During 2008 and 2009, some 110 Aberdeen-Angus heifers and eight bulls were exported from UK and Ireland to Portugal and the Azores Islands, lying half-way between Lisbon and USA in mid-Atlantic.

Four years ago, I met Paulo Costa from the Portuguese Farmers Federation at the European Aberdeen-Angus Forum in Germany. Over a few beers, we discussed the suitability of Aberdeen-Angus cattle for the Azores to improve the quality of local beef from dairy cross cattle and establishing a local beef “brand”.

Their beef must be grass-produced as the cost of importing cereal feed is prohibitive. His objective was to produce premium quality (and price) beef for export to the mainland, which is where most of the islands’ milk goes.

After considerable political lobbying, an importation was approved in 2008. But, in order to access “British-type” Aberdeen-Angus at the time of the FMD outbreak in Surrey, the cattle were sourced from the Irish Republic, with input from myself, Sheila Eggleston of Eggs-Port Ltd and Irish breeders.

This has been followed in 2009 with the export of 56 heifers and four bulls from England and Scotland, with Angus Stovold (Surrey), Geoff Biddulph (Cheshire), John Moores (Lancs) and Dan Whiteford (Northumberland) sending the largest numbers, along with a bull from my own Tegsnose herd.

I visited several farms in mainland Portugal and the Azores in June and was impressed to see how the cattle had adapted to very different conditions, as they have done historically in former British colonies worldwide.

Nigel Hammill (centre) with Luis Armando Machado (left) and Roland Winter, with a group of Pexhill heifers on Roland’s farm in Alentejo

We first stayed with Roland Winter in Alentejo, a hot dry arid scrub area north of Algarve. He is a Swiss Quarter horse breeder of world renown and has carved a 300 hectare ranch out of volcanic rock and scrub!

Tegsnose Kiwi Transformer in his new home on the island of Terceira

His cattle are fed a cereal based diet (fairly cheap) as grass is scarce. Temperatures regularly hit 40C in summer and the animals have shelter among Eucalyptus trees or some custom flat roof shelters. Water is pumped to troughs from man-made lakes.

Roland`s cattle calve all year round with the aim of producing consistent beef supply for specialist restaurants in Lisbon, where Aberdeen-Angus beef is growing in popularity and advertised on TV. As he increases his herd, he and a neighbour intend to further exploit the opportunity to sell branded “Angus” beef.

In contrast to Alentejo, the islands of Faial, Pico and Terceira (a two hour flight from Lisbon) were lush and green and the Aberdeen-Angus cattle were as happy as pigs in sh-t!

The main industries on Terceira are dairy farming and fishing. Cows are grazed in small drystone-walled paddocks and milked in the fields with portable machines.

Grass is available 10 months of the year, the exceptions being July/Aug when it is too dry. Beef production has been mainly continental cross Holstein with bulls kept entire and slaughtered at 12-14 months at carcase weights of 180-220kg. The meat is then butchered and sold, without hanging.

Lately, with Paulo`s encouragement, many dairy farmers have started using Aberdeen-Angus by AI and all the pedigree bull calves born to the imported heifers have already been contracted for sale – to the delight of the importers!

We stayed with the new president of the Portuguese Angus Association, Luis Armando Machado, and his wife Catarina, on Terceira. Luis bought my bull, Tegsnose Kiwi Transformer, as well as heifers from Rosemead, Borewell and The Moss.

Portuguese Aberdeen-Angus president, Luis Armando Machado, with some imported UK heifers

He recently bought 400 hectares of mountain grazing land to add to his home farm, building to a herd of 100 pedigree Aberdeen-Angus cows. As well as UK and Irish genetics, he is importing embryos from Canada and New Zealand to see which suit the climate best.

Paulo Costa has made great progress and is now breed secretary for the Portuguese Angus Association, based in Terceira. He is working with other farmers to establish a Portuguese “Angus” brand. The enthusiasm shown by the original importers is spreading rapidly around the islands, which augurs well for the future of British genetics.

The Portugeuse Aberdeen-Angus Herd Book was established in November, 2007. There are currently 15 breeders with 145 pure-bred Aberdeen-Angus cattle between them.

The cattle are distributed in Alentejo and Beira Interior on mainland Portugal and on five of the nine islands which make up the Azores – Sao Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, Faial and Pico.

Paulo organised a party of 26 Portuguese farmers to visit the Royal Show last July to watch the judging of dairy and beef cattle – then join in the singing at the Aberdeen-Angus barbecue!

My wife and I were greatly impressed by the enthusiasm and professionalism of all the farmers we met, most of whom are quite young. The standard of food and welcome by all the local people should make the Azores a “must visit” destination for breeders from the UK and Ireland. English is spoken in most places. We will be back next year and hope some more British cattle will follow!

We live in a fast moving information age. More information sooner means better management decisions that can translate into significant financial returns.

Cattle breeders now have the opportunity to obtain more information about an animal’s genetic potential very early in its life, especially for economically important traits like feed efficiency, marbling and tenderness.

These traits, which are critical for making breeding and management decisions, were not previously known with certainty. Now, thanks to new bovine genomic technology, cattle producers are able to make mating and management decisions within weeks of the animal’s birth – early enough to maximise their profit!

And, genomics continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Since the first genetic marker (for marbling) in beef cattle was commercially available in 2000, rapid advancements in the breadth and application of genomics are transforming the landscape of beef cattle genetics.

Pfizer Animal Genetics is leading the way with this new technology in the UK and globally. In the first quarter of 2010, Pfizer Animal Genetics will release a new genomic test that expands the breadth of cattle DNA evaluation by almost a thousand-fold – from a current 56-marker technology to predictions that utilize more than 50,000 DNA markers

50K HD coming early in 2010

The new high-density 50K (50K HD) offering is based on the Bovine SNP50 DNA-marker chip, which has been used extensively by researchers to discover markers that are correlated with the expression of numerous beneficial traits.

Now, Pfizer is able to offer this powerful research tool as a commercial product to provide a much more complete genetic profile of each animal evaluated. The test is being offered initially to Aberdeen-Angus breeders, with customisation for other breeds expected to follow.

New information offers endless possibilities to beef producers

“When I was growing up showing Aberdeen-Angus heifers in the 1970s and ‘80s, this kind of technology and the impacts it can have, were not even remotely imaginable,” explains Dr Ronnie Green, senior director of global technical services for Pfizer Animal Genetics.

“Bringing the benefits of this new technology to beef producers and the greater beef industry, is a major landmark in the history of beef cattle genetic improvement.”

According to Green, the 50K HD test will allow for the evaluation of a host of economically relevant traits — dry-matter intake, yield, average daily gain, feed efficiency and tenderness — which are not typically evaluated using EBVs.

“This new technology will enhance the precision and speed at which producers are able to make genetic progress in their herds,” he says.

Breeders like Lee Leachman, a prominent US Aberdeen-Angus breeder, realise the opportunities the new 50K predictions offer to his operation and the entire beef industry.

“Until now, the 50K technology has been just used for research. Now, using this technology in the seedstock business, will expand our selection to cover almost all of the traits that affect profitability,” Leachman says.

“As an industry, we’ve evolved from selection based on a few traits to a point where we are now interested in 15 to 20 traits (like growth, carcase, fertility and longevity) that are influenced by thousands and thousands of genes. The 50K technology will increase the accuracy of our decisions on nearly every important trait.”

Leachman sees the impact that the new technology will have on profitability.

“For us, there is tremendous value in using predictions from the 50K technology to choose with accuracy which bulls from a group of yearlings will provide the most profit,” Leachman explains.

“With current technology, we have to wait two – three years for progeny data to achieve the accuracy that the 50K technology can provide.  This will help ensure we are picking the right bulls to use as herd sires.”

The technology will also give breeders more information when purchasing potential sires for their herds. For marketing purposes when selling bulls, farmers will be able to provide buyers with more accurate information that commands a premium sale price.

For the commercial producer, data on the animal’s potential may dictate feeding and management decisions or where the cattle are sold, such as into the high-end export market, a branded beef programme or a commodity market.

The 50K HD panel has already been evaluated in more than 4500 Aberdeen-Angus animals that are representative of industry genetics. Pfizer Animal Genetics is now completing the validation of the trait predictions on additional “real-world” cattle from operations across North America and in UK high accuracy sires.

These quality control measures will ensure that the 50K HD panel delivers the most reliable and trustworthy information possible for Aberdeen-Angus breeders in the UK and Europe.

In addition to introducing new global bovine genetic technology, Pfizer is in the process of strengthening its genetics products and services in Europe, with the establishment of European and British headquarters in Paris, France and Walton Oaks, UK, respectively.

“Pfizer Animal Genetics is completely committed to the European cattle genetics industry,” says Nigel Evans, vice president, Pfizer Animal Genetics.

“We are dedicated to accelerating the delivery of new genetic tools, including the 50K HD product, and a full range of smaller marker panels, parentage and genetic condition tests.

“These technologies will enable producers to capture higher profits from higher-value carcases and help meet consumer demand for high-quality, tender and flavorful beef on the dinner table.”

In Europe, Pfizer Animal Genetics is supported by the technical expertise of its global staff and the strength of its parent company, Pfizer Animal Health. A recently announced partnership with Orchid Cellmark Ltd in Europe will enhance delivery standards for the GeneSTAR®, SireTRACE®, SureTRAK® brands and for specific genetic condition testing.

Together, Pfizer Animal Genetics and Cellmark are dedicated to providing customers with accurate, reliable and timely results. New technology and rapid, accurate results are the blueprint for your future success.

For more information please contact our Customer Service at 0845 303 7398 or PfizerAnimalGenetics-EU@pfizer.com or visit us online at www.pfizeranimalgenetics.co.uk.

William out walking one of the Netherton bulls

The Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society has been fortunate in having one of its most progressive young breeders as president over the past year.

Thirty eight year old William McLaren is one of the youngest ever incumbents of this high office and, as the fourth generation of the McLaren family who have been stalwarts of the Aberdeen-Angus breed for 86 years with their successful Netherton herd, he follows in the footsteps of his father, Willie, who has served two terms as president.

But while William looks back with justifiable pride on his family’s long association with the breed, he is more concerned with the future and ensuring that Council make decisions which will take the breed forward to even greater heights.

He points to the introduction of Breedplan performance recording, DNA testing to improve the accuracy of selecting breeding stock, improved health declarations, the appointment of a brand development manager and the forthcoming adoption of genomics to expand DNA evaluation, as examples of the leading role the Society is playing in developing the market for Aberdeen-Angus.

“The Society is leading the field with these developments, all of which will benefit the breed in the long-term,” William points out. “Buyers are increasingly looking for figures and health assurances and the measures Council have introduced can only enhance confidence in the breed among both pedigree and commercial breeders and create new market opportunities for Aberdeen-Angus cattle.”

Modern information technology is also being utilised to keep members, customers and the wider industry informed of developments in the breed and the Society’s new web site, which has been Chrissie Lawrence’s priority in her first year as brand development manager, is a welcome innovation and will be the key provider of information in the future. Members particularly welcome the instant news service available from the major shows with show results hitting the web site literarily as they happen.

The Youth Development Programme has also taken a huge leap forward in the past year, under new co-ordinator, Gayle Bersey, and William sees this as major development which augurs well for the future of the breed by getting youngsters involving in showing and learning about Aberdeen-Angus cattle from an early age.

“More than 100 youngsters have taken part in the programme this year and the enthusiasm being shown by youngsters of all ages at the various training days and competitions has been exceptional,” says William. “We are grateful to all the volunteers who give up so much time to help the youngsters and help Gayle with the various training programmes.”

He adds: “The foundations have been laid and we have exciting plans for a youth development week-end to bring all the youngsters together for a week-end of training, stock handling and fun.”

It has been a busy year for William who has travelled the length and breadth of the British Isles, from Cornwall to the North of Scotland, and the north to the south of Ireland, to meet breeders, speak at club meetings and judge at various shows, including the Royal Cornwall, All-Ireland show at Clogher Valley and Bristol bull sale.

“I have enjoyed my year as president and have been made very welcome everywhere I have visited,” he says. “The breed is in good heart and breeders are generally happy with how things are going. But we cannot rest on our laurels and must keep moving forward to keep the breed ahead.”

The highlight of the year was, of course, the visit which William and his wife, Karen, made to Canada to attend the World Angus Forum in Calgary, Alberta. William represented the Society, along with the chief executive, Ron McHattie, at the meeting of the World Angus Secretariat, and with 35 other UK breeders, took part in a five day tour of herds of all the leading herds in the Calgary area and also the official pre-Forum tour in the Rockies.

William with his wife Karen

“We were most hospitably received everywhere we went and we are grateful to all the breeders who showed us their cattle and entertained us so well,” he says.

“We saw some tremendous cattle and it is clear that the breed is going from strength to strength in Canada.”

William was particularly impressed that most herds calve down at two years of age and operate a rigorous culling policy to weed out cows which are not performing, with particular reference to feet, udders and fertility.

“The herds we saw don’t carry passengers,” he says. “Breeders have an opportunity in the UK at the moment, with the high price of cull cows, to get rid of cows which are not performing and bring higher performing heifers into the herd.”

There are lessons to be learned from Canada, he adds, that bigger, fatter cows, who are looking after themselves rather than their calves, are not always the best breeders.

A group of young Netherton bulls

“Some breeders will argue that calving at two years of age will stunt growth but at Netherton we have found that by the time cows are five years of age, there isn’t much difference in size although maybe they won’t be as fat,” he says. “They will still have the same genetics in them whether they calve at two or three.”

However, William urges caution in following the North American trend to downsize their cattle.

“It may suit their market but we must maintain good growth rates in our cattle in the UK, bearing in mind we have to compete with the Continental breeds, although we musn’t sacrifice easy fleshing and easy calving,” he says. “I don’t think we should go any bigger but, equally, we must avoid going too small. For the commercial producer, it is the weight on the hook which pays.”

The Netherton herd was the first Aberdeen-Angus herd to adopt weight recording over 50 years ago and the herd has always had a reputation for producing well-grown cattle.

The outstanding success of the herd is the stuff of legends with five Perth bull sale championships and one female championship (but no fewer than 13 reserve female championships!) to its credit and a remarkable series of Netherton Matron’s sales over the past 20 years which have seen a succession of record prices, culminating in the current record of 30,000gns paid for Netherton Missie A114.

Perhaps the sires which have made the greatest impact, both on the herd and the breed in general, have been TLA Northern Samurai, a bull which bred very much true to type, and Darlene Cruz 11F, who left tremendous muscling in his progeny.

With an extensive embryo programme producing plenty of young females, the herd has sold all cows over five or six years of age at the Matron’s sales and all females, except 10 yearling heifers, were sold at a memorable production sale five years ago. Today, the herd runs to 25 pedigree cows and 30 commercial recipient cows.

Embryos imported from New Zealand, from cows selected by William during a two-week tour in 1999, have made a big impact on the breed. The UK semen rights were also obtained for the New Zealand national show champion, the $45,000 Ranui Impact, who has been widely used. His full brother, Netherton Sovereign A072, sired Netherton Figo C244, supreme champion at Perth in February, 2005, when sold for the top price of 30,000gns to Kincardine Castle and Coul.

The Netherton herd was prominent in the showring for many years, with a string of championship successes at the Royal Highland and Royal Shows and a frequent winner of the Walkers Shortbread Show Herd of the Year award.

Showing was discontinued in 2002 but the herd has returned to the showring over the past year to whet the appetite of son, Alasdair, and daughter, Seonaid, and step-daughter, Rachel, all of whom are involved in the youth development programme.

The McLaren family has made an immense contribution to the Aberdeen-Angus breed over many years. In the best traditions of the family, William’s clear thinking and progressive approach has steered the breed in the right direction during his year as president.

They always say that a busy restaurant is a sure sign of great tasting food, and there is no doubt that the beautifully presented premises at Ballymoney Street, Ballymena – home to the award winning “Montgomerys” is just that. Since opening the doors five years ago over 1.5 million customers have enjoyed the casual dining experience at Montgomerys.

This is a family run business led by husband and wife team Steven and June Montgomery, with their four sons Tim, Mark, Paul and Richard actively involved in all aspects of the success story.

Montgomerys have won "Best Eating Establishment in the Ballymena Borough" four times in the last five years.

“We have a real sense of pride in what we can offer our customers both in terms of cuisine and service – and are confident that our menus are of the very highest standard.” explains Steven Montgomery.

“All of the beef pork and lamb served up in a variety of popular dishes, are hand reared on our family farm allowing us to ensure that they are finished to our exacting standard. When it comes to beef we only use Aberdeen-Angus as we find it unrivalled in terms of flavour and texture. Our customers now ask for it by name as they associate Aberdeen-Angus with superior quality.”

Tim Montgomery added “The added bonus from our point of view is that there is very little hands on management required with Angus as the calves jump to their feet quickly when born and suckle without assistance. This means that we can concentrate our time within the restaurant and our agricultural stores at Cullybackey.

Montgomerys opens it doors Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. During the day breakfasts, snacks and lunches are served up to customers who travel from throughout the country to dine here time and time again.

The family commitment to the business has been recognised as Montgomerys has been awarded “Best Eating Establishment in Ballymena Borough” four out of the last five years. Considering that there is stiff competition for this accolade this is no mean feat for the Montgomery family.

Aberdeen-Angus beef is recognised the world over as being the housewives preference when selecting cuts for the table. It is no accident that this popularity has reached new heights as leading restaurants and supermarket chains actively promote Aberdeen Angus – sold on the succulent flavours and texture that the meat has to offer.

There is a shortage of Aberdeen-Angus beef in the marketplace as demand continues to grow year on year. This should be seen as a real opportunity for producers to consider using an Angus bull. The merits of reduced overheads and minimum management requirements will speak for themselves. However the dividends that can be achieved when selling Aberdeen Angus sired cattle could see your profit margins increase. So what are you waiting for?

There never has been a better time to consider Aberdeen-Angus. There will be 45 service age bulls and 10 females offered for sale at the NI Aberdeen Angus Club Show and Sale scheduled to take place at Dungannon Farmers Mart on Tuesday 9th February. judging is in the capable hands of David Weir and commences at 10am, followed by the auction at 1pm.

Sponsorship will kindly be provided by Jack Maguire, JM Farm Livestock Care.

For full details contact Dungannon Farmers Mart 028 8772 2727.

Mike Kirby and Black Butterfly - part of the winning team at Agri-Live Smithfield

When it comes to bringing out prize cattle, North Devon farmer Mike Kirby is proving to have the knack after bagging one of the country’s top awards twice in just three years.

His pure bred Aberdeen-Angus heifer, Black Butterfly, scooped the Duke of Norfolk trophy at the prestigious AgriLive Smithfield show, often referred to as the Crufts of the cattle world.

Mike’s wife, Lizzy, said: “You are up against the crème de la crème and just to get a placing is incredible but to actually get a first and to win a cup is out of this world.

“Winning at any show is fantastic but winning at Smithfield is indescribable. Just to be able to take part is a great experience.”

It is the second time Mike has done well at the show. In 2006 he swept the board, winning the Duke of Norfolk, Royal Cornwall and Queen Mother’s Trophy with his Aberdeen-Angus heifer Top Totty, Black Butterfly’s half-sister.

“This was an incredible feat made even more so by the fact that she is a pedigree Angus and a native breed,” said Lizzy.

Black Butterfly pictured at the English Winter Fair

But she added that entering cattle shows was “not all about winning” as they played another vital role in the farming community.

“There is also the social aspect to showing. Farming is a very lonely and relentless job but it is also a way of life for many. There is not a proper farmer who can honestly say that they are not proud to produce the finest whether it is beef, lamb, milk, straw, hay or barley.

“This is why the demise of the local markets is such a travesty, not only because this is when the everyday farmer gets to sell their fine produce but it is also an opportunity for these farmers to socialise and I suppose even to network.”

To read the rest of the article go to www.northdevon.co.uk.

By Chrissie Lawrence

When James Hook and his stock manager Andrew Bartlett went in to beef production two and a half years ago, many options were discussed. But having been used to large scale poultry production, they were in search of a process driven system which guaranteed a good level of profit.

“We thought heavily about finishing store cattle, but with store prices the way they were and still are it would have been a challenge to break even let alone be profitable. Suckler production also had its advantages, but the need for more labour and staggered calving throughout the year didn’t suit us at all,” explains Mr Bartlett, who manages all the livestock enterprises for PD Hook, Barley Park, Witney, Oxfordshire.

Stock manager Andrew Bartlett and some of the young aberdeen-Angus cross dairy calves

So when approached by the Blade Farming team to become a dedicated rearer/finisher of Aberdeen-Angus cross dairy bred cattle, it was a system that clearly had its benefits right from the start.

Angus cross heifers arrive at Barley Park at 12 weeks old having been reared by one of the dedicated Blade Farming calf rearers. “They stay in batches, which not only suits us from a labour point of view and it also means disease is kept to a minimum. These batches will be taken right through to finishing at about 18 months old to produce a carcass weight of 250kg,” he adds.

By adhering to a strict diet programme, predicted growth chart (see graph) and health policy set down by Blade Farming, Mr Bartlett knows exactly how these cattle are performing. “Calves arrive with a health declaration having been vaccinated for pneumonia, BTV and wormed so from the start we know what we’re working with.

“We start by feeding straw adlib plus 3kg concentrate as well as forage. They move on to a BOCM grower ration at 16% protein which takes them to a liveweight of 200kg.” During this first period we’re targeting a daily live weight gain of 0.85kg (see table).

The plan then is to grow a frame of 450kg which is then capable of producing a 250kg carcass grading O+-R3/R4L, which is the desired specification. Here we’re targeting a daily live weight gain of 1.0kg through a reduced protein/more starch diet.”

Feed levels for Barley Park (source: Blade Farming)

Cattle are finished outside which ties in with the grass and forage fed finishing specification from Blade, along with the help of a beef finisher roll fed via a snacker wagon. “Cattle are weighed pre-turnout, post grazing and before slaughter to constantly measure average daily liveweight gains. All animals are given EID tags so on weighing tags are scanned and weights are automatically uploaded to our Sheerwell Data programme for us to use and for Blade to measure our performance.

Blade farming calf co-ordinator Alex Robinson says: “More of our rearers are finishers are switching to EID. It’s simply where we need to be to monitor performance and identify those cattle that may not be performing to targets at a quicker rate. Our central website which can be accessed remotely – Blade Farm Works – allows us to see everything the rearer can from health checks to weights and finally carcass weights and grades.”

Blade Farming's Richard Phelps and Alex Robinson assessing some of the young Aberdeen-Angus cross calves

The Blade system is all about consistency explains managing director Richard Phelps, so that means a contract price for calves of a known quality coming on to the farm and finished to a set specification resulting in batches of 40 even finished cattle going through the supply chain.

And in terms of profitability, the system is equally working to the farm’s favour. Looking at a carcass weight of 260kg and a deadweight price of £2.90, as well as total finishing costs of £262/head, we’re looking at achieving a gross margin of £177/head excluding labour, explains Mr Bartlett.

This guaranteed level of profitability isn’t the only advantage of this system, he adds. “We started with 300 head and quickly moved to finishing 500 head a year. Plans are now on schedule for new housing so we can take numbers to 700. The process-driven nature of the enterprise means it’s easy to scale up without any hassle.”

Blade Farming Aberdeen-Angus Scheme (source: Blade Farming)

David Weir and some of his Aberdeen-Angus sired calves

The Weir family farm based on the outskirts of Dungannon, County Tyrone, is home to more than 100 suckler cows and followers. Recent times saw the farm purchase Aberdeen-Angus bulls, and as David Weir explained it makes perfect sense.

“Since opening our butchers shop three years ago we have seen for ourselves the overwhelming demand for Aberdeen-Angus beef across the counter. Customers often ask specifically for it as they are highly impressed with the mouth watering flavour and texture.”

The decision to run two black bulls was an easy one to make as there is a definite shortage of commercial Aberdeen Angus cattle in Northern Ireland, adds Mr Weir. “It is very difficult to source any volume of commercial Angus out of a certified bull.”

Mr Weir has also found that Aberdeen-Angus sired calves are quick to get to their feet and suckle. “They are grass fed until weaning. This is a tremendous bonus that they do not require additional feeding by way of concentrate. The cost of meal has increased dramatically in recent times, and since using the Aberdeen Angus bulls we have found that our bills have actually reduced. When the calves are weaned they receive a crimped wheat meal ratio made up from wheat grown on the farm.”

A typical Aberdeen-angus sired calves off one of the herd's suckler cows

An added plus point of the breed, which is clearly evident on the Weir farm, is the ability to finish beef earlier than many other Continental breeds.”We have found we can produce well finished steers and heifers at about 15 months of age which again has had a positive impact on our overheads”

Aberdeen-Angus sirloin steaks

The finished product is sold over the counter at the busy butchers shop that he runs in partnership with son in law Clayton Moore. M&W Meats opened the doors for business in September 2006, and have since enjoyed tremendous success building a reputation for selling consistently good produce. The shop, which is based at Scotch Street, Moy Road, Portadown now supplies over a dozen retailers right throughout the district in addition to a busy over the counter trade.

Breeder Robin Lamb with Clayton Moore and David Weir

Mr Moore explains:”M&W Meats has grown from strength to strength as the word has spread that we don’t compromise on quality. We are proud of the selection of beef, chicken and pork products that we can offer consumers, in addition to a full range of cooked and ready for the oven dishes. Beef is hung for a minimum of 21 days to ensure that the flavour is just right for our customers – and they tell us they have never tasted better!”

Perfect harvesting conditions did little to deter Aberdeen-Angus enthusiasts from making the trip to the Garvagh based Baronagh Herd of Victor Wallace at the weekend.

This idyllic setting was the venue for the NI Aberdeen Angus Club Stock Judging Competition, and was well supported from all six counties. Master Judges for the event were accomplished breeder’s Michael Smith and Jim Jack, who had no less than six classes of cattle to place for the event.

Jack Smith was placed first in the Junior Section at the NI Aberdeen-Angus Club Stock Judging. He is pictured receiving his prize from Wilson Dickey, Scotmin. Looking on are Alan Morrison and Jim Jack.

Winner in the junior Section (U16) was Jack Smith who made the journey from Strabane to attend. Brian McBriar collected top honours in the Intermediate category (16-25) and Sam Coleman was placed first in the Over 25 section. Sponsorship for this competition was kindly provided by Wilson Dickey, Scotmin who was on hand to make presentations to the prizewinners.

Winner of the Senior Section at the NI Aberdeen Angus Club Stock Judging held at Victor Wallace's, Garvagh was Sam Coleman. Wilson Dickey, Scotmin and Jim Jack were on hand to add their congratulations.

Visitors to the farm also got the opportunity to walk round the cows with Victor and his son Stephen. This herd is synonymous with quality, and has become a household name the length and breadth of the country. A large number of bulls are sold straight off the farm each year to repeat customers who have been delighted with how their Baronagh stock have bred for them.

One of the most significant influences in the herd was the magnificent Cambusbarron Punch who was in purchased in a four way split with Messrs Rea, Donnelly, Craig and Wallace a number of years ago. This stock sire stamped his authority across the herd, and bred a feast of top selling bulls and females. One of his most successful grandsons was Baronagh Euro A043 bred by Victor Wallace and used by a number of breeder’s. His progeny have earned high recognition at shows and sales, including breeding the best exhibitor bred entry for the Richhill herd at this year’s Balmoral Show.

The Baronagh cows were like “peas in a pod”, and had great quality calves at foot. They were a credit to Victor and Stephen, and showed how successful dedication to bloodlines and a good eye for quality can yield dividends.

NI Aberdeen-Angus club chairman Alan Morrison made a presentation to Victor and Heather Wallace and thanked them for their kindness in hosting the event, and for providing excellent refreshments. He also gave Michael Smith and Jim Jack a gift as a mark of appreciation for acting as master judges.

The next event in the NI Aberdeen Angus Club diary is the show and sale to be held at Dungannon Farmer’s Mart on the 26th October – entry forms are out available. For full details of Club events contact Alan Morrison 07811447812.

The sale includes some real beauties. Matthew is offering what he describes the best cattle made available for sale for some time from the herd. “These females are designed for the future of progressive genetic development.”

The herd was the winner of the Munster Herd of the Year in 2008, coming through triumphant in the large herd’s category.

The young potential donor cows are incredibly powerful with great bloodlines behind them. Juniors are equally important to the Goulding family and will offering heifers of show potential quality. Also selected are five bulls from respected cow families capable of suiting both the pedigree and commercial beef markets.

Some sale highlights:

Lot 4 Goulding Dazzling Perry

Lot 46 Goulding Eammon

All animals have tested free of Johne’s, BVD ad IBR and will be vaccinated for BVD and Lepto.  For more information on what s available in the sale go to Goulding Angus website.

The same day will see the Corridan Angus herd disperse from Tim, Doreen and Katie Corridan. This herd has had great success over the years both in the show and sale ring. The breeding policy has been based 100% on AI with proven sires selected on pedigree, progeny viewed, performance and index.

Herd sires have included Aynho Rossiter Eric, Dalrene Cruz and Jerusalem Faraday. From the US, Riverbend Powerline, greens Premium, Cudlobe Millenium, OGL Battlecry, Young Dale Touchdown and Young Dale Superior have also been used. The herd has also remained strong to Irish genetics having used Tunroe Udi and Ballycaher Maker.

Foundation females in the herd have a tremendous pedigree and are of large stature, with great frames and body capacity. The most desired lines include HF Blackbird 99G, HF Tibbie 15T, HF Evening Tinge 14F, HF Miss Rosebud 15C, Elsiemere and DMM Miss Essence 22B.

For a copy of the catalogue of more information contact the auctioneer MH McGowan and Co 00353 (78) 31007.

“I’ve always used Angus AI on my MRI milking herd due to their easy calving ability, so it was natural for me to look for Angus cross calves once we stopped milking five years ago.” Calves are bought in at about two weeks old from local dairy producers and as far down south as Cork. “I find rearing them from a young age far easier than buying them in as stores; it’s also more cost effective. The biggest plus though is the nature of them. As suck calves they get used to you and are easy to handle when it comes to moving them from field to field.”

Claves this year have cost anything between 120 and 170 euro, and have been as dear as 200 euro, so it’s vital Mrs Gibney has a good handle on the cost of feed it takes to rear and how much she has to sell for to be profitable.

Yearling Angus cross dairy calves out at grass

Having been finished out at grass on the 90 acre farm with a little help from a home blend concentrate mixture, cattle are sold at 18-20 months to a wholesale retailer in Co Mayo where they have been coming back at about 750-800 euro. “Taking feed in to account I calculate how much they make me a month. With prices currently down as low as 750 euro they are back about 19-20euro a head. The best I can average is 40 euro a head, but on average it’s about 33 euro ahead.”

When a supply of quality Angus cross calves have been short, Mrs Gibney has bought in a few Hereford cross calves to keep the numbers up, but she says these take far slower to finish. “The longer I have them, the less they make me a month.”

Noreen Gibney discussing beef price with Leo McEnroe

And like the UK, store trade is “fierce” in Ireland, but Mrs Gibney says selling stores isn’t as easy for her. “We’re in a huge TB area here, so rearing calves and taking them right through is far easier for me without the hassle of being shut down for any length of time.