The UK'S LIVESTOCK FARMERS HEAD TO EUROTIER 2024

The UK’s Livestock Farmers Head to EuroTier 2024: A Must-Attend Event for UK Farmers

 EuroTier 2024, taking place from November 12-15 in Hanover, Germany, is set to be a key event for UK livestock farmers. Known as the world’s leading trade fair for animal farming and livestock technology, EuroTier offers unparalleled opportunities for those involved in the beef, dairy, pig, poultry, sheep, and on-farm renewable energy sectors. UK farmers are highly regarded by exhibitors for their openness to new technologies and innovative solutions.

Comprehensive Offerings Across 13 Halls

With over 2,100 exhibitors spread across 13 halls and 54 acres of exhibition space, EuroTier covers a wide array of essential topics. Key focus areas include housing and feeding technology, animal welfare, sustainability, automation, robotics, and digitalization. This breadth ensures that there is something valuable for every UK farmer attending the event.

Ticketing and Special Offers

The ticket shop for EuroTier 2024 is open, with significant savings available for those who purchase tickets online. Early buyers can save around 10 euros per ticket compared to on-site prices. Visitors can choose between day tickets and season tickets. Additionally, EuroTier is offering 25 free tickets to the first UK visitors who correctly answer how many hectares the exhibition covers. Entries should be sent to visitor@dlg.org with the participant’s name and occupation.

Innovations and World Premieres

EuroTier is renowned for showcasing world premieres and award-winning technologies. The event is a major draw for UK farmers looking to discover the latest trends and innovations in livestock farming. Past editions have seen ground-breaking products like a teat cup liner for dairy cattle, a previous gold medal winner. The upcoming pre-press conference on September 24 will unveil the winners of the EuroTier Innovation Award 2024, a highlight for this year's event.

DLG-Spotlights and Interactive Displays

The DLG-Spotlights are a key feature at EuroTier, offering visitors interactive displays on topics critical to livestock farming. Highlights include:

·         TopTierTreff: A showcase of top genetics in dairy and beef cattle breeding on rotating stage.

·         Barn Robot Event: Focused on automatic feed pushing in dairy housing.

·         AI on Poultry Farms: Exploring artificial intelligence applications for improving animal welfare, health, performance, and energy efficiency in poultry production.

·         Pig Farming without Tail Docking: Industry solutions and best practices from various countries.

International Visitors Lounge

UK farmers can take advantage of the International Visitors’ Lounge, located at the DLG Stand in Hall 13. This space provides a comfortable area to relax, plan the day, and enjoy complimentary soft drinks.

Travel and Accommodation

Travel to EuroTier 2024 is straightforward, with convenient flights to Hanover available, e.g. from both London airports or Manchester. Alternative arrivals airports include Hamburg, Bremen or Berlin as public transport is well-organized. An exclusive airport shuttle service in Hanover airport is available for 25 euros each way. Accommodation options range from luxury hotels to budget rooms in the surrounding area, bookable through various providers, including Deutsche Messe's "Selected Hotel Program" and Get2Fairs.

Tailored Travel Packages

UK farmers can also opt for organized travel packages offered by Field Farm Tours, a UK-based agency that has worked closely with DLG for many years. These packages provide tailored and flexible options, ensuring a hassle-free visit to EuroTier.

 

All interested parties can visit www.eurotier.com for further details. The DLG (German Agricultural Society), the organizer of the show cordially invites you to visit the event at the Hannover Messe exhibition grounds in November – EuroTier 2024 promises to be an essential event for UK farmers, offering a wealth of opportunities to explore the latest innovations and trends in livestock farming.

INWARD MISSION TO UK SHEEP EVENT

INWARD MISSION TO UK NATIONAL SHEEP EVENT 30TH JULY 2024

Participants:

  • Dr. Rob Grinnall, UK Export Certification Partnership

  • Mr Chris Jackson, Export Manager UKTAG  

  • Mrs Svetlana Collier,–EECAN Consultant – UKTAG

Delegates:

  • Mrs Meruyert Kairbekova, Agri-Tech lead, British Embassy Astana, Kazakhstan

  • Dr Zhanat Kassenov, breeding programme leader, Institute of Sheep Breeding, “Suleimenov” farm, Kazakhstan

  • Mr Shokan Alzhan, head of Amanat Farm (Edilbay breed of sheep 6,000 head, livestock), Kazakhstan

  • Mr Amirserik Abiyev, Ekpin-2000 LLP (Edilbay breed of sheep 6,000 head), Kazakhstan

  • Mr Orazgeldi (Oraz) Rakhmanov, State Association of Livestock and Poultry Industry, Turkmenistan

  • Mr Hojamammet (Atazhan) Kertikov, State Association of Livestock and Poultry Industry, Turkmenistan

  • Mr Ganbat Dulamsuren, Livestock Commercialization Project, funded by the World Bank and managed by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Light Industry, Mongolia

  • Mrs Zolzaya Luvsansharav, Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) Phase II, United Nations Development Programme, Mongolia

Embassy visitors:

  • Mr Yerlan Zeineshev, Counsellor, Head of Economic Section, Embassy of Kazakhstan in London

  • Mr. Galymzhan Baiimbet, Kazakh TV journalist

  • Mr Nusrat Sagdiev, Consul, Embassy of Uzbekistan in London

  • Mr Akmal Saatov, Chief Accountant, Embassy of Uzbekistan in London

  • Mr Jasur Valiev, Third secretary, Embassy of Uzbekistan in London

  • Mr Zorigtbat Tseveenjav, Counsellor in charge of economic and trade affairs Mongolian Embassy London

The aim of this mission was to showcase the best of UK sheep and livestock sector can offer, focusing on breeds and breeding, farming practices, technology, equipment and education. To demonstrate how UK agri-tech can help in tackling challenges and increasing production in EECAN, by improving their native breeds, altering farming practices with focus on saving scarce resources and making production economically more efficient. 

July 29th

The delegates joined the NSA farm tour, visiting two farms with different approaches and practices.

Risbury Court Farm has Hereford cattle and Romney Cross ewes. It focusses on regenerative agriculture and soil health, improving pastures and grazing. Richard Thomas, who runs the farm explained how he uses research into soil health to enhance conditions on the pastures, and about plants helping to fight gastrointestinal parasites.   Richard has a holistic approach to farming with his Romney cross sheep where soil management and environmental issues were top priority. He is passionate about his approach where he aims for minimal input to produce good carcass sheep without the need for chemicals and artificial fertilisers.

Cawley Farm is based around the National Trust estate, with combinable crops, dairy heard, and shedding sheep flock. Being part of the National Trust Estate, the farm is constrained in what can be done and the size of their flock. They use shedding sheep on the farm eliminating the need for shearing. Will talked about their breeding programmes and the rams for sale.  His hair sheep are being developed for ease of management with good carcasses and he showed the visitors how his enterprise runs on minimal equipment needs and keeps overheads under control.

The day finished with Gala Dinner where the delegates met key contacts in the sector and UK TAG discussed their projects and financing options. The NSA Dinner was a great success with British lamb being produced for the 500 guests in what can only be described as military style.  The meal was superb, our thanks must go to the NSA and our sponsors including Farmgene who supported our guests.

30th July - National Sheep Event

Representatives from the Embassies of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan joined us for the event. Journalist from Kazakh Government TV channel recorded several interviews with key people.

This event focused on more commercial breeds of sheep, equipment, farming practices, feed and consumables. Trade associations, breed societies, and AHDB were also present.  

All visitors were given tours around the breeds. Meetings were conducted with several companies including Rappa Fencing and Lister Shearing. Interest came up about livestock tagging ang tracing. One of the questions was about wool and sheepskin processing. Long discussions were held at AHDB stand about their support for sheep sector, breeding and genomics works. Zhanat, the breeding expert from Kazakhstan, was interested in their work to predict meat quality and in possibility of joint projects.

The event was of great interest to the delegates. It provided a good insight into innovations in British sheep sector, breeding, feeding, care, meat quality. Delegates from Kazakhstan have shown an interest in purchasing rams, trailers, weighing equipment. Delegates from Mongolia were interested in tagging and tracing.

Official International Delegate Dinner. Meetings and discussions with key contacts. That evening, the NSA chair Peter Delbridge and his wife, with CEO Phil Stocker, Susan Stuart AHDB and Nick Cockayne Rappa joined the delegates for a hotel supper where relationships were cemented over another great meal of UK lamb.

31st July. Wednesday was a mix of meetings at various venues across Shropshire. On the first visit of the day to Farmgene, the delegates were given a tour, explanation and demonstration about the company’s breeding work – semen collection and storage, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and could compare their practices with how it is done in UK.

On to Harper Adams University, where they were given a tour of the University dairy section, with the delegates being particularly impressed with the way the research work is organised and funded, individual diets for research, robotic milking machine.

Just down the road was Roden Livestock, where Richard Hartshorn gave a demonstration and talk about South Devon Cattle. The delegates realised that this breed, being high performing with relatively low input and adaptable in challenging conditions, could be a good alternative or complementing their native breeds. They showed an interest in buying this breed’s semen.

Finally there was a meeting with Cogent, where Henry Sanderson explained the work they do in cattle genetics. Cogent recently shipped semen to a private farm in Turkmenistan, with EHC in place. They are also interested in shipping to Kazakhstan, but the validity of EHC remains questionable. Delegates from Turkmenistan will contact the farm and ask for results / feedback.

1st August

Burwarton Show on the Thursday was a great opportunity for the delegates to see the best of British livestock, equestrianism, machinery and equipment, and generally an idea of agricultural show, because such events are not known in their countries. The delegates were also amazed how well it was attended, by people of all ages.

It was focused not only on commercial breeds of livestock, but a variety of them used or simply kept in UK. Delegates realised that there are breeds they can explore deeper and that might be of interest to their countries. They also liked the machinery section and equestrian events.

After the parade, they had a chance to meet the Society’s President Lord Boyne and his wife Lady Boyne. Seeing British agriculture in this amazing entirety of stock, technology, equipment and lifestyle was a huge success and left a lasting impression on all of the delegates.

The delegates were all given Members tickets and free admission by The Burwarton Show Society Committee, we are very grateful to them for that.

2nd August

A final wash-up meeting at the hotel allowed for presentations from Susan Stuart, AHDB, Rob Grinnall, UKECP. Discussion about AHDB’s role in protecting the interests of British farmers, and what information could be used in delegates’ countries. Information about UKECP work and what they can offer and how they can assist in the agreement of certificates to facilitate the export of either animals or genetics purchased in the UK.

General feedback.

The delegates and embassy visitors were very pleased with the programme offered to them and the hospitality they received. They had opportunities to compare practices and approaches in their own countries to those in UK, identify opportunities for further cooperation, and technologies that will benefit them.

Chris Jackson, 9th August 2024

BRITISH JUDGE PRESIDES OVER 80TH ANNIVERSARY HAMPSHIRE SHOW IN ARGENTINA ANNIVERSARY HAMPSHIRE SHOW IN ARGENTINA

BRITISH JUDGE PRESIDES OVER 80TH ANNIVERSARY HAMPSHIRE SHOW IN ARGENTINA

ANNIVERSARY HAMPSHIRE SHOW IN ARGENTINA

Hampshire judging at La Rural Palermo Show

The Argentinian Hampshire Down Breeders Association celebrated its 80th Anniversary at La Rural Palermo Show held 25 July - 4th August 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Adding to the spectacle was a breed ‘first’ with judging taking place in the main show ring to mark the occasion. Judging honours went to British judge Alison Halcrow of the Parkstock Hampshire flock based in Northamptonshire.

Supreme Ewe Champion from Augustin Rasino pictured with judge Alison Halcrow

On what was a warm day and sunny day for Argentina ́s winter, Mrs Halcrow selected the Supreme Champions of the breed with the Hampshire ‘family’ basking in what was the country’s most important show.

Augustin Rasino

Taking the Supreme Female Championship was a milk-tooth ewe from CABAÑA LA PUERTA DE AGUSTÍN RASINO. Commenting, Mrs Halcow said: '“This was a very correct ewe; strong but still feminine with a good muscle to fat balance, fantastic top line and hindquarters. Well fleshed but not fat. With lots of breed character and colouring, she showed herself off well.” This flock took the Supreme Champion Ram award last year as well as the Reserve Supreme Champion Ram here in 2024.

Supreme Ram Champion pictured with Carlos Laborde’s family

Taking the Ram Championship was a two-tooth male, sired by a British ram, with a superb head and a strong top line at 150 kilos from CABAÑA EL HAREM DE CARLOS LABORDE. This strong, powerful ram was very correct on his legs and teeth; excellent top line, great depth of ribs, long wide loin; strong and well balanced from front to back, according to the judge. He was also presented the trophy from the Brandi Family for ‘Best Head in Show’ with all the qualities of a strong male, lovely dark colouring and ears set on well with a slight flick to the ends. This flock had previously imported semen and embryos from the Welsh Maes-glas flock, and it was its first time at Palermo Show. The same breeders also won the Reserve Female Championship here.

Carlos Laborde pictured with Alison Halcrow

“The Hampshire Down sheep on Show at Palermo showed how hard and dedicated the Breed Society there is working towards breeding quality stock, with its rigorous inspections and communication with UK breeders,” added Mrs Halcrow.

It was notable then many other section winners were offspring of British-bred semen and embryos which were imported in 2022, from Ballycreelly Livestock , Graylen Hampshire Downs and Maes-glas Hampshire Downs.

Argentina and the United Kingdom continue to forge historically strong bonds between their nations with the Argentinians keen to enhance the trading of genetics and the exchange of knowledge between individual farmers and their breed societies in the future.

Reserve Ram Champion with Sociedad Rural Vice President Marcos Pereda and Fernando Saenz Valiente President of Argentinian Hampshire Down Association

Thank you to Juan Portela of the Argentinian Hampshire Down Association, and to Alison Halcrow, for help in compiling this report.

BRITISH CATTLE BREEDERS CONFERENCE - DETAILS ANNOUNCED

The 2025 British Cattle Breeders Club conference will be held at the Telford Hotel & Golf Resort at Telford, from Monday 20th - Wednesday 22nd January.  The conference theme is 'The Herd of the Future' as chosen by current Chairman Andy King. 

Our theme is that cattle production and breeding is essential for global food security, but what are our roles and responsibilities in ensuring we can continue to feed a growing population whilst reducing the impact on our planet.  Moreover, what role will farmers play and what is required of them to feed our growing population.  How can this be done sustainably regarding the footprint we leave?  The future of cattle breeding will need to deliver outcomes that embrace change to meet production targets and expectations of environmental care.  Farmers have been under an increasing spotlight in recent times - What's the incentive to continue under the often negative pressures exerted by influential lobbyists.  What will that mean in the short and long-term?  All this leads us to question, what will the 'herd' of the future look like, for both stock and stock keepers?

The conference is a fantastic forum where both the beef and dairy industries meet providing the perfect opportunity for discussing and sharing ideas, challenging and encouraging debate and driving businesses forward.  Attracting around 300 delegates over 2 1/2 days, we will start the conference with an interactive workshop on Monday afternoon, followed by beef presentations on Tuesday finishing the day with a bovine session.  Wednesday will start with a second bovine session, followed by dairy presentations.  Evening events on both Monday and Tuesday provide further networking opportunities.

We are currently inviting key influential speakers across our industry and once we have the full programme confirmed I will forward this to you.  If you are also able to include the conference details within any members newsletters or on your website it would be greatly appreciated.  Likewise if you have any events that you would like me to promote through our platforms please let me know.

www.cattlebreeders.org.uk

HISTORIC PRICE FOR BRITISH TEXEL GENETICS IN PARAGUAY

HISTORIC PRICE FOR BRITISH TEXEL GENETICS IN PARAGUAY

The ‘Texel Fusion’ event which took place on 2nd June 2024, saw a new Paraguay record for a female sheep set at £10,191 (98 Million Paraguayan Guarani). This was the fourth edition of the fair organized by the ‘La Soñada’ and ‘Ña Vicenta’ flocks which took place at the Limpio fairground and broadcast by COPA TV.

 

Sonadora Margit 123

"The auction of 100+ breeding females once again confirmed strong market interest – and a 100% clearance - in Texel genetics” said Ignacio Callizo, owner of La Soñada ranch.

 

Sale leader was the nine-month-old ewe Sonadora Margit 123 sired by Garngour Dunga, bred by Alan Clark, North Garngour, Lesmahagow, Scotland and out of La Teja 96. It is the result of last year’s importation of British Texel semen to ‘improve’ local flocks. Senor Callizo added: "We sold a third share of the animal we had in partnership with Juan Pablo Romero of Ña Vicenta at 31.2 Million, making the total value 98 Million, a historic price.” The buyer was Estancia Jasy Renda, new breeders in the breed.

 

Texels continue to demonstrate their value in producing lambs with improved conformation and carcase weight that the market is looking for.

LATAC BEEF & DAIRY - MEET THE BUYER 19 JUNE

LATAC Beef and Dairy Meet the Buyer
Date: 19 June 2024
Location: 23 Stephenson’s Street, Birmingham

An opportunity for interested companies to meet with relevant buyers and commercial officers from across the LATAC region. There will be a briefing session and 1:1 Meet the Buyer opportunities.

The main objective of the inward mission is to facilitate the relationship between Latin American organisations and the British market. Through this initiative, the aim is to encourage commercial exchange, promote strategic alliances and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technologies between both regions.

This opportunity gives Latin American companies the chance to explore the dynamic British market, meet leading companies in the livestock sector and establish solid and lasting business relationships. At the same time, British companies will be able to expand their presence in Latin America, taking advantage of the growth potential and investment opportunities the region offers. Together, we are building trade bridges that strength economic relations between the UK and Latin America, driving mutual development and business prosperity.


Countries represented:

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico and Uruguay


Interested? For further info please contact Mark Sankey Mark.Sankey@businessandtrade.gov.uk

Click here to find out more information on confirmed buyers or to register your interest today.

Please confirm by 26th May 2024.

 

SCOTSHEEP 5 JUNE 2024

Scotsheep is a biennial event organised by NSA (National Sheep Association) Scotland and will be the most important specialist event in the calendar for sheep producers in Scotland and North of England in 2024.

Organised by the Scottish Region of the NSA, NSA Scot Sheep 2024 will be held on Wednesday 5th June 2024, at Aikengall Farm, Innerwick, Dunbar, East Lothian, where the Hamilton family (James, Charles and Harry, along with their mother Vanessa and their late father John) moved in 1998, from Dykefoot and South Cobbinshaw in Lanarkshire.

The 2024 event will follow the successful format developed over recent years and will include an extensive trade stand area with over 160 commercial and educational trade stands, 32 sheep breed societies and 11 individual breeder and companies trade stands/demonstrations; farm tour; comprehensive seminar and workshop programme; educational and working demonstrations; sheep dog trial; show and sale of pairs of ewe hoggs; fencing, stockjudging and NSA Next Generation Shepherd of The Year competitions as well as inviting schoolchildren from local schools in the East Lothian area to attend through the Royal Highland Educational Trust.

The Hamilton family farm a combined total of 5250 acres across six units near Innerwick, Dunbar, which are a mixture of tenanted, contract farmed and owned. With some 2800 breeding ewes and a hefty herd of cows, this stands the family in good stead to host the event at Aikengall.

The homestead, as it were, is the 1900-acre Aikengall which is home to a 1400-strong flock of Blackface ewes as well as 900 spring-calving cows with Simmental genetics featuring heavily in the females which are crossed to Charolais, Lincoln Red and Aberdeen-Angus bulls. This Blackie flock is split in two with 700 bred pure while the remainder are put to the Bluefaced Leicester ram to produce replacement Scotch Mules for the tenanted Nunraw, which lies just over the hill but is 14 miles by road.

Managed by Harry, the flock of 1400 Mules at Nunraw are in a high input, high output system with the aim of selling 1200 Texel-sired lambs before the Royal Highland Show in late June, with the remainder weaned in July and sold thereafter. Just next door lies *Stoneypath* where they have recently taken on contract farming 156 red dear hinds and 40 Luing cows over 350 acres, and with the two farms sharing a march fence it couldn’t be more ideal.

From the hill at Nunraw, looking to the coast you can see the 600-acre arable unit, Barney Mains, which is run by Charles who grows spring barley and a variety of vegetables and fodder, allowing for a handy bartering system with the brothers for grain, straw, grazing and manure.

The natural environment is treated as an equal enterprise on the farm with various stewardship schemes, latterly Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP)/ Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) having played a significant role in the development and improvement of infrastructure and habitats on the predominantly upland unit at Aikengall.

As well as this, Aikengall also hosts Aikengall Wind Farm with Community Wind Power Ltd which became operational in 2009, comprising 16 Vestas V90 wind turbines. These wind turbines have a tip height of 125 metres, and each has a generating capacity of 3MW, generating enough electricity to power approximately 31,500 homes and based on displacing around 54,200 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide per annum.

See www.scotsheep.org.uk

TEXELS GEARING UP FOR UK 50TH "TEXTRAVAGANZA" 5-10 JULY

The UK Texel Society’s plans for its International visitors joining its 50th Anniversary celebrations are progressing well with over 20 delegates currently confirmed - 15 from Uruguay, 2 from Chile and 5 from Netherlands. Others are expected from Mexico, Ireland and elsewhere.

 

Details of the programme are as follows:

 

Friday 5th July Attendees travel up to Cumbria

Saturday 6th July Attend National ‘Textravaganza’ Show

Sunday 7th July Day at leisure - Visit Edinburgh

Monday 8th July Visit to SRUC, Easter Howgate & AB Europe

Tuesday 9th July Travel to Flock Visit(s) arranged by Texel Sheep Society

Wednesday 10th July Attend the Great Yorkshire Show

 

The technical workshop at SRUC coordinated by the Society brings together Texel breeders from UK and Uruguay, with common ground. Both UK and Uruguayan Texel Societies work with their country’s research institutes in multi national research projects, between SRUC and INIA Uruguay, along with NZ and Ireland, focused NetZero and methane reduction.  A visit to AB Europe will follow this workshop, with flock visits as the delegation travel south to Harrogate. Whilst the breeders also have an opportunity to visit a National Show of Texel sheep held in Carlisle, followed by a visit and reception hosted by the Society at the Great Yorkshire Show

 For further information, please contact:

Ailish Ross

Events Manager

The British Texel Sheep Society Ltd

Unit 74, 4th Street

Stoneleigh Park

Kenilworth

Warwickshire

CV8 2LG

 

( +44(0)2476 696629; *: office@texel.co.uk : texel.uk

LOOKING AHEAD TO EUROTIER 12-15 NOVEMBER

EuroTier, the world's leading trade fair for animal farming, reaffirms its status as the largest event in the sector with 2,000 exhibitors from 51 countries already confirmed for this year's edition. Pre-pandemic, EuroTier 2018 boasted over 153,000 visitors and 2,500 exhibitors at 260,000 sqm in 16 halls.

Alongside the strong interest from the industry, EuroTier is renowned for bringing together industry experts, innovators, and stakeholders from across the globe to showcase the latest advancements in animal farming, exchange valuable insights, and explore collaborative opportunities.

The theme of this year's EuroTier is 'We innovate animal farming,' which will feature an international specialist programme on the current developments in cattle, pig, and poultry farming. Professionals can learn how the latest technologies – especially AI and robotics – and new barn concepts help to address today's challenges, improve animal welfare and energy efficiency, and reduce emissions.

In collaboration with our partners, British Livestock Genetics & UKTAG will be organising a British Livestock pavilion in Hall 11, close to the renowned "Top Tier Treff," a gathering of leading breeding associations worldwide.

The substantial UK presence at EuroTier provides British farming and breeding organizations with a global platform to showcase their expertise. Participating in EuroTier at a joint pavilion stand offers a unique opportunity for British entities to expand their networks and leverage the event's global reach. This strategic investment can yield long-term benefits for their growth and success in the industry. Interested enterprises are invited to contact Richard Saunders for details on participation. E: richardsaunders1965@yahoo.co.uk M: 07901768904

NEW BRITISH CATTLE BREEDERS CLUB CHAIRMAN ANDY KING

Introducing new British Cattle Breeders Club Chairman Andy King

It is a great honour and privilege to have been elected chairman of the British Cattle Breeder’s Club for 2024-25. The year ahead is built on the outstanding and hugely successful conference that took place in January under the chairmanship of Ben Harman and the immensely hard-working and talented committee.

I experience a mixture of ‘excitement’ and ‘apprehension’ as we navigate the conference planning stages. However, I have a sixth sense that the British Cattle Breeders Club will deliver in a thought provoking and positive manner the message that cattle breeders are crucial in delivering food security as well as having a positive influence on environmental stewardship.

Cattle breeding, from fundamental research to practical nutritious food delivery relies on a multi-disciplinary family, or as Ben Harman stated last year ‘a Village’.

Within the cattle sector we are expected to continue to push the boundaries of efficiency and judicious use of natural resources that may or may not be replenishable. The farming community has continuously been challenged to ‘produce two from where we used to produce one’ but now we can also add ‘produce better and tread more lightly’ whilst we are doing so.

Regeneration is recognising the need to put things right and within cattle breeding we have to protect, maintain and develop all the tools in the toolbox that allow our farmers to continue to farm resiliently in diverse systems that protect the natural capital that is the farm.

Part of our way forward is to look at the future herd both in terms of the farmed cattle and those that are farming them. Technology is starting to deliver benefits in cattle management beyond simple labour saving, especially in the areas of health management and production monitoring.

Where are we going in terms of AI? Now no longer just our historic cattle breeding terminology but developing artificial stockmanship. Do our cattle have traits that are more positive leaning towards artificial management.

Finally, we have to support and promote diversity and the protection of the gene bank as key tools our researchers and scientists use to understand and develop traits needed for future cattle generations.

I would welcome and encourage anyone with an interest in cattle breeding and genetics to join us at the conference from whatever their role in the industry is. As a club we are continually looking to inspire and promote the future generation of cattle breeders and the conference provides a unique backdrop to network and meet new friends and old.

I look forward to meeting you at the conference in January 2025.

BBC LANDWARD FEATURES UK SHEEP EXPORTS TO USA

The latest edition of BBC Scotland Landward has presenter Cammy Wilson highlighting the export of North Country Cheviot sheep genetics from the UK to the USA. Featured is Caithness breeder Andrew Polson who has had embryos collected by AB Europe for export to fellow American breeder Martin McQueen in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia. A most positive news piece in the context of UK sheep exports to the US. Please click on the following link (circa 11 mins 22 seconds in)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001yf0t/landward-2024-episode-3

 Thanks to American-based export consultant, John Wilkes, for sharing. E: johnwilkesusa@gmail.com

MARY MEAD AWARDED HUK LIFETIME ACIEVEMENT AWARD

MARY MEAD AWARDED HOLSTEIN UK’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2023

It was with great pleasure that the British Cattle Breeders Club welcomed Holstein UK’s President Andrew Jones to present Mary Mead of the Lakemead Prefix with Holstein UK’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the annual conference dinner in January, at Telford.

Mary Mead pictured at BCBC 24

Mary and her husband Roger started farming in 1961 in the Yeo Valley where they formed the Lakemead herd of British Friesians.  A closed herd with genetics that can be traced back multiple generations.  All replacements are bred from their best cows and artificially inseminated with carefully selected British Friesian semen, both from their own and other well-established herds. Mary has always been a keen supporter of pedigree breeding and has derived great satisfaction from providing breeding bulls to the major AI companies with semen, also for export.  She is a firm believer that there is a black and white cow to suit all systems of farming within the Holstein UK open Herd Book.

Andrew Jones said ‘It was a privilege and an honour to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mary, a cornerstone of this industry for over 60 years.’

The BCBC President Duncan Sinclair added ‘There can be no doubt that this Lifetime award is richly deserved for Mary’s outstanding contribution and passion for the British Friesian breed both at home and her influence on the breed around the world. Her commitment, energy and willingness to challenge, support and advise on all cattle breeding matters is legendary, be that discussions with her fellow farmers to world leading geneticists. I am sure this award from her peers will take pride of place amongst the many others she has gained over her distinguished farming career.’

Holstein UK's Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals who have dedicated at least twenty years of service to the Holstein and/or British Friesian breeds. The award represents the ultimate honour for those who have made noteworthy contributions to the Society unassumingly.  Mary is one of three recipients to receive the prestigious award for 2023.  To read Holstein UK’s full report visit holstein-uk.org/news/holstein-uk-announces-lifetime-achievement-award-winners

LATEST AHDB DATA ON GENETIC TRENDS IN BEEF SIRES USED ON DAIRY COWS

Genetic trends in beef sires used on dairy cows

We estimate that, in 2023, over half of the prime beef animals finished in the UK had a dairy dam. This means that breeding decisions made by dairy farmers are having a huge impact on the beef industry. Below, we explore what this means in practice.

The beef sires chosen by a dairy farmer must be ‘easy calving’, but there is increasing interest in selecting these sires for other traits, which will increase the value of the dairy beef calf.

Our National Beef Evaluations use data from the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) and a national network of abattoirs to produce Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) – a measure of the genetic merit – for five carcase and three maternal traits for all breeds and crossbreds.

They are grouped into native (most common breeds: Angus, Hereford and South Devon) and continental (most common breeds: Limousin, Simmental and British Blue) types to reflect the different genetic backgrounds.

To understand the changing selection in beef sires, we looked at the average EBV for dairy beef calves born between 2001–2021 and their sires. We can then compare this to the suckler beef calves over the same period.

Days to slaughter

Calves that finish more quickly cost less to rear, so breeding for a reduced days to slaughter is highly desirable for finishers.

These graphs shows that the average days to slaughter EBV for suckler beef calves and their sires (light and dark blue lines) have improved steadily over the last 20 years.

In the past, the genetic potential for days to slaughter of the dairy beef calves (green lines) was poorer than the suckler beef calves. However, since 2014, the improvement in suckler calves and sires is dwarfed by the massive improvements recorded in dairy beef.

Although, in the past, the genetic potential of dairy beef calves was poorer than their suckler-bred counterparts, this is no longer the case. This is due to the huge improvements in beef sires used on dairy cows.

If this trend continues, we expect dairy beef calves to have the genetic potential to finish more quickly than their suckler counterparts.

Carcase weight

For beef animals generally, a heavier carcase is desirable as payments are based on kilograms of the cold carcase weight.

For native sires, we do not see much change in calves from dairy herds between 2001–2016 (green line). This is quite different to the trend seen in the native sires and their calves in suckler systems (light and dark blue lines), where the genetic merit for carcase weight increased by 7.6 kg over the same period.

Since 2016, the average carcase weight EBV of native sires used in dairy herds (red line) has increased by 3 kg, although it remains lower than that of native sires used in suckler systems.

For continental sires, we see comparatively little change in both dairy and suckler performance. Before 2011, the average carcase EBVs for continental sires used in dairy herds (red line) were increasing. However, this rate of increase has slowed and there has been very little change since 2011.

A key aspect to this trait is its unfavourable correlation with birth weight and calving ease. Selecting a beef bull with a good calving ease will remain a top priority for dairy farmers; this will limit improvements in carcase weight. This is particularly clear in the trends for native sires, which are often used for their good calving.

These native sires used in dairy herds have a much lower rate of improvement for carcase weight than those used in suckler herds.

What is driving this selection?

Many dairy farmers make use of genetic tools, such as AHDB’s herd genetic reports, to help breed high-quality replacement heifers.

When it comes to the selection of beef sires, there is similar data available through artificial insemination (AI) companies, pedigree breed societies and our National Beef Evaluations. However dairy farmers have generally not been incentivised to breed beef calves with good carcase traits, so beyond calving ease, we don’t expect the average dairy farmer to be selecting beef sires according to their carcase EBVs.

However, these results show that genetic progress is still being made.

There may be several reasons for this, including the progress by pedigree farmers who breed these beef bulls, but also the prevalence of integrated systems, which enable collaboration between beef processors and AI companies. This ensures that the available beef sires will produce the type of calves that the finishers and processors need.  

Key messages

Although the genetic merit for carcase traits of dairy beef calves was, in the past, poorer on average than suckler beef calves, this is no longer the case.

This is likely due to strong selection, particularly for reduced days to slaughter in the beef sires available from the large AI companies.

If you are buying dairy beef calves, you can use AHDB’s National Beef Evaluations to look up their sire to give an idea of their genetic potential.

EUROTIER 12-15 NOVEMBER - EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

The UK livestock industry is planning a joint British Livestock stand at EuroTier, Hannover, Germany 12-15 November 2024.

All cattle, sheep and pig societies/associations are welcome to be part of the event against a contribution of £500 or £1,000 towards costs - for full details please click HERE - as are breeding (AI & ET) businesses. The stand is being organised by the British Livestock Genetics (BLG) consortium. Expressions of interest please by 31st March to Stand Manager Richard Saunders E: richardsaunders1965@yahoo.co.uk M: 07901768904

SYNETICS UK LAUNCH

New AI Company Synetics UK replaces Mastergen and increases product range 

 Cattle breeding company, Mastergen, has been transformed for 2024 into a new company with a new name and an increased and more diverse portfolio of genetics.  

Synetics launches in the UK in 2024

Now called Synetics UK, the new name reflects the joining of forces between Mastergen’s original German parent company, Masterrind, and the French genetics giant, Innoval/Evolution. Through their formation of the export arm, Synetics Export, these two major European co-operatives trade over eight million doses of semen across 80 different countries, now including through Synetics UK. 

This means that UK farmers now have access to the most diverse line-up of European sires ever available. This includes not only a strong line-up of Holsteins (including red and whites) but a total of 20 different breeds – both dairy and beef. Amongst these are familiar names such as Limousin, Charolais, Blonde d’Aquitaine, Normande and Salers alongside those which are less mainstream, such as Bazadaise, Gascon, Parthenaise, Abondance and Tarentaise. 

More French and German bulls breeding heifers like this VG 2yr daughter of Solito Red EX92 will be coming to the UK through Synetics UK

Particular strengths are beef breeds specifically developed for use on dairy, most notably the INRA95 and Yperios Excellence, which are currently topping UK beef markets and are unique to Synetics’ breeding programmes. 

Seven different dairy breeds are also part of Synetics’ portfolio, including those suited to the increasingly popular extensive systems, while three breeds of goat are part of the package. 

Alison Dunphy, managing director of Synetics UK, says: “The entry of the parent company into the domestic market has significantly upped the European genetics offering and diversity of bloodlines for UK producers. 

“The formation of Synetics UK ensures UK farmers have access to genetics from the two major European breeding programmes,” she says. “The combined force of Masterrind, (the market leader in Germany), with Innoval/Evolution, (the biggest AI company in France), brings the services and bull portfolio to UK producers, from two major farmer co-operatives working with over 13 million cows. 

“The research investment behind these organisations has led to the development of Europe’s most advanced genomic testing facility and its highest standards of semen quality. 

“This investment has also allowed unique genetic traits to be developed, including paratuberculosis or Johne’s resistance, which we are already finding enormously popular within herds dealing with this disease,” she says. 

Other features include polled bloodlines for every breed and a wide selection of bulls transmitting a high degree of digital dermatitis resistance. 

Despite the uptick in the company’s genetic offering, Ms Dunphy says the values of the former company will remain enshrined in Synetics UK. 

“As a company, we have built our reputation on value for money, without the overhead of expensive reps on the road, and we will continue with this business model under the Synetics UK banner,” she says. “Our telephone support is readily available and is growing in popularity amongst the many commercial beef and dairy producers who are looking for cost-effectiveness, while continuing to enhance their herds’ genetics.” 

SYNETICS UK CONTACT DETAILS

Tel: 01823 430317

Email: enquiries@synetics.co.uk

Web: www.synetics.co.uk

 Address: Unit 5, Monument View, Chelston Business Park, Summerfield Ave, Wellington,

Somerset, TA21 9ND

BRITISH CATTLE BREEDERS CONFERENCE 22-24 JANUARY

The countdown is on for the British Cattle Breeders Club conference being held in Telford, Shropshire 22-24 January 2024, a two-day event for the beef and dairy sectors.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Green Genes - revolutionising cattle breeding for a sustainable future” with this year’s BCBC keynote presentations bringing together farmers and academia to understand how this can be achieved. BCBC Chairman, Ben Harman, adds: “We can adapt our breeding and management practices by making the best use of science and technology to improve animal efficiencies and reduce emissions. This will also drive business profitability.”

 View the full programme and book your place online www.cattlebreeders.org.uk/conference 

BRITISH TEXEL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN 2024

The British Texel Society celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024 with a programme of activities planned for July. It is keen to invite committed advocates of British genetics from overseas to its national show and extended programme for flock visits to existing and  prospective importers of Texel genetics. The Society has much to celebrate, having achieved so much in the last decade and across the half a century it has existed, a short timeline when considering breed societies and breeds of major influence.

 The programme is expected to include a visit to leading AI/ET companies, along with a splash of sightseeing in between the stunning Scottish Borders and North Yorkshire with the visit culminating at the Great Yorkshire Show.  The provisional programme is set out HERE.

Part of the programme of events that fits best for international visitors starts on the 5th July and runs through to 10th July, with our National show “Textravaganza II”, on the 6th July, held in Carlisle,  the second major show held separately to the usual Royal and County shows. Preceding the national show is a clubs competition day, summer sizzler bbq reception, with flock visits progressing from the 7th through to the Texel members Great Yorkshire show reception, that takes place after the Texel show classes on the 10th July. 

The Society held its inaugural National show in 2021 with great success, with over 200 exhibitors and over 400 members, family and friends making up the audience. We expect the 50th anniversary event to have an increased attendance, making for an ideal opportunity to invite prospective buyers of British Genetics, the society providing hospitality and direct access to Texel breeders eligible to export and the technical companies involved. 

The flocks visits culminate at the Great Yorkshire Show, where overseas visitors can experience the glory that a major English County show offers, with all types of livestock and farming practices promoted,  combined with another large Texel show and an invite to our Members reception in our own marquee, where over 100 members and friends have met each year for over 40 years in conjunction with our Northern Area Texel breeders association. 

The programme is rich in tradition, and offers visitors a great opportunity to share in the breed’s success, celebrate the society’s 50th anniversary, with a backdrop promoting all that is great about the GB and English livestock sector. W: www.texel.uk E: office@texel.co.uk

WINTER 2023/24 EXPORT BULLETIN OUT NOW

Welcome to the latest Winter 2023/24 edition of the Livestock & Genetics Export Bulletin. Please click HERE to read. We are always looking for news items on British livestock (breeding animals) and genetics (semen/embryos) - either news of exports from the UK or news of how these animals are successfully breeding in their new homes overseas. Please send any news (pictures and text) to Richard Saunders Email: richardsaunders1965@yahoo.co.uk. Thank you and Season’s Greetings to All.

ESSIE SUFFOLKS REACH GEORGIA

Thanks to The Scottish Farmer for the following article which appeared in print in their 28 October 2023 edition. www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk

More than two years after Aberdeenshire Suffolk breeder Irene Fowlie exported the first sheep to Georgia, she has defied all odds and sent a double load – by air. Such is the demand for genetics from her high index performance recorded Essie flock from Fraserburgh, that the buyers of the first importation requested another 70 breeding females and three shearling rams soon after their foundation purchase.

However, despite having an Export Health Certificate and the flock being scrapie monitored and MV accredited for years, Irene and her husband Jim had to jump through hoops before the sheep were given permission to travel a second time.As in the initial export, the couple had to wait a good year to get a second deal up and running when Defra refused to allow a permit for the sheep to be transported by road on welfare grounds.

Furthermore, after months of licence requests, health certificates and screeds upon screeds of other paperwork sent to various international heads and veterinarians, they found the only way they could travel was by air – at a hefty cost of £800 per animal.The buyer of the first importation, the Adjara Group LLC – one of the most prestigious group companies in Georgia involved in hospitality, gambling and agriculture – was more than willing to cough up the cost of a second load which arrived on Saturday morning following three separate flights.International livestock haulier, Andrew Ewing transported the Essie sheep down from the farm to Stansted on the Thursday – just hours ahead of Storm Babet which caused major travel disruption in the north-east – with Irene and Jim following them down to the airport to wave them off.

The couple also got to see them transported onto the hold of the cargo plane which had to be air conditioned and maintain a temperature of between four and eight degrees C.

"It was just an amazing experience seeing the sheep being transported onto the plane and what they were travelling in on the aircraft," said Irene, who was blown away by the care and consideration of cabin crew who carted the sheep from the lorry into specifically designed wooden crates that had been made in Holland, to be lifted onto the plane.

"We spent months negotiating a deal with a Spanish transport company with two stops on route, only for Defra to block such movements on welfare grounds which just seems crazy when eastern European countries are desperate for British genetics.

"We discovered the only way they could travel was by air as it saved having to go through each Border Control post, but even then the paperwork to get the sheep to Georgia is unbelievable," said a highly relieved Irene once she heard the sheep had arrived safely.

"A certificate of origin and EOR number had to obtained before we could consider transport and even then Georgia wouldn't send an import permit until they had received all the veterinarian health certificates which they had to have within 24hours of the sheep leaving the farm."

Irene also had to make up a 'seating plan' for the sheep on the plane to ensure their weight was evenly distributed when the load comprised gimmers and ewe lambs of various weights ranging from 55-100kg and three shearling rams.

Initially the sheep had to travel down to Stansted via a road transporter with a Type 2 Licence and satellite tracking, complete with travel log and customs documentation. From these valuable sheep transported in crates, flew to Masstricht in the Netherlands and soon after departed for Istanbul in Turkey. After a few hours stop over, they flew onto Georgia and their new home in Tibilisi.Georgia has a very old sheep industry with sheep bred for wool, cheese making and meat. With the purchase of pedigree Suffolk sheep, The Adjara Group also hopes to promote the breed throughout the country for its superior growth and meat characteristics.

Speaking on Radio 4’s Farming Today Programme on 1st November, Irene Fowlie added: “Native Breeds in Georgia tend to be bred for milk, making cheese and for their wool, and they need a meat breed - and as Suffolks are well known for very fast growth and good conformation, they wanted to set up a foundation flock of Suffolk sheep to improve meat breeding sheep in the country.” Please click HERE for the full programme.

You can also follow ESSIE SUFFOLKS on Facebook for further news