1st February 2012
Today I attended a Tb awareness seminar.  I now know the difference between "Sensitivity" and "Specificity" and as such have a little more respect for the skin test,  We were also advised not to buy cattle from 4 yearly testing zones and if we felt we had to then we should implement 2 further  post-movement tests whilst keeping them in isolation.   The seminar took place on a farm where they have lost over 300 head to tb and despite implementing advised bio-security measures are still suffering.  We were shown the badger set established just 80 yards from the clamps and cubicle sheds and told by all the vets, AHVLA and private,  that we must take every practical measure to prevent cattle being contaminated by badgers.  
On a happier note all 5 January calving heifers have now moved  across the yard to loose housing and the calves are tearing around the shed as their mothers consume mindbending quantities of haylage.

18th January 2012
It stopped rainng briefly but the photos I took are dreadful.  Try again next dry day.  Our  Council members will shortly be making their way to Hereford for the council meeting on 14th February.  Let's hope the date proves auspicious and they all get on. 

4th January 2012
The first calf of the year has arrived.  A feisty little bull calf to one of the Mara Chieftain sired heifers.  Auckvale Gameplan would appear to have finished working with the autumn cows and is now enjoying the comfort of the bull pens. The halters are lined up on the hooks ready and we are starting to think about who to put them on for the shows this year.  The task for this week is to photograph Gladstone and Humbug if it ever stops raining long enough. 

24th December 2011
The FAWL inspection went smoothly.  "Johnny" the bull has also been delivered to his new home further up the Towy valley and gone straight to work. 

20th December 2011
The spring calves have been weaned for 48 hours now and it is beginning to get a little quieter.  We are 2 weeks earlier this year but the aim is to get them all settled before some heifers calve early next month.  This thursday we have a Farm Assured inspection.  I'm sure everything is in order but, (and I'm sure I am not alone here) it's like going through customs or passing a police car,  I feel sure I've missed something.

5th December 2011
Today I learnt a valuable lesson.  ALWAYS put  the partition in!  I took a barren cow and the twins "Gavin & Stacey" to Ludlow and on the  hill coming down from Brecon we did a little dance.  Diesel used cost £55 and it took me 6 hours to make the round trip.  The better trade there makes it worth the effort but we have nothing else to go now for a while. 

25th November 2011
Last night was the Dyfed Hereford Breeder's Dinner and we were delighted to be awarded " Dyfed Herd of the Year".   I also opened my e-mail to discover a personal message from Joanna Pugh, Assistand Director at the NBA congratulation us on our "impressive status" in response to feedback to their  BVD eradication enquiry.  Later this week Haven Ernest will be travelling to his new home near Abergavenny.   So this has been a good week!

15th November 2011
Every year we blood test the whole herd and test for IBR, BVD, Lepto and Johnes.  Today we had the results back and  will crack open the champagne because we have maintained our Elite Health Status.  It is always a worry that somewhere along the line the isolation and quartine measures we take have not worked, especially this year when it became apparent that BVD was doing the rounds at some shows.  However all our cattle are in fine fettle.  Auckvale Gameplan has undergone a fertility test and passed with flying colours and will shortly be joining the autumn cows.  Both the blood testing and the fertility test were subsidised by Hybu Cig Cymru.  If you want any information on any of the above do get in touch.

December 2011

Auckvale Gameplan

Spring born heifers getting a taste for creep prior to weaning.

A spring born bull calf by Haven Ernest.

11th November 2011
The cattle have been in for a week now and have got back into the winter routine very quickly.  The calves have all found the creep gate and are tucking in to the haylage.  Despite being wormed at the end of September some of the calves were looking a bit dull and the weight gain figures were a little low, so faecal samples were sent off for a count on Monday this week. The results came back yesterday and they are carrying a significant worm burden as were the lambs and the likely cause is the ideal worm breeding conditions we have experienced since the beginning of "summer".  Hopefully they will respond quickly to the wormer and their 200 day weight figures won't be too adversely affected.  In a normal year we wouldn't expect to have to worm the calves at all in the autumn but as I sit here with the door open despite the rain still tipping down outside it is obviously not a typical autumn.  We could do with a few good sharp frosts to put things right.

23rd October 2011
With the concrete grooving booked in for 3rd October the cattle are still out.  Unlike some we have plenty of grass but too much mud.  Acorns are also abundant and the electric fences are being put to good use.  Everything has been fluked and taken off the very wet fields and the tups have been in for 14 days and been very busy judging by the raddle marks.   There are just 20 store lambs left which we will keep on till the price picks up.  25 went to mart 10 days ago and the best made 170p/kg.  They were tagged in the trailer just before leaving with EID tags,  9 of which wouldn't scan. 

20th October 2011
Congratulations to our new Council member Dai Gatehouse of Caecottrell Herefords.  He joins George Thorne who returns.  Many thanks to all who voted. 

13th October 2011
HCC held an open day at the home of the Welsh Charolais Suckler Herd of the Year and I went to take a look and see what I could learn.  The thing which struck me most was the convincing use of EBVs and the impact of record keeping and herd health.  All bulls are fertility tested 6 weeks before work  after having already had their feet checked.  The cows  are EBV recorded and most importantly the retained heifers are chosen from those figures.  The whole herd has been tested for BVD and is now vaccinated.  The cows are mostly angus x and the bulls are workish in their looks but the April born calves were a joy to see.    Alun and Wendy Jacob were extremely open about sharing their knowledge and performance figures and whilst some of the visitors seemed incredulous at the calving interval and barren cow numbers of the 250 sucklers run out on the hill, the sight of the spring calves weaned and ready to go to market at 6-7 months put us all in our place.  Because of the quality of the stores they produce they know that there are buyers waiting to buy their stock when they get there.  And do you know the best bit?  They are also  rumoured to have a Hereford bull as well but it was a charolais day today. 

9th October 2011
It was good to see old and new faces at the Autumn sale yesterday and many thanks to those of you who came up and said they had put an X by my name on the voting papers.   We bought Auckvale Gameplan who looks even better this morning than he did in the sale ring so no regrets!   I have no complaints about the new market building except the cattle section is a lot smaller than I expected.  We did miss the "Tipsy tamworths"  for their tasty burgers and speedy service and now we can't entice the "youth" along as it is a little far to sneak off to the cinema and shops.   

September 2011

26th September 2011

The post has arrived and with it the voting papers.  As promised, here is an outline of  what I think are the responsibilities of our council members.
They should feed information back and forth between the electorate and the Council. They should take every opportunity to promote the Hereford Breed across the country as breeding stock, terminal sires and of course the finished product, meat on a plate.

I strongly believe that we should never lose site of the fact that it is tasty and tender meat that we are trying to produce while at the same time maintaining the strong identity and attributes of the breed.

Wales currently has two area clubs with a third on the way. We have approximately 200 members of the Hereford Cattle Society with nearly half of these registering cattle each year.  It is important that we all feel that our voice is being heard from right around Wales. I wrote to many of you earlier this year with regard to the website that I felt Wales needed. This has now been created  www.welshherefords.com  and I hope illustrates my genuine desire to represent all members North and South.  Past members of the Hereford Cattle Society Council have done a good job to get us where we are now. If successful I intend to at least fulfill my expectations of a council member and with your help do better.


12th September 2011

We now have 4 heifer calves by Gomer Fandango.  They are all beautifully marked and growing well despiite the atrocious weather.  When it stops raining I will brave the wind and try to get a photo.  In the meantime I have been thinking about my decision to put myself forward for election to Council.  Those of you who know me will be able to make an informed decision.  For the others I thought it might be appropriate to put my thoughts down for you to read.   Because I know that I sometimes speak before engaging my brain, I am going to take some time to put this in a way that really lets you know what I think you should expect from your council members.   

5th September 2011

About 5 years ago Tim headed north towards Manchester with a light-board in the back of the landrover.  He returned some hours later towing a grain dryer garnished with pieces of hedgrow gathered along the way.  Since then it has been put to work on two occasions and hired out once.  The fact that it looks like another obscure piece of scrap is completely outweighed by the brilliance of the machine.  Yesterday, while pottering about tidying the yard Tim dried our barley that we managed to snatch from the fields over the last week in between the showers.  It may have been a dry summer in England but here in South Wales it has been a wet one!
Back to cattle.  Sennybridge was the last show of the season for us.  We took Humbug and Prunella and they both came 2nd in their classes.  Humbug was also reserve champion to  Westwood General Advancer.  Glenn Pritchard was there with his two boys who were extremely helpful to all.   The weather held until after the Parade and as we pulled out of the field it began to pour down.  All in all an excellent end to a successful season.  It seems like a very long time to wait until we select the next show team from this year's crop of calves.   We are starting to get our first calves from Gomer Fandango and the heifer we've had so far has his length and good looks.

August 2011

24th August 2011

Sunshine at Martletwy Show today!  Charles Smith from Laxfield Herefords was judging.  Gomer Prunella was reserve champion to a heifer from R & G Morgan.  Gomer Humbug also won his class and together they won the pairs.  Gerald Cox was having a "busman's" holiday and appeared on the rope to watch the judging.  Steven John of Lax Herefords was judging the young handlers in both the sheep and beef and whilst we didn't take part in the sheep class we managed a pleasing 2nd and 5th.


20th August 2011

Llandeilo show is getting a reputation for being a bit soggy.  Despite the rain we turned up to compete with the Simmentals and Blues in "any other beef breed".  Gomer Humbug was first in the bull class and the two heifers we took, Diadem and Pansy were 2nd and 4th.  However we did manage to win the beef pairs against the blues, blacks and then we won supreme pair against the commercials and dairy teams!  Never been up against a holstein before.  They do walk so slowly on those long legs.  By the law of averages it should be dry next year and the prize money is good so if you feel like dipping your toe into the Towy Valley we shall welcome you with open arms.

18th August 2011

This week saw us at Pembrokeshire County Show where we were judged by Mr R Hutchings of Fisher Poll Herefords.   We managed a second in their classes with Prunella and Humbug.  In the heifers 2009-2010 class Beauty came 3rd.   Pansy and Diadem came first in the "pair of heifers" class and carried on to take the interbreed heifers pair the next day.  I am delighted to say that they were prepared and shown on the day by the able team of Sam and Harry Bowen together with Flora our daughter.  What was especially pleasing is that the interbreed judge, Mr Birch, took the time to praise them for their stockmanship with the pairs and the group of 3 which we also presented having won the breed group of 3 on the Tuesday.  Flora also managed to remember enough welsh to appear on the T.V. the same evening proclaiming their achievements and saying where the cattle had come from.  Da Iawn!  

It was a pleasant surprise to see the posse from over the border turning up.  Let's hope they bring their cattle next year!

June/July

Sam Bowen in charge of the Group of 3 at Tenbury 2011

Flora with Gomer Diadem G73 in the Young Handlers RWAS

The April heifers waiting to go in at the RWAS 2011.

Tim with his contribution to the HumberPalmers current ad campaign.  Not bad for us either.

Gomer Diadem G73 and Precious Pansy G69 at RWAS 2011. 

25/6/11 Sir John's group.

Show heifer from last year.

25/6/11 Ernest's group.

8th August 2011

We went to the National Horned Show at Tenbury Wells and it was a very successfull outing!  The youth, comprising of our daughter Flora and the Bowen brothers, Sam and Harry  took the three April 2010 heifers through their paces throughout the day leaving Tim and me with the September calves.  We were the only team out for the Group of 5 so that was easy!  The group of 3  yielded a third with Diadem G73,  Precious Pansy G69 and Beauty G68 who then went on to be 1 2 3 in the individual class.  Diadem was also reserve intermediate female.  Prunella H79 was Junior female champion and Humbug H78 brought up the rear with a third in his class.  Gomer Foreman was out with the Normanton team and came third in his class.  He has been busy over in Leicester and was looking sleek and workish and moving really well.   Flora was delighted to win the young handlers competition and received a lovely engraved show stick from Mrs Jones of Dendor Herefords.  She will treasure that stick and that memory for a very long time.   We had a wonderful day and thanks must go to Rob Morgan for his help with the transport as well as to all those who make the day happen with their tireless organising and tolerance!

31st July 2011

Whilst swapping tractors over today, (rakes and balers have been in strong demand!)  I managed to visit the first home bred bull we sold to a nearby dairy farm.  Gomer Benefactor D2 was looking well and has grown into a very big and beefy mature bull.  Mr Davies was particularly pleased with the prices his hereford cross stores have  been making and the easy calving he has experienced especially with the hiefers.  It's always good to see our bulls doing their job well.

27th July 2011

This morning we drove through the gloom to Cardigan to arrive with not a lot of time to spare before the 10.00am judging of Mr Thomas from the Risbury herd.   Thankfully in true "Hereford" spirit Steven John  of Lax Herefords had picked up our number cards for us and saved us the long walk right across the site.  Tim was raking and baling in the sunshine at home and only Flora and myself made the trip with Gomer Diadem, Prunella and Humbug.  It was a chance to get the two september calves out before Tenbury next week and Prunella did well coming second against much older maiden heifers.  We were delighted Carmarthenshire YFC team came first in the beef stockjudging competition at the Royal Welsh.  Along with other breeders we hosted a number of training evenings as well as the area rally and it was great to see all the hard work that everyone put in pay off on the day.

19th July 2011

Being a light weight when it comes to trials of showing cattle I have returned to the comfort of a proper bed and lashings of hot water to find that the neighbour has manned the fort with excellence in our abscence.  We took 3 april born heifers by Border Rory D58 up to the RWAS and managed an agreeable 2nd and 6th.  We also repeated our success of last year in the Same Sire Group.    George Bowen and our daughter Flora took Diadem and Precious Pansy out in the YFC stock judging competition and he succeeded where I had failed in getting the Pansy heifer to behave and stand whilst not just one but many judges milled about.  It just goes to show what a difference many years of experience make. We shall watch the "Georges of tomorrow" as they  pit themselves against each other in the young handlers competition on Thursday.

14th July 2011

The next post will be after the Royal Welsh Show next week.  In the meantime we have got the second half of our pre-movement Tb test  tomorrow for the 5 show cattle and the 4 heifers which we sold over the last 2 weeks.  Two in-calf and two yearlings.  I've had 40 requests from Hereford Society members in wales to be listed on the Welsh Hereford Cattle Breeders Website which is more than I thought and the new website will hopefully be available for viewing at the Hereford Cattle Society tent from monday. Any constructive critiscism will be at least politely received and I might even be grateful!  Until then I'm off to scrub and polish ready for next week!


21st June 2011

The show heifers are now running together in what I hope is a virtually bullet-proof paddock.  Having a high health status has a few perks but one of the downsides is having to quarantine the show cattle until their bloodtest results come through at the end of the season.  Until then they can only be housed in the designated quarantine areas on the farm.  Poor old Humbug is on his own but I might relent and get a steer up to keep him company. 

May/June 2011

Taking a break from the harvest. 4/6/11

Last year's reseeding has delivered!

Rosie with Gomer Precious Pansy G69   in the senior  young handlers.

Henry with a Llwynpoll heifer.

Taking a well earned rest at Cothi Bridge.

Gomer Diadem G73  Hereford Breed Champion at Cothi Bridge Show 2011.

20th June 2011

Back from Three Counties Show last night and feeling a little older and a little wiser.  With over 100 hereford cattle entered overall, we were very pleased to be placed 5th in a strong April heifer class and then to be 3rd in the pairs.   Our two youngest had a go in the young handler's classes on the saturday and Flora tried again on the sunday.   Just a year ago they wouldn't even have considered it so many thanks to George Bowen for his gentle advice and Hazel Timmis for her calm enthusiasm and support of all the youngsters.  The eldest girls stayed behind and held the fort.  Nothing broke, died or got ill so that was another success!

12th June 2011

I took advantage of the children being home this weekend and we sorted the cows into groups ready for the bulls later on.  Thankfully the management tags were still clear so matching the calves to their mothers wasn't so difficult.  We also weaned the autumn calves and put their dams onto our shortest grass in a vain attempt to get some weight off them.  In the midst of this we had a visit from the Morris family.  Gomer Miss Arrow G64 and Kate F44 are off to a new home in a few weeks.

28th May 2011

Home from Cothi Bridge where Richard Bowen was judging.  The rain cleared just as the beef cattle classes started .  Gomer Diadem and Precious Pansy were first and second in the 6 strong heifer class.  They also won the pairs and Diadem was given Breed Champion.  Rosie and Henry were 1st and 3rd in their young handler's classes and came home with very generous brown envelopes.  A big "thank you" to Rob and Gaynor Morgan for lending Henry their well behaved young heifer.  We didn't take Gomer Gleeful as he was having his pre-movement test read this morning.  He is off to Ceredigion on Monday.  Next week we will wean the autumn calves and see about halter training a couple for later in the summer!

21st May 2011

Finally in, after unloading the sodden trunk, cows and rosettes from the truck.  We have been to St Clear's and Tony Bradstock did a fine job of judging a strong class of 7 maiden heifers.   Beauty was 2nd and Diadem 3rd.  Diadem went on to win the pairs with Precious Pansy so we managed to keep the pairs cup which is a rather fine one.  We are in debate about how many herefords were there, it was rather wet and windy so visibility was poor, but approximately 20 is close.   Sam and Harry took home rosettes and prize money from the young handler's class after borrowing heifers from Rob and Gaynor Morgan and Anthony John.  By then the rain had set in and only got heavier as the afternoon went on.


17th May 2011

We have today sent two in calf cows and two maiden heifers off to Cornwall to join Fandango at the Alanna herd.  They join some carefully selected cattle from some well respected herds and we hope the Gomer cattle fit in well.  Whilst the vet was here premovement testing them we decided to get the show team done at the same time ready for the Three Counties show and I am glad to report that all was clear.  It always has been but those three days of the test are not my favourite.  Since the carmarthen YFC held their competition here we have had Neath and Newcastle Emlyn YFCs visit us for practice.   It has been a real pleasure to spend time with these young people and experience their enthusiasm.
Saturday 7th May was spent cooking ready for the Dyfed Hereford Breeers' AGM on the sunday.  There was a brisk and at times biting wind blowing but after lunch we ventured from the shelter of the (madly flapping) marquee to take a walk around the cattle.  We were given a lot of constructive advice on the show heifers and have taken most of it on board for St Clear's next saturday 21st May. 

2011

The Gomer team hard at work!

Tim with Gomer Diadem G73.

The maiden heifer class.

Sam with Precious Pansy and Tim with Diadem.

The Carmarthenshire YFC stockjudging competition.

Bull calf by Haven Ernest and from same dam as Gomer Fandango.

Gomer Prunella

No NOT dead but sunbathing. Always gives me a fright.

Bull calves by Laxfield Sir John out of Gomer Clara and Gomer Eve.

Heifer by Haven Ernest out of Laxfield Diadem.

Looking around the cows at the Dyfed Hereford Breeders' AGM.

10th May 2011

The Dyfed Breeders' AGM on sunday went well we think.  29 of us sat down for lunch in a very lively marquee.  The wind outside was at times ferocious.  Most braved the elements to take a walk around the cows and calves and then up to the yard to see the 12 yearling heifers which we brought in out of the rain and wind, much to everyone's relief.  Many of the members have been busy helping to train YFC teams for the stock judging at RWAS.  Other areas have yet to hold their rallies and  we have three groups coming up over the next two weeks.

29th April 2011

Last night we hosted the  Carmarthenshire YFC beef cattle stockjudging rally judged by Anthony John and Glyn Jones.  The young people and their drivers have been out judging for days  and we were the last.  Despite no doubt being very tired they all conducted themselves impeccably and it was a joy to see such enthusiasm and budding proffesionalism.  We gave them two groups of yearling heifers, one penned and one led out and despite getting a little tired towards the end they also behaved much to my relief.  So we now have some halter broken and washed heifers for sale! 

April 2011

YFC Stockjudging.

Bull calf by Laxfield Sir John

Heifer calf by Haven Ernest

Heifer calf by Haven Ernest

18th April 2011

We spent an unusually warm day at the Hereford Sale on saturday and it was good to catch up with other breeders whom we haven't seen since last autumn.   I am now looking forward to the show season and all the washing and coercing it entails.  The second string for the YFC are now happy about being tied up so the next step is to get them to the pressure washer.   Not many cattle left in the shed now and only 4 left to calve.  Diadem (Fandango's mother) has had a bull calf this evening and it is scampering around the pen as I write.  As I look at this crop of calves I grow ever more fond of our two bulls.

5th April 20011

We have had a couple of bull calves by Laxfield Sir John and they are beauties.  Beautifully dark, plenty of white in the right places, and already  good wide backs.  Now that I've said that one will probably get stuck in a ditch or run into a tree.  Yet again we are getting far more heifers than bulls.  Only Ernest heifers so far but all lovely.  Three weeks until the YFC turn up and there is some tidying up to be done.   We are now halfway through calving and having a bit of a lull for a couple of days. Show schedules are arriving thick and fast along with requests for cups to be returned for repairs so it is time to get out  the Silvo.

 29th March 2011

Calving has started with 5 calves born in the last  few days.  The 2009 born heifers are now with the bull and I hope I have got the dates right so that we are not calving on New Year's eve!  And I found a picture of Foster at last.

24th March 2011

The last week has been busy with the cattle.  The show team have had their first clip by George and Jim Barber came on Tuesday to scan last year's calves for EMA, IMF etc.    Our first show outing will be St Clear's on 21st May but it is coming up fast.  I took advantage of the sunshine today to take some photos of Gomer Gleeful as I had washed him.  I have put them on the "For Sale" page.

20th March 2011

I've noticed from the site info that past sales have been searched for so here are a couple of pictures of bulls sold within the last 2 weeks.  Unfortunately I can't find a picture of Foster to post.  He is being collected tomorrow so I will try and snap him before we load up.   Laxfield Sir John has grown on well over the winter and will be joining the heifers at the end of the week. 

Recent Sales

Gomer Foster to Devon

Gomer Glyn along with Gomer Eve and Emma to Mr and Mrs Thomas.

Gomer Fandango to the Alanna herd in Cornwall

6th March 2011

Gomer Fandango has gone to join Mr and Mrs Miller's new Alanna herd in Cornwall.  Gomer Foster is off soon to a commercial suckler herd in north Devon.    Fandango has been in with the autumn cows since early November and we PD'd last wednesday.  Despite never looking very busy it would seem that he got them all first time.  We particularly look forward to seeing the calves at the Alanna herd  next year.

23rd February 2011

Recent Photos

Gomer Kate G54 from a different view.

Gomer Kate 54 washed and ready to go.

4th December 2010

Our annual Tb test is completed and we remain all clear so yesterday I delivered two cows and calves to Mr Davies in Llanwrda and had a tour of his combined welsh black and hereford herd.  I really enjoy looking at how other systems work and always learn something.  I would be interested to see next spring's calves and how our cattle perform in a different system against the cattle from other herds represented there. 

28th November 2010

Friday night was the Dyfed Hereford Breeder's winter gathering at The Forge in St Clear's,  Apart from experiencing the brutal waitress service it was also a chance to get together and present the annual sheild and cups.  Tim and I were presented with a good bottle of whisky and a hamper of really lovely room scents as a thank you for the Cattle workshop in October.  Rob and Gaynor Morgan had best heifer, Anthony John best Herd and we were delighted to receive the cup for the joint Best Bulls, Gomer Foreman and Gomer Fandango. 

The YFC are holding a Hereford stockjudging competition at RWAS 2011 and if anybody wants to come and get their eye in they are most welcome. 

The thermometer was reading  -10 C this morning as we scraped the yard.  So far the water is running, fingers crossed that the wind doesn't pick up.


18th November 2010

Gomer Fandango is looking tremendous and we have turned him in with our autumn calving cows.  He has grown on well and with his deep colour and overall width and length of body we look forward to seeing his calves next year.  The end of November brings  our annual Tb test alongside blood testing for our Biobest Herd Health scheme.  A ministry vet will also be there to take 17 blood samples from randomly selected young stock to test for all strains of Blue Tongue as part of an all Europe assessment. 


8th November 2010

All the cattle are now housed for the winter.  The feed is of better quality this year so we are going to have to ration it or suffer the consequences.   All the cattle are under one roof and  if you feel like taking a look it would be a pleasure.  We have bulls and females for sale.  The bulls were Tb tested  mid October.


1st November 2010

Every year something has to be done before the shed is ready for the cattle to come in and this year it is alterations to the bull pens.   It would be so much easier if we could out winter the dry cows in particular.   We are blessed with some ideal areas on the farm but due to stewardship agreements are unable to run the cattle on them.  It may be time to cut ourselves loose from the restrictions of Tir Gofal/Glastir.   

The show team have had the all clear from Biobest for their recent blood tests and can now go back into the herd for easier management.  Gomer Pansy our show heifer particularly seems to enjoy being part of a group again.   


18th October 2010

It was good to see some higher prices achieved at the society sale. We purchased Vaynor Cassie, a 10 month old heifer with tremendous width. The photos don't do her justice but give you an idea.

Recent photos

Spring cows and calves housed for the winter.

Spring 2010 born Heifer and Dam

Vaynor Cassie

Vaynor Cassie

14th October 2010

Yesterday the able vet and I put the spring herd through the crush to PD them.  Just the two of us.  No shouting, no tempers just quietly tapping our boots with a stick.  Nothing went wrong.  It was bliss.  Of the 26 we tested only one was empty and as she has produced 4 calves  in the last two years, one of which was Gomer Foreman, I am inclined to give her a stay of execution.  We shall be at the sale in Hereford on Saturday 16th, see you there!

5th October 2010

A big thank you to George Bowen and his family and Clive Davies for making Sunday such a success.  Counting everyone there was like trying to count mice so I counted how many bowls of cawl had been served.  Allowing for the odd person having seconds we reckon that 51 people turned up on the day and with the Amery and Bowen families that made a grand total of 61.  As we all finished tidying up the night before George was heard to say "what we need now is a shower to wash off the yard".  The next morning some of you arrived with tales of battling through floods and mud slides.   Thank you all for taking the time to come.  I hope you made new friends and took some new piece of knowledge home with you however large or small.  Do let us have your e-mail addresses if you would like to be informed of any future events. 

Cattle Workshop 3rd October 2010

Sam and Henry sweeping away the mud.

Clive teaching us how to select and judge.

A swift run through EBVs and Herd Health

George inspiring us to all have a go at clipping and halter breaking.

George teaching us the finer points of the show ring.

20th September 2010

Preparations for the "workshop" have started and the list of things to get done is getting longer!  Numbers attending are encouraging if a little daunting.  At the last count we were approaching 50 so the entire family is grounded for that weekend. 

11th September 2010

Back from a sodden field in Llandyfaelog and very glad that the show season for us is over until the spring!  We took a full box and had to be towed into the field leaving deep ruts.    After a very late start we finally got into the ring for the bull class and the Goodall's bull beat us again.  Gomer Griff was 2nd and went on to be Reserve Champion with Fandango and Glyn taking 3rd and 4th.  Pansy was 1st in her class and we won the pairs with the yearling bulls.  Henry had a go at the young handler's class and was thrilled to be 4th in a class of 6.  The ropes and coats are clattering around the washing machine and I'm looking forward to putting the pressure washer away.    Numbers for the "workshop" have reached 28 so far and we are expecting visitors from 5 counties.


10th September 2010

We are hosting a "Cattle workshop" on sunday 3rd October.  On offer is advice on selecting cattle, clipping and grooming for the show ring, judging and advice on how to get the most out of EBVs.  I hasten to add that we have enlisted George Bowen and Clive Davies to give out the advice and I am hastily swotting up on how to get the most out of the Breedplan database.  The best discovery so far is the "mating predictor"  which now that I know is sensitive to the space in tag numbers is fanatastic, especially the inbreeding coefficient.  If you would like to attend it would be appreciated if you could let us know by 25th September.  (01558 822973)




 

Recent Photos

Just to remind us all that the sky can be blue in carmarthenshire

Gomer Foreman F28 at RWAS 2010

Gomer Fandango in the interbreed group of 5 at Martletwy

Bull calf by Haven Ernest

6th September 2010

There was a good turnout of bulls at Sennybridge and a few females. The order in the bull over 12 months was Roseglen, Caecottrrell, Westwood then us. Our bulls looked a bit slim compared to the others which I would put down to 10 days trotting up and down the fence looking at the cows! Gomer Pansy added the Thorne cup for best female to the shelf. It is a lovely site for a show, tucked under the village by the river. Plenty of places to sit and enjoy a glass around the main ring and very much of the old type of show. I hope it is better attended next year as it would be a pity to lose the hereford classes here.


26th August 2010

Martletwy was very, very wet. Gomer Fandango 35 and Gomer Griff 48 were 1st and 3rd in their intermediate bull class and Gomer Glyn 51 was 1st in his. Fandango and Glyn were then 1st and 3rd in the overall bull class with a Lax bull between them. Gomer Pansy 43 was 3rd in her class which was very pleasing as we have started to drop her condition off prior to rejoining her year group of heifers. Our group of 3 bulls won the group class and Fandango was in the hereford team of 5 which were reserve to the welsh blacks. Flora won her young handler's class and took home a silver cup and a brown envelope, smiling all the way!

24th August 2010

All washed and trunk packed for a day at Martletwy Show on Carew airfield. We made a quick trip down the hill on saturday to Llandeilo show where we competed in "Any other pure beef breed" against some 'Blues from Plwmp (and yes they were). Blue rosettes all round for the cattle but Flora managed a 1st in young handler's and was reserve champion so it was a very good day. Just a liitle encouragement and advice from the Bowen and Timmis families at Shropshire has fired a real enthusiasm for showing cattle that has turned into day to day maintenance as well. It has been worth the effort of showing this year just for that.

19th August 2010

Pembroke County Show was quite an outing. Not least because we had the full complement of 4 children in attendance, with George's boys that made quite a gang of teenagers! The cattle did us proud once again. We took Fandango, Glyn and Pansy. Fandango was 1st in his class as was Glyn. They then both lined up with George Thorne's bull for the Junior Bull which Gomer Fandango won then he won Best Male. Gomer Pansy F43 was 4th in her class to a good line up. We were kept off overall breed champion by Gorden Bowen with a very worthy 1st calver with a tremendous calf at foot who went on to be Reserve Champion in the interbreed line up.

8th August 2010

We went to the National Horned Hereford Show held at Tenbury and it was really worth the visit. The way the cattle marquees are set around the hereford show ring gives a lovely atmosphere to the event which even the belching generator couldn't spoil. We won the Group of 3 by the same sire. Heifer born April/August Gomer Pansy F43 was 3rd. Bull born Jan/March Gomer Foreman F28 was 3rd. Bull born April/June Gomer Fandango F35 was 1st and this time Gomer Fandango F35 was the Reserve Champion Intermediate Bull. Photos to follow if I can find some! We have started to walk out Gomer Glyn and Gomer Griff ready to take their places in the team as there has been a lot of interest in our bulls over the last 10 days.

28th July 2010

Success at Cardigan Show today. Gomer Foreman F28 amd Gomer Fandango F35 had 1st and 2nd in their class and won the best hereford pair. Foreman went on to be best Hereford Bull in show and then Best of Breed. We also managed to beat the Simmentals and come 3rd in the interbreed bull class. Top tip for Cardigan next year is take a coat. Henry (11 yrs) was in charge of the camera and did rather well considering I forgot to tell him about zoom and not facing the sun. It was another friendly Dyfed Hereford Breeders outing with some new faces as well.

23rd July 2010

All safely back from the Royal Welsh Show and the show team turned out for a well earned break. Gomer Foreman F28 came 2nd in class and went on to be Reserve Champion Young Bull, Gomer Pansy F43 was also second in her class and the three brought in the rosettes for the Progeny Trio and Exhibitor Bred Trio. If we are not on the harvest then our next outing will be Cardigan on 28th July followed by Tenbury for the National Horned Hereford Show. Pembrokeshire County Show is also coming up fast.

2nd July 2010

We are all just about recovered from Shropshire County Show. Show cattle are now out day and night and enjoying the sensation of rain on their backs! We were very pleased with the feedback we had from other breeders and came home with 1st, 2nd and 3rd rosettes. George Bowen and his sons helped us with the cattle and Hazel Timmis and her team provided a never ending flow of tea, cold drinks and snacks from the hut at the end of the lines. It is definately worth the effort of attending and I am sure we will go back.

1st June 2010

Pontargothi Show was a wet one. Once again the two bulls did us proud earning 1st and 2nd in their class and winning the breed pairs with Foreman going on to take Breed Champion again. Of the heifers we only took Pansy as it was rather a squeeze in the box with the four on last weekend. Pansy was placed 4th in her class and behaved well considering her hormonal state. There seems to be a real team spirit amongst the Dyfed Hereford Breeders which makes show days a real joy even with rain and hanging about.


27th May 2010

St Clear's show was a hot one but we were lucky enough to get under the awning so had some shade. We were delighted with the cattle as the bulls won 1st and 2nd in their class and Pansy took second in hers. Foreman and Pansy went on to win the breed pairs and Foreman took the Breed Champion. It may never happen again but it was a GOOD day! Thanks to all at Dyfed Hereford Breeders for all their sound advice over the last year. Next Stop Pontargothi 29th May then Shropshire and West Mids for the European Hereford Conference 2010.


19th May 2010

Calving has been over for nearly 3 weeks but Beauty is hanging on. She bulled at the end of august, sometime after the rest as a result of having twins last spring with a combined weight of over 85 Kg which took some untangling. The first born twin is on the show team, Gomer Foreman F28 and will be at St Clear's, Cothi Bridge, Royal Welsh and possibly Shropshire and West Mids. He is my favourite as he is perky but kind, so not too heavy on the rope. We are novices at showing so don't expect any rosettes but just want to see our stock alongside others and let people know what we've got.

Our High Health Status with Biobest has proved it's worth with one of the autumn calving heifers going to a buyer adamant that they wanted Johne's free status.

If you see us at a show, please do come and say hello. I am trying to get a banner organised but in the meantime look out for a silver landrover with some brown cows tied to the box!

2010

Receiving cup for group of three by same sire at Tenbury 2010.

Gomer Fandango F35 at Cardigan 2010

Gomer Fandango F35 wearing the pairs rosette Cardigan 2010

Gomer Foreman F28 at Royal Welsh Show 2010

Tim with Gomer Foreman F28 taking Reserve Champion Young Bull at Royal Welsh Show 2010

Coming in for a wash

Group of three class at Shropshire 2010

Foreman and Fandango in the pairs class Shropshire 2010

Fandango Shropshire 2010

Receiving rosette from a European!

George and Pansy

Fandango in the championship line-up

Shropshire 2010

Gomer Pansy F43 with George Bowen at St Clear's

Tim and Gomer Foreman F28 at Pontargothi show 2010

Gomer Eve E12 with heifer calf by Haven Ernest

Laxfield Diadem with her heifer calf by Border Rory D58