The Gunnerfleet Limousin herd has announced its intentions to host a dispersal sale on Saturday, May 16th, 2020 at Borderway Mart, Carlisle.
The herd, which is owned by Ian Handley and family, purchased Ballinloan Jaegerbomb for 24,000gns to use on their pedigree herd.
The champion AI bull came under the spotlight after there were doubts raised about his parentage; his dam was later identified as Ballinloan Geneva.
The bull was deregistered by the British Limousin Cattle Society and his passport was withdrawn by the British Cattle Movement Service.
In a statement at the time, the British Limousin Cattle Society, said: “The cause appears to be errors relating to the registration of either the date of birth and/or the parentage of the animals concerned.”
The animals listed “may not now be used for pedigree use or in any wider circumstance where pedigree status is required”, according to the society.
“It is our understanding that semen from animals on this list and that of their progeny can be traded and used in commercial herds; it may not be used for pedigree breeding purposes.” the society stated.
Over 35 years
Writing on Facebook, on Wednesday, January 15th, the herdowners, said: “We thought this day would or should have never come. This is probably one of the oldest, most established Limousin herds in the county.”
“We started over 35 years ago. My father founded the herd and with his consent, we have agreed to sell the herd.”
The family said they feel “let down” by the BLCS over the handling of the Jaegerbomb saga.
“We are an honest, quiet family that want to breed quality pedigree Limousin cattle and all we are doing is entering into a potential legal litigation saga, which isn’t us, but we have no option to pursue the perpetrators of this incident. All we are looking for is the honest truth.”
“After months of gathering evidence internally and externally, with private detectives over these last few months, we are now ready to take things to the next level, if we have to.”
“This has all been mental torture over the past 18 months and has almost sent Ian over the edge!” the post outlined.
“Proud to have been part of the Limousin breed”
They thanked all their friends in the Limousin circles, fellow breeders, friends and family for their “valued” support.
“[The] Gunnerfleet herd is probably one of the leading herds in the county. Never missing one bull sale at Carlisle.”
Over the past 4- 5 years, the herd, the post added, has always averaged between £8,500-£10,500 with teams of bulls.
“All the cows in the herd always breed top quality progeny. We are a small herd, but extremely selective. And we hope all future buyers have the same success we had before purchasing Jaegerbomb.”
“This is truly a sad, sad day and we will find it extremely difficult to let go of the herd.”
“But let’s not forget that the Limousin breed is the best beef breed in the world and always will be. And the breed will get through this dark time, as quality always pays. We are proud to have been part of the Limousin breed.” the social media post concluded.
