Toplines and Tales

From a small Scottish based herd started 90 years ago, to selling the record price Angus bull, Texas Thunderstruck for $360,000, (£160,000) the Australian Texas Angus herd have become a dominant force of breeding throughout the world. Ben and Wendy Mayne talk us through the expansion of the herd to nearly 1000 pedigree cows, selling close to 400 bulls per year and how sustainability and minimum inputs have advanced their breeding system. We also hear a brief preview of the World Angus forum to be held in Australia next year.

Dave Murray is well known in pedigree cattle circles, both as a breeder and judge. He talks us through his young years in the Angus breed and the changes that occurred including bringing in a measuring stick to try and improve them! Through a lifetime with both Angus and Charolais cattle we relive a bit of history, including him being in charge of the conception of the first Charolais to win Smithfield show.

A special podcast live from the Irish Aberdeen Angus Extravaganza in Tipperary, with some great chat with many breeders and other highly interesting characters over a two day spectacular weekend.

Thanks to Shane Murphy and the society for asking me over to record the event. 

A man that needs no introduction, Jimmy has been involved in pedigree beef cattle  man and boy. Hailing from Ross-shire in Scotland, we hear of the herds and cattle he has worked with, including a few great stories, as well as his short venture into the oil business. in this entertaining episode. 

The Irish Aberdeen Angus Extravaganza will be held at Thurles, Tipperary on weekend 5th and 6th October. In the first of a series, this week I speak to secretary Shane Murphy about what to expect in this exceptional event. 

There is a huge lack of clarity around the Blue Tongue Virus and its impact, spread symptoms and longer term risks on the UK livestock industry. I have a long chat with Phil Stocker, CEO of the National sheep association who is generally respected as an expert in the disease. Using questions raised on social media as well as my own inquisitiveness, Phil dispels some myths as well as providing some essential clarification on the situation.

Now in its 100th year, Willie McLaren has evolved the Netherton Angus herd to move in a slightly different direction to many of the other breeders in UK. A renown cattle judge, Willie has instigated a change towards easier fleshed and maybe smaller cattle and he now holds a successful annual female sale also utilizing online bidding, as well as supplying top genetics around the world. We also talk about his association with the Wagyu breed and how that system works, with Highland Wagyu now supplying many of UK’s restaurants with prized quality fullblood Wagyu beef which is in such high demand.  

Tom Burke is one of the giants of the World's cattle industry. Still actively conducting Angus Cattle sales throughout USA into his 80s, Tom's knowledge of the cattle industry, and particularly Angus, knows no equal. Tom chats to me about his co-authorship of the book The History of Aberdeen Angus in US, UK and Worldwide where his input has been invaluable in creating this magnificent volume that will stand as a reference point for a whole host of livestock subjects for many generations.

Vince Corbett, along with his family, from the Welsh borders has slowly risen to the top of the tree in the Charolais cattle world, being the herd to beat in the show ring. Vince chats about their easy-care sheep, his venture into Limousin cattle as well as the mechanics of his top Charolais herd. We also get into a discussion about the myostatin gene, among other things.

From someone who didn’t start with a farming background, Steve Smith’s rise to Welsh Sheep farmer of the year, now running over 1100 acres, has been a fascinating story. Best known for his Pen Parc Texel flock, an in-demand judge, Steve has had to make his farm pay with contributions from diversification into a number of areas, including falconry, photography and hydro-electricity as well as his large sheep enterprise.