Toplines and Tales

By Andy FrazierSociety & Culture Documentary Science Leisure Hobbies Nature

Toplines and Tales episodes

February 03, 2021 10 - LEGENDARY CATTLEMEN Part 3 - Smithy
This episode we have a bumper installment in our Legendary cattlemen series, talking about one of the world's greatest ever stockmen, Dave Smith. Chatting with two men who knew him well, his sidekick of many years, Norman Taylor and well respected Angus and Charolais breeder, Dave Murray, his pals reveal some hilarious stories about a talented man who enjoyed life. We talk about Smithy's highly successful years with Aberdeen Angus at Westdrums including the bull Evesund of Dupplin and his subsequent career and unrivalled record of 17 breed champions at the Royal Highland show with animals such as Edwina 112th, Early Sunset Coalition and the famed Mushroom Friar Fergus, as well as a few yarns involving some alcohol!
45 min
January 29, 2021 9 - LEGENDARY CATTLEMEN Part 5 - Newhouse
In this week's episode we continue our legendary cattlemen series discussing Bob Adam from Newhouse with today's Newhouse family, Bob and Kay Adam and their 2 sons. We go through Bob's career with Angus where he started with just three families and broke just about every record in the breed, becoming one of the greatest Angus breeders ever known! We touch on line-breeding and sourcing bulls, as well as an interesting proposal on a grading-up register. We also mention the shorthorn herd as well as numerous sheep flocks, all of which reached the top.
We then move on to the introduction of Charolais, with Drew at the helm, and on to Limousin at Newhouse, which also includes a discussion about Alan Fotheringham from Westhall, and his generosity in providing some seed stock.
Finally we move on to the black Limousin, the current cheviot flock, and then the introduction of Angus once again at Newhouse, through the fourth generation of Andrew and James.
48 min
January 22, 2021 8 - LEGENDARY CATTLEMEN Part 4 - The Americans
Continuing with our Legendary Cattlemen series we are again joined by Dr Bob Hough as we discuss two great American cattle breeders and exhibitors, Professor Herman Purdy and the Leachman Brothers, both of whom left an indelible mark in cattle history, in this extended episode. There is also mention of other great men such as Dr Bob Long and Dr Don Good, both renowned judges. We discuss at some length the education system and how many of these great men majored purely on cattle breeding. Some time is spent learning through the transition from 'Belt buckle' cattle to the larger framed types, a period which Bob refers to as the 'Frame Race'.
Later, Dr Bob talks about his days with Red Angus cattle and their genetic development during his time as the CEO. And finally we touch on the history of Shorthorn cattle in US on which he is writing a new book.
59 min
January 15, 2021 7 - The Greatest Show on Earth
In this episode we go over the water to USA where I am joined by special guest, cattle historian and author, Dr Bob Hough. We start off discussing the incredible Chicago Union Stockyards which by the 1890s were shipping and processing upwards of 9 million cattle per year! We then go on to chat about the Chicago International Livestock Exhibition, possibly the greatest show on Earth?
36 min
December 09, 2020 6 - THE SMITHFIELD TAPES part 6
The final installment of The Smithfield Tapes we spend half an hour discussing the sheep lines at Smithfield with well respected sheep breeders Malcolm Stewart and Robert Patterson. This episode includes the science of breeding show lambs, dressing them in the bar and a rather hilarious tale involving a judge and a wheelbarrow!
29 min
December 08, 2020 5 - THE SMITHFIELD TAPES part 5
In Episode 5 we get a Smithfield double bill. Initially, Keith Jempson discusses his experience of over 30 years at London, including Sussex tea and being treated by the vet! To compliment this we then get to chat to Colin Soutar and Gillian Owen, about the original Charolais, the modern Hereford cattle and advice to the younger generation.
30 min
December 07, 2020 4 - THE SMITHFIELD TAPES part 4
A very enjoyable 25 minutes with one of the greatest stockmen of his generation, Sandy Beaton. In this episode he discusses over 50 successful years at Royal Smithfield, including a great beast from the early 1950s, Galloway and Charolais cattle, as well as a tale about a bicycle!
25 min
December 06, 2020 3 - THE SMITHFIELD TAPES part 3
Episode 3 of the Smithfield Tapes hears me chatting with another great stockman, and one of the most successful cattle exhibitors at the show in its later years, Donald McPherson. Continuing the theme of the show in London he walks us through his illustrious highlights, including parties, sourcing his cattle and, of course, the Bandit.

28 min
December 04, 2020 2 - THE SMITHFIELD TAPES part 2
The second episode of Toplines and Tales which will also contribute to THE SMITHFIELD TAPES.
This time talking to top primestock duo Phil and Sharon Sellers together with renowned cattle breeder, judge and showman, Richard (Bart) Bartle about getting lost, getting drunk and other general frivolities. Oh and a few cattle too...!
41 min
December 02, 2020 1 - THE SMITHFIELD TAPES part 1
Episode one, our first recording, chatting with top Scottish cattlemen, Hector Campbell, Dougie McBeath and Ian Anderson about the Royal Smithfield Show.
This episode will form part 1 of THE SMITHFIELD TAPES
58 min