running

Export Sales is the impact the additional bTB testing

requirement could have on a member, in terms of

testing interval pre-sale and the fact cattle from

TB4 areas and bTB free areas would all require premovement

testing.

H&H Carlisle is an approved “Export Assembly Centre”

therefore eligible to host export sales, but this is a

complex discussion which will ultimately conclude

with a Council vote. Currently these discussions are on

hold given the uncertainty the Blue Tongue outbreak

and subsequent movement restrictions has brought

to the industry.

REGIONAL CLUBS

Judge Mark McCartan congratulates Ivan Lynn,

winner of the commercial herd competition

© Agri-Images

COMMERCIAL HERD COMPETITION 2023

Best Stock Bull

1 st Sam Robinson

2 nd Gary Stewart

3 rd Brian Hall

Best Young Heifer

1 st Alan Veitch

2 nd Ivan Lynn

3 rd John Gallagher

Best Young Bull

1 st Gareth Corrie

2 nd Ivan Lynn

3 rd Scott Boyd


1 st Ivan Lynn

2 nd John Gallagher

3 rd Stephen and Sandra Gowdy

Best Small Herd

1 st John Gallagher

2 nd Gary Stewart

3 rd James and Brenda Quinn

Best Large Herd

1 st Ivan Lynn

2 nd Stephen and Sandra Gowdy

3 rd Alistair Crawford

There was strong

competition in

the Commercial

Herd

Competition

sponsored by

Animax and

judged by Mark

McCartan.

Results as

follows:

November 2023

Members had

an enjoyable

evening at the

club’s Annual

Dinner and prize

giving held in

the Dunadry

Hotel. The

charity auction,

in memory of

Andrew McFarland who sadly passed away in 2022 due

to a variant form of Late Infantile Batten Disease, raised

£2,700 for the NI Children’s Hospice. The lucky winner of

the Sympa semen straw was Stephen Crawford.

Supreme champion at the Ulster Beef & Lamb

Championships ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ by

JCB Commercials © Wilie McElroy

The NIYLB committee receiving a special gift

of thanks from club chairman Brain McAuley

Records were

shattered at

the sixth Royal

Ulster Premier

Beef and Lamb

Championships

when the

exceptional

674kgs Limousin

heifer ‘Hips

Don’t Lie’ sold

for a staggering

£15,000 (£22.26

per kilo). The supreme champion was exhibited by

JCB Commercials.

Richard Law secured the Ulster Housewife’s Choice

Championship with Limousin-sired heifer ‘Poppy’.

Weighing in at 566kgs she sold for £6,100 (£10.78 per kilo).

The Champion Calf ‘Red Ruby’ realised £6,200 for Alistair

Crawford.

North West

LIMOUSIN CATTLE BREEDERS ASSN.

Secretary Gemma Slater reports…

Judges Llyr and Laura Hughes

(Pabo Limousins) said ‘Judging

the NWM herd competition

was an absolute honour. I would

like to thank them sincerely for the

opportunity. It was an absolute eye

opener to see the quality of Limousin

cattle being bred within your club.'

They added, 'The club dinner also

showed how close you are as members

and how well everything is organised.

The welcome Laura, the kids and I

had was heartwarming and some

exceptional memories will be savoured.

All classes were top end, and the prize

winners just had the X Factor on their

competitors. The system we had was

an ongoing leader board and because

we judged the whole area in a week

it was a fair comparison to everyone

involved. However, picking our overall

winner was unanimous, the standard

of young stock the Normans had was

exceptional along with some class

young calves, and the overall quality of

the herd is phenomenal. Their ’22 bull,

Trojan, stood out as one of the best, and

is a promising and exciting prospect.’


www.limousin.co.uk


REGIONAL CLUBS


Extra Small Herd

1 st Craig Johnston “Crajan”

2 nd Grisedale Family “Angiean”

2 nd Grisedale Family “Angiean”

Small Herd

1 st Steven Wilson “Impulsive”

2 nd Charles Stanton “Whitewell”

3 rd Michael Slater “Dentview”

Medium Herd

Commercial judge, Steven O' Kane, commented, ‘It was

an honour to judge the competition and was definitely

quality over quantity. I was looking for a Commercial

herd with consistency throughout. My winners showed

quality limousin cross suckler cattle that are proving

their worth breeding quality and consistency in their

progeny which are great examples of what the Limousin

can do commercially. These are marketed as store cattle

achieving top prices in the local market with heifers more

than suitable to be kept for replacement females.’

North East

REGIONAL CLUBS

1 st Richardson “Mystyle”

2 nd Zac Ward “Intack”

3 rd Richard Marrs “Kinniside”

Large Herd

1 st Craig Ridley “Haltcliffe””

2 nd Ian Sedgwick “Gallaber

3 rd Alan Myerscough “Tallyrock”

Extra Large Herd

1 st Norman Family “Normans”

2 nd Jenkinson’s “Whinfellpark”

3 rd Priestley Family “Brontemoor”

Best Bull Calf 2022 Born

1 st Normans “Normans Trojan”

2 nd Zac Ward “Intack Trooper”

3 rd Priestley “Brontemoor Theonsider”

Best Heifer Calf 2022 Born

1 st Richardson “Mystyle Tinker”

2 nd Jenkinson’s “Whinfellpark Tikifire”

3 rd Craig Ridley “Haltcliffe Trish”

Best Bull Calf 2023 Born

1 st Jenkinson’s “Whinfellpark Unbeatable”

2 nd Craig Ridley “Haltcliffe Ultimate”

3 rd Ian Sedgwick “Gallaber Ulysses”

Best Heifer Calf 2023 Born

1 st Normans “Norman Ulla”

2 nd Craig Ridley “Haltcliffe Uma”

3 rd Richardson “Mystyle Udini”

Overall Bull Calf

Normans “Norman Trojan”

Overall Heifer Calf

Richardson’s “Mystyle Tinker”

Best Young Stock

1 st Normans

2 nd Haltcliffe

3 rd Whinfellpark


1 st Priestley’s “Knock MSport”

2 nd Craig Ridley “Westpit Obama”

3 rd Richard Marrs “Loosebeare Plymouth”

Reserve Champion Herd

Craig Ridley “Haltcliffe”

Champion Herd

Norman Limousins


Small Herd

1 st Priestley Family

2 nd James Huck

Medium Herd

1 st Ted Chapman

2 nd Jean Atkinson

Large Herd

1 st Carol Benson

2 nd Chris Bell

Pedigree Limousin Stock Bull

1 st Priestley Family - MSport

2 nd Carol Benson - Foxhollow Lynx

3 rd Ted Chapman - Phantom

Best Heifer Calf

1 st Jean Atkinson

2 nd Priestley Family

3 rd Ted Chapman

Best Steer Calf

1 st Jean Atkinson

2 nd Priestley Family

3 rd James Huck

Reserve Overall Calf

Priestley Heifer Calf

Champion Overall Calf

Jean Atkinson Heifer Calf

Reserve Commercial Herd

Ted Chapman

Champion Commercial Herd

Carol Benson

Haltcliffe Razzle Dazzles at Crown

Collection Sale

Another highlight of the year was for the Ridley

Family at the Crown Collection Sale on the 8 th

of July. Taking top honours was Haltcliffe Razzle,

bred and exhibited by Messrs Ridley, Wigton. Razzle took

attention of buyers at the sale due to her outstanding

breeding and presence. She was born in December 2020

and is by Westpit Omaha, out of Haltcliffe Orchid and in

calf to Ampertaine Shanghi (20,000gns). She headed off to

a new home with Trevor Shields of the Glenmarshal Herd

in Northern Ireland.

LIMOUSIN CATTLE BREEDERS CLUB

Chairman Karl Suddes reports…

2023 kicked off for the North East club with a visit to

Nigel Swinbank and family commercial herd, the

winners of the club commercial herd competition

in 2022. All members that attended thoroughly enjoyed

their day out and were impressed with how quiet the

cattle were, producing quality prize winning suckler

calves sired bulls purchased from the Barrons herd.

The Northern Limousin Extravaganza was held in May

with a great show of pedigree bulls and heifers alongside

commercial heifers and bullocks sired by Limousin bulls,

these were paraded in the safety of Skipton Auction

Mart under the judge Cai Edwards of the Pencraig herd

near Ruthin. The champion went to Garrowby Estate

with farm manager Clive Rowland and his outstanding

heifer Garrowby Tinkerbelle by Grahams Rooney. The

commercial champion and reserve overall champion

went to the heifer ‘Tequila Rose’ from Jennifer Hyslop,

which was sired by Huntershall Nutcracker.

The following day the annual club sale at Skipton was

held, with thanks to Richard Marrs of the Kinniside

herd for judging the sale catalogue which included

bulls, heifers and cows with calves at foot. Garrowby

farms continued their winning streak when they stood

Garrowby Tinkerbelle, Champion at the Northern Limousin Extravaganza

champion with their bull Garrowby Sultan by Gunnerfleet

Hicks, which sold for 5,100gns to JN & JR Appleby of

Lincolnshire. The reserve champion was awarded to

the female champion from Adam and Jan Atkins of the

Mountainstorm Herd, Halifax with their heifer.

Matching the top price of the day at 5,100gns was

Tomschoice Oohlala with her bull calf at foot from James

and Sarah Cooper of Dacre, Harrogate. This outfit found

a new home with Richard and Stacey Speakman of Bury.

The North East club hosted their second club sale at

Darlington Auction, under judge Ben Maskell, stockman

at Whinfell Park. Ben’s champion was Thorninghurst

Tomahawk from Mr S Gilleard, Doncaster. Reserve

champion went to the Jordon family with Longhirst

Topgun. Top price for this sale was Cornsay Salty by

Scorboro Marabou, selling for 6,500gns to the Taylor

Brothers, Richmond.

The club then had a busy July with two herd visits

followed by the Great Yorkshire show. The first visit was

kindly hosted at Garrowby Estate by farm manager, Clive

Rowland. At the foot of Garrowby hill, members were

treated to a great show of cattle including the 13-yearold

bull Plumtree Fantastic who has over 1000 progeny

registered on Taurus. A stock judging competition of

young bulls was held with a guess the weight tie breaker,

which was won by Mr Jonathan Craggs. The day was

finished off by some great hospitality, enjoyed by all.

The following weekend, members visited Paul and Barry

Blenkhorn of the Elderberry Herd, where they were shown

a herd of mainly French genetics, focussed on producing

high quality, easy calving, milky cattle. Two classes were

forward for the stock judging competition of cows and

heifers, which was won by Mr Keith Wilson.

The Great Yorkshire Show came round again as a four-day

event, with Limousin judging held on the Wednesday.

Thanks go to secretary Annabel Mason for running the

stand, with members kindly donating cakes, biscuits

and sweet treats. On the Wednesday night the club held


www.limousin.co.uk


REGIONAL CLUBS

PEDIGREE HERD

COMPETITION 2023

Extra Small Herd

1 st Willy Barron - Barrons herd

2 nd Richard Anderson - Springs herd

3 rd Mark Marley - Holywell herd

Small Herd

1 st Tom Waring - Everpark herd

2 nd JH Tennant - Lissett herd

3 rd Johnson & Morgan - Almande herd

Medium Herd

1 st AJ Mason - Oddacres herd

2 nd Jonathan Walker - Rossellie herd

3 rd WE Swales - Swales herd

Large Herd

1 st J & S Cooper - Tomschoice herd

2 nd J Watson - Tweedale herd

3 rd S Gilleard - Thorninghurst herd

Extra Large Herd

1 st D W Jordon - Longhirst herd

2 nd E Blenkhorn - Elderberry herd

3 rd W I Suddes & sons - Cornsay herd

New Entrant: Richard Anderson - Springs herd

Champion Herd

Longhirst herd

Heifer Calf 2023 Born

1 st Barrons Uno

2 nd Everpark Utah

3 rd Rossellie Urhonest

Bull Calf 2023 Born

1 st Longhirst Uranium

2 nd Jorica Urock

3 rd Rossellie Uraguden

Cow with Heifer Calf at Foot

1 st Swale Myfly and Swale Ufly

2 nd Tweedale Natalie and Tweedale Upsydaisy

3 rd Almande Metta and Almande Ultimate

Cow with Bull Calf at Foot

1 st Frogmore Laura and Frogmore Ultimate

2 nd Longhirst Nola and Longhirst Ted

3 rd Wallingfen Opal and Wallingfen Usher

Overall Best Cow with Calf

Frogmore Laura and Frogmore Ultimate

Young Heifer 2022 Born

1 st Tomschoice Toptotty

2 nd Barrons Tesla

3 rd Thorninghurst Toffee

Young Bull 2022 Born

1 st Longhirst Titan

2 nd Ivyfarm Tyson

3 rd Eastshaw Tyson

Heifer 2021 Born

1 st Barrons Sierra

2 nd Maps Sabelle

3 rd Mountainstorm Sienna

Stock Bull and Progeny

1 st JE Jordon with Maraiscote Odante

2 nd WI Suddes with Lukeroyal Robin & J Watson

3 rd Blenkhorn family with Elderberry Roman

Stock Bull

1 st WI Suddes with Scorboro Marabou

2 nd JE Jordon with Ampertaine Racer

3 rd J Knaggs with Goldies Nixon

COMMERCIAL HERD

COMPETITION 2023

Kindly judged by Malcolm Telfer

Small Herd

1 st Heather Marks

2 nd Jonathan Craggs

3 rd B & L Wilkinson

Large Herd

1 st Tom Waring

2 nd Swinbank Family

3 rd J H Tennant

Champion Herd

Heather Marks

Garrowby Sultan, 5,100gn

Cornsay Salty, 6,500gns

a BBQ for exhibitors and breeders which was very well attended with 100

Limousin steaks sold, provided by Ralph Pearson butchers. The champion

Limousin was won by the Nimmo family with the heifer Maraiscote Tangerine.

The pedigree herd competition was judged in August by Vince and Melita

Corbett of the Temeside herd. Malcolm Telfer, commercial judge, had 10 herds

to visit in the North East area. Many thanks go to committee member Keith

Wilson for organising the herd competition judging.

In September the club held their AGM meeting and welcomed Alice Swift,

Limousin CEO, to talk to the members and answer any questions they had.

It was great to see a good turn out and the committee welcomed some new

members. Karl Suddes continued as club chairman, Matthew Jordon as vice

chairman and Annabel Mason continues as secretary and treasurer.

On Saturday 28 th October the annual dinner and prize giving was held at the

Bridge Inn. The champion pedigree herd went to David, Audrey and Matthew

Jordon of the Longhirst herd, with judge Vince commenting, “I put the

Longhirst herd as my champion for a number of reasons, it was a very uniform

herd with each generation slightly better than the last and field after field of

quality cows rearing their calves as a milky Limousin cow should.

The stock bulls were doing a wonderful job, putting their stamp on the calves

and this became apparent while viewing the young stock. It was a pleasure to

see their stock from baby calves through to selling bulls and breeding cows.”

The second time the commercial herd competition has been held, with

the champion herd going to Heather Marks. Malcom Telfer (judge) stated:

“Heather's herd stood out to me as a very level herd with outstanding modern

types of cows and calves. With a stock bull that was stamping the calves, a true

credit to Heather and the late Jim Marks.”

North West Mids

& North Wales


Secretary Alison Clark reports…

The year kicked off with the club Annual AGM in

February at The Castle, Bletchley, Market Drayton.

Elections took place, with Rob Kirton remaining as

chairman, Llyr Hughes taking the role as Vice Chairman,

Ian Turner as President and Alison Clark as Secretary. Also

welcomed were two new committee members: Mike

Gould and Stephen Whitley.

After the AGM, Alice Swift gave a presentation on the

British Limousin Society. This was very well received and

afterwards a ‘Question and Answer’ discussion took place.

Everyone in the meeting agreed that Alice gave a good

talk and wished her well in her new job.

Club sales held at WELSHPOOL MARKET:

May Sale

Judge: Wyn Williams, Anglesey

Champion: Calogale Supremacy

Reserve Champion: Garyvaughan Sammy

Top price went to Cowin Superdig at 11,000gns, and there

was an 83% clearance with an average price of £4,810 for

bulls, £2,389 for maiden heifers, £4,830 for in calf cows and

£3,500 for cows and calves.

November Sale

Judge: Aled Williams, Anglesey

Champion: Sarkley Terry

Reserve Champion: Woodmash Sultan

Top price went to Sarkley Tom, reaching 9,000gns. There

was 80 % clearance and a sale average of £4,900.

Our Club sales are going from strength to strength with

bulls being sold to both pedigree and commercial herds.

A big thankyou must go to Natalie Nicholls who attended

the sale in November and live streamed the show and

sale. This gained a lot of views on Facebook and is a great

service for those people who couldn’t make the sale.

The club Stock Judging afternoon was held by kind

permission of the Gould family (Woodmarsh Herd), which

allowed all involved to judge some quality cattle. The

members had an enjoyable and social day, and I would

personally like to thank the Gould’s for hosting this event

as a lot of time and effort had gone into preparing the

cattle for the club members to view. The hospitality was

also fantastic.

Our club Open Day was held in September this year

by kind permission of Wyn Williams and Family of

Penrhyn Farm, Anglesey. Wyn won the commercial herd

competition in 2022 and was asked to host this event: the

day was open to non-members as well as members and

those attending saw some terrific commercial suckler

cows that were doing an excellent job rearing their calves.

Around 110 people attended, and the herd was a great

demonstration of what a Limousin bull can bring to

commercial cattle.

The club’s annual dinner and herd competition

presentation evening was held at the Albrighton Hotel

near Shrewsbury in October. A big thank you to all who

attended, this was a great evening despite the meal!

This year we added a cow family class and the Gould

family donated a cup for the best family.

Thank you to the judges for giving up their time to travel

around the area judging the different classes.

REGIONAL CLUBS


www.limousin.co.uk


REGIONAL CLUBS

PEDIGREE HERD

COMPETITION 2023

Class 1A - Extra Small Herd

1 st Hitchettshill Herd - J N & W Nicholls

Class 1 - Small Herd

1 st Brynglas Herd - DG & KJ Evans

2 nd Myfyrian Herd - Gareth Roberts

Class 2 - Medium Herd

1 st Woodmarsh Herd - M & JC Gould

2 nd Trygarn Herd - Ernie Gibbons

Class 3 - Large Herd

1 st Pabo Herd - Llyr and Peredur Hughes

2 nd Haulfryn Herd - RS Whitley

3 rd Mayfields Herd - Andrew, Alison & Matt Clark

3 rd Winngton - Neil & Joy Vance

Class 4 - Extra Large Herd

1 st Twemlows Herd - Will & Jackie Forrester

2 nd Ashledge Herd - A & G Kirton

3 rd Charleston Herd - C G Buckston

Champion From Class 1A, 1 & 2

Woodmarsh Herd

Champion From Class 3 & 4

Pabo Herd

Overall Champion

Pabo Herd

Class 5 - Best Homebred Young Bull

Born 2022

1 st Pabo Tommy

2 nd Haulfryn Tonka

3 rd Twemlows Turnhill

3 rd Woodmarsh Topbrass

Class 6 - Best Homebred Young Heifer

Born 2022

1 st Ashledge Tigre

2 nd Pabo Taketime

3 rd Haulfryn Tara

Class 7 - Best Stockbull & Progeny

1 st Pabo Peredur - Pabo Herd

2 nd Goldies Oxley - Haulfryn Herd

3 rd Goldies Norseman - Trygarn Herd

3 rd Nathan - Winnington Herd

Class 8 - Best Homebred Bull Calf Born 2023

1 st Pabo Upandunder

2 nd Mayfields Untouchable

3 rd Haulfryn Uboat

Class 9 - Best Homebred Heifer Calf Born 2023

1 st Twemlows Ulysses

2 nd Hitchettshill Upsydaisy

3 rd Ashledge Uruguay

3 rd Winnington Unity

Class 10 - Best Youngstock

1 st Pabo Herd

2 nd Twemlows Herd

3 rd Haulfryn Herd

3 rd Mayfields Herd

Class 11 - Best Cow Family

1 st Pabo Herd - Pabo Icemaiden Family

2 nd Woodmarsh Herd - Wilodge Naturelle Family

3 rd Twemlows Herd - Twemlows Fandango Family

The Pedigree Herd Competition

was judged by Mary Cormack.

Congratulations to Llyr Hughes and

family from the Pabo herd being

awarded Overall Champion herd.

COMMERCIAL HERD

COMPETITION 2023

Male Calf

1 st Mr Llyr Hughes, Pabo

2 nd Mr Ernie Gibbons, Penyrorsedd

3 rd Mr Huw Owen, Red House

Female Calf


2 nd Mr Huw Owen, Red House

3 rd Mr Woods, Kinnerton

Cow and Calf


2 nd Mr Ernie Gibbons, Penyrorsedd

3 rd Mr Huw Owen, Red House

Breeding Heifers

1 st Mr Woods, Kinnerton

2 nd Mr Huw Owen, Red House

3 rd Mr Llyr Hughes, Pabo

Overall Herd

1 st Mr Huw Owen, Red House

2 nd Mr Llyr Hughes, Pabo

3 rd Mr Woods, Kinnerton

The Commercial Herd Competition

was judged by Wyn Williams

Congratulations to the champion

commercial herd going to Huw

Owen from the Redhouse herd.

BISHOP'S CASTLE

16 November 2023

Sale

Report

A

super sale of 325 top drawer suckled calves and

weanlings took place at Bishops Castle Auction

Mart on 16th November 2023. Congratulations to

all who entered the BLCS-sponsored classes for a Group

of 4 heifers and Group of four steers sired by a Limousin

bull. Expertly judged by well-known producer Ben

Attewall of Monmouth, the top awards went to:

Champion and 1 st Prize Steers:

JA Wood & Sons, Kinnerton

Reserve & 1 st Prize Heifers:

M & A Powell, Drefor

2 nd and 3 rd in both classes:

JA Wood & Sons, Kinnerton

Heifers averaged £2.98/kg and £965/head, topping at

£4.79/kg for a 270kg Limousin from M and A Powell,

Drefur, and £1500 for a pedigree 380kg Limousin from

J.S and B.M Vance Minsterley. Steers reached £3.93 for

a 305kg British blue x Limousin from J A Wood and sons,

Kinnerton and £1375 for both a 390kg Limousin

x British Blue from Messers Fernyhough and

Fernyhough, Aberbechan, and a Limousin from S.E

Goodal and E W Tuffin, Bishops Castle. Feeding bulls

averaged £2.93/kg and £1158/head with a run from Aston

Hall Farms, Montgomery, topping at £1570.

The Woods family team of Philip, Michael and sons Martin

Tom and Simon have been huge supporters of the Bishop

Castle sales, with catalogues dating back to 1978. We

asked Phil and Simon for their thoughts on the role of

Limousin genetics in their herd at Kinnerton: “The first

Limousin genetics were purchased in 1982, two bulls being

Fleethill Senator and Battleaxe Saddler. Some of the very

first pedigree females were bought out of Hereford in

1984. The spring of 1984 also took us on a trip to Carlisle

to a beef breeders sale looking for Limousin bulls”.

Limousin top

Suckled and

Weanling Calf Sale

at Bishop's Castle

This was a game changer for the Woods family with

the purchase of Hartside Topper, who Phil described as

a bull of lifetime. Sired by a French bull, Radar, he put

Limousins in place to stay at Kinnerton and so much was

thought of him he was buried on the farm.

Around 500 cows will calve at Kinnerton in the next 12

months with a high percentage of these going back to

a Limousin bull. They are currently running 8 Limousin

Stock bulls all purchased from the BLCS society sales in

Carlisle.

Simon noted, “We put great emphasis on easy calving

and good growth rates. We like to see our calves born

easy, get up suck and grow on. When selecting a new

sire we like to look at the bulls first for the characteristics

we like, then look at calving figures and gestation length.

We are now also starting to use the Myostatin genes in

our selection but we are still learning on this one. Double

F94L bulls suit us well”.

Simon continues, “We like to stick to what’s worked with

us before and build up a good relationship between

breeders and ourselves. We have purchased over 20 bulls

from the Haltcliffe herd alone over the years. In the early

days we took a lot of insight from the former Limousin

President Mr David Tomlinson we found his opinion very

helpful to us as purchasers and he was always keen to get

us to any upcoming sale”.

“In reference to Bishops Castle Suckled calf sales we

find this a fantastic outlet for our type of calves having

supported it from the early days we have sold 265 calves

so far this autumn. The remaining calves are at home

for the spring sales. We have built up a good customer

base at Bishops Castle with cattle recently heading to

Doncaster, Northampton, Cornwall, Monmouth, Bangor

on Dee and many local men as well which we thank

greatly”.

SALES

3 rd Mayfields Herd - Mayfields Hexagon Family


www.limousin.co.uk


SALES

FEEDING FOR LIFE &

LONGEVITY: PRECISION

NUTRITION TO HELP

DEVELOP WELL GROWN,

HIGHLY MUSCLED,

MOBILE, FERTILE BULLS

FOR ALL QUERIES & SUPPORT

01228 518860

James Evans (Halls Director & Auctioneer)

Rob Kirton (representing BLCS), Mike & Phil

Wood (winners) and Ben Attewall (Judge)

James Evans of Hall’s auctioneers

commented “Limousin cattle have

become the most popular breed at

the Quality and Calf sales due to their

conformation, their growth rates and

killing out percentage. They are ideal

cattle for the high street butcher and

farm shop market. Buyers travel from

all parts of the U.K to purchase the

top-quality cattle on offer at Bishops

Castle”.

Mr Evans continues, “Halls run two

suckled calf sales in the autumn each

year and the later sale in November

has been kindly sponsored by the

British Limousin Cattle Society. The

Sponsorship attracts a good number

of vendors and the show classes are

keenly supported. It is great to see

the Limousin Society investing in

these sales as some of the vendors

have made some fairly considerable

investment in some wellbred

Limousin bulls at Carlisle and other

National sales”.

FEEDS • MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

AGRICULTURAL & RURAL SUPPLIES • FUELS

South Wales

& Mid West


Chairman Phillip Davies reports…

Well yet another year has come and gone, and

although quieter in terms of the fact there

was no 50th anniversary celebrations, it has

none the less been an eventful year for the club.

This will be my final report as club chairman as I hand

over the reins in February. I’d like to take this opportunity

to thank everyone at the club for their help and support

over the last 2 years, and I have enjoyed working with

everyone to move the club forward.

Club members have enjoyed show and sale success this

year. Febuary saw Messrs Lee and Lloyd of the Calogale

herd selling their homebred bull Callogale Sykes, who has

a beef value of 52, for 11,000gns.

May Carlisle sale saw success for another club member,

the Davies Family of the Blaencwm Herd, Llanybyther,

who sold their December 2021 born bull, Blaencwm Sam,

for 32,000gns. May Brecon Bull sale saw Messers Edwards

of the Dyfri Herd, Llandovery, sell their July 21 Fenomen

son, Dyfri Superior, securing a bid of 5,500gns, leading to

a move to Derbyshire.

October Carlisle bull sale again saw success for the

Calogale Herd with the sale of their stock bull, Meadowrig

Pedro being sold for 20,000gns.

November Brecon Sale saw great success for Terry and

Sheila Jones of the Sherry Herd win overall champion

with their bull Sherry Turbo. He stood out to judge and

club member, Mr Dylan Thomas of the Treweryll Herd,

Crymych, Pembrokeshire, so much so that he was

selected as his champion of the day. Turbo is a Goldies

Jackpot son out of home bred cow, Sherry Olivia,

a Mereside Lorenzo daughter. Turbo Sold for 6,000gns.

Female trade saw the James family of the Cowin herd

have a great day, not only picking up female champion

with their June 22 born heifer Cowin Telynores, who sold

for 3,300gns, but top price female with their August 2015

born cow Cowin Lena with her bull calf Cowin Unben at

foot, selling for 4,000gns.

The 2023 show season was also good for club members

with many having successful seasons, competing at small,

local shows, as well as the major shows on the calendar.

Highlights from the biggest show of the season, the

Royal Welsh saw club members, the Davies family of the

Bleancwm herd and the James family of the Cowin herd,

achieve 2 nd and 3 rd in a very competitive junior bull class

with Blaencwn Tigerking and Cowin Tomi. Messrs Lee and

Lloyd of the Calogale herd also had a good show, winning

their class with their home bred bull Calogale Shotgun.

The James family of the Cowin Herd had success with their

bull, Cowin Toronto followed by the bull who would go

on to be champion at Brecon November sale, the bull of

Terry and Sheila Jones, Sherry Turbo. In the female classes

the Davies family of the Blaencwm herd did well, winning

their class with their heifer Blaencwm Sophie. Doing well

in other classes were the heifers Cowin Teelia and Cowin

Tonwen of the James family.

REGIONAL CLUBS

carrs-billington.com

160 | BRITISH LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY www.limousin.co.uk www.limousin.co.uk


REGIONAL CLUBS

August saw the annual club Stars of the Future show,

held at the Brecon showground. The show was judged by

Miss Caryl Davies of the Glencross herd of Pembrokeshire.

The show was well attended with an excellent show of

stock out to be judged. Overall winner on the day was

the heifer of Messrs Lee and Lloyd of the Calogale herd,

Calogale Topaz and reserve was Cowin Toronto from the

James family.

Finally the Welsh National Pedigree Calf show held at

Carmarthen Market in December saw the Davies family

of the Glyncoed Herd have success with their heifer,

Glyncoed Unique, who went on to win female champion

as well as breed champion in the Limousin classes. The

Glyncoed herd also won male Limousin champion with

their bull Glyncoed Ulysees.

The Club Herd Competition was judged in September by

Mr James Neale of the Nealford herd. An excellent turnout

of 19 herds were judged and Mr Neale was very impressed

by the standard of cattle on show throughout the club

area, leaving him with a lot of head scratching before the

prize giving evening and dinner held by the club at the

White Hart hotel in Llandeilo. The overall winner on the

night was chosen from the medium herd category and

went to the Calogale herd of Messrs Lee and Lloyd.

As a final note before I sign off I'd just like to say good luck

to everyone for the next year in the show and sale ring

and I hope to see you all out and about.

PEDIGREE HERD

COMPETITION 2023

Small Herd

1 st MOJO Herd

2 nd TAYGREEN Herd

3 rd SHERRY Herd

Medium Herd

1 st CALOGALE Herd

2 nd BEULAH Herd

3 rd MILLEND Herd

Large Herd

1 st GLENCROSS Herd

2 nd BELGATE Herd

3 rd DERI Herd

Extra Large Herd

1 st COWIN Herd

2 nd HANNEM Herd

Stock Bull & Progeny

1 st MEADOWRIG PEDRO, Calogale Herd

2 nd BEULAH ROMEO, Beulah Herd

3 rd NEALFORD OAK, Belgate Herd

Young Bull 1/8/22 to 31/1/23

1 st COWIN TITAN

2 nd GLENCROSS TWM

3 rd BELGATE TOLLEY

Young Bull 1/2/23 Onwards

1 st BLAENCWM UROCK

2 nd BEULAH UTAH

3 rd COWIN ULTIMATUM

Young Heifer 1/8/22 to 31/1/23

1 st COWIN TEELIA

2 nd CALOGALE TOPAZ

3 rd HANNEM UNIQUE

Young Heifer 1/2/23 Onwards

1 st CALOGALE ULLANNA

2 nd MOJO UMBRELLA

3 rd COWIN UPTOWNGIRL

Cow and Calf

1 st CALOGALE ORIANNA &ULLANNA

2 nd COWIN MXCELL & UPTOWNGIRL

3 rd DERI HOTCHOCOLATE & ULURU

Youngstock

1 st COWIN

2 nd CALOGALE

3 rd BEULAH


CALOGALE Herd

East Midlands


Chairman David Burns reports…

The year began with the April spring sale held at

Melton Mowbray Market, kindly judged by Gareth

Lee of the renowned Calogale herd. The clearance

rate was at 79%, an increase of 6%, and bulls averaged

£4,524.55, up £764 on the year. Gareth commented, “All

vendors must be congratulated on the quality of cattle

put forward”. Many thanks must go to Clive Roads for

adjudicating once again.

The top price of the day went to Coxfield Steak at

6,500gns, bred and exhibited by H G Sharman and Son

of Bedfordshire. Stain Samson (sired by Mereside Lorenzo),

from T J Denby, followed closely, reaching 4,600gns and

selling locally to J Witcomb. Cows and calves were in popular

demand, heading this section was Mr I Brown with Lowgate

Poppy making 3,000gns. Heifers were also sought after with

Brockhurst Riddle from W J & M Mash being knocked down

at 6,000gns, heading home with Mrs M Cormack.

Keeping up tradition, the herd competition again saw

a very good entry of 20 herds. This year’s judges were Ian

and Wendy Callion of the very renowned Lodge Herd.

We are very grateful to them both for taking the time to

come down from Scotland and spend the week visiting

the herds across the clubs' very large area.

September came and we visited Steve and Steph Gilleard

of the Thorninghurst Herd. We saw some very good cattle

in their working clothes, nothing was forced to make

them show ready which was a pleasure to see.

Their hospitality was second to none with a hog roast and

lots of cakes. Thank you both for a fantastic day which

was enjoyed by all.

Top price went to the Gould family with Woodmarsh

Topbrass making 4,500gns, ahead of Hannah Ormerod

selling Limehill Titan for 3,900gns. Topping the females at

3,400gns was Brockhurst Treat from Mary Cormack.

The year drew to a close with the herd competition lunch

and presentations, again held at The Barnsdale, Oakham.

An excellent lunch was followed by Ian Callion presenting

the prizes to all of the worthy winners.

The overall champion was the Fieldson Herd and, I quote

from Ian: “I selected the Fieldson Herd belonging to Michael

Fieldson as overall champion. In particular, I thought all the

age groups from calves, heifers, young bulls, cows and senior

stock bulls were of a consistent excellent quality throughout.

I liked the fact that the herd was not too extreme in muscle

and size with some very good cow families, the type of cattle

I like myself and endeavour to breed.”

Finally I would like to thank Ian Brown as Treasurer

and Rachel Burns as Secretary for all of their support

throughout the year.

REGIONAL CLUBS

The October sale at Melton Mowbray Market was

changed to a Multi Breed Sale this year, which saw

a small entry of Limousin cattle who were rewarded with

some very good prices for a sale at that time of year. Mr

R Darlington of the Buckston herd very kindly judged the

cattle put forward.


www.limousin.co.uk


REGIONAL CLUBS


Bull Under 1 Year

2 nd D R & R L Burns - Teviothead Rowan

1 st J W & M C Fieldson - Fieldson Tungsten 3 rd W J & M Mash - Brockhurst Ribbon

2 nd J Milligan-Manby - McTurk Unionjack

Best Cow & Calf

3 rd D R & R L Burns - Teviothead Unionjack 1 st D J Summers & Son - Homebyres Nigella

Heifer Under 1 Year

2 nd J W & M C Fieldson - Fieldson Ocean

1 st W Tomlinson - Tomlinson Tabby

3 rd Emma Billings - Manby Grange Jasmine

2 nd D R & R L Burns - Teviothead Uncanny


3 rd Nigel Darling - Bluecedar Thankfull

1 st W Tomlinson - Gunnerfleet Lion

Bull 1 - 2 Years

2 nd J W & M C Fieldson - Fieldson Rodney

1 st Ian Brown - Lowgate Tonka

3 rd Slawek Sarbinowski - Tredon Oneil

2 nd D A S Goodwin - Darwin Thor

Extra Small Herd

3 rd H B & L J Lear - Turville Terminal

1 st Ian Brown - Lowgate

Heifer 1 - 2 Years

2 nd Tom Summers - Tillside

1 st D A S Goodwin - Darwin Titania

3 rd Edward Middleton - Holegate

2 nd Greensons Limousins - Greensons Syrup Small Herd

3 rd J W & M C Fieldson - Fieldson Skye

1 st Mr I Pitcher - Cockleshell

Best In-Calf Heifer

2 nd Dave Goodwin - Darwin

1 st Mr I Pitcher - Cockleshell Rosalie

3 rd Nigel Darling - Bluecedar

Medium Herd

1 st W Tomlinson - Tomlinson

2 nd D R & B L Burns - Teviothead

3 rd Greensons Limousins - Greensons

Large Herd

1 st H G Sharman & Son - Coxfield

2 nd T J Denby & Son - Stain

3 rd Mr A Smith - St Michaels

Extra Large Herd

1 st J W & M C Fieldson - Fieldson

2 nd W J & M Mash - Brockhurst

3 rd H B & L J Lear - Truville


J W & M C Fieldson - Fieldson

Most Show Points

W J & M Mash - Brockhurst

of £4,365. Killerton Stirling, from Patrick and Sheila Greed

placed Supreme Champion and headed up to the Orkney

Islands. The April 2021 born bull sold for 6,500gns and was

sired by Meadowrig Otis, carrying two copies of the F94L

gene. Reserve Champion being awarded to Nealford Sam,

February 2021 born and sired by Loosebeare Nelson from

JH Neale and Son selling to 5,200gns.

CLUB CUPS

Best Senior Bull - Loosebeare Trophy

Thor Atkinson - Webberburn Stormzy

Best Young Bull - Lee Trophy

Tom Hilsdon - Poole Titan

Best Intermediate Heifer - Gorton Trophy

Tom Hilsdon - Poole Treasure

Best Senior Heifer - Sedgemoor Trophy

Michael KirbyvKoojan Sugarbabe

Best Pair Bred by the Exhibitor - Creedy Trophy

Tom Hilsdon - Poole Titan & Treasure

Best Limousin Bred by Devon Resident - Haldon Trophy

Michael Kirby - Koojan Sugarbabe

Stockman Prize – Barnaby Bridgman

Champion Female – Cheston Trophy

Michael Kirby - Koojan Sugarbabe

Champion Male – Battleaxe Trophy

Thor Atkinson - Webberburn Stormzy

REGIONAL CLUBS

Our thanks go to the Vendors and Purchasers, Judge

Harry Porter and Steward Harry Parker, Kivells and our

Sponsors: Tamar Milling part of Wynnstay, B Bridgman

Livestock, Shearwell Data, Cornish Mutual and Giffords

Accountants.

South West

At the Devon County Show, Michael Kirby from

Holsworthy, took the Best Senior Heifer with Koojan

Sugarbabe and went on to win the Champion Limousin

Female and Supreme Breed Champion. Following in

the interbreed section she won a well deserved Overall

Supreme Interbreed Championship.

Bath & West Highlights

Tony, Jo & Adam Smith from Bude won the Supreme

Interbreed Beef Champion at the Bath & West with

Dinmore Solovely, here pictured with Adam.

Tom Hilsdon won:


Secretary Diane Richards reports...

Tom Hilsdon took the interbreed championships; the

Junior Overall Champion Female with Poole Treasure

and also the Reserve Junior Male Championship with

Poole Titan.

• Junior Interbreed Continental Bull - Poole Titan

• Junior Interbreed Overall Champion Heifer - Poole

Treasure

• Reserve Interbreed Pairs - Poole Titan & Treasure

Reserve Champion Group of Four:

The South West Club saw an exciting year for the

Limousin Breed with great support and success

from Pedigree and Commercial Breeders across

the South West. The Show season began early with the

Club sponsorship to the Sedgemoor Calf Show on Friday

3 rd February. The Interbreed Champion was awarded to

Tom Hilsdon from South Molton with Poole Treasure.

The Devon Federation of YFC’s Show & Sale held at Exeter

Livestock Centre on Wednesday 12 th April saw Josh Quant

from Newton Abbot as the winner of the Limousin Class

with Quants Tooty Fruity sired by Killerton Nectar.

Culm Valley YFC Supreme Champion beef heifer, bred

and fed, sired by Elite Lacette and Best Butchers Beast

was won by Danny Lee from Wellington.

The South West Spring Sale at Exeter saw a super run of

bulls although on the day demand was limited, possibly

disrupted due to the weather, Gary and Lorraine Dunn

from Okehampton took the top price with Highridge

Simba selling to 3,300gns.

The May Show and Sale at Holsworthy took place on

Wednesday the 24 th and met a solid trade with an average

• Adam Smith - Dinmore Solovely

• Sarah Jackson - Goscombe Solace

• Graham Hilsdon - Poole Treasure

• Tom Hilsdon - Poole Titan

Royal Cornwall Show

Jo, Tony and Adam Smith and Thor Atkinson were

awarded the Burke Perpetual Challenge Trophy.

The Limousin Judge was Mr Harry Parker and awarded

Michael Kirby the Supreme Champion Limousin with

Koojan Sugarbabe, Reserve Champion went to Jo, Tony

and Adam Smith from Bude with Dinmore Solovely.


www.limousin.co.uk


REGIONAL CLUBS

CLUB CUPS

Best Senior Bull - Nealford Trophy

Thor Atkinson - Wedderburn Stormzey

Best Junior Bull - Cotton Trophy

Patrick Greed - Killerton Tedlapidus

Best Cow or Senior Heifer - Lussac Trophy

A & J Smith - Smithy Opal

Best 2 year old heifer - Colmer Trophy

M Kirby - Koojan Sugarbabe

Best 1 year old heifer - Columbjohn Trophy

P & L Calcraft - Uptonley Tulloulah

Best Pair - John Lyall Trophy

P Greed

Across the three South West County Shows, Limousins

were all awarded the Supreme Interbreed Championship

with Michael Kirby's Koojan Sugarbabe and Jo, Tony

and Adam Smith's Dinmore Solovely.

On Sunday 2 nd July, a Young Handlers Open Day was

kindly organised by Tom Hilsdon and Family from the

Poole Herd, South Molton. Thanks to Tom and family, the

British Limousin Cattle Society, Lockyer Agri Services,

Show Prep demonstrators Vicky Smith, Jess Maynard,

Nick Hill and Adam Smith and to Lottie Hill who judged

the Stock Judging not forgetting Jack for showing the

young ones how to make a halter.

On Friday 14 th July, at Exeter Livestock Centre, the National

Pedigree Herd Winners of the 50 th Anniversary of the British

Limousin Society, the Killerton Herd held their Reduction

sale, a huge credit to Patrick and Sheila Greed which drew

a massive crowd with lots of interest in the Limousin Breed.

Mark Davis from Kivells sold to an excellent trade with the

top of the day 5,200gns for Killerton Oveido, a 2018 born

cow by Emslies Horny with her February born heifer calf

by Maraiscote Pedro. Bulls topped at 4,800gns for Killerton

Telangana, March 2022 born, sired by Loosebeare Prestwick.

Averages

19 Cows with Calves - £4,603

2 Incalf Heifers - £3,307

6 Incalf & Served Heifers - £2,887

4 Maiden Heifers - £3,701

3 Bulls - £4,410

Throughout the Summer showing season the Club

sponsored sashes to the ‘All Breeds Champion’ Young

Handlers Classes at the following shows across the South

West: North Somerset, Liskeard, North Devon, Honiton,

Okehampton, Gillingham & Shaftsbury, Mid Somerset,

Melplash, Frome & Dorchester with the Committee

presenting.

The Ed Down Cup for the Homebred Pedigree Limousin

animal winning most points at the Summer South West

Shows was won by Michael Kirby with Koojan Sugarbabe.


Extra Small Herd

1 st Smithy, AK & JK Smith

2 nd Poole, Mr TF Hilsdon

3 rd Miljak, Jack Stevens

Small Herd

1 st Woodston, Messrs MD & KE Lanfear (Tanhill Trophy)

2 nd Hugginshayes, CR Dare & Son

3 rd Ugworthy, Rachael Tonkin

Medium Herd

1 st Chytodden, Mr GW & Mrs A Hollow (Holcombe Cup)

2 nd Castlekayle, JM Richards & Son

3 rd Mendip, Jo Creed & S Doyle

Large Herd

1 st Southmoor, J Porter (Goosehill Trophy)

2 nd Treloweth, AMC Eddy

3 rd Quoit, Gerald Boundy & Terry Tamblin

Extra Large Herd

1 st Nealford, Mr JH Neale & Son (Killerton Trophy)

2 nd Tresprison, DC & SA Martin

Stock Bull with Progeny

1 st Loosebeare Nelson, Mr JH Neale & Son (Bapton Trophy)

2 nd Claragh Jackpot, GN & LV Dunn

3 rd Castlekayle Pard, JM Richards & Son

Best Cow with Calf at Foot

1 st Chytodden Jackie & Utterley, MR GW & Mrs A Hollow (Cranscombe Trophy)

2 nd Castlekayle Phoebe & Unique, JM Richards & Son

3 rd Highridge Moonstone & Unakite, GN & LV Dunn

Bull born in 2022

1 st Nealford Trevor, Mr JH Neale & Son (Shapcott Trophy)

2 nd Southmoor Tommy, J Porter

3 rd Highridge Tonka, GN & LV Dunn

Heifer born in 2022

1 st Smithy Tiffany, AK & JK Smith (Wakeham Trophy)

2 nd Nealford Twitter, Mr JH Neale & Son

3 rd Poole Treasure, Mr TF Hilsdon

Bull Calf born in 2023

1 st Poole Unit, Mr TF Hilsdon (Wayside Trophy)

2 nd Nealford UK, Mr JH Neale & Son

3 rd Treloweth Utah, AMC Eddy

Heifer Calf born in 2023

1 st Hugginshayes Una, CR Dare & Son (Chytodden Trophy)

2 nd Woodston Uriana, Messrs MD & KE Lanfear

3 rd Ugworthy Ultimate, Rachael Tonkin

Best New Entrant

1 st Trevada, J Nicholas

Overall Herd Winner

Champion - Nealford, Mr JH Neale & Son (Neale Rosebowl)

South West Christmas Show Market

Winners of Homebred Steer or Heifer

sired by a Pedigree Limousin

Frome - Wednesday 29 th November

Won by Whitehouse Farm Partnership, Langport with their

steer (672kg) and sold at 335p/kg. Sire was Craigatoke James.

Sedgemoor - Monday 4 th December

Lin & Paul Calcraft, Honiton with their homebred steer

‘Under Pressure’ sired by Uptonley Livingthedream (707kg)


Small Herd

1 st Sam Smith

2 nd Graham Hilsdon

3 rd Jo Creed & Sean Doyle

Medium Herd

1 st Graham & Patrica Ward

2 nd Harry Porter

3 rd MJ & JA Pidsley

Large Herd

1 st John Nicholas

2 nd Garry & Ashley Retter

3 rd Jeremy Cottle

Stock Bull with Progeny

1 st Garyvaughan Norman, Graham & Patrica Ward

2 nd Loosebeare Ormskirk, Harry Porter

3 rd Loosebeare Ottawa, MD & KE Lanfear

Cow with Male calf at foot sired by Pedigree Limousin

1 st 1652, MJ & JA Pidsley

2 nd 312, Sam Smith

3 rd 973, Jack Stevens

Cow with Female calf at foot sired by Pedigree Limousin

1 st 308, Sam Smith

2 nd 1700, MJ & JA Pidsley

3 rd 787, MD & KE Lanfear

Overall Champion Herd Winner

Graham & Patrica Ward ( Medium Herd)

Overall Limousin Sired Animal

Graham & Patrica Ward (Female 2 yr old 1351)

and sold 311.5p/kg (£2202) to R Foote of Stroud. ‘Under

Pressure’ also received Champion Bred & Fed at Agrifest

and gained 1 st at the English Winter Fair.

Truro - Wednesday 6 th December

Lin & Paul Calcraft, Honiton with their April 2022 born

British Limousin heifer, Uptonley Tigerlily. Weighing in at

635 kg, she sold for a top price of £5.10/kg (£3238.50) to RJ

Trevarthen Ltd.

Exeter - Monday 11 th December

Edward & Hazel Mather, Barnstaple with their Unhaltered

homebred Limousin steer sired by McTurk Octavius which

sold to 390ppk weighing 556kg (£2165) to RJ Trevarthen Ltd.

REGIONAL CLUBS


www.limousin.co.uk


REGIONAL CLUBS

AGM UPDATE_

The Club welcomed Alice Swift, CEO and Merryn

Philp to the AGM on Sunday 1 st October at the Old

Quay House, Hayle, Cornwall which was attended

by over 70 members across the Southwest.

Chris Neale Chaired the meeting and Alice Swift

updated the members on Society plans going

forward. A carvery lunch was followed by the Herd

Presentations by Pedigree Judge Vince Corbett

from the Temeside Herd, Knighton, Powys. In early

September, Vince and Melita judged the 19 herds

entered, and Clive Groves from Sutton Mallet,

Bridgwater judged the 13 Commercial Herds. They

then all returned to present the prizes.

Congratulations to the Overall winners: Pedigree:

The Nealford Herd to Jack, James and Chris Neale

and family from Launceston and Commercial:

Graham and Patricia Ward from Barnstaple.

To follow, Chris and Jayne Eddy and family kindly

hosted a herd visit, to the Treloweth Herd to see

some fine cattle followed by delicious refreshments.

Thank you to Alice for making the trip down to the

South West, for Chris Eddy and Family for inviting

us and everyone for making the South West Annual

AGM/Herd Visit Day such a success!

To conclude the herd competition, Vince

commented, ‘I put the Nealford herd as my

Champion for several reasons - it was very well

balanced with past stock bulls leaving their stamp

on the herd and their cows had both shape and

muscle with plenty of milk and were producing

breeding bulls for the modern-day market.

It was a wonderful experience viewing so many

working Limousin herds in the South West region

and although it was a demanding task during an

exceptionally hot week, I very much enjoyed the

honour. Melita and I were very privileged to have

such wonderful hospitality from all the Limousin

breeders which we greatly appreciated’.

Thank you to everyone...

We look forward to 2024 with plans booked, one of which is the

Annual South West AGM & Herd Visit Day, with the Farm visit to the National

Commercial Herd Winners Edward and Hazel Mather and Family, Besshill Farm, Barnstaple.

South East


Chairman Sam Drury reports…

The South Eastern club held their AGM in January

where Sam Drury was elected to be chairman,

Amy Drury as secretary and Diane Baker treasurer.

The club had a very successful show season attending

Heathfield, South of England, Kent County, New Forest,

Edenbridge and Oxted, Romsey, Gillingham and

Shaftesbury, Arlesford and the Ringwood and Ellingham

shows. Some notable highlights being Cinderhill Tilly, Trixie

and Tinkerbell winning the group of three at Heathfield

and South of England, Cinderhill Scarlett being champion

Limousin, Cinderhill Trixie went on to win the interbreed

junior continental beef championship with Goscombe

Solace being reserve. Ruby Drury came first in the young

handlers and reserve champion. The Cinderhill team,

along with Mary Cormack, went on to win the doubles

day at Kent County Show. Goscombe Rolex came first

in his class at the New Forest and Alresford shows along

with Goscome Solace being reserve supreme champion

at Ringwood and Ellingham. Moonleaze Lavender with

Upperclass won first cow and calf in the open beef

classes at Alresford and Romsey. Cinderhill Tilly and Trixie

won the pairs at Edenbridge and Oxted and at the New

Forest. Many other good results were had across the club

throughout the show season.

He added, “Now to the pedigree herds - even closer

than the commercial herds, with different herds having

different aims but all taking the breed forward in their

own ways. I saw some good blood lines working very well

in the sires and some great calves as a result of both bulls

and heifers. The female classes where very tight and a

close call. My overall champion herd had such strength

and depth throughout the herd and power in their female

lines making it my champion herd. Thank you for asking

me to judge your herds, it was such an honour. Hope to

see you all in 2024.”

REGIONAL CLUBS

The club's herd competition took place on the 21 st and

22 nd of September, judged by Richard Lawrence. He had

a busy couple of days travelling around visiting pedigree

and commercial herds.

In November we held a presentation evening and dinner at

The Old Dunnings Mill in East Grinsted where we had

a great turn out. Richard was unable to attend but said,

“I would like to say thank you for making me so welcome

on your farms and showing me your tremendous

herds of pedigree Limousin cattle and also commercial

herds of cattle using Limousin genetics in these herds.

In the commercial herds I visited you were all doing a

tremendous job of taking your herds forward and it was a

very close competition. My wining herd I felt was producing

some outstanding cattle and adding value to their calves.”


www.limousin.co.uk


REGIONAL CLUBS

PEDIGREE HERD

COMPETITION 2023

Working Stock Bull

1 st Wealden Shakespeare - B Baker

2 nd Frogmore Royalty – J Stacey

Bull Calf 2022 Born

1 st Goscombe Tageuer - S Jackson

2 nd Wealden Taurus - B Baker

Bull Calf 2023 Born

1 st Cinderhill Upper-class - S Drury

2 nd Wealden Umpire - B Baker

3 rd Goscombe Ube - S Jackson

Cow and Calf

1 st Wealden Isla - Umpire B Baker

2 nd Moonleaze Lexi Goscombe Ureka

- S Jackson

3 rd Thorndean Out and Out Cinderhill Upsy

Daisy - S Drury


1 st Cinderhill Scarlett - S Drury

2 nd Goscombe Solace - S Jackson

3 rd Castlethorpe Surreal - J Stacey


1 st Castlethorpe Undeg - J Stacey

2 nd Wealden Ursla - B Baker

3 rd Cinderhill Upsy Daisy - S Drury


1 st Barrons Uno

2 nd Everpark Utah

3 rd Rossellie Urhonest

Small Herd

1 st Cinderhill - S Drury

2 nd Foxhole - S & A Clutterbuck

Medium Herd

1 st Wealden - B Baker

2 nd Goscombe - S Jackson

Large Herd

1 st Castlethorpe - J Stacey

Overall Herd

1 st Wealden - B Baker

2 nd Castlethorpe - J Stacey

COMMERCIAL HERD

COMPETITION 2023

Limousin X Heifer

1 st K Husk

2 nd A Price

3 rd S & A Clutterbuck

Limousin X Steer

1 st S Jackson

2 nd S & A Ckutterbuck

Working Stock Bull

1 st S Jackson - Goscombe Rolex

2 nd K Husk - Gotham Odin

3 rd J & A Holt - Toll Nendaz

Small Herd

1 st K Husk

Medium Herd

1 st A Price

Large Herd

1 st J & A Holt

Reserve Champion Herd

J & A Holt

Champion Herd

K Husk

Well done to

Karen & Andrew

who joined our

herd competition

this year!

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Cinderhill Upsy Daisy won her class and went on to be

reserve champion at the South Eastern prime stock.

Derek Southouse won pure breed Limousin and overall

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entering the young handlers for the first time, well done

to them.

Moonleaze Lucylocket won best barren cow and

Goscombe Titan won best bull at Salisbury fat stock show.

Wishing the best of luck to the exhibitors of the Hailsham

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I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody

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Unlock the potential

of your herd with

epigenetics

by Jill Hunter

Beef & Sheep Nutritionist

ADVERTORIAL

Unlock the potential

of your herd

Secure the future of your herd by giving your calves the best possible start in life.

Super Suckler is available in 25kg or 100kg buckets, or as powdered minerals or in cow rolls.

Speak to your Harbro specialist, or visit us instore.

·

Aids strong bulling activity

Boosts cow health

Aids easy calving

Promotes calf development

Boosts calf vitality and immunity

Improves colostrum quality/quantity

At the end of World War II, Germany sought

revenge on the Dutch who had not helped their

war effort, by blockading Holland. This meant

food and fuel supplies were limited, resulting in restricted

food intake, with calorie intakes dropping as low as 500

per day and poor living conditions across the country. By

the following spring, allied forces regained control and

with it, diets and living conditions were very quickly back

to ‘normal’. However, the consequences of the famine

would live on.

The consequences were longest lived for babies which

were conceived during the famine. The Dutch kept

meticulous records, meaning babies were followed

for the rest of their lives. In a family where the first

sibling was conceived before and another conceived

during the famine, but were then raised the same, the

second sibling was generally more susceptible to ill

health; obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and

schizophrenia. Whereas parents and other siblings went

on to have reasonably ‘normal’ lives.

This shows nutrition and stress at point of conception has

an influence throughout the offspring’s entire life. This is

the concept of ‘Epigenetics’ in practise.

The same is true when we consider bulling and by

getting our management and nutrition right just

before and throughout bulling, we can influence which

performance genes are switched on and how this

goes on to enhance overall lifetime performance of the

subsequent calves.

According to the most up to date AHDB figures, 18% of

suckler cows in the UK are not producing a calf each year.

Sometimes reality is difficult to face, however if we

want to improve as an industry, we need to know

the start point. We’re being constantly reminded to

‘increase efficiency’ and ‘reduce carbon footprint’ to ‘be

more sustainable’. There can be confusion and jargon

around sustainability, but surely the best thing we can

do to improve the sustainability AND ultimately the

profitability of our herds is to carry less passengers. More

cows in calf, having a calf every year on their birthday and

rearing calves with as little input as possible, is surely the

ambition of most breeders? More live calves means more

to show and more to sell, after all.

To supplement suckler cows with the vitamin and

mineral package to allow them to benefit from this

positive epigenetic effect in their calves, along with

getting more cows in calf and more calves on the ground,

it would be fair to budget £30-35 per cow for the year.

Super Suckler SEC mineral pack has been used for more

than 10 years across Scotland and is available as a lick

bucket, as a powdered mineral or as cow rolls.

The key focus is on:

• Supporting immunity through supplying selenium

in an organic form like Sel-plex, which is absorbed into

the body as though it’s a protein, meaning it gets into

colostrum and milk to help newborns keep warm,

boost the immune system and get calves off to

a good start.

• Looking after the long-term health of the cow, her

pregnancy and the calf on the ground by having the

right level of vitamin E and antioxidants, along with

all the essential macro minerals such as magnesium

and calcium to avoid grass staggers, slow calvings and

retained cleansings.

• Boosting fertility in a range of ways, including the

right level of copper and from a source which has

a positive impact on rumen health and is not affected

by molybdenum (which can lock up copper on some

farms).

Of course, mineral supply and requirements differ

between geographic areas and even farm to farm. As

part of the nutrition service at Harbro, a forage mineral

analysis can be carried out to determine what is being

provided by your forage and the recommended feed

rate of Super Suckler SEC mineral can be tailored

for your herd. This is supplied alongside a nutrition

and management plan to help maximise fertility.

Occasionally, a bespoke mineral is required to bridge the

gap between supply and requirement.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Could a Harbro fertility

master plan help you to unlock the potential of your

herd this year?

www.harbro.co.uk

farming@harbro.co.uk

www.limousin.co.uk


ADVERTORIAL

shipped same day to AB Europe’s lab

for fertilisation by selected semen

within a petri dish, and subsequently

cultured for seven days, at which

point the fully developed embryos

can be frozen or immediately

returned fresh for implantation.

“We use exclusively pedigree

homebred cows and heifers as

recipients, and we feed a consistent

diet to ensure they’re in BCS 3.5

both pre and post implantation,” he

explains.

The Blenkhorns also value the fact IVP

allows for an efficient use of semen.

“One straw can be used over four to

five donors depending on semen

quality, concentration, and oocyte

numbers. That’s something we really

value since we’ve used semen which

you can no longer buy.

“Also, there’s no time lost with

our best cows – IVP provides an

opportunity to collect from in calf

cows up to 12 weeks pregnant.”

He adds: “To the future and it’s

likely we’ll make more collections,

however in the first instance we plan

to implant some of those embryos

already in the tank. IVP offers the

herd replacements from its best

female lines, as well as bulls from the

lines that also meet with demand and

sell well.”

ADVERTORIAL

Exploiting Herd

Potential with IVP

Barry and Paul Blenkhorn

Above: Diablesse

Left: Elderberry Tennessee sold to Mountainstorm

Limousins

Cattle breeders seeking to

improve their herd’s genetic

potential are introducing

In-Vitro embryo Production (IVP), a

cost-effective service from specialist

artificial breeding technology

company, AB Europe. AB Europe’s vet,

Gavin Tait comments: “IVP is a widely

used method globally for producing

embryos where it outcompetes MOET

for its flexibility and multiple benefits

to breeders and their donor animals,”.

Amongst those breeders is the

Blenkhorn family – Barry and his

parents, Paul and Sue, who have

introduced IVP to help accelerate

genetic progress within their

Elderberry herd, in particular for

maternal traits, and in turn breed

Limousin bulls and females to meet

with commercial market demand.

They also pride themselves on private

sales with a high level of repeat

customers.

“So far, we’ve made collections on

four occasions from nine females in

total, we successfully achieved 98

embryos and the majority were Grade

1. We’ve implanted 29 fresh embryos

to achieve excellent hold rates, along

with a further 15 embryos which

had been frozen after fertilisation

to realise an 50% preg rate. We’re

really pleased with those hold rates

as well as the six calves we already

have on the ground from one straw

of precious semen. We’ve also sold

a handful of embryos to a Limousin

breeder who was thrilled with the

hold rate, and the remainder are still

in the tank.”

The Blenkhorns began their pedigree

Limousin journey over two decades

ago at Elder Farm, their 275-acre

holding based at Willitoft, East

Yorkshire. At the time they were

running a Limousin influenced

commercial suckler herd, however

the risk of BSE led them to start

retaining their own replacements.

Paul commented: “We witnessed

the benefits of pure Limousin; we

registered the Elderberry herd in 2002

and sold the commercials.”

Barry continues: “We started with

UK genetics, however while working

hard to establish a high health herd

of quality cows we travelled to France

where Limousin is kept as a true

suckler cow. From there we decided

to introduce French genetics to

breed Limousins the way we think

Limousins should be; we’ve focused

on maternal traits - milk and calving

ease, together with shape and quiet

temperaments. We’ve concentrated

on introducing the F94L gene and

in future will be working exclusively

with animals that are F94L carriers.

We also value the French high health

herd status and pre-movement

testing.

“We’ve built the herd to 90 pedigree

cows using AI and embryo work,

while IVP is now beginning to give

the herd that extra impetus. We

initially found out about AB Europe

as a result of positive feedback from

fellow breeders.

“So far, we’ve collected from one of

Faience’s daughters - Faience was

three times French National Muscle

champion, she had a great pelvis,

natural fleshing, loads of milk and a

short gestation. Tennessee is a good

example of type and maternal traits -

having collected from his granddam

in 2022, we have since collected

from his dam and his sister. We’ve

also collected from Diablesse, now 15

years old; her first calf was the AI sire,

Elderberry Galahad (EBY).”

Barry says the whole IVP process is

straightforward. “It’s not intrusive,

it’s low on stress, and overall, it

seems well to work without a lot

of fuss. We find we work as a team

with AB Europe who are good at

accommodating our requirements.

We follow both its donor preparation

programme before either Gavin Tait

or his colleague, vet Tom Wallbank

arrives on farm to collect the oocytes

and as well as its recipient prep

programme before they return

to implant either fresh or frozen

embryos.”

Following collection, the oocytes are

CATTLE IVP

SERVICES

AB Europe offers farmers professional

and reliable services as well as

access to the latest reproductive

breeding technologies to maximise

and accelerate genetic gain from their

superior cows.

@abeurope

@AB_Europe

@AnimalBreedingEurope

01875 614 500

Collect from young

or pregnant donors

On-farm services

Livery service

Utilise rare or valuable semen

Recipient availability


www.limousin.co.uk


Schedule OF FEES

EFFECTIVE 1 OCTOBER 2023

Extracted from BLCS Byelaws, Appendix A (for a copy of the full byelaws visit

www.limousin.co.uk/the-society/byelaws or contact the BLCS office)

NET CHARGE VAT (20%) TOTAL

MEMBERSHIP £ £ £

Full Membership Annual Subscription 50.00 10.00 60.00

Herd prefix or re-join fee 10.00 2.00 12.00

Associate Membership Annual Subscription 20.00 4.00 24.00

Overseas Membership Annual Subscription 25.00 25.00

Subscriptions are renewable on 1 st January annually, graduated rates apply for applications during the year

Birth Registrations (BULLS & HEIFERS)

ONLINE REGISTRATIONS - NATURAL (£ PER CALF)

Within 28 days of birth 30.00 6.00 36.00

Between 29 – 90 days of birth 40.00 8.00 48.00




TELEPHONE REGISTRATIONS - NATURAL (£ PER CALF)






IMPORTED ANIMALS

Imported Bulls and Females (£/animal) 50.00 10.00 60.00

Copy Pedigree Certificates (£/animal) 5.00 1.00 6.00

Paper Pedigree Certificate (£/animal) 2.00 0.40 2.40

TRANSFER FEES

All Registered Animals (£/animal) 20.00 4.00 24.00

EXPORTED ANIMALS

Export Pedigree Certificate 30.00 6.00 36.00

Embryo Export Certificate (£/animal) 5.00 1.00 6.00

ANIMAL INSPECTIONS5.00

Base Cow Register Females (£/animal) 17.50 3.50 21.00

SEMEN ROYALTY SCHEME

Entry fee (£/animal) 50.00 10.00 60.00

Semen Royalty Admin Fee (£/animal) 5.00 1.00 6.00

Refunds: In accordance with byelaw 3.9, refunds on registration fees of £15/head (excl VAT) will be made if animals are deregistered

from the herdbook up to and including 365 days from birth.

VAT: All the services provided to members by the Society are liable to VAT. Valid VAT invoices are issued for these services.

ONLINE & TELEPHONE REGISTRATIONS - FOT (£ PER CALF)






TRADITIONAL PAPER REGISTRATIONS – NATURAL (£ PER CALF)






TRADITIONAL PAPER REGISTRATIONS – FOT (£ PER CALF)






DNA COSTS

PRICE OF TEST

AT SUBMISSION

OF SAMPLE (£)

POST

SUBMISSION

TESTS (£)

Genotype & Myostatin 20.00 n/a

Genotype & Myostatin with Sire & Dam Verification (up to three parents) 26.00 n/a

Myostatin n/a 5.00

Colour 1.50 5.00

Polled 1.50 5.00

Protoporphyria 5.00 5.00

Additional Sire/Dam n/a 10.00

Parentage Search n/a 15.00

Import Profile n/a 4.00

Export Profile n/a 4.00

If an animal has not been genotyped before, or was last DNA tested prior to 01/03/2018, the sample is automatically genotyped when

any of the tests in Column 1 are ordered.

Example of typical order package: Sire Verification + Myostatin + Polled + Colour = £29.00

Genotypes are automatically included within the genomic evaluation to produce genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVS) for

the carcase and maternal traits

All costs are exclusive of VAT.

New for 2 24


Membership Application Form

BANKDALEFARM

TIGERROLL

20,000gns Carlisle 2023

F94L/F94L

Full sister TigerLily, a stylish

show heifer, was overall

Champion of the Borderway

Babes Show 2022

CORNSAY

THUNDER


F94L/F94L

Title: Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms For BLCS use only: Holding Letters:

Name:

Address:

Landline:

Email:

Herd Mark:

Mobile:

CPH Number:

Approved:

Postcode:

Herd Prefix Choices: Please supply three possible prefixes, as each herd must be unique. The Society’s database requires all

herds to have a prefix; this is a single word, which does not consist of more than sixteen letters, by which your herd and your

stock will be known.

1.

2.

3.

Impressive back pedigree

Excellent temperament

and Beef value in top 1%

of the breed

FOXHILLFARM

TITAN


F94L/NT821

Exceptional style and power,

RWAS Junior Male Champion

and Reserve Male Champion

at RHS and GYS 2023

GIFT AID DECLARATION

The Society has been registered with the Inland Revenue to participate in the Gift Aid Scheme. The Scheme allows, the Society

as a registered charity, to claim gift aid from the Inland Revenue on the members’ annual subscription (donation), subject to the

member having paid an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax to cover all of your charitable donations (currently 25p

for each £1 you give) in the tax year. You can cancel this declaration at any time in the future by notifying us in writing.

I confirm that I wish to treat all subscription payments to the BLCS Ltd, from the date of joining as Gift Aid Donations.

DIRECT DEBIT

By completing a British Limousin Cattle Society Membership form I agree to pay by Direct Debit for all fees.

DECLARATION

I wish to become a full member of the British Limousin Cattle Society. If elected, I undertake to abide to the rules, regulations

and Bye Laws of the Society.

Signature:

Date:

in partnership with

NO STORAGE FEES

www.semenstore.co.uk

Please contact Laura on 02476 696 500

Please return to: BLCS, Concorde House, 24 Warwick New Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 5JG

This information is collected and processed in accordance with British Limousin Cattle Society’s Privacy Policy, which is available at www.limousin.co.uk. (A hard copy

of the Privacy Policy is available on request). If you have any queries concerning the way in which we process personal data, the information collected via this form or

the information provided within the Society’s Privacy Policy, please contact the Limousin office by email at info@limousin.co.uk, or in telephone 02476 696500, or by

writing to Concorde House, 24 Warwick New Road, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5JG.

British Limousin Cattle Society

Please fill in the whole form including official use box using a ball

point pen and send it to:

British Limousin Cattle Society Ltd

Concorde House

24 Warwick New Road

Leamington Spa

CV32 5JG

Instruction to your

Bank or Building Society

to pay by Direct Debit

Originator's Identification Number

9 4 1 7 2 3

FOR British Limousin Cattle Society Ltd OFFICIAL USE ONLY

This is not part of the instruction to your Bank or Building Society.

Name(s) of Account Holder(s)

Bank/Building Society account number

Branch Sort Code

Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society

To: The Manager

Bank/Building Society

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society

Please pay British Limousin Cattle Society Direct Debits from the

account detailed in this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by

the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may

remain with British Limousin Cattle Society and, if so, details will be

passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.

Address

Signature(s)

Postcode

Date

Reference (OFFICIAL USE ONLY)

Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account

DDI1

This guarantee should be detached and retained by the Payer.

The

Direct Debit

Guarantee

• This Guarantee is offered by all Banks and Building Societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits.

• If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit British Limousin Cattle Society will notify you

10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request British Limousin Cattle

Society to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of request.

• If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by British Limousin Cattle Society or your Bank or Building Society,

you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. If you receive a refund

you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when British Limousin Cattle Society asks you to.

• You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your Bank or Building Society. Written confirmation may be

required. Please also notify us.

Supreme Champion May 2023 - Craigatoke Seanog - 52,000gns

Friday 9 th & Saturday 10 th February

Carlisle Early Spring bull and female

show and sale

Entries close 29 th December

Friday 3 rd & Saturday 4 th May

Carlisle Spring bull and female show and sale

Entries close Friday 15 th March

Wednesday 26 th June

Carlisle Summer bull and female sale

Entries close Monday 20 th May

........................................................................

Friday 18 th & Saturday 19 th October

Carlisle Autumn bull and female

show and sale

Entries close Friday 30 th August

Friday 13 th December

Carlisle, Red Ladies & Weaned Calf

show and sale

Entries close Friday 8 th November

T: 01228 406230/406200

E: entries@borderway.com

Borderway Mart, Carlisle CA1 2RS

f l

harrisonandhetherington.co.uk

Limousin Annual Journal 2024

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