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the new Society Sale at Skipton on Wednesday 7th November, which we hope will establish as a sound focus for the breed in the northern region. An analysis made of recent sale data has shown that bulls with performance figures sold at Society sales in the past four years have achieved an average of £900 in excess of non-recorded bulls. It goes without saying that there are obvious exceptions to this, but it is generally a very strong argument in favour of performance recording. Olivia Cooper, freelance journalist, has kindly compiled a press release on the subject which is available to read on the website if you have not seen it elsewhere. Our thanks go to David & Barbara Bowley for allowing us to use their herd as a case study. Congratulations to Liz and her daughter Katie for undertaking the Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK on what was a very warm sunny day – what a way to get a sun tan! Thank you to all those who were kind enough to sponsor them, and to raise a total of £480. Well done, all! I have included some interesting statistics from BCMS, which show clearly where lies our biggest target for growth - the commercial beef producer. The breed can compete very well in terms of growth and size with the continental beef breeds, with the added value of native breed characteristics such as marbling, grass conversion, milk, and temperament. Breed promotion is a slow process, but we have taken some big strides forward in recent years, and are working hard to extol the breed’s virtues. If you can help in any way (such as by providing carcase data, information about private sales of bulls, or encouraging your local market to promote the breed) it all counts. It’s really good to see South Devons topping the market in sale reports – keep them coming so that we can use it as promotional material! Please don’t forget the deadline for the Herd Competition – 24th August. Also inside are the remaining major show results, news about Livestock 2012, and Beef South West. I am away on holiday now until 20th August, so I wish you fine weather, happy cattle, and a good harvest. With my best wishes Caroline

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PEDIGREE REGISTRATION AND DNA TESTING

OF SALE BULLS

As announced in a previous newsletter (April 2012), it is now an obligatory requirement for the myostatin status of sale bulls to be published in the sale catalogue. You should allow a minimum of four weeks before close of sale entry to submit your request for registration together with hair sample for DNA analysis, so please act immediately if you need to! Except in very exceptional circumstances, bull entries will not be accepted into the sale catalogue if the myostatin status is not known at the time of publication.

AUTUMN SHOW & SALE SCHEDULE BRISTOL SALES CENTRE, EASTER COMPTON, BRISTOL

Tuesday 2nd October 2012

A. All animals to arrive at the Livestock Centre between 11.00 and 14.00 on Monday 1st October.

B. Our veterinary inspector, Duncan Findlay MRCVS, will be carrying out inspections on all animals at the Centre on Monday 1st October between the hours of 14.00 and 16.00. If animals are not made ready to be inspected during those times the Society reserves the right to refuse entry to the Sale. Any member who has an animal rejected will have their entry fee refunded.

C. All measurements (frame scores) of bulls will be shown at the sale. EBVs will be published in the catalogue for cattle from Breedplan recorded herds, and will be on display on each pen as applicable. Bulls registered after 1st January 2010 must be DNA tested for myostatin and the result published in the sale catalogue.

D. All vendors are required to complete a Herd Health Declaration and submit it with their completed Entry Forms. All Sale animals must be tested negative for BVD antigen unless from a CHeCS herd accredited free of BVD, and all animals must be double vaccinated for BVD.

E. Judging will commence at 08.30 on Tuesday morning and the Sale will commence at midday.

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ENTRIES CLOSE FRIDAY 31ST AUGUST 2012 (Late entries accepted only at the discretion of the Secretary)

Entry Forms are now available from SDHBS, Westpoint, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DJ or www.sdhbs.org.uk

Tel: 01392 447494, Fax: 01392 447495, e-mail: info@sdhbs.org.uk

JUDGE: Mr I Rounsevell, Highgate, Lostwithiel, Cornwall

CLASSES BULLS 1. Bulls from 12 months to 2 ¾ years of age. This class may be divided. 2. Bulls over the age of 2 ¾ years (for sale only). FEMALES 1. Cow of any age, in calf or with calf at foot. 2. Heifers under the age of 3 years 3 months on the day of sale, with calf at foot or

warranted to calve by that age. 3. Heifers from 1 year 3 months to 2 years 3 months, in calf, running with the bull or

not served. 4. Heifers from 9 months to 15 months of age. 5. Non halter-broken females (for sale only), classes as for halter-broken.

NOTES

1. ENTRY FEES:

Bulls £30 + VAT Females (including calf at foot) £30 + VAT Animals not forward due to illness but with a veterinary certificate will receive a £10 + VAT reimbursement.

The entry fee, pedigree certificate, herd health declaration, and organic certificate (where applicable) must be enclosed when returning the completed entry form for each animal.

2. INSPECTION OF ALL ENTRIES

Once at the Sales Centre all bulls will be weighed and all halter broken entries inspected and checked for locomotion, temperament, active infection (eg ringworm, etc), and defects (eg jaws, testicles, hernia, etc) by the veterinary inspector. Those found to be not up to standard will be rejected. No entry thus rejected may be sold through the ring and must be removed from the sale pens according to the instructions of the Chief Steward.

5

Halter-broken and non-halter broken females will also be subject to an inspection, with particular attention paid to jaw, legs, locomotion and feet.

Bulls - Scrotal Circumference: Bulls aged 12-14 months 31 cms Bulls aged 15-20 months 33 cms Bulls aged 21-30 months 35 cms Bulls over 31 months 36 cms Failure to meet the above measurements will mean automatic rejection from the sale.

3. DISPERSAL SALES

If a member wishes to disperse his/her herd immediately after the Society Sale they may do so provided that it is the whole herd. The cattle are subject to a reduced entry fee of £10 + VAT per animal, which must be enclosed with the entry forms and pedigree certificates and received by the closing date. Dispersals at Society Sales, although not subject to veterinary inspection, are required to comply with current health standards.

4. JUDGING

Animals bred by the judge will have to be placed by another person. The person so nominated by the Society will not enter the ring until all other animals in the class concerned have been placed by the judge. The person nominated will then enter the ring and place the animal concerned. If a judge enters an animal for any Society Sale it may be SOLD only, but the entry in the catalogue will remain in the appropriate show class. The animal will be paraded in its class but will be removed at the instruction of the steward before judging.

5. CATALOGUE INFORMATION

Up to 50 words of information may be provided by the Vendors for the catalogue. An additional 30 words may be added at a charge of £0.10/word. EBVs - all Breedplan recording members will have their animals’ EBVs published in the catalogue as appropriate. Caesarean births - members are reminded that they must declare caesarean births for all entries at Society Sales. Herd health declarations – must be completed by all entrants and submitted to the South Devon office at the same time as the completed entry forms. Information from the completed declaration will be published in the sale catalogue. No other information relating to herd health, or individual animal health status will be published in the catalogue. Vendors may display additional information on the animal pen. The Herd Health Declaration will be displayed on the animal pen. BVD testing – all animals from herds that are not accredited clear of BVD must have a laboratory certificate, showing animal ID, date and result of BVD test displayed on the animal pen by the vendor.

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6. TB TESTING All animals are required to have been tested clear of TB within 60 days prior to the Sale date.

7. AUCTIONEER Messrs Kivells

SKIPTON SALE

Wednesday 7th November, Skipton, Yorkshire

Judge: to be announced Inspector: Mr Duncan Findlay MRCVS, The Vale Veterinary Group,

Cullompton, Devon Auctioneers: Messrs CCM Auctions

CLASSES BULLS 1. Bulls from 12 months to 2 ¾ years of age. This class may be divided. 2. Bulls over the age of 2 ¾ years (for sale only). FEMALES 1. Cow of any age, in calf or with calf at foot. 2. Heifers under the age of 3 years 3 months on the day of sale, with calf at foot or

warranted to calve by that age. 3. Heifers from 1 year 3 months to 2 years 3 months, in calf, running with the bull or

not served. 4. Heifers from 9 months to 15 months of age. 5. Non halter-broken females (for sale only), classes as for halter-broken. COMMERCIAL CROSSBREDS (for sale only) To be sectioned according to entries ENTRY FORMS, SCHEDULE, CONDITIONS OF ENTRY Available from the Society at the end of August HEALTH STATUS REQUIREMENTS AND INSPECTIONS The same requirements as for the Autumn Show & Sale will apply. All cattle must either be from a herd that is CHeCS accredited free of BVD or tested negative for BVD antigen and all animals must be double vaccinated for BVD.

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SHOW RESULTS TO DATE

ROYAL NORFOLK Judge: Mr R A Ford, Thorpe Langton, Market Harborough, Leics

Heifer born on or after 1 January 2011 1st M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY DORIS 23 2nd N P Foster & Partners FOSMAC INCANDESCENT 3rd Malthouse Livestock Ltd MALTHOUSE MICA 5 4th Elveden Livestock Ltd ELVEDEN PERIWINKLE 1 Heifer born between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2010 1st R W & S M Bostelmann RUFFORD SAS SNOWDROP 11 2nd M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY CLAUDIA 9 3rd Malthouse Livestock Ltd MALTHOUSE AZURITE 2 4th Miss C Hanton CHIPDEN MAYFLOWER 1 Cow, in milk, in calf or with calf at foot born before 1 January 2010 1st A & C Farms TREVASSACK MAYFLOWER 259 2nd O Brewin NORTH VIEW CLOVER 3rd Mrs J Archer BRETTLES BLUEBELL 13 4th A & C Farms EWEFIELDS CATHY Bull, born after 1 January 2011 1st A & C Farms LANGHAM’S APOLLO 2nd Heath Farms Ltd WOODBASTWICK NAVIGATOR 3rd M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY CORN BOY 1 4th A Sell & G Hodkinson SELLSTEAD ENIGMA Bull, born prior to 1 January 2011 1st A & C Farms AI X MUTTERTON ASHTON BITTER 2nd Mrs J Archer BROADWOOD PROSPECT 3rd R W & S M Bostelmann AI RUFFORD SAS JAMBO 4th M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY TRIDENT 1 Specials Champion female Winner A & C Farms TREVASSACK MAYFLOWER 259 Reserve M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY DORIS 23 Champion male Winner A & C Farms AI X MUTTERTON ASHTON BITTER Reserve A & C Farms LANGHAM’S APOLLO Breed champion Winner A & C Farms TREVASSACK MAYFLOWER 259 Reserve A & C Farms AI X MUTTERTON ASHTON BITTER Best exhibitor bred animal from Norfolk Winner Heath Farms Ltd WOODBASTWICK NAVIGATOR

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Best group of three exhibitor bred animals Winner Malthouse Livestock Ltd Interbreed Reserve Native Female Beef A & C Farms TREVASSACK MAYFLOWER 259 Reserve Native Male Beef A & C Farms AI X MUTTERTON ASHTON BITTER

EAST OF ENGLAND Judge: Mr C Phillips, Eastleach, Cirencester, Glos

Bull born before 1 January 2011 1st A & C Farms AI X MUTTERTON ASHTON BITTER 2nd M E & T E Broome Z WELLAND VALLEY TRIDENT 1 3rd Mrs J Archer BROADWOOD PROSPECT Bull born on or after 1 January 2011 1st A & C Farms LANGHAM’S APOLLO 2nd M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY CORNBOY 1 3rd O Brewin NORTH VIEW BAILEY 4th A Sell & G Hodkinson SELLSTEAD ENIGMA Cow in milk or in calf born before 1 January 2010 1st M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY ADORA 5 2nd O Brewin NORTH VIEW CLOVER 3rd A & C Farms TREVASSACK MAYFLOWER 259 4th A Sell & G Hodkinson BURY LILIAN 5th A & C Farms EWEFIELDS CATHY 6th Mrs J Archer BRETTLES SAS BLUEBELL 13 Heifer born on or after 1 January 2010 and before 1 January 2011 1st M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY CLAUDIA 9 2nd A & C Farms GOFFE CAVE BETTY 23 3rd Miss S Cooke CHERRY TREE GEORGIE Heifer born on or after 1 January 2011 1st M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY DORIS 23 2nd N P Foster & Partners FOSMAC IRIS 3rd N P Foster & Partners FOSMAC INCANDESCENT 4th Mrs J Archer JANERIC FERN 5th A Sell & G Hodkinson SELLSTEAD ECHIUM 6th S J Cooke CHERRY TREE EDWINA Best pair 1st A & C Farms 2nd M E & T E Broome 3rd A Sell & G Hodkinson

9

Specials Champion female Winner M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY ADORA 5 Reserve O Brewin NORTH VIEW CLOVER Champion male Winner A & C Farms AI X MUTTERTON ASHTON BITTER Reserve M E & T E Broome Z WELLAND VALLEY TRIDENT 1 Breed champion Winner A & C Farms AI X MUTTERTON ASHTON BITTER Reserve M E & T E Broome Z WELLAND VALLEY TRIDENT 1 Interbreed Champion junior native heifer Reserve M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY DORIS 23 Native pedigree cow in milk or in calf born between 1 January 2007 and 1 January 2010 1st A & C Farms TREVASSACK MAYFLOWER 259 Native pedigree heifer born on or after 1 April 2010 and before 1 January 2011 1st A & C Farms GOFFE CAVE BETTY 23 Native pedigree pair 1st A & C Farms Native pedigree champion Winner A & C Farms TREVASSACK MAYFLOWER 259

GREAT YORKSHIRE Judge: Mr G H Tully, Waddeton, Brixham, Devon

Bull born before 1 July 2010 1st M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY BANKER 2nd R W & S M Bostelmann AI RUFFORD SAS JAMBO 3rd J P Harrison BRAFFERTON WINSTON Bull born on or after 1 July 2010 1st M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY HANBURY 22 Cow, or heifer born in 2009 1st J P Harrison BRAFFERTON STELLA 27 2nd Mrs K Darnbrook CLEUGHSIDE DAISY 2 Heifer born in 2010 1st J P Harrison BRAFFERTON BUTTERCUP 73 2nd M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY CLAUDIA 9 3rd R W & S M Bostelmann RUFFORD SAS SNOWDROP 11 4th Mrs K Darnbrook CLEUGHSIDE PRIMULA 5th M S & C Gray ASHBURTON HANNAH 6th Mrs K Darnbrook CLEUGHSIDE DAISY

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Heifer born in 2011 1st J P Harrison BRAFFERTON STELLA 38 2nd M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY DORIS 23 3rd R W & S M Bostelmann ROSKILLY DUCHESS 1 Group of three 1st M E & T E Broome 2nd J P Harrison 3rd Mrs K Darnbrook Pair by same sire 1st M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY HANBURY 1 2nd Mrs K Darnbook CLEUGHSIDE TROOPER Specials Champion female Winner J P Harrison BRAFFERTON BUTTERCUP 63 Reserve J P Harrison BRAFFERTON STELLA 38 Champion male Winner M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY HANBURY 22 Reserve M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY BANKER Breed champion Winner J P Harrison BRAFFERTON BUTTERCUP 63 Reserve M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY HANBURY 22 Junior champion Winner M E & T E Broome WELLAND VALLEY HANBURY 22 Reserve J P Harrison BRAFFERTON STELLA 38

ROYAL WELSH

Judge: Mr M E Broome, Thorpe Langton, Market Harborough, Leics

Bull born before 1 September 2010 1st A & C Farms AI X MUTTERTON ASHTON BITTER 2nd R W & S M Bostelmann AI RUFFORD SAS JAMBO Bull born on or after 1 September 2010 1st A & C Farms LANGHAM’S APOLLO 2nd Mrs R J Edwards KAISNEY HERMES 3rd David Smallcombe Ltd BROOKIN HERCULES 4th E G & C E James GLANCOLLEN LANCELOT 5th G W Goodwin GLYNDWR BORIS 6th R V Hartshorn AI CILGWRRWG WOLLY

11

Cow or heifer in calf or with calf at foot 1st A & C Farms TREVASSACK MAYFLOWER 259 2nd E G & C E James GLANCOLLEN POLLY 2 Heifer born in 2010 1st A & C Farms GOFFE CAVE BETTY 23 2nd R V Hartshorn Z AI CILGWRRWG SAS VEE 3rd R W & S M Bostelmann RUFFORD SAS SNOWDROP 11 4th David Smallcombe Ltd BROOKIN BLUEBELL 5 Heifer born in 2011 1st R V Hartshorn CILGWRRWG WANWAN 2nd R W & S M Bostelmann ROSKILLY DUCHESS 1 Specials Champion female Winner A & C Farms TREVASSACK MAYFLOWER 259 Reserve A & C Farms GOFFE CAVE BETTY 23 Champion male Winner A & C Farms AI X MUTTERTON ASHTON BITTER Reserve A & C Farms LANGHAM’S APOLLO Breed champion Winner A & C Farms AI X MUTTERTON ASHTON BITTER Reserve A & C Farms TREVASSACK MAYFLOWER 259 Best young bull on performance and inspection Winner David Smallcombe Ltd BROOKIN HERCULES Reserve A & C Farms LANGHAM’S APOLLO Best pair of heifers on performance and inspection Winner R V Hartshorn Reserve R W & S M Bostelmann Best polled animal Winner R V Hartshorn AI Z CILGWRRWG SAS VEE Best group, exhibitor bred Winner R V Hartshorn

CHANGES TO SHOW DATES

Because of the exceptionally poor weather a number of Shows have either been cancelled or postponed, as follows (at time of writing):

LISKEARD Re-scheduled for Saturday 8th September YEALMPTON Cancelled NANTWICH Cancelled

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LAUNCESTON Cancelled TOTNES Re-scheduled for Sunday 26th August HONITON Re-scheduled for Thursday 30th August BLAKESLEY Cancelled

It has been a very difficult year for Agricultural Shows, and we owe a big debt of gratitude to all exhibitors who have braved very trying conditions to bring their cattle out and promote the breed.

NATIONAL SHOW 2013 Hosted by the Devon County Show

16th to 18th May

The new Working Group have had their first meeting to discuss arrangements for next year’s National Show of South Devons which takes place at the three-day Devon County Show from Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th May. Their recommendations will be put before Council when they meet in September and the following newsletter will contain details of the classes and events. Please mark the dates in your diary and start your cattle movement plans early!

PERFORMANCE WEIGHING

All members who record performance through Breedplan should have received a letter explaining changes to the submission of weights. Forms may be downloaded from the website by logging on using your ID and password, and selecting ‘downloads’ from the menu bar. If, however, you prefer to continue to receive the forms by post please let us know as a matter of urgency. The deadline for submission of weights is Friday 10th August. The August evaluation will be printed for all performance recording members, and a monthly evaluation is available to download from the website using your ID and password for those months when you have submitted new data.

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CHANGES TO TB RULES – effective 1 July 2012

Pre-movement testing for agricultural shows

(flow-chart copied from NBA Members’ Briefing)

Do your cattle reside in a ‘high risk’ (1 or 2 year testing) area of England?

Yes No Will your cattle be at the show for more than 24 hours?

Yes No

Will your cattle be ‘housed’ at the show?

‘Housed’ includes all buildings and marquees But not buildings and marquees with open sides

Yes No

Pre-Movement Test Pre-Movement Test

REQUIRED NOT REQUIRED

FURTHER PROPOSALS FOR TACKLING TB TRANSMISSION IN CATTLE – DEFRA

CONSULTATION The latest proposals have now been published for consultation, and responses are requested from the industry by 17th August. The proposals follow an audit of England’s programme for TB eradication plan by the Food & Veterinary Office, with regard to its meeting the EU legislative framework.

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Should the programme not meet EU requirements, it is suggested that the country will lose valuable funding towards tackling bovine TB from the EU. In brief, the further proposals are: 1 From 1st January 2013 all herds which lose their official TB free (OTF)

status will only be able to re-stock after (a) the first official TB test following the breakdown, and (b) a satisfactory veterinary risk assessment by AHVLA veterinarians. Re-stocking may then be subject to strict licensing conditions which take account of the risk assessment. In some cases that may mean work has to be carried out (eg improved biosecurity) before any licence to re-stock is granted.

2 From 1st January 2013 movements of cattle from restricted herds should only take place within 30 days of a bovine TB pre-movement test with negative results (nb movements to slaughter would continue to be allowed without a pre-movement test).

3 To keep in place the moratorium on approval of new Approved

Quarantine Units pending a report by AHVLA on their use to date, including the numbers of livestock that have passed through such Units and the number of bovine TB breakdowns on them. AQU operators who are found to be in breach of any licensing condition following an annual unannounced audit will automatically lose their licence to operate as an AQU for at least six months.

4 That Approved Finishing Unit operators who are found to be in breach

of any licensing condition following an annual unannounced audit will automatically lose their licence to operate as an AFU for at least six months.

If you wish to comment on any of these proposals for England, please submit them by 17th August by e-mail to bTBengage@defra.gsi.gov.uk, or by post to Cattle Measures Team, Defra, Bovine TB Programme, Area 6E Millbank, c/o 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR.

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WANTED

STORE CATTLE WANTED South Devon crossbreds, or purebreds

Heifers and steers Please contact Mr R Yeatman, Calne, Wiltshire

Tel: 01249 760213

PRELIMINARY SALE NOTICE

There will be a herd dispersal at Truro Livestock Market

On Wednesday 12th September Upon the instructions of Mr I Rowse, Higher Lampetho, Fowey, Cornwall

Auctioneers: Messrs Lodge & Thomas, 01872 276611 Herd details to follow nearer the time

EBLEX IMPROVED HERD AWARD

Each year EBLEX makes an award to the performance recorded herd showing the biggest increase in average Quality Beef Index. For 2011, the winner is R G Elliott & Son, Kislingbury, Northamptonshire – the KISLINGBURY herd. Runner-up herd is D & B Bowley, Earl Shilton, Leicestershire – the RIDGEMERE herd. Many congratulations to the Elliotts and the Bowleys, who are both clearly demonstrating how the use of Breedplan performance recording can take their breeding programmes forward.

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BIRTH REGISTRATIONS BY YEAR

OF NATIVE BEEF BREEDS Source: BCMS

ANGUS

2010 2011 2012 (to May)

Female pure 22,852 23,960 15,592 Male pure 24,270 25,509 16,403 Female crossbred 95,710 101,213 58,699 Male crossbred 100,386 107,001 62,345 Totals 243,218 257,683 153,039

HEREFORD 2010 2011 2012 (to May)

Female pure 8,112 8,767 5,498 Male pure 8,410 9,049 5,616 Female crossbred 35,712 36,541 19,164 Male crossbred 37,033 38,371 20,293 Totals 89,267 92,728 50,571

SOUTH DEVON

2010 2011 2012 (to May)

Female pure 7,206 7,585 5,311 Male pure 7,394 7,529 5,208 Female crossbred 6,004 5,999 3,896 Male crossbred 5,938 6,077 3,947 Totals 26,542 27,190 18,362

BEEF SHORTHORN

2010 2011 2012 (to May)

Female pure 2,433 2,725 2,186 Male pure 2,481 2,837 2,201 Female crossbred 3,737 4,058 3,070 Male crossbred 3,691 4,119 3,246 Totals 12,342 13,739 10,703

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DEVON

2010 2011 2012 (to May)

Female pure 3,957 3,901 2,832 Male pure 3,825 3.940 2,821 Female crossbred 2,657 2,765 1.479 Male crossbred 2,689 2,883 1,606 Totals 13,128 13,489 8,738

These statistics show the South Devon breed as the third favourite native beef breed after Angus and Hereford, with increasing pure-bred numbers. However, it is also clear proof that there is plenty more scope for increasing our commercial activity, and a number of encouraging steps have been taken in the recent past to boost our position: COMMERCIAL BEEF MARKETING SCHEMES Dovecote Park have been using South Devon beef in their regional beef scheme in Waitrose supermarkets in Devon and Cornwall for nearly a year. Cattle by registered South Devon bulls may qualify for this scheme, and if you are selling stores in the South West in livestock markets it is worth informing the auctioneer if the animals are by pedigree sires. There are also two dedicated cattle finishers, one of whom is able to take from TB restricted farms, and if you would like more information please let Caroline know. Woodheads supply Morrisons supermarkets with native breed beef under their ‘Traditional’ range which is being bannered by the Beef Shorthorns, but South Devons and South Devon crosses are eligible. Both schemes pay a premium. Both also have the potential to encourage commercial beef producers to use South Devon bulls in their herds, because of a guaranteed outlet for the beef. It is therefore a very significant area of growth for the breed. COMMERCIAL PROMOTION One of the reasons for continuing to pester members to let us know when and where they sell a South Devon bull is to compile a database of contacts which

18

we can then monitor, and hopefully use to publish a specialist beef brochure which would feature a number of commercial herds using South Devons for a specific purpose to improve their production. That purpose might be ease of management, temperament, forage conversion, or quality and quantity of returns, for example. Thank you to those members who have already started to supply us with this information, and may I make a further plea to others to join in! CARCASE DATA We are in the process of compiling data relating to carcase quality and finished weights with a view to using it as part of the publicity. Thank you to those who have submitted more information recently. If any other members have data that they could let us use (confidentiality will be maintained, and the information used will be general, rather than specific examples of breeder or animal) please send it in to the office. LIVESTOCK MARKETS Advertising posters have been sent to a number of livestock markets around the country which we hope will be prominently displayed. If you have a good contact in your local market please talk to them about advertising the breed – we can supply posters, leaflets, and perhaps some sponsorship to raise awareness.

NATIONAL HERD COMPETITION

This is the last newsletter opportunity to call for entries to the National Herd Competition. Another entry form is at the back of this newsletter, and the rules and awards are to be found in last month’s newsletter. I regret that human error crept in to the list of awards – the Cilgwrrwg Trophy will be awarded for the BEST HOMEBRED POLLED ANIMAL, and not for the best polled herd. Please accept my apologies for any confusion. The deadline for entries is Friday 24th August.

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COMPENSATION FOR BOVINE TB Payable during August 2012

NON PEDIGREE BOVINE

Male Female Age Compensation due Age Compensation

due Up to 3 months 277 Up to 3 months 235 Over 3 months up to 6 months

416 Over 3 months up to 6 months

376

Over 6 months up to 9 months

632 Over 6 months up to 9 months

542

Over 9 months up to 12 months

747 Over 9 months up to 12 months

634

Over 12 months up to 16 months

954 Over 12 months up to 16 months

792

Over 16 months up to 20 months

1,052 Over 16 months up to 20 months

890

20 months and over

1,140 20 months and over

995

Breeding bulls 20 months and over

1,572 Calved 1,043

PEDIGREE BOVINE

Male Female Age Compensation due Age Compensation

due Up to 6 months * Up to 6 months * 6 months up to 12 months

* 6 months up to 12 months

1,336

Over 12 months up to 24 months

4,887 Over 12 months up to 24 months

1,864

24 months and over 3,010 24 months and over (not calved)

1,835

Calved under 36 months

2,557

Calved 36 months and over

1,979

*Compensation to be determined using individual valuation **Compensation to be determined using previously ascertained market price

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NEW CLUB – 2012/2013

The new Club is now being launched, to run until the end of June 2013. Tickets are priced the same as in previous years at £15 for each number that is entered into each of six Draws made periodically during this time. As usual, half of the money raised is paid out in cash prizes, so a £15 ticket could win you about £200, based on previous years! The number of tickets available to sell is unlimited, and the more that are sold the higher the cash prizes. For those who held tickets last year, you will receive an invitation from Debbie to renew for this year. If you have not previously participated but would like to do so, please let Debbie know and she will allocate you a ticket number. Thank you, and good luck in the Draws!

OPEN DAY AT WOOD FARM, DAVENTRY

I am quite sure that anyone who was able to attend Pat & Tony Rickett’s recent Open Day at Everdon would wish to join me in expressing thanks to the Ricketts for their very generous hospitality which they extended to over 100 visitors; and would also offer their congratulations on the 40 years of South Devon breeding which is the Juniper herd. A few short heavy downpours failed to dampen the afternoon events which included a Farm Walk, show preparation demonstration by Malcolm Broome, scanning demonstration by Jim Barber, and stock judging for the younger visitors. There followed a wonderful supper spread of cold meats, salads, and other treats (a vast array of puddings included!) mostly provided by the Elliott family, friends, and helpers. Pat and Tony have done so very much to promote the spread of the breed, and to encourage members with sound advice, that we all owe them an enormous debt of gratitude. Thank you!

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LIVESTOCK 2012 NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT

4th/5th September

Livestock 2012 (incorating the Dairy Event) claims to be the UK’s largest livestock trade event. Certainly there are plenty of trade stands looking to do business – the SDHBS included! Event areas include New Smithfield (beef and sheep breeds); farm health planning; farm safety; genetics; machinery; feeds and forage; livestock equipment; and diversification and renewables. Tickets are on sale in advance online at www.livestockevent.co.uk, for £17. Gate price is £20. If anyone would like to volunteer their help on the Society stand it would be much appreciated!

BEEF SOUTH WEST

Westpoint, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DJ Thursday 8th November

This year’s Beef South West is on home ground at Westpoint, easily accessible and with plenty of parking. The Society is an Event Sponsor, and is providing the beef for the pre-event Dinner on Wednesday 7th. Entries are invited for the following Primestock classes, and all cattle must be pre-movement tested for TB. Stall space must be booked by 31 August:

Pure bred native or native sired steer Pure bred native or native sired heifer Home bred and fed steer Home bred and fed heifer Baby steer born on or after 1 September 2011 Baby heifer born on or after 1 September 2011 Steer or heifer shown by YFC club member

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Entries are also invited for South West Young Beef Farmer of the Year with prize money totalling £500, sponsored by The Vale Veterinary Group. Entrants must be under 30 years of age on 8th November 2012, and reside in the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire, or Wiltshire. Entrants must give a resume of their beef farming activities highlighting their aims, actions and achievements for the last twelve months. A shortlist of six potential winners will be visited and assessed by the judges, and the winner announced at the Event. More information about the Event can be found on the Beef South West website, www.beefsouthwest.co.uk, or from Rosemary Risdon, 01409 271510.

DEVELOPMENTS IN BEEF MEAT QUALITY

I was recently invited to a most interesting one-day Conference at the School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol. A range of speakers from across the industry looked at a number of issues, but if there was any one clear conclusion from the day it was the need for better consistency of product to drive demand and produce excellence. A publication will be made available in due course which will bring together all of the conference presentations, and in the meantime here are a few snippets:

• Rump steak has a longer shelf-life if the animal’s diet has had good levels of vitamin E – which is derived from forage

• An animal’s stress level affects the eating quality of the carcase – the quieter the better

• Reducing the ‘carbon footprint’ in beef production at the same time also increases profitability by using low carbon sources of protein, improving fertility efficiency, improving feeding efficiency, and increasing longevity

• Some 87,000 tonnes of beef and lamb are wasted at home annually

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HEALTH ISSUES

NEOSPOROSIS Recent studies suggest that neosporosis causes over 20% of all abortions in UK cattle. Infection: - Through infected dog and fox faeces - Through vertical transmission (dam to foetus) Clinical signs: - Abortion, between 3 and 9 months of pregnancy, especially 5 to 7 months - Still birth or premature calf - Occasionally, calves will have brain disease at birth - Repeat abortions possible in the same cow - No other signs seen in the dam

Diagnosis: - Characteristic heart and brain damage in aborted calf - Identification of parasite in the calf tissue - Antibodies in the mother’s blood

Treatment: - No treatment of any proven benefit

Prevention: - Keeping cattle feed and water away from dogs and foxes - High hygiene standards at calving, eg, disposal of placental membranes, and

aborted or dead calves

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CATTLE FOR SALE LIST BULLS Levaton Gem Mr & Mrs J Fanshawe 01604 740308 or UK3643004 200056 Northants – Region 5 07802 794553 Born 17/04/2006 Bedford Hadrian 12 Mr P A Huxley 07799 840370 UK382333 400157 Shropshire – Region 6 Born 21/04/2006 Knightcote Demetrius 1 N P Foster & Partners 07961 428431 UK203338 100235 Northants – Region 5 Joy Broughton Born 25/02/2007 AI Waddeton Homer 3 The Tully Partnership 01803 842394 UK364027 500828 Devon – Region 2 Born 22/03/2009 Rufford SAS Gunner Mells Park Trust 01373 812414 or UK165390 200122 Somerset – Region 3 07894 037158 Born 02/04/2007 Johnny Ward Froyle Mill Commander 1 Mr D Mayhew 07795 113808 UK281380 600665 Hampshire – Region 4 Nick Shaylor Born 24/09/2009 Froyle Mill Benjamin 1 Mr D Mayhew 07795 113808 UK281380 500667 Hampshire – Region 4 Nick Shaylor Born 30/10/2009 Brafferton Charlemagne 6 Mr J P Harrison 07971 699716 UK122117 600240 Yorkshire – Region 7 Born 13/01/2010 X Eyton Trusty 1 Mr T M Kent 07903 855099 UK304620 500216 Shropshire – Region 6 Born 19/02/2010 Raphael Warrior F & J Rowe 01503 272766 UK382939 100792 Cornwall – Region 1 Born 22/02/2010 X Eyton Trusty 2 Mr T M Kent 07903 855099 UK304620 300228 Shropshire – Region 6 Born 21/03/2010

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Z Waddeton Illistram 9 The Tully Partnership 01803 842394 UK364027 400897 Devon – Region 1 Born 25/03/2010 Smallbrook Horace Mr R Webb 07500 311219 UK287709 600016 Isle of Wight – Region 4 Born 24/04/2010 Waddeton Illistram 11 The Tully Partnership 01803 842394 UK364027 700907 Devon – Region 2 Born 25/04/2010 Waddeton Illistram 13 The Tully Partnership 01803 842394 UK364027 100929 Devon – Region 2 Born 16/08/2010 Porthkerras Bentley Mr T L Warne 01637 831322 UK387150 600007 Cornwall – Region 1 Born 02/01/2011 FEMALES 2 bulling heifers Mr R Shingleton 07799 435626 Devon – Region 2 3 bulling heifers Mr R Dimond 01749 812373 Somerset – Region 3 6 cows, calves at foot Mr D A Ashcroft 01420 511011 or Hampshire – Region 4 07966 511868 Cows in calf, with calves, Mr D P Crow 01952 222134 or bulling & yearling heifers Shropshire – Region 6 07811 593260 7 bulling heifers A R & S Prince 016006 882737 Cheshire – Region 7 Bulling heifers A R Lee 01665 574277 Northumberland – Region 7 Cows in calf, with calves The Tully Partnership 01803 842394 Devon – Region 2 14 bulling heifers F & J Rowe 01503 272766 Cornwall – Region 1

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DIARY

August 23rd Executive committee meeting 24th National Herd Competition entries close 31st Autumn Show & Sale entries close Sept 4th/5th Livestock 2012, NEC 6th Council meeting 10th Herd Competition judging begins 12th Herd dispersal sale, Truro Livestock Market 20th Judges Seminar (by invitation) Oct 2nd Autumn Show & Sale, Bristol 28th Cornwall Pedigree Calf Show, Wadebridge Nov 2nd Agri-Expo Carlisle 7th Skipton Sale 8th NBA Beef Southwest, Westpoint 17th/18th English Winter Fair, Stafford 19th Breed Improvement committee meeting 22nd Breed Promotion committee meeting 30th Smithfield Festival, East of England Dec 1st Smithfield Festival, East of England 4th Council meeting

AND FINALLY … (this is NOT a joke – but it might amuse!)

BEEF IS PARTICULARLY GOOD FOR OLDER PEOPLE, reports the NBA. Older people should be encouraged to eat more red meat, particularly beef, so they can remain active later in life, Canadian biochemist Dr Stuart Phillips told the recent World Meat Congress in Paris. The current tendency was for doctors to advise them to reduce consumption but the opposite was necessary if more healthy muscle tissue was to be retained.

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He said beef was excellent at stimulating muscle synthesis right until people became 90, and eating it regularly would help to slow the rate of muscle loss too. And because beef was a superior form of protein from a nutrient density standpoint, it would always beat the alternatives.

MEMBER DETAILS

PLEASE WOULD YOU TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO HELP TO UPDATE OUR RECORDS AND REDUCE UNWANTED PAPERWORK, BY COMPLETING THE FOLLOWING AS APPROPRIATE AND RETURNING IT TO THE SDHBS OFFICE. Thank you if you have already done so! NAME ……………………………………………………………………................................... HERD PREFIX …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. MOBILE TEL …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… E-MAIL ADDRESS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. WEBSITE …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. SKYPE ADDRESS …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… I WOULD PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE NEWSLETTERS BY POST Please tick if you agree I WOULD PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE SALE CATALOGUES BY POST Please tick if you agree

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HERD COMPETITION ENTRY FORM

Please complete IN FULL and return by Friday 24th August together with your entry fee of £15 plus VAT = £18.00 I/We wish to enter the 2012 Herd Competition The Herd comprises: STOCK BULLS (Name in full and Identification number): ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. .................................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... COWS (NUMBERS) …………………………………………………………................................................. YOUNG STOCK INCLUDING CALVES (NUMBERS) …………………………....................... I/We agree to abide by the Rules of the Competition SIGNED .................................................................................................................................. NAME ....................................................................................... ADDRESS ........................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................................

For performance recorded herds only. If you would like to enter the Breedplan competition to compete for the HSBC Trophy please sign here. SIGNED ..................................................................................................................................