News Archive 2006
KEEPING WELSH BLACKS THE SCOTTISH WAY
Members of the Welsh Black Cattle Society (WBCS) will head for the hills of Scotland later this month on a fact-finding visit to see how Wales ' native breed fares north of the border.
The group will be the guests of Charley and Andrea Walker, Barnside, Abbey Saint Bathans, Duns in Berwickshire at the farm open day on Wednesday, September 20.
The event, which is open to all WBCS members and friends will run from 11am to 4pm, and caterers will be in attendance.
At 1pm there will be an address from the guest speaker, Mr John B Cameron, a leading figure in the British agricultural industry.
The Walkers, who met at Harper Adams Agricultural College in Shropshire , became tenants at the 825 acre farm and its noted Shannobank herd of Welsh Blacks in 2001.
The herd was established in 1967 by James Dobie, son of the former WBCS President (1978-79) John Dobie.
Since taking on the original herd, the Walkers have added a further 20 bought-in Welsh Blacks, including the champion female Rhiwlas Seren 21st, which they bought for 1,250gns at last year's Carlisle sale - the only Welsh Black Cattle Society Sale held outside of Wales .
The Walkers aim to be able to bring a few cattle to the sale themselves in a couple of years, offering some Shannobank genetics to the market.
The breed's renowned mothering abilities and hardiness enables the cattle to be out-wintered. Calving runs from the middle of March to the end of May, and requires little if any human input.
"The least I have to do with them at calving the better. I like to be able to see a cow calve and the calf up on its feet quickly. With the Welsh Blacks this is what you get. We have few calving difficulties at all," said Charley.
Calves stay out wintering with their mothers until February and are then grazed through the following summer. The steers are sold fat, straight off grass without any additional creep feed, at around18 months old. Finished cattle are sold through Farmstock Scotland , a co-op system, on a deadweight basis.
The farm is currently in its second year of conversion to Organic status and the Walkers are looking to market their beef in the future through schemes where there is a healthy premium for organic meat from native breeds.
As well as converting to full organic status the Walkers are serious about herd health status and are members of the Herd Health Scheme and certified free of BVD. The long term aim is to become a fully closed herd, breeding their own replacements.
"I am sure it will be a most interesting visit for members," said WBCS Chief Executive, Andrew James.
"Charley and Andrea are continuing a proud tradition of keeping Welsh Black Cattle in Scotland , and members will be keen to hear about their experiences and plans for the herd's future."