Pedigree Charolais, Limousin and Commercial Cattle from the Rumsden Herd in South East England

We had a marvellous 2004 fatstock show season. For a summary of our fatstock team click here...

Royal Smithfield Show 2004

We always attend the Royal Smithfield Show with no great expectations due to the exceptionally high standard of the cattle there. At the last show in 2002 we were amazed and delighted to be Reserve Steer Champion and Kings Cup winners with home bred charolais steer Eat My Shortts. Day one in 2004 was steer judging day, and we had three forward. The baby lim steer, Lisduff Lad, purchased for next year's shows, was too light in his class, and stood down the line. However, we were over the moon to win both the heavyweight Angus sired class, with Cruz Missile (664 Kgs) , and the Belgian Blue sired steer class with Black Thunder (576Kgs).

Day Three saw the championship judging, and in the heavy weight steer championship both Cruz and Black Thunder were shortlisted. However, Cruz went on further,m and ended up with Champion Angus, Reserve Champion for the Queens Cup (Best Native in Show) and part of the team of three Angus steers that won the Duke of Norfolk Trophy.

Day Four was sale day, and it is always sad to have to part with show steers that have given us so much fun. But beef is what it is about and we were delighted when Cruz sold for £3/Kg liveweight (£1,992) to Scottish Butcher John Anderson of North Berwick. He tells us that the rib joint from this year's Royal Smithfield SHow Angus Champion is destined for the table of top racehorse trainer William Haggis. Black Thunder also sold well, making £1.65/Kg (£950.40).

Ashford and Hailsham 2004

Ashford yeilded three firsts (senior Lim Steer, Charolais steer and pair of commercial bulls) plus one second (junior lim steer). Our animals all sold, topping at £1.60/Kg, with the three steers all making well over £700 a head.

At Hailsham we went one better than last year, winning Steer Champion and Reserve Supreme with Wealden Uberto, a pure lim steer purchased from Brian Baker. Uberto went on to sell for £1.65/Kg (£932) and our other teo entries made £1.40 and £1.50/Kg.

Black Thunder, 1st Smithfield 2004

Cruz Missile, 1st Smithfield 2004, Champion Angus, Reserve Champion for Queens Cup, in Duke of Norfolk group of Three winning team. (Robert Temple holding Rosette)