by Iain | Oct 21, 2026 | 2026 Stirling Sales, 2026, 2026 Scottish News, 2026 News, Uncategorised
71 Bulls average £11,025, ten more sold on the year
Simmental leads all-breed averages, numbers sold, and joint top price
£11,025 is second highest ever average at Stirling in October
26 make 10,000gns or more, with four at 20k and over
Commercial buyers go to 18,000gns
Ten bulls sell to the Scottish islands
Ten bulls sell to England & Wales
Simmental lead the all-breed averages at each of the three 2026 Stirling Sales
The Simmental Overall Supreme Champion, Grangewood Sundance Kid from Andrew, Yvonne & Callum Leedham, Boghead Farm, Tarbolton, Mauchline, sold for 30,000gns to lead another strong sale of Simmental bulls at United Auctions, Stirling on Monday 19th October.
Grangewood Sundance Kid 30,000gns
At the pre-sale show held on Sunday 18th October, Grangewood Sundance Kid, a heifer’s calf, had been crowned Overall Supreme Champion, and Intermediate Champion by judge for the day Arthur Duff of the noted Pitmudie herd at Menmuir, By Brechin, Angus. Speaking afterwards of his choice of Champion, the judge said: “This was a very stylish Simmental bull with a lot of breed character and presence in the ring. He had length, size, good width right through and over his plates down to his second thigh. Very free moving with good feet and legs he was just something a wee bit different and is very much a breeder’s bull.”
This March 2025 born bull, full of breeding and performance figures, is by the 16,000gns Overhill House Neil 22 EX 94, and is out of the Ranfurly Impeccable 14 17 (ET) EX 94 cow, Grangewood Nelly VG 87 from the herd’s noted Tollie female line. Purchasing the top price bull was WJ & J Green, for their noted Corskie pedigree herd at Garmouth, Fochabers, Moray. Beyond the sale Laura Green commented: “We thought Grangewood Sundance Kid had terrific style and presence about him, coupled with fantastic length and with great width throughout. We’re very much looking forward to seeing what he produces and think he will suit the cows at Corskie very well”.
The judge Arthur Duff, left, with United Auctions Auctioneer David Brown.
For the Grangewood family of Andrew, Yvonne, & Callum, it’s been a tremendous sale year or two with some stellar highlights. The 30,000gns top price matched the figure they achieved in February at Stirling which was a joint top price, and for another son of Overhill House Neil, Grangewood Romeo. Back in 2012 the herd bred Grangewood Baron out of Highcroft Tollie 10th and with that bull selling for 19,000gns. The strength of that Tollie female line continues to be evident with Sundance Kid’s dam being a full sister to the 20,000gns Grangewood Platinum sold at Carlisle last year. Commenting afterwards Andrew Leedham said: “We’re absolutely delighted to achieve today’s top price with Sundance Kid and very pleased that he’s gone to such a top Simmental herd. In breeding we’ve always got an eye on both the commercial and pedigree market and are looking to breed high end bulls that are correct, have style and presence, shape and muscle, will calve easily, and can do both the terminal and maternal job that Simmentals are so renowned for.” On the day, the 50 cow Grangewood herd also sold Grangewood Sorrento 25, another Overhill House Neil son for 12,000gns.
Continuing the ongoing sustained demand for Simmental bulls the sale saw 71 bulls sell in all through the ring to average a mighty £11,025 which was the second highest ever all-breeds average at the Stirling October Sale, and following on from the record average set at last year’s fixture. The Simmental breed again led the most number of bulls sold across the breeds, and the 30,000gns was the joint top sale price in the week. In another mark, and for the first time, the Simmental breed has topped the all-breed averages at each of the Stirling Sale fixtures in 2026, and for the fourth consecutive round of Stirling Sales.
Islavale Stirling 28,000gns
The second top prize at 28,000gns was paid for Islavale Stirling from the prolific Islavale herd of WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith, Banffshire. This May 2025 born bull, who stood second to his stablemate in the youngest show class of the day is by Bighill Parker and is out of Islavale Kathy EX 92. Purchasing this bull was Richard McCulloch, Over Hill House, Armadale, West Lothian for his Overhill House herd, and in a partnership with Thomas Marshall, Starlaw Farm, Bathgate, West Lothian for his fledgling Starlaw herd. Commenting on his purchase Richard McCulloch said: “I really liked this bull. He’s well grown, has a lot of length and style, and moved really well on good legs. In the Overhill House herd I think he could really click with my Kilbride Farm Merlin daughters and put some real width into the progeny. Bighill Parker and Corskie Highlander in the pedigree is something different for us and will bring new bloodlines to the Overhill House herd, and Thomas’s new Starlaw herd.”
Always bringing the goods to Stirling, another top lineup of Islavale bulls with a depth of pedigree, out of classified cows, and sporting some impressive performance figures across the traits, saw seven sell to gross £106,050, and average £15,150. In addition to the 28,000gns, other Islavale bulls sold for: 16,000; 15,000; 13,000; 11,000, 10,000 and 8000. Top work!
Newbiemains Sapphire 23,000gns
At 23,000gns was the much admired Newbiemains Sapphire 25 from Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbie Mains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire. In the pre-sale show this bull, described as ‘the best Newbiemains bull the herd has brought to sale to date’, had followed the Champion through to be Reserve Overall Supreme, and Reserve Intermediate Champion. This February 2025 born bull is the first brought by the herd to sale by Islavale Jabba 18 (ET) EX 92 who was bred by the Stronachs, and purchased from the Springfield herd of Gavin Brown. Sapphire 25 is out of Newbiemains Jem EX 93, a full sister to Newbiemains Solitaire who wis entered for the Next Gen VI Sale at Carlisle in December. Commenting on his Overall Reserve Supreme, the judge Arthur Duff said: “Just another tremendous Simmental bull. Again, he had length, width right through, and with good plates. He carried a lot of breed character and had good legs and feet.” Arriving in Stirling with a show record, Newbiemains Sapphire 25 had stood as Overall Male Champion, and Junior Champion at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show. Purchasing Newbiemains Sapphire was D Hamilton, Allanton Farming, Allanton, Darvel, Ayrshire. At the corresponding sale last year the Newbiemains herd topped at 18,000gns and this year the Goldies sold five bulls including their top price and with others at 8000gns; 7000gns x 2; and 6800gns.
Popes Senator 22,000gns
A bull that caught a lot of attention, was the Reserve Junior Champion and first in class nine, Popes Senator 25 from Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Popes Farm, Clitheroe Road, Dutton, Preston, who made a mighty 22,000gns when selling to the noted Backmuir pedigree herd of Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire. April 2025 born, this stylish bull is one of the first offered at sale by the 37,000gns Denizes Nugget, a Denizes Hamish son, and is out of Popes Nellys Gracious VG 85 from the herd’s highly noted Nellys female line. The Popes herd sold further bulls on the day at 11,000gns; 8000gns; and 6000gns. Commenting on the purchase of Popes Senator, Reece Simmers said: “This bull caught my eye in the market on Friday. He’s got a real presence and style, with power, length, and width. He walked well on good legs and I just thought he had that extra touch of class. I like the dam line and he’ll introduce totally different breeding to the herd. We’ll aim to take some semen from him and introduce him quietly to the herd with some of the backend cows.”
Garmouth Salvador 18,000gns
At last year’s corresponding sale, the Garmouth herd of Laura Green, Corskie Farm, Garmouth, Fochabers led the day at 30,000gns with a Rathnashan Magnum son who was Junior Champion. Roll on twelve months and Laura was at it again when Garmouth Salvador 25, another Rathnashan Magnum son, won the Junior Championship and class eight, and sold for 18,000gns to commercial producers Messrs Glass & Smith, Mill of Fowlis, Muir of Fowlis, Alford, Aberdeenshire. Rathnashan Magnum was the sire of last year’s corresponding Overall Supreme and Reserve Supreme Champions and including the 30,000gns Garmouth Robert. Garmouth Salvador’s pedigree goes back to the original cow in the herd Corskie Clover, who was given to Laura as a 15th birthday present! Salvador’s granddam, Garmouth Clovers Elderflower VG 87, was the first animal registered with the Garmouth herd prefix. Commenting afterwards the buyers said: “This bull had a tremendous size and length to him which we really liked. We run 150 commercial cows comprising of Simm and Limousin crosses, and use Simmental, Limousin, and Charolais bulls.”
Innerwick Shaun 16,000gns
Three bulls made 16,000gns. The first of these was the third prize bull Innerwick Shaun from Dorothy Moffat, Innerwick, Dunbar. Similarly bred to the 20,000gns Innerwick Royal Star sold in February, Innerwick Shaun is another son of the 17,000gns Wolfstar Jimmy Choo, and out of another Curaheen Gold Digger daughter, Innerwick Jess18. Another high end bull to go commercially, Innerwick Shaun was shared between WJ Millar, Hunting Faulds Farm, Tealing, Dundee, and JC Millar Kinaniel Farm, Kingoldrum, Kirriemuir.
Islavale Sonic 2 16,000gns
Back to the Islavale team, and Islavale Sonic 2 25 (P), made 16,000gns when again going commercially to J Walker & Sons, Sauchenbush, Echt, Aberdeenshire. This heterozygous polled bull, full of muscle, was one of the first at sale from the 10,000gns Incheoch Niko 22 (PP) VG 87, and is out of the Coose Lincoln daughter Islavale Topaz 20 GP 84. Full of breeding and performance figures, Islavale Sonic 2 25 (P) is +19 for Maternal (Milk) the top value in the Simmental breed; is top 1% for 200 day weight; top 5% for 400, and 600 day weight; and top 1% for Eye Muscle Score!
Corskie Spencer 16,000gns
Bringing another outstanding team of Simmental bulls was the aforementioned Corskie herd of WJ & J Green, Garmouth, Fochabers, Moray. Leading their line up was the powerful 16,000gns Corskie Spencer 25 who had stood third in his class to the day’s Overall Supreme Champion. This March 2025 born bull is another by the previously mentioned Rathnashan Magnum, and is out of a Dirnanean Bradley 10 EX 93 daughter Corskie Manya VG 86. This boy went to the South West of Scotland when being bought by W Barbour, Carsegowan Farm, New Abbey, Dumfries. The 16,000gns capped a terrific day’s trading for the herd that saw a very level pen of eight quality Simmental bulls gross £107,625. In addition to the 16,000gns other leading prices included bulls at 15,000 x 2; 14,000 x 2; and 12,000 x 2. The Corskie team also scooped the Group of Three prize in the pre-sale show with three Blackford Mars 21 EX 94 sons for the second year in a row, and who went on to sell for 15,000gns, and 14,000gns x 2. Speaking afterwards Iain Green said: “We’re delighted with how the Corskie bulls have sold today. Our focus is very much on breeding bulls that meet the needs of commercial farmers and if we produce one that’s a breeder’s bull then that’s a bonus on top. In type we’re looking to breed easy fleshing bulls that have power, scale, width, but are not extreme, and with good breed character.”
Corskie Solo 15,000gns
Corskie Serious 15,000gns
The first Corskie bull to make 15,000gns was the February 2025 born Corskie Solo 25. Once again a Blackford Mars 21 EX 94 son, and out of Corskie Ni-Enna, a daughter of the proven sire Drumagarner Hughes, this bull went to Caithness when selling commercially to John M Sutherland, Sibmister & Stainland Farms, Thurso. Also at the 15,000gns mark was the first prize winner in class three, and a part of the winning Group of Three, in the shape of Corskie Serious. Again by Blackford Mars 21 EX 94, and out of the Auchorachan Farmer 14 daughter Corskie In A Flap EX 90, Corskie Serious 25 was knocked down to A Bell & Co, Towie Farm, New Aberdour, Fraserburgh.
Islavale Spenser 15,000gns
Back to the Islavale pen, and the March 2025 born Islavale Spenser sold for 15,000gns to JE & BL Goddard, West Logan, Castle Douglas. With good figures for milk and calving ease, this bull had plenty of breeding behind him being by the increasingly prolific Coose Lincoln EX 95, and out of the qualified Simmental ‘Golden Cow’ Islavale Fashion EX 92.
Corskie Solar 14,000gns
Another of the winning Group of Three, and a second prize to the Reserve Senior Champion, Corskie Solar made 14,000gns. Again with a depth of breeding behind him, this January 2025 born bull is another by Blackford Mars 21 EX 94, and is out of Corskie Jupiter VG 87, a daughter of the noted Bel Dhu Capercaillie 11. Corksie Solar was knocked down to AH Smith, Low Arkland Farm, Castle Douglas. Low Arkland Farm runs a significant commercial herd of some 350 cows, and alongside a pedigree herd comprising of 20 females. Commenting afterwards Mr Smith said: “We really liked the look of this bull in the show ring, and he also had very good EBVs. We’ve had a Corskie bull in the past and were keen to have another but bringing different genetics. The previous bull has thrown some really nice heifers so we wanted something special to cover them and are delighted to have got Corskie Solar.”
Corskie Sunnyd 14,000gns
Just three lots later, Corskie SunnyD 25, again by Blackford Mars 21 EX 94, and again part of the winning Group of Three, also made 14,000gns when selling to Orkney and SC Wood, Garson, Sandwick. February 2025 born this bull, out of Corskie La-Enna VG 88 was a second prize winner at this year’s Royal Highland Show, and a maternal brother to the 26,000gns Corskie Prime sold in February 2025. Corskie Sunny D was one of ten Simmental bulls to sell to the Scottish Islands.
Kilbride Farm Sergio 14,000gns
Two more bulls made 14,000gns, the first of these was the second prize winner in class five, Kilbride Farm Sergio 25 from WH Robson & Sons, Doagh, Ballyclare. This upstanding bull brough both power and top figures to the table. Sired by Hiltonstown Lachlan, a trait leader for 400 and 600 day weight, he is out of Kilbride Farm Fanni 80M described as ‘one of the best young cows’ in the Kilbride Farm herd, and is a half sister to the 28,000gns Kilbride Farm Prince (PP). With top performance figures Kilbride Farm Sergio is top 1% for 200, 400, & 600 day Weight; top 1% for Maternal Cow Weight; top 5% for Maternal (Milk); top Value for Carcase Weight; and top 5% for Eye Muscle Score! Buying this package of breeding and performance was JA Baxter, Troup Home Farm, Gardenstown, Banff.
Goldstar Sonic 14,000gns
It was a top Stirling Simmental Sale debut James & Claire Hodge, Ploughlands Farm, Dundonald, Ayrshire, when they realised 14,000gns for their April 2025 bull Goldstar Sonic. April 2025 born, Goldstar Sonic is by Sterling Nelson 2nd, and is out of the Auchorachan Hercules 16 (ET) EX 92 daughter, Auchorachan Misty. Featuring figures as well as breeding, Goldstar Sonic is in the breed’s top 10% for 600 day weight, and top 20% for Eye Muscle Area. Purchasing Goldstar Sonic was another purchase by Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire for their noted Backmuir herd. “We’re very pleased to get Goldstar Sonic. He’s a good, square, long bull and again with some style to him. He’s got some terrific ‘old school’ breeding in his pedigree with Sterling Flint who was a tremendous female breeder.”
Another bull bringing a bit of a show record with him to Stirling was the Stronach’s Islavale Serbia who in August this year had placed as Overall Reserve Male Champion at the 2026 Scottish National Show held within the Black Isle Show. April 2025 born, Islavale Serbia is another by Bighill Parker ET EX 90, and is out of the Corskie Highlander daughter Islavale Maddison VG 88. When the hammer went down this bull was bought by J Milne & Son, Oldwhat Mains, New Deer, Turriff.
Corskie Stone 12,000gns
Also with a show record was another from the Green family in the shape of Corskie Stone 25 who made 12,000gns when selling to Orkney and J&R Stanger, South Seatter, Sandwick, Orkney. Again by Rathnashan Magnum, and out of another Drumagarner Hughes 16 EX 92 daughter, Corskie Migem GP 82, Corskie Stone 25 had stood as Junior Male and Overall Junior Champion at this year’s Royal Highland Show. Of this bull the purchaser’s said: “He was a good-looking animal, with a lot of length, plenty of shape, and the colour which took my eye. He had nice lines to him and plenty of character in his head.” The Stangers run about 120 cross suckler cows and with the aim for Corskie Stone 25 being to use him for breeding high end females.”
Grangewood Sorrento 12,000gns
The aforementioned Grangewood Sorrento 25 from the Leedham family sold for 12,000gns when being bought by P McDiarmid & Co, Shenlarich, Lawers, Aberfeldy. By Overhill House Neil, the same sire as the Champion and sale top price, Sorrento is out of Grangewood Nicole GP 84, a daughter of the herd’s noted stock sire Ranfurly Impeccable 14 17 EX 94. Overhill House Neil was purchased for 16,000gns in May 2023 when he was the Simmental Overall Champion and led the all-breed prices. His first four sons at the February sale this year averaged £18,000 whilst his two sons at this sale averaged £22,050. Two of his six sons sold at Stirling to date have made 30,000gns.
Two further bulls made 12,000gns and including Corskie Surrender, yet another Blackford Mars 21 EX 94 son. Out of Corskie Negotiate VG 85, a Kilbride Farm Haka daughter, this bull with a +10 figure for Maternal (Milk) was bought by A Whiteford, Moulandale, South Keithney, Kemnay, Inverurie.
Bavington Rockefeller 12,000gns
The Overall Senior Champion and winner of the day’s first class came in the shape of Bavington Rockefeller from first time sellers at Stirling, JJ&JM Sanders, Bavington Hill Head Farm, Capheaton, Newcastle Upon Tyne. This December 2024 born bull is sired by Hiltonstown Lorenzo originally sold at Stirling in October 2021 for 8000gns, and is out of Bavington Wednesday 3rd, a Curaheen Diesel daughter. Rockefeller was purchased by the judge Arthur Duff for the family’s noted Pitmudie herd at Menmuir, By Brechin, Angus. Commenting on his Senior Champion, Arthur Duff said: “This was a very balanced bull. He stands square, is good on his legs and walked well, and has a lot of breed character. We very much hope he’ll suit the Pitmudie females well.”
The entirely homebred Islavale Smirinoff 25 from the Stronach line up sold for 11,000gns to AR Bulmer, Coultas Farm, Great Habton, Malton, North Yorkshire. Sired by Islavale McCoist 21 VG 89, this April 2025 born bull is out of the EX 92 classified Islavale Glee, a Curaheen bandit daughter. Commenting, Alex Bulmer said: “What caught my eye was the top line this bull had and the great set of plates on him. The aim is to use him mainly in our commercial herd because of his plus figures for calving. He very much looks like a “growy” young bull, so was bought on a mixture of vision and the great breeding behind him. We’ve bought previously from the Stronachs and that bull did a great job for us.”
Popes Spartacus 11,000gns
Popes Spartacus 25, a second prize bull to his 22,000gns Reserve Junior Champion stablemate, also made 11,000gns. With similar breeding to their day’s top price, this April 2025 born calf is by the 37,000gns Denizes Nugget 22 and is out of another from the Nelly breeding line, Popes Nellys Koko. A bull with power and style, Popes Spartacus 25 was knocked down to Grove farms, Meikle Barncleugh, Irongray, Dumfries.
Delfur Supernova 11,000gns
Early in the sale, Delfur Supernova 25 made 11,000gns for Delfur Farms, Dundurcas, Aberlour. In the pre-sale show this January 2025 born bull had stood second in his class to the Overall Senior Champion. Again with plenty of breeding behind him, this bull is by the 28,000gns Islavale Supernova 25 and is out of Delfur Hells, a Clonagh Tiger Gallant daughter, and whose grand dam is Delfur Weigela E18 one of the most consistent breeders in the herd. Taking this bull home was Wm Barnetson & Son, Lynegar Farm, Watten, Caithness.
Williams Slytherin 10,000gns
Three bulls made 10,000gns. The first of these was Williams Slytherin which had come all the way from Norfolk and Mrs Hayley Clarke, Model Farm, Hevingham, Norwich. With some terrific calving and milk figures behind him, this January 2025 born bull is by Annick Klondyke 19 EX 94, and is out of Williams Wilhemina’s Ginny EX 90, a Heathbrow Tristar daughter. This bull went back to England when being bought by BJ Harding for his Hallway pedigree herd at Cornerfields Farm, Denham, Bucks. Speaking afterwards Lizzie Harding said: “We saw this bull at home a couple of weeks ago and saw other calves on the ground by his sire Annick Klondyke 19 EX which we liked. Slytherin has breeding we also like and different to what we currently have at home. We buy visually but it’s a positive on top that he’s got good figures for both calving and maternal (milk). We’re very pleased to get him and he’s a bull we hope can help take the herd on another step.”
Backmuir Scooby Luu 10,000gns
Out of class three, Backmuir Scooby Luu 25 fom Andrew & Reece Simmers sold for 10,000gns to M Leslie, Keithmore, Dufftown, Keith, Banffshire. With a tremendous depth of breeding behind this February 2025 born bull and a +10 for Maternal (Milk), Scooby Luu is one of the first sons of the 46,000gns Overhill House Neo 22 EX 93 to be offered for sale, and is out of the 18,000gns Brandane Lu Lu EX94 purchased at Next Gen II in 2022. Brandane Lu Lu bred Backmuir Rambo, this year’s Overall Simmental Champion, and Reserve Interbreed Champion, at the Royal Highland Show.
The third bull at 10,000gns was the heterozygous polled Islavale Sven 25 (P) from the Stronach’s line up. Again one of the first polled sons to be offered at sale by the 10,000gns Incheoch Niko 22 (PP) VG 87, this April 2025 born bull is out of Islavale Nell, a Corskie Highlander 16 EX 93 daughter. With top performance figures for calving, growth, and maternal (milk), Islavale Sven 25 (P) went south when being bought by the noted Wroxall herd of CH Evans & Son, Kington Grange Farm, Claverdon, Warwickshire.
In the small draft of heifers from the Leedham’ family following the bulls, Grangewood Sabrina topped the trade at 4800gns. This smart red April 2025 born heifer is by Overhill House Neil, the sire of the top priced bull, and is out of Grangewood Jemma’s Norma GP 83. Purchasing this animal was Laura Anderson who runs the pedigree Garmond herd at Nether Tillygarmond , Finzean, Banchory. Othe Grangewood heifers sold for 4500, 4200, and 3800gns.
Closing the Simmental day was the Dispersal Sale of the two remaining cows and calves in the Cairnview herd of Andy Wilson, Westcroft Farm, Kilwinning, Ayrshire. Selling at 4800gns was the four year old heterozygous polled Cairnview Rhea 8th. This Slievenagh International daughter, out of Cairnview Rhea 7th by Woodhall Ferrari 14, was purchased by J&W Kellas, Raws Farm, Dufftown, Keith. Her cracking January born heifer calf at foot, Cairnview Rhea 7th, a Blackford Galaxy 15 daughter was purchased for 4000gns by R&P McAlister, for their Bruchag pedigree herd at Langalbunioch Farm, Kingarth, Isle of Bute.
Junior Championship presentation Garmouth Salvador and Popes Sentator
Senior Championship Bavington Rockefeller and Corskie Sunnyd
Championship presentation Grangewood Sundance and Newbiemains Sapphire
Group of three
Other Leading Prices Included:
9500gns Whitecairns Stoltman sold to A Nicolson, Relugas Mains Farm, Dunphail, Moray
9500gns Backmuir Seth sold to G T & S Coghill, Muce, Birsay, Orkney
9500gns Coltfield Sambo sold to D Bryce & Son, Cowden Farm, Stirling
9500gns Scotland Hill Superman sold to J Cameron, Balmacaan, Drumnadrochit, Inverness-shire
9000gns Tippetcraig Someboy sold to J Barton Jayne, Coleton Barton Farm, Kingswear, Dartmouth, Devon
9000gns Islavale Striker sold to A D Sutherland & Sons, Kellas Farm, Connachie, Elgin, Morayshire
8500gns Chestermann Sandy sold to John Mitchell & Co, Rumbletonrig, Greenlaw, Duns, Berwickshire
8000gns Shawsmill Saltire sold to E S & J S Huntley, Bryntail Farm, Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan
8000gns Jaw Steel sold to Scottish Government Bull Stud, Knocknagael, Inverness
8000gns Mixbury Hall Simba sold to C & M Bruce, Tillyeve, Udny, Ellon
8000gns Popes Supremo sold to W Mosley, Thorncliff, Chelmorton, Derbyshire
8000gns Islavale Stallone sold to G B Grieve, South Nittanshead, New Pitsligo, Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire
8000gns Newbiemains Stafford sold to A D Sutherland & Sons, Kellas Farm, Connachie, Elgin, Morayshire
by Iain | Oct 5, 2026 | 2026 Northern Ireland News, 2026 News, 2026, 2026 Midlands News
MULLYKNOCK SCORPIO SELLS TO ATLOW SIMMENTALS IN ‘SUBSTANTIAL FIVE FIGURE’ DEAL!
The much admired 16-month-old Pedigree Simmental bull, Mullyknock Scorpio, winner of numerous show ring accolades in Northern Ireland, has been sold in a substantial five figure private deal to the Atlow pedigree Simmental herd of David and Susan Donnelly, Derbyshire.
As a 12-week-old calf Scorpio lifted the Edward Orr Memorial Perpetual Cup at the NI Simmental Cattle Breeders Club National Show 2025 held within the Clogher Valley Show for best bull calf born in the year of the show. He continued his successful show ring presence when he won overall Junior Continental Champion at the Fermanagh Pedigree Livestock Breeders Group Elite Calf Show held in the Exhibition Hall at the Ulster Farmers Mart, Enniskillen, November 2025, when described by judge Victor Chestnutt, “as the standout star of the show, full of correctness, quality and style”.
Mullyknock Scorpio
In 2026, he was placed overall breed Male Champion by judge John Barlow at the RUAS Balmoral Show in May, before going on to complete his Northern Ireland show career by lifting the N.I. Simmental Cattle Breeders Club “Male of the Year” title for 2026.
Described by his breeder, Robert Forde, of the Mullyknock herd as “a special calf from birth and one of the best the five-cow herd has produced”, Scorpio boasts a healthy 2kgs+ DLWG from birth, coupled with a +5.4 calving ease figure.
The May 2025 born Mullyknock Scorpio, a heifer’s calf is bred from the AI sire Clonagh Tiger Gallant. His dam is Raceview Prety Lady Gretta, the top priced heifer when purchased from the 2023 Raceview female draft held in Roscommon.
Commenting on the sale, Robert Forde said: “I am delighted to see Scorpio going to such a renowned prizewinning herd and would like to wish David and Susan and everyone at the Atlow Herd the very best of luck with him.”
A delighted purchaser David Donnelly picks up the story of first seeing, and ultimately buying, Mullyknock Scorpio, and outlines the initial plans for him going forward:
“Mullyknock Scorpio is a bull we’d watched and seen a lot of over the show season through pictures and results. So Susan and I decided to go and have a look for ourselves at the NI Simmental National Show held at Clogher Valley Show. We weren’t disappointed but kept our interest quiet! A week of consideration and discussion followed before agreement was reached and a deal was done.”
“Scorpio is in the Simmental breed’s top 5% for Calving Ease, and Eye Muscle Score, carries no myostatin, and is by a bull that has sired over 300 pedigree animals and whose semen is now commercially unavailable. Once Scorpio has settled in we hope to use him here on the remaining Atlow animals, and including the two much admired Valentine line heifers who were out at shows earlier this year. He will also be used across the ever-growing herd belonging to Robert Heaps (Redrose Simmentals), who is Susan’s son, in Chorley, Lancashire. We think Mullyknock Scorpio is a super bull, and we’re really excited about him joining the Atlow herd.”
So another quality Simmental bull being traded and it’s a big well done and congratulations to both the buyers and the sellers.
by Iain | Sep 23, 2026 | 2026, 2026 Scottish News, 2026 News, 2026 Other Sales
14 Simmental bulls average £7857
4 Simmental bulls at £10,000 and over
ToP priced bull goes to Orkney
The annual on-farm ‘Working Genes’ sale held at the McGowan family’s Incheoch Farms in the Angus Glens, on Tuesday 8th September, saw another strong demand for grass fed, performance recorded bulls.
Incheoch Shane 25 10,750gns
On the day the trade for Simmental bulls led the way, with six selling at £9500 and more, and with four of those at the five figure mark and higher. Fourteen Simmental bulls (up three on the year), sold to average £7857.Topping the sale was the £10,750 Incheoch Shane. May 2025 born this bull is by the heterozygous polled Clearwater Nitrous (P), and is out of Incheoch Kalypso K7 (P), an Auroch Deuter daughter who is also the dam of the £10,000 Incheoch Niko (PP). With terrific figures for calving ease, growth and milk, Incheoch Shane headed to Orkney when being purchased by Michael Scott, South Ronaldsay, Orkney.
Incheoch Shogun 25 P 10,500gns
At £10,500 was Incheoch Shogun 25 (P). Sired by the homozygous polled bull Coose Negotiator (PP), this March 2025 born bull is out of Incheoch Meise M8, a Kyleston Iceman daughter. Buying Shogun 25 (P), ‘a bull with a smart outlook, great nature, and with an easy-fleshing appearance’, was John Ritchie, Montalt, Dunning.
Incheoch Seve 25 (PP) 10,000gns
Incheoch Solar Power 25 (PP) 10,000gns
Two bulls made £10,000. The first at this mark was the ‘rugged, sturdy homo-polled bull with a nice set of maternal EBVs’, Incheoch Seve 25 (PP), who was purchased by a repeat buyer in the shape of James Hamilton, Aikengall, East Lothian. The May 2025 born Seve 25 (PP), is another by Clearwater Nitrous (P), and is out of Incheoch Lady M6T (P) (ET), a Sunny Valley Canon 86E daughter. The second bull at the £10,000 mark was the entirely home bred, March 2025 born, Incheoch Solar Power (PP). ‘Homo-polled, calving-ease and thick, with lots of weight potential’, Solar Power (PP) is by Incheoch Nickel 22 (P), and out of another Kyleston Iceman 17 (P) daughter, Incheoch Calypso. Catalogued as ‘always looking like he had that ‘flesh from forage’ look about him’, Incheoch Solar Power (PP) was bought by Luing breeder Robert Whiteford, Burnfoot, Sanquhar.
Incheoch Starbuck 25 P 9750gns
Matthew Jordon, Alnwick, Northumberland bought the heterozygous polled Incheoch Satrbuck (P) for £9750. Featuring the highest growth rates in the catalogue, and good calving ease figures, this April 2025 born Clearwater Nitrous (P) son, is the eleventh calf out of Dirnanean Girlie E15, an Arkmill Franklyn daughter.
Incheoch Seattle 25 PP 9500gns
Making £9500 was the homozygous polled Incheoch Seattle 25 (PP). Entirely homebred this April 2025 born bull is by Incheoch Patriot 23 (PP), and is out of Incheoch Flora N1 (P) (ET). This bull went to the South West of Scotland when being purchased by Robert Ramsay, Stranraer.
Other leading Simmental prices saw further bulls sell at £8750 x2; and £7500.
The Yourbid bidding platform meant that although most bidders were present on the day, 45% placed bids from home. Beyond the sale Neil McGowan commented: “It’s great to see people use a blend of data and stockmanship to select the right genetics for their own system.”
by Iain | Aug 12, 2026 | 2026, 2026 Scottish News, 2026 National Shows, 2026 News
Lagavaich Rosie wins Simmental Overall Supreme, Female Champion, & Reserve Overall Interbreed
Delfur Nifty S1 takes Reserve Supreme Overall, Reserve Female, & Junior Female
Coltfield Sambo wins Male Championship
Islavale Serbia is Reserve Male Champion
Delfur Nifty Reserve Senior Female
Quarryhill Sadie, Reserve Junior Female
Lagavaich Rosie & Coltfield Sambo win Interbreed Pairs
The 2026 Scottish Simmental National Show held within the Black Isle Show on Thursday 6th August saw the last of the summer Simmental show ‘majors’ and another quality breed entry.
It was a day to remember for father and son team Billy and Gary Wright, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch who, with their October 2024 born heifer Lagavaich Rosie, scooped the Overall Simmental Supreme, Female, and Senior Female Championships, before going on to win the Reserve Individual Interbreed and also win the Interbreed Pairs. For good measure on the day, the Lagavaich team also won the Overall Charolais Supreme Championship. Top work team Lagavaich!
Lagavaich Rosie, 2026 Scottish Simmental National Show Overall Supreme Champion, Female Champion, and Reserve Overall Interbreed
The Simmental judge on the day was Tom Henderson who runs his own Desswood herd, and manages the Dargill herd, with both based at Crieff, Perthshire.
October 2024 born, Lagavaich Rosie initially came through her ‘heavy hitting’ class of heifers born between 1st July and 31st December 2024, before going on to win the Senior Females in another profiled ‘shoot out’, and then finally getting the Overall Supreme Championship ‘tap out’ from the judge who described her as a ‘super Simmental heifer and just a standout on the day’. Commenting on Lagavaich Rosie and her Championship win, an ‘over the moon’ Gary Wright said: It’s just a massive honour for my father Billy, and myself, to win the Overall Supreme at the Scottish Simmental National Show. We’ve thought a lot of Rosie from a young age, but we really didn’t expect this, and knowing the strength of competition that’s always at these Simmental shows. It was a brilliant feeling on the day to go all the way through the class, the females, and then the Championship. Just an unforgettable day for all the family.”
2026 Scottish Simmental National Show judge, Tom Henderson.
Of Rosie, and the Lagavaich herd generally, Gary went on to say: “Lagavaich Rosie in our eyes is a very well balanced and correct heifer, with a great top line and plates. She has lovely style and that makes her very showy and eye catching in the ring. She’s out of a strong big red and white cow we bought from the Leslie’s at Redhill when they were dispersing their cows, and she’s clicked well with Saltire Impressive. We were fortunate enough to buy several Redhill females to start our Simmental herd. At the moment we have nine pedigree Simmental cows running alongside the pedigree Charolais and commercials.”
Come interbreed time, and in front of Richard Mowbray, Northern Ireland, Lagavaich Rosie took the Overall Interbreed Reserve, and teamed up with Coltfield Sambo, the Simmental Male Champion, to win the Interbreed Pairs.
Delfur Nifty S1, 2026 Scottish Simmental National Show Reserve Supreme Overall, Reserve Female, and Junior Female
A bit of a theme this summer has been Simmental females doing so well at the ‘majors’ and the Scottish National continued this. Placing Overall Reserve Supreme, Reserve Female, and Junior Female Champion was the young ‘very stylish’ heifer Delfur Nifty S1 from Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour. November 2025 born, Delfur Nifty S1 is by the herd’s 28,000gns stock bull, Islavale Magnum 21, and is out of the multi-title winning Delfur Nifty who herself featured in the day’s prizes and combined with Nifty S1 on the day to win the trophy for the best cow and calf.
Also commenting, Garry Patterson, the Delfur Herd Manager, said: “We are all really delighted with the success that Delfur Nifty S1 has had today. Just in the context of her being a heifer’s calf, and with her being by our stock bull Islavale Magnum, we’re excited about the promise and breeding potential she’ll bring to the herd going forward. From here we’ll have a look at aiming Delfur Nifty S1 at some of the backend calf shows.”
Delfur Nifty, 2026 Scottish Simmental National Show Senior Female
It’s been a strong show year for Nifty S1’s mum, Delfur Nifty, and she was at it again at the Black Isle. Coming through another high-powered class, this time for cows born before 31st December 2022, Delfur Nifty then went on to win the Reserve Senior Female Championship behind the day’s Overall Champion. With an extended track record of Championship and Interbreed wins at summer and winter shows, Delfur Nifty kicked off this year by winning the Female Championship and Overall Reserve Supreme at the Royal Highland before featuring in the winning Interbreed Team of Four, and being Reserve in the Interbreed Pairs. In recent weeks Delfur Nifty has wracked up a host of Simmental breed, Interbreed, and Champion of Champion titles across shows including Echt, Newdeer, Banchory, and Turriff. In 2024 Delfir Nifty was Reserve Supreme and Reserve Female at the Scottish Simmental National Show at Turriff, and in a year when she became the first Simmental to win the Junior Overall Interbreed at the Royal Highland. 2026 has in itself proven to be quite a summer for this ‘Nifty’ mother and daughter ‘dynamic duo’, and their day at the Black Isle was fully rounded off when they won the trophy for the best cow and calf! There was a further win for the Delfur herd when Delfur Shakira took the red ticket in the class for heifers born between 1st January and 31st March 2025. This January 2025 born heifer is by Kilbride Farm Nebulus 22, and is out of the Innerwick Ivor 17 daughter, Delfur Nightingale 46.
Quarryhill Sadie, 2026 Scottish Simmental National Show, Reserve Junior Female
Standing as the Reserve Junior Female Champion, was Quarryhill Sadie from Geoff & Kate Anderson, Wester Greens Farm, Lossiemouth, Moray. Again with plenty of breeding behind her, this October 2025 born heifer is by Wolfstar Nasa 22 who was purchased at Stirling for 14,000gns, and is the second calf out of Annick Desiree’s Joy EX 90 who herself was purchased as a calf for 6000gns at the Annick Herd Dispersal Sale in 2022. Described as a heifer with good length and depth, and very correct on her legs, the forward plans are for Quarryhill Sadie to be a quality a breeding female in the herd.
Coltfield Sambo, 2026 Scottish Simmental National Show, Male Champion
Into the bulls and it was another top day for father and son team Cameron & James MacIver, Wester Coltfield, Forres, Moray who, after winning the first class of the day, then went on to win the Male Championship and Junior Male Championship with their February 2025 born young bull, Coltfield Sambo. Sambo is sired by Scotland Hill Invader 17 EX 92, whose sons to date at sale average 17,500gns, and is out of Coltfield Kitkat VG 85, a Rockytop Invader 17 EX 92 daughter. Proving herself as a breeding female, Coltfield Kitkat VG 85 is also the dam of Coltfield Result who was Reserve Male and Reserve Junior Male at last year’s Scottish Simmental National Show. The aim from here is that Coltfield Sambo, who carries good Calving Ease Direct figures, will go to the Stirling Simmental Sale in October. Of his Male Champion Tom Henderson said: “This was a long, clean, square type of a bull who was very good on his legs”.
Making it a cheeky herd double on the day, Sambo’s stablemate Coltfield Speyside also took first prize in the third class of the day. This September 2025 born bull is by Islavale Northstar 22 (ET) EX 90, and is out of Annick Whitney’s Fresia EX 94 who was purchased at the Annick herd Dispersal Sale for 6200gns. Coltfield Speyside, whose full brother Coltfield Rhysand was Reserve Senior Male at the 2025 Stars of the Future Calf Show, will be aimed at the February 2027 Stirling Simmental Bull Sale.
Islavale Serbia, 2026 Scottish Simmental National Show, Reserve Male Champion
Islavale Serbia 25 from WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith, pocketed a class win before going to take the Overall Male Reserve, and Reserve Junior Male titles with Islavale Serbia 25. April 2025 born, Islavale Serbia is Bighill Parker (ET) EX 90, and is out of Islavale Maddison VG 85. Bighill Parker is ‘breeding very well’ in the Islavale herd and is the sire of the 14,000gns Islavale Rafferty, sold at Stirling in May this year where he was Junior and Reserve Overall Champion, and also the sire of the 7000gns young heifer Islavale Regal, sold at the Next Gen V Sale at Carlisle in December last year. Serbia’s dam, Islavale Maddison VG 88 also has a breeding track record behind her with her first calf, Islavale Reggie 24 (P), making 12,000gns when selling at Stirling in October 2025. All being well, Islavale Serbia 25 is aimed at the upcoming Stirling Simmental Bull Sale in October this year. Into the special awards, and Islavale Serbia 25 teamed up with the November 2024 born Islavale Topaz 25 to win the Simmental Pairs. Topaz 25, who is fully homebred being by Islavale Lucifer 20 EX 95, and out of Islavale Topaz 8 EX 93 (EX2), had stood second in her class to the day’s Overall Supreme Champion.
A big mention also to a strong class of Simmental Young Handlers which was won by Hannah Sinclair, with Neve Hamilton in second place, and Sarah Sinclair in third.
It’s a huge well done to all of the exhibitors at the Scottish Simmental National Show, held at the Black Isle, for putting on another quality display of Simmental cattle. Just as a little roll call there were Class or Championship wins for the following herds: Backmuir; Coltfield; Delfur; Grangewood; Islavale; Lagavaich; Latheron; Mavsey; Quarryhill; and Struthers. Well done to the prize winners and all of the exhibitors.
Overall Championship Presentation
Male and Junior Male Champion and Reserve
Senior Female Champion and Reserve
Junior Champion & Reserve
Junior Female Champion & Reserve
2026 Scottish Simmental National Show Results 2026
Black Isle Show, 6th August 2026
Judge: Tom Henderson, Desswood & Dargill Herds, Crieff, Perthshire.
Class 240 Bull born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2025
1st J C MacIver Coltfield Sambo 25
2nd Delfur Farms Delfur Supernova 25
Class 241 Bull born on or between 1st April and 30th June 2025
1st Mr W S Stronach Islavale Serbia 25
2nd A & B Munro Well House Stop N Stare 25
3rd A & B Munro Well House Sexy and I know it 25
Class 242 Bull born on or between 1st July and 31st December 2025
1st J C MacIver Coltfield Speyside 25
2nd Gary & Angela Christie Rockytop Sonic 25
3rd Mr B Grant Dellfield Spartan 25
4th Mr B Grant Dellfield Starman 25
Coltfield Speyside
Class 243 cow born before 31st December 2022
1st Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty
2nd Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Nutmeg
3rd Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Lucia
4th Geoff & Kate Anderson Annick Joy’s Natalie
Class 244 Junior Cow on or born between 1st January 2023 and 31st December 2023
1st Jenson Sinclair Gunn Denizes Eunice 5th
Denizes Eunice 5th
Class 245 Heifer born between 1st April and 30th June 2024
1st A & K Rhind & Son Islavale Ruby
2nd Reece Simmers Backmuir Eva’s Ruse
Islavale Ruby
Class 246 Heifer born between 1st July and 31st December 2024
1st A & A Wright Lagavaich Rosie
2nd Mr W S Stronach Islavale Topaz 25
3rd Andrew Leedham Grangewood Raspberry Ripple
Class 247 Heifer born between 1st January and 31st March 2025
1st Delfur Farms Delfur Shakira
2nd Sarah & Graham Sinclair Newbiemains Superstar
3rd R M S & A T D Pettit Coolcran Lady Shakira
4th Sarah & Graham Sinclair Newbiemains Shakira
5th Reece Simmers Backmuir Noreen’s Sierra
Delfur Shakira
Class 248 Heifer born on or between 1st April and 30th June 2025
1st Andrew Leedham Grangewood Tollie’s Spice Girl
Grangewood Tollie’s Spice Girl
Class 249 Heifer born on or between 1st July and 31st December 2025
1st Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty S1
2nd Geoff & Kate Anderson Quarryhill Sadie
3rd Gary & Angela Christie Rockytop Khora’s Sapphire
4th Andrew Leedham Grangewood Sweet Sensation
Class 250 Calf born in the year of the show
1st Reece Simmers Backmuir Nutmeg’s Topsy
2nd Jenson Sinclair Gunn Caithness Trailblazer
Backmuir Nutmeg’s Topsy
Class 251 Pairs
1st Mr W S Stronach Islavale
2nd Andrew Leedham Grangewood
3rd Gary & Angela Christie Rockytop
4th Mr B Grant Well House.
Islavale Winning Pair, Islavale Serbia and Islavale Topaz 25
Junior Male Champion
J C MacIver Coltfield Sambo 25
Reserve Junior Male Champion
Mr W S Stronach Islavale Serbia 25
Junior Female Champion
Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty S1
Reserve Junior Female Champion
Geoff & Kate Anderson Quarryhill Sadie
Senior Female Champion
A & A Wright Lagavaich Rosie
Reserve Senior Female Champion
Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty
Female Champion
A & A Wright Lagavaich Rosie
Reserve Female Champion
Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty S1
Male Champion
J C MacIver Coltfield Sambo 25
Reserve Male Champion
Mr W S Stronach Islavale Serbia 25
Overall Supreme Champion
A & A Wright Lagavaich Rosie
Reserve Overall Champion
Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty S1
Young Handlers
1st Hannah Sinclair
2nd Neve Hamilton
3rd Sarah Sinclair
4th Amy Stronach
5th Ellie Stronach
by Iain | Jul 30, 2026 | 2026 News, 2026, 2026 Royal Welsh Show, 2026 Welsh News
Popes Princess Lumi wins Simmental Overall Supreme
Ranfurly Weikel 55th takes Overall Reserve
Denizes Nugget wins Male Championship
Moelfrynmawr Sam Tan 25 (P) Junior Male Champion
Simmentals take Reserve in Interbreed Team of Five
Bringing the quality, the April 2020 born Popes Princess Lumi from Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston, stepped up again to win the 2026 Royal Welsh Overall Simmental Supreme Championship on Monday 20th July at Builth Wells. Judge for the day was Joe Ede who ran the noted Fole herd, and is based at Stoneleys Four Trees, Staffordshire.
Popes Princess Lumi, 2026 RWAS Simmental Champion, & Simmental Female Champion
Right up there as a ‘Simmental superstar’ this summer, this latest win made it a 2026 ‘major double’ for Popes Princess Lumi and following on from her Overall Supreme Championship in June at the Simmental English National Show held within the Royal Norfolk. On top of that there have been a few Interbreed wins thrown in to boot. Compiling quite the show record, prior to this year Popes Princess Lumi had also previously won both the Simmental English National Show (at the Royal Lancs, and the Overall Simmental Supreme at the Great Yorkshire Show in 2022.
Popes Princess Lumi is by the noted AI bull Team Celtic 11 and is out of the herd’s high profile and much decorated Popes Princess Cleo EX95, who amongst a host of titles also won the Overall Simmental Supreme, and Individual Interbreed at the Royal Welsh Show. Earlier this year at the successful Popes Princesses Sale of Heifers at Carlisle, Lumi’s first heifer calf, Popes Princess Ruby, sold for 9000gns to the Wacton herd of Sam Steggles. At the Royal Wels, Popes Princess Lumi was shown with her March 2026 born bull calf at foot, Popes Thunder a son of the €52,000 Clonagh Lucky Explorer. Lumi initially won the cow class, in calf or with calf at foot born on or before 31 Dec 22, before going on to win the Female Championship, and finally being crowned as the Overall Simmental Supreme.
Commenting on his Champion, the judge Joe Ede said: “This was just a really good Simmental cow, a working mum doing a great job of her calf at foot. She had size, was full of style, and she walked out well with good locomotion on what was hard ground. All in all, a very worthy winner from within a good show of Simmentals.”
There was more success to come for the Popes herd through the Welsh Show. Lumi’s stablemate, Denizes Nugget, took the Male Championship on the day and with the two then teaming up to win the Simmental Pairs. Come Interbreed time Popes Princess Lumi and Denizes Nugget led the way as part of the Simmental Reserve Interbreed Team of Five, and which also included the bred heifer Popes Nellys Prudence. Top work again by the Wood family!
Speaking generally after the show, Hannah Wood said: “It’s great to be back at the Royal Welsh Show after some eight years, and to win the Overall Supreme for the third time is just fantastic. Lumi to us is a wonderful cow, very correct, easy fleshing, and doing a fantastic job of her calf. We believe she is a great example of the Simmental breed, and she’s very similar to her mother. She’ll go home now for a well-earned rest, and we’ll all have a think about her career going forward.”
Welsh Simmental Club Chairman Huw James presenting the Female Championship trophy to Hannah Wood
Of the successful summer the Popes herd has enjoyed, and of showing generally, Hannah went on to say: “A lot of people know how passionate we are about showing, and it has been fantastic to do it and meet with such success this summer. We’ve done five shows and all of which have just been great for different reasons. The shows over the years have also been one of the main drivers for the Popes pedigree herd. What started as a hobby has now grown into a 100-cow herd and the shows really continue to be a shop window to promote the herd and bloodlines within. We are very proud of our success over the years in the show ring and we do believe it’s been a big contributing factor to our successes in the sale ring also. At the same time, showing is a real hobby and it’s something we all enjoy as a family together.”
It was once again a ‘Simmental ladies’ day’ with the Reserve Overall Supreme, and Reserve Female Championship going to Ranfurly Weikel 55th from George Scrivens and Holly Grant who run the Tapster herd at Highfield Farm, Back Lane, Shrewley, Warwickshire. Bought privately as a calf, Ranfurly Weikell 55th was bred by David and Jonny Hazelton, Cohannon House, Dungannon, Northern Ireland. From that herd’s renowned Weikel line, this March 2024 born heifer is by Banwy T-Rex and is out of the Cleenagh Flasher daughter Ranfurly Weikel 43rd M6 EX 91. Weikel 55th initially came through a strong class of heifers, born on or between 01st Jan 24 and 31st Aug 24, before moving on to win the Reserve Supreme Overall, and the fast-establishing Tapster herd’s biggest individual award at a summer ‘major’ to date.
Ranfurly Weikel 55th, 2026 RWAS Simmental Reserve Champion, & Simmental Reserve Female Champion
Picking up more than a few awards over the season, Ranfurly Weikel has featured in the winning Simmental Interbreed Team of Four at the Great Yorkshire, was part of the Reserve Interbreed Simmental Team of Five at the Royal Welsh, and individually was breed Champion at Kenilworth Show, and Continental Champion at Hanbury Show. Ranfurly Weikel 55th is in-calf to Curaheen Bandit and is due to calf in January next year. Commenting on his reserve Champion the judge Joe Ede said: “This is a terrific heifer with huge potential and I’m sure will go on to win many more shows. She walks well with a leg in each corner and really carried a great show ring presence. I very much look forward to seeing her again and when she has a calf at foot.”
Reserve at the Royal Welsh is the biggest accolade to date for the establishing Tapster herd, and giving his thoughts and a little background, George Scrivens said: “We first spotted Weikel 55th during a herd visit to Ranfurly in 2024 whilst she was still a calf on her dam and spent the following six months convincing them to sell her to us! This is her biggest show achievement to date and we’re absolutely delighted. In our eyes, she oozes presence and power, is naturally fleshed and has excellent locomotion. She pretty well ticks every box we wish our growing Tapster herd of females to have. We’re excited to see what she produces in January and hope to bring her out again in the future.”
Back in the bulls, and another ‘major’ achiever in the year was the aforementioned Denizes Nugget from Jimmy & Vikki Wood’s Popes herd. At the Royal Welsh this senior bull came through his class and before going on to take another Male Championship. This latest accolade added to his successes at the Simmental English National Show held within the Royal Norfolk, and where Nugget was Reserve Overall Supreme and Male Champion before going on to be Overall Reserve Interbreed, Continental Male Interbreed Champion, and feature in the Reserve Team of Five, and Group of Three. At Harrogate Denizes Nugget was Reserve Male Champion and featured in the winning Simmental Interbreed Team of Four. Bred by M A Barlow & Sons, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire, the June 2022 born Denizes Nugget, was purchased by the Woods for 37,000gns at Stirling in February 2024. Nugget is sired by the well-known Denizes Hamish, and is out of Ashland Topaz Janet, a Team Celtic daughter.
Denizes Nugget, 2026 RWAS Overall Simmental Male Champion
Of his Male Champion Joe Ede said: “Denizes Nugget is a Simmental bull with both size and width, who was good on his feet and walked out well. He carried power and also had tremendous shape.” Following the Royal Welsh, it was a return home to the Popes herd for a well-earned rest and before being put back to work. Breeding well, there will be sons of Denizes Nugget forward for sale at Stirling in October.
From Wiltshire, Mr & Mrs RJ & BE Kimber, Beanhill Farm, Christian Malford, Chippenham, took second in the class to Denizes Nugget with their bull Beanhill Regal 24 before following him through to win the Reserve Male Championship. Got by AI, the October 2024 born Beanhill Regal is by the well-known Broombrae Major, and is out of Beanhill Messenger GP 83, a Ballinalare Farm Galaxy 15 daughter. This was a first outing in the show ring for Beanhill Regal and commenting, James Kimber said: “We are very pleased to have won the Reserve Male Championship, and in what was also our first time showing at the Royal Welsh in some twenty-five years. Broombrae Major has bred very well for us in the Beanhill herd, and Regal would be a very typical example of that. He’s shown tremendous growth rate for a 20-month-old bull, has a terrific temperament, and we’ve used him on a couple of cows at home. From here, Beanhill Regal is on the market and is for sale.” In what was a good show for the Kimbers, the six-year-old Beanhill Lettie EX 92, with her January born heifer calf at foot Beanhill Tanya, another by Broombrae Major M3 21, took second place in her class and behind the day’s Overall Simmental Supreme Champion. Come prize giving time young Richard Kimber was presented with the Simmental Stockman’s Shield.
Beanhill Regal (left), with Denizes Nugget
In all there were 34 Simmentals catalogued at this year’s show, which represented a significant increase on recent years. Encouragingly Welsh exhibitors featured strongly and with a couple of debutants achieving first prizes and Championship wins!
Winning the youngest class of bulls was, and going on to take the Junior Male Championship, was Moelfrynmawr Sam Tan 25 (P) from Gethin & Carys Davies, Moelfryn Mawr, Bethania, Llanon, Ceredigion. This July 2025 born heterozygous polled bull is by the AI sire Raceview Mattie J Beauty M, and is out of Chegwidden Elouise’s Iona. Commenting, Gethin Davies said: “This is the first time we’ve shown and with only the third Simmental that we’ve bred! As such we’re absolutely thrilled to have won the Junior Male Championship which was just totally unexpected. We are very grateful to the O’Connels through whom we managed to buy straws of Raceview Mattie J Beauty M, and Sam Tan is the outcome.” With Sam Tan just coming one -year-old a little time will be given to consider forward options for this young bull.
Meolfrynmawr Sam Tan (P), Junior Male Champion, 2026 Royal Welsh Show
Also making their Simmental showing debut this year generally, and a first time at the Royal Welsh Show, it was a terrific class first prize and the Reserve Junior Male Championship, for JW & SD Young, Cyttir, Adfa, Newtown, Powys, with the March 2025 born Fourcross Saturn. With plenty of breeding behind him, Saturn is by Denizes MacGregor, a bull sired by Blackford Galaxy and out of Auroch Eve. Saturn’s dam is Fourcross June EX 93, a Kilbride Farm Comber daughter, described as a prolific breeder and whose heifer calves have been retained for breeding, and with her bull calves being sold for breeding bulls. A modern Simmental bull with length, Saturn has shown a terrific growth rate weighing in at 900kg at 16 months of age, and has top performance figures across the board being in the top 10% for his terminal and self-replacing indexes. indexes.
Fourcross Saturn, 2026 RWAS Simmental Reserve Junior Male Champion
Come Interbreed time and it was great to see Simmentals feature when they took Overall Reserve in the spectacular Interbreed Team of Five competition, always one of the major spectacles of the show. The Simmental team consisted of Popes Princess Lumi, and Denizes Nugget, from Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Lancashire; Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar from Mary Cormack, Leominster; Ranfurly Weikel 55th from George Scrivens & Holly Grant, Warwickshire; and Popes Nellys Prudence, from Chris White, Gloucestershire.
2026 RWAS, Simmental Reserve Interbreed Team of Five
Herds exhibiting at the show who enjoyed a class or championship win or were placed in the Interbreeds included: Beanhill; Crown; Fourcross; Frogmore; Hirwaun; Middleton; Moelfrynmawr; Popes; and Tapster.
It was great to see such a good Simmental entry at the Royal Welsh Show and with the breed once again making a mark on those watching at ringside during the breed judging, and at the Interbreeds. A big congratulations is extended to all of the exhibitors!
Overall Supreme Presentation: Ranfurly Weikel 55th, left, & Overall Supreme Popes Princess Lumi
ROYAL WELSH SHOW 2026
Monday 20th July 2026
Judge Mr J Ede, Stoneleys Four Trees, Staffordshire
Simmental Results
Class 520 – Bull born on or before 31 Dec 2024
1st JH & VG Wood Denizes Nugget 22
2nd RJ & BE Kimber Beanhill Regal
3rd D & D Edwards Popes Laertes 20
Class 521 – Bull, born on or between 01 January 2025 and 31 March 2025
1st JW & SD Young Fourcross Saturn 25
2nd CH Evans & Son Wroxall Starlink PP
3rd G Scrivens & H Grant Tapster Sinatra
4th Roden Livestock Cilgwrrwg Skylar 25
5th B Harding Hallway Samson 25
Class 522 – Bull, born on or after 01 April 2025
1st G & C Davies Moelfrynmawr Sam Tan 25 (P)
2nd JH & VG Wood Popes Senator 25
3rd MO & LD Jones Dyfed Sir Harlequin 25
4th GA & HA Francis Barlo Starbuck
523 RWAS CHAMPIONSHIP ROSETTE – For the best male exhibit. (Classes 520 – 522)
Male Champion – Denizes Nugget 22
Reserve Champion – Beanhill Regal
524 – RWAS SPECIAL ROSETTE – For the best male exhibit born on or after 1 January 2025 (Classes 521& 522)
Champion Moelfrynmawr Sam Tan 25 (P)
Reserve Fourcross Saturn 25
Class 525 Cow, in calf or with calf at foot born on or before 31 Dec 22
1st JH & VG Wood Popes Princess Lumi
2nd RJ & BE Kimber Beanhill Lettie
3rd R Hartshorn Ranfurly Beauty 16 N422
Class 526 Cow, in calf or with calf at foot born o or after 01 Jan 23
1st C & L Nicholas Simply Trixi Pandora
2nd N & E Jones Forsdale Anemones Penny Royal
527 *PEMBROKE PERPETUAL TROPHY and RWAS SPECIAL ROSETTE – Kindly given by Messrs D W & I C Davies, for the best cow, bred and exhibited by a club member who is resident in Wales. (Classes 525 & 526)
1st Simply Trixi Pandora
2nd Forsdale Anemones Penny Royal
528 *BSCS SPECIAL PRIZE OF £25 and RWAS SPECIAL ROSETTE – For the best cow with calf at foot. (Classes 525 & 526)
1st Popes Princess Lumi
2nd Simply Trixi Pandora
Class 529 Heifer, born on or between 01 Jan 24 and 31 Aug 24
1st G Scrivens & H Grant Ranfurly Weikel 55th
2nd C White Popes Nellys Prudence
3rd M Cormack Cade Kathleens Rockstar
4th G & C Davies Moelfrynmawr Rhosyn
5th Roden Livestock Cilgwrrwg Little Mojo
Class 530 Heifer, born on or between 01 Sept 24 and 31 Dec 24
1st A Davies Hirwaun Raspberry Ripple
Class 531 Heifer, Born on or after 01 Jan 25
1st N & E Jones Lambclose Sky
2nd A Davies Hirwaun Snowdrop
3rd MO & LD Jones Dyfed Sassy Lady
Lambclose Sky
532 RWAS CHAMPIONSHIP ROSETTE – For the best female exhibit. (Classes 525, 529 – 531)
Female Champion – Popes Princess Lumi
Reserve Champion – Ranfurly Weikel 55th
533 BSCS SPECIAL PRIZES and RWAS GROUP ROSETTES – For the best group of four, any sex, not necessarily bred by exhibitor. At least one animal in the group must be exhibited by an exhibitor living in Wales:
First
Ranfurly Weikel 55th
Simply Trixi Pandora
Hirwaun Raspberry Ripple
Hirwaun Snowdrop
Second
Lambclose Sky
Cilgwrrwg Skylar 25
Cilgwrrwg Little Mojo
Forsdale Anemones Penny Royal
534 BSCS SPECIAL PRIZES and RWAS SPECIAL ROSETTE – For the best pair male or female or mixed, owned but not necessarily bred by the exhibitor.
Denizes Nugget
Popes Princess Lumi
535 PERPETUAL MEMORIAL TROPHY, RWAS and BSCS CHAMPIONSHIP ROSETTES – For the Champion Simmental exhibit.
Overall Supreme Champion – Popes Princess Lumi
Reserve Overall Supreme – Ranfurly Weikel 55th
Recent Comments