Loganbar Charolais Target Major Global Markets

Situated in the beautiful countryside adjacent to the A9 Dunblane to Perth Road is Loganbar Charolais owned by Murray & Fiona Lyle, Mid Cambushinnie with their 3 sons David, Alastair and Fraser, Murray and Fiona have been in business here since 1980 where they operate their pedigree Charolais herd, alongside a flock of 150 Scottish Blackface x Charolais ewes and 50 acres of cereals.

Originating from a dairy farm at Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, the beef enterprise started with 120 commercial cross cows and now specialises with 60 pedigree Charolais cows clocking up 25 years of Loganbar Charolais. Murray’s spare time is now devoted to Perth & Kinross County Council having been elected last May covering an area of 5000 voters from Dunblane to Dunning.

As a World President of Charolais International in 2006, Murray was elected to represent the 20 affiliated countries. The job entailed visiting many countries all over the world including Brazil, Eastern Europe, France, Canada and in-fact counted up an incredible 26 flights in a 6 week period last year. This gave Murray the opportunity to inform Charolais breeders all around the world of the breed’s merits, reintroduce British Charolais genetics and explore new trading opportunities.

This elected role opened the door to many Judging assignments all over the world from South America, Canada, to the South of Ireland. “My biggest challenge was in Carrick-On-Shannon, Ireland where I had to judge 180 bulls in 2 hours! My confidence was restored when I heard that my champion was the same as Archie McGregor’s Champion from the summer months.” Murray has also judged at Toronto’s Royal Winter Fair 2006.

A good year all around was made even better when privately purchased Brax Utopia was crowned Supreme Champion at the Royal Show 2006. The first and only ever show entered, he also claimed the Reserve Burke Trophy. Following this achievement Murray decided to collect semen from the bull. After a few attempts by other AI centres, the bull struggled to make semen. Murray then decided to send Utopia to Cogent for one last try! Why? Cogent’s reputation for quality, is second to none in the AI business. I was also reassured by the standard and experience of the stockmen at the stud.

The journey down to Cheshire certainly proved worthwhile, with Utopia now having produiced top quality semen that has qualified for export all over the world. “Not only are we developing British Charolais genetics but are also able to secure repeat sales as a result of the quality of product sold globally”. Loganbar Charolais are hosting a delegation from Brazil and Mexico in the Spring 2008 to actually see Utopia and his offspring in the flesh with the intention of purchasing a considerable quantity of straws.

The future for the Charolais breed is to remain as the leading terminal sire in the beef industry. We must not ignore current welfare issues and trends throughout the rest of the world where polled genetics is becoming the norm. We also need to keep evolving the breed, and with current world cattle shortages the future for my herd is to produce and use Sexed Semen. Sexed Semen is more than a niche product, its got to be the way forward. This Spring, I intend to introduce the concept to the international visitors with a little help from Cogent, the world leaders in Sexed Semen technology.

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Custom Collection includes:

BRAX UTOPIA
Supreme Male & Overall Champion
Royal Show 2006
Owned by Murray Lyle, Loganbar Charolais,
Mid Cambushinnie, Dunblane.

SAUVIGNON
Male Champion Simagena 2007, Great Yorkshire, Royal Welsh,
Royal Ulster & Res Champion Royal 2006
Owned by Crawford Brothers, Northern Ireland

AYNHO ROSSITER ERIC
Sold for 18,000gns Perth October 2005
Owned by A Fraser, Forfar & J&M Tilson, Berwickshire.

FIELDSON ALFY
1st Intermediate Bull, Intermediate Champion & Supreme Champion,
Carlisle October 2006
Sold for 37,000gns
Owned by D & M Kelly, Nether Hall Farms Limited, Cumbria