Newsletter June 2024

I think we would all agree that Agriculture has just experienced one of its worst years ever. Concerned for their future, it is farmers who will make the decisions to weatherproof their land as best they can. After all, the future of food production in the UK is dependent on them.

A NEW DIRECTION

Hence the promotion of regenerative farming and much needed attention to our soils. This much-valued asset stores three times more carbon than trees. New methods of extended rotational grazing of deeper rooting herbal leys contribute hugely to the natural cycle of carbon capture. Our British Friesians are ideally suited and, together with extra herd life and contributions from grazing steers, add even more to the great carbon story that grass based farming provides. (See below, appt of Prof, Gilliland.)

HERD VISITS

Fortunately, the weather was very kind for the two recent Herd Visits. Although from rather different backgrounds, both Bradash and Deangate have contributed much to British Friesian genetics for many years. Our Type Evaluation scheme is designed to reflect the balanced cow, and there were wonderful examples to be seen in both herds. These visits, fantastically well supported, provide a great opportunity for our more serious breeders, members, and friends from afar to meet up, and it was a particular pleasure to welcome Irish Pure Friesian Club Members who also joined us for an informal dinner. We are indebted to the Archer and Robotham families for their tremendous hospitality. Reports and photos will appear in the British Friesian section of the HUK Journal.

PROF. JOHN GILLILAND, NEW POLICY ADVISOR TO AHDB

John Gilliland is a well-respected researcher, policy expert and communicator who has been drafted in as a consultant for the next nine months, with particular focus on helping to develop and implement a new environmental strategy. He was recently appointed to the EU’s Soil Commission Board. He is also, and very importantly, a Practicing Farmer!

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST BULL FOR CROSSBREEDING

Some of you may have seen the recent article (as above) in May’s British Dairying, drawing attention to the need to crossbreed and the use of foreign breeds for non-pedigree cattle. Surely the British Friesian, although referenced in the article, is the obvious answer with the advantage of using valuable breed-specific data. However, whilst it is most certainly about time somebody (other than us) drew attention to the rising inbreeding % in the Holstein cow, the actual figure was not cited, and most column inches went to foreign coloured breeds and three-way crosses. We should be fostering our Native Breeds and British Breeding, not promoting unpredictable genetics that fail to benefit our own breeders. Both Holstein and British Friesian remain in the open herd book of Holstein UK, providing an option for breeders to cross and still retain pedigree status, whilst developing the cow best suited to their particular on-farm conditions.

OUTCROSS SIRES

You will find with this Newsletter, details of the Club’s first carefully selected sire to widen the gene pool. Although the inbreeding % is comparatively low, bringing back bloodlines that have been lost over the years will help to keep us on track. Members of the Genetics Group have committed to using a set amount of semen across their herds, to ensure reliable real-time data for production and type. We hope that these will be of interest to Members and that many of you will be prepared to support the long-term goals of this Project. Another bull will follow in the Autumn and further selection is under way. We read reference to the value of herd life in the HUK Journal, both in financial terms and from a carbon footprint advantage. The age of the National Herd is down from 4.6 to 4.53 years and therefore calving at two years results in a national herd that does not calve for a third time! NBDC data shows that British Friesians produce higher yields in their 5th, 6th and 7th lactations than in their 3rd, which surely makes more economic sense, as does the opportunity to sell surplus heifers and viable male calves. Another announcement deserving of a response was regarding the amount of sexed semen being used. We should not let it be forgotten that the technology was introduced to correct the appalling fertility and unviable male calves with the introduction of North American genetics, resulting in massive costs to our Industry.

BARNCLUTH WINS BRITISH FRIESIAN HERD OF THE YEAR (HUK AWARD)

A combination of classification and production, this award from HUK recognises the most productive British Friesian herd from across the UK. The Dunbar family have been milking cows at Cromlet Farm, Airdrie, since Roberta’s great-great grandfather took on a tenancy in 1899, with the farm subsequently being purchased by Roberta’s grandfather in 1960. Roberta returned to the farm in 1987, having been away to study at college, and she undertook the task of grading the herd up to pedigree. In 1995, Roberta took over from her father and today, she farms with her partner Gordon Smith. The farm comprises 100 acres, with a further 85 acres rented, and is home to 85 pedigree British Friesians who give an average yield of 7,800kg; the herd also has 50 followers. British Friesians are particularly well suited to the type of land and climate in North Lanarkshire and they have served the Dunbars well over the years, due to their hardworking, no-nonsense and hardy nature. Today’s herd is influenced by the bull Terling Prophet, who was introduced to the herd by Roberta’s father, along with a great homebred bull, Barncluth Arrival, who has left his stamp on the herd. Prominent cow families include Daisy, Annabel, Daphne and Rose.

NEW BORDERWAY RECORD AT BORDER & LAKELAND SPRING BULL SALE, 10TH APRIL

Whinnow Gateway Sells for 10,000gns.

Averages

28 Bulls £4155.00

21 Holstein Bulls £3865.00

7 British Friesian Bulls £5025.00

Congratulations to our Breeders!

ALL BREEDS ALL BRITAIN CALF SHOW – 20th – 22nd SEPTEMBER

It might seem a little premature, but you may want to start thinking about entries for this year’s show. Please note the change of venue this year, as it will now be held at Bingley Hall, with Staffordshire County Showground serving as a central base for the event, which brings together seven dairy breeds and celebrates young breeders from across the UK. Please contact Adam Lawson on 07815 055476 or lismulligan@btconnect.com for further details.

REMINDER OF HERD COMPETITION & BULL PROGENY COMPETITION

Don’t forget to get your entries in. Please contact David Armett for further details and Entry Forms on 01530 223446 or email david@temraa.plus.com. Closing date for entries is August 10th.

Correction – Brochure cover should read Lismulligan Empress 69 – Apologies to Adam!