The Newcairnie herd, Auchenhuive, Whiterashes, Aberdeenshire has recently welcomed its newest arrival! The newest herd member is a yearling Aberdeen-Angus Heifer from the Wedderlie herd, won by Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society senior vice-president, Angela McGregor in a prize draw at Scotland’s Beef Event at Fans, Earlston.

The prize draw was held by the Scottish Beef Association to boost membership with existing members, and new members signing up on the day, being eligible to compete. Angela recently selected the heifer from a group of around 20 in the herd of John and Marion Tilson, and daughter, Wanda Hobbs, at Wedderlie, Gordon.

“They were a tremendous group of yearling heifers and I had the choice of any heifer in the group,” says Angela. “The Wedderlie herd has always focussed on females as well as terminal traits. I’m very happy with my selection and I’m sure she will make a real contribution to the Newcairnie herd.”

The September-born heifer, Wedderlie Blackberry S538, by the home-bred Wedderlie Timaru M594, will be served next year to fit in with the herd’s calving pattern.

Angela joined the SBA on the day and is very supportive of the association’s work on behalf of beef producers.

SBA chairman, Neil McCorkindale, Scammadale, Kilninver, Oban, said the prize draw had helped to attract new members to the association at the Beef Event and he hoped a similar draw for a heifer of another breed might be held at the next Beef Event in 2019.

“We need to continue to strengthen our membership to enable us to speak with a strong voice on behalf of the Scottish beef industry in the uncertain times which lie ahead,” said Neil.