Highland Cattle Society · Stirling Agricultural Centre, Stirling FK9 4RN by 31 ... My name is...

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Dates for your Diary

[email protected] www.highlandcattlesociety.com

Highland Cattle Society Stirling Agricultural Centre Stirling, FK9 4RN T +44 (0) 1786 446866

Highland Cattle SocietyNewsletterWinter 2016

Annual General Meeting Saturday 11th February 2017 5pm The Royal Hotel, Oban

Drinks Reception Saturday 11th February 2017 6.30pm The Royal Hotel, Oban

126th Spring Show of Highland Cattle Sunday 12th February 2017 10am Oban Livestock Centre, Oban

Spring Dinner & Dance Sunday 12th February 2017 7pm for 7.30pm The Royal Hotel, Oban

126th Spring Sale of Highland Cattle Monday 13th February 2017 10am Oban Livestock Centre, Oban

Spring Show & Sale – Chelford April / May 2017 Wright Marshall Chelford

Spring Show & Sale – Stirling Sunday 30th April & Monday 1st May United Auctions Stirling

Kate Cameron

WELCOMEWelcome to the winter edition of the Highland Cattle Society newsletter. Since the autumn edition we held our Autumn Show and Sale at Oban on 9th & 10th October 2016 where the drop in the value of sterling favoured overseas buyers who bought some of the top animals at the sale. Robert Phillip from Hellifield Highlanders, Yorkshire capably judged the Autumn show and found his Champion in Susan 20th Ormsary from Sir William Lithgow Bt & Son from Ormsary.

The Stars of the Future Show was held in Stirling on 12 November 2016 where first time exhibitors Michael and Sally Nairn took home the Senior Championship with Sidona 4th of Balnabroich which had stood as Junior Female Champion at the Royal Highland Show. Donald and Bryon MacNaughton stood Reserve Senior Champion with Douglas of Rannoch and won the Junior Female Championship and the Reserve Junior Native Interbreed Championship with Rhibin Geal of Rannoch.

Some members have expressed their dislike of show results being repeated on the website, in the newsletter and then again in the Journal. Therefore this newsletter contains only short show and sale summaries and photographs, full results can be found at www.highlandcattlesociety.com

The real Stars of the Future in our breed have been the young people throughout the year that have demonstrated their love for the breed and their enthusiasm to learn the necessary stockmanship skills from their seniors. The first glimpse of this was Emily Armstrong taking the Woodneuk Young Handlers trophy in February 2016. Beth Noble followed suit in the Autumn winning the Oban Times Young Handlers class and Murn Cameron and Lewis Singer shared the Craigowmill Trophy for the

Sian, Janet and Helen would like to wish every member of the Highland

Cattle Society a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. The office will be closed on Friday 23rd

December 2016 until Wednesday 4th January

2017.

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WELCOME CONT.Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

best young handlers throughout the show season. Emily Armstrong and a young member from Denmark Sophie led the winning pair’s team at Oban and Lewis Singer scooped the Young Handlers title at the Stars of the Future in November. It is encouraging to see so many young people competing across the country and sharing our passion for the breed. And for those of you who didn’t win a prize I have inserted an extract below from a poem from a book called ‘Lest We Forget’ written by my Aunt in Wales entitled ‘The Local Agricultural Show’.

There are cattle groomed and haltered, sheep all neatly trimmed

really its incredible the time these men put in.

They halter break, they wash and oil, bulls that need respect

arranging for the movements and a licence from the vet.

It is far from being spontaneous, its takes a lot of thought, the secret of the feeding

and the removal of a wart.

All the preparations collecting sheaves of corn,

it draws the folk from far and wide, they work from peep of dawn.

Prayers ascend for sunshine the car parks swiftly fill

the organisers sigh relief as the booze flows through the till.

The winners get their prizes but the praise I am keeping for

the ones who made the class worthwhile but drew the shortest straw!

Finally, it has been brought to the Society’s attention that two folds have been registered with almost identical names. Springfields was registered first some 33 years ago by Les Wardle. In Feb 2013 a new fold, Springfield, was registered by Gavin and Anna Brown. The two folds have no connection whatsoever. The Society should not have let this happen and would like to apologise to both members; it was a regrettable mistake. Gavin and Anna Brown have kindly agreed to change the name of their fold to ‘Springfield (Leadburn)’ in order to clearly differentiate between the two folds and the Society is sincerely grateful to them for their understanding and help in this matter. Procedures are now in place to ensure that fold names registered in future will be distinctively different. The Society fully recognises the importance of protecting fold names and would like to apologise once again to the two parties involved.

HIGHLAND CATTLE SOCIETY

Catherine McKechnie and Mrs Bosomworth drawing the Grand Raffle during the Dinner & Ceilidh at Oban in October 2016.

The advertising and promotion committee Catherine McKechnie, Shirley Strachan and John Singer worked tirelessly in 2016 obtaining fabulous raffle prizes and selling tickets at every opportunity.

The raffle raised nearly £3000 for the Society and our thanks goes to Catherine, Shirley and John for their hard work throughout the year. We would also like to thank all those who took part by buying tickets and congratulate the lucky prize winners. The man who works at the Fruit Market is still trying to work out what he is going to do with six bags of cattle feed!!!!

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NEWSRegistered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

DINNER & CEILIDHRoyal Hotel, Oban

Sunday 12th February 2017, 7pm

The new menu was warmly received at the October sales and we have therefore decided to keep the same format for February. It will

consist of three courses but will feature a Roast Highland Beef main course.

Leek & Potato Soup ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roast Highland Beef with Yorkshire pudding, Potatoes, Carrots, Peas and Gravy

Fish Alternative

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Choice of two puddings

The dinner will be followed by the presentation of trophies.

FEBRUARY 2016 TROPHY WINNERS

Deadline – 31 January 2017

Could all members who won a trophy at the 2016 Spring Show and Sale at Oban please return them to the Highland Cattle Society Office, Stirling Agricultural Centre, Stirling FK9 4RN by 31 January 2017.

2017 HIGHLAND CATTLE SOCIETY LOTTERY

Draw - 8th October 2017

The Highland Cattle Society lottery will once again be held in 2016 / 2017. To allow as many people to take part to win £1000 we are postponing the draw until after the end of the financial year. We will once again include the lottery

as a separate entry on your subscription renewal invoice. If you do not wish to take part please just pay the subscription element of the invoice.

‘SHOVE THE POUND’ IN AID OF MARIE CURIE

Highland Cattle Society members raised over £900 for Marie Curie with a ‘Shove the Pound’ competition arranged by Catherine McKechnie and the Advertising and Promotion committee. It was held within the Dinner & Ceilidh at Oban in October 2016.

WEBSITE ADVERTISING

Sell your animals online using the Highland Cattle Society website.

£25 inc. VAT for Text Only£30.00 inc. VAT for Text and Photograph

Adverts will remain on the website for three months.Email Helen on

[email protected] note payment must be received prior to

the advert going live

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NATIONAL FOLD COMPETITIONRegistered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

GRAFTON FOLD Large Fold Category

My name is Lindsey Trees, and Temple Grafton, a village west of Stratford-upon-Avon has been home to my husband Martin, myself and our three children since 1990.

I am writing this on a glorious, frosty, autumn morning. The colours of the autumn trees are striking against the brilliant blue sky. The fields are

peppered with the blacks and whites, the reds, duns and yellows of the cattle grazing contentedly. The scene has not always been so tranquil!

In 2002, a chance purchase of farmland adjacent to our home led to an exciting new venture. With no farming knowledge or experience, we soon realised we needed help. A local farmer stepped in to look after the newly planted arable land while we naively tackled the pastureland and its excess of grass. A friend in Scotland had suggested some ‘shaggy grass cutters’ , what a great idea - I’d long admired these stunning animals. So a trip to the North ensued and a couple of weeks later our ‘starter set’ of a bull, two cows, one with a calf at foot, and three heifers arrived. Grafton Fold was born!

Twelve years on, we run on average thirty head of cattle including ten breeding cows, and with the exception of the bull, these are all homebred. In the day to day running of the fold, I am very fortunate in having stockman Charlie Edwards to assist me. Charlie’s experience gained over many years of working with Highland cattle is invaluable, and with his guidance the seemingly impossible becomes achievable!

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We believe in rearing the cattle in as natural an environment as possible given the constraints of our land, and so they graze the fields all year round with supplementary silage being given over the winter months. The cows calve down from January to March, the calves staying with their mothers until the autumn. During December we have our annual TB test, and at this time we decide which of the male calves will end up with the butcher. We sell our meat both locally and in the Cotswolds, and we’re told that once the word is out there is always a queue at the door!

Four years ago, having retired from pharmacy, I had more time to devote to the cattle. The show ring beckoned! In the spring we choose our show team and then the young stock are halter broken and training begins. We have gathered many first prizes, including a handful of reserve champions and this year, we had our first champion at the Midland and Southern Highland Cattle Club show at Ashby. Encouraged by this we entered the National Fold competition in the large Fold category never once believing we would be our regional winner!

Breeding Highland Cattle has thrown up various challenges, good and bad. There have been highs in recent years with successes at the different shows,

but we have also experienced some very low points. During 2010 - 2011, we lost nearly half the fold to TB. It took us some time to recover from this, but we got there in the end. Through the sustainable management of the land and fold we feel that we positively contribute to our local area in many ways, from an increase in bird life through to the small scale production of beef for our local butchers, and not forgetting the countless photo opportunities for passers by!

Long may it continue!

I am the owner of the Catesby Fold of Highland cattle in Northamptonshire and I entered the small fold competition. I have always loved Highlands and 14 years ago we bought my parents’ old house and 30 acres around it which were part of my family’s old farm and where I was brought up as a child. It seemed an ideal opportunity to fulfill a long held dream although I would have to admit that my husband was not so keen on the idea so one morning shortly after we moved in, I went for coffee with a friend who had some Highland yearlings for sale and came back with six of them! Needless to say, he loves them as much as I do now.

I look after them myself, along with Oxford Sandy and Black pigs and Balwen Welsh Mountain sheep but I couldn’t do it without the support of my husband and two sons.

We have 5 breeding cows at the moment and were very excited to have a set of twins this year which was a first for us. My main aim is to keep

CATESBY FOLD Small Fold Category

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Stockley Hill Farm is a small farm of 130 acres outside Peterchurch in Herefordshire’s Golden Valley, in the foothills of the Welsh Borders. Peter has continued the family tradition of beef farming on the land, along with his wife Sue, whose father was a local dairy farmer. With the land at 750 feet above sea level, the new pedigree Highland herd runs alongside their established pedigree Hereford herd.

STOCKLEY FOLD Large Fold Categorythe cattle healthy and free of TB as there seems

to be so much of it about in this area. TB is my biggest worry about keeping cattle. The Highlands live in the fields around the house and often I can do the shepherding from the bedroom windows. They greet me each morning on the other side of the garden wall and can be very vocal if I am late with the hay.

I fatten the steers and sell Highland meat from the house. We usually have an Open House Saturday once a year when we offer free samples of different beef recipes along with a cup of coffee and this I find is the best way to promote the breed and catch up with friends at the same time.

The Highlands are now very much part of our family and I hope we can continue to keep them for many years to come.

Ruth Thomson

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NATIONAL FOLD COMPETITION Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

How you started breeding Highland Cattle:The farm is in the entry and higher level stewardship scheme with Natural England and part of the agreement was to graze native cattle. They wanted cattle that were low maintenance, good

temperament and that could live outside all the year round. Since 2006 they have been dividing their time between Herefordshire and the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute. They realised that Highland cattle

suited their needs perfectly, thriving on the higher, less favourable ground with the Herefords grazing the lower pastures.

The herd was started in 2010 with 5 pure bred suckler calves from Oban sales, to introduce the breed gradually. The following year they bought breeding stock of first time heifers and in-calf heifers and sourced a bull from Isle of Mull. This took the herd to twelve and the fold’s first calf was born in spring 2012.

About the herd:At present there are 12 suckler cows, 1 stock bull and followers. They are looking to increase the fold to a maximum of 20 cows.

Who is involved in the business:Peter and Sue take care of the day to day duties and breeding decisions but also have one son living on site and another locally, as well as 3 grandchildren ranging from 3 to 8 years old – who take a keen interest in the Highland herd. (A local herdsman covers the farm whilst they are in Scotland).

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Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974 NATIONAL FOLD COMPETITION

What are your aims with regards to breeding:Looking to the future, their aims are to improve the breed standard of the suckler cows, keeping all the good traits, eliminating the faults i.e. poor feet and udders and looking for a high breed standard .

Barriers you face breeding Highlanders:The barrier they feel for all breeders is finding new blood lines to improve and maintain the confirmation and breed character of the pedigree highland breed.

Where you see the future of Highland CattleThey believe the future of the highland breed is positive.The highland cattle will always have a role in cross breeding with other commercial cattle including the Hereford shorthorn.

Regarding the future of the Stockley fold, ultimately they hope that one or more of their grandchildren will take over the farm and that it will continue to grow.

I am probably what you would call a hobby farmer. Many years ago in the 70s, I formed a company supplying and erecting steel framed buildings for agricultural and industrial use, locally in west Wales. Then we progressed and are now nationwide. (This is my day Job)

Ten years ago I bought a 50 acre smallholding, as I was born and bred on a farm the idea of running a small farm always appealed to me. I looked at various cattle, as I was not milking I had more options, we were actually erecting a building for Dai

TY RHOS FOLD Small Fold Category

Ormond of the Rowston Herd who kept Highland cattle on Marros Mountains. Eventually I bought two in calf cows from him and all the others following on have been born and reared on the farm using A.I. Then I reared a bull of my own.

I now have a small fold of Highland Cattle, and approximately 120 ewes which include Balwens and welsh black mountain sheep which are due to lamb in March.

I find the Highland cattle are easy to calf and low maintenance; they have a good temperament and are easy to handle. They are kept on grass with mineral licks from March to November, and as the land with us is mostly arable, I have to bring them in over the winter months, as we have a high volume of rain and the ground cuts up badly.

They are then housed in doors in a covered yard, bedded on straw and fed mostly haylage and hay with the odd bag of cake and mineral licks. They have access to an open air compound also

Peter and Sue Smith

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with water supply. The young calves are kept in separate pens for weaning on the same ration with the exception of daily calf rearer intake.

The future is looking good for the Highland Breed in Wales as there are much more people keeping them and the royal Welsh is also a good Showcase. For me personally this definitely has to be the highlight of my farming career, to win the small fold Competition for Wales.

TILBOURIES FOLD Large Fold Category

We trade as J & L Fraser & Son with the partnership originally being between Jim Fraser and his parents, the late John and Lilian. The partnership is now between Jim and eldest daughter Mary Adams. We are delighted and honoured to be the regional winners of the Large Fold in the North of Scotland Club Area.

Highland cattle have been a feature at Tilbouries since the 1960’s. They were first introduced after a man helping Jim’s dad said they would be good

to use up the skimming from the silage pit as they would be able to get the goodness not suited to other cattle. These original cattle were crossed with the Hereford and later with the Simmental. In October 1986 in Oban, while attending a week of sales of all ages and breeds of cattle, Jim’s dad bought a pure in-calf Simmental heifer and thus started the Tilbouries Simmental Herd. Jim however always had a bigger affection for the Highland cattle and said if there were pure Simmentals on the farm then he also wanted to have pure Highland cattle so in 1992 the Tilbouries Fold was formed.

The business has got to where it is now through the hard work and determination of the close family members. We have a real passion for the animals that are kept on the farm and for the Highland cattle breed. As farming is certainly not a 9 to 5 job you have to be enthusiast and enjoy your way of life. The business is run on a daily basis by Jim and wife Sheila. Mary has a full time job but does the accounting side of the business and helps out with other things when she can. If we are away a close friend of the family John Rugg looks after things. We are all kept right by granddaughters Sophie and Tara.

We currently feed highland steers for the Waitrose Christmas special and have been doing so since 2008 when we supplied them with 32 animals. We have continued to focus on this scheme and grow the amount we supply each year and last year supplied them with 129. This year due to the changes they were making to the scheme requirements regarding the age of the cattle that would be accepted (changes which have now been reversed) we only have approximately 80 which will be ready to go.

Going forward we would like to see more people selling highland beef and encouraging breeders to

John Evans

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go back to pure cattle instead of crossing so many. If more butchers sold the beef then hopefully a better return would be generated from the product.

We have shown cattle at local shows since 2010 and doing this is something enjoyed by the whole family. Preparing cattle for the shows is hard work and a time consuming exercise but we have been quite successful and won trophies along the way. We like to be able to let the general public have the opportunity to see this lovely breed. Jim’s first show however was in 1992 when Aberdeen & Northern Marts run a highland bullock show and sale and Jim’s entry was placed Champion. This year because of Jim’s accident, showing had to be put on hold however he did manage to go to the last show in our area. The proudest moment to date though was when Campbell of Tilbouries sold in Oban in February this year for the top price of 9,000 guineas having been placed Reserve Overall Champion the day before. As we did not have the time to dedicate fully to bring this bull out ourselves this was done for us by Maureen MacArthur and John Ashton.

Currently we have 531 head of cattle and 70 ewes with lambs. Of the cattle, 401 are Highland with there being 63 cows, 18 heifers in with the bull and the rest comprise of various ages. Our other cattle consist of pedigree Simmentals and cross cows with their followers. We currently have 12 Highland bulls most of which are hired out to people with small amounts of cows who do not find it feasible to have their own bull and some of which were not having any success with AI.

The barriers with breeding Highland cattle are how to get rid of any cattle with horns. We dehorn all our steers and any heifers which we decide early on will not be kept for breeding. If we buy in cattle for feeding then the horns can be a problem especially if the animal is that little bit older. Jim’s accident earlier this year also showed us how much damage the horns can do even if the animal is quiet.

We would like to see Highland cattle being taken more seriously as a breed. Yes they are good to look at and nice to see on tins of shortbread etc. but that does not take in money for the producer. We need to show that Highland beef is every bit as good and better than other meats. We all know it is better but we have to get out there and show it is.

As regional winners of the Small Fold Category in the National Fold Competition we have been asked to produce a suitable summary: So here goes!!!

John and I are accidental or maybe even incidental Highland cattle owners. The fold was founded in 2004 after a very boozy visit to the Highland Show. This was the year in which Glasgow City won with Una Dun of Pollock. I was most definitely hooked, after some consultations with my brother, a pedigree texel sheep breeder, he agreed that we could have a couple of cows to keep the grass right for his sheep.

Our helpful local auctioneer, knew of three yearling highland heifer's due to go to Perth, he was sure that we would be able have a look and maybe buy a couple. So off we went in high spirits with no real knowledge of Highlanders as such, John's family farmed dairy cattle in North Yorkshire and my summer jobs had always been on the local farm. We called and arranged a visit to Alf Edwards & Gill Ashdown at the Tirryside fold. Alf opened the shed door, we came away with the three yearling heifers and an old broken grass mower.

The mower was the luck penny, we repaired it and it is still cutting our hay and silage today.

ALLANFEARN FOLD Small Fold Category

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Our foundation girls, still with us today and still in good order.

UK502931 400119 - Amy Of Tirryside (01.07.2003)

UK502931 200138 - Abigail 2nd Of Tirryside (06.11.2003)

UK502931 100144 - Sacha Of Tirryside ( 31.12.2003 )

Showing did not come into our heads until the Wester Moy Texel team decided that it would be good for us all to show at the Sutherland Show. So in 2005 we ventured on to the showfield for the first time, judged by Mr. John Crilley, of the Leys Castle Fold. It was a real steep learning curve we had so much to learn and no one to really show us the ropes. Of course up here in the Northern Highlands of Scotland we were up against some of the ‘Greats ‘ of the Highland cattle world, Connie & Gyle Lawrie - Lagg, Heather & Ernie Corrigall - Earn, Tordarroch, Culfoich, Munlochy & Tain to name but a very few.

The ' Texel Team ' had promised to help and assist in every way possible, however this came in the form of words of wisdom mainly shouted from the protection of the show beer tent. Apparently showing sheep is really hard and thirsty work, showing highlanders is easy !!!.

We have continued to show, helped and mentored along the way by Sheena and Andrew Cameron, we have tried to pick up some helpful hints. Showing

is hard work, many hours of preparation, none of it easy but the rewards can be good. There is network of good, kind and helpful folk you meet from all the breeds involved at the local shows. While it is nice to win at these shows it is also great to be able to raise awareness of the Highland Breed to the general public and by taking part with cattle that have been prepared to the best of your ability, that are available for the public to interact with, we hope will have far reaching positive benefits for all concerned with the breed.

Our first attempts at breeding were with an AI Bull , Angus Dubh Of Invercassley, but we failed as Amy and Abigail were both in ‘show condition’, only Sacha held. After several more attempts with AI we gave up and borrowed a young bull from Alf & Gill, Jock the 2nd of West Merkland. After a few attempts on his part he managed to sort out Abigail but sadly not Amy. Finally we took her back to Alf’s at Colaboll and his new stock bull , Angus 4th of Dunvegan, which thankfully worked. So at last all three were in calf for the first time.

After much discussion about our cows and their future we decided to invest in a bull of our own, in February 2008 Crusoe of Brue arrived. He was purchased for 600 gns at the Oban sale.

UK 505302 400010 - Crusoe of Brue (14.02.2006) RedBy Piobaire Ruadh Of Dunvegan & Caileag Bheag 17th of Callachally.

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Finding the right stock bull is no easy process, in our opinion Crusoe has been the right choice for us. He has been an absolute joy to work with and has sucessfully bred with our cows, producing some great calves. Apart from this his purchase has forged a great link between ourselves and his breeders Lesley and Kenny Matheson , The Brue Fold on the Isle of Lewis.

We have continued to compete at our local shows and our cattle have won some classes in the Highland Cattle sections at these shows,we have even won an Interbreed Championship with our home bred Ruby of Allanfearn. We have also presented cattle at the breed sales in Oban which have done well. They have been placed and even won some classes, always difficult in such esteemed company. We have had a yearling heifer champion – Suzie of Allanfearn and a two year old heifer championship with Ebony of Allanfearn.We have twice managed to present bulls which have won the two year Old Bull Section in Oban – Philip Dubh of Auchtenny and then with Maclean of Allanfearn who went on that day to become Overall Male Champion.

We hope that all the cattle which we have sold both through the breed sales and privately have been successful for their new owners.

Perhaps the only negative point would be the perception that us ' New Breeders' are not to be taken too seriously because of our lack of heritage or knowledge within the breed. It is always good to listen to new ideas and try to encourage a bond between modern and traditional methods.

We have found it difficult at times to strike a balance between our full time jobs and the cattle,there is however no doubt in both our minds that the highlanders have been the right choice for us. Today our hobby has evolved to us running 6 breeding cows, a total of twenty in the fold altogether, grazing on typical croft and common grazings ground at around 800ft. The highlanders are a perfect fit for our type of ground.

We, as I said at the beginning of this article, never really set out on a path to do anything special with our cattle, we feel lucky to have been involved, to have met so many great folk, made such great and supportive friends. Our aim within the breed is to produce cattle which we can be proud of and to promote the breed to a wider audience for all the right reasons.

PHOTOGRAPH COMPETITION2017 HIGHLAND BREEDERS

JOURNAL

Would you like your photograph on the front of the 2017 Highland Breeders Journal?

If so please send your photograph to Sian at [email protected] by 31 March 2017.

Guidelines:• To suit the cover of the journal your

photograph should either be ‘Portrait’ so it fits on the front cover, or if you wish for the cover to be a wraparound cover, the picture should be landscape but the subjects should be on the right hand side of the photo.

• The picture should be of high resolution to ensure there is no pixilation once printed

• The photos will be judged by an independent judge from the Scottish Farmer

Maureen MacArthur & John Ashton

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PRETTIEST CALF COMPETITION Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

PRETTIEST CALF COMPETITIONThe winner of the prettiest calf competition was a photo submitted by Kenny &

Lesley Matheson from the Brue Fold with a photo entitled ‘Poser’.

‘Poser’ Lesley Matheson

RUNNERS UP

Does my tag look big in this Hilary Barker

Lady Godiva 6th of Paddock from Claire Disley, National Trust

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PRETTIEST CALF COMPETITIONRegistered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

RUNNERS UP CONT.

Angus Odhar of Craigluscar - Giesela Klosner

I can see you - A MacKay

Andreas and Beate Bechler

Jenne & John Singer Jenne & John Singer

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PRETTIEST CALF COMPETITION Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

RUNNERS UP CONT.

Mum they say my bum looks big - A MacKay

Meals on Wheels from Ridgeway Fold

No I will not Stand Up to be Photographed - A MacKay

That’ll do lad, time to go home - Samantha Wain

Rhian Thomas

DRINKS RECEPTIONROYAL HOTEL

OBAN Saturday 11th February 2017, 6.30pm

A social, relaxed drinks reception has been organised for members, prospective members,

buyers, sellers and visitors alike to network, exchange stories, ask and impart advice and

socialise. The evening has been sponsored by the

Royal Hotel, Oban.

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RECENT CHANGESRegistered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

RECENT CHANGES IN THE BEEF INDUSTRY AND THE

REACTIONRecent changes in cattle deadweight limits have forced many breeders and finishers to rethink also how they breed and in turn finish cattle.

Beef industry is not the speedboat that can alter course quickly. Beef is the cruise liner which is a lot slower than Sheep and Arable.

Buy a bull today and it could be 3 years alter before the end product is marketed and by that time changes could well have been imposed which makes the product produced then not what the market wants. The earlier warning of future changes the more industry will respond to in a positive manner. It takes time to change and industry has to have the confidence that what they produce will be wanted in the future and it’s correct. Remember it was not raining when Noah built the Ark.

The industry has now imposed restrictions in weight. Yes putting cattle away below 400kg deadweight will drive more efficiency as taking cattle on to higher and higher weights may have looked based on end price but the costs to get to that point never really made it fully justifiable to many.

Yes we agree with limits but they needed to have been brought in over time to allow farmer to adjust their systems. Yes the processors did for some years say what they would ideally like but actually never imposed it.

Now those having to adjust overnight have found it hard to implement in such a short period. Now they are fully aware of it and are adjusting accordingly buying cattle early and in turn finishing cattle quicker. Many cattle no longer go through that extended store period which put scale on to them but to finish them they had to go over 400kg deadweight.

What has to be remembered is the rapid improvement in genetics over the last number of years especially in mature weight and live weight gain that has produced cattle that can be taken to very heavy weights without laying down too much fat cover. Recorded Pedigree bulls were previously rewarded for leanness (less fat cover). Those bull types were often then crossed to Continental type

cows so producing cattle with little if any fat cover. This resulted in finishing cattle being taken to very heavy weights and being fully paid for all weight. However other breeding is still resulting in carcases having too much cover on them.

400 kg carcase will be in the region of 700 kg liveweight when slaughtered. Knowing that payment maybe only based on this will allow finishers to actually budget better as they are aware that maximum payment may be about £1500. Store producers are being made more aware that they need to look at selling stores at the optimum time (earlier for many) and at a time when the finishers can take them and then finish at the right stage. The majority of finishers want cattle that are approximately 12 to 14 months at the 420 kg plus stage. This policy is certainly true with Continental types, whereas many of the maternal type cattle will continue to be kept longer so as to maximise weight and return to the producer. Weaned cattle trade still remains strong and the best policy for many.

This does not all mean a sudden change in breed. It just means altering management systems and avoiding some of the big hardier type bulls within the breed. With the cruise liner what is also needed is in what way the future payments of finished cattle will be based on. VIA (Video Image Analysis) is slowly replacing the visual grading but is that to continue? Will the future payment system move away from grade to a more detailed payment based on what yield that carcass can produce. Then further on quality in terms of marbling, taste etc. That means maximising yield from the top cuts. To many, that involves more loin which is length and that would go in the face of some of the best grade cattle which often are accused of being a rib short. Maybe just maybe we would then produce cattle which can be easier calving as shape becomes less of a decision factor

They also made sure that the cow they used was able to maintain itself through the winter and early spring. The right cow was being matched to the environment and climate.

There certainly has been movements in this area with many moving away from some continental type cows to a more maternal based female which would have milk, longevity and higher levels of fat cover to suit the environment but to also

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RECENT CHANGES Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

help produce better fat cover for replacements and for finished cattle which is more in demand to have when getting slaughtered earlier. Also those more maternal type cows are not a heavy and big as others and so again helping get the right product for the market.

Graph 1 shows how over the last 10 years total numbers for certain breeds have shown a significant fall.

Graph1 - Based on numbers of cattle in Scotland with Limousin, Angus, Simmental and Charolais

Sires-

Some of those upland areas were recently seen to have moved to a more maternal type cow with breeds such as Luing, Stabiliser, Highland, Saler, Shorthorn, Galloway, Blue Grey etc. etc. (Cannot name them all ???). Today changes continue with many rethinking their breeding strategy who just wants a hardier type cow.

With lower costs and good levels of productivity these breeding strategies were showing positive net margins in a number of farms costing their enterprises..

Graph 2 based on the last 10 years shows those more maternal types have increased such as Shorthorn, Saler and Luing while those such as the Highland have stabilised.

Graph 2- breed numbers (lower base in relation to Graph 1)

These breeds and crosses are also still able to produce the calf for the market place due to ability to have more terminal type bulls put to them.

However there were still breeds which have been always been outwintered and kept in often the more poorer vegetative, wet, high and remote ground for many years that really until recently were not always fully reconsidered.

Graph 3 though with lower numbers shows a

significant fall in Galloways while the numbers of Whitbread Shorthorn and Blue Greys keep very much consistent. This is surprising when the Galloway offers such a vital role to the Blue Grey. The breed that has shown dramatic rise is the Stabiliser which has proven to be very popular lately.

Graph 3 (Again lower base than Graph 1 and 2)

Recent work has shown that maximising output while keeping costs down have given positive margins for some native breeds.

Where it was going wrong in some commercial units was to often just continue down the pure route with maternal/ traditional breeds but still trying to operate in a commercial market. The product then did not have the same market potential as those crossing them which resulted in a more demand types.

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RECENT CHANGESRegistered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

It is not about fully changing, it’s often just about just seeing what small part can be taken on and adapted to.

If the native breeds can still thrive in the extensive areas while also being crossed to provide calves suited for the market place then it can only be a win, win situation.

What else could go put into that rough type ground and be able to turn poor vegetation into protein that can be fed to the population?

These breeds will also help industry achieve their environmental objectives while still making sure what is produced is wanted.

Previous environmental schemes throughout the UK often did encourage certain native breeds where financial payment was received with them onto certain ground but no emphasis was really placed on what product was actually produced.

These areas will not be used for grain production. Native breeds were created for a reason and we have to admire them in how they can thrive, survive, milk and get in calf at low costs compared to others.

Gavin Hill, SAC Consulting

MEMBERSHIP CONSULTATIONThe Council has been approached by members to reduce the Society Show and Sales held in Oban from two days to one day. Council do

not feel that this is a decision they should take without prior consultation from the members.

We therefore urge you to send us your views by email to [email protected]. Sian will forward the emails to all council members.

TRANSFER POLICYThere are a huge amount of animal transfers that are never notified to the Society and there are a great

deal of transfers whereby both parties deny agreeing to pay the transfer fee. To overcome this problem Council propose that for all private sales the transfer fee should be reduced and

the vendor should contact the Society using a transfer form or the reverse of the certificate. The fee for transferring the animal into the new ownership will be £10.00 rather than current charge

of £43.00 however a charge of £10 will also be made to the purchaser for the cost of printing the new Certificate of Pedigree(s).

Transfers through Official Society sales will not change and will remain free of charge. Again to ensure we respect the views of members we would appreciate your feedback at [email protected] or

at the AGM. If we receive positive feedback this policy will be introduced after the AGM.

CHELFORD SALE

The format of the Spring Show and Sale in Chelford may change as the Shorthorn Society

have pulled out. Further details will be issued in the New Year

after discussions with Wright Marshall.

DATA COLLECTION – BULLSIn February all two year old and three year old bulls will be weighed and a height measurement taken. The information will be placed in an additional sheet in the catalogue and exhibitors are welcome to

advertise the statistics within their pen.

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STRATEGIC PLAN REVIEW Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

HIGHLAND CATTLE SOCIETYREVIEW OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN - AUGUST 2016

In August 2015 the 10 year Strategic Plan was published and Council have reviewed it one year later to ensure it remains current and meaningful.

The Strategic Plan augments the Society’s obligations under the Scottish Charities Act 2005 and builds on the Constitution and Objectives. It sets out;

• To ensure long term financial stability

• To raise the profile of the breed

• To make continuous improvements in the quality of the highland animal

• To introduce on-line computer technology in all areas of the business

• To increase the membership by 5% each year

• To provide a better service to the members and improve communications with them

• To resolve the weak market for sales

• To continue improve the way the Society is governed

• To fully document internal policies and procedures

Over the next 10 years the vision for the Society remains to continuously improve the quality of Highland cattle, raise the profile of the breed as a prime beef product and have all breeders of Highland cattle as members of the Society.

Current progress on the implementation of the Strategic Plan (August 2016)Since work began some 24 months ago to produce a sustainable way forward the Society has made impressive progress in implementing the Strategic Plan. These achievements are set out below.

• The Society achieved a trading surplus in 2014/2015 and is on course to achieve a small trading surplus for 2015/16

• Effective financial control is being exercised to ensure expenditure does not exceed income.

• A comprehensive risk assessment has been carried out to help achieve key objectives and safeguard the Society’s funds and assets

• An annual Lottery has been introduced and a new Fund Raising Committee established to raise new funds to improve the reserves. Much work has also been done to raise funds through the raffle.

• Data base issues have been resolved resulting in considerable annual savings.

• A Dispersal and Reduction Sales Policy has been adopted.

• A Transfer of Fold Name Policy has been adopted.

• A formal complaints procedure has been adopted to resolve any concern, problem or complaint that a member of the Society may have or a member of the public raises with the Society.

• A list of the benefits of being a member of the Society has been produced and published.

• All those who do not renew their subscriptions are now contacted by telephone. This information will be used to develop a membership retention plan.

• Communication to the membership has been improved with the introduction of personalised emails.

• A National Fold Championship is being held to help raise the profile of the breed.

• Trustees are now provided with appropriate induction.

• The Good Governance Code for Charities has been adopted.

• Work has commenced to document all internal policies and procedures in an Administrative Manual.

• A brand new web site has been installed that is aesthetically pleasing and user friendly.

• Through the new web site, subscriptions, registrations and membership applications can now all be made on-line.

• Highland beef has been vigorously promoted to the general public at large through a series of events, dinners and dedicated Highland beef tastings.

• The Society is being increasingly used as a communications hub by diverse media organisations that wish to use the iconic Highland cow in a wide variety of film and print productions.

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STRATEGIC PLAN REVIEWRegistered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

To summarise progress after one year in relation to the strategic aims; • Clear progress is being made on ensuring long term financial stability but the reserves are still much lower than they should be.

• Much work is being done to raise the profile of the breed and to make improvements in the quality of the Highland animal.

• On-line computer technology is being progressively introduced.

• Improvements have been made in the way the Society is governed.

• A start has been made on documenting internal policies and procedures

• Very little work has been done to resolve the weak market.

• There are still membership issues in relation to communication, perceived benefits, membership retention and planning for growth.

From this broad summary it is clear that there are three main issues that require addressing; the continuing weak market for the sale of cattle; the ongoing static membership and financial performance relating to the low level of reserves.

Weak market for sale of cattleOne of the issues that came out of the consultation, when drawing up the Plan, was that many members said that they are not receiving a commercially desirable price for their cattle. Council still believed this to be valid mainly because disposable income was less than it used to be. But it was also felt that sometimes members have unrealistic expectations about the worth of their cattle. Council suggested that this could be overcome by providing true and accurate information on the worth of the Highland animal. This will involve gathering detailed statistical information and promoting it broadly. Council also thought that more effort should be made by the Society to communicate the benefits of the breed to “get the right message out”. It was suggested that the President allocate this task of collecting and collating statistics and information, including developing a promotional programme, to one individual.

Static membership About the same numbers of members leave the Society every year as those who join. Many may simply be retiring but others may be turning to other breeds or have lost interest or even have lost faith in the Society. A good start has been made on understanding these issues but more need to be done to retain more members than we do at present.

A further issue is that the Society has been poor at publicising the benefits of membership and has not been great at wholeheartedly engaging with members either.

The value of clear and regular communication cannot be overstated. It’s the Society’s way of keeping in touch and receiving feedback. Members receive the Journal and newsletters and can access a host of information from the web site. Good as this is, it is passive communication when what is also needed is more proactive communication that utilises modern information technology and social media.

So, the strands to the membership issues are;

• How do we retain more members than we already do?

• Is it still realistic to increase the membership by the Plan’s objective of 5% per year?

• Will better communications help persuade the members that they are getting value for money? If so, how do we do it?

Council agreed that it could do more in explaining why it has made particular decisions and this would go a long way towards reducing apathy. At this stage it was thought unrealistic to expect a 5% increase in membership each year but it should still remain a long term ambition.

In terms of improving communications Council thought the newsletter should be revamped and used as a marketing tool. It should consist of part news, part education, part information and part statistics. Some Council members said that the hard copy newsletter should be restored when the new format is introduced and this would go a long way to improving membership satisfaction.

Financial performance and the low level of reservesThe number one priority in the Strategic Plan was to reverse the financial loses. Substantial progress towards this has been achieved by setting clear budgetary targets for profitability and closely monitoring performance on a monthly basis. This led to a trading surplus in 2014/15. With further careful management a trading surplus should be repeated in the current year.

Council were made aware that cutting costs can sometimes have an adverse impact on the perceived benefits to members. If members feel they are not getting value for money it is unlikely they will continue to spend money with the Society and a downward spiral becomes inevitable. Council agreed that cutting costs is helping profitability but care should be exercised to ensure that savings made do not have an adverse impact on the perceived benefits members receive.

Council were made aware that the low level of reserves is another critical area of concern. As a responsible organisation the

21

STRATEGIC PLAN REVIEW Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

Society should endeavour to keep the equivalent of at least one year’s expenditure in reserve. Trustees have a duty to ensure that the Society is adequately funded and that it has appropriate reserves for the size of the business. To address this matter, last year Council established a new Fund Raising Committee with the primary aim of raising sufficient external funds to replenish the diminished reserves. It also introduced the Lottery for the same reason. Council still felt these were the right decisions improve the reserves.

In summary on financial matters;

• Expenditure is being well controlled but achieving the desired level on income is uncertain.

• Cutting costs is helping profitability but care is needed to ensure that savings made are not having an adverse impact on the perceived benefits members receive.

• The reserves are about £100,000 lower than they should be.

New issues facing the SocietyBrexit could possibly have an impact in future in relation to agricultural policy or the economic health of the nation. In the current uncertainty the Society should be alive to potential issues as they arise.

Implementation of the strategic aims – amended future workload - 2016 to 2017Advertising and Promotions sub-committee• Refine the personalised communications to members.

• Continue to publicise the benefits of being a member of the Society.

• Consider ways to target new members.

• Continue to improve internal communications and external promotion, including using social media communications.

• Use every opportunity to promote the breed through communication with the outside world. Clear and focused communication is at the heart of promoting the breed.

• Issue regular news updates.

• Update the merchandise offered for sale by the Society.

Breed Development sub-committee• Develop a clear, unambiguous policy on health status and publish it.

• Define what quality standards are acceptable or not acceptable in Highland cattle and ensure quality control is instituted and the “Breed Standard” policed.

• Continue with the National Fold Championship.

• Consider introducing a formal bull assessment scheme.

• Consider extending DNA testing to females.

• Introduce formal measurement and analysis wherever appropriate.

Finance sub-committee• Manage financial performance to achieve a small trading surplus year on year

• Take all appropriate measures to improve the reserves.

• Extend telephone discussions to all members who do not renew their subscriptions and use the information to develop a membership retention plan.

• Continue with induction and training for all members of Council.

• Continue the work on risk assessment.

Fund Raising sub-committee• Raise external funds of £10,000 per annum.

President• Provide leadership and oversee the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

• Conduct staff appraisal (Breed Secretary).

• Allocate the task of collecting and collating statistics and information, including developing a promotional programme, to one individual.

• Review the Society’s administrative workload and assess the staff resources required.

Breed Secretary• Resolve the Herd Book issues.

• Continue documenting all internal procedures into an Administrative Manual.

• Introduce on-line transfer certificates.

• Continue to issue regular news updates to members via personalised emails.

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BEEF QUESTIONNAIRERegistered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

Results from the 2016 Members Beef Questionnaire

Following an enquiry from a meat processor the Highland Cattle Society issued a beef questionnaire survey to all registering members in September 2016. The Society has now also accessed BCMS statis-tics for pure highland cattle both sets of statistics are below. Work continues to find suitable sustainable

outlets for Highland Cattle and Highland Beef.

No of forms issued: 858 (695- Annual, 134 – Life, 29 – Honorary)

No of forms returned: 112 (13%)

Total no of breeding females: 1047 (9.3 per fold)

Capacity to increase breeding females: 484 to total number of 1531 (13.66 per fold)

No. farm assured 45 (40% of forms returned) The number of pure highland cattle sold in 2015. Total number = 774

Pedigree Animals for Breeding No. of Females 315 (41%) No. of Males 37 (5%)

Pure Store Cattle No. of Females 63 (8%) No. of Males 134 (17%)

Pure Finished Cattle No. of Females 57 (7%) No. of Males 168 (22%) The number / age of pure highland cattle sold as stores or finished cattle in 2015. Total = 422

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

U30mths 4 5 16 41 40 5 6 15 44 40 42 4

U48mths 2 4 22 10 7 4 5 3 12 28 51 3

U72mths 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 4 1 The number of pure highland cattle sold or expected to be sold in 2016. Total = 517

Pedigree Animal for Breeding No. of Females 121 (23%) No. of Males 24 (5%)

Store Cattle No. of Females 50 (10%) No. of Males 97 (19%)

Finished Cattle No. of Females 70 (13%) No. of Males 155 (30%) The number of pure highland cattle sold or expected to be sold as stores or finished cattle in 2016. Total = 372


U30mth 5 7 50 5 19 5 9 8 35 41 50 1

U48mth 1 6 26 0 0 3 0 5 4 41 40 2

U72mths 1 2 0 1 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 The potential number of cattle per annum if there were a regular outlet for pure highland finished cattle. Total = 367


Number 0 6 15 14 17 21 29 5 99 77 78 6

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BEEF QUESTIONAIRE Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

BCMS Statistics for Highland Cattle

Birth of Pure Highland Cattle in England, Scotland & Wales

Births - Jan - August 2016 - Pure Highland

Sum of Number Of Births

Row Labels England Scotland Wales Grand Total

Female 824 1252 86 2162

Male 741 1197 75 2013

Grand Total 1565 2449 161 4175

Number of Pure Highland Cattle, by age and sex, processed through UK Abattoirs in England, Scotland & Wales (1 January 2016 – 30 September 2016)

Sum of Number of Deaths Column LabelsEngland England Total Scotland Scotland Total Wales Wales Total Grand Total

Row Labels F M F M F M Under 12 Months 2 1 3 1 1 412 to 15 Months 6 6 2 2 815 to 18 Months 7 14 21 2 10 12 3318 to 21 Months 4 13 17 4 13 17 3421 to 24 Months 4 32 36 3 56 59 2 2 9724 to 27 Months 27 50 77 15 79 94 1 3 4 17527 to 30 Months 29 86 115 29 124 153 1 4 5 27330 to 36 Months 44 133 177 46 170 216 3 6 9 40236 to 42 Months 37 66 103 22 77 99 4 9 13 21542 to 48 Months 22 43 65 18 39 57 2 8 10 13248 to 72 Months 97 84 181 56 48 104 5 4 9 29472 Months and Over 384 40 424 231 13 244 8 2 10 678Grand Total 657 568 1225 426 632 1058 24 38 62 2345

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Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974 2016 STARS OF THE FUTURE

STARS OF THE FUTURE Saturday 12 November 2016 Judge: Mr Jim McKechnie

Senior Championship Classes

Senior Female Champion & Overall Senior Champion

Lot 231 SIDONIA 4TH OF BALNABROICH UK542297400549. Born 02/03/15. Brindle from Michael & Sally Nairn. Sire - CLIADHAMH MOR OF BALMORAL 9993, Dam - SIDONIA 8TH OF ORMSARY 61276

Senior Male Champion & Reserve Overall Senior Champion

Lot 224 - DOUGLAS OF RANNOCH UK541718100088. Born 06/04/15. Red from Mr Donald MacNaughton. Sire - REICH OF RANNOCH, Dam - SKYE 2ND OF RANNOCH 64744

Reserve Senior Female Champion

Lot 228 - DOSAN 30TH OF LEYS UK501022100218. Born 09/02/15. Red from Leys Castle Farm. Sire JOCK OF LYNTOUN 9699, Dam - DOSAN 17TH OF LEYS 58578.

Reserve Senior Male Champion

Lot 223 - RUARUDH 2ND OF BALMORAL UK521043200452. Born 20/02/15. Red from Balmoral Estates. Sire - RUARIDH 1ST OF UBHAIDH 10102, Dam - BHADAIR RUADH 52ND OF BALMORAL 63380

Junior Championship ClassesJunior Female Champion, Overall Junior Champion & Reserve Junior Native Interbreed Champion

Lot 254 – RHIBIN GEAL OF RANNOCH UK541718400091. Born 24/02/16. White from Mr Donald MacNaughton. Sire - REICH OF RANNOCH, Dam - RACHEL BUIDHE OF CEANNACROIC 71228

2016 JUDGES REPORTS

If you judged a show in 2016 please can you submit your judges report to

[email protected]. If you have been asked to judge a show in 2017

please can you inform the Society office on 01786 446800 as soon as possible.

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2016 STARS OF THE FUTURE Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

Junior Male Champion and Reserve Overall Champion

Lot 244 – EACHANN RUADH OF HYNDFORD UK560890600084. Born 08/03/16. Red from Mr Alan Prentice. Sire - ALEXANDER OF GLENGORM 9790, Dam - BANRIGH 3RD OF HYNDFORD 72092

Reserve Junior Female Champion

Lot 260 – LAURA ANNE OF HUNTERS UK562907200131. Born 10/04/16. Red from Mr Stephen & Mrs Rosemary Hunter. Sire - GREGOR OF GRAY BRAE 10284, Dam - SUBHLAIR 26TH OF BRUCEFIELD

Reserve Junior Male Champion

Lot 241 – HECTOR 1ST OF BLAIRLOGAN UK541302300140. Born 19/02/16. Red from Blairlogan Highlanders. Sire - LOGAN OF MUINGAIRIGH SILVER, Dam - SOLAS EMMA 4TH OF BENMORE 67880

FULL CLASS RESULTS CAN BE FOUND AT www.highlandcattlesociety.com

Young Handlers Class – 11 – 14

1. Lewis Singer

2. Beth Noble

3. Kayleigh Devine

4. Logan Ross

2016 NEW MEMBERSWelcome to the Highland Cattle Society

The Highland Cattle Society, its council and members would like to extend a warm welcome to the following new members who have joined the Society in 2016. If you require any information please do not hesitate to contact Sian, Janet or Helen in the office on 01786 446866 or contact a council member, fieldsman or fellow member their details can be found at:

www.highlandcattlesociety.com

As a new annual member you are entitled to a free Fieldsman visit who can help and advise you on keeping, looking after and breeding Highland Cattle.

Graeme Beveridge

Adam Brown

James Duthie

Heledd Jones

Ross MacMillan

Mrs Sue Maisey

Anne Skea

James Skea

Mr V White

Marco Brachet Contol

Volker Hahn & Ruediger Lange

Health Tests for Official Sales All animals forward at Official Sales must be tested

free from IBR & BVD.Please ensure that your vet tests for both BVD

antibody and BVD antigen.

26

Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974 HIGHLAND GAETHERIN’

The 2nd National Show of Highland Cattle Perth Show

Saturday 5 August 2017

HIGHLAND GAETHERIN’

TROPHY ENGRAVING

Many of the beautiful trophies that belong to the Highland Cattle Society cannot be machine engraved. Hand engraving seems to be a dying art. Currently we have to take the trophies to Edinburgh to be engraved. If anyone knows of a hand engraver that might be prepared to attend Oban and engrave the trophies immediately after the show please contact sian on 01786 446800 or email [email protected]

HIGHLAND CATTLE SOCIETY DATABASE UPDATES

Work continues behind the scenes to update and modernise the pedigree plus systems which maintains the electronic herd book for the Society. As from 1 August 2017 members will be able to enter animals for Society sales online. As from 1 September 2017 members will be able to transfer animals electronically from the Highland Cattle database.

Craigowmill FoldWould like to wish all their fellow

Highland Cattle enthusiasts near and fara very Merry Christmas

and aHealthy, Successful &

Happy New YearKen & Eva Brown

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SHOW & SALE Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

SCHEDULE OF THE 126TH ANNUAL SPRING SHOW

AND SALE (held under the auspices of the Highland Cattle Society)

Oban Livestock Centre, Oban, Argyll, PA34 4SD T: 01631 570631

Auctioneers - Caledonian Marts (Stirling) Ltd, T: 01786 450922

The Highland Cattle Society - Stirling Agricultural Centre, Stirling FK9 4RN, T: 01786

446866

Sunday 12th February 2017 Show: 10.00 a.m. Monday 13th February 2017 Sale: 10.00 a.m.

Catalogue Price £5. CLOSING DATE: 16 December 2016

Trophies, Prizes & Awards (Trophies will be presented to the winners at the Society’s Ceilidh at the Royal Hotel, Oban on Sunday evening)

Males

• Overall Male Champion – Male Champion Rosette, Prize Card, Craig Sellar Trophy and £100

• Overall Male Champion Stock Person - The Roy Cruickshank Goblet and £25

• Reserve Male Champion – Reserve Male Champion Rosette, Prize Card, Caledonian Marts (Stirling) Trophy and £50

• Best 2 Year Old Bull – Section Rosette, Prize Card , £20 and The W. Pearson Brown Memorial Trophy

• Senior Bull Champion – Section Rosette, Prize Card and £20

• Aged Bull Champion – Section Rosette, Prize Card and £20

• Yearling Bull Champion – Section Rosette, Prize Card and , £20 and The Douneside Challenge Bowl

Females

• Overall Female Champion – Female Champion Rosette, Prize Card, and the D.M. Stewart Memorial Trophy

• Overall Female Champion Stock Person - The Angus W MacGillivray Memorial Quaich and a prize of £20

• Reserve Female Champion - Reserve Female Champion Rosette and Prize Card

• Senior Heifer- Section Rosette and Prize Card

• Best 3 Year Old Heifers – Section Rosette and Prize Card

• Best 2 Year Old Heifers – Section Rosette and Prize Card

• Best Yearling Heifer – Section Rosette, Prize Card and The YW Mok Trophy

• Best Yearling Heifer Stock Person - £20 presented by Mrs J H Strickland, Cladich Fold.

• Female Pairs - The MacLean of Duart Perpetual Trophy for the best Pair of Females (any age)

Young Handlers – (U18 on 1 Feb)

• Best Young Handler - The Woodneuk Cup presented by William and Margaret Thomson, Woodneuk Fold, Barrhead, Glasgow

1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place ROSETTES will be awarded in all classes in each section, Prize cards will be awarded to the winner and reserve of each section.

Anyone wishing to enter an Official Society Sale should read the sale regulations on the Highland Cattle Society Website.

ht tp : / /www.h igh landcat t l esoc ie ty.com/resources/sale-regulations.aspx

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Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974 SHOW & SALE

SECTIONS – Judging Commences at 10.00amSome of the Sections may be split into classes to divide the entries into approximately equal numbers appropriate for the size of the show ring thereby allowing all animals to be shown to the best advantage.

SECTION 1 Two year old bulls 01/01/2015 – 30/12/2015

SECTION 2 Senior Bulls 01/01/2014 - 31/12/2014

SECTION 3 Aged Bulls 01/01/2010 - 31/12/2013 These will not be eligible for the championship.

SECTION 4 Yearling Bulls 01/01/2016 – 30/04/2016 These will not be eligible for the championship and will be entered in the catalogue under their ear tag number to indicate they are birth notified only.

Judging of the Overall Male Championship & the Reserve Overall Male Champion The Overall Male Champion will be selected from the first prize winners from section 1 & 2. The Reserve Overall Male Champion will be selected from the remainder of the first prizes winners and the male that stood second to the Overall Male Champion in the Section Class. Second Prize winners should therefore be on standby.

SECTION 5 Senior Heifers 1/1/2013 – 31/12/2013 (All females born on before 31 December 2013 must be scanned, Pd’d or stated on the entry form as’ in calf’ or with calf at foot. Written confirmation must be received by 31 January)

SECTION 6 Three Year Old Heifers 1/1/2014 – 31/12/2014

SECTION 7 Two Year Old Heifers 1/1/2015 – 31/12/2015

SECTION 8 Yearling Heifers 01/01/2016 – 31/8/2016

SECTION 9 Cows (All females born on before 31 December 2013 must be scanned, Pd’d or stated on the entry form as’ in calf’ or with calf at foot. Written confirmation must be received by 31 January)

Judging of the Young Handlers Class – this class may be split

Judging of the Overall Female Champion and the Reserve Overall Female Champion The Overall Female Champion will be selected from the first prize winners from section 5,6,7,8 & 9. The Reserve Overall Female Champion will be selected from the remainder of the first prizes winners and the female that stood second to the Overall Female Champion in the Section Class. Second Prize winners should therefore be on standby.

Judging of the Best Pair of Females (Any Age)

SECTION 10 Steers

INVITATION

You are cordially invited toThe Highland Cattle Society AGM

OnSaturday 11th February 2017

At 5pmIn

The Royal Hotel Oban

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SHOW & SALERegistered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

AUTUMN SHOW & SALE, OBAN9TH & 10TH OCTOBER 2016

The 119th Autumn Show & Sale turned out to be an action packed weekend starting with a Highland Cattle promotional event in Argyll Square Oban in partnership with Bid4Oban and Jackson Brothers Butchers.

A drinks reception in the Royal Hotel welcomed new members, visitor, vendors and buyers on Saturday evening.

On Sunday 9th October Robert Phillip from Hellifield Highlanders Yorkshire capably judged the Autumn show and found his Champion in Susan 20th Ormsary from Sir William Lithgow Bt & Son from Ormsary.

Iona Keys from the Keys Fold and her friend Niamh Cameron aged 12 baked highland cow cupcakes and sold them in the market raising £200 for the Hurricane Matthew Appeal in Haiti.

160 people attended the Society Dinner and Ceilidh on Sunday evening where the Grand Raffle was drawn and members played ‘Shove the Pound’ to raise over £900 for Marie Curie.

On Monday the Sale commenced at 10am, two animals shared the top price of £3000, Ailsa 9th of Craigowmill from Ken & Eva Brown of Kinross who was sold to Michael & Sally Nairn of Balnabroich Farms and Raineach of Eilean Mor from Karen & Michael MacGregor who sold to Mr A Fitzsimon, Dumfries. Out of the 70 animals present 57 found new homes giving a clearance rate of 81%.

Judges Report – Mr Robert PhillipIt was a great honour to be asked to Judge the show and sale in Oban in October and also great fun. The senior heifers were of a very good quality and this is the section that I picked my champion from, a very well balanced heifer from the Ormsary Fold. Some of the heifers in this section were a little to “mature” for my liking and looked like they could easily have calved as 3 year olds as they were big enough.

The 2 year olds were again a powerful group and I chose the reserve champion from the Knockendon fold, it was very close but the senior heifer just shaded it.

The yearlings were the most disappointing group with only one class but I selected a nice winner from Craigluscar.

There was a large entry of heifer calves and some were maybe a bit small and young but overall a good class. The easiest section to judge was the best pair of suckled calves, I think I would have been lynched if I hadn’t put the 2 young lady’s and their lovely black calves first.

I had an enjoyable day judging and I hope most people agreed with me.

Robert PhillipFull class results and prices can be found at www.highlandcattlesociety.com

Alan Bosomworth receiving the Invernairn Cup for the Champion Female from judges wife Wendy Phillip.

Angus McKay receiving a gift from Ken Fletcher for winning the Front Cover of the 2016 Journal Photograph Competition.

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Best Two Year Old and Reserve Overall Champion Lot 31-Nemanda-4th-Of-Knockendon-Sold for 2000 guineas W Anderson, Dalry

Best Yearling Lot 45 - Princess Dubh 2nd of Craigluscar - sold to W Bange and Sons for 1400 guineas.jpg

Champion Heifer Calf Lot 76-Heatherbelle-Of-Craigowmill-sold to Austria for 1500 guineas

Joint Top Price - Lot 2-Ailsa-9th-Of-Craigowmill- to Michael and Sally Nairn, Balnabrocih for 3000 guineas

Reserve Three Year Old Lot 22-Raineach-Of-Eilean-Mor-sold for 3000 guineas to A Fitzsimon, Dumfries

Three Year Old Champion and Overall Champion Lot 5-Susan-20th-Of-Ormsary-sold for 2000 guines to Falko Steinberg

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Beth Noble receiving the Oban Times Best Young Handler Trophy from Judges wife Wendy Phillip.

Emily Armstrong and Sophie from Denmark winning the Best Pair of Suckled Heifer Calves

Eva Brown received the Myrecairnie Trophy for the Best Heifer Calf

Alan Bosomworth receiving the Thomas McLatchie Trophy for the Best Pair of in-calf Heifers from the judges wife Wendy Phillip

Lynne McLean receiving the Thaggnam Cup for the Best Cow from the Mottistone Fold.

Brenda Fergie receiving the Geroge Bruce Memorial Trophy for the Best Two Year Old.

32

SHOW & SALE Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

Murn Cameron receiving the Neil Jackson Memorial Trophy for the Best Bull Calf

Queenie Strickland receiving the Cladich Cup for the Best Pair of Suckled Heifer Calves

Robert Wain receiving the Small Show Fold Trophy Ronald McMillan receiving the Large Show Fold Trophy.

Murn Cameron and Lewis Singer won the Craigowmill Cup for the Best Young Handler throughout the Show Season.

Jenne Singer received the trophy on behalf of Lewis

33

NEWS Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

MINIMUM AGES - CALVES SOLD AT FOOTIn the Autumn sales all calves born after 31 March (previously 31 May) must be sold with their dam. In the Spring sales all calves born after 31 July (previously 31 August) must be sold with their dam.

This will impact the dates for the heifer calf classes.

SUBSCRIPTION BY

STANDING ORDER

If you pay your annual subscription by Standing Order

please do not forget to update the standing order with the most recent

subscription fee.Bank: Barclays

Sort Code – 20-33-70A/C No: 40972681

NEWSLETTERA lot of members still do not like the electronic

version of the newsletter so Council have decided to send a hard copy to each member

through the post. From 2017 onwards two newsletters will be printed each year, one in April

and one in December. Both editions will be posted to members.

We will also open the newsletter up to members to advertise their fold.

½ page colour landscape is £50.00 plus VAT and a full A4 colour page is £75 plus VAT. Please contact Sian for further details.

JOURNALThe Council have decided that the timing of the issue of the Journal should be September to coincide with the start of the new financial year. This will ensure the annual fees are correct and new members

throughout the year receive the most up-to-date version. They have also decided to remove all local show results as these are available from the Society website at www.highlandcattlesociety.com and to remove

the Stock Bull list as this goes out of date very quickly. We are however always seeking interesting articles and news items, contact Sian at [email protected].

FUND RAISING FOR 2017The Fund Raising Committee was established last year specifically to raise money to improve the

reserves. Steady progress has been made in increasing the level of the reserves over the past 3 years and we need to continue our efforts. So, for 2017 we are planning a new initiative and hope to involve

as many members as possible. The idea is to hold UK wide coffee mornings or beer evening events as a catalyst to raise money. We are looking for as many people as possible to organise an event in their area

and it will be up to the volunteers to run the event in whatever way they choose. There are no set rules because we think members will bring their own creativity to bear.

Prizes will be given to those who raise the most money, with publicity for the winners in the newsletter and on the web site. The proposed date we have in mind is Saturday 18th March 2017. Simon Haley is coordinating the event so please contact him on 07828 191192 or

[email protected] and let him know you are willing to help and what you plan to do. This is an opportunity not only to help with fundraising but also to have some fun too.

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Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974 ADVERT

How

can w

e hel

p?

Proud

Spon

sors o

f Th

e High

land C

attle

Socie

ty

35

HIGHLAND BREEDERSRegistered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

HIGHLAND BREEDERSJOURNAL 2017 SAVE UP TO 13%!!

Please reserve the following (please circle)

2017 Rate Early Bird Rate*

Full Page Colour £299 £275Full Page Mono £160 £140Half Page Colour £205 £180Half Page Mono £110 £95

(Guaranteed position on page, an extra £15)

Special Positions

Inside Back Cover £520 £480Inside Back Cover £520 £480Outside Back Cover £550 £510

ALL PRICES INCLUSIVE OF VAT

Please advise if repeat copy or new copy to be supplied.

Our in-house production team will make up your advert at no extra cost; all pictures supplied digitally must be 300dpi resolution or suitable quality. A proof will be supplied for approval.

If you do not have an existing account with The Scottish Farmer, prepayment would be required by cheque or credit/debit card - details to be provided at time of booking.

Booking copy deadline - 14th April 2017.

Name: .........................................................................................................................................

Address: .....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

Tel: ..................................................................... Fax: ..............................................................

Signed: .............................................................. Fold: .............................................................

Email address for proof: .............................................................................................................

Please return to: Paul Johnstone, The Scottish Farmer, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3QBOr fax to: 0141 302 7799 Email: [email protected] any other information, please telephone Paul on 0141 302 7368.

* Please note - To qualify for the Early Bird rate bookings must be accompanied by full payment.

Don’t miss out - Early Bird Rates

only apply to bookings& payments receivedBEFORE FRIDAY 3rd

FEBRUARY 2017

SAVE UP TO 13%!!

HighlandBreeders’Journal

2015Patron: Her Majesty The Queen

HighlandBreeders’Journal

2016Patron: Her Majesty The Queen

36


Experts in our FieldFarm sales & acquisitions | Farm letting | IACS Contract farming agreements | Rural land managementValuations | Agri-Environment Schemes | Agricultural loans

If you would like to discuss buying, selling or renting farms in Scotland and Northern England, please contact Simon Brown, Duncan Barrie, Robert Taylor or Alistair Christie in our National Farm Sales Office, Stirling on 01786 434 600 or visit our website to contact your local farm sales agent at CKD Galbraith.

[email protected]

HC Society Show 12-4-16.qxp_Layout 1 19/08/2016 11:22 Page 1

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NOMINATIONS FOR ELECTION Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

Registered Office – Stirling Agricultural Centre, Stirling FK9 4RN Scottish Charity No SCO 13974

Stirling Agricultural Centre, Stirling FK9 4RN

Dear Member Annual General Meeting – Saturday 11th February 2017 at 5pm – The Royal Hotel, Oban Please find below a form for nominations for the 2017 Annual General Meeting. This is for the new council members vacancies for 2017 – 2020. This is your opportunity to nominate a member who you feel would contribute to the Highland Cattle Society and the Highland breed. I would appreciate if you have any nominations, to please send this form back to me at by 31 December 2016. Kind regards

Siân Sharp Breed Secretary

Nominations for Election to Council, February 2017

I, being a fully paid up and eligible member of the Society, would like to nominate the under-mentioned member/s of the Society who is/are eligible for election. I declare that the member/s nominated is/are willing to stand for election. Returns required by no later than 31 December 2016: Proposer’s Name............................................................................................... Address.............................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................... Nominee’s name................................................................................................ Seconded by...................................................................................................... Nominee’s name................................................................................................ Seconded by......................................................................................................

38


DAVIDSONS

Dedicated to Delivering Excellence

www.davidsonsfeeds.co.uk

COMPOUNDS • BLENDS BESPOKE MEALS

MINERALSMOLASSES

FREE SILAGE TESTINGDIET AND NUTRITIONAL ADVICE

Contact Sales:01501 820 473

39

BRUE HIGHLAND HEIFERS Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974

In September 2016, Brue Highlanders on the west side of the Isle of Lewis sold 4 two-year old pedigree Highland heifers. They were purchased by the Springwell Fold, Elmswell, East Yorkshire. The four were Una a’ Ghlinne 2nd of Brue; Màiri Ròs of Rudha na Sìthean, bred by Kathleen and Bernard Allen, Rudha na Sìthean Fold, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis; and Jeannie and Ròsag an Teallaich of Broad Bay, bred by Alice and Graham Starmore, Broad Bay Fold, Gress, Isle of Lewis.

Reared in the natural environment of rural Lewis on extensive croft, heather and moorland grazings, the heifers took a 2.5 hour ferry crossing from Stornoway and a 500 mile road trip to the rich, arable, chalk lands of the East Riding, where they will now graze pasture that is being managed to improve farm biodiversity for their new owner. These photographs show two contrasting environments: one of the Lewis peat moor which the Highlanders grazed in summer; the other of the East Riding farmland which they will quickly adapt to, not least the leafy, woodland shelters which are very rare on their native isle.

The following was penned as a ‘Gangin’ awa’ gift for the fower lassies’ by the Broad Bay stockman who, was himself born and brought up not far from where the heifers have now moved to.

Fow’r Heelan’ Lassies - by GS Fow’r heelan’ lassies traivelled far, Their fortunes for tae seek; They packed their kists and sailed awa’ Withoot a backward keek. They held their bonnie heids up high And bravely faced the faem, Which made me ask the reason why They’d left their heelan’ hame.

They said sir, dinnae fash yer ears Aboot oor moo-teevation, Whit’s wrang if lassies hae ideas Abune their usual station? We’ve seen the heelans side-tae-side Frae Hebrides tae Cawdor, And thocht it time tae tak a ride Ahint the English border. We’re gangin’ sooth tae bide amang The Yorkshire wolds and plovers; We’ve heard that Yorkshire lads are strang, And guid and skeely lovers.

We’re Ròsag and Jeannie-o, Mairi-Rose and Una; Dinnae greet tae see us go, We’ll see oor lads the sooner.

These sonsie lassies brawly sang, Sweet voices raised together; The verra bens and moors a’ rang As they passed through the heather; They sang through Perth, they sang through Fife, They sang across the Tweed; They sang aboot the merry life They hoped they soon wid lead.

The loudest that they ever sang Was at the borderline, And a’ their voices still were strang As they crossed o’er the Tyne. But lassies! Here’s some Yorkshire lore, I bid ye think upun’it – Steer weel clear o’ Ilkley Moor Unless ye wear a bunnet. For I’m a chiel wha knows and so I have tae tell ye that – Ye’ll soon be swapping Heedrum-Ho’s For Ilkla Mooar Baht’at.

We’re Ròsag and Jeannie-o, etc

Brue Highland heifers between Gleann Bhruthadail and Loch Breabhat on Brue moor, Summer 2016

Brue Highland heifers arrive with the Springwell Fold, Elm-swell, East Yorkshire, late Sept 2016

Registered in Scotland, Company No. SCO13974 CHARITY SHOW AND OPEN DAY

STRATHARDLE, BLAIRGOWRIE, PH10 7NW

CHARITY SHOW AND OPEN DAY

IN AID OF

The first charity specifically to support 24/7 specialist

palliative care for patients in hospital

FRIDAY 8th September 2017 Cattle arrive

Dinner: Hog Roast £15 per person SATURDAY 9th September 2017

Highland Cattle Show (9.30am – 12.00pm) Lunch: Fish and Chips and Ice Cream van

Farm tours showing the versatility of the Highland breed Garden and Pinetum walks

3 Course Dinner: £30 per person / £15 under 18

Charity Auction, Bar & Ceilidh Band

For further information, entry and booking forms please email: [email protected] or telephone 01250 881214/881254

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