by Iain | Mar 24, 2025 | 2025 Northern Ireland News, 2025 Dungannon Sales, 2025 News, 2025
- Bulls average £5477.50, a new breed record, and up by £1,897 on the year
- Three bulls make 6000gns and over
- 75% clearance rate
It was a record-breaking day for Cecil and Scott McIlwaine, Corrick, Newtonstewart, Co Tyrone who sold Corrick Presley for 7200gns at the British Simmental Cattle Society’s Sale held at Dungannon Farmers Mart on Friday 21st March. The top price is a new breed record for a Simmental bull at this fixture.
September 2023 born Corrick Presley had earlier in the day been tapped out as the Overall Supreme Champion by the pre-sale show judge Martin Cunningham, who runs a commercial herd alongside his establishing Catcairn pedigree herd at Hannahstown, Belfast, and who commented: “My choice of Champion is just a fantastic modern Simmental bull. He has length, width, and power, and has all the qualities to be a breeder’s bull that anyone would be pleased to have.”
Champion Corrick Presley
Corrick Presley is by Seafort Gill and is out of the Team Celtic daughter Corrick Matilda. With top growth figures this bull is in the breed’s top 1% for 400, & 600 day weight, and top 10% for 200 day weight. Carrying on the theme his Terminal Production Index, and Self Replacing Index are both in the breed’s top 5%. Purchasing the top priced bull was local breeder William Ferguson who runs 80-90 Simmental x Limousin cows alongside the Sperrin View herd of ten pedigree Simmentals, at Stewartstown, Dungannon. Commenting Mr Ferguson said: “We had seen Corrick Presley on Facebook prior to the sale and were impressed by the bull in himself and also his performance figures. Seeing him at the market he was a bull with real length to him, full of character, style, and who walked very well. He was the colour we were looking for to breed replacements, had plenty of muscle and amount of bone for the type of cows that he’ll be used on.” Back in 2019, William Ferguson had previously purchased Corrick Justice from the McIlwaine’s and was a bull ‘who had worked really well for us.’ Of the 7200gns price Mr Ferguson said: “We really wanted to get the bull of the quality and type that we were looking for as it’s such an important investment for the herd. Corrick Presley ticked the boxes we were looking for.”
Champion with judge Martin Cunningham, breeder Neil McIlwaine, and buyer William Ferguson
Speaking after the sale a delighted Neil McIlwaine said: “Corrick Presley is a terrific bull, and going to the sale we thought he had the full package with his pedigree, performance figures and the looks. He’s a heifer’s calf who showed successfully in the NI Simmental National Show in 2024 at Antrim, and he comes from a good breeding line. Presley has gone to a good home and a repeat buyer in the shape of William Ferguson, and we look forward to see how he goes on and does.” Of setting a new Simmental breed record at Dungannon, Neil McIlwaine went on to say: “We are delighted to support and promote the breed at such sales as Dungannon, and it’s a thrill to set what is a record price along with a record sale average. More generally there are a lot of quality Simmental bulls being bred and sold by NI breeders which is great to see.”
The sale saw six out of the eight bulls forward sell to an average of £5477.50, up by £1897 on the year and setting a new record average for this Simmental fixture. Following the bulls, four heifers sold to average a healthy £3438.75.
Knockreagh Popstar 23 6000gns
Two bulls made 6000gns and with the first of these being Knockreagh Popstar from Val & Conrad Fagan from Newry, County Down. November 2023 born, this bull who stood second in his class, is by the leading sire Saltire Impressive 17, and is out of Knockreagh Kitty (ET) VG 88, a Dermotstown Delboy (ET) EX 92 daughter. Knockreagh Popstar, who carried above average figures for Materanl (Milk), and also Terminal Production and Self Replacing Indexes, sold to the Killyfaddy Farm pedigree herd of Robert Duncan, Magherafelt, Co Londonderry.
Drumacritten Robbie 24 6000gns
Also at this mark was the final bull in the catalogue, Drumacritten Robbie 24 (ET), from Mr WE Nelson & Mr GE Nelson, Drummacritten, Rosslea, Enniskillen. First in his class, Drumacritten Robbie is by Dermotstown Delboy (ET) EX 92, and is out of Drumacritten Dianna GP 84, a Drumlone Anchor 09 9 daughter. Buying this bull, who is in the breed’s top 5% for Calving Ease Daughters, was purchased by Ivan Henderson, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.
Drumacritten Paddy 23, Reserve Champion, 4300gns
The Nelsons also sold the day’s Overall Reserve Champion, Drumacritten Paddy 23 for 4300gns. October 2023 born, this bull is another by Saltire Impressive, and is out of Drumacritten Julie a Curaheen Gunshot daughter. Drumacritten Paddy was knocked down to G McBurney, Annalong, Co Down.
At 4000gns was the first bull in the ring in the shape of Craigy Prime from Mr WJ Dodd, Saintfield, Ballynahinch, Co Down. August 2023 born this bull, got by AI, is by Seafort Gill, the same sire as the day’s top price, and is out of Craigy Jessica L9, a Keeldrum Fabregas daughter. Another bull with above breed average Terminal Production and Self Replacing Indexes, Craigy Prime was bought by Norman Thompson, Kilaloo, Co Londonderry.
Veaghmore Pebble 3500gns
In the females, two December 2023 born heifers from Mr DG Rooney, Newry, County Down, Veaghmore Pebble and Veaghmore Paris both made 3500gns and with both being purchased by James Porter, Dromore, Co Down. The stylish Veaghmore Pebble, got by AI, is a daughter of Clonagh Tiger Gallant, and is out of Cladymore Melody, a Curaheen Dickens daughter. Veaghmore Paris, again got by AI, is sired by the 16,000gns Ranfurly Limelight L11 20, and is out of Cladymore Jane, a Kilbride Farm Dragoon 12 daughter.
Veaghmore Paris 3500gns
L to R: Judge Martin Cunningham, Res Champ Drumacritten Paddy, and Overall Champ Corrick Presley
by Iain | Nov 25, 2024 | 2024 Scottish News, 2024 News, 2024, 2024 Other Shows
- Springfield Prada wins Overall Supreme & Female Champion
- Springfield Pentagon takes Overall Reserve & Male Champion
It was a ‘win double’ Gavin Brown, Springfield Farm, Penicuik who took both the Simmental Overall Supreme & Overall Reserve titles at the Scottish National Fatstock Club’s 2024 LiveScot event held at Lanark market on Friday evening, 22nd November 2024.
With similar breeding behind them, both Champion & Reserve were July 2023 born, sired by the herd’s noted stock bull Islavale Jabba 18 (ET) EX 92, and out of Shiloh Freedom daughters.
Springfield Prada, Overall Supreme Champion 2024 LiveScot
Judge for the day was Sean Mitchell, Grassknop Farm, Penrith and who duly tapped out the seventeen-month-old heifer Springfield Prada, as his Female Champion & Simmental Overall Supreme Champion. A ‘very correct heifer from great sire and dam lines,’ Prada’s full sister Springfield Neptune, took the Overall Senior Championship and Overall Reserve at the 2023 Simmental Youngstock Show held within the Borderway Agri Expo. Springfield Prada’s dam, the seven-year-old Springfield Italia, has had four heifer calves to date and with her one bull calf, Springfield Niagra, also by Islavale Jabba, selling for 8500gns at Stirling this year. Carlisle will be the next destination for Springfield Prada as she is being offered for sale at the Simmental Next Generation IV Sale of Females & Weaned Calves on 6th December.
Taking the Male Championship, and the Overall Reserve, was Prada’s stablemate in the shape of Springfield Pentagon. Again July 2023 born, Springfield Pentagon is out of another Shiloh freedom daughter, Springfield Jolene. Earlier this month, Pentagon stood second in his class to the Senior Male Champion at the Stars of the Future Calf Show. A powerful bull with plenty of length, Springfield Pentagon will now be aimed at the Stirling Simmental Bull Sale in February 2025.
May 2018 born, Islavale Jabba has been the 30-cow Springfield herd’s main sire for the previous four years, and with his progeny both bulls and heifers averaging well at sales and to a top of 8500gns. With a host of accolades to his name, Islavale Jabba has been the online European Simmental Champion, and the Senior Male Champion at the 2023 Scottish Simmental National Show. Another son, Springfield Major, was the Champion at the Simmental Calf Show at Borderway Agri Expo in 2021, and went on to sell for 7500gns at Stirling. Islavale Jabba (ET) EX 92 has since been sold for breeding to the Newbiemains pedigree herd of Jim and Patricia Goldie but with semen retained for use on farm.
2024 LiveScot Simmental Results
Judge: Sean Mitchell, Grassknop Farm, Penrith.
Class 1036 Bull born between 1st July 2023 and 31st December 2023
1st – Gavin Brown’s Springfield Pentagon (647)
Class 1037 Bull born after 1st of January 2024
1st – Robbie Hamilton’s Drumclog Richard (654)
Class 1038 Heifer born between 1st July 2023 and 31st December 2023
1st – Gavin Brown’s Springfield Prada (656)
2nd – J and E Dyet’s Merkland Pippa (662)
Class 1039 Heifer born after 1st of January 2024
1st – J and E Dyet’s Merkland Flora 24 (666)
by Iain | Nov 17, 2024 | 2024 Midlands News, 2024 News, 2024
Shropshire-based breeder Chris Martindale has been elected as President of the British Simmental Cattle Society (BSCS) following the Society’s Annual General Meeting held recently in Stirling at the October Bull Sales.
BSCS President, Chris Martindale
Having served as a Council Member since 2021, he takes over from Norman Robson, Kilbride Farm, Ballyclare who had served as President for a two year term of office. Chris Martindale, who had been the Society’s Vice President and Chairman of Finance, also over the previous two years, becomes the 28th Chairman of the BSCS in its 54 year history, and the tenth from England.
Chris, together with his wife Kath, joined the BSCS in 1990. Their Forsdale Herd based at Coedfa, St Martins, Oswestry was established following the private purchase of two cows with calves at foot from the Dispersal Sale of the Boscobel Herd of Mrs EP Yates, Codsall Wood, Wolverhampton. Simmental was the chosen breed as the Martindales wanted cows that were easy calving and easy managed, had good docility, and great mothering ability. Today the herd comprises of twelve pedigree cows and fits well with Chris who is the Sales Manager for Lloyd’s Animal Feeds, a company he has worked for 33 years.
In recent years, the herd has gone down the polled route, again with an increasing emphasis on ease of management, and with the calves from their latest heterozygous polled stock bull, Wroxall Nescafe (P), eagerly awaited in the Spring. Keen supporters of local shows, the Forsdale Herd has met with much success showing females at Newport, Oswestry, and Denbeigh shows. Bulls are sold from the farm and to a repeat customer base. A noted pedigree judge, Chris Martindale has judged all over the country and at major shows including the Royal Highland, Royal Welsh, and the Simmental World Congress show held within the Royal Norfolk in 2008. Most recently he judged the pre-sale show of Simmental bulls at Stirling in October 2022.
A significant momentum behind the Simmental breed has seen an uplift in commercial demand, a series of record sale averages, and increased pedigree registrations for three consecutive years. Commenting on this Chris Martindale said: “In a focussed industry, commercial producers need high performing, benchmark maternal traits as the long-term foundation to build their suckler herds upon.”
“There’s an increasing recognition that modern Simmental genetics gives you that and more. Easy calving, easy managed, full of milk, calving year on year, producing quality female replacements, and fleshy, growthy calves. The analysis of AHDB’s figures proves the performance of Simmental females, both pure and when crossed with any breed. Add in the further terminal advantages proven in age at slaughter and daily carcase gain, and it adds up to real money and performance for producers. “
BSCS President Chris Martindale (right), making a presentation to his predecessor Norman Robson at Stirling. Michael Durno, BSCS Vice President is on the left.
A further focus of the next two years will be preparing for the 25th World Simmental Congress with it recently being announced that this will be hosted by the British Simmental Cattle Society in the United Kingdom in 2026. In a further comment, Chris Martindale went on to say:
“I am extremely honoured to have been elected as President of one of the UK’s leading beef breed societies. As a Society we’ll continue to work hard and take dead aim at promoting the Simmental’s abilities, to grow the breed across the UK markets. We’re excited to have been awarded the World Congress in 2026, and it will provide a terrific platform for us to showcase the breed to a widespread audience, both domestically and internationally.”
Michael Durno who runs the Auchorachan pedigree herd at Glenlivet, Ballandalloch, Banffshire has been elected as the British Simmental Cattle Society’s Vice President.
by Iain | Jul 30, 2024 | 2024 Welsh News, 2024 News, 2024 Royal Welsh Show, 2024
- Lynfield Precious N992 (P) places Overall Reserve
- Hallway Herd wins Pairs Title
The January 2023 born heifer Clonagh Regal Fortune, owned jointly by Callum Croft of the Fforest herd, Gwalyrhwch Farm, Llanedi, Pontarddulais, Swansea, and Lizzie Harding of the Hallway herd, Cornerfields Farm, Uxbridge, Bucks, took the Overall Simmental Championship at the 2024 Royal Welsh Show, at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells on Monday 22nd July.
Overall Champion Clonagh Regal Fortune
Coming hot on the heels of the Simmental English National Show, the small breed section at the Royal Welsh was judged by Steve Gummow of the noted Killiworgie herd at Higher Killiworgie Farm, Newquay, Cornwall.
Bred by Garret Behan, Ballyfin, Portlaoise, Clonagh regal Fortune is by the herd’s 22,000gns stock bull Manor Park Hansome, and is out of Clonagh Fame And Fortune. In the summer of last year Callum Croft judged the South east Herd Competition in the Republic of Ireland and it was there that he first saw Clonagh Regal Fortune. Commenting he said: “Regal Fortune just really stood out as a calf in the field and I like the breeding behind her with her pedigree featuring the noted Clonagh Edel which goes back to one of the herd’s foundation females. She came for sale in the Clonagh online sale held in January this year and I was delighted to buy her for €4400.”
Of his Champion the judge Steve Gummow said: “This was a stylish young heifer that moved very well, was good on her plates, and had plenty of breed character with a lovely head.”
2024 RWAS Simmental judge, Steve Gummow of the Killiworgie herd, Cornwall
Through this summer Clonagh Regal Fortune has been shown at the Great Yorkshire where she stood second to the Reserve Female Champion, and also at the Royal Highland where she was fourth in a strong class.
The Championship is the second Overall Simmental title at the Royal Welsh in three years for Callum Croft with him having won it in 2022 with the 17-month-old heifer Gwilli Melody 2.
Taking the Reserve Championship was the heterozygous polled heifer Lynfield Precious N992 (P) from establishing breeders George Scrivens and Holly Grant, and their Tapster herd at High Field Farm, Shrewley, Warwickshire. October 2022 born Lynfield Precious N992 (P) was purchased privately in the Spring from her breeder M/S AE & C Bishop, Church Farm, Wokingham, Berkshire and is due to calf in January to Ranfurly Confederate. She is by the noted AI sire Sterling Gino 15, and is out of the Darsham Playboy (P) daughter Lynfield Precious H628 (P).
Reserve Overall Lynfield Precious N992
Lynfield Precious N992 (P) was Simmental Champion at this year’s Stafford County Show, and stood third in her class to the Overall Simmental Champion at the Great Yorkshire Show. Early hopes and plans are for her to be shown again next year with calf at foot.
Overall Champions Clonagh Regal Fortune and Lynfield Precious N992 (P). From left to right: Meirion Jones, Welsh Simmental Club Chairman; Steve Gummow, judge; Lizzie Harding; Callum Croft; and George Scrivens.
Pair Hallway Diamonds Precious & Hallway Diamonds Pearl
2024 Royal Welsh Show Simmental Champions
Overall Champion: Clonagh Regal Fortune
Overall Reserve: Lynfield Precious N992 (P)
Pairs: Hallway Diamonds Precious & Hallway Diamonds Pearl
by Iain | Apr 29, 2024 | 2024 Midlands News, 2024 News, 2024 Worcester Sales, 2024
- Bosahan bulls make 6000gns, & 5000gns
- Top three prices all heterozygous polled bulls
The September 2022 born Killiworgie North Star 22 (P) from Steve and Gill Gummow, Higher Killiworgie Farm, Newquay, Cornwall, sold for 7500gns to top the Worcester Simmental Sale held at McCartneys Livestock Market, Worcester, on Saturday 27th April.
Killiworgie North Star 7,500gns
This heterozygous polled bull is by Curaheen Gunshot (P) and is out of the Killiworgie Emperor daughter, Killiworgie Elderflowers Ivy EX92. Described as a bull with a super temperament, great locomotion, style, and excellent conformation, Killiworgie North Star 22 (P) carries a Maternal (Milk) figure of +11, and is +1.8 for Calving Ease daughters.
Purchasing the day’s top, and second top, prices was CM Mercer who were looking to introduce polled Simmental bulls to their well-known 300 cow pedigree and purebred Bowley herd at Bowley Court Farms, Hop-Under-Dinmore, Leominster, Herefordshire. Earlier in the day, Killiworgie North Star (P) had stood second in his class to the overall champion, under the judge Wayne Davies, Cwmbromley, Newtown, Powys.
Selling at 6000gns, also to the Bowley herd, was the October 2022 born heterozygous polled bull Bosahan Nankervis 22 (P), from John and Bridget Olds, Bosahan Farm, Falmouth, Cornwall. This bull who stood first prize in the second class of the day is by the herd stock bull Kinclaven Infusion 17 (P) and is out of Bosahan Isabella Bea EX 90, a Skerrington Armada daughter. Again with good figures, Nankervis carries EBVs predicting easy calving and fast-growing early finishing progeny.
Bosahan Nankervis 6,000gns
Standing second in his class to Bosahan Nankervis 22 (P), was his stablemate Bosahan Nightfall 22 (P). October 2022 born Bosahan Nightfall (P) is another by Kinclaven Infusion 17 (P) and is out of Bosahan Flirty Tresor EX 90, a Skerrington Armada daughter. With a little show track record behind him, Bosahan Nightfall (P) won the Senior Calf Continental Championship at the Cornwall Pedigree Calf Show in October last year at Wadebridge. Buying this bull for 5000gns was DW Price, Ackhill Farm, Presteigne, Powys. Commenting, Mr Price said: “This is a stylish bull that caught our eye. He’s very correct, and has good figures for easy calving and growth. This is the first Simmental bull we have purchased and he’ll be used in our herd of between 80-90 Saler cows which are mainly pure.”
Bosahan Nightfall 5,000gns
At 4000gns was Beanhill Nightrider 22 from Mr & Mrs RJ & BE Kimber, Beanhill Farm, Chippenham, Wiltshire. November 2022 born, this second prize bull is by the AI sire Ballinalare Farm Galaxy, and is out of Beanhill Isla. Purchasing this bull, who carried strong terminal production and self-replacing indexes, was Top Farm Ltd, Aston Somerville, Worcester.
In the show of females the Female Champion came from regular Worcester consignor Mr WJ Hollingsworth, Midhope Hall Farm, Sheffield, in the shape of Midhope Melinda. This October 2021 born heifer, scanned in calf to Corskie Nomb, is by Denizes Kingston 19, and is out of the Woodhall Everhart daughter, Midhope Kitty. Buying the top price female at 2900gns was Mr S & Mrs D Shapland, for their Brynsworthy pedigree herd at Brynsworthy Farm, Barnstaple, Devon. Commenting on his Female Champion the judge Wayne Davies said: “This was a powerful Simmental heifer that also had style and femininity, and was full of breed character. I’ve no doubt she’ll go on to make a top breeding female.”
Midhope Melinda 2,900gns
Mr Davies was back in the fray when he purchased Newton House Majesty the Reserve Female Champion, for 2800gns from JW Gosmore Partners, Newton House Farm, Tattenhall, Chester. November 2022 born this heifer is by the imported sire Lissadell Los Angeles, and is out of Leeherd Majesty 377, a Dermotstown G Mac daughter.
Wayne Davies, judge, in action
In the draft sale of females from the Dinton herd of Miss SV Francis, Homestead Farm, Warminster, Wiltshire, the five-year-old Dinton Kiwi 11th VG 88 made the top price of 2600gns when selling with her fourth calf at foot, the heifer Dinto Kiwi 16th (P). Dinton Kiwi 11th VG 88 is by Coose Gambler (P), and is out of Dinton Kiwi 7 VG 89. Her calf Kiwi 16th (P), is by the homozygous polled bull Amadeus. Buying this outfit, and one of five purchases on the day, was RG Elliott & Son, Noborough Lodge, Norton, Brockhall, Northants.
AVERAGES
5 Bulls £5250 (+£551)
7 Females £2640
9 Females (Dinton) £1703
WORCESTER SIMMENTAL PRE-SALE SHOW RESULTS
Saturday 27th April 2024
Judge: Mr Wayne Davies, Cwmbromley, Sarn, Newtown, Powys
Class 1
1st: Lot 3 – John Gosmore Partners – Newton House Ninja 22 – DoB 05/03/22 – s. Lissadell Los Angeles
2nd: Lot 7 – Mr S A Gummow – Killiworgie North Star 22 (P) – DoB 18/09/22 – s. Curaheen Gunshot (P)
3rd: Lot 6 – Mr S A Gummow – Killiworgie Napoleon 22 – DoB 22/07/22 – s. Shacon Hannibal 16
4th: Lot 5 – Mr W J Hollingsworth – Midhope Nero 22 – DoB 29.04.22 – s. Delfur Chas 11
Class 2
1st: Lot 13 – P J, B & DJ Olds – Bosahan Nankervis 22 (P) – DoB 22/10/22 – s. Kinclaven Infusion 17 (P)
2nd: Lot 12 – P J, B & DJ Olds – Bosahan Nightfall 22 (P) – DoB 20/10/22 – s. Kinclaven Infusion 17 (P)
3rd: Lot 10 – Messrs A E & C Bishop – Lynfield Neptune 22 – DoB 17/10/22 – s. Sterling Gino
4th: Lot 14 – Mr S A Gummow – Killiworgie Nijinsky 22 – DoB 25/10/22 – s. Shacon Hannibal 16
5th: Lot 9 – Mr S A Gummow – Killiworgie Newlyn 22 – DoB 11/10/22 – s. Islavale Jerico 18
6th: Lot 8 – Mr & Mrs R J & B E Kimber – Beanhill Noah 22 – DoB 10/10/22 – s. Ballinalare Farm Galaxy 15
Class 3
1st: Lot 17 – R & L Storer Smith – Storersmith Navarone 22 – DoB 16/12/22 – s. Clonagh Latin Lover
2nd: Lot 16 – Mr & Mrs R J & B E Kimber – Beanhill Nightrider 22– DoB 13/11/22 – s. Ballinalare Farm Galaxy 15
3rd: Lot 15 – R & L Storer Smith – Storersmith Newton – DoB 03/11/22 – s. Ballinalare Farm Galaxy 15
4th: Lot 19 – R & L Storer Smith – Storersmith Providence – DoB 23/01/23 – s. Ballinalare Farm Galaxy 15
5th: Lot 20 – Mr K J C Thomas – Crowgey Praetorian 23 – DoB 11/02/23 – s. Mullyknock Gallant 15
Class 4
1st: Lot 23 – Mr W J Hollingsworth – Midhope Melinda – DoB 13/10/21 – s. Denizes Kingston 19
2nd: Lot 21 – Mr W J Hollingsworth – Midhope Margo Cream – DoB 07/09/21 – s. Delfur Chas 11
3rd: Lot 26 – Mr S A Gummow – Killiworgie Krystals Magic – DoB 07/12/21 – s. Islavale Jerico 18
4th: Lot 25 – Mr S A Gummow – Killiworgie Molly May – DoB 25/11/21 – s. Islavale Jerico 18
5th: Lot 24 – Mr S A Gummow – Killiworgie Islas Mia – DoB 28/10/21 – s. Islavale Jerico 18
Class 5
1st: Lot 27 – J W Gosmore Partners – Newton House Majesty – DoB 21/11/22 – s. Lissadell Los Angeles
Female Champion
Mr W J Hollingsworth – Midhope Melinda – s. Denizes Kingston 19
Reserve Female Champion
J W Gosmore Partners – Newton House Majesty – s. Lissadell Los Angeles
Male Champion
John Gosmore Partners – Newton House Ninja 22 – s. Lissadell Los Angeles
Reserve Male Champion
R & L Storer Smith – Storersmith Navarone 22 – s. Clonagh Latin Lover
Overall Champion
John Gosmore Partners – Newton House Ninja 22 – s. Lissadell Los Angeles
Reserve Overall Champion
R & L Storer Smith – Storersmith Navarone 22 – s. Clonagh Latin Lover
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