Jura have asked us to make the following new proof information available

Montbeliarde June Proofs Release GB

Jura Betail have announce that their new brochure including the June 2018 bull proofs are online,

This can be viewed at the following link

www.dlgexport.com/en/montbeliarde/tools/export-sire-directory

Jura have released their new figures on June 2018 bulls – see the links below for further details

Montbeliarde Proofs_Jura Betail_June 2018

June 2018 proof press release

Following April proof run Coopex have released the following brochure/list featuring the top sire on ISU and the latest sexed semen available. – Click on the links below for further details

MONTBELIARDE NEW PROOFS RUN ALTA UK SPRING 2018

APRIL 2018 PRICE LIST ALTA UK

We are delighted to announce that for the first time we will hold a cow in milk class at UK Dairy Day on 12th September- so please embrace this chance to promote the breed and start selecting your prize winning cows and training them now – schedules and more details to follow.

Late last year we invited members to respond to a questionnaire on showing, genomics and selling surplus stock – the response was very poor, but we need your feedback to shape the future of your society – please respond now !!

Montbeliarde UK are delighted to announce that this summers AGM and Open Day will be based in Lancashire on 21st-22nd August, where we will visit the award winning herd of Graham and Amy Morton and family. The AGM will be held on Tuesday 21st August at the Samlesbury Hotel, Samlesbury, Preston

Further details to follow but save the dates now.

Jura have released their new figures on April 2018 bulls – see the links below for further details

Montbeliarde Proofs_Jura Betail_April 2018

APRIL PROOFS RELEASE 2018

We have just received the report below on Jura Expo 2018, if you want to see how it went click the link

JuraExpo2018_Feedback

Thanks to everyone who visited the Montbeliarde UK stand at the recent UK Dairy Expo at Carlisle. Michael Wilson from Blackcombe kindly supplied four heifers for a judging competition.
The final line up was Sara from Coopex who placed them as 2641,2627,2643 and 2617.
Congratulations to the three winners, Linda Wood, Fred Dent and William Wylie, prizes are on the way to them.

The Midlands Group recently held a meeting at which Ferreol Roche judged cows which members brought along video clips of, for the first competition of its kind there were a number of entries, without the need for preparation, transport or movement off farm.

The victorious cow was Imperiale from John Harvey and family of the Sparrowlee herd, she calved her third on 12th October 2017, and is giving 33.7kg per day, with her last test at 4.40% fat and 3.42% protein with cells of 94. She is a VG87 Brink daughter, and had a Jilbeer daughter this time. Her 2nd lactation was 8170kg and she has done 4303kg in 117 days so far. Well done.

Graham and Amy Morton and family of Simpsons Farm, Lancashire were crowned Dairy Farmer of the Year at the 2018 Northern Farmer awards presented in front of over 450 guests at the Pavillions, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate on Thursday 15th February. Graham and Amy were selected ahead of the other finalists Angus Gaudie and Ed Goodall for their unique approach to feeding by daily weighing of the milk cows, as outlined in the Farm Feature run in the 2017 The Full Montey.

To see the article click below

mortons at simpsons farm

To see the video of the finalists click below

https://www.facebook.com/thenorthernfarmer/videos/1874669995917975

Jura Betail will be holding their Montebliarde Genetic Day on March 21st 2018 at the Parc Expo in Dole.

Everyone is welcomed to join them and Montbeliarde lovers from around the world to enjoy 3 days in the Jura area.

If you’re interested why not check out the programme below, find cover at home and let Helene know asap that you are attending.

Jura-Betail_Montbeliarde Genetic Day

Eva Jura is a new cooperative in France and the rest of the world

On Monday, December 18, 2017, Jura-Bétail and Jura Conseil Elevage (Milk recording in Jura) have merged to create a new cooperative named “Eva Jura”.

For more details select the link below Press release – EVA Jura is born

Its that time of year agin, Jura have released their new bull proofs, go through to the news page to see the links to the proofs

Montbeliarde Proofs_Jura Betail_December 2017

Jura Betails december 2017 proofs

CALLING ALL YOUNG ENTHUSIASTS OF THE MONTBELIARDE BREED

Montbeliarde UK remind you to let us know asap and no later than Friday 1st December if you wish us to consider sending you to France in Spring 2018 to compete on our behalf at the Paris Show in late February, the representative will be expected to judge 4 or 5 animals and then give a commentary with the aid of an interpreter. This is open to anyone aged 18 to 25 (born 1.3.92 and 27.2.99) and in the first instance if you’d like to be considered for this opportunity please register your interest with Sarah at montbeliardeuk@hotmail.co.uk. It is then the intention to hold a training/ selection day on farm in Lancashire in early December 2017, so our entry can be submitted ahead of the closing date. What a chance #montys go to france.

Coopex Montbeliardes have just launched a new website, to find out more please visit www.coopex.com

Montbeliarde UK is disappointed to learn of an outbreak of Bluetongue recently in the UK, which is reported to be in Montbeliarde cattle imported from France.

The society would just like to say it was unaware of this importation, and it has not been through a supplier or source recommended by ourselves.
We would urge any members and non members to use a reputable and recommended supplier when sourcing any Montbeliarde stock either in the UK or abroad.
If more information is required of recommended suppliers please contact the secretary.

27/10/17

CALLING ALL YOUNG ENTHUSIASTS OF THE MONTBELIARDE BREED

Montbeliarde UK is delighted to announce two new opportunities following our annual AGM, both of which have huge scope to further the knowledge and experience of young dairy farmers with a passion, interest and enthusiasm for Montbeliardes.

Firstly we hope to send one member to France next Spring to compete on our behalf at the Paris Show in late February, the representative will be expected to judge 4 or 5 animals and then give a commentary with the aid of an interpreter. This is open to anyone aged 18 to 25 (born 1.3.92 and 27.2.99) and in the first instance if you’d like to be considered for this opportunity please register your interest with Sarah at montbeliardeuk@hotmail.co.uk. It is then the intention to hold a training/ selection day on farm in Lancashire in early December 2017, so our entry can be submitted ahead of the closing date. What a chance #montys go to france.

Secondly our initiative to encourage new young members – the society has agreed to offer a reduced membership fee for under 30’s with a 50% saving – please again contact the secretary for a membership form – its now only £20 per year for society membership for the under 30’s, #supporting the next generation of monty breeders.

In the latest Planet Montbéliarde (August 2017) published by the official Montbeliarde Association in France, the main report was on :  Health and Vitality of the Montbeliarde Breed.

Health and Vitality for the Montbeliarde_Planet Mo_August17

 If you hear some people saying the Montbeliarde cow has a strong temperament, it is true. But keep in mind it is an explanation of her great assets : whether they live in tough conditions, grazing or intensive systems, they are naturally born to ensure fertility and production, and above all, they are naturally born to always choose life !

 Numerous arguments to convince some reluctant breeders to go with Montbeliarde !

 Happy reading

Montbeliarde UK will be at The Dairy Show 2017 at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet next week.

Wednesday 4th October 2017
Come and visit us on the stand – everyone welcome
You will find us in the Edmund Rack Pavilion – Stand number 132!

Minutes of the recent AGM held  on Tuesday 5th September at the Boars Head in Derbyshire are now available for viewing by clicking here

There was good publicity recently when Peter and Kath Wood of Shottle Montbeliardes were featured in the Farmers Guardian, click the link below if you missed the article.

shottle montbeliardes

Announced at the 2017 AGM  below are the results of the Society Herds Competition based on the Recording Year 2015/16, congratulations to all the winners…

Click on the link below to see the full results:

HERDS COMPETITION RESULTS 2015-16

Just a little reminder that the next event on the Monty calendar is the AGM on Tuesday 5th and the Open Day on Wednesday 6th September in Derbyshire.

The meeting of the AGM itself will be held at The Boars Head Hotel in Sudbury, Derbyshire, DE6 5GX (www.boars-head-hotel.co.uk) at 7pm on the 5th September and as in previous years will finish with a three course meal and great company.

We will also present the results of the 2016 Montbeliarde UK Herds Competition- which has been for pedigree registered animals – all on automatic entry.

The cost of the meal is £21.95 per head, whilst the venue does not require a pre-order for the meal this year, we must have confirmed numbers for the meal by no later than Saturday 26th August. 

Wednesday 6^th September will involve a farm visit to Phillip and Kate Smith of Smiths Farming Ltd, Lower Castle Hayes Farm, Needwood, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 9PH for our Annual Open Day.

This is a 300 cow unit, which calves mainly in June and July and is on 2nd and 3rd cross with the Montbeliarde. There will be a few presentations and competitions during the day and lunch provided as well.

Anyone requiring further details or to book your place for the AGM/Open Day please contact the Secretary: 01609 748385 or email: montbeliardeuk@hotmail.co.uk

Check out the latest press release form Coopex following the June proof runs by following the link below:

COMMENTS JUNE PROOFS 2017 COOPEX MONTBELIARDE

JUNE 2017 PRICE LIST ALTA UK

With the summer, comes our new sire directory! Top genomic and progeny tested bulls, diversity, performances,…

Here are the key points of this new proof release :

OUR BULLS :

For the 8^th proof release, Jura-Betail maintains his leadership position giving you the number 1 of the breed. Still within our Healthy range,JORDREN JB has indisputable production qualities: Milk +563, Prot +1.7 and Fat +3.1. Great on all his functional traits, this sire will give you easy to manage cows. Within the same range, HOLDING JB, with 29 daughters, has a complete profile combining Milk (+475), Fertility (+1.7) and Udder (124, Udder Health +0.9). Under our Protein range, GAZIER JB mixing Milk (+682) and content (Prot +1.2 Fat +2.6). Very good in Fertility (+1.3), this ENJOUE JB’s son will give you small cows, strong on their feet and legs.

Among the young bulls, MAXIMO JB joins the Milk&Meat range: 133 in Type, 128 in Udder, +453 in Milk with positive content. With a different profile, MAGIC JB will bring dairy potential (Milk +566, Prot +1.3, Fat +0.3), Fertility, strong feet and legs and a great Udder.

Udder quality has to be noted here: among the 19 new genomic sires, the Udder index average is 120! More than 1.5 standard deviation!!

Along with this extraordinary asset, Jura-Bétail offers diversity as well since those 19 young bulls are born from 17 different sires.

IF YOU LOOK FOR :

Within young bulls:

– Milk: JOSTIK JB (Milk +1 090), JITEUF JB (Milk +945) and HARPON JB (Milk +913).

– Terrific udders : MAXIMO JB (UD 128), MAXENT JB (UD 127), MAGIC JB (UD 123), LUDIC JB (UD 123), JAMICAL JB (UD 122), LEXIC JB(UD 122) and JILAIN JB (UD 122).

– Crossbreeding: MAGIC JB, LIBERO JB, MERLU JB, LICRA JB, LEOGNAN JB and JELINEK JB.

– Feet and legs: MAGIC JB, MAXIMO JB, MERLU JB and JUMPER JB.

– Type: MAXIMO JB, JITEUF JB, LUDIC JB, LICRA JB and LINAO JB.

Within our progeny tested bulls:

– Milk: FRANGY JB (Milk +1 159), FLIPEX JB (Milk +756) and FUNKY JB (Milk +749).

– For robots: FUVEAU JB, GLOCK JB and GOLDWYN JB.

– Terrific udders : HOLDING JB (UD 124), FRIPON JB (UD 123), FLIPEX JB (UD 122), GALPAGE JB (UD 122), GHANA JB (UD 119) andFRANGY JB (UD 117).

– Healthy udders with VALFIN JB (UDHe +1,8), ABSOLU JB (UDHe +1,8), FUVEAU JB (UDHe +1,2) and GROG JB (UDHe +1,1).

– Type: ESPRIT JB, HOLDING JB, FLASH JB and EMINEM JB.

SEXED SEMEN OFFER

12 bulls remain available today in female sexed semen at 90%:

LIROUD JB, LISTORY JB, LUCHO JB, JAMICAL JB, JEKIL JB, JINOX JB, JOCKER JB, IVIRIEU JB, ILAY JB, IOSHI JB, HIKORIS JB and HEFFROI JB.

A new offer will be sent on September 1^st with 5 new sires.

 for further details contact:

Hélène DUBARLE

Export Manager

Tel : +33 (0)7 61 93 35 35

www.jura-betail.fr                                    www.dlgexport.com

 Jura Bétail – Your Montbeliarde supplier

The society is pleased to announce the following date for the 2017 AGM:

5th and 6th September 2017  in Staffordshire

Following the same format as recent years, members will meet for the annual dinner and AGM including the announcement of the Society Milk Records competition for the 2016/17 recording year on the evening of the 5th September.

On the 6th September the Society will host its annual open day by kind permission of Smiths Farming Ltd – Needwood Montbeliardes. Phillip and Kath Smith will welcome visitors from all over the UK to Lower Castle Hayes Farm, Needwood, Burton on Trent, to view their herd of 300 cows.

Further details to follow

For the latest update click HERE

Everybody is welcome on  July 12 and 13th to  Jura for their annual Summer Montbeliarde Tour when you will be able to view offspring from sires such as

FLIPEX JB, VALFIN JB, FLASH JB, FUNKY JB, CARDIFF JB, CRUMBLE JB, FRACAS JB, HOLDING JB, HANOVER JB and others

You are welcome to arrive on the Tuesday evening so you can start early on the Wednesday, and leave on the Friday so!

To organize logistic and accommodations, booking needs to be confirmed by June 20 at the latest.
For more details and to book contact

Hélène DUBARLE, Export Manager, Tel : +33 (0)7 61 93 35 35

Jura Bétail

www.jura-betail.fr

Click on the link below to access the new directory from Jura Betail

Jura-Bétail-Montbeliarde Sire Directory_April 2017

The next meeting of the Midlands group will be

on the 10th May 2017 at 7pm

By kind permision of W G, G M & M BROOKES

HILLBROOK MONTBELIARDES

NOTHILL FARM, CRAKEMARSH, UTTOXETER, STAFFORDSHIRE, ST14 5AT

All are welcome

The Spring Sale of Montbeliarde Cattle

on WEDNESDAY 26th APRIL 2017 at Harrison and Hetherington, Borderway Mart, Carlisle

Has been CANCELLED due to insufficient entries for the sale

April 2017 sees the announcement of new bull proofs, here are the latest figures supplied to us by Helene at Jura Betail

JURA BETAIL APRIL 2017 PROOFS RELEASE Montbeliarde Proofs_Jura Betail_April2017

Spring Sale of Montbeliarde Cattle

WEDNESDAY 26th APRIL 2017

Entry forms for the forthcoming sale at Harrison and Hetherington, Borderway Mart, Carlisle are now available for download.

CLICK HERE for an Entry form.

(entries close 12th April)

Many visited the Montbeliarde UK trade stand at UK Dairy Expo on Saturday 11th March, with over 60 people entering our calf judging competition on the stand.

Ferreol Roche (Coopex) agreed to master judge the pen of four maiden heifers kindly supplied by Messrs Wilson (Blackcombe Montbeliardes). The final placings were Y (388) X (390) B (422) A(426), with just four people having the correct placings, congratulations to the winners:

Martin Ellis, David Cotton, Rob Warburton and EA Kitching

(Correct order of calves from left to right YXBA)

Thanks to members who joined us on the day, to support us welcoming and talking to visitors on the stand and once again to Michael Wilson and Laura Teesdale for bringing the calves and making the first show for the Society such a success!

The February newsletter with an update on BVD in the UK can be found by clicking HERE

Montbeliardes – Looking to sell….   Looking to buy…

Montbeliarde UK are pleased to announce the forthcoming Consignment Sale at Borderway Mart in association with auctioneers Harrison and Hetherington.

Sale Date: Wednesday 26th April 2017

If you have stock to sell, this provides the perfect opportunity –

Entries for the sale close on Wednesday 12th April.

Anyone requiring further details please contact:

H & H Pedigree Office – 01228 406230

Auctioneer – Glyn Lucas – 07711 610255

Auctioneer – Andrew Templeton – 07778 808464

The Society hopes you will support the sale, either by consigning or attending on sale day!

Keep checking back for further updates…

We have had a student from Sparsholt College with an interest in Montbeliardes contact us to see if any members would offer her a three week placement in late February – early March.
If you can help and could use the help please get in touch with the secretary for her contact details.

On the March 22 2017 will be our Montbeliarde Genetic Day at the Parc Expo in Dole.

It’s an inescapable meeting for Jura-Bétail and all Montbeliarde lovers around the world and we would be pleased to welcome you and enjoy with you 3 days in the Jura area.

Without any delay:-

Have a look at the detailed programme enclosed,

Book the dates in your diary,

and let us know as soon as possible about your coming!

invitation-journee-genetique-jb_gb

Montbeliarde UK would like to wish all members and friends all the best for 2017.

Planning and production of the 2017 Full Montey magazine is well underway.
If you have any suggestions of content or are interested in either member or commercial advertising please email the secretary.

And for a bit of fun we’d like to include a picture gallery of Monty Selfies – so get that phone camera and yourself out and about with your cows – and submit them by email no later than Monday 6th February for inclusion!  There will be a small prize for the best photo !

The Coopex Show 2017 which will be from the 30th January till the 2nd of February.

To book it please contact as usual Bay Farms Tours.

coopex-progeny-show-2017

flyer-coopex-show-2017

DECEMBER PROOFS RELEASE from JURA-BETAIL, THE UNIT SELECTION WHO MAKES CHAMPIONS

Either young or progeny tested, Jura-Bétail bulls confirmed their positions on the podium in 2016.

THE GENOMIC OFFER

JORDREN JB keeps his position as the leader of the breed with 170 points of ISU. He maintains all his qualities (milk, content, udder health, reproduction and type) and comes in our offer among the Healthy range with a perfect profile suitable for milk robots.

HARPON JB, for his 6th proofs release remains within the Top 3 bulls of the breed. Still in our Protein range he is ranked +1 020 in milk index and +1.1 in Protein.

Among the new bulls, let’s have a look at LIROUD JB who, with 150 points of ISU, fits into the most performing and outcross sires: within the Top40 bulls, LIROUD JB is the n°1 having the lowest female parentage coefficient. Along with this, he has an outstanding type (121), a very good udder (120) and a good ratio between Protein (+1.5) and Milk (+401).

Among the other new young bulls, if you are looking for:

– Milk: JOSTIK JB (Milk +1 201), HARPON JB (Milk +1 020) and LOGALY JB (Milk +987).

– Genetic variability: LIROUD JB, a son of IROUD JB and JELINEK JB, a son of HELLEAN JB.

– Outstanding Udders: JUSSIEU JB (UD 124), LANZAC JB (UD 124), ITEMPLE JB (UD 123), JAMICAL JB (UD 122), LIROUD JB (UD 120), JELINEK JB (UD 119).

THE PROGENY TESTED OFFER

Not only Jura-Bétail keeps its position of leader with JORDREN JB, but also the selection unit confirms its know-how with FLIPEX JB.

With 127 daughters, a reliability of 93%, #1 among progeny tested sires for the 3rd consecutive proofs release, FLIPEX JB has proven his abilities to bring our distributors and breeders a dairy potential much higher than average with positive contents (Milk +915, Prot +1.2, Fat +0.5) along with an extraordinary quality of udders.

FRANGY JB, after his release this summer, keeps an exceptional milk level with +1 173 combined to a very good udder quality (119) and healthy (Udder Health +0.8).

FAGUET JB comes with 148 points of ISU with a strong potential in our Protein range: Protein +2.4 and Fat +4.3. He is also very good in functional traits (Udder health +1.0 and Repro +0.8).

Even if CRUMBLE JB is not new, his consistency in his progenies’ qualities is remarkable: a good ratio between Protein (+1.4) and Milk (+231), with good functional traits (Udder Health +1.0 – Fert +0.3 – Long +0.7), easy calving (92), strong on feet and legs (122) and a very good udder (121).

SEXED SEMEN OFFER

14 bulls are available today in female sexed semen at 90%:

FLIPEX JB, JEKIL JB, JINOX JB, LUCHO JB, JAMICAL JB, IVIRIEU JB, JUNKY JB, JOZUAL JB, JOCKER JB, IOSHI JB, ILAY JB, IBREUIL JB, IATUS JB and HEFFROI JB.

montbeliard-proofs_jura-betail_december-2016

UPCOMING MONTBELIARDE DISPERSAL…
If you are looking from Montbeliarde cattle make sure you are at Melton Mowbray Market on Friday 25th November.
The complete dispersal sale of the milking herd comprising of 120 mainly Montbeliarde cows, including some high quality pedigree French Montbeliardes and 40 followers will go under the hammer on behalf of S & R Vallance.
Sale starts at 11am, catalogues will be available prior to the sale, or can be downloaded following the link below:

http://meltonmowbraymarket.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Montbeliarde-Dispersal-Sale-Catalogue.pdf

Lora Fryars BVSc MRCVS,  was awarded the Dairy Industry Vet of the Future Award at the 2016 South West Dairy Show. She has kindly agreed to share her research paper with us:

A study of the performance of Montbeliarde cross Holsteins on British farms.

a-study-of-the-performance-of-montbeliarde-cross-holstein-cattle-in-uk-dairy-herds

Many thanks to all members who joined us at Newby Bridge on 6th September for the AGM, when last years herds competition results were announced. Results attached.
On the 7th September we were welcomed by the Wilson family to the Blackcombe herd, where the sun shone and over 60 members and friends enjoyed a varied, interesting day in the sun, seeing a tremendous herd of top class Montbeliardes. a great thanks to our hosts for a great visit !

montbeliarde-uk-herds-competition-results-2014-15

Photos to follow

By now all members should have had notice of the AGM to be held on Tuesday 6th September in Cumbria at the Newby Bridge Hotel, if you plan to attend please book menu choices ASAP with Sarah Liddle the secretary on 01609 748385.
The Open Day is on 7th September from 10.45am at the Wilson family’s renowned Blackcombe herd, again please let Sarah know if you plan to attend for catering purposes- all welcome – members and non members alike! It’s a massive opportunity to see pure and crossbred cattle and meet monty enthusiasts!

A typical ProCROSS, Viking Red x Montbeliarde x Viking Holstein – providing greater benefit than other breed combinations from health traits, efficient production and genetic diversity according to ABA Viking

ABA Viking to market ProCROSS bull line-up

ProCROSS – the only three-way dairy crossbreeding programme in the world to be underpinned by independent research – will be marketed in the UK by ABA Viking.

Greater emphasis will also be placed on genomic bulls, in line with customer expectation to be at the forefront of scientific advance.

ProCROSS is the rotational breeding of Montbeliarde over Viking Red and Holstein. Three-way crossbreeding is more successful where there is the most genetic diversity, while maximising the complementary strengths, between each of the breeds.

The ProCROSS combination outperformed others in independent trials at the University of Minnesota as a result of the higher production potential of Viking Red and Montbeliarde, compared with the other Red and Alpine dairy breeds.

Roger Trewhella of ABA Viking commented: “It will be far easier for farmers to be able to source those sires best suited to ProCROSS among the Viking Reds, Montbeliardes and Viking Holsteins.

“The research, coupled with fifteen years practical experience, which ProCROSS is based on, gives farmers confidence and removes the lottery of choosing breeds and sires at random.”

This marketing agreement follows the termination of the previous arrangement with ABS Genus, and becomes operational from 1^st October 2016.

The BVDFree England scheme was launched on the 1st July 2016. Montbeliarde UK as a Society has agreed to support the national scheme and would encourage all our members to read the attached factsheets and enrol in the scheme that is focussed on eliminating BVD. If anyone has any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Farmer step by step guide to BVDFree

BVDFree farmer flyer

BVDFree BVD Factsheet

BVDFree registration form

Coopex have released new figures since the June proof run, their new brochure contains updated information on the breed in France, new bulls that have been launched on to the market and all the bulls that are available for sale through either ALTA UK or R Breeders Ltd.

COOPEX Summer 2016 Brochure

We have just received the latest June figures from Helene
jura betail figures june 2016 1

Montbéliard Proofs_Jura Bétail_June 2016

The Blackcombe herd in Cumbria has just launched a bull, Esquire.

If you would like more information then call Michael on 07855 464770

Hassal Brothers Auctioneers have a Coloured breeds sale in conjuction with Barbers Auctions, Market Drayton on the 18th May. If you have stock to sell why not enter them in this sale!!
Their Coloured Breed sales will be held on the third Wednesday of every month. For more information follow the link below:
http://www.hassallbrothers.co.uk

See anyone you recognise.

Thanks to Ferrol for sending us these great pictures !

New figures have just been released.

Read the documents below to find out more

Jura Betail proofs April 2016

Montbéliard Proofs_Jura Bétail_April 2016

Helene has sent a report on the recent three day event in France, click below for her full report

JuraParc 2016-Feed Back GB

This years AGM and Open Day date has now been set.

The AGM will be on the evening of 6th September and on the 7th September (the following day) we will enjoy a herd visit to the fantastic Blackcombe herd of Michael Wilson and family at Monk Foss Farm, Millom, Cumbria. Michael will be well known to members and non members alike as a past Chairman of Montbeliarde Uk and his herd is renowned for both type and production – as last years inaugural Herds Competition showed.

More details will follow – including the AGM and meal venue, but put the date in the diary now !

Many members who attended the 2015 Montbeliarde Uk AGM and Open Day would meet one of our French members, Nicholas Perrodin, who has recently judged the Concours Général de Paris where the National Montbeliarde show was held on 28^th of February in Paris during the Agriculture show.

We hope Nicholas enjoyed his day, and will be in the UK visiting us again soon.

To see more about the show and the results follow the link

www.montbeliarde.org/Concours-General-Agricole-2016-en.html

It was a very interesting and useful day when Meurig James and his team of classifiers joined a group of members and non members at the Cotton family’s Ridgedale Herd near Stoke on Trent on Wednesday 2nd March. Everyone enjoyed great hospitality, a farm walk and lunch. We also had the chance to discuss the direction of the breed and classification, with members keen to keep strength as a main factor in the breed going forward.

Montbeliarde UK is delighted to announce a Classification Workshop on 2nd March 2016.

If attending please use postcode ST10 4HY in your sat nav.

The day will commence at 10-10.30am with the classification workshop and then there will be chance to view the herd.

This is be open to all members and will be held by kind permission of Andrew and Teresa Cotton at High Ridges Farm, Tean, Stoke On Trent, Staffordshire, ST10 4HZ.

Please book places if you plan to attend with the secretary, it is hoped a second workshop will be held further north later in the year.
This will be your opportunity to shape the type of animals which the classifiers score in each category and be an important part of the breeds development going forward.

Jura Betail have just sent us the following information about the well known sire Valfin reaching 12 years of age, if you want to know more read their newsletter

Click Valfin jb is 12 years old to read more

COOPEX Progeny Show 2016

Coopex invites you to join them for the Umotest Show 2016.

3500 persons, 200 foreign visitors from more than 25 countries of the 5 continents will travel to Besançon to see progeny of new Montbeliarde sires.

Anyone interested in attending should confirm their participation with Coopex before January the 15th.

Full details of the trip, including a booking form can be found here:

The Coopex Team

Montbeliarde UK wishes friends and members all the best for 2016.

Annual memberships are now due as per letters sent out last month, please complete your standing order forms and return them to your bank.