‘BREEDING THE BEST’ SIMMENTALS TO FIT ALL SYSTEMS

‘BREEDING THE BEST’ SIMMENTALS TO FIT ALL SYSTEMS

With a firm eye to the future and the role the Simmental breed has to play, here we feature the Lancashire based Wood family with their high profile 50-cow Popes pedigree herd, and their fresh meat wholesale business, Bowland Foods. Factfile: Popes Farm, Dutton,...

11,000GNS ISLAVALE NIGHTRIDER LEADS ABERDEEN SIMMENTAL SALE

11,000GNS ISLAVALE NIGHTRIDER LEADS ABERDEEN SIMMENTAL SALE

Backmuir sells to 8800gns Rockytop bull at 8500gns 11 bulls average £5832.27 Simmental Bull Champion Islavale Nightrider 22 - sold for 11,000gns The May 2022 born Islavale Nightrider from Mr W S Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith made 11,000gns to lead the...

ALASDAIR HOUSTON

by | Jul 5, 2021

The British Simmental Cattle Society has been deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Alasdair Houston, MBE, DL, FRAgS, of Gretna Green, earlier this week.

A hugely respected and popular figure within agriculture, livestock and the pedigree sector, Alasdair met with great success in the sales and show ring over a sustained period with his noted Charolais and Aberdeen Angus pedigree herds. Earlier this year he was awarded the Sir William Young award for his ‘exceptional contribution to the world of cattle breeding’.

Serving a period as Chairman of the British Charolais Cattle Society, and also a period as Chairman of the Board of Harrison & Hetherington, Alasdair was a dynamic individual who coupled his roles in agriculture whilst being a hands-on farmer, and developing his significant and successful business interests in Gretna.

From a Simmental perspective, Alasdair also of course leaves his indelible fingerprint on the history of the breed having bred Gretnahouse Supersonic, a bull who is the second most prolific in the British Simmental herdbook.

On behalf of all members, the Society’s deepest condolences are extended to Lucy, Rafe, and Tara at this sad time.