Three northern bred Charolais bulls are among the first ever exportation of British Charolais semen to Mexico.

Edenhurst Shogun

They are Thrunton Unstoppable bred by the Campbell family, Ian and John and their father Colin of Thrunton, Alnwick; Alwent Vougeot bred by Steve Nesbitt, of Winston, Darlington and Edenhurst Shogun from Peter Vasey, Wetheral, Carlisle. The deal amounts which amounts to 3,500 straws also includes the polled Charolais Cockerington Urchin, Balmyle Victor, Maerdy Tally an 8,000gns Carlisle champion and former YPBS sire and Shraden Tallisman.

The consolidated shipment was brokered by British Livestock Genetics on behalf of members. UKTI, EBLEX and IATC helped to support the development, while Genus worked in close association with UK Sire Services to facilitate the shipment.

The major share is destined for the Mexican Charolais Society as the first part of ongoing orders.

"After three years of market development helped by the British Consulate in Guadalajara and Charolais breeders, we brought a team, including the Mexican Charolais Society’s president, Ing Francisco Elizondo to the British Charolais Cattle Society’s official spring show and sale in Perth in February where they chose a group of six bulls from six different breeders, and they made it abundantly clear that they will be back for more.” said BLG’s Rob Wills

Mr Elizondo said: “We have over the years introduced various bloodlines from France, Canada and the USA, however since the lifting of the export ban, we wanted to break the mould and take a fresh look at British Charolais, and we’ve found the type of cattle we are seeking.

“They have length, ease of calving, milk, good locomotion and tight sheaths, all of which are essential for our extensive systems. What’s more, British Charolais evaluations are similar to those in the Mexican Charolais sire summary and easy to relate to.”

He added: “Native bos indicus cattle have had dominance in the Mexican beef sector until the millennium when Charolais over took their position in both pure and commercial herds simply because the breed is preferred for its adaptability, its heat tolerance and efficiency in terms of growth rates and yield of meat.” Charolais now makes up 30pc of all European cattle registrations in Mexico with 13,000 head registered in the herd book in 2005.

BCCS’s David Benson said: "We are pleased to commence trading British Charolais genetics with Mexico. We firmly believe that this is just the first of many further orders and to progress we are ensuring we offer a first class after sales service.

“For example, BLG has worked with the Consulate in Guadalajara and sponsored Lincolnshire based Charolais breeder, Ralph Needham to Mexico’s National Show in Monterey earlier this year, and a further delegation of Charolais breeders to Mexico is planned for later this year.”